Merchant Noble is out (1/4 chapters for today)

 

 

Judgment

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A week had passed since the defeat of the Lureid Kingdom’s army at the border. In the royal palace, a ceremony was held to celebrate the victory of the recent battle. Those who distinguished themselves in the series of battles were called in order of merit and received rewards from Casablanca.

“Third in rank, Arc Warden-dono” (??)

“Yes.” (Arc)

Arc was called.

To be ranked third meant he had made the third most significant contribution to the kingdom. Given the financial support the Warden Household had continuously provided, Arc had expected a higher rank. He felt a little dissatisfied. However, since he had hardly participated in actual combat, this rank was understandable.

Dressed in ceremonial attire, Arc stepped forward and knelt before the throne.

“Your efforts in suppressing the rebellion in the western region of the kingdom were commendable. Your loyalty to Queen Casablanca and your valiant contributions to the Laplace Kingdom in the recent series of battles are deserving of the third rank.” (Casablanca)

“Thank you very much.” (Arc)

Receiving a medal from Casablanca, Arc stood, bowed, and stepped back.

“Second in rank, Tyr Warden-dono” (??)

“Yes.” (Tyr)

Tyr was called next.

The hall buzzed with murmurs. The attendees had assumed Tyr would be ranked first. As the Warden Household’s military representative, Tyr had consistently fought on Casablanca’s side. In the recent battle against Lureid Kingdom, Tyr had led the right wing to a decisive victory, significantly contributing to their success. The surprise spread as the highly expected first rank was awarded to someone else.

“First in rank, Renoir Mintia-dono” (??)

“Yes.” (Renoir)

The person most highly regarded by the kingdom in this battle was a name no one had heard before. All attendees turned their attention to the man who responded. Arc, too, did not recognize his face. He was a very young man, likely around the same age as Arc. His dignified posture contrasted with an apparent inner passion. Judging by his demeanor, he was likely of the old nobility.

The man called Renoir confidently walked up to Casablanca, knelt gracefully, and spoke.

“In the suppression of the rebellion in the northern and eastern regions of the kingdom, and in delivering a decisive blow against the invading Lureid Kingdom, your efforts were exemplary. Thus, you are awarded the first rank for your achievements in this series of battles.” (Casablanca)

“Thank you very much. I will continue to devote my life in service to Her Majesty, Queen Casablanca.” (Renoir)

So, he’s the man they called the Eastern Margrave…

Arc thought as Casablanca’s words jogged his memory.

During the recent battle, it was Renoir who had arrived with several thousand reinforcements, turning the tide and routing the enemy. Indeed, his contributions had been significant.

“Your presence is a great hope for the Laplace Kingdom.” (Casablanca)

“I am honored by your kind words.” (Renoir)

Casablanca praised Renoir as a beacon of hope for the kingdom.

Arc had never received such words himself.

“Everyone, you may now step back.” (Fran)

At Fran’s cue, Arc, Tyr, and the other medal recipients stood, bowed, and exited the hall.

“Do they have any idea how much the Warden Household contributed? And yet, they give the first rank to some upstart!” (Tyr)

“Nii-san, keep your voice down.” (Arc)

Arc quieted Tyr, who was fuming. It would be dangerous to voice dissatisfaction with the queen in such a public setting. Still, Arc himself felt a mix of discontent and concern. The topic shifted from the distribution of rewards.

“…Bring Louis here.” (Casablanca)

At Casablanca’s quiet command, the doors opened, and Louis was dragged in by guards, his arms restrained. Looking at him, it was clear Louis wasn’t injured. He simply refused to walk, so the guards had to drag him along. Despite being captured, he wore no shackles, likely because of his royal status.

Louis’s body was unrestrained, but Lily of the Third Unit stood discreetly beside Casablanca to prevent him from trying anything.

“It’s been a while, Louis. How have you been?” (Casablanca)

“……..” (Louis)

Unlike her usual demeanor, Casablanca spoke gently, but Louis refused to meet her eyes or respond.

“It’s a pity. It seems the King of Lureid lacked your passion… or perhaps it was mere obsession.” (Casablanca)

During the recent battle, once the tide turned against them, the Lureid Kingdom’s forces quickly began retreating, leaving Louis behind on the battlefield.

“…” (Louis)

Louis glared but said nothing.

“Kneel before me and beg for forgiveness. If you do, I’ll let bygones be bygones and pardon you.” (Casablanca)

Casablanca offered surprisingly lenient terms. A simple apology would suffice to earn her forgiveness. From the outside, it might seem lenient, but for Louis, it was likely an unbearable condition. Initially, she had intended to execute him without hesitation. However, such an act would have been problematic. A monarch labeled as a ‘kinslayer’ would face immense diplomatic and political backlash. Arc had managed to persuade her against it.

“…” (Louis)

Even so, Louis remained silent, glaring at the floor with dissatisfaction.

“Hurry up. As a queen, I don’t have time to waste.” (Casablanca)

Casablanca fiddled with her nails, looking bored.

“…Just kill me. I will never bow my head to you.” (Louis)

“Hmm. That’s troublesome.” (Casablanca)

Casablanca responded with a nonchalant expression and gave a signal to those behind her. From behind the curtain, burly men appeared. Startled by their sudden entrance, Louis tried to flee but was quickly overpowered and restrained.

“What do you think you’re doing?! This is outrageous!” (Louis)

Ignoring Louis’s protests, the men forced him into a kneeling position, pressing his head to the floor.

Seizing the moment, Fran spoke.

“Your Majesty, Louis-dono has apologized.” (Fran)

“Well, well. If he’s gone so far as to bow and beg for forgiveness, I suppose I have no choice but to pardon him.” (Casablanca)

At Casablanca’s words, Fran pulled out another document.

“Having received Her Majesty’s pardon, I hereby announce the disposition. Louis Laplace is appointed as the mayor of a southern district town.” (Fran)

Louis was relegated to the position of mayor in a small town. While it was better than death, it was a paltry position for a royal. Though Arc pitied Louis for the farce that had just unfolded, he kept his expression neutral. Showing any sign of displeasure in front of Casablanca could have severe consequences.

“This is absurd! Kill me! Just kill me! Aaaaaaah!” (Louis)

The moment Louis was released from the guards’ grip, he lunged toward the throne, but he was swiftly subdued again and dragged out of the hall.

“Casablanca! Casablanca! Casab…” (Louis)

Louis’s voice faded as the doors shut behind him.

“Hmm…huh?” (Arc)

As Louis was being escorted out, Arc noticed the Seventh Unit’s Alma and Hanna leaving the hall as well.

Later, according to Yulia, who was waiting outside the palace, the two followed the carriage carrying Louis through the southern gate shortly afterward. However, Louis never arrived at the town to which he had been appointed.

A week later, the palace announced that Louis had died in a travel accident.

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