Merchant Noble is out (2/4 chapters for today)

 

 

Renoir and Arc

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The ceremony was over.

No, the latter half, where Louis was forced to apologize, was more of a farce than a ceremony.

“Arc Warden-dono.” (Renoir)

Arc, who was utterly drained from witnessing such an unpleasant spectacle and was hurriedly leaving, was called out. When he turned around, it was Renoir. The first-rank medal gleamed on his chest.

“Oh, Renoir Mintia-dono.” (Arc)

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” (Renoir)

Since it was their first meeting, Arc greeted him politely, and Renoir responded just as courteously.

“Your achievements in the recent battles were splendid.” (Renoir)

“Thank you.” (Arc)

Arc did not know who Renoir was. He could have easily had Yuna investigate, but with the string of battles recently, both Arc and the Order were too exhausted to conduct any inquiries. He decided to ask the man himself.

“Renoir-dono, Her Majesty Casablanca referred to you as the Eastern Margrave.” (Arc)

“To be precise, that title belonged to my father.” (Renoir)

“Your father?” (Arc)

“Yes, Warden-dono should know him well.” (Renoir)

Renoir fixed a thin smile on his face and stared intently at Arc.

Arc had suspected as much from the title ‘Eastern Margrave’, but it turned out to be true. During the time Arc had served under Leo, they had fought against the Eastern Margrave. The Eastern Margrave was the one who first defeated Leo, who had been enjoying consecutive victories against Louis and the nobles, altering the course of the kingdom’s history. However, in that battle, the Eastern Frontier Count had died in a mutual strike with one of Leo’s generals, Leopold. (TLN: Chapter 93)

So, this Renoir is the son of the Eastern Margrave who had died in that battle.

“My father was killed by your hands.” (Renoir)

Sensing that Arc had pieced things together, Renoir spoke bitterly.

“Your father, the Eastern Margrave, was a formidable man. He was the only one who gave Leo a black mark. I, too, would have perished there had I made one wrong move.” (Arc)

Since Arc had served under Leo at the time, there was no way to refute Renoir’s accusation that his father had been killed. But apologizing was out of the question. Arc hadn’t served Leo by choice. He praised the wisdom and bravery of the Eastern Margrave, deftly deflecting Renoir’s reproach.

“After my father’s death, I prepared to take over. However, the Eastern Margrave’s territory was seized and absorbed into the lands of the nobles aligned with Louis.” (Renoir)

“Yes, I recall that.” (Arc)

The post-Leo council was terrible.

Casablanca, eager to reduce the number of nobles, and Louis, wanting to please his allies, worked in unison, leading to the confiscation of territories from any small nobles who had shown even the slightest cooperation with Leo. Despite being a key figure in defeating Leo, the Eastern Margrave’s territory was absorbed by Louis’ faction because he had died in battle. With no one to defend him, his lands were carved up by other nobles at will. (TLN: Chpter 104)

“My retainers and I resisted. Though labeled bandits by outsiders, it was a legitimate rebellion. When Her Majesty Casablanca and Louis clashed, I hurried to offer my services to her.” (Renoir)

“I see. So that’s how it was.” (Arc)

No wonder Arc hadn’t known until recently. It was only very recently that Renoir had joined Casablanca’s side.

“Her Majesty appointed me as a commander, allowing me to return to the Eastern Margrave’s lands.” (Renoir)

“That is excellent. As someone serving the same queen, I look forward to working with you.” (Arc)

“Likewise, I look forward to working with you.” (Renoir)

Having gotten the information he wanted, Arc quickly ended the conversation. Caught off guard by the abrupt conclusion, Renoir bowed politely despite his confusion. He, then, disappeared in the direction of Casablanca’s private chambers.

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