Merchant Noble is out (3/4 chapters for today)
Renoir and Casablanca
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Casablanca and Fran were gracefully sipping tea in the queen’s private chambers when the door was gently knocked.
“Excuse me.” (Renoir)
“Please come in.” (Casablanca)
It was Renoir’s first time being summoned to the queen’s chambers, so even he, a composed man, was slightly nervous. Casablanca gestured for him to come in. Renoir, standing at the door, hesitated but stepped forward cautiously.
“Renoir. Your actions in the recent battle were splendid. Truly worthy of praise.” (Casablanca)
“Thank you.” (Renoir)
“Your presence is a great hope for the Laplace Kingdom, no, for me personally.” (Casablanca)
“Such kind words. But isn’t it Arc Warden-dono who is here?” (Renoir)
Suddenly called to the queen’s chambers, Renoir was continuously praised for his past loyalty.
As Renoir was confused, he also grew wary.
What is Her Majesty planning?
His face seemed to say.
“Arc? Now that you mention it, have you reconciled with Arc?” (Casablanca)
“Indeed, Father lost his life in the battle with Leo. However, Arc-dono was merely accidentally part of Leo’s faction. I never held a grudge against him.” (Renoir)
It was fortunate that Renoir himself brought up Arc, so Casablanca wasted no time confirming their past conflict. Although Renoir claimed he bore no grudge toward Arc, his expression did not seem to match his words. When his father, the Eastern Margrave, died in the battle with Leo, Arc was serving as a guest general under Leo’s command. There must certainly be some complex feelings involved.
“You don’t hold a grudge against Arc? Are you sure about that?” (Casablanca)
Casablanca probed with words that didn’t seem to come from his true heart.
“At that time, Arc was just trying to protect himself by aligning with Leo, wasn’t he? For you, that surely was a hostile act, wasn’t it?” (Casablanca)
Casablanca spoke in a way that seemed to stir up a conflict with Arc, which surprised Renoir. The strong bond between Casablanca and Arc was well known throughout the kingdom. Since she was a princess with no chance of inheriting the throne, Arc had remained loyal to her from the very beginning. This noble story was spread far and wide by poets. There were even some scandalous rumors circulating, suggesting that the two might have had a romantic relationship. Even after Arc married her sister, Marie, these rumors persisted, fueling even more ugly imaginations.
“Yes, indeed. There are still lingering feelings of uncertainty toward him.” (Renoir)
Renoir was no fool. He didn’t simply agree with Casablanca’s words without thought. While trying to act like he was reluctantly revealing his true feelings, he ultimately gave an ambiguous response.
“In the midst of my opposition to the nobles, only Arc has provided me with the greatest support. That’s why I am still queen today. It’s because of the support from Arc and the Warden Household.” (Renoir)
Not getting a clear answer from Renoir, Casablanca decided to express her own true feelings first. First, there was gratitude toward Arc, of course.
“But that’s not enough. Arc’s influence now extends throughout the entire kingdom. If this continues, there’s a risk that he and the Warden Household will take over the kingdom.” (Casablanca)
She was deeply concerned. The rise of Arc and the Warden Household.
“Recently, he spends more time in the capital than in Mikanda. Little by little, but surely, he is growing in power.” (Casablanca)
The reason Casablanca had allied with Arc from the start wasn’t just because he came from a merchant background and shared her disdain for the aristocracy. It was because he was a rural baron. Casablanca had underestimated Arc.
Since he’s just a rural baron, his influence in the royal court should be limited, so I can rely on him without worry.
She had thought so. But because Arc had generously provided both financial and military support, she had come to rely on him more than she intended. Before long, his influence had become immeasurable. In the public eye, the Laprace Kingdom was now being referred to as the ‘Casablanca-Warden Dynasty’. Though she relied on Arc for everything, Casablanca, sitting on the throne, would surely look ridiculous to others.
“Relying solely on their family won’t do. That’s why I needed other powerful retainers.” (Casablanca)
With that, she extended her hand to Renoir.
“I’m so grateful that you’ve appeared.” (Casablanca)
“Haha.” (Renoir)
Renoir finally understood.
She had been waiting for someone who could free her from the Warden Household.
“I command you, Renoir. Build up a faction that stands against the Warden family. For the stability of this kingdom, it is the most certain method to have both you and Arc wield equal power.” (Casablanca)
“Understood. I, Renoir, will fulfill this command, even at the cost of my life.” (Renoir)
Renoir kissed the back of her hand.
Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door.
“Emergency!” (Lily)
Fran opened the door to reveal Lily, a member of the Third Squad, standing there, breathless.
“Lily. We are receiving guests.” (Fran)
“This is an emergency!” (Lily)
“Fran, let her in.” (Casablanca)
It was rare for Lily to be in such a hurry.
Casablanca allowed her entry. Without even greeting the standing Renoir, Lily handed Casablanca a letter.
“Arc-dono… Arc-dono… he has resigned from his position as governor of Mikanda and all his duties in the capital, and he wants to retire in Mikanda.” (Lily)
“Hah!?” (Casablanca)
A voice rang out from Casablanca that was higher than usual.
It seems her usual authoritative voice is an act, and her real voice matches her age.
Completely unable to follow the situation, Renoir watched as Casablanca devoured the letter with her eyes, lost in thought.
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