Merchant Noble is out (1/3 chapters for today)
Toward South
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“Arc-sama, the preparations for departure are complete.” (Yulia)
“I see. I’ll be there soon.” (Arc)
Upon receiving Yulia’s report, Arc finished his preparations in the mansion of the Fourth Town. While crouching to put on his shoes, he was suddenly embraced from behind. He didn’t need to look back to know. It was Marie.
“Even though you just returned from the royal capital, you’re leaving for another place again in just a few weeks.” (Marie)
Marie spoke with a face half filled with sadness, half with dissatisfaction. Arc hadn’t told Marie that he had taken leave from Casablanca to return to Mikanda under the pretense of wanting to see his wife. However, even Arc felt guilty about using her as an excuse to return to Mikanda only to leave again so soon.
“Sorry, Marie. I’ll come back soon.” (Arc)
“I’ve gotten used to a life of waiting for my husband’s return in Mikanda.” (Marie)
Marie pouted as she said this.
Despite her words, she never actually interfered with Arc’s work, which only made him feel guiltier.
“I’d love to bring you along, but the place I’m headed is a foreign country. I can’t risk something happening to you.” (Arc)
Saying so, Arc embraced Marie and kissed her on the forehead.
“Minerva, I’m counting on you to take care of Marie.” (Arc)
“Yes, understood.” (Minerva)
Minerva had also come to the Fourth Town to see Arc off. Given that she was close in age and got along well with Marie, Minerva would likely be a good companion for her. Arc entrusted his wife to his sister.
“The university students are eagerly awaiting Marie-sama’s return to teaching.” (Minerva)
After resigning as director, Arc had moved from the First Town to the Fourth Town. In turn, Marie had also left her teaching position at the university to follow Arc to the Fourth Town.
“It’s fine. Even if my husband doesn’t pay attention to me, I have the lovely Minerva-san and my students.” (Marie)
Minerva’s invitation for Marie to resume teaching was more than enough to dispel her fears of boredom in Arc’s absence. Seeing how quickly Marie’s mood improved, Arc gave Minerva a grateful look.
“Arc-sama, shall we go?” (Yulia)
“Well, I’m off.” (Arc)
Thus, Yulia and Arc boarded the ship and set out for the south.
—
“It will take about five days to reach the territory of Duke Edel in the Kali Kingdom.” (Captain)
The captain delivered his report.
Sea voyages were usually boring. There was little to do besides drinking and chatting with colleagues. However, this time the stakes were high, as it was a critical mission for the future of the Warden Household. Even before reaching the neighboring country, the atmosphere on board was tense.
“Well then, let me go over the purpose of this trip again.” (Hangue)
Hangue gathered everyone to ensure shared understanding. It was the first time they had held a meeting like this.
The group consisted of:
- Arc Warden, the former director of Mikanda,
- Hangue Warden, president of the Warden Trading Company,
- Yulia, Arc’s bodyguard,
- Yuna of the Sheeb Order,
- And about 20 merchants accompanying a large amount of cargo.
“The purpose of this mission is to expand our trade network. Although the Warden Trading Company has conducted some business in the Kali Kingdom, we aim to further extend these activities.” (Hangue)
Hangue explained.
In the Laplace Kingdom, Queen Casablanca had consolidated far greater power than expected. Moreover, she was becoming increasingly wary of the Warden Household. It was uncertain when Casablanca might extend her influence to the Warden Trading Company. Under such precarious circumstances, relying solely on trade within the Laplace Kingdom was risky. Thus, it became imperative to find markets outside Laplace as part of their risk management strategy.
“Hangue, it’d be a good idea to share some basic information about the Kali Kingdom.” (Arc)
“Good point.” (Hangue)
At Arc’s suggestion, Hangue nodded and summoned a merchant who had been sent ahead for reconnaissance to share details about the neighboring Kali Kingdom.
“The Kali Kingdom could be described as ‘a version of the Laplace Kingdom where Louis, not Casablanca, became king’. This comparison seems fitting.” (Merchant)
“Oh? Go on.” (Arc)
“In terms of population, land, and climate, they are nearly identical. However, politically, the king’s power is extremely weak, and the nobles act almost like independent factions.” (Merchant)
“I see. It does resemble the Laplace Kingdom under Louis’ rule.” (Arc)
Louis had been the polar opposite of his sister, Casablanca. He flattered the nobles and handed out royal lands as rewards. Such actions inevitably weakened the kingdom. The Kali Kingdom was no exception.
“Meanwhile, public safety has deteriorated, and local merchants have ceased their activities, causing the kingdom’s economy to come to a near standstill.” (Merchant)
“There’s certainly room for the Warden Trading Company to step in.” (Arc)
When public safety declines, merchants were the first to be targeted. They carried wealth and food but lack physical strength to defend themselves. Thus, the number and activity of merchants serve as a barometer for a nation’s state.
“The Duke Edel we’re visiting is the most influential of the nobles. He’s in charge of military affairs, and his family members hold key positions such as Minister of War and Knight Commander.” (Merchant)
“In other words, he’s the most important person for conducting business in the Kali Kingdom.” (Arc)
When Louis held power in the Laplace Kingdom, the marquises and earls in his circle wielded immense influence. Various groups sought to curry favor with these powerful nobles by visiting them with bribes and tributes. At the time, Arc, as a noble, despised those who groveled before the powerful. However, now as a merchant, Arc saw things differently. No matter the means, securing a contract was the ultimate goal. He was already strategizing how to ingratiate himself with the noble they were about to visit.
Several days later, Arc and his group safely arrived at the port city within the territory of Duke Edel.
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