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

 

 

Kali Kingdom’s Coup (3)

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The House of Duke Edel. Among the more than 40 nobles of the kingdom, it was one of only four duke families. Its territorial area was second only to the royal family. The population it controls was ranked third. Even just this alone made it clear that the House of Duke Edel was the largest noble house in the kingdom, but what was most notable about this duke household was its influence in personnel affairs.

In fact, one out of every five officials in the national government were a member of the Edel Duke family. Carlotte’s father, Duke Edel, was the Minister of Finance. He held the second-highest rank among the ministers, right after the Chancellor. Her uncle, Lord Emerald, was the Minister of the Army. He had control over 60% of the kingdom’s military power. Her brother, Lord Carlos, was the Commander of the Royal Knights. With overwhelming bloodline and leadership, he became the commander at just 28 years old, making him the youngest in the kingdom.

Additionally, there were other prominent positions, Minister of Education, President of the Noble Friendship Association, Director of the Merchant Guild, Deputy Director of the Adventurers Guild, Chief of Naval Staff, and more. Members of the House of Duke Edel were active in all areas, whether military or civilian, and in both royal and private sectors.

The reason why Carlotte and the Edel Household had become so powerful was a mere five years ago. Before that, the distant ancestors of the Edel Household had only become a duke household by marrying into the royal family as consorts, and they were an unremarkable noble house. However, when Carlotte’s father inherited the head of the family title, his talents flourished.

By fortunate luck, he was able to strengthen ties with the Warden Merchant Association, the largest merchant group in a neighboring country. Through this connection, he was able to import highly advanced weapons and agricultural tools from other countries that were ahead in civilization, greatly boosting the productivity of his domain. Afterward, using his ties with the Warden Merchant Association, he quickly took control of the kingdom’s economy. Through political marriages with smaller nobles and lending money, he managed mergers, and before long, his influence expanded rapidly.

Now, his influence over other nobles had grown so strong that even the royal family could no longer compete with it. Two years ago, in response to this rising power, the engagement between Carlotte and Prince Rudolf was decided. The Chancellor explained this in such a way that even the prince could understand.

“Therefore, securing a strong connection with the House of Duke Edel, which holds major influence in almost all fields such as the economy and the military, is the most important mission for you, Your Highness, and that is the meaning behind your engagement with Lady Carlotte.” (Chancellor)

When the Chancellor’s clear explanation ended, Prince Rudolf’s face had turned pale.

“Wh-what? Isn’t the economy and military the King’s responsibility? How could just one duke household hold such immense power…?” (Rudolf)

The prince seemed to be learning this for the first time and was left stunned.

Had he not studied this until now? No, if he were a prince, he should have felt this intuitively, even without studying. The prince, who had been out hunting and traveling for leisure, knew nothing about his own kingdom.

“Your Highness, I will not give bad advice. Apologize to Lady Carlotte.” (Chancellor)

“I am the prince! I cannot bow my head to a noble.” (Rudolf)

The Chancellor offered his advice, but still, the prince mumbled excuses.

Seeing his son’s behavior, the King finally apologized to Duke Edel himself.

“Duke, I apologize for my son’s engagement cancellation. I am truly sorry. Therefore, could you please allow me to annul the engagement cancellation, claiming it was a mistake by the prince?” (King)

“Carlotte, I leave it to you.” (Duke Edel)

The Duke did not respond to the King’s apology but instead gently looked at Carlotte.

“Is it really okay for me to decide this huge matter on my own?” (Carlotte)

Carlotte hesitated.

This was a political marriage that had been prepared by many adults for years, and it had only just come to fruition. The cancellation of this engagement would cause all the efforts of those people to be in vain, and it might have a negative impact on the entire kingdom.

“I was wrong to force a marriage onto my daughter. You may do as you wish.” (Duke Edel)

With those words from her father, Carlotte’s hesitation was eased.

“Prince Rudolf…” (Carlotte)

Taking a deep breath, Carlotte faced the pale prince.

“I have made efforts to become a worthy princess of this kingdom. Even while you spent every day hunting and playing, I took care of your duties in your stead. You did not show any interest in me, but I always tried to stay by your side. Even just now, when you proposed breaking off the engagement, I desperately tried to convince you for the sake of both your family and mine.”

“Carlotte… no, Carlotte. Wait! I’m sorry. I apologize for breaking off the engagement.” (Rudolf)

The prince was already in a half-tearful state.

“I accept your cancellation of the engagement. The reason is something you understand better than anyone else.” (Carlotte)

At these words, it was as if the prince had been struck down, and he slumped down in defeat.

The King, who had been desperately trying to convince Duke Edel on behalf of his son, immediately called for the guards once the engagement cancellation between the prince and Carlotte was confirmed.

“Guards! Are there any guards here? Take this foolish son out of here immediately. Rudolf, I will pass judgment on you later. For now, go to your room and reflect.” (King)

With the King’s shout, the guards rushed in and roughly grabbed the prince’s arm.

“It hurts! You insolent fools! Do you know who I am? I am the prince of this country!” (Rudolf)

“You fool! You are no prince! Get out of here right now!” (King)

The prince screamed in pain as he was roughly handled, but the King directed even more anger at him.

“No prince!? How could you! Father! Father—!” (Rudolf)

Dragged by both arms, the prince let out a pathetic cry as he was taken out of the hall and disappeared.

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