Merchant Noble is out (3/4 chapters for today)
Laplace’s Court
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Unlike the Kali Kingdom, which was in a dire situation, in the Laplace Kingdom, war was merely someone else’s business. Today, the usual politics were taking place in the royal palace.
Casablanca listened to reports from the ministers she had entrusted with her work and added comments regarding important matters. In order to rebuild the war-torn kingdom as soon as possible, she must rely not only on herself but also on the capable ministers with specialized knowledge.
“I say this every time, but I don’t really understand, so I basically leave it to the ministers.” (Casablanca)
Whether it was appropriate for a queen to have little interest in politics, focusing only on power, was uncertain. However, Casablanca’s attitude of delegating to experts was, at least in the current situation, having a good effect.
“That concludes today’s morning meeting. Dismissed!” (Fran)
Fran, who was standing by, declared the end of the meeting.
“We will see Her Majesty the Queen off.” (Minister)
“Thank you for your hard work.” (Casablanca)
As the queen exited, all the ministers stood up in unison to see her off.
Casablanca left the conference room while receiving their bows. Although the sun had not yet set, her work as queen was finished. Casablanca quickly discarded her heavy royal attire and walked down the long corridor leading to her private chamber, savoring her lightened body.
“Ah, I’m tired today as well. Hannah, give me a massage later.” (Casablanca)
“Um, Casablanca-sama.” (Hanna)
Usually, a member of the Royal Guard serves as Casablanca’s bodyguard, rotating daily.
Today, it was the 7th Unit, Hannah.
“What is it?” (Casablanca)
Hannah hesitantly asked.
“It has almost been a year since Alma and Martina passed away, but are we not going to reinforce the Royal Guard?” (Hanna)
The Royal Guard, consisting of seven members, was also referred to as the Casablanca Seven. However, after losing Alma and Martina, there had been no personnel replenishment, and the 4th and 5th units remained vacant. But Casablanca had no intention of replenishing the ranks.
“I don’t particularly intend to. Now that I’m queen, I can give orders to anyone. The environment is completely different from when the Royal Guard was organized.” (Casablanca)
Now, there was no one who would disobey Casablanca’s orders. Ministers, local governors, and knights were all obedient. Therefore, there was no motivation to increase the number of close aides.
She continued, speaking a bit bluntly.
“Besides, my Royal Guards are irreplaceable.” (Casablanca)
“Casablanca-sama…” (Hanna)
Hanna felt touched.
The usually self-serving attitude she took toward herself was occasionally replaced with a gentle expression, and it was not an exaggeration to say that this kindness blows away the daily hardships faced by the Royal Guards. Whether it is intentional or not, she was very skilled at using both the carrot and the stick.
“Or do you find it burdensome to perform your duties with just five people?” (Casablanca)
“No, not at all. I just asked to confirm.” (Hanna)
Hanna hurriedly shook her head.
Though the workload had increased slightly since their duties had changed from seven to five, she had already gotten used to it. Just as they were about to arrive at her private chamber, Lily came running from the other side.
“Casablanca-sama.” (Lily)
“Lily. What is it?” (Casablanca)
Today, Lily was in charge of the royal family’s foreign affairs.
“A gift has arrived from the Kali Kingdom.” (Lily)
“A gift from the Kali Kingdom?” (Casablanca)
Casablanca was a bit surprised but quickly understood the situation.
“They must have come to bow their heads to Casablanca-sama.” (Lily)
“They’re sending tributes to beg for their lives.” (Casablanca)
Reports of victories from the battlefield arrived almost daily. For Casablanca, each day was merely about hearing reports from Tyr, completely detached from the situation.
“In Kali, General Tyr has achieved consecutive victories. It is said that the enemy’s royal capital will fall within a few weeks.” (Lily)
“Just as expected from Tyr. There is no one who can match his talent for war.” (Casablanca)
While expressing admiration, Casablanca’s expression was not bright.
As long as he was on their side, he was incredibly reassuring. However, if he were to become an enemy, there would be no greater threat than him. Casablanca had a sense that Tyr was not entirely loyal to the royal family. Before he turned his blade against them, she should take action as soon as possible.
“Casablanca-sama, please interact with General Tyr in a balanced manner so that he does not become an enemy.” (Lily)
Casablanca became displeased at Lily’s cautious admonition.
“…Hmph. Lily, you say the same thing as Fran.” (Casablanca)
“…” (Lily)
Lily felt embarrassed at Casablanca’s sulky response.
“What about the tribute?” (Casablanca)
“Jeanne and the others are transporting it to your private chamber.” (Lily)
In Casablanca’s private chamber, there were piles of gifts so high that there was no space to stand.
“Casablanca-sama. Thank you for your hard work during the morning meeting.” (Jeanne)
Jeanne and Sanya, who had been carrying the luggage, were waiting in the private chamber.
When there were seven Royal Guards, they often completed their separate tasks, so it was rare for all seven to gather together. However, after Alma and Martina were killed by someone, Casablanca ordered that they all stay together more often.
“You both have worked hard carrying the luggage. These are quite extravagant tributes.” (Casablanca)
“Yes. There were as many as two large wagons full.” (Jeanne)
Colorful carpets, chairs embedded with jewels, and clothes woven from silky fabric. Casablanca was not a spendthrift and had no interest in luxurious items. However, even so, these lavish gifts instinctively tickled her heart.
“Will you accept these gifts?” (Sanya)
“Well, since they went through the trouble, I will take them as is.” (Casablanca)
However, Casablanca herself did not particularly favor high-end items. Here, she decided to give bonuses to her Royal Guards, who have been working hard.
“I don’t need so many items, so when Fran returns, everyone can take whatever they like.” (Casablanca)
“Yay!” (??)
When Fran, who had been tidying up after the morning meeting, returned, the Royal Guards excitedly began rummaging through the gifts.
“I wanted a hat like this!” (??)
“This dress is so cute!” (??)
The Royal Guards were also girls of a certain age. For them, who were focused on practicality and rarely have the chance to dress up, these gifts are dazzling. They were exclaiming in delight as they rummage through the gifts.
“Hmm? What is this?” (Jeanne)
While lifting a carpet, Jeanne discovered a large wooden box hidden beneath the fabric. It was a slightly larger box, but they hadn’t noticed it when transporting it with the cart.
“I wonder what’s inside.” (Jeanne)
“It’s hidden ominously, so maybe this is the main gift.” (??)
The Royal Guards approached the box and began to speculate. At that moment, they heard a small voice.
“Exactly!” (??)
“Huh? Did you just hear a voice?” (??)
“From inside this box…?” (??)
Hearing a human voice made it seem like a creepy box. They all instinctively took a step back.
“I don’t hear anything.” (??)
Only Jeanne, without any caution, moved closer and broke the lock on the box.
At that moment.
Bang!
“The gift is me!” (??)
A man wearing only light clothing jumped out of the box, shouting loudly.
“Kyahhhhh!” (Jeanne)
The usually tomboyish Jeanne let out a scream like a typical girl and fell over.
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