Merchant Noble is out (4/4 chapters for today)
Plan of Division (1)
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“The gift is me!” (??)
The man who stood up vigorously from the box.
He was immediately met with the points of swords aimed at his neck from all directions. However, the man was not fazed at all. He answered boldly, completely unbothered by the numerous swords pointed at him.
“As expected of the Royal Guards serving Her Majesty the Queen. A perfect display of movement, except for one person.” (??)
“You’d be surprised if a man suddenly jumped out of the box in front of you!” (Jeanne)
Jeanne, who had been the only one to be so shocked that she fell over, protested with a bright red face.
“Nice to meet you, Your Majesty.” (Rudolf)
“Don’t move!” (Fran)
Fran shouted at the man who was trying to raise his foot to step out of the box.
The man shook his head as if to say “What a hassle” and made a request to the slightly distanced Casablanca.
“Oh dear. Your Majesty, could you hold them back for me?” (Rudolf)
At first glance, he didn’t seem to have any weapons. And although this man didn’t know it, given the way he made his entrance, he likely had something important to discuss.
“Everyone, put away your weapons.” (Casablanca)
At Casablanca’s command, the Royal Guards reluctantly sheathed their swords and only conducted a body check on the man.
“Thank you for your generous treatment. As expected of Her Majesty the Queen, you have a wide heart.” (Rudolf)
The man stepped over the box while rubbing his hands together.
“So, who are you?” (Casablanca)
“I apologize for the late self-introduction. I am Rudolf Kali.” (Rudolf)
“Rudolf? Kali?” (Casablanca)
“Yes, I am the king of the Kali Kingdom.” (Rudolf)
The man boldly introduced himself as King Rudolf without changing his expression.
King Rudolf himself had come to the Laplace royal palace. Casablanca was astonished. Even the usually composed Fran and Lily could not hide their agitation. However, Casablanca made an effort to respond calmly so that her agitation would not be perceived.
“The current king of Kali is quite young, isn’t he?” (Casablanca)
Although Casablanca is also relatively young, Rudolf appeared even younger.
“Yes. I just graduated from the Royal Academy the other day.” (Rudolf)
“You’re not even 20 yet!” (Casablanca)
Surprised by his unexpected youth, she cleared her throat and asked.
“So, what brings the king himself to a warring nation?” (Casablanca)
“I have come to save you.” (Rudolf)
Rudolf said with a face that looked too warm and eyes that sparkled with enthusiasm. It was a passionate stance typical of youth. He must be filled with motivation to improve his country now that he has just become king. However, in politics, especially in diplomacy, mere enthusiasm cannot suffice. As a senior in being a king, Casablanca attempted to calm him down.
“It is admirable for a king to come to save his own country. But…” (Casablanca)
“No, what I am trying to save is not Kali.” (Rudolf)
Rudolf interrupted Casablanca’s words.
“Queen Casablanca-sama. It is you!” (Rudolf)
Time seemed to stop for a few seconds. Casablanca was left completely speechless. She did not understand what Rudolf was saying.
Had he lost his mind under pressure?
“What are you talking about? The one in a dire situation should be you from the Kali Kingdom.” (Casablanca)
Rudolf nodded vigorously in response to Casablanca’s confused reply.
“Yes. It is true that your General Tyr is a fierce general. While we speak here, our fortresses are likely being captured one after another. But, that doesn’t matter.” (Rudolf)
Rudolf said it so lightly, but Casablanca could only feel bewildered.
This young king had just referred to his own country’s defeats as “not important”. Rudolf stepped closer to Casablanca. Then, he displayed a cunning smile as if he were a different person from the passionate young man a moment ago.
“However, is it not true that the next target after us will be you, Your Majesty the Queen?” (Rudolf)
“!!” (Casablanca)
Casablanca, who had been maintaining a poker face, involuntarily widened her eyes.
With just that question, it was clear. Rudolf had done his research well. He understood the relationship between Casablanca and the Warden Household in Laplace. At least on the surface, both parties seemed to have a good relationship, so he likely understood the power dynamics in Laplace quite deeply. He could see that Casablanca felt threatened by the Warden Household. His eyes conveyed that message.
In contrast to Casablanca, who was left speechless after having her weak point exposed, Rudolf began to make a series of passionate assertions.
“The more General Tyr occupies Kali, the more arrogant he will become. The powerful military force will grow even stronger, and the abundant supplies will become even more massive. The Warden Household, which feeds off us, will grow so large that it will be irretrievable. It will only be a matter of time before you Laplace are swallowed up.” (Rudolf)
Each of Rudolf’s words was exactly what Casablanca had feared. Unconsciously, she leaned forward, listening intently to Rudolf’s assertions.
His claims were precisely what she had been contemplating!
She had been told by Fran and the ministers to work towards friendship with the Warden Household, but she had finally found someone who shared her thoughts.
“…King Rudolf. I have a question for you.” (Casablanca)
She wanted to hear more. She wanted to hear more of his opinions. Casablanca drew the sword of the queen that was displayed at the edge of her private chamber and held it up.
“I have a sword now. Should I swing this sword down on Tyr, or should I swing it down on you? Which do you think?” (Casablanca)
Rudolf answered as if it were obvious.
“Of course, you should swing it down on General Tyr, not me.” (Rudolf)
“Tell me why.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca seemed to be seeking persuasion. And Rudolf answered that request.
“It’s simple. The Kali Kingdom and the Laplace Kingdom have coexisted for many years without major conflicts. That will not change going forward. This time, the two countries are in a state of war, but it is like a ‘light scrape’ on the body.
On the other hand, the Warden Household has delved deep into the Laplace Kingdom. In commerce, economy, and finance, the Warden Trading Company is in a position of absolute dominance, and in military affairs, General Tyr holds great power. This is akin to having a ‘serious internal ailment’ in the body.” (Rudolf)
Then, Rudolf delivered his concluding remark with a refreshing smile that seemed to awaken Casablanca’s senses.
“When it comes to light injuries and serious ailments, which should be treated first? Even a non-doctor can understand that, right?” (Rudolf)
“I see…” (Casablanca)
Casablanca’s heart was greatly moved.
As if to reinforce his point, Rudolf continued.
“We of the Kali Kingdom do not intend to fight against you, Your Majesty. This time as well, we are only forced to defend ourselves because we are being invaded by General Tyr. Your Majesty, let us join hands with Kali and defeat the Warden family. I believe this is the best proposal for both kingdoms.” (Rudolf)
“King Rudolf. I understand well.” (Casablanca)
When Casablanca gave a signal in good spirits, Fran led Rudolf away.
“Please wait in another room for a while.” (Fran)
“My kingdom is on the brink of destruction. How long must I wait?” (Rudolf)
“I will reach a conclusion in one hour.” (Casablanca)
“Then, I will bring you good news.” (Rudolf)
Rudolf bowed respectfully and left the room.
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