Merchant Noble is out (2/4 chapters for today)
How to Defeat the Warden Household
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Since Tyr and the others’ battles took place in the Kali Kingdom, for the common people of the Laplace Kingdom, it was a matter of someone else’s concern. However, even these people had faintly heard rumors that the conflict between Casablanca and the Warden Household had become decisive, and that Tyr had been killed.
“It seems that Jeanne-sama made General Tyr die.” (??)
“I thought Laplace was finally at peace, but now we have to fight the Warden Household?” (??)
What lies ahead for the royal family and the Warden Household after their conflict? In the midst of such confusion and anxiety, the demon-slaying army led by Jeanne proudly marched back.
“Second division of the personal guard, Jeanne-sama, General Renoir-sama, return!” (??)
The loud voice of the palace guard reached Casablanca’s private room.
“They’ve returned!” (??)
“Casablanca-sama, clothes! Clothes!” (??)
Casablanca, who was in her private room doing her hair after a bath, rushed out of the room in her underwear. Then, Fran and Lily, holding formal clothes, hurriedly chased after her. Jeanne and Renoir, who were removing their dirty shoes at the large entrance, were startled to notice Casablanca, who had come to greet them herself. They hurriedly knelt, but she lifted them up.
“Jeanne, Renoir. The battle this time was righteous.” (Casablanca)
“Thank you. To receive such a welcome from Casablanca-sama, I am overwhelmed with emotion.” (Renoir)
Renoir spoke with sincere emotion.
Normally, a king would wait in the grand hall, and the generals would come to meet him. Casablanca’s actions were extraordinary and unprecedented, so it was no surprise that the two were deeply moved.
“Casablanca-sama. I saw the body with my own eyes. It was definitely Tyr. However, since it was King Rudolf of Kali who killed him, I couldn’t bring him back.” (Jeanne)
Jeanne spoke with a face mixed with happiness and regret. While she had succeeded in the mission of eliminating Tyr, the one who had actually killed him was King Rudolf of Kali. Jeanne felt that she had failed to defeat Tyr and had caused a loss of face for Casablanca, making her feel as though she had made a mistake.
“I never thought the day would come when Tyr would be defeated. I pursued Tyr even at the cost of losing Sanya, and in the end, King Rudolf took the credit. It’s a little frustrating, but compared to this great achievement, it’s a small matter.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca, speaking to Jeanne, didn’t seem particularly bothered by her apologetic words. For her, face and reputation were not very important. What mattered was that she remained the king of Laplace. For that reason, the fact that she had been able to eliminate the threat of Tyr was an immense stroke of luck for her, and she didn’t care who had been the one to kill him.
“Now, both of you stand up. I will hold a banquet tonight to honor the two of you. Rest a little until then. Especially Jeanne, it seems you’ve taken some injuries.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca was in a good mood throughout. She spoke words of comfort to Jeanne, who had arrow wounds.
“Thank you. I will do so.” (Jeanne)
The two, showing genuine relief as they were praised by Casablanca, left with a sense of reassurance.
Bang!
After they left, Casablanca turned around and returned to her private room. A smile that could not be hidden appeared on her face.
“Tyr is dead. Tyr is dead. Tyr is dead.” (Casablanca)
It didn’t matter if there were spies from the Warden Household in the royal palace. After all, she had erased the threat of Tyr, who held military power. The Warden Household could do nothing now. Now, she could finally rejoice without hesitation. Casablanca, walking with light, almost dance-like steps, spoke excitedly to Fran and Lily.
“Fran. With this, one of the two great mountains that had been a threat to me has disappeared.” (Casablanca)
“I offer my congratulations.” (Fran)
“My remaining threat is Arc. The expedition the other day ended in failure, but this time, I will surely succeed.” (Casablanca)
Only Arc remains. Even with Arc, now that Tyr is gone, they no longer have any effective means of defense. It would be enough to forcibly crush them with military power.
“Casablanca-sama, and regarding that…” (Fran)
It felt somewhat hesitant to spoil Casablanca’s good mood, but Fran and Lily cautiously offered their opinion.
“The Mikanda, controlled by the Warden Household, is a natural stronghold surrounded by the great mountain range and the sea. Furthermore, even if we manage to break through that border and invade the interior of Mikanda, a vast land spreads out.” (Fran)
Fran spread out the map of the Mikanda region that had been prepared and explained how the area was protected by its geography.
“Fran and I did some calculations, and we estimate that it would take between 20,000 to 30,000 soldiers and a period of 3 to 4 years for an invasion. Considering the current financial situation and national strength due to the ongoing war, it would be impossible to send out such a large-scale military expedition.” (Lily)
Lily also spoke.
Mikanda is both remote and vast. Even though Tyr is no longer there, it would not be easy to occupy it.
“So, are we just leaving Arc alone!? I have no courage to leave him, burning with the hatred of having had his brother killed.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca shook her head vigorously, showing her rejection.
Due to the failure of the recent Mikanda expedition, the latent fear of Arc has only grown stronger.
Leaving him alone was something she could not dare to do.
“No, it’s not that we’re leaving him alone.” (Fran)
Fran and Lily shook their heads. They too understood Casablanca’s concerns. They were merely opposed to military confrontation. They had no intention of leaving the Warden Household alone.
“Casablanca-sama, we are only saying that a military confrontation is not feasible. There is another method.” (Lily)
“Another method?” (Casablanca)
The two had researched the Warden Household, including Arc, thoroughly.
“Why is it that Arc and the Warden Household can hide away in such a remote place like Mikanda?” (Fran)
Why is it that they are able to remain in such a remote land and still manage to develop so much? Why can they afford to spend so much on education, development, and military matters?
“It is because a large amount of gold coins are being sent from across the kingdom.” (Fran)
“The Warden Trading Company!” (Lily)
The Warden Trading Company, which controls Laplace Kingdom’s commerce. Using the gold given by merchants, they develop the region and have the goods manufactured there sold throughout the kingdom.
It’s an incredible spiral. The more they do this cycle, the more gold increases on its own. Conversely, in order to defeat the Warden Household, all they need to do is put a brake on this spiral.
“Yes. There is no need to attack Mikanda. All we need to do is stop the Warden Trading Company, which operates throughout the kingdom. Humans, without taking any physical damage, will suffocate if their necks are squeezed and they cannot breathe. It is the same. We do not need to attack Mikanda; we just need to crush the trading company. That alone will suffocate the Warden Household.” (Fran)
Stopping the flow of funds to Mikanda.
This was the strategy of Fran and Lily.
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