Merchant Noble is out (1/4 chapters for today)
Strategy
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Randal was defeated. For Arc, who had been accustomed to the constant victories of Tyr, the shock of losing so easily in an ordinary battle was great. Rishu, who had been in reserve behind Randal, searched the battlefield and returned.
“How are the enemy?” (Arc)
“They have retreated. It seems that, like us, Jeanne and Renoir advanced without much preparation. They likely did not have the energy to pursue us.” (Rishu)
This battle was, after all, a small-scale skirmish between advance units. Losing this did not immediately put Arc’s life in danger.
“For now, we’ve been spared.” (Arc)
Arc let out a sigh of relief.
However, having been defeated in such a small battle, what would happen when a large army led by Casablanca and Rudolf arrived?
Arc cast a cold glance at Randal.
“Randal. For you, the successor of Tyr, to lose like this…” (Arc)
Arc, who spoke sarcastically, got only a sulky look from Randal, who replied reluctantly but with ceremony.
“I must report that the soldiers we gathered hastily from the nobles of Kali were untrained and lacked morale. They were not effective as fighting force.” (Randal)
“That’s your job as the commander to deal with, isn’t it?” (Arc)
At this point, anything Randal said felt like nothing but an excuse. Arc didn’t get angry or shout. He simply muttered his sarcastic remarks under his breath. The relationship between Arc and Randal, which had never been good, had been irreparably strained with Tyr’s death.
“Rishu.” (Arc)
Arc turned toward Rishu.
“I appoint you as the supreme commander of this battle. Quickly come up with a strategy to suppress and defeat the enemy.” (Arc)
Arc could no longer entrust the entire army to Randal. He decided to make Rishu the general.
“…Understood.” (Rishu)
Rishu, after a slightly surprised expression, hesitated for a while, looking uneasy, but eventually seemed to realize that she would have to take responsibility and accepted Arc’s command.
“Hmph. What can an adventurer do?” (Randal)
It was Randal, who openly voiced his dissatisfaction. He made a disparaging remark about Rishu, even in front of Arc, and left the room without further discussion.
“Ni… nii-sama!” (Laika)
Laika hurriedly apologized to Arc and chased after her brother.
“Arc-sama.” (Rishu)
In the now empty room, Rishu looked at Arc with a worried expression.
“Can’t you reconcile with Randal-kun?” (Rishu)
Outside of Yanna and Minerva, Rishu was the only one who could speak to Arc. Now, they were about to face both Casablanca and Rudolf as enemies at the same time. It was no time for Arc and Randal to be fighting amongst themselves. It would be best if they could come to an understanding and reconcile.
“It’s impossible.” (Arc)
However, Arc shook his head. It was unusual for him to downplay his emotional side, but it seemed he had no intention of reconciling with Randal.
“Randal was just loyal to Tyr. He probably doesn’t have any particular attachment to the Warden Household.” (Arc)
Considering the circumstances under which he entered the Warden Household, it would be difficult for him to place full trust in them now that Tyr was gone.
“After all, with Tyr brother gone, solving this with military power is difficult.” (Arc)
Casablanca, Fran, Jeanne, Lilly, Renoir, and Rudolf. There were still many capable fighters among the enemy, but Arc himself had little experience in commanding soldiers.
“Well, whatever. I’ll do things my way.” (Arc)
Arc’s weapon was the intellect he had honed as a merchant. To be more specific, it was the “technique of leading others into specific emotions”. How to sell, how to guide, how to approach, how to create a difference with others, all to get them to buy his goods. That was all Arc had focused on, and he was confident in his ability to guide his enemies’ thoughts. To stand against his enemies, he would have to use his head, and his strategies.
—
That night…
“…Arc-sama. Did you call for me?” (Yuna)
Entering Arc’s room without a sound was Yuna.
“Yuna. There is something I need you to do in secret.” (Arc)
Arc took two letters, which he had carefully hidden in the desk drawer, and held them out. After bringing the letters close to the candle to confirm the covers, he handed them to Yuna.
“Return to the capital of Laplace. Take this letter to the mansion of Casablanca’s close aide, and take this letter to the mansion where King Rudolf is staying.” (Arc)
“……” (Yuna)
Yuna, looking down at the letter’s cover, tilted her head. Even though she had no idea of the contents, she noticed a mistake.
“…Excuse me, but isn’t this reversed?” (Yuna)
However, Arc shook his head, denying it. Indeed, to an ordinary person, it would appear to be a mistake. But this time, it was the correct approach.
“It’s not reversed. It’s not reversed. Listen carefully, I’ll say it again. Take this letter to Casablanca’s room, and take this letter to the mansion where King Rudolf is staying.” (Arc)
“…Understood.” (Yuna)
Arc emphasized his point again.
Yuna, still looking puzzled, accepted the order and set off into the darkness, heading toward the capital of Laplace.
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