Merchant Noble is out (3/4 chapters for today)
Arrest
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While Jeanne risked her life to buy time, Casablanca and Fran continued their desperate escape, accompanied by only a handful of soldiers.
“Casablanca-sama, just a little further. Please hang on a little longer!” (Fran)
Fran kept urging Casablanca on while continuing to drive her horse forward. They had barely slept during the days of retreat. Then, as the morning sun rose on the third day of their flight, the group finally saw the gates of the royal capital far off in the distance. Although still a considerable distance away, the sight offered hope to the party, who had been fleeing with fear and isolation as constant companions.
“Ah! The royal capital, we can see the royal capital! If we can get inside and secure our safety, then this battle will be as good as a draw. We’ll be able to raise troops again and strike at Arc whenever we want.” (Fran)
“…Yes.” (Casablanca)
Fran deliberately kept her voice cheerful. However, even Casablanca could not hide her fatigue. This was her first experience of defeat. Leo, Louis, the Church faction, the noble faction, the Lureid Kingdom. She had always stood on the side of victory. Though she had originally been completely removed from the line of succession, she now sat upon the throne solely because she had continued to win.
For someone like her, losing a general-class subordinate and fleeing with a handful of soldiers while being pursued by the enemy was a first. Unaccustomed to such fear, her body was utterly exhausted.
“So far, it does not seem that Randal and the others are pursuing us closely. For now, we can breathe easy.” (Fran)
Before long, they reached the royal capital. Fran finally allowed herself to relax slightly.
“Open the gate!” (Fran)
“…” (??)
But there was no response.
“Her Majesty the Queen has returned. Open the gate at once!” (Fran)
*Giii*
When Fran shouted louder, the large city gate finally began to open. Beyond it, the familiar scenery of the royal capital could be seen.
“Come, let’s go in.” (Fran)
Fran lined her horse up with Casablanca’s and passed through the gate.
“Huh?” (Fran)
Something felt off. Lily, the third unit officer who had been entrusted with guarding the capital, was nowhere to be seen. She should have been the first to rush out upon Casablanca’s return.
“Where’s Lily?” (Fran)
*Bang!*
The moment Fran asked a nearby gate guard, a loud sound came from behind. Surprised, she turned around to see the gate being slammed shut. It had been forcefully closed even while soldiers accompanying Casablanca were still trying to enter.
“What!?” (Fran)
“Seize Casablanca!” (Soldier)
The gate guards suddenly attacked. Caught off guard, Fran hastily drew her sword, but a burly soldier tackled her horse.
“Ah!” (Fran)
Fran was thrown from the horse and hit the ground hard. Thus, the two of them were captured in an instant, without even a chance to resist.
“What is the meaning of this?! Her Majesty the Queen is present. Cease this outrageous behavior immediately!” (Fran)
Fran, whose body was being roughly bound, raised her voice in protest. However, the soldiers paid no attention at all.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Her Majesty the Queen and Lady Fran.” (Yanna)
As the two of them were tied up and forced to kneel on the ground, someone addressed them. Responding to the voice, Fran looked up and was shocked.
“Yanna Warden… Why are you here?” (Fran)
It was Yanna, who should have been secluded in Mikanda.
“While you were off traveling, the royal capital came under our control.” (Yanna)
Yanna explained mockingly. The capital had fallen while the main force was away battling Arc.
“Taking advantage of the war with Arc…” (Fran)
Unlike the stunned Fran, Casablanca had another concern.
“Lily? Where is Lily?” (Casablanca)
Worried for the safety of Lily, who had been left in charge, Casablanca pressed for answers. Sensing her intent, Yanna gave a signal, and soldiers brought forth Lily, bound with a thick rope.
“Casablanca-sama…” (Lily)
“Lily, what happened to you?” (Casablanca)
Overwhelmed with guilt, Lily could not meet her gaze. Keeping her head bowed, she explained.
“While everyone was leading troops south, Mikanda launched an attack.” (Lily)
“That can’t be. Most of the soldiers went with Arc, and Mikanda should have had no troops…” (Fran)
“This capital fell with just 300 soldiers.” (Yanna)
It was Yanna, wearing a smug expression, who answered the stunned Fran.
“No way…” (Fran)
Lily acknowledged Yanna’s words.
“I am sorry. At first, we were holding out easily, but one night, when the soldiers had grown complacent, someone opened the gates from inside. Enemy soldiers rushed in under cover of darkness, and we couldn’t respond…” (Lily)
“Someone betrayed us!?” (Fran)
A traitor working in tandem with Yanna. It sounded outrageous, but upon reflection, there was only one likely culprit.
“The cult. The Sheeb Order. Once traitors, always traitors.” (Casablanca)
Casablanca spat the words out with disdain.
“Now then, let us end the chit-chat.” (Yanna)
Standing in front of the bound Casablanca, Yanna raised her skirt slightly and offered a mocking curtsy.
“Casablanca-sama, the victory is ours.” (Yanna)
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