Merchant Noble is out! (2/6 chapters)
Meeting of Three
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
“Mm. This chair feels quite nice.” (Yanna)
A room on the top floor of the royal palace. The three siblings of the Warden Household were discussing the future governance of the kingdom. As usual, Yanna was entranced by the comfort of the Chancellor’s chair.
“The quality of the chair itself is about the same as the ones our trading company handled, but sitting in a chair as Chancellor is something else entirely.” (Yanna)
“Sis. It’s been almost a month since the new system with His Majesty Leone at the top was launched. But we haven’t been able to solve a single one of the mounting problems.” (Arc)
“You’re right.” (Yanna)
When Arc pointed that out, Yanna returned to reality as if pulled back, and her expression darkened.
One month had passed since the establishment of the Leone–Warden administration. Far from governing, Arc and the others had not even resolved the most critical foundational issue.
“Then, should we put this problem aside and tackle another one?” (Minerva)
“That’s not an option.” (Arc)
The new regime under Arc and the others was facing its first and greatest difficulty. It was a problem impossible to decide upon easily. Which side could truly be called right? It was that kind of issue.
“What to do with Casablanca.” (Arc)
Arc and the others could not come to any conclusion on this matter. They bore a grudge against Casablanca for killing Tyr. However, as people now in charge of national politics, they could no longer act based on personal feelings.
“True, as long as she lives, peace will not come to Laplace. But in the provinces, she still has many supporters. If she is executed, Laplace will fall into civil war once again.” (Minerva)
Unlike the past, Casablanca was no longer alone. As replacements for the purged nobles, she had dispatched her own loyal subordinates as governors throughout the provinces. Now, there existed a sizable faction that supported Casablanca.
“But… if we set her free without punishment, the military, starting with Randal, won’t stand for it. The current military is mostly composed of Tyr’s former subordinates like Randal. If they staged a coup, we wouldn’t be able to stop them.” (Minerva)
However, letting Casablanca go unpunished was also not an option. This time, it was Randal, Laika, and the rest of their military faction who would not be satisfied. No matter what they did, Casablanca’s fate would provoke backlash from one side. That was why they could not resolve the issue.
“This pattern… I see it every day.” (Minerva)
Minerva spoke with an exhausted expression.
“That’s true. We really need to make a clear decision soon.” (Arc)
Just as Arc said that, the door was knocked.
The one who peeked in through the open door was Yulia, who had been standing guard outside the room.
“Ah, Arc-sama. You have a visitor.” (Yulia)
“Yulia. I told you, didn’t I? This is a top-secret meeting. No one is to be let in.” (Arc)
Arc reprimanded Yulia, but he also sensed that something was wrong.
Yulia’s voice was trembling. Unusual for someone as composed as her.
What is going on? Who is on the other side of that door?
“Y-yes, but—ah!” (Yulia)
As she tried to explain, pale-faced Yulia was suddenly shoved aside by someone.
*Thud, thud, thud, thud.*
With heavy footsteps, nearly 20 soldiers entered the room. At the front, of course, was Randal. Yanna, Arc, and Minerva all stood up from their chairs in surprise at the unexpected development.
“I come to pay my respects to the three of the Warden Household.” (Randal)
Randal slowly bowed after glancing at the three of them.
“Oh, Randal. What’s the matter?” (Arc)
Arc deliberately used a cheerful voice, pretending not to notice the tense atmosphere among the soldiers. In contrast to Arc’s attempt at a friendly tone, Randal asked without a hint of politeness.
“Arc-sama. Where is Casablanca now?” (Randal)
“What do you plan to do once you know?” (Arc)
“Oh, just to pay my respects.” (Randal)
“Then what is that military sword on your hip? This is the royal palace. Weapons should be prohibited here.” (Yanna)
Yanna pointed it out.
Arc had deliberately pretended not to notice so as not to provoke them, but they had entered boldly carrying weapons. It was easy to imagine what they intended to do with Casablanca.
“Oh, I forgot. I was in a hurry and didn’t get the chance to remove it.” (Randal)
Randal looked down at his sword and answered brazenly.
“Arc-sama. I ask again. Where is Casablanca?” (Randal)
Randal’s eyes were fixed and intense. The soldiers behind him, including Laika, were full of murderous intent. Depending on Arc’s response, he might be the one cut down before Casablanca. Cold sweat began to form on Arc’s body.
—
TLN: This pick is only to support me as a translator on voluntary basis. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
Please consider supporting Bayabusco Translation @
bayabuscotranslation 