Merchant Noble is out! (4/6 chapters)
Sacrifice
(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)
Although Minerva’s scolding silenced Randal, there remained a problem in not punishing Casablanca at all. It wasn’t only the military, led by Randal, who was demanding her punishment. She had many enemies due to her personality. Survivors of noble families slaughtered in the massacre, former subordinates, and those connected to the former Louis faction, as well as the citizens who were caught up in the chaos.
Various factions had sent petitions to Arc, demanding that Casablanca be punished. If these were ignored, the anger towards Casablanca could easily turn towards Arc himself. Thus, the kingdom needed a “sacrifice”.
“Traitor! Never show your face again!!” (Citizen)
As Arc walked through the palace, he heard a shout, and a woman was thrown out of a room. It was Lily, a former member of Casablanca’s 3rd Unit.
“Are you okay? Lily.” (Arc)
“Ah, Arc-sama.” (Lily)
Lily had surrendered to Yanna before Casablanca and Fran did. Thanks to her quick surrender, the palace was not exposed to the flames of war, and Arc and his group were able to continue using it. In a way, it could be said that she had protected the capital from the war. Because of this, Lily was one of the few exceptions allowed some freedom among the Casablanca faction, who were being punished.
“You’ve gotten quite dirty.” (Arc)
Arc wiped her face, which was wet from being thrown a drink at. Her clothes were also stained with food.
“Do you want me to take over as the server?” (Arc)
Lily, who had been allowed some freedom, volunteered to serve food to those from the Casablanca faction who were imprisoned. However, the anger directed at Lily from the Casablanca faction was intense, and she had been subjected to such harassment on a daily basis.
“I’m fine. This is my atonement.” (Lily)
“I see…” (Arc)
She was like this. Although she could have easily crushed the situation using force if she wanted, she was accepting the harassment without resistance, perhaps feeling guilty for being the only one spared.
“Well, if this is how you want it, I won’t say anything.” (Arc)
He then got to the main topic. He handed her a letter.
“Lily. Here’s a new task. Read this letter in Casablanca’s room.” (Arc)
“Th-this is…” (Lily)
Lily’s face turned pale as she read the letter. She bowed her head towards Arc, pleading with a pained expression.
“Please forgive me for this.” (Lily)
“You just said earlier that this is your atonement, didn’t you?” (Arc)
“Please. This one, I beg you…” (Lily)
In contrast to her earlier emotionless state, she now cried and pleaded.
“Hah…” (Arc)
Arc let out a deep sigh. Honestly, he wasn’t very enthusiastic about it himself. He had wanted to push this onto her but forcing her to do it was indeed harsh.
“Alright. I’ll do it myself.” (Arc)
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” (Lily)
Lily bowed repeatedly and withdrew. Arc continued walking for a while before stopping in front of a large room. It was the room where Casablanca and Fran were being held. After ordering the guards to leave, Arc took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
“It’s been a while.” (Arc)
When the door opened, as expected, there they were. Casablanca and Fran were sitting in chairs, reading books.
“Oh, Arc. Are you going to serve today instead of Lily?” (Casablanca)
Their tone was calm. They didn’t seem like prisoners at all.
“No. I’ve come for another matter. The decision about your punishment has been made.” (Arc)
Upon hearing Arc’s words, Fran closed her book with a thud.
“Is it written in that letter?” (Fran)
Casablanca glanced at the letter Arc was holding.
“Yes. I will read it aloud.” (Arc)
Arc tried to hide the trembling of his hands as he unfolded the letter. He swallowed nervously and then began to speak.
“‘For deceiving Queen Casablanca and causing turmoil in the kingdom, the royal guard member Fran will be sentenced to beheading. Leone Laplace.’” (Arc)
—
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 