New Merchant Noble is out (1/6 chapters for today)

 

 

Madman

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Several months had passed since Fran was executed. On the surface, the kingdom was enjoying a time of peace. They had finally begun to adjust to the governance of the nation under Leone as the head of state, and other than Fran, no one else had been executed. In order not to provoke the remnants of Casablanca scattered in the provinces, personnel changes and appointments to new positions had been kept to a minimum. However, this calm was only on the surface, and within the palace walls, a major incident had occurred.

“Phew.” (Lily)

Lily, who was a former soldier of the 3rd unit of the royal guard, stepped out of Casablanca’s room. She had been appointed as Casablanca’s caretaker, and her face seemed more worn out each time she was seen.

“You look tired, Lily.” (Arc)

“Ah, Arc-sama.” (Lily)

Lily hastily tried to hide the dark circles under her eyes as she bowed to Arc.

“How is Her Highness Casablanca’s condition? His Majesty Leone is quite worried.” (Arc)

This time, Arc had come to visit Casablanca, for she had apparently fallen ill from the shock of losing Fran. Lily’s gloomy expression conveyed the severity of Casablanca’s condition.

“It’s been three months since Fran’s death, and she’s like a broken shell of a person.” (Lily)

Ever since Fran had been executed, Casablanca’s behavior had been strange, and this had become an open secret within the royal palace.

“May I go in?” (Arc)

“…Yes.” (Lily)

After a brief hesitation, Lily opened the door.

“This is…” (Arc)

Arc was at a loss for words as he stepped into Casablanca’s room. When they were still on good terms, this room had been the site of their strategy meetings, but now it looked nothing like it once did.

“Ugh.” (Arc)

The stench of rot was overwhelming, and it felt as if it would tear off his nose. It was so intense that one could almost believe the air itself had color.

“I’ve been doing my best to clean, but I’m sorry if the smell still lingers.” (Lily)

To prevent escape, the window in this room could not be opened, and because of that, the smell did not dissipate no matter how much she cleaned.

“Vomit, and during the worst times, even urine and feces…” (Lily)

Horrible words spilled from Lily’s mouth, words that should have had no connection to a princess like Casablanca.

“U-urine and feces…” (Arc)

Just that alone made it clear that she had lost her sanity. His eyes began to sting, and Arc felt an intense urge to leave the room immediately.

“Her Highness Casablanca is over there.” (Lily)

Following Lily’s gaze, he saw Casablanca. She was seated in a chair, or rather, she had been placed in the chair. Her arms were tied to the armrests, restrained so she couldn’t move.

“Those are terrible wounds.” (Arc)

Fighting back nausea, Arc stepped closer to Casablanca. All traces of the beauty she once had as a princess were gone, and her once fair cheeks were covered in countless scratch marks. The wounds had been left untreated, and yellow pus clung to them.

“If left alone, even when blood spurts out, she does not stop scratching. That is why, with all due disrespect, I have tied her to the chair.” (Lily)

It was Lily herself who had made the decision to tie Casablanca to the chair. For someone like her, who had served Casablanca faithfully until the end, to take such measures meant that there truly was no other way. Perhaps sensing their presence, Casablanca opened her eyes. Her vacant, clouded eyes turned toward them.

“Your Highness Casablanca. It is Arc.” (Arc)

Arc bowed his head in greeting.

“Uu… uu…” (Casablanca)

Normally, she would at least return with some sarcastic remark, but now, she did not speak. She simply let out a beast-like moan and stared blankly into space with vacant eyes. Actually, speaking to her made it painfully clear. She was completely broken.

“Her Highness Casablanca does not even remember me. Every day, she does nothing but groan with vacant eyes.” (Lily)

Arc could not believe the sight of the Casablanca before him. Behind him, Lily spoke sorrowfully.

“She is no longer human.” (Lily)

Her expression was deeply distressed. It was the expression of someone about to commit a murder-suicide. While taking care of Casablanca, her madness must have infected Lily as well.

“Lily, don’t push yourself too hard.” (Arc)

Arc offered words of concern to the despairing Lily. Then, as if he had just seen something that should not be seen, he hastily left the room.

“Arc. How was my aunt?” (Leone)

“She has completely lost her sanity. She likely only has a few months left to live.” (Arc)

Having returned to Leone’s room, Arc reported exactly what he had seen.

“I see. I spared her life since she is one of my few blood relatives, but if she is heading toward death on her own, there is no stopping her. Prepare for the funeral.” (Leone)

To Leone, Casablanca was her aunt. Though one of the few remaining members of the royal family, for that very reason she was also a rival to be feared. Frankly, it was something to be pleased about, as a threat to the throne had disappeared.

“Yanna.” (Leone)

“I am here.” (Yanna)

Knowing that Casablanca did not have long to live, Leone immediately summoned Yanna.

“It has been a few months since I ascended to the throne. The kingdom seems to have calmed down. May I visit my father’s grave?” (Leone)

“Yes. I believe it should be fine now.” (Yanna)

Leone had long wished to visit the grave of his father, Leo. Though Leo was ultimately executed in the royal palace, his body was buried along the border of the eastern region of the kingdom, which he had ruled for many years. It had been too dangerous for him to leave the capital immediately after ascending to the throne, so Yanna had opposed the visit until now. However, with Casablanca in such a state, the danger had greatly diminished. For her as well, there was no longer any reason to oppose it.

“Good. Inform the ministers, generals, and the influential nobles. Next week, we all visit the grave.” (Leone)

 

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