New Merchant Noble is out (2/6 chapters for today)

 

 

Absent

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

Leone departed for the grave visit. With many high-ranking officials from the royal capital accompanying him, the population in the current royal capital had significantly decreased. In particular, the royal palace had become more than half-empty and desolate.

“It’s been a week since Leone-sama went on the grave visit.” (Official 1)

“Apparently, there are 10,000 people, including the Warden Household, ministers, high-ranking officials, and influential figures from various regions.” (Official 2)

“They’re going to stay for a whole month, right? That’s a massive scale.” (Official 1)

A few regional governors arrived at the royal palace just as Leone and his party were leaving. They had been ordered to guard the royal capital in the absence of the other high officials.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been to the royal capital. Not since I was appointed to the position of governor by Casablanca-sama.” (Official 3)

They had originally been ordinary bureaucrats. But after Casablanca became queen, they slipped into the governor positions that were left vacant by the purging of the nobility. They had achieved great success thanks to Casablanca. In other words, they were all remnants of Casablanca’s faction.

“Our days as part of the privileged class are almost over.” (Official 4)

“Yeah. One by one, our comrades are being dismissed.” (Official 3)

Since Leone became king, they had been pushed to the sidelines. The colleagues who had become governors with them were gradually being forced to resign. It was only a matter of time before they themselves would be removed from their positions. However, they did not possess enough power to stage a rebellion.

“Ahh… If only Casablanca-sama were still in good health.” (Official 4)

They lamented the downfall of Casablanca-sama.

“…Since we’ve come all the way to the royal capital, should we at least go greet Casablanca-sama?” (Official 5)

One of them said so, but the others were unenthusiastic. Though she had once elevated them, meeting her now was a daunting idea.

“I’m not feeling it. The rumor that she went mad after Fran-sama’s death seems to be true.” (Official 6)

“I heard the same. They say she’s already in a coma.” (Official 7)

“There’s even a rumor that the Warden Household is already preparing for the funeral.” (Official 8)

All the opinions were passive. Even if she had been their former superior, no one wanted to see someone who had lost her mind.

“…Yeah, let’s skip the greeting. She’s not in her right mind anymore.” (Official 5)

“Oh? Regional governors.” (Lily)

“Oh! Lily-sama.” (Officials)

Startled by the sudden voice, they turned to see Lily standing there.

“I see. So, you’re the ones who’ve been assigned to guard the royal capital.” (Lily)

“Lily-sama, it’s been a long time.” (Official 1)

Lily responded to their greeting and continued as if it were nothing.

“Perfect. Go and greet Casablanca-sama before you leave.” (Lily)

“Eh?” (Official 2)

The governors were confused. Casablanca was said to be in poor health and worsening. Given her once-fearsome presence, she wouldn’t normally meet with visitors now. Plus, they didn’t want to draw suspicion from Leone or the Warden Household. Remnants of Casablanca’s faction meeting with her could easily be used as justification for punishment.

“What’s wrong? Not feeling up to it?” (Lily)

“We were ordered to guard the capital, so…” (Official 3)

The governors made excuse after excuse, but Lily blocked their path to prevent them from slipping away.

“You’re not feeling up to it?” (Lily)

Her gaze was intense. Even to an untrained eye, it was obvious that something serious was going on.

“W-We heard that Casablanca-sama’s condition isn’t good. So, we thought we should refrain from a visit.” (Official 4)

“Oh, it’s fine. Just showing your face will be enough.” (Lily)

Before they realized it, they were surrounded by soldiers.

“Lily-sama… What is this?” (Official 1)

What on earth is happening?

As they stood trembling in confusion, Lily gave a slight smile.

“Now then, let’s go. To Casablanca-sama.” (Lily)

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)