New chapter of Merchant Noble is out! (1/6 chapters)

Royal Palace

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The eastern, western, southern, and northern gates of the royal capital were opened by the residents.

“The gates are open!” (Randal)

Randal, who saw the gates being opened from the inside, rejoiced.

“Randal-sama, it might be an empty fortress stratagem.” (Subordinate)

One of his subordinates, who had studied under Tyr at Mikanda with him, gave a warning. The possibility of a trap briefly crossed Randal’s mind as well. The empty fortress stratagem was a trap in which one deliberately showed a vulnerability to lure the enemy inside the castle and then, annihilate them by surrounding them.

“No, this is probably not a trap. From what I can see outside, the confusion among the residents trying to escape from the capital is real. It does not look like acting at all. Also, turning a massive city like the royal capital into a trap would be impossible, even for the most brilliant general. Therefore, this is not a trap. We charge in.” (Randal)

Being a skilled general, Randal had a logical and well-considered line of reasoning. However, a top-tier general, even when understanding things logically, usually sent spies or scouts to confirm before taking action. Randal was impatient. He was eager to strike his sword upon Casablanca as soon as possible.

“General Randal. People trying to evacuate are flooding the gates. If we force our way in under such conditions, it will cause utter chaos. Perhaps we could designate the south and north gates for resident evacuation, and the east and west gates for soldiers, to ease the congestion?” (Subordinate)

His subordinate made the suggestion in order to secure a solid entry into the royal capital. However, such a stability-focused proposal only irritated the impatient Randal.

“There’s no time for such leisurely plans. How can we do that in an emergency like this? Oi, all troops, enter the city!” (Randal)

Randal finally gave the order. In response, the soldiers began entering through the east, west, south, and north gates.

“Out of the way! Move, move!!” (Soldiers)

The gates were packed with residents trying to flee from the royal capital. The soldiers pushed their way into that crowd. Naturally, it caused a huge commotion, but the soldiers forcibly pushed people aside and charged into the capital.

“General Randal!” (??)

As Randal pushed through the crowd and finally made it into the capital, a voice called out to him. The voice belonged to Kanna, a member of the Sheeb Order. Even after the uprising of Casablanca, she had deliberately remained in the capital to gather information about the rebel forces.

“Kanna? Where have you been?” (Randal)

“I planned to rejoin you right after guiding the residents, but I got caught up in the crowd myself. I’m sorry for the delay. Casablanca is over there.” (Kanna)

Kanna pointed to the royal palace towering at the center of the capital.

“It appears she is holed up in the royal palace along with Lily and several hundred soldiers.” (Kanna)

“I see. Well, of course it would be the royal palace. All troops, advance to the royal palace! We will eliminate Casablanca without fail.” (Randal)

Randal’s soldiers moved toward the royal palace without rest. The palace also had walls, though not as formidable as those of the royal capital. The small rebel force desperately fired arrows from there.

“General Randal. The enemy is shooting arrows with desperation. If we attack head-on, we will suffer significant losses. The few soldiers inside the palace are isolated and unsupported. Let us initiate a siege and wait for them to weaken.” (Subordinate)

The soldiers had rushed from the eastern part of the kingdom to the capital and then engaged in combat. By now, their fatigue had far surpassed its limit. The subordinates advised rest, but Randal ignored them. Though he had the upper hand, he was desperate. He had to slay Casablanca as soon as possible. Even Arc, who had granted him permission to kill her, might change his mind if the battle dragged on. He must kill her before being ordered to capture her alive.

Without granting the soldiers any rest, he issued commands.

“We must not give the enemy any time. Casablanca is genius-level when it comes to self-preservation. I will strike her down before she pulls anything off.” (Randal)

Then, he drove his subordinates with a shout.

“You lot! We’re about to storm the royal palace. The capital holds heaps of gold and silver treasures. Anyone who breaks into the palace is granted permission to loot as a reward. Go now! First come, first served!” (Randal)

“Uoooh!” (Soldiers)

Looting permission was rarely granted. Moreover, this was permission for the royal palace. The soldiers, who had been utterly exhausted moments earlier, responded energetically, shouting as they rushed forward. They fought over ladders, leaned them against the wall, and scrambled up. It was sheer brute force.

The palace guard was small in number, and they had just withdrawn from the capital. Their coordination was poor. In the end, Randal’s impatience created swift action, which turned out to be effective.

“Now, the gate of the royal palace will open.” (Randal)

Randal said quietly. Before he finished speaking, the gate of the palace opened.

“Full assault, charge!!” (Randal)

Thus, thousands of soldiers stormed into the royal palace.

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