At the Duke Plafard’s Estate
The mastermind this time, Corinius, has been captured.
He’s currently confined in a solitary cell at the lowest level of the Plafard prison.
On top of that, Talat’s ice and thread are restraining his movements, so even if someone tried to rescue him, it would be nearly impossible.
That’s all there is to say about Corinius.
As for me, I’m currently wearing a furisode and having dinner with the Duke and Duchess Plafard, accompanied by Marquis Vardmoi.
We haven’t gotten to the main topic yet, but apparently, the plan is to pin all the blame for this incident on Corinius and the nobles aligned with his faction.
Nobles are scary.
“... Still, the dress Lady Lily is wearing—‘furisode,’ was it? It’s truly beautiful.”
“Thank you. But making it is quite difficult, and I can’t mass-produce them.”
“For something of such quality, that’s only natural. Also, Lady Lily, I’m truly grateful for your help in saving my wife and children.”
“Not at all. But going forward, will things be all right in the northern region? Weren’t there nobles who actively followed Corinius?”
“We’ve sent them letters asking whether they’ll surrender or fight. If it comes to war, they can’t win against Plafard, which Corinius had gathered the bulk of the troops under his authority. They’ll likely surrender.”
Surrender, huh.
I wonder what happens when they surrender in this kind of situation.
When I asked, they said their houses would be dismantled, their personal assets confiscated, and they’d be exiled from the country.
That’s harsh.
“If we leave them in the country, they might become the seeds of future rebellion. If they don’t surrender, their entire families will be executed. It’s up to each noble to decide which is better.”
To challenge a battle with no chance of winning or accept exile… both are harsh choices.
I’m glad the Vardmoi family didn’t lose.
“... Lily, are you really the one asking that?”
“Why do you say that, Marquis Vardmoi?”
“This war was practically won by you alone, wasn’t it? Certainly, we from Vardmoi sent out troops too, but most of them were for diversion and escort. You handled all the crucial parts.”
Ahh, that might actually be true.
In the defense of Vardmoi, Talat and the Kiblinki Saltas and the others practically settled it, and even the fortresses on the way to Plafard were taken down by Talat.
Thinking back, I really did handle most of it myself.
Wait, isn’t that kind of bad?
“Marquis Vardmoi, is this okay?”
“What do you mean by ‘okay’?”
“In war, you usually receive rewards depending on your achievements, right?”
“Yes. This time, most of the rewards will go to you.”
“Isn’t that a problem?”
“If you think so, then you should also prepare to properly commend the soldiers who fought alongside you.”
Prepare to commend them, huh...
Maybe I should hold an appreciation banquet once we return to the city of Vardmoi.
Yes, let’s do that.
That’s the best thing to do.
What do you think about this chapter?
Thanks for the treat. 🖖
Thinking about it, for the soldiers this was the easiest job, even if the rewards might not be to high (for regular soldiers I don't know if their "efforts" would be rewarded, since commendations tend to go to the leaders). The main job of the troops was to look mean and dangerous, march a bit, camp some more, pick some tied up enemy soldiers and some big popsicles.
Thanks for the chapter! Awesome translation! May God bless you!