Chapter 514

Report from Marquis Vardmoi
“Now then, it’s good to have you back safely, but things here aren’t looking too pleasant.”

Not pleasant?
I wonder what happened?
Ah… could it be…

“Did some nobles start opposing the loaning of the Kiblinki Saltas?”

“Yes, that’s right. The wealthier the noble house, the more they’ve refused to accept them. Even though it’s a direct decree from His Highness the Duke, they’re openly defying it.”

“… Wasn’t this loaning supposed to be only within the Duke’s faction?”

“It was. But those nobles are already shifting their focus to ‘who the next Duke will be.’”

The next Duke? That’s pretty hasty.
It’s not like His Highness is in poor health or old in age.
If I remember right, His Highness is around the same age as Marquis Vardmoi.
Isn’t it too soon to be thinking about succession?

“Marquis Vardmoi… if they’re already looking ahead, then does that mean…”

“Yes, Priscilla. There’s been growing discontent toward His Highness the Crown Prince, Lord Sharon.”

“I see… Lord Sharon may lack finesse as a ruler, but I didn’t think the movement to dethrone him had already started.”

Hmm… if they remove Lord Sharon, who’s left as successor?
Lord Vic is already promised as the heir of the Vardmoi Marquisate.
Is there anyone else?

“Marquis Vardmoi, besides Lord Sharon and Lord Vic, are there any other candidates within the McFarlane royal family?”

“Ah, you wouldn’t be too familiar with noble family matters, Lily. The McFarlane royal family has four sons and two daughters. However, the second son, Lord Fold, died leading the fight against monsters.”

“So, it falls to the fourth son?”

“Yes. The fourth son, Lord Taur, is still alive. However, he’s only fifteen and not yet finished with his education. Optimistically, with proper guidance, he could surpass Lord Sharon. Pessimistically, he could just become a puppet of the factions. To be honest, it’s a fragile situation.”

I see…
… Wait a second.

“Umm, wasn’t it declared that the McFarlane Dukedom would officially become a kingdom through a marriage alliance with Lady Rodenlight?”

“Yes, but they could simply swap Lord Sharon for Lord Taur as the fiancé. Rumors say even Lady Rodenlight has grown exasperated with Lord Sharon recently.”

Ugh, what’s that idiot prince doing…
I really hope this doesn’t cause political instability.
If war breaks out again, running my business freely would be impossible!

“Isn’t there any way to rally everyone behind Lord Sharon?”

“Lord Sharon’s reputation took a severe hit after the Count Galette territory incident three years ago. It seems he’s been neglectful toward the lesser noble houses within his faction ever since.”

Ah… so the Galette incident’s damage is still lingering.
That makes it difficult… Hm?

“By the way, are the nobles who accepted the Kiblinki Saltas possibly considering shifting allegiance to the Vardmoi faction?”

“I’d like to believe not… If our faction gains any more influence, it would be problematic. Even now, thanks to you, those previously weak territories are gaining strength with the Kiblinki Saltas farmlands and trade routes you established. If our power grows further, even His Highness the Duke won’t be happy.”

This is complicated…
Thanks to Marquis Vardmoi’s faction accepting me, they’ve grown too influential, leading to Lord Sharon acting out.
That weakened loyalty toward Lord Sharon and triggered efforts to dethrone him.
Now, even within the Duke’s faction, the stronger nobles are rejecting the Kiblinki Saltas, and only the weaker houses are accepting them.
Honestly… Lord Sharon might be cornered beyond saving.

What do you think about this chapter?