92 — The Lord’s Concern

“Prince Arthur is coming here?”

At his retainer’s report, Albert de Isle, Baron of this land, clutched his head. It was no wonder. The nobles’ arrogance last year was unforgettable.

All because the sunset was “beautiful,” they had monopolized the beach usually used by commoners. When the people pleaded to at least be allowed the nobles’ beach, a great noble named Greed had only sneered.

“Commoners have no place on beaches reserved for highborn nobles.”

As a result, commoners who had traveled all the way to Isle could not even set foot on the shore and returned home disappointed.

Worse, the nobles had driven out the vendors and cooks who sold food along the beach, replacing them with their own private chefs. Complaints had poured in from the people of Isle.

Albert understood. Their livelihoods depended on this. And it didn’t stop there—other nobles, emboldened by “Arthur’s precedent,” demanded the same special treatment.

“Our Isle domain relies on tourism for income… this cannot continue…”

He gazed grimly at the bustling beach. People were happily swimming, food stalls lined the shore, and merchants were busy with trade.

Albert loved this town. He loved the sight of his people smiling along the beautiful coast. He loved the fishermen’s cooking at the stalls.

As a child, when he accompanied his father the lord through the harbor, locals would secretly slip him freshly prepared fish dishes.

He cherished his Isle domain and its people’s joy.

Which was why… he could not forgive any further tyranny.

“Marble, I’m going!! Royalty or not, I won’t allow more abuse. I’ll confront him directly!!”

“But, my lord, they say Prince Arthur has changed—he now considers the people. And this time Lady Morgan, famed for her wisdom, is with him. It may not be like last year.”

Arthur’s feats had reached Isle as well. Yet, given his former reputation, people were doubtful.

As expected, Albert was not persuaded.

“‘May not be’ is not enough. Do you know how much the people suffered and how our revenues fell because of Prince Arthur’s tyranny? Once a tourist spot is stained, visitors stop coming. If the same happens this year, Isle will be ruined!!”

Ignoring his retainer Marble’s protests, Albert started toward the beach where Arthur would arrive, only to be restrained.

“You know what happens if you defy royalty. Let us observe first. It won’t be too late to act after that.”

“…Very well. We’ll watch from a distance. But if Prince Arthur dares repeat his arrogance—I won’t hesitate.”

At last Albert calmed, and Marble sighed in relief. Yet what neither Arthur in his past life, nor even Morgan, had known was this: the Isle domain would one day become one of the sparks of revolution.

Could the reborn Arthur show them his “wisdom” (so-called)? Upon it rested the fate of averting—or confirming—his execution flag.