NOVEL NEXT Chapter 85
Chapter 85: Before the Tombstone (Part 1)
The Galveit delegation arrived in Miressbelle, the royal capital of the Zabeiru United Kingdom, two days before the founding ceremony.
The welcome the Galveit Kingdom received upon their arrival in Miressbelle was nothing short of spectacular.
The people of Zabeiru held a favorable view of Galveit, who had extended a hand of friendship during uncertain times.
With Sosua’s submission, the abdication of the Gildolq Throne to Jilvol, and the engagement to Royal Younger Brother Yuan, the annexation of Gildolq was all but confirmed. Moreover, having repelled the invasion by the Flastarl Empire, there was no longer any faction within Zabeiru that could oppose the annexation of Gildolq.
Before the situation stabilized, the people of Zabeiru had their share of anxieties. However, Galveit’s proposal to establish diplomatic relations had alleviated those fears, as evidenced by the warm welcome.
In fact, at the founding ceremony, seats were prepared for the Galveit delegation right after the Zabeiru royal family, highlighting the importance Zabeiru placed on its relationship with Galveit.
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The founding ceremony concluded without a hitch, followed by a celebratory banquet.
The Galveit delegation exchanged greetings with Jilvol, Yuan, Sosua, and Hector. Ilzam, after speaking with Jilvol and Hector, turned to address Yuan.
(Prince Yuan… huh? I think he just turned 15? Or was it not yet?)
Giorg watched as Ilzam spoke with Yuan, while Sosua smiled beside them.
“I am Crown Prince Ilzam Lennig Galveit of the Galveit Kingdom. Congratulations on your engagement, Prince Yuan and Lady Sosua.”
“Thank you.”
“We are grateful for your kind words, Crown Prince Ilzam.”
(No signs of unease… She seems more capable than I thought.)
As Giorg listened to the conversation, he couldn’t help but be impressed by Sosua’s composure. Given her circumstances—having lost her family and loved ones—it would be understandable if she couldn’t smile, yet she showed no signs of distress. Giorg realized she was not someone to be underestimated.
Yuan, too, subtly supported Sosua. As the victor, Yuan could have easily taken a condescending attitude toward her, but he didn’t. Giorg carefully observed their interactions but found no hint of disrespect from Yuan toward Sosua.
(At the very least, there seems to be some affection between these two.)
Having made this judgment, Giorg’s eyes met Jilvol’s. Jilvol, with a slight smile, approached him.
“It’s been a while, Duke Zarfing.”
“It’s good to see you in good health, King Jilvol.”
Giorg gave a casual bow to Jilvol.
“How about we have a little chat?”
“If you don’t mind my company.”
“Of course.”
Jilvol seemed pleased with Giorg’s response and smiled slightly. That smile sent a chill down Giorg’s spine.
(As always… that terrifying smile.)
Giorg thought to himself. Jilvol’s smile wasn’t threatening, nor did it carry any oppressive aura, but Giorg still felt a chill. Perhaps it was because he fully understood the threat Jilvol posed.
“Well then, shall we take a walk?”
“Y-Yes.”
As Jilvol responded, Ilzam and Hector exchanged glances and gave a subtle nod.
(They’re telling us to go ahead…)
Giorg nodded slightly to Ilzam and followed Jilvol.
Jilvol led the way out of the venue and into the courtyard.
“You have something you want to ask me, don’t you?”
Jilvol asked without turning around as they reached the courtyard.
“Yes.”
Giorg’s response seemed to amuse Jilvol, who let out a light chuckle.
“Go ahead, ask me anything.”
“What happened to Demitul?”
“I killed him.”
Jilvol’s response was cold and devoid of any mercy. It was clear he didn’t care in the slightest.
(Well, he was no longer useful, so it couldn’t be helped.)
Giorg wasn’t particularly concerned about Demitul’s fate either. It had been decided during the diplomatic talks that Demitul would be executed, so this outcome was expected.
Demitul, who had lived as the Crown Prince of Gildolq, was treated with an almost laughable lack of respect in death. Giorg didn’t know this, but Demitul’s body had been thrown into a communal grave. Unlike others buried there, who were placed in coffins, Demitul and Lukult were buried directly in the ground, further emphasizing the insignificance of their deaths.
In ten years, it would be impossible to identify Demitul’s remains.
“You’re not really interested in Demitul’s fate, are you?”
“Well, to be honest…”
“He was that insignificant. You didn’t really want to talk about him, did you?”
“No.”
The two walked slowly through the dimly lit courtyard, the occasional lantern illuminating their path.
“The reason you didn’t marry Sosua… was it because of your late fiancée?”
Giorg ventured a dangerous question, but he felt no fear of repercussions. He was certain Jilvol had been waiting for this topic.
“Half of it, yes.”
“Half?”
Giorg couldn’t help but give a bland response, which seemed to amuse Jilvol, who let out a small laugh.
“Here.”
Jilvol stopped and pointed without turning around.
Giorg’s eyes fell on a head-sized stone in the royal garden, surrounded by smaller, fist-sized stones arranged in a haphazard, childlike manner. Despite the uneven arrangement, the area was well-maintained, giving the impression that it was cherished.
“…A tombstone?”
Giorg’s murmur was met with a small nod from Jilvol.
“Yes, Feria’s tomb.”
“Huh?”
“Of course, Feria’s remains are buried in the Karlmeina family cemetery… What lies here is a lock of her hair.”
“Her hair…”
Giorg whispered softly, realizing that this was a sacred, deeply personal place for Jilvol.
“Giorg Zarfing… the other half of the answer to your earlier question is that my successor is Yuan.”
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