NOVEL NEXT Chapter 88
Episode 88: Epilogue of Part 2
Two weeks after the founding ceremony of the Zabeiru United Kingdom, the Galvate group returned home.
Immediately upon returning, Lord Giorg requested an audience with King Alzeis. Alzeis gladly accepted, and Giorg was led to the king’s office.
Inside, King Alzeis and Crown Prince Ilzam were waiting.
As Giorg entered, the secretaries exited. Sensing the possibility of a private meeting due to Giorg’s immediate request, Alzeis had already given instructions.
“Duke Zarfing, you’ve worked hard.”
“Indeed, I am deeply grateful for your prompt response to my sudden request.”
“Hmph, it’s only natural to assume that if you sought an audience with me first, there must be something that cannot be documented.”
Giorg bowed at Alzeis’s words. While the Guardian Lord Reparendas and Finance Minister Dibar had planned to submit detailed reports on the situation in the Zabeiru United Kingdom, Giorg had immediately requested an audience with Alzeis. His quick thinking was truly commendable.
“Crown Prince, have you heard the details from Duke Zarfing?”
Ilzam nodded at Alzeis’s question. Satisfied, Alzeis also nodded. Given the uncertainties, he appreciated Giorg’s decision to share information with Ilzam, who was under the tightest security.
“Very well. Duke Zarfing, begin your report.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Giorg responded briefly and bowed.
“King Jilvol’s reign will last ten years.”
“Ten years, huh…”
Alzeis pondered Giorg’s words, and Giorg nodded slightly in response.
“Your Majesty, may I ask something?”
“What is it?”
“Is being a king really such a restrictive position?”
“Yes.”
Alzeis answered immediately.
“A king must act as a king. That is what makes it feel so restrictive.”
“Acting as a king…”
“Those who have never sat on the throne think they can do as they please, unbound by anyone. But in reality, commoners are far freer in their thoughts, words, and actions. You understand that, don’t you?”
Giorg and Ilzam nodded. Giorg, as a noble, was also obligated to act in a manner befitting his status. The elegant life of a noble was not something one could attain without paying a price. If one acted recklessly without paying that price, ruin was inevitable.
Seeing their reactions, Alzeis smiled and continued.
“Duke Zarfing, you haven’t misunderstood the meaning behind King Jilvol’s ten-year remark, have you?”
“No. I understand that King Jilvol’s ten-year reign does not mean he will settle things within that time. Rather, it marks the beginning of a serious battle between him and me.”
“Hmph, you understand well.”
Alzeis laughed pleasantly at Giorg’s response.
“A king must act as a king. Conversely, there are means that a king cannot employ.”
“Understood. For Jilvol-Zabeiru, the ten years on the throne are like being chained.”
“Exactly. The monster will only be unchained after ten years. Of course, that period is most convenient for King Jilvol.”
Giorg and Ilzam exchanged glances, confirming the implications of Alzeis’s words.
“Convenient… Is it the period until Prince Yuan gains the strength to rule as king?”
Alzeis shook his head slightly at Ilzam’s question.
“Of course, that’s part of it. But it’s not just that.”
“Not just that?”
“Duke Zarfing, what is your role?”
“The Darkness Demon Group… Could it be that King Jilvol is planning something like a spy organization?”
Alzeis nodded at Ilzam’s words.
“That’s what I think. Establishing a spy organization, unifying the country, deterring neighboring nations, transferring power to a new king—there’s a mountain of tasks to be done in just ten years.”
“In that case, we’re still in a good position.”
Giorg and Alzeis nodded at Ilzam’s words. As Ilzam said, Galvate didn’t need to worry about unifying the country or establishing a spy organization, giving them an advantage.
“Exactly. Jilvol-Zabeiru has ten years to break free from his chains… In that time, we must also prepare.”
The two nodded at Alzeis’s words.
“Duke Zarfing, I trust you understand, but if we were to lose to that man, the damage to Galvate would be immeasurable.”
Alzeis’s voice carried a stern tone, but Giorg was not one to be intimidated.
“Leave it to me. This Giorg Zarfing has no intention of falling behind the same opponent twice.”
Alzeis smirked at Giorg’s immediate response.
“I’m counting on you, Duke Zarfing.”
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
After leaving Alzeis and the others, Giorg immediately headed to the Zafing Residence.
Upon arrival, his subordinates greeted him with a synchronized bow. Giorg felt reassured by their unity.
(Fighting Jilvol-Zabeiru… I don’t feel like losing.)
Giorg respected Jilvol’s strength more than anyone, but he had no intention of losing because he knew he wasn’t alone—he had reliable subordinates.
“Welcome back, my lord!!”
Giorg smiled and nodded at Cain’s words, his emotions evident on his face.
“You all did well guarding the estate in my absence.”
“Your words are too kind. You must be tired, so after dinner…”
Giorg raised his hand to stop Cain, and his subordinates straightened their posture, sensing his intent. Giorg rarely interrupted his subordinates, so they knew he was about to issue an important command.
“Everyone, things are about to get busy. Lend me your strength.”
At Giorg’s words, his subordinates bowed in unison. There was no one present who wouldn’t be motivated by their leader’s request for help.
“My lord, we await your orders!!”
With Cain’s words, everyone’s gaze focused on Giorg, their enthusiasm palpable.
“Hmm…”
Giorg issued his command.
~End of Part 2~
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