READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 42
Episode 42: Giorg’s Report
Three days after ordering Roy and Aisha to gather information about the former Gildolq Kingdom, Giorg was granted an audience with King Alzeis of the Galveit Kingdom.
“It seems Duke Zarfing’s concerns from half a year ago have come true,” said Alzeis.
Giorg bowed his head in response.
Half a year ago, Giorg had reported to the higher-ups that there was a possibility of turmoil in the near future based on intelligence from the Gildolq Kingdom. Shortly after that report, the Gildolq Kingdom fell, and the Zabeil Kingdom was established.
Other nations didn’t even have time to intervene.
Thanks to Giorg’s information, King Alzeis had prepared his military forces to respond in case the Zabeil Kingdom launched an invasion. However, this was purely defensive and not intended for an offensive into the former Gildolq territories.
“In just half a year, they expelled the central nobles of the Gildolq Kingdom, executed King Orutas II and Queen Casaldia, and established the Zabeil Kingdom. Truly a fearsome feat,” Giorg remarked.
King Alzeis nodded solemnly.
As Giorg said, no one had anticipated the Gildolq Kingdom’s fall in just six months. Nations typically resist fiercely when faced with destruction, and conquering a country usually takes considerable time.
“Indeed, Duke Zarfing was right. So, who do you think led this operation?” asked King Alzeis.
Giorg pondered for a moment before responding, “I believe it was Jilvol Zabeil.”
“Hmm, and your reasoning?”
“The fact that Zabeil completely ignored the territories of the former central nobles suggests this. Currently, those territories remain without rulers, which is quite puzzling.”
“True. Conquest is typically completed by gaining control over the local populace. In other words, the support of the people is necessary. It’s unlikely that the people would wholeheartedly welcome new rulers after their former lords were overthrown.”
“Indeed. Without the people’s support, such rule cannot last long,” agreed King Alzeis.
Giorg continued, “At this stage, Zabeil seems to view the former nobles’ subjects as shackles. This line of thinking doesn’t align with that of the late Duke Zabeil, Hector.”
“I see…”
“However, I don’t believe King Jilvol has completely abandoned the idea of controlling the former subjects.”
King Alzeis nodded. Maintaining a nation’s strength requires a sufficient population, so it’s unlikely they would simply discard them.
“So, is this neglect part of their strategy to control the people?”
“I believe King Jilvol is using this neglect to strengthen their own authority.”
“Hmm… So, Duke Zarfing thinks that by allowing social decay, they aim to make the people welcome the order brought by Zabeil?”
“Yes, that’s my current assessment. However…”
“There’s more?”
“Yes. As I reported earlier, the whereabouts of the First Prince Demitul, Second Prince Lukult, and Princess Soshuwa remain unknown.”
King Alzeis fell silent, recalling Giorg’s earlier report about the missing children of King Orutas II. The existence of royals holds significant political weight, something King Alzeis, as a representative of royalty, understands all too well.
“At this point, it’s unclear how King Jilvol plans to use the princes. But I believe he will undoubtedly use them for his own benefit.”
“…I see.”
“Furthermore, it’s highly likely that King Jilvol will make a move against our kingdom as well.”
“So… we can’t remain uninvolved,” King Alzeis said with a bitter expression.
From Giorg’s report, it seemed that intervening with Zabeil would ultimately play into their hands.
“Yes. If the princes and princess were to come to our kingdom, it would likely be part of King Jilvol’s plan.”
“Hmm… It’s safer to assume so.”
“Indeed. When it comes to King Jilvol, it’s better to act with excessive caution.”
“Duke Zarfing is right. Then we should proceed carefully.”
“Currently, my subordinates are investigating the situation in the former territories and how rumors about the Gildolq Kingdom are spreading in our kingdom. Depending on the findings, there may be calls to ‘save the Gildolq Kingdom.'”
“Indeed. If such opportunists emerge, I will suppress them. Continue gathering information, Duke.”
“Understood!”
“There’s one more thing,” King Alzeis added.
Giorg straightened his posture.
“If the princes and princess were to come to our kingdom, whether as refugees or as part of King Jilvol’s plan… what should we do?”
“I believe we should kill them and send them back,” Giorg replied without hesitation.
King Alzeis chuckled wryly. “Hah, ruthless as ever.”
“However, that may not always be possible. In such cases, they should be placed under strict surveillance and never allowed to gain favor.”
“Agreed. If the royals come, Duke Zarfing, you will oversee their surveillance. And if necessary, eliminate them.”
“As you command.”
Giorg accepted King Alzeis’s cold order without hesitation.
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