READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 58
“Are you kidding me?!”
Lukult was furious after reading the report. The report stated that Sosua had ascended as the Queen of the Gildolq Kingdom. Moreover, the legitimacy of her ascension was guaranteed by Demitul’s transfer of the throne, which wounded Lukult’s pride beyond measure.
He was displeased that Demitul, the Crown Prince, had chosen Sosua over him, and he was equally unhappy that Sosua had accepted the throne.
Garom and Miyum exchanged glances, both visibly confused by Lukult’s outburst.
(What’s going on? Why is Sosua ascending the throne?)
(How did Demitul even know Sosua was in Rekuryak?)
Garom and Miyum couldn’t voice their questions. They were in a position where they had to follow Jilvol’s plan, which had brought them all the way to the Flastarl Empire with Lukult.
According to Jilvol’s plan, Lukult and Sosua were supposed to issue declarations to divide the remnants of the Central Nobles, pitting them against each other. Sosua was meant to remain a princess, rallying the remnants of the Central Nobles as a banner, while Lukult would fight on equal footing, exposing the ugliness of the Gildolq royal family.
“Your Highness, perhaps we should first inquire about Princess Sosua’s ascension?”
Garom’s suggestion was met with a harsh glare from Lukult. Realizing his mistake, Garom quickly backtracked.
“What are you talking about?! Sosua ascended the throne because my brother transferred it to her!”
“But perhaps Prince Demitul acted without knowing of Your Highness’s survival.”
“Exactly! You told me my brother and Sosua were dead! What’s the meaning of this?!”
Lukult shouted at Garom, his anger boiling over.
(Damn brat, you should’ve just stayed quiet and played along.)
Garom cursed internally but knew he had to respond to Lukult’s interrogation. He glanced at Miyum, who gave him a subtle nod.
“Actually, we searched for Prince Demitul and Princess Sosua in Zabeiru but couldn’t find them.”
“Are you kidding me?! Both my brother and Sosua were alive!”
“If I may… it was indeed our oversight. But in that chaos, it was unavoidable!”
“You…!”
Lukult’s voice choked with rage. Being contradicted in this situation only fueled his anger.
“Calm down, Garom! You’re being disrespectful to His Highness!”
“Ah… my apologies.”
Miyum’s reprimand made Garom bow his head in apology. Lukult seemed to regain a bit of composure.
“Your Highness, your anger is justified, but you were imprisoned in a cell. Jilvol had complete control over information. He spread all sorts of conflicting rumors—killed, died of illness, alive, rescued… the confusion was overwhelming.”
“Indeed… Jilvol did say that.”
Lukult fell silent, recalling Jilvol’s words when he announced the fall of the Garsmaith Duke House. It was natural for Lukult to assume that the information control extended beyond just them.
“We regret to say… we couldn’t confirm your presence in the cell. We acted on rumors that a Gildolq noble was imprisoned and went to rescue you in desperation.”
“…”
“We were acting individually, not as an organization. Some believed the rumors that you had already been executed and gave up.”
Lukult listened silently to Miyum’s explanation. Under normal circumstances, such an explanation would raise doubts.
For example, how did they know where the noble was imprisoned amidst such chaos? Such questions would naturally arise. But for Lukult, Jilvol’s presence loomed so large that the mere mention of his name made everything seem plausible. This led Lukult to a state of mental paralysis, unable to question Miyum’s words objectively.
“Your Highness, it’s natural for you to be shaken. We are equally shaken. So… what will you do next?”
Noticing Lukult’s agitation, Miyum quickly shifted the topic, using a question to divert his attention.
“Next?”
Lukult’s puzzled tone made Miyum smirk internally. Her plan to redirect his focus was working.
“Yes! Will you join forces with Her Highness, or will you oppose her?”
“With Sosua…?”
“Yes. If you choose to join forces, Your Highness would have to serve under Princess Sosua.”
“W-why?!”
“Unfortunately, since Prince Demitul transferred the throne to her… the legitimacy lies with her.”
Lukult’s face twisted at Miyum’s words.
“I can’t do that! I can’t stand beneath my sister!”
“Then… will you part ways with Her Highness?”
“…I’ll demand her submission.”
“Submission? Your Highness, that’s not realistic. Princess Sosua has no reason or benefit to submit to us.”
“Then… we’ll destroy Zabeiru to make it possible.”
“Your Highness, are you suggesting… we hasten Flastarl’s military intervention?”
Lukult’s face twisted into a sneer.
“Exactly. Flastarl must see Sosua’s ascension as a delay. The longer we wait, the stronger her influence becomes. The Flastarl Empire won’t find that amusing. The Zabeiru forces are only a third of the Gildolq Kingdom’s strength. Flastarl understands this, so they’ll act even if they’re not fully prepared.”
Both Garom and Miyum nodded at Lukult’s words.
“Garom, Miyum. Arrange an audience with the Emperor. I’ll demand an immediate military intervention.”
“Understood!”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
Garom and Miyum bowed in unison. As they did, their eyes met, both sensing a hint of unease in each other’s gaze.
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