READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 63
Chapter 63: The Worst and the Worst (Part 3)
Two days after Giorg and his group arrived in Miressbelle, the meeting was finally set to take place.
(The Zabeiru Military plans to confront the Flastarl Empire’s invasion along the border… but with 70,000 Flastarl troops against 30,000 Zabeiru troops, winning seems difficult. Even if they do win, the losses will be significant. And most importantly, the battle is bound to drag on.)
Giorg didn’t smile at the fact that things were proceeding according to his plan. He couldn’t shake the thought that Jilvol might have some trick up his sleeve to turn the situation around.
This unease seemed to have spread to his subordinates as well, as no one let their guard down as they prepared for the meeting.
The only exception was Demitul. Thanks to his deal with Giorg, Demitul believed his safety was already guaranteed, as Jilvol had agreed to spare his life.
“Alright, let’s go.”
At Giorg’s command, his subordinates bowed in unison. The entourage followed Giorg, their faces tense as they walked.
Giorg and his group left the lodging with everyone they had brought and headed straight to the meeting place at the Royal Castle.
Every time the Zabeiru Kingdom’s officials saw Giorg, they bowed. Their expressions shifted to surprise upon seeing him, likely because of how young he looked.
(No signs of underestimation… tch.)
Giorg clicked his tongue internally, noting that while the officials were surprised, they didn’t seem to underestimate him. It seemed they weren’t going to let their guard down, even though a 17-year-old like him had come as a special envoy. If only they had been careless, he could have exploited that.
(I should assume King Jilvol has noticed some of my moves.)
Giorg concluded that the lack of carelessness among his subordinates was likely due to Jilvol’s influence. Perhaps Jilvol had warned them, or they had sensed his cautious attitude and mirrored it.
“This way, please.”
The guiding official announced as they reached the door, opening it without hesitation. Giorg’s eyes fell on the meeting table.
A massive table, about 15 meters long, stood in the center of the room. A luxurious chair was placed at the center, surrounded by several other seats. It was clear that this was Jilvol’s seat.
Opposite it was another seat, which Giorg assumed was his.
A servant pulled out the chair for Giorg, confirming his assumption. Giorg sat down, and the officials took their seats on either side of him.
(No weapon check… should I take that as trust? Carelessness… or confidence… which is it?)
Giorg pondered the lack of a weapon check. Of course, Giorg and his officials had no intention of using weapons, so they hadn’t brought any. However, Giorg’s subordinates had hidden daggers. They weren’t planning to assassinate Jilvol, but they couldn’t risk Giorg’s safety.
“Hey, where’s my seat?”
Demitul’s voice broke the silence, completely oblivious to the tension. As a death row prisoner, it was baffling that he even expected a seat. Yet, he seemed to think of himself as an honored guest of Galveit.
“…”
Cain whispered something into Demitul’s ear, and the latter stiffened before falling silent.
(I’ll have to get rid of him soon.)
Giorg saw Demitul as nothing more than a pesky fly. Once the meeting started, Demitul’s presence would only be a distraction.
“His Majesty will be here shortly.”
At the official’s announcement, Giorg nodded, and the officials tensed up.
Creak…
The sound of the door opening echoed, and the Galveit delegation stood up and bowed.
Tap, tap…
The footsteps stopped in front of Giorg, followed by the sound of someone sitting down.
“Raise your heads, envoys of Galveit.”
The commanding voice came from in front of Giorg. The Galveit officials gulped nervously, which Giorg noticed.
When Giorg raised his head, he saw a boy about his own age sitting across from him.
(So this is Jilvol Zabeiru…)
Giorg realized he was tense. Despite Jilvol not exuding any intimidating aura, Giorg’s instincts screamed that the boy in front of him was an incredibly dangerous presence.
(This man… Giorg Zafing… I can’t let my guard down around him.)
Meanwhile, Jilvol had a similar impression of Giorg.
“It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty Jilvol… I am Giorg Zafing, special envoy of the Galveit Kingdom.”
Giorg bowed and greeted Jilvol, who responded immediately.
“I am Jilvol Zabeiru, the first king of the Zabeiru Kingdom.”
Jilvol’s voice carried the dignity of a king. He gestured for Giorg to sit, and the entire Galveit delegation took their seats.
“First, congratulations on the founding of the Zabeiru Kingdom. On behalf of the Galveit Kingdom, I offer my heartfelt congratulations.”
“Hmm, I gratefully accept Galveit’s congratulations.”
Jilvol’s lips curled slightly as he responded to Giorg’s congratulations.
“Now, King Alzeis of Galveit wishes to establish diplomatic relations with the Zabeiru Kingdom.”
“That is most welcome. I assume you are aware of our current situation, Envoy Zafing?”
“Yes. I am deeply grateful that you agreed to this meeting despite the circumstances.”
“Indeed. This situation is highly unfavorable for my kingdom. If Galveit were to take advantage and propose unfair terms, we would be in no position to refuse.”
“While that is true, rest assured that our kingdom has no intention of exploiting your predicament.”
“Hmph, perhaps. But I find it hard to take your words at face value.”
“Hard to take?”
Giorg’s reply carried a hint of caution.
“Hmph, no need to be so defensive. I have no intention of harming you or your delegation. I simply wish to take a bit more time before we proceed with the meeting.”
Jilvol’s proposal caused not only Giorg but the entire Galveit delegation to exchange glances. Giorg quickly scanned the expressions of the Zabeiru officials, who also looked surprised.
“How much longer?”
“Not long now.”
As soon as Jilvol finished speaking, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the room.
Bang!!
The door swung open, and everyone’s eyes—except for Giorg and Jilvol—turned toward it. A knight stood there, panting heavily.
“I bring news!! Our forces have achieved a great victory!! Leader Lukult has slain the enemy general, Kodelance!! Furthermore, under the command of General Hector, we are currently mopping up the remaining enemy forces!!”
Cheers erupted from the Zabeiru side at the knight’s report. For the officials, the outcome of this life-or-death battle was of utmost importance, and the news of victory naturally stirred excitement.
Amid the commotion, Giorg and Jilvol never broke eye contact, not even for a moment. Both knew that looking away, even briefly, would mean defeat.
“That makes it five minutes… Now, shall we begin the meeting?”
(Tch… I’ve been outplayed. He did have a plan after all.)
Giorg clicked his tongue internally at Jilvol’s words.
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