READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 67
Episode 67: The Worst and the Worst (Part 4)
(What kind of trick did they use? According to the intel, the war was supposed to start today… Was it a bluff?)
At the meeting venue, buzzing with news of the Zabeiru Military’s victory, Lord Giorg was indeed shaken, even if only for a moment.
(It might be a bluff… I need to buy some time.)
Having made this judgment, Giorg immediately sent a hand signal to Roy and Ride, who were standing behind him. The two promptly left the meeting.
“King Jilvol, congratulations on your victory.”
Giorg delivered his words with a smile. Whether it was fact or bluff, he couldn’t determine at this stage, but he still had to offer his congratulations on the reported victory.
“Hmm, thank you. The Flastarl Empire’s invasion was unexpected for us as well, so I was worried about whether we could win. But they did well.”
There was a hint of probing in Jilvol’s voice.
As the two began their conversation, the Zabeiru side hurriedly took their seats.
“As expected of Lord Hector Zabeiru. By the way, I heard Lord Hector was ill?”
“Ah, yes, he was. But he pushed through his illness to lead the charge against the Flastarl Empire in this crisis.”
“I see. Lord Hector’s determination to save the nation is truly admirable.”
“Indeed. Since he retired due to illness, I wish he’d leave some of this to us.”
Jilvol smoothly deflected Giorg’s words with a light-hearted reply.
(As expected… They’re mentally in a superior position. They broke through our move with sheer strength, so it’s natural. Was it not a bluff? No, don’t panic. I need to confirm.)
Giorg interpreted Jilvol’s casual tone as a sign of mental superiority. He thought it would be a mistake to assume it was a bluff, but he still shook his head internally, deciding to gather proper information first.
(I need to buy time to confirm the official information… Should I use Demitul?)
Having made this decision, Giorg asked as if he had a question.
“By the way, King Jilvol.”
“Yes?”
“Earlier, you mentioned that the Flastarl invasion was unexpected?”
Jilvol’s face took on a sarcastic expression at Giorg’s question.
“Hmm, we expected the Flastarl invasion to happen three months later. We were surprised it came three months earlier than anticipated.”
“I see, that was indeed unexpected.”
“Moreover, it coincided with this important meeting to discuss establishing diplomatic relations with Galvate.”
“Did Flastarl time their invasion to coincide with this meeting?”
Giorg’s question was bold, but he was fully aware that Jilvol had already seen through it.
“That must be due to Sosua’s ascension to the throne.”
“Sosua’s ascension!?”
It wasn’t Giorg who reacted to Jilvol’s reply, but Demitul.
(Good, he took the bait.)
Giorg smirked internally, pleased with how things were going. Bringing up the timing of the Flastarl invasion would inevitably lead to the topic of Sosua’s ascension. This would surely rattle Demitul over the matter of the letter he supposedly didn’t write. Giorg planned to use this to buy time by discussing Demitul’s fate.
“What? Didn’t you recommend Sosua’s ascension?”
“Wha…”
“Hmm? Was I mistaken? I thought you sent a letter recommending her ascension. According to the report, she has since become Queen Gildoruk.”
“I never wrote such a letter!!”
“Oh?”
Jilvol narrowed his eyes at Demitul’s words.
“What do you mean?”
Jilvol turned his gaze to Giorg.
“Hmm? I did recommend that Lord Demitul write a letter. But I didn’t verify its contents.”
Giorg answered insincerely. It was a blatantly dishonest reply, but Jilvol lacked the evidence to challenge it.
(What’s going on? I thought Zafing had forced Demitul to write the letter… But judging from Demitul’s reaction, he didn’t write it.)
Jilvol was convinced of Demitul’s honesty based on his demeanor.
Jilvol narrowed his eyes.
“I see… But, Ambassador, there’s one thing I’d like to confirm.”
“What is it?”
“Why is Demitul present here? I did grant permission beforehand, but I’m not aware of the purpose.”
Giorg answered with a composed expression.
“Ah, actually, it was at Lord Demitul’s request.”
“Oh? What for?”
“To plead for his life.”
As Giorg spoke, Jilvol’s eyes narrowed, and a fierce killing intent emanated from the Zabeiru officials.
“Ambassador, I cannot entertain that request.”
Jilvol’s voice dropped noticeably. Demitul looked at Giorg with hope in his eyes.
“I see. Then there’s nothing more to be done.”
“What did you say?”
Jilvol’s voice betrayed his surprise at Giorg’s response.
“I merely said it’s unfortunate that you couldn’t accept, but there’s nothing more to be done.”
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