READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 86
Episode 86: In Front of the Tombstone ②
In Front of the Tombstone ②
“Why is that?”
Giorg quietly asks Jilvol. However, there’s a slight accusatory tone in Giorg’s voice directed at Jilvol.
(Why am I blaming King Jilvol?)
Giorg is puzzled by his own emotions. Rationally, it should be beneficial for Galvate if Jilvol, an extremely dangerous man, were no longer king. Yet, Giorg finds himself strangely dissatisfied with that idea.
“From your perspective, is Yuan not fit to be king?”
“…”
Giorg is at a loss for words in response to Jilvol’s question. From Yuan’s attitude towards Sosua, it seems he fully understands the impact of his actions. Giorg believes this is the kind of fear one must have when wielding power.
But at this moment, Giorg feels that openly stating this might not be the best move.
“Avoiding an answer… a wise decision.”
Jilvol says with amusement. From his reaction, Giorg realizes his thoughts were correct.
“Yuan possesses a noble character. He did not execute most of the people in Rekuryaku Castle. Of course, that’s not all. He has also effectively tarnished the reputation of the remnants of the Central Nobles.”
“…”
Giorg remains silent, but Jilvol continues speaking regardless.
“When it comes to protecting and nurturing, Yuan is far more suited to be king than I am.”
“Do you think you’re not fit to be king?”
“Ah, of course.”
Jilvol responds immediately to Giorg’s question.
“Is it… because you killed too many people?”
Jilvol shows no sign of displeasure at Giorg’s words, likely because there’s no sense of aversion in them.
“That’s part of it. But it’s not the main reason.”
“The main reason… so there’s another reason?”
“I can lead everyone in revenge. Revenge is nothing but destruction. I can overcome difficulties with everyone. If I may be a bit conceited, I can do it better than others.”
Giorg can’t help but nod at Jilvol’s words. Indeed, Jilvol led the Zabeil Border Duke Territory, once just a minor force within the Gildolq Kingdom, to completely defeat the far more powerful royal family and Central Nobles. And this was less than a year after the Gildolq turmoil began.
“But I cannot share joy with everyone else.”
“Joy…?”
“Ah, I haven’t genuinely laughed since Feria was killed. I can face difficulties with everyone, but I cannot share joy with them. If someone like me were to lead the country, it would inevitably create distortions, which could lead to the nation’s collapse.”
“…”
Giorg cannot respond to Jilvol’s words. There’s no emptiness in Jilvol’s words. On the contrary, they carry a strong force. And Giorg realizes that this force is of the same kind as his own.
(Ah, I see… This is why it felt so oddly dissatisfying.)
Giorg feels regret at the thought of Yuan taking the throne, as it would mean stepping off the stage. To Giorg, Jilvol is not just an enemy but the greatest adversary and possibly even a kindred spirit in his life.
“Having the Royal Younger Brother marry Lady Sosua was to legitimize Zabeil’s control over Gildolq, wasn’t it? For Zabeil’s sake?”
“Exactly. Since I killed Sosua’s family. If all the hatred is directed at me, Yuan won’t be the target of that hatred.”
“You’re being too lenient with the Royal Younger Brother.”
“He’ll have to bear many hardships from now on. He must accept at least that much.”
Jilvol says with a smirk. His expression shows no hesitation in his decision.
“Now, let’s get to the main point.”
“The main point?”
“Ah, I didn’t bring you here to talk about this. If it were just that, there would be no need to bring you here.”
At Jilvol’s words, Giorg’s eyes catch a glimpse of Feria’s tombstone.
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