NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 59
Episode 59: The Aftermath of Sosua’s Ascension (Part 3)
“By now, he should be meeting with the Emperor.”
Miyum sneered at Garom’s dismissive tone.
“But what does he plan to offer?”
“Lukult mentioned the Zabeiru Kingdom, but that can’t possibly be enough.”
“Yeah, they’ll probably demand half of the old central territories.”
“So you think the same, huh?”
“Lukult probably hasn’t considered it. But the Flastarl Empire has no reason to cater to his feelings.”
Garom and Miyum’s words dripped with venom. Lukult had requested and been granted an audience with Emperor Ryubes III of the Flastarl Empire.
Although Lukult was currently staying in the imperial palace, he was merely a guest—a powerless boy. It was unthinkable that Ryubes III would meet him so readily based on a mere request.
But the fact that the meeting went smoothly suggested to Garom and Miyum that there was some ulterior motive at play.
From Flastarl’s perspective, Lukult, whose value was rapidly diminishing due to Sosua’s ascension, was like a desperate beggar. They were likely licking their lips, deciding which Gildolq Kingdom interests to claim after destroying Zabeiru.
“Ryubes III is a skilled ruler. He may not be a military genius, but he has more than enough ability as a leader.”
“Yeah, Lukult stands no chance against him.”
“Of course. The difference in experience is too great.”
Neither Garom nor Miyum underestimated Ryubes III. They didn’t underestimate Lukult either, but they understood that Lukult was far from matching Ryubes III at this point.
“But things have taken a strange turn.”
Miyum nodded at Garom’s thoughtful words.
For them, Sosua’s ascension was completely unexpected. Given that Sosua wasn’t the type to cling to power and had two older brothers, the throne should have been the last thing on her mind.
“Since there are no new orders from Jilvol, we have no choice but to proceed as planned.”
“Yeah, but… it’s strange that the overall plan hasn’t fallen apart.”
Garom agreed with Miyum’s observation.
“I find it more unsettling than strange. I can’t shake the feeling that someone is pulling the strings.”
Garom shivered as he spoke.
“Same here. But we can’t do anything about it. We can’t even tell if Sosua’s ascension is part of someone’s scheme, her own will, or Jilvol’s plan.”
Miyum sighed.
For them, it was impossible to determine whether the current situation benefited Jilvol—or Zabeiru. This uncertainty was undoubtedly a major source of stress.
Knock knock…
The sound of knocking interrupted their thoughts, and they stood up.
“Thank you for waiting. The meeting between His Majesty and Prince Lukult has concluded.”
A bureaucrat bowed and informed them of the meeting’s end.
“Thank you.”
Garom and Miyum bowed in gratitude. They were careful to maintain proper etiquette, knowing that any arrogance on their part could jeopardize Flastarl’s military support, which would trouble their master, Jilvol.
“Prince Lukult is waiting for you in the Jade Room.”
“Understood.”
After exchanging bows with the bureaucrat, they headed to the Jade Room.
“Let’s go.”
“Yeah, we need to see what they’ve thrown at us.”
When they arrived, Lukult greeted them with an oddly cheerful expression.
“Good work.”
Garom bowed slightly as he spoke.
“Yes, I managed to get them to agree to expedite the military deployment.”
“Wow!! Impressive!!”
Garom and Miyum praised Lukult, whose mood brightened even more.
“Your Highness, what did they demand in return for the deployment?”
Lukult smirked at Miyum’s question.
“All of Zabeiru’s territory, plus the former Duchy of Garsmice.”
“…!”
Garom and Miyum were momentarily speechless. The Duchy of Garsmice was vast and included Hartmuil Port, Gildolq Kingdom’s largest international trade hub. Handing it over to Flastarl would severely weaken Gildolq, to the point where Lukult could be called a traitor.
Seeing their stunned expressions, Lukult smirked again.
“It can’t be helped.”
“But if we cede Garsmice, Hartmuil Port will…”
“Don’t worry. Hartmuil Port isn’t included.”
“Huh?”
“The Duchy of Garsmice no longer exists.”
“Your Highness… what do you mean?”
Lukult tilted his head.
“Have you forgotten the Land Inheritance Law?”
“You can’t mean… Article 3?”
Garom hesitantly asked, and Lukult nodded. Article 3 of Gildolq’s Land Inheritance Law stated that if no new owner was determined within a year of inheritance, the property would revert to the state. Lukult planned to use this to claim Hartmuil Port as unclaimed and thus state property.
(Is this guy insane?)
(Legally, maybe, but you don’t have the power to enforce that claim.)
Garom and Miyum inwardly cursed Lukult’s actions. It was outright fraud, and Flastarl would undoubtedly be furious.
(He’s underestimating Flastarl… The Zabeiru family repelled their invasions multiple times, so he thinks they’re weak.)
(I can’t believe he’s resorting to such shameless tactics.)
“Don’t worry.”
“Huh?”
Noticing their troubled expressions, Lukult remained smug.
“Even Flastarl would find it extremely difficult to destroy Zabeiru. If they then fought Gildolq, what do you think would happen?”
“That… of course. They wouldn’t have the strength to continue.”
“Exactly.”
“I see, you’ve thought this through deeply. I’m impressed.”
Garom and Miyum bowed, pretending to be convinced. Internally, they were filled with contempt but didn’t show it.
“When can we expect the deployment?”
Lukult answered Garom’s question.
“The deployment will be in three months.”
The two bowed again.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
“But Lukult has no idea what his actions truly mean.”
“He’s just a product of that royal family.”
Garom and Miyum spoke bitterly in their room.
“If we were truly serving Lukult, we’d be in despair.”
“Yeah, there’s no future for Gildolq.”
“Flastarl is genuinely strong. The only reason they were repelled was because of the Zabeiru family’s efforts. Lukult doesn’t understand that, which is why he can act like this.”
“Heh, in three months, Jilvol will have him executed anyway.”
“Yeah, I can’t wait to see him captured.”
“Absolutely.”
Garom and Miyum laughed. They had never been fond of Lukult, but this incident sealed their disdain. They were only serving him on Jilvol’s orders, so they had no qualms about abandoning him.
Knock knock…
The sound of knocking interrupted them again.
“Yes?”
Garom responded, and the door opened to reveal Sharis.
“Sharis!!”
“What are you doing here?”
Sharis smiled at their excited voices.
“I was delivering proclamations, but…”
“It didn’t go well, did it?”
“Yeah, thanks to Sosua’s ascension.”
“I see. So remnants are gathering around Sosua?”
Sharis nodded at Garom’s question.
“Yeah, they’re flocking to her quickly. Ryoshua seems to be struggling.”
“Figures.”
“Her influence is growing rapidly. She’s being harsh on Ryoshua and others.”
“That’s… reckless.”
“Totally. She doesn’t understand how terrifying he is.”
Sharis shrugged as she spoke, her tone oddly comical, making the two chuckle.
“So, you came back here because there’s a new order?”
Sharis nodded at Garom’s question.
“A new order from Jilvol.”
“Oh?”
At the mention of Jilvol, the two straightened up.
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