NOVEL WEB Chapter 48
Episode 48: Stepping on the Tiger’s Tail (Part 3)
“What’s wrong? It’s not like I asked you a particularly difficult question, right?”
Lord Giorg’s words caused Azein to break out in a waterfall of sweat.
“Duke Zarfing… just who are you…?”
Azein repeated the same question in a trembling voice, showing just how shocked he was.
When Lord Giorg tapped the table with his finger, it was a signal used by the Zabeiru Military since the days of the Frontier Count. It was part of the same system as the signals they used with mirrors reflecting light.
This time, the signal Lord Giorg sent meant, “I want to ask you for a favor.”
By using the Zabeiru Military’s signals instead of the Gildolq Kingdom’s, Lord Giorg was letting Azein know that he was aware of Azein’s true identity as someone connected to the Zabeiru Military.
In other words, it was a message from Lord Giorg saying, “I know who you really are.”
“So? Will you accept my request?”
Seeing Azein’s unease, Lord Giorg pressed on.
“What if… I refuse?”
At Azein’s question, Lord Giorg smirked.
“Don’t play silly games at this stage. Since your identity is already known, you’ve lost. Or are you saying that someone connected to Zabeiru is foolish and cowardly enough to admit defeat?”
“…You’re right. My apologies.”
Azein bowed to Lord Giorg as if resigning himself.
“So, Duke Zarfing, what exactly do you want me to do? If you’re asking me to betray King Jilvol and the others, I must decline.”
Azein glared at Lord Giorg with intense determination. His attitude made it clear that, depending on the answer, he might even attack Lord Giorg. Behind him, Cain and Roy tensed up, ready to act.
“Both of you, stand down. He won’t harm me.”
At Lord Giorg’s words, Cain and Roy relaxed—at least on the surface.
(Those two in the back… they’re that skilled?)
Azein shuddered as he realized the level of skill Cain and Roy possessed. Despite their obvious prowess, Azein hadn’t noticed them until now. He couldn’t help but feel that his life would end the moment Cain and Roy decided to kill him.
And then there was Lord Giorg, who showed no fear at all. It was as if his calm demeanor was a testament to his own strength, leaving Azein utterly terrified.
“Sorry for scaring you. I acted out of concern for my own safety. I hope you don’t take it the wrong way.”
“Y-yes… my apologies for my rudeness.”
Azein didn’t see Lord Giorg’s apology as an opportunity. He knew that, without any need for games, Lord Giorg could crush him as easily as stepping on an ant.
“I’m glad you understand. Now, the task I want to ask of you is simple. I want to meet King Jilvol of the Zabeiru Kingdom. Please relay that message for me.”
“You want to meet King Jilvol…?”
“Yes. The Galveit Kingdom wishes to establish friendly relations with the Zabeiru Kingdom. Having you convey this message in advance will speed things up.”
Azein couldn’t hide his surprise at Lord Giorg’s words. The decision Lord Giorg mentioned wasn’t something even a duke could make on his own. In other words, the Galveit Kingdom had already made its choice.
“U-understood… I’ll contact my comrades.”
At this point, Azein gave up on adding his own input. If he interfered with a decision of this magnitude and it led to war between the Zabeiru Kingdom and the Galveit Kingdom, the consequences would be unthinkable.
“Good. I’m glad you understand.”
Lord Giorg smiled warmly, but Azein’s tension didn’t ease in the slightest.
“Um… may I ask something?”
“What is it?”
“What will happen to Demitul and the others?”
“Of course, I plan to take them with me to the Zabeiru Kingdom. They’ll serve a purpose there.”
“A purpose…?”
“Yes, it’ll be more convenient for King Jilvol that way.”
Crash!!
Before Lord Giorg could finish, the sound of something breaking echoed through the room.
Bang!! Tap tap tap!!
“Wait!!”
“How dare you!!”
“We’ll make you regret this!!”
The vulgar voices of Demitul and his group filled the air.
Bang!!
Then, the door to Lord Giorg’s room burst open, and Aisha rushed in.
“Aisha!! What’s wrong?”
Lord Giorg called out to her, his voice filled with concern at her frantic appearance.
“I-I’m so sorry!! Lord Giorg… I, I…”
Aisha apologized to Lord Giorg, tears welling up in her eyes.
“It’s alright. No matter what you do, I’ll never abandon you.”
At Lord Giorg’s words, the tears Aisha had been holding back spilled over.
“There you are!!”
Demitul and his group appeared at the door.
Demitul’s right cheek was swollen and red, and at this point, Lord Giorg and the others could guess what had happened.
Aisha wouldn’t have attacked Demitul without reason. Based on Roy’s earlier story, it was likely that Demitul had tried to assault her, and she had fought back.
“Hey!! Zarfing!! Hand over that maid!!”
Demitul shouted at Lord Giorg, his voice filled with rage.
“Huh?”
Lord Giorg’s response was just one word.
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