NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 90
“Hmm… still unforgivable.”
At the words of Alzeis, the King of the Galveit Kingdom, Crown Prince Ilzam quietly looks at his father’s face.
“Ilzam, this is Duke Zarfing’s report.”
Alzeis hands Ilzam the report he had just finished reading. Ilzam shifts his gaze to the document. As he reads on, an unpleasant emotion surfaces on his face.
Of course, neither Alzeis nor Ilzam often show their emotions. But since only Alzeis and Ilzam are present here, there’s no need to hide their displeasure, so they let it show without restraint.
“I never imagined they would look down on Galveit to this extent.”
“Hmph, exactly.”
Alzeis responds sarcastically to Ilzam’s words. Of course, it’s not directed at Ilzam. It’s a jab at those who have provoked the displeasure of Galveit’s leadership.
Anyone with a weak heart would surely tremble at Alzeis’s sarcasm. Even Ilzam, who knows it’s not directed at him, feels a chill run down his spine.
“According to Duke Zarfing’s report, they haven’t secured physical evidence yet, but there’s almost no doubt.”
“Yes, I agree.”
“An act of hostility against our nation… We must repay them in full.”
“Agreed. So, how far should the retaliation go?”
“We can’t exactly slaughter everyone… but we can’t leave it half-done either.”
“Understood. Then…?”
Ilzam’s tone is firm. Alzeis’s words imply that a significant amount of blood will be shed. While he explicitly stated there would be no “mass slaughter,” it’s clear that the lower ranks will be spared, but the leadership will undoubtedly face retaliation.
“Well, well, thanks to those fools getting carried away, my title is about to increase.”
“It can’t be helped… Once the decision to eliminate them is made, this outcome is unavoidable.”
“I know. But don’t forget, you’ll also have to bear an additional burden.”
“Understood.”
Alzeis smirks at Ilzam’s response.
“Then, shall we summon Duke Zarfing?”
“Yes, call Duke Zarfing immediately.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
“Pardon my intrusion. Duke Zarfing, Giorg, has arrived.”
Giorg bows as he speaks. His movements are the epitome of functional beauty, showcasing his high physical prowess.
“Welcome, Duke Zarfing.”
“Not at all, it is only natural when summoned by Your Majesty.”
At Giorg’s response, Alzeis slightly raises the corner of his mouth and speaks.
“Let’s get straight to the point. This report…”
At Alzeis’s words, Giorg nods quietly.
“I see. So it’s true after all.”
“Indeed.”
At Giorg’s concise reply, both Alzeis and Ilzam nod silently. This much is just confirming the contents of the report.
“We must cut off the branches.”
At Alzeis’s words, Giorg feels a chill. The “branches” clearly refer to those targeted for retaliation, indicating that death will be dealt.
“Your Majesty, may I ask a question?”
“Granted.”
“Thank you. Will the trunk not be cut down?”
“Unnecessary. Once we announce the reason for cutting off the branches, those who tend to the trunk will diminish.”
“Understood… So, will Your Majesty become the new trunk?”
At Giorg’s words, Alzeis nods quietly.
“Though reluctantly, it seems to be the only way. If we let them continue to act as they please, the foundation of our nation will rot.”
Alzeis’s voice is calm, but Giorg senses the immense anger behind it.
“Duke Zarfing, do you understand what you must do?”
Ilzam addresses Giorg.
“Understood. I will cut off one of the branches soon and show you the results.”
“You say that. It’s not a small branch, is it?”
“No. It’s Carver-Lokins.”
“Oh… one of the close aides. A thicker branch than I expected.”
“He always shows up for large transactions, so he’s a suitable target to cut off.”
“I see.”
Ilzam responds briefly, then turns his gaze to Alzeis. Alzeis nods in acknowledgment.
“Duke Zarfing, they have looked down on our Galveit. We must repay them in kind.”
“Understood.”
“Do not hesitate to cut off the branches. Even if you make a small mistake, they will grow back quickly. Besides, our nation has other trees, so they are no longer needed.”
At Alzeis’s words, Giorg bows quietly.
It is clear that Alzeis’s words mean, “Eliminate the troublemakers.”
“I expect great things from your skills.”
“Leave it to me.”
Giorg’s cold words echo.
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