LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 33
Chapter 33: The Turmoil of the Gildolq Kingdom (Part 1)
“Jilvol Zabeiru!! You are not worthy of Rusiola!!”
It was a sudden declaration, but the boy named Jilvol remained expressionless. Well, those who looked closely might have noticed the clear disdain in Jilvol’s eyes.
The one who made the declaration was Demitur Sieg Gildolq, the Crown Prince of the Gildolq Kingdom, and standing beside him was Rusiola Fin Galsmaice, the daughter of a ducal family and Jilvol’s fiancée.
Jilvol casually glanced around the room.
This evening party was hosted by the King, and all the attendees were nobles holding the rank of Count or higher.
The faces of the nobles reflected in Jilvol’s eyes were filled with contempt for him, which clearly indicated the standing of the House of Zabeiru.
“First of all, a country bumpkin like you should never be allowed to marry Rusiola! Rusiola is meant to be my wife!”
Rusiola gazed at Demitur with a dreamy expression and a passionate look in her eyes.
Clap clap clap clap!!
As Demitur’s words echoed, applause broke out among the attendees, growing louder and spreading throughout the venue.
(Hmm, so that’s how it is.)
Jilvol immediately realized that there were plants among the attendees. The first to applaud were Demitur’s close aides.
“I’m sorry, Lord Jilvol. I can no longer deceive my heart. I truly love Crown Prince Demitur from the bottom of my heart.”
Rusiola spoke to Jilvol in a tone that showed no remorse.
“Heh, serves you right.”
“Thinking a Border Duke family like yours can act all high and mighty in the Royal Capital.”
The surrounding nobles hurled insults at Jilvol.
The Gildolq Kingdom had enjoyed a long period of peace. The neighboring Flastarl Empire had launched six invasions in the past fifty years, but each time, the regional noble coalition, led by the Zabeil Border Duke family, had united to repel them.
Of course, the central nobles had initially sent reinforcements seriously, but gradually, a pattern emerged where they let the border nobles fight until the Imperial Army weakened, and then the central nobles stepped in to claim the glory.
Naturally, the regional nobles were not pleased with this. As a result, tensions between the central and regional nobles grew.
Eventually, the regional nobles began to rely on Duke Zabeil, and the central nobles started to view Duke Zabeil with suspicion, acting as the regional nobles’ patrons under the central nobles’ influence. The regional nobles were incorporated into the central nobles’ ranks by the central nobles’ decree.
Of course, the regional nobles fiercely opposed this, but Duke Zabeil, their leader, personally persuaded them to suppress their discontent.
Under normal circumstances, the central nobles should have been grateful for Duke Zabeil’s efforts, but instead, they began to see him as a shield for themselves.
No matter how much they were insulted, the Border Duke simply obeyed without question, and the central nobles’ arrogance knew no bounds.
Perhaps realizing the gravity of the situation, the King attempted to reconcile with the regional nobles by arranging a marriage between Jilvol, the heir of the Zabeiru family, and Rusiola, the daughter of the prestigious Galsmaice ducal family.
“Is that so? So, the daughter of the Galsmaice ducal family has been engaging in infidelity? And the partner in this infidelity is the Crown Prince?”
Jilvol’s words froze the room. Unfazed, Jilvol continued.
“Absolutely… what a bunch of fools.”
Most of the nobles present failed to notice the clear murderous intent in Jilvol’s words. They only reacted to the surface-level insults.
“How insolent!!”
“A mere Border Duke like you!!”
“A country noble like you should know your place!!”
One of Demitur’s aides shouted loudly, and the surrounding nobles began to hurl insults at Jilvol in unison.
“Enough!!”
Jilvol’s roar silenced the clamoring nobles. The 17-year-old new Border Duke had shut them up with a single shout.
“This marriage was a royal decree. Its purpose was to ease the tensions with the regional nobles on the brink of rebellion. Yet, the Crown Prince himself has destroyed it, and instead of admonishing him, you all joined in. You have no sense of the times. That’s why I called you fools!!”
The nobles were stunned by Jilvol’s words. What he said was entirely true, and they realized they had done something outrageous.
Yes, no matter how much they insulted the Border Duke, he never retorted or showed anger. That’s why they thought they could do anything without consequence. But now, that perception had shattered.
“I can no longer see this royal family as my sovereign!! As of today, the Zabeil Border Duke Territory declares its independence!!”
A stunned silence filled the air at Jilvol’s declaration.
“And… I declare war on the Gildolq Kingdom!!”
At Jilvol’s next declaration, the thoughts of almost everyone present came to a halt.
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