LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 40
Episode 40: A Conversation Among Three
“Brother, the three of us are proceeding as planned.”
“Good work.”
Jilvol responded briefly to Yuan’s report. Though it might seem curt, it was his usual demeanor, and Yuan didn’t take it personally.
“Hmm, so far, things are going according to your plan,” Jilvol remarked, a slight smirk on his lips as he replied to Hector.
“Brother, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you,” Yuan said, finally voicing a long-held question.
“What is it?”
“Why did you send Demitul to Galvate? Is there a reason?”
“There’s someone in Galvate who’s been on my mind lately.”
“Someone you’re concerned about? Who is it?”
“I don’t know.”
“Huh?”
Yuan was left speechless by Jilvol’s response. It wasn’t just contradictory—it was downright baffling.
“Brother, please don’t tease me,” Yuan retorted, his tone slightly sulky. He couldn’t help but feel like Jilvol was messing with him. Jilvol chuckled softly at his reaction.
“My apologies, I wasn’t teasing you. I genuinely don’t know.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“The quality of information coming from Galvate has declined over the past year.”
“What?”
“To be more precise, it’s become unclear. We’re not receiving decisive information anymore. The occasional ‘favorable’ intel feels deliberately planted, as if someone’s manipulating it.”
Jilvol’s tone carried a hint of amusement, though he was far from relaxed.
“Yuan, I’ve also heard about this from Jilvol,” Hector chimed in.
“Father…”
“To be honest, I couldn’t sense the same unease or manipulation that Jilvol did. But he felt it.”
Jilvol gave a faint, wry smile at Hector’s words.
“Father, maybe I’m just overthinking it.”
“No, that’s not it,” Hector immediately countered.
“A gut feeling is an answer that can’t be put into words. If you sensed something, it’s natural to assume someone’s behind it. And being prepared will minimize potential damage.”
“I appreciate you saying that.”
“So, why did you send Demitul to Galvate, exactly?” Yuan pressed.
Jilvol smirked again.
“From your perspective, is Demitul competent or incompetent?”
“I wouldn’t call him incompetent. He has some ability, but… I think he’s out of his depth in this situation.”
Jilvol and Hector nodded slightly at Yuan’s assessment.
“That man has received royal education, so he has some skills. But his arrogant and condescending nature makes him a liability. That’s why I’m curious about Galvate’s decisions regarding him.”
“Are you trying to flush out the person you’re concerned about?”
“Exactly. By observing how Galvate handles Demitul’s information, we might be able to figure out who’s pulling the strings.”
Yuan’s expression softened with understanding.
“Do you think Lukult will rally the Flastarl Empire’s bigwigs and make a comeback?”
“The Flastarl Empire will likely be eager to invade, seeing it as a justified cause. Lukult’s role ends there.”
Jilvol’s tone held no sympathy for Lukult.
(Poor Lukult. Born into royalty, only to be used by my brother and then discarded miserably.)
Yuan couldn’t help but feel uneasy about releasing the three royals into the wild. While he trusted his brother completely, there were still too many uncertainties.
“Yuan, I understand your concerns. I don’t expect everything to go perfectly either. Human emotions can shift at any moment.”
“Yes…”
Both Hector and Yuan briefly wore pained expressions at Jilvol’s words. It was clear to anyone who had seen Jilvol since Feria’s death.
“Brother, about Demitul and the others… I have no issues, but…”
“What, are you still not satisfied with Sosua’s situation?”
Jilvol’s wry question made Yuan’s expression turn sullen. Even Hector couldn’t help but chuckle at Yuan’s feeble protest.
“I think you’d be more suited for it, brother.”
“Absolutely not.”
Jilvol’s swift rejection was almost comical.
“Yuan, just give up. It’s Jilvol’s one and only whim. We should humor him,” Hector said.
“Sigh… fine,” Yuan replied, resigned.
“Well, at least the Third Stage is going smoothly. The Fourth Stage will take a bit more time.”
“Understood. We’ll prepare in the meantime.”
“Good. Jilvol.”
“Yes?”
“You don’t have to shoulder everything alone. You’re not alone—we’re here too.”
Hector’s voice was filled with concern for Jilvol. As a father, he wasn’t pleased with Jilvol’s current situation.
“Father, your words alone are enough for me. And I’m not overexerting myself. I believe this is my purpose.”
“Jilvol…”
“Brother…”
Jilvol smiled faintly at their troubled expressions.
“Well, let’s wrap up the chit-chat and get back to work.”
At Jilvol’s suggestion, Hector and Yuan nodded and headed to their respective duties.
(Father, thank you. I’m truly glad to have been born as your son. And Yuan… you’ll lead Zabeiru after me.)
Jilvol whispered these thoughts to himself.
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