Chapter 147: Truth about the past (2) (1/2)
Looking at the young man standing in front of him, Gerald couldn't help but feel his vision blur a little.
How long has it been?
From Neptune to Mars, and now Sol.
He was already looking at the third-generation King of Lustburg.
Time went by so fast.
”I thought you would never visit me, your highness.”
His tone and gaze were full of emotions as he slowly spoke.
After all, this was the truth. The relationship between the two of them had been irredeemably broken. Nothing could change that.
Sol on the other hand also had mixed feelings.
In this world, Gerald had been one of the greatest mental support he could ever have.
Their relationship had long gone past the level of a retainer and its lord and was more akin to that of family.
Still, such a relationship was beyond repair now.
”Your punishment has been decided.”
”I see.”
”You will be exiled to the battlefield and will be forbidden from either putting foot, alive, in the capital or the surroundings ever again.”
”I see.”
”You will only be allowed as a corpse.”
”I see.”
”...”
”...”
Silence fell between them.
”You seem quite nonchalant about the situation.”
”From the moment I made my choice, I was already ready for any outcome.”
Gerald replied calmly. He did not beg for leniency nor crumbled because of his punishment.
He knew very well that no matter how many achievements he had, the sole reason he wasn't executed was because of his relationship with the prince.
What really interested him though, was something else.
”My granddaughter….”
Everything he had done was for her. He betrayed the kingdom for her and then betrayed the Wings of Freedom for her.
It didn't matter how foolish his actions were. It didn't matter if he lost everything he worked so hard to obtain.
As long as he succeeded, as long as she was alright, then it was more than enough.
Looking at him like this, Sol had the urge to tell him that his granddaughter would be executed or was not cured.
But he changed his mind just as he had the words on the tip of his tongue.
He wasn't playing around.
”She will be alright. Camelia will keep her promise with you.”
”Thankfully...”
Tears gathered at the corner of his eyes as he murmured,
”...I am so relieved.”
Sol was surprised to find that he felt neither compassion nor sadness currently at this sight.
Here, in front of him, stood a man who sacrificed everything to assure the well-being of his loved one.
It was without a doubt something worthy of respect.
But this wasn't why he was here.
”I want to know more about Neptune.”
Sol's expression deepened as he uttered those words.
He wasn't here to meet Gerald for old-times sake but rather, for a precise problem.
This time it was Gerald's turn to be surprised. He widened his eyes before letting out a bitter laugh,
”And here I thought you would ask me about what really happened with my betrayal.”
”Why should I? The sequence of events is clear and I have more pressing matters. Dwelling on the past is just a waste of time.”
Gerald let out a soundless chuckle as bitterness arose in his heart.
What's more, as Sol said, the situation was simple in hindsight.
Initially, Gerald did indeed betray the kingdom and was ready to kill Sol if necessary.
But after they had their suspicions on Gerald, Camelia managed to convince him by assuring the recovery of his granddaughter.