The thing is, that guy was a soldier of Athens, and was called "Elas". Not sure if that's just another way of spelling "Iris" or if they're brothers that have similar names like Rygart and his brother do. Sometimes the names scanlators use differ from the official romaji, (if there is one) and things can get messy and sometimes confusing. In any case, I'll be referring to the guy who is supposed to be dead as "Elas" to avoid any confusion with General Iris, until they are confirmed to be the same person.
How can they not be the same person? Maybe Elas was separated from his twin brother so that one grew up in Athens while the other in Assam. This would explain why the princess and most of the soldiers seem very familiar with General Iris.
Also explains why the left side of his face doesn't look in any way like it was crushed inside a golem. The right side however, looks as though he got scratched trying to take the lasagna away from a really fat tabby.
On the other hand, if they are the same person, how can that be?
It all makes sense if you rely on several miracles to happen:
1, Elas actually survived his encounter with Girge.
2. They managed to flawlessly fix his face such that not even a scar remains to indicate otherwise.
3. He somehow went from soldier of Athens to General of Assam and got close to the princess.
Regarding that third one, Athens could have sent Elas as a spy, and seeing his current position, he must be a really, really, good spy. Being a really good spy could explain how he became a general and got close to the princess (who also has a twin?).
Or maybe.... it's not really the princess! DUN-DUN-DUUUUN. It could be Niko in disguise! They have similar faces and are about the same height and build. Elas and Niko could've infiltrated Assam and kidnapped the real princess. But somehow the princess managed to acquire a golem and escaped, thus running into Sigyn and Rygart.
EDIT: Forget the whole spy angle, I forgot a few important details. I think Niko is dead for reals and won't be coming back unlike a certain general whose name can be spelled a dozen different ways.
Edited by Coca, 08 February 2013 - 04:16 AM.