Chapter 99

Chapter 99

“What is this.”

Duke Otien said disapprovingly.

“After the Princess’ birthday banquet, the Duke sent me a letter in his own handwriting.”

Despite Jennifer’s confession, the Duke’s expression did not change. He was still leaning against the backrest with his legs crossed before asking back.

“What is in the letter?”

“He said he would help me become empress, but instead asked me to empower him once I become empress.”

There was an uproar in the hall, but no one openly criticized the alliance between the two people.

It was because such alliances and behind-the-scenes maneuvers were common for families aiming for the empress position. The problem was that if the two’s alliance became clear, Duke Otien would become an accomplice in the cases mentioned so far.

“…The Duke told me to capture His Majesty by any means necessary.”

Suspicions against Duke Otien deepened when she said, ‘by any means necessary.’ Even though people glanced at him, the Duke was still calm even now.

“Does that mean everything you did was in collusion with Duke Otien?”

“To be precise, that’s what the Duke ordered!”

In an instant, the hall became silent. People glanced between Declan and the Duke.

‘It means she won’t die alone.’

It seemed that Jennifer had already made up her mind to drag the Duke down with her.

“If the Princess’s words are true, then Duke Otien must also be held accountable.”

“Your Majesty, I have never given any instructions to the princess. Please check the handwriting of the secret letter.”

Knowing that there was no secret letter from him, he acted so confidently since only the first letter he sent to propose an alliance was written by him, and it was in Tierra. And even if they were able to bring it, it was not enough to prove guilt.

“Handwriting check, that’s a good idea.”

When Declan beckoned, Noah called in a handwriting examiner to compare the secret letter’s handwriting.

“Your Majesty, I apologize, but the two handwriting do not match.”

People looked at Jennifer in bewilderment.

“Is my false accusation cleared now?”

Duke Otien also glanced at her with a sneer.

“Princess, I don’t know what kind of grudge you have against me, but it’s a pity. Only your sins have increased.”

Seeing him click his tongue, Jennifer shuddered with rage.

“If it is not the Duke’s handwriting, it must be that of his aide because he used to come to me.”

“Who do you mean by aide?”

“He was called Salihan.”

After finishing those words, she explained Salihan’s appearance. Listening to Salihan being mentioned, Duke Otien’s brow narrowed slightly.

“Duke Otien, I need to examine the aide’s handwriting.”

“…Please do.”

He reluctantly agreed.

After a brief respite, Salihan was brought to trial. When he saw Duke Otien, he bowed deeply and greeted him.

“Salihan Noik, do you know why you were called here?”

“Yes, I have heard the explanation.”

“Then, I will examine the handwriting.”

“I will follow your orders.”

Salihan followed the instructions without a hint of surprise. In addition, just in case, they brought the documents from his office and checked them together.

“Your Majesty, this person’s handwriting matches the secret letter.”

Despite the matching results, Salihan remained aloof.

“Salihan Noik, do you admit that you and Princess Medisis are connected?”

“I admit it.”

People let out a hasp.

“Do you admit that you ordered the incident that the princess committed?”

“I have never ordered everything. You can see that from the contents of the letter.”

“The Princess said that Duke Otien ordered all of this.”

“His Excellency is unaware of this.”

In the meantime, they expected Salihan to match Duke Otien’s confession though it didn’t go the way wanted.

“Are you saying it was handled arbitrarily without reporting to the Duke?”

“Yes.”

“The reason is?”

“Because Her Highness contacted afterwards, and it was not the way His Excellency wanted.”

“The Duke said he would let the Princess become the empress, and he reached out his hand first.”

A sneer crept across Salihan’s lips.

“Isn’t Your Majesty’s marriage a dream not only for His Excellency but also for all the people of the Empire?”

Declan laughed at the bold question.

“I guess so. I bet everyone here has the same idea.”

He then smiled grimly as he scanned the audience.

“His Excellency simply invested in a potential candidate.”

“Investment, that’s true.”

“It’s about providing convenience while staying in the Empire. Still, the one who went far was Princess Medicis.”

“Though why did you ignore it even after seeing it?”

“I thought it would be helpful to His Excellency if she were to marry.”

Salihan added one more word.

“…It was my sole judgment based on my loyalty.”

“Duke Otien, did you really not know?”

“I’m sorry. I neglected to take care of my subordinates, so please hold me accountable.”

He, who had never gotten up from his seat before, got up with a sad face and bowed his head. Seeing that, Declan was so dumbfounded by his hypocritical behavior that he couldn’t even get a laugh out of it.

“Are you going to give up your faithful dog now?”

He hated Duke Otien for cutting his trail.

“How can I hold you accountable, even though your subordinate has committed the sin?”

“Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty.”

“Your Majesty, the aide’s words are false. There’s no way the Duke didn’t know.”

Jennifer suddenly shouted.

“Unfortunately, at this time, there’s not enough evidence that the Duke was involved.”

“Your Majesty, the Duke has persistently investigated Your Majesty’s secret destination and course.”

“Does that mean Duke Otien tried to hinder me?”

“….You were attacked while in hiding, right?”

Jennifer, who smiled meaningfully, was like a deadly fire. In the meanwhile, the audience was agitated by the new development as her words continued.

“As you know from the secret letter, the Duke also asked me to find out about His Majesty’s destination.”

“In the first place, Princess Medicis asked me to find out about His Majesty’s destination first.”

Salihan protested.

“It is a matter that cannot be overlooked to investigate something that is classified as top secret.”

“I also investigated this without His Excellency’s knowledge.”

Jennifer glared at Salihan, who lowered his head.

“I don’t think it’s an easy decision to make about the attack.”

Declan pondered for a moment before looking at me.

That was enough for today.

“First of all, we will investigate the attack case one by one and finish the trial of Princess Medicis.”

The hall was quiet again, and all eyes were on Declan as he opened his mouth again.

“It is clear that Princess Medicis is the culprit in all three cases described above. So, I will sentence her to death.”

After being sentenced, Jennifer swung her hand. Her black eyes were swirling as if they were about to explode at any moment.

Caleb slumped to the floor and wept silently.

“I grant the Prince’s request to save her princess, so I will end it with a banishment order.”

Declan continued his sentencing.

“Sallihan Noik knew of and acquiesced to the Princess’ plan, so he will be imprisoned for the rest of his life.”

Although I tried to look at Salihan’s expression, I couldn’t see him because he lowered his head.

“As for the attack, please conduct a formal investigation.”

“Understood.”

Mason bowed his head.

“Hahaha.”

A sudden laugh drew everyone’s attention to Jennifer.

“The world is cruel to me until the end.”

The expression on her face when she said that made her look both angry and depressed.

“…Then, I won’t have to cling to it any longer.”

Her face, which had been laughing out loud as she tilted her head back, turned cold. It felt like my hair was standing on end. Declan also came to my side, probably sensing something strange.

“Take the criminal out immediately.”

“Don’t touch me! Cursed will be anyone who touches me.”

The knights who tried to approach Jennifer hesitated at the word curse.

“You’re very fussy.”

Declan clicked his tongue disapprovingly.

“There is no need to be afraid because she has restraints. Get her to prison right away.”

“How dare you think something like this could stop me?”

Jennifer, who was giggling and laughing at Declan, bit her finger. It was so bizarre to see her smiling brightly with blood on her lips.

Silence flowed over that unrealistic figure.

“Why are you not catching the criminal right away?!”

The knights, who came to their senses at Declan’s scream, approached Jennifer.

At that moment, she began to draw something along her gracefully moving fingers with bright red blood.

“Erica, come here.”

Sensing danger, Declan held me and drew his sword. The evil aura that stung my skin quickly made me raise my divine power.

“…If I can’t have it, it’s only fair that others shouldn’t have it either.”

What was finally completed was none other than a magic circle.

“No, that’s ridiculous. There are restraints, how can…”

“She’s really a wizard?”

Amidst the alarmed cries, only Caleb gazed at Jennifer.

“I curse you with all my life.”

With Jennifer’s cry, a red light emanated from the magic circle as the light swirled around and enveloped her whole body.

‘Was it so unfair that she couldn’t fulfill her desire?’

Black eyes soaked in madness gave me goosebumps just by looking at them.

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