Chapter 431 [Bonus Chapter](Chapter Preview)

Everyone held their breaths as they turned to look at William. The answer to the question would decide the faith of everyone sitting there.

The place Thawyne family was going to hold in the future and what would be the future of the girl who was announced as heiress suddenly.

"Are we here to know who my real child is or if I have deceived the empire?

If everyone is curious to know who my real child is. Then my real children are Elizabeth, Evelyn, and Evangeline.

But if it is about if I have swapped the kids to find an heir, then I would still decline to accept this charge." though he added the last paragraph, no one listened.

The whole place was in uproar. They all were looking at Evangeline and Leo and were conversing how the rare gem was a fake stone in reality while the piece of coal turned into diamond.

The eyes of the man sparkled as he raised his head and pointed at William.

"The crime is already accepted, my lord. I request you to end the case here by stripping off the title of archduke from lord William." George eyed his brother as if he was hesitating but in the end he nodded his head.

"William you have personally accepted the truth so there is nothing left in the case to continue. I, George De Obella, in the name of our country, announce that…"

"Wait a minute, I have only said that Evan is my daughter, but I have never accepted that I was the one who abandoned her.

She has stolen your majesty. And just because my wife did not suffer trauma because of this, Leo was placed beside her.

I have never left her and I can prove this." he claimed but George did not seem to be convinced. He was looking at the family skeptically as if thinking whether to accept it or not.

"I have proof and witness, your majesty. Give me a chance to present them." he raised his voice a bit and a few men stood up and came forward.

Under the curious gaze of so many people, George could not say no so he nodded reluctantly.

"Thank you, my lord, I know that you will make wise decisions." WIlliam knew that he had stolen this chance, it was not given to him, he was going to use it to his best.

"A long time ago, a woman used to work for my wife as her maid. She was facing a financial crisis due to her good for nothing husband.

When she saw my wife giving birth, she thought of stealing my child to get a good sum from me later.

But when she came to know that our child was still with us she became confused and ran away with the child without telling everyone.

We did not know about it until now. And to prove that, I want to call a few witnesses.'' He waved his hands and a few men who had stood up not so long ago came forward and stood behind him.

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"I am first son of baron Carlos, my name is Terrain, my brother, second son of baron Carlos, Mustif died a few days ago due to poison.

My brother had told me that he had found a way to earn the title better than me by blackmailing duke.

Later I came to know that a man had stolen his child and was now blackmailing him to give him more and more wealth and a title to return her.

The man named Edward, stated clearly that his wife had stolen the kid from the palace, my lord." just as he finished, he looked at Duke who nodded his head and he returned back to his seat.

Another man replaced his presence,

"This man and his wife had come to the village with a year old kid. They were strange as none of them ever did any kind of job yet they always had the best food available.

One day while drinking, Edward had told me it was all because they have a golden chick whose parents are spending gold on her like water.

He was going to pet the chick until he became the richest man in the town." the man who looked at Evangeline with warm eyes which were filled with worry and guilt whispered in a soft but resolute voice,

"Edward had told us that Evan was a stolen child, your majesty!" he bowed his head as he was the single commoner standing among all the nobles.

Once receiving a signal he left the box for his seat and sat there while waiting for the result.

"Even if it is proved that Evangeline was kidnapped so that they could receive a good amount from all of you.

It did not change the fact that you hid Leo's reality all this time when he was rising ranks in the military.

Our empire can not trust a boy with the safety of our empire when his origins are unknown. Not to forget all these witnesses could be lies to hide. what you have done and save the punishment!

What word did their words hold when a person could be easily persuaded through money." he scoffed as he looked down at William who still had an amused smile on his face as he nodded his head after a deep thought.

"If that is the case, then why have you not brought a few witnesses.

Do not tell me you are that poor! If you want, our family would spend a few gold coins for you!" laughter and whispers could he headed after his challenge that brought mockery for the man.

"You! Duke William what do you mean? Are you bribing me in front of everyone? Do you think your charisma can bring you success? You are surely looking down on justice." he pointed at William as he trembled with anger as he saw the mocking look on the face of everyone.

"Oh, is it a compliment, marquis?"