The great hall of the royal palace was awash in solemn light. High, arched windows poured in silver beams that danced on polished marble floors. Banners bearing the Elise Kingdom's crest hung proudly from the walls, a stark reminder of the royal legacy. Today, the air was thick with tension and betrayal, for Duke Callius, once a trusted noble, was now a prisoner brought before the king himself.
King Aldric Elise, sovereign of the Kingdom of Elise, sat upon his throne at the head of the hall. His eyes, as sharp as a hawk's, fixed upon the man kneeling before him. Callius was no longer the proud, influential Duke he once was; his head was bowed, and his regal bearing had been reduced to that of a broken man.
"You were with me from the very start," King Aldric began, his voice echoing across the hall. "We were like friends, allies in the blood and fire of war. How could you, out of all people, betray me?"
Callius's lip curled into a sneer as he met the king's gaze with defiant eyes. "Friendship, Your Majesty? How can a king be a friend to someone in the midst of war?" he spat bitterly. "During the conflict, my brothers, my father, and countless relatives were sacrificed on your orders. A king should know to protect his people, not simply himself, by sacrificing others. That was war—blood had to be spilled—but your policies cost lives unnecessarily."
A murmur rippled through the gathered assembly. Courtiers, nobles, and knights exchanged uneasy glances. Some recalled the devastating losses of the previous war, while others whispered of policies that seemed as cold as they were calculated.
Callius continued, his tone rising in indignation. "You speak of loyalty and friendship, yet how many lives did you value? How many souls did you send to their deaths while you sat safely in your palace? If only you had sent the knight commander on time, many of my men could have been saved!"
King Aldric's eyes narrowed, and his voice took on a steely edge. "I was thinking of sparing you, Callius," he said slowly, "because I believed that you would someday atone for your transgressions. I believed in our bond." He leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "But your words, your constant babbling of excuses… they test my patience."
For a long, heavy moment, silence reigned in the hall. Callius's mind churned with bitterness.
With a resigned sigh, Callius bowed his head. "Please, Your Majesty, forgive me. I was merely taking out my frustration," he said in a voice heavy with regret and defeat. "I beg you, let us remember our bond. Confess everything—I will name every corrupt noble involved if you promise to spare me and restore my dukedom."
King Aldric's gaze softened ever so slightly, but his tone remained firm. "You have a big mouth, Callius. Your confession will be noted, but your fate will be decided only after a thorough investigation." His voice dropped to a quiet menace. "Until then, you shall remain in the dungeon."
A murmur of approval and discontent swept through the hall as the royal attendants escorted Callius away. The king's decision was clear—Callius would be held as a means to keep the other corrupt nobles in check, a leash to ensure they would not dare challenge royal authority again. King Aldric saw this as an opportunity: by sparing the Duke, he could use him as a scapegoat and a bargaining chip, forcing the remaining conspirators to tread carefully under the watchful eye of the crown.
Outside the throne room, in a more private antechamber, Reyon was summoned. The recent events had not gone unnoticed. He had been a silent observer to the proceedings, and now he was to face the consequences of his actions. As he stepped into the antechamber, his heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
Standing there, almost like a shadow in the flickering torchlight, was Princess Julie.
Commander why did you not bind him he is a criminal a squad leader of classers
"Hahaha miss julie do you think they chose to not bind me it's just that they can't"
Keep your head down you migh have defeated cyrus but don't forget i am a 8th circle mage
I know about you commander the only 8th circle magician other than berth in kingdom of elise you are the reason that berth isn't in control of this kingdom but let me tell you if i were to go all out i can escape from the palace without so much of a scratch
You!!! Knight commander was about to fight him but princess julie stopped him
I know about your capabilities reton but don't overestimate yourself ........