Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1380

Salvador looked down at Nicholas from his lofty position, undisguised hatred brimming in his eyes. "Is that so? You claim you wish to bear your dad's punishment, yet I cannot let an innocent man suffer in your place. As for who truly plotted treason and sought to usurp the throne, I will investigate that thoroughly myself."

Tears welled in Nicholas' eyes. He spoke with deep sorrow, his voice trembling. "Your Majesty, there's no need for an investigation. My guilt is certain. My dad was simply a fool for a moment."

Salvador sneered. "You disappoint me. Is this truly the best you can do? Where is your sense of honor? The self-awareness that the victors write history? You are no great leader. With such character, how dare you even think of claiming the throne and ruling a nation? Nicholas, don't make your followers regret ever supporting you."

Nicholas ignored Salvador's words, repeating his heartfelt plea to protect Hayden. "I am willing to bear my dad's sins!"

The officials didn't believe him and started calling him out for his selfish ambitions. But he didn't care about their insults-if one was tough enough, they could ignore anything people say.

Nicholas still looked very sorrowful as he went on, "Please stop blaming my dad. He just made a terrible mistake in a moment of confusion. As his son, I'm willing to take on any punishment for him."

The officials were furious. Their anger seemed to be bouncing off him.

How could Nicholas be so shameless?!

Salvador's cold voice cut through the room. "You've been plotting for years, thinking you're the smartest and most cunning. Yet, you couldn't even break into the palace gates. Even a fool like Yuvan could probably manage better than this."

on being more clever and capable than Yuvan. In fact, after taking in Yuvan's supporters, he had mocked Yuvan, looking down on the latter as little more

comparison, implying that even Yuvan might have succeeded where

flinched before repeating, "I'm willing to take the blame for my dad." Davis could no

you are! "You don't even have the backbone to take responsibility for your actions. What kind of man are you that you would dare to dream of ruling this empire? You're nothing but a disgrace! You should be publicly executed, your eyes gouged out, and your tongue cut from your mouth! The historians should

hit

onto Hayden. Besides hoping for a chance to escape the death penalty, he

himself on his balance of military and scholarly pursuits. Having read the records of treacherous ministers

be

how tightly Nicholas controlled his emotions, hearing

"I said I'm willing to take on my dad's punishment. There's no need for you to

bear the punishment for your dad's sins means bearing the insults as well. What, can't handle a few insults? How will you

was in a

devotion to family. No matter how much you investigate, I only have one thing to say: my dad's actions were due to a moment of confusion. Even if he admits to treason, it's because I, as his

so strong that it unsettled

everyone in the room present likely already knew. Carissa had already investigated

wouldn't admit to something he hadn't done. But why was Nicholas so certain Hayden