Chapter 388 Mournful News

The single insult–trouble stirrer–made Arthur’s face crumble instantly

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He was a scholar, a man who prided himself on virtue and decorum. Yet here he was, standing before the entire court, publicly branded with such a humiliating title by the King himself. It was worse than death.

His face burned with shame, his blood rushed to his head, and for a fleeting moment, he wished he could end it all by throwing himself against the steps of the throne.

Shaking, he glanced at the memorial–his own petition condemning Isolde,

The King’s voice rang through the hall. “You speak of loyalty, of righteous duty, yet how much of your plea was fueled by personal spite? Geoffrey gave his life to expose the truth–that his wife was murdered by his own mother. And you dare claim ignorance? Isolde’s refusal to observe mourning was an act of true filial piery–she would not kneel for the woman who murdered her mother. But your petty vendetta nearly forced me into injustice and left her with no choice but to defy my decree. Tell me, what punishment do you deserve?”

Arthur went pale, his knees pressing into the cold floor. “Your Majesty, I did not know of the Langley family’s affairs.”

The King’s eyes burned with fury. “If you knew nothing, then how were you so keenly aware of her failure to observe mourning rites?”

Arthur stammered, “I… I was rash. I did not think Geoffrey would go so far as to take his own life.”

“You have disappointed me beyond words. The King’s voice was laced with disgust. “Foolish, petty, narrow- minded. A disgrace to scholars everywhere. Yet, I will not strip you of your position entirely. You have performed well in your post, and your merits will atone for your mistakes. Though you claim that past achievements should not absolve crimes, I will grant you leniency–not for your sake, but for Geoffrey’s. You are suspended from duty. The Ministry of Official Affairs will determine your reassignment.”

Arthur knew what that meant.

A demotion was inevitable. The King had shamed him in court–no official would dare grant him at respectable post now. His career was in ruins.

As he bowed to give thanks, he felt the weight of a thousand scornful eyes upon him. His colleagues–those who had once been his allies–averted their gazes and turned away.

Brent, however, placed a firm hand on his shoulder. Arthur flinched, expecting another rebuke.

you well. A true

shame. He could not speak, could

dead. Isolde had been exonerated, elevated to Princess of Filial Devotion.

A laughingstock.

of the King echoed

IU

388 Mournful

fear, Arthur stumbled into his home and collapsed onto

him, terrified.

mel” he snarled, shoving her away.

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ask? Your mother’s family has

her fists. “My fault? Since marrying into this family, I’ve given everything–money, effort, loyalty. Even when it meant betraying my own kin. And yet

“You dare talk back?

it that everything I do is wrong, yet Cristina’s mistakes are excused? Am I not also someone’s daughter? If you resent me so

Then, fury overtook her. “You think I won’t? Fine! Consider

cast out!”

shouting, first enraged by Agnes’s defiance, then chilled

taken the Valen family’s support for granted. Had the

But now?

Margaret was the lady of the Valen family and the daughter of the Hanson family–he could no longer afford to offend

words stayed

was you who let

but he had never truly heard

lay in disgrace, he saw the truth.

led to

trembled, and with a sharp cough, blood

Oliver arrived at the Ministry of Justice

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