Chapter 427 +25 BONUS

The following morning, during the court assembly, Irvin and his deputy, accompanied by several senior inspectors from the Oversight Department, presented a series of reports. These reports accused Samuel of consorting with a courtesan while his wife was pregnant, favoring his concubine over his wife, and mistreating his wife. Furthermore, they condemned the Warren family for their disrespect towards the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family, resulting in public outrage and the throwing of excrement at Valor Estate. The Warren family caught the culprit, dragged him inside, and broke his limbs. The culprit subsequently filed a complaint at the Royal Citadel, confessing to the act and demanding compensation.

Barrett, barred from the court, stood outside with lower-ranking officials. Though ostensibly out of earshot, the inspectors' loud arguments penetrated the distance, and he overheard their denunciations. His heart sank. He bitterly regretted abandoning Carissa for Aurora. His household was in disarray, and his future seemed bleak.

Samuel remained in court, arguing and refusing to accept the inspectors' charges. Confident in his extensive knowledge, he believed he could refute their accusations. However, the Oversight Department inspectors were skilled debaters, renowned for their fierce arguments. Despite Samuel's attempts to cite historical examples of talented courtesans and their contributions to the arts, his arguments were futile. The Oversight Department focused on one point: Samuel had broken the law and violated the late emperor's edict.

Irvin's voice was stern as he declared, "No matter how talented that courtesan might be, your actions in taking a concubine while your legitimate wife is pregnant show utter disregard for the law. Moreover, the late king issued repeated edicts forbidding officials from frequenting entertainment parlors and brothels. It's one thing to know her, but to bring her into your home? No official in our era has dared act in such blatant defiance of the law! Even the brazen secretly house them outside the city. But you, a scholar, openly defy the law. You knew the law and broke it, making your crime even worse. Your affair is common knowledge. The public now believes officials are drawn to such places, interested only in indulgence and corruption. You have tarnished the reputation of our officials and committed an unforgivable crime."

"Your Majesty, I beseech you to severely punish Samuel Langley to set an example for all officials," the Oversight Department inspectors implored, kneeling firmly and resolutely. They added forcefully, "And may all officials present who have never visited an entertainment parlor or brothel also plead with Your Majesty to punish Samuel Langley."

The impact was devastating. +25 DONUS

Chapter

Which court official dared remain standing? Anyone who did not kneel was implied to have visited such establishments. Therefore, regardless of their true actions, all present had no choice but to kneel and join the plea for Samuel's severe punishment. Among them, the Minister of Justice, Rafael, was the most authoritative.

Salvador, previously unaware of the situation, was furious. Seeing the entire court kneeling and pleading for Samuel's punishment while Samuel stood defiantly, Salvador's fury exploded. "Samuel Langley, do you not know your crime?" Salvador roared.

Though Samuel still felt innocent, the king's presence forced him to kneel slowly. Hiding his resentment, he stuttered, "Y-Your Majesty… I… I know my mistake."

"It is not just a mistake; it is a crime," Salvador snapped, his anger intensifying. "It seems you still do not understand your fault. From today, you are dismissed from all your duties. Go home and reflect on your actions."

Samuel's face turned ashen. He had not anticipated such a severe punishment, expecting only reprimands. Panicked, he pleaded, "Your Majesty, I know my mista—no, I understand my crime now! I beg for your mercy!"

"Take him away!" Salvador waved dismissively.

Samuel, once a prized scholar, had tarnished his reputation so badly that Salvador could not bear to look at him. He was swiftly removed by the palace guards, his pleas and cries echoing down the hall, a stark contrast to his former proud demeanor.

"Summon Barrett Warren!" Salvador ordered angrily.

Barrett entered, pale and exhausted. Salvador, remembering his trust in and support of Barrett, saw him as useless mud—no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't make Barrett stand firm.