The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story After Rebirth

Chapter 306: Do You Have No Shame?

Thelma looked at the officials who had stepped forward to speak in Ashley’s favor. Wherever her gaze landed, everyone lowered their heads. Even Deangelo, despite maintaining a composed exterior, felt uneasy inside. The hall fell into silence. Like the other officials, Oliver lowered his head without speaking.

Thelma’s stern expression gradually softened into a smile. “Lord Nicholson, you have a point. But your petition is unnecessary. Last night, His Majesty already issued a decree conferring the title of consort upon Ashley.”

Deangelo was shocked that the decree had been issued the previous night, since Ashley had also come to him with threats that very same day. “His Majesty made a wise decision,” Deangelo forced a smile, not daring to meet Thelma’s eyes.

Thelma smiled and said, “That is for sure. Otherwise, how could he command the loyalty of the court and maintain peace in the realm? Well then, if there’s nothing else today, we shall end here.” Oh, by the way, I’ve been reading a sacred scripture lately. Would any of you like to accompany me to the prayer hall? How about…” Her gaze swept over the officials who had recommended Ashley earlier. “The few of you?”

Their hearts sank as they replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Thelma added, “Let’s have a few senior officials join me as well. Great Marshal Sharp, Lord Porter, Marquis of Greystone, Lord Campbell, Lord Gunn, and Great Marshal Valois.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The named officials stepped forward and bowed. Hearing this, Oliver also stepped out and said, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Thelma rose to her feet and said, “Alright, the few of you, head to Mystic Palace later.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” The officials bowed.

A short moment later, more than a dozen people were waiting outside Mystic Palace. Oliver kept his eyes down, lost in thought about what Thelma had told him the previous night.

After a while, Rowena stepped out. “Great Marshal Sharp, Lord Porter, Marquis of Greystone, Lord Gunn, and Lord Campbell, Her Majesty requests your presence.”

Deangelo stepped forward and asked, “Ma’am, should I go in as well?”

Rowena smiled and replied, “No, Lord Nicholson. Please wait here.” With that, she bowed to the named officials and said, “Gentlemen, please.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Garett walked first, followed by the others.

Chapter 306: Do You Have No Shame?

The officials present understood that each of them had some connection to Kamari. Previously, they could only speculate, but now, standing opposite one another, everything was clear. However, there seemed to be fewer people than Deangelo expected. Deangelo knew that at least thirteen officials in Argentum had ties to Kamari according to his past letters. The officials waiting anxiously had all spoken out earlier, urging the Queen Mother to grant Ashley the title of consort, except for Oliver. Everyone looked at him, wondering why he was standing there with them. When they thought of what he had done, they couldn’t help but feel disgusted. If Oliver hadn’t gone to Zloimond to investigate Kamari’s rebellion, none of the subsequent events would have happened. Oliver felt their hostility but remained calm. His unease from the previous night had disappeared.

“Great Marshal Valois!” Deangelo suddenly said.

Oliver responded, “Lord Nicholson.”

Deangelo had always looked down on others because of his status as the crown prince’s mentor. He had even less respect for Oliver, who had risen to power out of nowhere.

“Did Her Majesty mention why we were summoned here?” Deangelo asked.

Even though he despised Oliver, the latter was trusted by both Thelma and Theodore. Therefore, he figured Oliver might know something.

“Yes,” Oliver replied. “Her Majesty said we’d be discussing a sacred scripture.”

“That’s just an excuse,” Deangelo scoffed.

“The Queen Mother doesn’t make excuses,” Oliver said.

When Deangelo heard that, he was furious and muttered, “Bootlicker.”

Just then, the palace doors opened, and Rowena led a group of officials out with a smile. Deangelo was surprised as they had gone in just for a short while. Once the officials left, Rowena turned to Deangelo and the others, saying, “Her Majesty will see you now. Please follow me.”

Deangelo straightened his coat and entered solemnly with the others following suit. Oliver was about to enter when Rowena stopped him and whispered, “Great Marshal Valois, just watch from the side. No need to speak.”

“Understood.” Oliver nodded.

After entering the hall, Judith led them to the prayer hall. Mystic Palace didn’t originally have a prayer hall. But after Catherine became devoted to her faith, she frequently invited Thelma to join her for prayers and even arranged for a quiet space in the palace for reflection and worship. The scent of sandalwood filled the air. Thelma sat on a bench at the front.

“Have a seat,” she said.

The officials obeyed with their hearts beating fast, but Oliver remained standing. Thelma didn’t say anything else. She didn’t even bring up anything about the scripture. Instead, she signaled to Judith.

Judith left and quickly returned with a stack of documents before handing one to each person by name. As soon as they read them, their faces went pale. They fell to their knees at once and begged, “Please, Your Majesty, have mercy!”

Despite being one of the highest-ranking officials who held real power, Deangelo was shaking the most. His entire body trembled as he stammered, “Your Majesty, I confess… My crimes are unforgivable!”

Thelma looked at them quietly, listening to their fearful voices before finally speaking. “Raise your head and look at me.”

However, no one dared, and they only kept bowing.

“What’s wrong?” Thelma’s voice was calm but sharp. “Am I that frightening? You had the courage to plot treason, but now you won’t even dare to look at me?” Her words hit like thunder. Seamus nearly fainted.

“Look at me!” Thelma roared.

Everyone slowly lifted their heads, only to turn pale with fear. When they first entered the prayer hall, a serene portrait had been hanging at the center, but at some point, it had been replaced with an imposing and fierce-looking figure staring them down.

Seamus gasped for air, sweat dripping down his face. “I… have realized my mistake. Please…” He couldn’t finish his sentence, and his whole body was trembling violently.

“I’m deeply disappointed in all of you.” Thelma’s voice was cold and sharp. Her words cut through the silence. “You were all trusted by His Majesty. Three of you even served the late King. And this is how you repay that trust? Do you have no shame?”

“I’m sorry!” Deangelo sobbed, collapsing on the floor. “Your Majesty, please spare me! I was wrong!”