Chapter 388: Mournful News
The single insult—trouble-stirrer—made Arthur’s face crumble instantly. 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 piety—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 a 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. “Arthur,” Brent sighed, “Pablo has treated you well. A true scholar does not repay kindness with betrayal.”
Arthur’s face burned with shame. He could not speak, could not defend himself. By the time he left the palace, Geoffrey was dead, Isolde had been exonerated, elevated to Princess of Filial Devotion, and he—he had been stripped of everything but his life. A laughingstock. The words of the King echoed in his mind—You killed him.
Chapter 388: Mournful News
Shaking with rage, grief, and fear, Arthur stumbled into his home and collapsed onto his bed. Agnes rushed to him, terrified. “What happened?”
“Leave me!” he snarled, shoving her away.
Madilyn dragged Agnes aside, her voice sharp. “Why ask? Your mother’s family has shamed him. This is their fault. Your fault.”
Agnes clenched 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 I am the one at fault?”
Madilyn’s temper flared. “You dare talk back? You dare blame us?”
“Why is 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 much, then cast me aside!” Agnes turned and stormed away.
Madilyn was momentarily stunned. Then, fury overtook her. “You think I won’t? Fine! Consider yourself cast out!”
Arthur listened to the shouting, first enraged by Agnes’s defiance, then chilled by Madilyn’s warning. For years, he had taken the Valen family’s support for granted. Had the King not intervened, he would have punished Agnes and humiliated Madilyn. But now? Now he was nothing. Madilyn was the lady of the Valen family and the daughter of the Hanson family—he could no longer afford to offend the two families. And Agnes’s words stayed with him. It was you who let Cristina run wild. Many had told him this before, but he had never truly heard it. Now, as he lay in disgrace, he saw the truth. His blind indulgence had led to this ruin. A surge of fury overtook him. His body trembled, and with a sharp cough, blood splattered across his sheets.
Meanwhile, Oliver arrived at the Ministry of Justice to retrieve Isolde. She stared at the keys in his hand. “You went to the Queen Mother?”
He met her gaze and slowly shook his head. “No.”
A sick feeling twisted in her gut. “Then… you spoke to the King?”
Oliver unlocked the door. “Come out. We’ll talk later.”
Chapter 388: Mournful News
“Lady Isolde,” Davon said, bowing deeply. “I apologize for any offense. I will personally call upon you to offer my regrets.”
“You need not,” Isolde forced a smile. “You were only following orders.”
And yet, something was off. Even if the King had pardoned her, why was the Ministry of Justice treating her with such reverence?
Davon exhaled slowly. “Then I will not delay you further. Safe travels, Lady Isolde.” Then, after a pause, he added, “And… my deepest condolences.”
Isolde’s knees nearly buckled. Condolences? She turned to Oliver, her breath catching in her throat. “What happened?”
But Oliver only guided her to the carriage, his silence heavier than words.