Chapter 87 - The Inquiry
The moment the door opened, those who had been sitting, including Opal, stood up. They kept their heads bowed until Alessandro had taken his seat on the throne upon the dais and given the signal.
"You may all be at ease."
Voices could be heard sighing in relief at his words. The room was just that thick with tension.
It's as if the earlier buzz was a lie, she thought.
Alessandro, who usually felt approachable, was now distant and even intimidating. This was the true presence of a king, inspiring nothing short of awe.
"We will now begin the inquiry concerning the recent act of treason against His Majesty the King. Will the witnesses please be seated."
At the signal from Lord Barba, the Chairman of the House of Lords, Opal sat down and turned her gaze toward Thierry and the others. Both Thierry and Marquis Baphot maintained their insolent attitudes, apparently feeling no remorse for the fear their chaos had inflicted upon the people. The thought irritated Opal.
When they had returned to the Royal Capital, the people were going about their daily lives, but their faces were dark and filled with anxiety. But when they saw the carriage bearing the crest of the Marquis Rousel family, their expressions brightened, and as Opal waved from the window, a great cheer went up. Claude had said he was just a figurehead hero from the last civil war, but seeing the reaction of the townspeople, it was clear that was not the case.
I don't know how far the rumors spread among the townspeople, but we must put a decisive end to this here today, and let them know that everything is alright now.
The rebels' uprising had ended in failure, but the people of the Royal Capital had seen the soldiers with their own eyes. Rumors that Claude had been killed by bandits must have circulated as well, so it was only natural for them to feel anxious. That was surely why everyone had been so overjoyed, some even moved to tears.
"Wait. I have also heard of the deeds of the rebel army that Lord Barba has been describing. I, too, feel great anger toward those who, in mourning the late Duke Boccelli, my apologies, the previous Duke, have once again turned their swords against His Majesty. So why is it that I am being detained like this and shamed before everyone? I would like an explanation of that first."
As Lord Barba was giving a brief summary of the events, Marquis Baphot suddenly raised his voice, interrupting him. A stir spread through the hall, as everyone was surprised by his discourteous behavior, so unbecoming of a marquis.
"Marquis Baphot, that is disrespectful in the presence of His Majesty."
"It is precisely because we are in His Majesty's presence that I must speak. This is a matter concerning my honor, the honor of my house. I will forgive the fact that the Royal Knights suddenly stormed my residence this morning and detained my son Thierry and me for something we know nothing about. I am certain that I will soon receive an apology from all of you for your misunderstanding. However, I will not tolerate having these baseless crimes listed before everyone. I wish to first hear why Thierry and I are being accused of high treason."
"If you had waited, I would have explained it properly... Your Majesty, may I have your permission to answer the Marquis's question?"
"Permission granted."
"Thank you."
Lord Barba muttered as if exasperated, but he received Alessandro's permission. At once, the hall was enveloped in silence. Everyone shared the Marquis's question and was eager to know the answer.
"The source of funds for this rebellion was gold produced from the Lead Mine in the Boccelli Duchy. The man who managed that mine is Cole, standing over there. The man who served the previous Duke Boccelli and continues to oversee the management of the duchy is Connally, standing next to him. For the past four years since the previous Duke's passing, the one giving them orders was you, Marquis Baphot, was it not?"
"I know nothing of it. I have never even seen those men."
"That's not true! Was it not you, my lord, who instructed us on how to smuggle the gold! You are a coward!"
"You cur, who do you think you are speaking to in such a manner?"
"Eek, n-no..."
Unable to contain himself, Cole cried out, only for Marquis Baphot to cast a cold, harsh glare upon him. Cole cowered in fear. Connally, as if he had no intention of fighting from the start, remained silent.
"How strange... Marquis, you were close with the previous Duke Boccelli during his lifetime, were you not? And you seem to have visited the duchy many times, yet you say you have never seen even Connally?"
"I do not make a habit of remembering the face of every single servant. Surely you are not suggesting I was involved in such a grave crime simply because I was a friend of the previous Duke? My son Thierry has sworn fealty to His Majesty ever since the last civil war and fought alongside Rousel, who stands right there."
Marquis Baphot's voice was tinged with anger at Lord Barba's feigned ignorance. Thierry, who had been mentioned, did not look at Claude, and neither man said a word. Opal, too, silently watched the proceedings.
"We have plenty of testimony, you know, Marquis. Not just from them, but we have also received testimony from the gentlemen accompanying you that you are the ringleader of this affair. Most of the rebel forces that took up arms near the Royal Capital the other day were private soldiers, and it seems you were the one bearing the cost of their maintenance."
"Ridiculous. You've decided I am the ringleader based on such testimony alone? People can easily collude to say whatever they want to shift the blame!"
With a theatrical gesture, the Marquis spread his hands wide and glared at the other detained nobles, warning them. The nobles, their faces still pale, averted their eyes from the Marquis.
"Indeed, testimony alone is not entirely reliable. That is why we went to great lengths to obtain physical evidence. You are a very cautious man. During the last civil war, you opposed His Majesty from behind the scenes yet never showed your hand, and even sent your son, Viscount Amady, to His Majesty's side. So that you would come out on top no matter which way things went."
"How insulting! I wished to aid His Majesty of my own free will!"
"That is very admirable. Then, why did you decide to support His Majesty?"
"W-Why, you ask? Does one need a reason for such a thing?"
At Lord Barba's words, Thierry, who had been silent until now, snapped back. But Lord Barba's response was placid. Opal, who knew little about Lord Barba, was impressed. He was certainly worthy of his appointment as Chairman by His Majesty.
"Viscount Amady, where do your intentions lie? To me, it seems like a hot-blooded young man simply wanted a little adventure by defying his parent. And even that seems to have been nothing more than being skillfully manipulated in the palm of his parent's hand..."
"I-I will not allow you to insult my brother any further!"
Eric, looking absolutely furious, cut into Lord Barba's words. He even tried to approach him, only to be restrained by the Royal Knights. Even so, Lord Barba remained unperturbed and continued his questioning of Thierry.
"Then, Viscount Amady. If you support His Majesty, why did you have Duke Boccelli, let us call him Marquis Rousel in this venue, attacked by bandits in an attempt to take his life?"