Chapter 470
At the Supreme Court, Patrick's anxiety grew.
"Your Highness," he said, "why have you summoned Sebastian? He has never examined the deceased. No matter how skilled, he's not a coroner."
Rafael remained calm. "Please be patient, Mr. Lloyd. Given the magnitude of this case and the uproar it has caused, if we mishandle it and wrongly accuse someone, the entire kingdom will condemn us."
Patrick, accustomed to handling cases, questioned the need for doubt. With the perpetrator's confession, witness testimonies, and physical evidence, what grounds were there for a retrial?
"It's a waste of time!" he argued. "Every extra day the perpetrator lives is a sign of disrespect to the victims she murdered."
Rafael replied, "The case documents from Brightmoor District also recommend execution. It's only April, and with swift couriers, the documents take about a month to travel back and forth. Why are you so impatient?"
"When will Sebastian arrive? We've been waiting for ages," Patrick fumed, sitting down.
His displeasure, though unwise to show the Hell Monarch, was evident. The two deputy ministers shivered in fear. Patrick, unlike them, wasn't intimidated; his daughter, Sylvia, was a favorite of the king. They, however, lacked such powerful connections.
Just as Patrick finished speaking, Rafael's deputy minister, Matthew, led Sebastian into the room.
Though not tall, Sebastian commanded attention. Upon entering, he gave Patrick a cold glance. The minister quickly stood, his irritation replaced by courtesy.
"Hello, Sebastian. I apologize for the inconvenience."
"Apologies for keeping you waiting, Mr. Lloyd. That is my fault," Sebastian said coolly.
"No, not at all. My frustration wasn't directed at you," Patrick hastened to clarify, fearing to offend the renowned physician who had cured his mother. Without Sebastian's skill, he would be mourning her now.
"If it wasn't directed at me, then who was it aimed at? The prince?" Sebastian asked, taking a seat.
"No, of course not. I wouldn't dare," Patrick said earnestly, aiming to impress Sebastian. "It's aimed at them."
He pointed at his two deputy ministers, who were taken aback. They hadn't spoken, but duty compelled them to take the blame. They quickly bowed.
"Yes, it was we who angered Mr. Lloyd."
Rafael knew Sebastian could handle Patrick. Last year, when Patrick's mother fell gravely ill, even the best physicians had given up hope. Sebastian, despite harsh weather and relentless storms, persisted for a month with acupuncture treatments, saving her life.
Patrick was deeply grateful. As the newly promoted Minister of Justice, three years of mourning would drastically alter the bureaucratic landscape upon his return. Moreover, with several brothers also mourning, the Lloyd family couldn't rely solely on Sylvia.
Sebastian wasted no time on pleasantries. "His Highness explained the case last night. Let me tell you this: even if a frail, chronically ill person is enraged, their temporary strength would be significant, but not enough to overpower several strong men."
The group grew serious. Rafael, new to public office, lacked the experience to be convincing. However, Sebastian, a seasoned physician, was authoritative. If he said it was impossible, it was.
Patrick spoke up, "But witnesses saw her commit the murders. She confessed, and the weapon matches the wounds on the deceased."
Sebastian responded, "I haven't reviewed the case files, but I infer the wounds were severe, with deep cuts to the bone, correct?"
"Yes, exactly!" Patrick and the two deputy ministers nodded vigorously.