The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 273: Accusation in the Palace

After the morning court session, the King took his midday meal in the East Wing of the royal study. Emerging, his expression was noticeably darker than before, puzzling the ministers. Earlier, he had spoken happily about the achievements in water conservancy. Doug and Kolton were also present.

Both men sensed the King's anger. After the discussions, the King specifically asked them to remain. They exchanged glances, silently speculating. They suspected the King's anger stemmed from Geoffrey's actions, though it was unclear how the King learned of them so quickly.

“My dear ministers, you have accomplished great deeds in Zloimond. I should reward you properly,” the King said, clearing his throat. His sharp, restrained gaze swept over their faces.

Doug cupped his hands respectfully. “Your Majesty, we dare not claim credit. It is Your Majesty’s wisdom and the heavens’ blessing that brought success to our kingdom.”

The King smiled faintly, his eyes still sharp. “Doug, since when have you taken up the art of flattery?”

“Your Majesty, I speak only the truth,” Doug replied earnestly.

“Is that so?” the King said, staring at him. “Did you report everything truthfully about the situation in Zloimond? Think carefully. Is there anything you might have missed?”

Stunned, they exchanged a glance and shook their heads. “Your Majesty, we have reported everything we know.”

The King sneered. “Everything? I’ll give you one more chance. Think again if there’s anything you haven’t mentioned.”

His words made their meaning clear. They knew exactly what he referred to but could only pretend ignorance. Whether Geoffrey had been ordered to Zloimond or not, they could feign ignorance. However, revealing the matter would expose Geoffrey’s unauthorized departure from the capital to join the army.

Thus, both wore expressions of confusion. “Your Majesty, we do not know what matter you are referring to.”

The King looked disappointed and said coldly, “When you were in Zloimond, did you not see Geoffrey?”

Doug’s heart sank. He replied, “Your Majesty, we did see Geoffrey. He fought alongside us in the assault on…”

The King angrily retorted, “He did not receive any orders! Moreover, he holds an official position. Leaving his post without permission and secretly following the army to Zloimond is a violation of military discipline. Kolton, what should be the punishment for such an act? And what about those who knew but did not report it?”

Doug and Kolton immediately knelt. Kolton’s expression changed slightly. He said, “Your Majesty, Geoffrey did indeed accompany the army. However, Isolde and the rest of us believed he was acting under secret orders. We did not know he had acted on his own. He had been hiding within the army until the battle began, and even Isolde was unaware of his presence.”

Kolton had no choice but to protect Isolde, the Marshal. If the King was furious, she would be guilty of failing to report the matter.

Doug added, “Your Majesty, Kolton speaks the truth. If not for your words, we would not have known Geoffrey had joined the army without permission.”

The King did not fully believe them, but he could not vent his anger on his two generals. His outburst was merely a warning. He coldly asked, “Where is Geoffrey now?”

Doug replied, “Your Majesty, Geoffrey was severely injured in the battle at Zloimond. Upon returning to the outskirts of the city, he vomited blood several times and could not be moved further for fear of endangering his life. Therefore, I temporarily placed him in my villa to recuperate.”

Kolton observed the King’s expression, noticing a slight softening upon hearing about Geoffrey’s injuries. He indignantly said, “I had no idea he had not received orders to go. Is he out of his mind? This is a capital offense! Fortunately, we achieved a great victory. If something had gone wrong, he would have been held accountable. No wonder my father always thought him foolish and reckless. It seems he was right.”

“Yes, this is a capital offense. Why would he do such a thing?” Doug also wore a look of confusion.

Hearing their back-and-forth, the King’s anger subsided somewhat. It was a great victory, and Geoffrey had been severely injured. Leniency was possible. However, the crime of deceiving the throne remained. If Geoffrey did not take responsibility, how could the King maintain his authority?

Thus, he said indifferently, “Regardless of the reasons, violating military discipline is a serious crime. You two will act as if you do not know that I am aware of this matter. Once he recovers, see if he admits his guilt. If you reveal this matter, I will deduct a year’s salary from you.”

These words essentially instructed them to tell Geoffrey that the King knew. If he wanted leniency, he had better confess himself.

Doug and Kolton were overjoyed but dared not show it. They bowed and said, “Your Majesty, we will keep this secret and not utter a word.”

The deduction of a year’s salary was a minor punishment. The King had essentially indicated leniency. They needed to inform Geoffrey immediately. However, the King deliberately delayed, wanting to make them anxious. He kept them in the hall and summoned Clark.

The King naturally asked the same question. Clark, however, had previously told the King that Geoffrey had returned to the countryside to select a burial site for his mother. Clark did not shift the blame onto Geoffrey as Doug and Kolton had. Instead, he confessed honestly: “Geoffrey has always held a grudge against my sister Isolde because of my mother’s death. He was sent to the manor at birth and only returned to Argentum two years ago. Their relationship was distant and only improved recently. When Isolde was ordered to lead the expedition, Geoffrey was initially unaware. It was I who accidentally let it slip. Geoffrey worried that Isolde had no battlefield experience and was deeply anxious. However, knowing that you had ordered this mission to be kept secret, he dared not request permission from the palace and could only secretly follow her. Geoffrey was only concerned for his daughter and feared she might ruin your plans. He knew full well that going without permission would incur your punishment, but given the circumstances, he had no choice. I beg you to consider his paternal love and his loyalty to the kingdom and show leniency. As for my crime of leaking secrets, please punish me severely.”

The King had heard some rumors about the Duke’s family matters. Upon careful consideration, he understood that Geoffrey’s actions were driven by compassion. He waved his hand impatiently and said, “Talking to these bookish types is exhausting. Always so long-winded. You leaked secrets and lied to me, so you are guilty. I will deduct a year’s salary from you. Now go!”

Hearing this, Clark kowtowed and said, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s mercy. As for my father…”

“I will handle his case. His crime cannot be compared to yours,” the King said displeasedly.

Clark dared not say more, fearing further words might worsen the situation.