The Devil's Betrothed
Chapter 620: Accusation Against Luis

Chapter 620: Accusation Against Luis

Everyone was taken aback by what Prince Arlan had to reveal and why.

Arlan looked at the King’s adviser, Lord Soymer, who offered a light nod and said, "While Prince Arlan prepares to bring in the witness, I would like to raise another agenda item for today’s council meeting concerning the next witness to be brought before the Royal court." With that, he picked up another scroll and spread it on the table in front of the royal couple.

"Your Majesty and Honorable royal court ministers," the adviser began, "Prince Arlan has accused Mortimer Luis and his entire family of various crimes committed over the past two decades and even earlier."

The Royal court erupted in shock, some denying any accusations against Luis while others were content that justice might finally be served.

Luis glared angrily at Arlan. "Prince Arlan, what kind of crimes are you accusing me of?"

"Is it that difficult for you to recall your crimes that you have to ask me?" Arlan countered. "If you are that eager, let’s hear from Lord Soymer."

"Prince Arlan, if your accusations are wrong, I swear the entire military force from the northeast will march to the capital, and you know the consequences."

Arlan chuckled, addressing the older man by his name and dropping his title. "Luis, you have been threatening the entire kingdom, wielding power through the wealth and military force you’ve built over the past two decades with your foul plays and deceptions. Today, let’s see if it can really come to your aid."

"My son, once he knows his father is being treated like this, will be here with the entire force, and you will be kneeling before me," Luis said, his words full of venom.

"Your son?" Arlan scoffed. "Sure, he will be here. After all, he needs to atone for his sins along with his father."

Luis turned to the other ministers. "I am being insulted here, and all of you are just watching?"

Along with huge military power, half of the ministers were friends with Luis, which was another reason why he was a threat and had gained such power that no noble family dared oppose him. Those who sided with the King were silently aiding the king, waiting for the day they could witness Luis’s downfall.

The King had to be cautious of Luis as well because he held the power to disturb the peace of this Kingdom. He silently allowed Arlan to gather the proof against him to rid him at once, without raising any suspicions. That was also one of the reasons, why the King and his loyal ministers kept up with Luis being bold with actions.

"Prince Arlan, Marquis Mortimer has been nothing but a great help to our kingdom. We won’t tolerate it if he is being falsely accused," a minister declared, stepping forward.

"He has been protecting the north-east and kept our kingdom protected from the enemies for past two decades, unlike before when enemies would keep coming for us when some other families were ruling the north-east," other minister added.

"He is our protective pillar in the north-east."

"Yes, we will not tolerate it. You must apologize to him, Prince Arlan."

"We all stand with Marquis Mortimer."

Various ministers began to speak up, but Arlan let them finish. Once they were done, he said as the wicked smirk painted on his lips, "By the end of this royal court session, I will ensure to reward all of you for your loyalty to Marquis Mortimer. I will also take this opportunity to reform the royal court, which has been delayed for too long."

"Prince Arlan, are you threatening us?" an older minister asked.

"If you are guilty, you will find it a threat," Arlan responded calmly and composed, like an unshakable wall. "If anyone else has forgotten to show your support to Lord Mortimer, please come forward and do not miss the chance to display your loyalty," he added, glancing around the room.

"What gives you the confidence to threaten us like this?" one of the ministers demanded.

"Lord Walten," Walys Ahren stepped forward, "You will know if you calmly listen to what’s in the scroll and refrain from boldly siding with Marquis Mortimer. It can also be considered as disturbing the conduct of the royal court, and you can be punished for disrespecting His Majesty."

The ministers that were loyal to the throne, chimed in to support Walys, whose words held the weight being the most trusted person of the King and powerful noble in the court. The ministers fell silent.

After reading the scroll, Ailwin looked at Luis with an angry gaze but controlled himself while Julien placed her hand on his to calm him. His voice was chilling as he addressed the room, "If anyone here dares to interrupt the Royal court session, do not blame me for not showing mercy."

The entire royal court fell into an eerie silence, with no one daring to challenge the King’s authority. Luis wondered what was in that scroll that had changed the King so drastically, making him appear utterly filled with anger.

The King turned to Lord Soymer. "Continue."

Lord Soymer began, "Prince Arlan has accused Marquis Mortimer and his family of the following crimes: Illegally crossing the borders of the kingdom and coming to Griven. Faking their identities for over two decades. Using unethical methods to seize businesses and expand their control in the north-east while harming the ordinary people of this kingdom. Plotting against the two families most trusted by the King, acting without consulting the King, and assassinating innocents.

"Taking over the northeast and expanding their military forces under the guise of protecting the border. Secretly collaborating with the enemy kingdom and plotting against the royal family. Engaging in illegal activities both inside the kingdom and across the border. Attempting to slander the honorable Crown Princess and her family. Lastly, plotting the previous Queen’s murder and taking advantage of the King’s vulnerable state to create opportunities for himself."

Everyone was stunned into silence at the list, particularly at the mention of the Queen’s murder.

Oriana looked at Arlan in shock, and he nodded, confirming it was the truth. ’Then what about her grandfather? Was he plotted against just like she always thought? But how did Luis do it?’ she wondered.

Luis felt as if the ground had been swept from under his feet. He had been meticulous, confident he had left no traces behind. Grace looked at her father, realizing they might be done for.

Regaining his composure, Luis turned to Arlan. "Crown Prince, what proof do you have to slander me with all these false accusations?"

"False accusations?" Arlan eyed him carefully. "Then why do you look so pale all of a sudden? I can see the beads of sweat forming on your forehead."

"You..." Luis gritted his teeth. "You will regret your actions."

"We will see," Arlan replied and announced, "Bring the witness."

Two knights under Imbert dragged a man into the royal court and pushed him to the floor in the center of the hall. Most of those who knew Luis closely had seen this man and wondered what he was going to say.

The moment Luis saw him, his confident demeanor faltered as he tried to hide his unease.