Work Prophet
Chapter 553 - 171: I Have a Witness

Chapter 553: Chapter 171: I Have a Witness

The Imperial Forest Guard Captain continued, "At that time, there weren’t many people who had the opportunity to poison the wine without arousing suspicion. I believe the murderer is among them."

If Sir Duren’s earlier remarks were merely impolite, his current statement was utterly audacious.

Because he was practically pointing the finger directly at those who were closest to Edward II at the time.

This group notably included Gars, who was now sitting on the Skeleton Throne.

The latter’s gaze toward Duren was no longer just chilling but also revealed a hint of barely concealed murderous intent.

But the Imperial Forest Guard Captain, as if unfazed by the threat in Gars’ gaze, paused and then said, "Two days ago, I went to Pork Fat Street and found a merchant selling poison.

"According to him, the poison that struck His Majesty is called ’Blood Banquet,’ a toxin from a small sect known as the Blood Moon Association. It first appeared in the western territories, killing over a hundred nobles and several High Priests of the Silver Moon Church in one swoop.

"I believe there are quite a few people present today who have heard of this horrifying incident. The person who bought the poison is suspected to be from the Wendell family."

"You are slandering us!" Earl Clyde’s face turned red as he shouted, "My family has always been loyal to the Imperial Family. How could we commit such an act of treason? If you keep talking nonsense, I will challenge you to a duel!"

Duren did not argue with Clyde but calmly said, "Earl Clyde, you placed a significant bet on that Wing Tribe contestant shortly after the Duel Arena tournament began, didn’t you?"

A jolt went through Earl Clyde’s heart. He wanted to deny it. He had been careful about this matter, not placing the bet himself but having an intermediary do it for him.

But there are no walls in the world that do not leak, especially not in Lion Heart Castle. Since Duren dared to say this, he must have already obtained some evidence.

At the end of the day, he had been too careless and too greedy previously, allowing greed to cloud his judgment. But now it was too late for regrets.

Earl Clyde forced himself to gather some spirit, "I can swear on the honor of the Wendell family that I have never thought and would never consider assassinating His Majesty. He offered me this position as a fencing instructor in my time of greatest need, and I have always held this kindness close to my heart."

"I believe your oath."

Contrary to everyone’s expectations, the Imperial Forest Guard Captain did not retort but nodded and said, "I believe you never thought to assassinate His Majesty, but the people behind you probably don’t think the same."

"The Priest of Cornelia used Divine Arts four days ago to delve into your heart and saw the secrets you have buried deep within, also foreseeing the impending tragedy.

"This is also why she came to the Duel Arena early the next morning to warn His Majesty. However, His Majesty did not take the Priest of Cornelia’s warning seriously this time, out of trust for that person.

"Because he could never imagine that his own flesh and blood, the son he was most proud of, would conspire with the Wing Tribe people to plot against his own father."

Ultimately, the Imperial Forest Guard Captain still voiced these words, then looked up toward the figure on the Skeleton Throne.

As their gazes met, the great hall fell into silence.

No one spoke for a long time.

This time, however, Gars did not erupt in anger as before but just coldly watched the Imperial Forest Guard Captain standing below the stone steps.

"You’re insane. With your current mental state, you are no longer suitable to continue investigating the death of the former emperor."

"I’m not crazy," Duren shook his head, "and I have already completed almost all of the investigation."

"What investigation, that I murdered my own father?" Gars’ mouth twisted with a mocking smile, "From beginning to end, I’ve only heard you spouting nonsense. Ask anyone present here, how many would believe your absurd delusions?"

After Gars finished speaking, Duren’s gaze swept around, and indeed, no one echoed his words.

Those who caught his eye either looked down or shifted their gazes, including the Imperial Ministers who he had high hopes for.

Yet Duren remained undeterred and continued, "I have a witness."

"Who?"

"The Priest of Cornelia can confirm my words. She is a priest of the Life Church, known by everyone in the Royal Capital. As a Divine Officer, she absolutely would not lie."

This time, Duren’s words caused many to waver because, as the Imperial Forest Guard Captain had said, the Priest of Cornelia held great esteem among both nobles and commoners in Lion Heart Castle.

If she were willing to stand up and testify for Duren, then Gars could no longer treat Duren’s words as mere conjectures and dismiss them lightly.

This was evident from the somewhat panicked expression on Earl Clyde’s face as well.

However, Gars seemed not at all worried as he leaned forward slightly, propping his chin, "Really, then where is she?"

"I don’t know." Duren took a deep breath, "We had agreed to meet here at the Junlin Tower, but this morning, I did not see her; that is also why I was late.

"I have searched all over the city and asked several of her followers, but no one could tell me where she is. The Priest of Cornelia has been missing since last night, and the guards at the city gate also said that they did not see her leave the city.

"So I have a reason to suspect that you, worried about your murder of His Majesty being exposed, had her arrested beforehand."

"You’re really sick, Sir Duren," Gars said softly, "So, anyone who does not want to see you, believe in your crazy and ridiculous delusions, you think I’ve kidnapped them?"

"Your Highness," the Imperial Forest Guard Captain took a half step forward, earnestly, "The Priest of Cornelia has an extraordinary status, even His Majesty held her in high regard, and half of the city’s population are followers of the Life Goddess. Please, I implore you not to harm her, to prevent any disaster."

"Forget it." Gars seemed to suddenly lose all interest, waving his hand, "I still have to continue with the coronation ceremony, I have no time to argue with a madman. You may go, for the many years of service you have rendered to the Imperial Family, I will not trouble you.

"As you said yourself, relinquish your noble title, leave the Royal Capital, and never come back."

"But... the murderer of His Majesty has not yet received the punishment he deserves," the Imperial Forest Guard Captain said after a long silence.

Gars seemed to be amused by the stubborn knight, dropping all mockery from his face, and said sternly.

"I gave you a chance, this is your own doing. If I can prove that all your accusations against me are slanders, according to the laws of the Empire, you shall also face whipping."

Duren nodded without hesitation, "Fine."

And just after he spoke that word, he saw Gars gesturing to one of his attendants, "You, go bring the Priest of Cornelia here, now, immediately."