Conspiracy (2/2)

"I've been wanting to meet you for some time now," Threo said, his voice filled with excitement. "All those incredible things you've created—they're not just going to change the kingdom, they already are." He stood up, addressing Rafael directly.

"My King, pardon the interruption," the high priest interjected, "but it doesn't seem fitting for you to place someone surrounded by wrongdoings and crimes so close by. Let alone value his opinion as important." His tone was firm, and his gaze stern.

"I agree with the high priest, my King," a wealthy nobleman added, stepping forward. "We are all here, united, seeking a fair sentence for their misdeeds." His words garnered nods from the other nobles, who still saw an opportunity to salvage their plans, even if things had taken an unexpected turn.

Threo, unbothered by their concerns, waved them off. "Nonsense. From this moment on, Rafael is officially my new adviser and will aid me in various matters. Venes, prepare the meeting room and bring Rafael with you. I'll join you shortly."

"It will be done, milord," Venes replied, but before leaving, he whispered, "I advise caution, my King. Ignoring the demands of your noblemen may not be wise. Some form of punishment, even a minor one, might be necessary to maintain their loyalty."

*sigh*

Threo nodded, then faced the room. "Now, as for you all..." he started, but Rafael interrupted with a bold step forward.

"One moment, please," Rafael spoke loudly. "The accusations against us are unfair and untrue. We lost everything—our lands, most of our people. We fled for survival, yet we never stooped to theft or deceit."

"The crossbow, paper, cement, the printing press—these inventions that have strengthened this kingdom—are contributions from us. And, as King Threo himself can attest, we regained our fortunes through legal means."

Rafael's voice grew stronger. "The marriage between me and Ella was sanctified by High Priest Julius under the watchful gaze of the almighty Lord. No one, not even those gathered here, has the power to break such a bond."

Threo's mind whirred with thoughts. He knew the accusations were not entirely valid, but his adviser's earlier caution lingered. They're all united against them. It's not wise to ignore them entirely.

"Enough." Threo raised a hand, silencing the room. "Before I pass judgment, we must consider our esteemed high priest's stance."

The high priest stepped forward solemnly. "My King, divorce is indeed forbidden after an official marriage. However, special cases do exist. I would need to consult with my brothers to determine the best course."

"No need," Threo responded. "You've answered what I needed to know. Now, for my judgment..." He turned to Eruin. "Crimes cannot go unpunished, especially those as serious as the ones discussed here. Normally, the only course would be imprisonment, the seizure of your lands, and the stripping of your title."

Icarus and the other nobles exchanged smug glances, their plan seemingly falling into place.

"But," Threo's voice cut through their satisfaction, "I find many of these accusations unfounded. And as you've said, Baron Frederic, Avice, and now Eruin have given invaluable contributions to this kingdom. Therefore, I grant you a royal pardon for any alleged crimes up to this point."

Gasps of disbelief echoed through the hall. Icarus's smirk faltered, but Threo wasn't done. He raised his hand again, silencing the room.

"However, I will not let this matter slide entirely. For creating the crossbow—a weapon that even a child can use to kill a soldier—you've done more than enough to aid in the war effort."

Pepin remained composed, but inside, he was seething. You think you can do whatever you want? You'll regret this foolishness.

Threo continued, "You must still pay a fine as a reminder that my pardon is not to be taken lightly. Twenty gold coins, to be paid within two years."

Eruin felt a wave of relief wash over him—his family's name would remain intact, and the fine was manageable. Meanwhile, the nobles were restless, barely containing their discontent.

"And lastly," Threo concluded, "the marriage between Rafael and Lady Ella is official and cannot be annulled by any external force. This is my final decision. This session is ended. Now, excuse me." He turned to leave.

Rafael couldn't help but grin. Threo's judgment was a slap in the face to the nobles, a reminder of who held the true power. Ella let out a long breath, her hand resting over her chest in relief. Eruin, too, felt the weight of the accusations lift from his shoulders.

But just before the king could exit, a loud voice rang out. "I don't agree with this!" Icarus bellowed. "I challenge you for justice to be served!"

The entire room turned to Icarus in shock. Pepin, furious, clenched his fists. What the hell are you doing?!

Threo, visibly annoyed, returned to the throne. "What is your reasoning for this challenge?"

"These crimes cannot be left unpunished, my King," Icarus replied, puffing his chest. "I'm willing to risk something of my own to bring about justice. If I lose the combat, I'll pay the 20 gold coin fine plus 20 more in compensation. But if I win, I expect my list of punishments to be enforced."

Threo's eye twitched. This fool dares to challenge my decision? Before the king could speak, Rafael stepped forward.

"We accept," Rafael said calmly, "with one condition. I will fight you—hand to hand. No weapons." He smiled, standing face-to-face with Icarus. "Well? Do you accept?"

Icarus, full of arrogance, quickly agreed. "I accept!"

Threo, frustrated, interjected. "Fine. The fight will take place tomorrow morning. But I add one rule: no deaths." He wanted to ensure that this challenge wouldn't lead to unnecessary bloodshed.

Before Icarus could walk away, Rafael raised his voice again. "Why don't we raise the stakes, Icarus? You clearly stand to gain more than you risk."

Icarus paused, intrigued. "What do you propose?"

"If I win," Rafael said, his tone steady, "I want a reward in the form of lands."

The room erupted in whispers. Such a request was rarely made, and even more rarely accepted.

"Oh?" Icarus grinned. "You want part of my family's lands? Fine. If you win, you may have one of our smaller villages."

The nobles gasped in disbelief. Is he really that confident?

Rafael's face darkened as Icarus added, "But if I win..." His gaze shifted to Ella. "She will be mine."

The air in the room froze. Rafael's eyes blazed with fury, but his voice remained calm. "Deal." He extended his hand.

Icarus, with a smug grin, gripped Rafael's hand tightly, squeezing hard in a show of dominance. Weak. I'll crush him.

Rafael showed no reaction, pulling his hand away and returning to Ella's side.

Threo, looking weary, declared, "It's settled. Everyone here bears witness. Now, you are dismissed."

The king descended the stairs and approached Rafael. "Come. We have important matters to discuss." Rafael turned to Ella and Eruin, assuring them everything would be fine. Then, he followed Threo.

A few moments later, Pepin dragged Icarus into a side room, his face red with fury. "What in the hell were you thinking?!"

Icarus remained calm. "My prince, you're overreacting—"

"Overreacting?!" Pepin's voice was a dangerous hiss.

"Let me explain. Yes, the challenge was partly emotional, but there's nothing to fear. That man, Rafael, was a nobody before he married Ella. I'll beat him easily."

"And once I do, we'll force your brother to accept our demands." Icarus's voice brimmed with confidence, unaware of the storm he was about to face.