Chapter 46: "The Last Judgment of the Archduke"

Today marked the final judgment of the Archduke of the North. The anticipation hung in the air, thick with tension, as the kingdom awaited the prophesied moment. The grand hall was brimming with courtiers, each eye fixed on the prophetess as she stepped forward, offering greetings to the King of the Silver Throne.

"Greetings to the king," her voice resonated through the hall. "Here is my evidence."

The Archduke's bodyguard was seized, his stoic facade giving way to vulnerability. "Talk!" the prophetess commanded. But before he could utter a word, he collapsed, and the imperial physician rushed forward, confirming his demise.

As the lifeless body was swiftly taken away, the hall descended into a hushed silence. The King of the Silver Throne stood, his eyes piercing through the dimness of the hall. "As of this moment," he declared, "I shall issue my orders."

All ears were attuned to his words, each syllable carrying the weight of destiny. "The general will oversee the interrogation," he continued, "the Archduke will be dethroned, and I will announce the new Archduke of the North."

The crowd stirred, whispers and murmurs creating a symphony of uncertainty. The King's gaze swept across the assembly, every subject in his kingdom contemplating the ramifications of this judgment.

"All subjects may return home to reunite with their people," the King proclaimed, his voice resonating with authority. "However, the former Archduke shall be sent to the cold castle, where hope for life is but a distant memory. He shall not see the world again until we convene on this matter."

With a finality that echoed in the hearts of all present, the King departed, leaving the hall in a state of both awe and trepidation.

...

"Whaoh, what a tragic existence. I've heard you have no heir to carry forth your legacy,," remarked the head of Ida's clan, a sardonic smile playing on his lips.

The Archduke's eyes blazed with defiance, his voice firm, "This is only the beginning!"

As the guards dragged him away, the shadows seemed to elongate, swallowing the hall in darkness. Whispers of clandestine conversations, promises of revenge, and alliances formed in secrecy swirled through the air, foretelling a storm on the horizon.

The fate of the North now hung in the balance, a precarious equilibrium on the verge of collapse. .

.