15:21 Thu, 10 Apr
The Swordswoman'’s Revenge Story after Rebirth
Chapter 387 The Trouble Stirrer
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Arthur stepped forward. “Your Majesty, according to the law, defying an imperial decree is an act of utmost
disrespect-punishable by death.”
“The King, you must not!” Brent Dale, a veteran general, stepped forward lustily. “Your Majeuy, Isolde has
rendered great service to the empire, especially in securing victory at Zloimond. Her crmust have been
committed in a moment of folly, | beg Your Majesty to show mercy.”
Arthur's voice was cold. “Brent, are you suggesting that those who have performed great deeds should be
allowed to act without restraint, even to the point of defying the King? If so, would that not lead to utter chaos in
the court? Do you dare challenge the authority of the throne?”
Brent, a man of action rather than words, flushed red at the accusation. He quickly clarified. “Your Majesty, that
is not my intent. | only plead for mercy. While defying an imperial decree is indeed a capital offense, there have
been precedents for clemency. Considering Garrett's lifelong contributions to the empire. | implore Your Majesty
to be lenient.”
Deangelo stepped forward. “Your Majesty, Brent is not without reason. Isolde’s crstems from her refusal to
observe mourning for her grandmother. Unfilial conduct is indeed a grave offense, but | suspect there is more to
this matter than meets the eye. | beg Your Majesty to investigate further.”
The generals, emboldened by Deangelo’s stance, began speaking up.
“Your Majesty, Isolde has always been a loyal and courageous soldier. She would not defy a decree without
cause. There must be deeper reasons. | beg Your Majesty to grant an inquiry,” another general urged.
Seamus added, “Your Majesty, please show leniency.”
Arthur was taken aback.
These were seasoned statesmen and generals, not ones to speak rashly. They usually avoided meddling in
contentious matters. Why, then, were they all coming forward to defend Isolde?
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He suspected Pablo had spent money to sway them.
In ordinary circumstances, Arthur would have avoided antagonizing these men. But now, he was at a critical
juncture. If he hesitated, he would appear weak, and his carefully cultivated allies would lose faith in him.
So, he raised his voice, “Your Majesty, the court’s esteemed ministers speak of mercy, yet they ignore the
precedent set by our ancestors. The first King’s laws demand loyalty and filial piety above all else. If Your Majesty
forgives Isolde, she will believe that her past merits grant her immunity from punishment. Such arrogance will
only breed disorder within the court.”
He fell to his knees. “Your Majesty, Isolde’s example cannot be allowed to take root. It must be cut down swiftly. |
beg Your Majesty to issue severe punishment.”
The King listened, his expression unreadable. But within, his suspicions deepened.
Arthur's eagerness
‘s eagerness to have Isolde executed seemed excessive-ruthless, even.
Arthur, seeing the King’s silence, felt a pang of urgency. “Your Majesty, | am Isolde’s relative. It painsto stand
here and attest to her guilt. But as a servant of the empire, my duty is clear. If Your Majesty shows
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Chapter 387 The Trouble Stitter
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Arthur tensed. Why was the King changing the subject? Was he wavering?
The other ministers were also caught off guard. The King rarely veered into informal discussions unless the main
topic had been concluded.
The King’s voice was steady. “I remember when | ascended the throne. It was a tof both internal strife and
external threats. It was only with the guidance of the Queen Mother and Callum that | secured my position. But
was my rule ever truly secure? Even now, | cannot say that it is. If the Eryndral Empire is poor, neighboring
nations trample upon us. If we prosper, they cover us. In times of peace and in times of war, the warriors of the
empire have always stood at Simmour City’s gates, defending our lands and our people.
“Do you recall the tCallum bestowed noble titles upon twenty generals?
Brent, nostalgic, sighed. “I remember well, Your Majesty. The treasury was drained after years of war, and the
people were suffering. Since there was no silver for rewards, those who had distinguished themselves were
granted noble ranks instead. My father was among those given a fiefdom.”
The King nodded: “And do you remember the war that led to those honors?”
Brent lowered his head. “It was the campaign against the Maurett Tribe in Thalvinar. We fought for five years,
both sides exhausted. General Garrett led ten thousand soldiers into battle-only three thousand returned. But
victory brought lasting peace, with Thalvinar surrendering and paying tribute annually. Only then did the borders
quiet, and our people could live in peace.”
The King nodded again. “Yes. That peace was bought with blood. | remember, back then, the previous King was
still alive but gravely ill. | had not yet ascended the throne. The Prince Regent hosted a grand banquet for the
returning warriors. Over thirty men marched into the palace that day, all bearing wounds. | remember Geoffrey-
his legs injured-leaning on crutches as he entered.”
Many among the older ministers felt a wave of emotion at the memory.
After years of war, peace had been dearly won. The victory feast had been a moment of unity between the
sovereign and his warriors.
Arthur, having no recollection of those times, sensed that the King was steering the conversation toward
Geoffrey. His heart pounded. Was the King going to pardon Isolde?
Panicked, he interjected, “Your Majesty, it is true that Geoffrey was a great warrior. But that does not mean his
daughter should be absolved. If we allow the children of war heroes to escape justice, then where is the rule of
law?”
The King’s tone turned sharp. “I said we will discuss Isolde later. Are you deaf?”
Arthur fell silent, realizing his mistake. The King’s words had not carried rage, but the final sentence had been
unmistakably a reprimand.
Arthur dared not push further.
The King continued, his gaze sweeping across the court. “I was young then, but | remember that day clearly.
Over the years, those warriors have dwindled, lost to battle or illness. And last night... another great general left
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmme. It weighs heavily upon my heart.”
|_ 15-22 Inu, TU Apr
Chapter 387 The Trouble Stirrer
A general? Who?
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The King’s voice dropped. “Perhaps you only remember his household scandals. You have all forgotten that he
once bled for this empire.”
It took a moment for the realization to settle in.
Geoffrey was dead?
The ministers were stunned.
Arthur's mind reeled. How? Had his injuries from Zloimond been fatal after all?
Seamus hesitated before asking. “Your Majesty... do you speak of Geoffrey?”
The King nodded, then turned his piercing gaze to Arthur. “Did you know of this?”
Arthur's breath caught. “I... | did not.”
“You
did not?” The King’s voice sharpened. Then allowto enlighten you. You are the one who killed him. Do you
deny it?”
Arthur staggered. I-Your Majesty, | never-"
A scroll flew from the King’s hand, striking Arthur's chest and unfurling at his feet.
The King, no longer calm, his fury unleashed, thundered, “It was you. You, the meddling fool who stirred this
entire mess!”
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