A short and turbulent night passed. Early the next morning, Regent Obsidian officially convened the ministers and representatives of the major families to discuss matters in the hall.
Except for the monthly meeting, this scale of council meetings was rarely seen.
At the meeting, many family representatives discovered a new face, the palace senior advisor, Charles, who had caused a stir recently. This Charles was incredible. He killed 3 important members of the elder families and a collateral royal family, including the heir of the Lincoln Family, Lordan. It was said that the shock in the capital last night was caused by Charles breaking out of the "legendary" Prison 13 of the secret prison.
Now, this person was standing intact in front of everyone. He was standing right below the regent and above the minister of military affairs. That position was definitely not for a person waiting to be sentenced.
What was even more unexpected was that the first thing the regent did was to announce the crimes of the Lincoln Family.
The heir of the Lincoln Family, Lordan, instigated Pierce of the Deandre Family, Lestin of the Ryan Family, and Mia of the collateral royal family to ambush the palace senior advisor, Charles. As a result, he failed and died. He deserved it. The patriarch of the Lincoln Family, Sartre, was eager for revenge. He misheard people's words, framed Charles, and falsely passed the regent's order. He asked General Doren to arrest Charles and bring him into the secret prison. He even broke into the secret prison without permission and attempted to kill Charles, causing chaos in the secret prison, causing many important criminals to escape.
The palace senior advisor was a distinguished guest of the royal family, representing the dignity of the royal family. The crimes committed by the Lincoln Family were very bad and almost unforgivable. Considering that they had made great contributions to the empire in the past, the punishment was as follows: Half of the Lincoln Family's property shall be confiscated, and the title of the elder family shall be revoked. Several elders who "instigated" patriarch Sartre to make mistakes shall be executed. Sartre was ordered to stay at home and ponder for a year.
As accomplices, the Ryan Family and the Deandre Family were also given a warning and a high fine.
Although the ministers of the elder families faction expressed opposition to this, and several representatives of the elder families also made strong protests and even left the meeting angrily, Obsidian did not appease or compromise. Instead, he firmly maintained the "original sentence". He even vaguely said that if the 3 families refused to implement this punishment, then he would enforce it by force.
Many ministers and family representatives set their eyes on the quiet "Charles" below Obsidian. They didn't know what method he used to actually make the Regent Royal Highness act so decisively against the elder families. In any case, "Charles" must be an extremely favored person at the moment. Many people had begun to think about how to get closer to this senior consultant.
Isabella stood silently beside Legu Cuarón, the Minister of Finance. She didn't look at Chen Rui and just quietly stared at the ground.
Seeing that he could not stop Obsidian's decision, Rommel rolled his eyes and seconded, "The Lincoln Family has indeed made a big mistake this time. I believe that after this incident, Patriarch Sartre will learn a lesson. If he makes meritorious deeds in the future, he should be able to get permission to return to the ranks of the elder families."
Rommel was the military minister supported by several elder families. In a sense, he could represent most of the elder families. This statement was undoubtedly tantamount to abandoning the Lincoln Family. Sartre's body shook, and he suddenly became dispirited, as if he had aged a hundred years.
Obsidian nodded with satisfaction. At present, he didn't want to be too stiff with the elder families. It would not be too late to suppress them step by step after he really mastered the black potions.
"However, there is one thing I want to mention." Rommel glanced at Isabella, "According to my intel, before Sir Charles was taken away by General Doren, he gave a 'gift' to Mrs. Isabella and asked her to pass it to the Regent Royal Highness as the basis for an 'explanation'. However, Mrs. Isabella hid it secretly and did not hand it over to Royal Highness. She did not even meet Royal Highness to plead for Sir Charles. I am personally shocked by this incident, and I feel even more sorry for Sir Charles. "
Obsidian had been distressed by the "waste" of the bottle of resurrection potion. Now when he heard the word "gift", his heart moved. There was a hint of coldness in his eyes, "Rommel, are you sure there is such a thing?"
"I can guarantee this with my life. I also have a witness, which is a maid who was present when Sir Charles handed the gift."
Rommel looked at Chen Rui and said confidently, "In fact, Sir Charles himself is the best proof of this matter. Not only that, according to my latest intel, the reason why Lordan ambushed Sir Charles is that he was provoked by Mrs. Isabella. The young and vigorous Lordan was blinded by beauty for a while. Under jealousy, he made a big mistake recklessly. Speaking of it, the source of all this is this Lady Devil's Snare. Since the Lincoln Family's crime cannot be pardoned, then Isabella's crime is even more unforgivable! I ask Your Highness to deal with it impartially and behead the real culprit, Isabella, in public to comfort the dead souls. "
When the ministers heard this, there was a whisper. If what Rommel said is true, then I'm afraid this capital flower will not be able to escape the fate of death today- Since there is no way to turn the Lincoln Family's matter around, then Isabella cannot be forgiven either. The regent can't slap his own mouth in return.
It would be a pity if such an enchanting flower of the Imperial Capital perished like this, but she had no choice but to die.
Rommel's meaning was very simple. The elder families cut off the Lincoln Family's arm, so they must also cut off one of Obsidian's arms. Moreover, this matter is a fact. "Charles" is the most powerful witness. This is also equivalent to expressing goodwill to "Charles" on behalf of the elder families.
Analyzing the current situation, "Charles" can make Regent Obsidian openly attack the elder families. There must be huge benefits beyond the original expectation in it. It seems that I really underestimated the other party before. In any case, I must try to win this person even if I have to pay a huge price and patience.
Looking at the smiling Rommel, Obsidian's face gradually sank. Regardless of whether the "gift" is true or false, Isabella is a very important figure under my command. Not only does she have considerable talent in politics and economics, but she also controls the most sophisticated intelligence agency. If she is damaged because of this matter, then it will definitely be an extremely heavy loss.
The key is that I have said too much when dealing with the Lincoln Family previously. It will definitely be difficult to convince the public to forgive Isabella now. At present, the influence of the elder families is quite large, and it involves "Charles" … With Black's contact with Charles, this human is very vengeful. The punishment of the Lincoln Family is one of the conditions for his cooperation.
Of course, if it is me, I can't be soft-hearted to the enemy.
Obsidian took a deep breath and said, "Isabella, don't you want to explain?"
With a faint silence in her eyes, Isabella shook her head blankly, "There is nothing to explain."
Obsidian raised his eyes and glanced at the gazes of the ministers. As he gritted his teeth and was about to announce the disposal decision, he heard Chen Rui said, "Your Highness, it seems that I, the 'victim', should come out and say a few words about this matter."
Obsidian nodded. Chen Rui stood up and shook his head, "The first thing to explain is that the so-called gift, in fact … there is no such thing at all."
Rommel's confident smile suddenly froze on his face. The one who was most surprised was Isabella. Although her expression still did not change, her blue eyes, which were as calm as an ancient well, finally rippled.
"Charles" is the first person involved. If he says there is no such thing, then there must be no such thing. Even if Rommel finds 100 maids as witnesses, it will be useless. Obsidian was relieved, and he nodded slightly.
"There is one more thing that needs to be said. During the days when I was imprisoned in the secret prison, this sir minister of military affairs had visited me. The kind of coercion and temptation is still fresh in my memory …"
Looking at Rommel, whose expression suddenly changed, Chen Rui's tone became colder, "At that time, I didn't agree to his conditions. Shortly after Sir Rommel left, Sir Sartre, who wanted to tear me into pieces, appeared in the secret prison. Sir Rommel, as far as I know, the real reason why Lordan assassinated me was instigated by you. It is because I am too close to Ms. Isabella, which will become a political stumbling block for you, the military minister. Moreover, I also killed the spy you arranged around the lady, the coachman, Jardel … I need you to give me an explanation in front of the Regent Royal Highness and all the lords! "
Rommel was shocked. He didn't expect that "Charles" not only ignored his goodwill on behalf of the elder families, but he also made a counterattack and completely poured this dirty water on him.
These words were true with falsehoods, which were interlinked and reasonable. Although there were very few falsehoods, it was enough to make Rommel doomed eternally. The intimacy between Isabella and Chen Rui was well-known. As a political enemy, Rommel had this motive. Coupled with the incident of Sartre and Jardel, Rommel couldn't find the words to refute for a while.
Many ministers who knew a little bit believed it, and there was another whisper. I didn't expect the behind-the-scenes mastermind of all this is actually Rommel who has always been a thief. Not only does he want to conspire to kill Charles, but he also wants to frame Isabella!
Obsidian was determined. He snorted coldly and said in a stern tone, "Rommel, how do you explain it?"
Rommel's face was pale, "Your Highness, if this is the case, why would I take the initiative to mention Isabella just now …"
Obsidian interrupted his unconvincing explanation and asked sternly, "Have you been to the secret prison?"
This matter could be easily found out, so Rommel could only grit his teeth and admit, "Yes, but …"
"Is Jardel your man?"
"Yes … but I was wronged!"
Obsidian shook his head, "This matter is already very clear. I'm quite disappointed in you, Rommel."
"I remember Sir Rommel … said just now that you can use your life as a guarantee?" Chen Rui added calmly, which was equivalent to putting a knife on Rommel's neck when he fell.
The incident of the Lincoln Family had successfully provoked the contradiction between the elder families and Obsidian, but it was not enough. Chen Rui needed to add more fuel to the fire. Moreover, Isabella was Lomont's aunt. More importantly, she knew the whereabouts of the Belphegor Royal Family's artifact, Breeze Shadow Boots, so she couldn't die yet.
Since Isabella's "sin" just now was unforgivable, the same applied to Rommel, but Obsidian was still hesitant.
However, Obsidian was still hesitating. No matter what the truth of the matter was, Rommel was always the spokesperson of the elder families, which was very different from Sartre. If Rommel was really punished or executed according to the current standards, then the contradiction with the elder families would be triggered in a chain reaction. Although this would definitely happen in the future, it was indeed a bit too hasty for now.
However, Charles was the most important collaborator. This matter was really difficult to decide.
"I can return that sentence to you, Sir Rommel. Coming to the secret prison that day was the worst decision in your life." Chen Rui looked like he would seek revenge for the smallest grievance. He added another sentence to add fuel to the fire.
Rommel found it difficult to argue at this time, and an unprecedented sense of frustration surged in his heart. For a while, all eyes were on Obsidian to see how he would deal with Rommel. The representative of the elder families simply did not say anything. It seemed that some invisible force was brewing in the strange atmosphere.
If the earthquake last night was thunder, then today was a real storm. If this was not handled properly, it was likely to trigger a terrible flood.
At the critical moment, Isabella, who had been silent, finally took the initiative to speak, "This matter should be Sir Rommel's momentary confusion. Please punish him leniently, Your Highness Regent."
Everyone was greatly surprised, including Chen Rui. He did not expect that the first person to speak up for Rommel was actually his mortal enemy, Isabella. Just now, Rommel still conspired to put her to death. This should be the best time to add insult to injury.
When did the Devil's Snare Flower become non-toxic?
Obsidian secretly praised Isabella for taking the overall situation into consideration. This merit was one of the main reasons why he admired this subordinate the most. With this excuse, Obsidian took the opportunity to announce that Rommel's military minister and all duties would be relieved. The military minister would be temporarily replaced by the second general, Doron. Rommel would be severely punished and would never be employed again. As for the candidate for the new military minister, the elder families would re-elect the candidate at the next regular meeting.
The dismissal and severe punishment could give an explanation to Charles, Isabella, and the ministers. Doron would temporarily replace him as a buffer period. As for the new position of the military minister, it would still be handed over to the elder families. It was also an explanation. As long as he successfully cooperated with Charles and obtained the only "endorsement" of the black potion, then it would not be too late to gradually take back his power and replace him with his own people.
Sure enough, this ending was within the acceptable range of the elder families, and no one raised any objections.
The storm finally subsided, and the waves finally settled.
At this meeting, the name of "Charles" resounded throughout the capital's upper echelons. All forces were reconsidering and fussing over this upstart who could affect the capital's situation.
Although "Charles" caused some trouble to Rommel, Obsidian was generally satisfied. Before the new military minister was selected, Doron would temporarily replace him. He could do a lot of "articles" that were beneficial to him.
Moreover, when "Charles" announced the decision, he gave enough face and did not continue to be unforgiving.
In fact, Chen Rui's plan to provoke the conflict between Obsidian and the elder families had basically succeeded. The reason why he did not go too far was that he did not want to affect the most important "cooperation plan" next.
The court meeting was dismissed. A few trusted aides such as Doron and Isabella were left behind to arrange some affairs during the handover period.
When Isabella walked out of the palace, she saw a figure waiting for her.
It's him.
Her beautiful blue eyes watched this man approaching from afar. An inexplicable feeling welled up in her heart, and the coldness in her eyes was even more intense.
"Inni …"
"You should call me Madam Isabella."
With a cold and distant tone, he brushed past her like a passerby.
Looking up slightly, she saw the dim and sparse dark clouds in the sky which seemed to be ashes.
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