Chapter 250

Despite the distance, Max could clearly see her fathers jaw stubbornly stiffening, it was an expression he used to make to suppress his temper when his anger peaked. The Duke of Croix glared at Riftan with hostility, directing his eyes towards him as if he wanted to kill him. He was holding the cane in his hand so tightly that it seemed as if his veins would burst.

His Majesty does not have to make this matter problematic I have said that many times. I did make that clear, to remind you.

Max noticed her fathers speech indeed became slightly slurred, but not enough to sound ridiculous. His sense of authority, arrogance, and pride were etched deep in his bones to the point that he appeared overbearing even in front of the king. However, the Duke of Croix himself appeared aware and humiliated of the slurred speech that was the aftermath of the incident. Every time he spoke a word, anger flared in his eyes, he glared at Riftan with such hatred that it made everyone in the hall discreetly nervous, but Riftans anger and hostility were no less than the dukes. The king swept an annoyed look at the two people who were at the verge of attacking each other right then and there, he then clicked his tongue and turned to Count Robern.

After we rest for a couple of hours, we should start these talks immediately. Before my beloved subjects stick knives into each others chests, I must take the necessary measures.

I will accompany you, Your Majesty.

No, I want the count to watch over them in my place so they dont end up tearing each other apart.

Count Robern smiled bitterly and instructed the nearby butler to take the distinguished guests to their rooms. When the king led the princess and the attendants like a sole general, climbing the stairs covered in the shadow of gloomy gray, the people who were kneeling in respect all stood up at once. Max watched in confusion as the Duke of Croix hurried to retreat behind the knights. When she saw her fathers malevolent expression, an abominable premonition came over her that nothing would change her fathers mind.

Riftan looked at the duke with deep contempt, then turned his head as if he couldnt stand the sight of him.

Maxi, come this way.

Together they walked towards the annex. When her husbands large, trustworthy body completely blocked her fathers hateful gaze, Max managed to release the breath she had been holding. Riftan led her to an empty room and began to convince her again.

As I already told you several times, you dont have to enter the conference room. This is not a formal trial. It is just a meeting that King Ruben made to mediate between the Duke of Croix and myself.

Max shook her head firmly.

No matter what you say this time I will not step a-aside. My father will sue Riftan for invading Croix Castle and attacking him. When the fact is that Riftan all he did was to save me.

I always wanted to beat him to death!

Riftan snapped harshly and Max released a weary sigh.

Riftan t-thinks that attacking my father is a reasonable retaliation. If-if you exclude me from the story, could you continue to claim that your actions were fair?

Riftan gave her an expression like he was cornered. Max took his stiff hands and gave him a sincere smile.

I Im not the kind of l-lady you thought I am. Now Riftan knows it too. That I had a difficult childhood I also survived a j-journey through the middle of the continent. I have been through a horrible w-war. Testifying to this point wouldnt hurt me.

Perhaps those were words that were preferable not to say because Riftans face turned grim and a sharp pain could be seen in his eyes. He seemed determined to speak until they heard a firm knock on the door.

Commander, His Majesty would like to speak with you for a moment before starting the meeting.

It was Uslin Rikaidos voice. Riftan looked at Max in anguish and reluctantly left.

Dont let anyone get close.

Riftan, standing in front of the door, gave this stern order to the knights who were there and crossed the hall quickly. Max sat in front of the fireplace and waited impatiently for the meeting to begin. A second felt like a minute and a minute like an hour. A long time passed, she began to bite her nails and her mouth felt dry until she heard a knock on the door again.

Mlady, the meeting has begun.

W-wait a moment.

Max stood in front of the mirror and looked at herself. There were several fine hairs sticking out of her carefully braided hair, but she managed to look elegant. She carefully put her cloak over her shoulder and left the room.

How about Riftan?

He went to the conference room first with His Majesty.

Uslin answered as he led through the hall and then to the stairs situated in the middle.

Dont worry, Caron and I will be in the meeting room as well.

Besides you who else will be there?

About ten people, including His Majestys attendants and escort knights the duke will also bring about five or six people.

Max was relieved that there would be fewer people than she had expected, but when she saw the huge number of people following the duke, she felt a bit daunted. The knights led her to the conference room located on the second floor and she looked around with a tensed gaze. At the farthest side of the spacious conference room, King Ruben took a seat with dignity as if he were a judge, on the right was Princess Agnes and on the left was Count Robern, both of them had solemn expressions.

Riftan and the Duke of Croix were sitting on either ends of a long table in the middle of the room, both turning their heads the opposite direction as if they despised seeing a glimpse of each other. Max was stiff and frozen as Elliott led her to the end of the room, to the side where Riftan was sitting.

Please come this way.

Max sat in one of the long rows of chairs that were propped along the walls. Elliott and Uslin sat on either side of her. The king, who was looking at a long scroll of parchment, raised his head and asked.

Did all the people involved in this matter attend?

The king leaned an elbow on the armrest of his chair and tilted his chin, waving the parchment.

Before starting this meeting, I was reading once again the cryptic demand that the Duke of Croix has sent me. In it, he states that last fall, my most esteemed knight caused a very unpleasant incident.

He glanced mockingly at the parchment and smirked as if the whole thing was amusing.

In conclusion, it says that Whedons number one knight infiltrated Croix Castle and tried to kill the duke.

Uslin rose from his seat furiously as if to protest, but before he could say anything, King Ruben calmly continued.

In the same period, Calypse declared war on the duke with the intention of exercising his just right to retaliation. I dont know what the hell happened, but one decided on war and the other on trial.

Your Majesty! This is not the place to talk about his illegal declaration of war, is it not?!

The duke banged on the table and quivered as he retorted, his face turning a reddish color.

That beastly man he dared to infiltrate the Castle of Croix and try to harm me, the duke! Despite the high priest treating me urgently, I barely awoke and suffered in unconsciousness for four days. Anyone who dares harm a nobleman must pay the price accordingly! Isnt that the right thing to do for a subject who is utmost loyal to His Majesty?

Your majesty! The Duke of Croix is giving one-sided, biased claims!

Uslin, who had lost patience, raised his voice.

One of the attendants tried to warn him about his rude action, but King Ruben raised a hand and clenched his chin as if to speak. After ignoring Riftans warning look, Uslin knelt on one knee before the king and began to speak rapidly.

That day, we went to Croix Castle to meet with Lady Calypse. However, although the duke

had no right, he locked the lady in his quarters and treated Lord Calypse with contempt. No man in this world would remain silent if anyone had taken his wife away! The commander had no choice but to break into the castle to claim his wife. Technically speaking, the one who has committed offense is the Duke of Croix.

H-how dare you where did you fetch such lies to speak?!

The duke scream