Chapter 96: Stack of Letters
Gasps echoed through the hall.
"Lady Draykar and her children, while complicit through their silence if not their actions, are hereby banished from the Empire. They will be transported to the border of the Demon Lands and released. If they return to imperial territory at any time, they will face immediate execution."
Lady Draykar collapsed against her son, who struggled to support his mother while fighting back her own tears.
"Finally," the Empress said, "all lands, properties, and assets belonging to House Draykar are hereby forfeit to the crown."
Julius Luminaris leaned forward slightly, anticipating the standard redistribution of assets among multiple noble houses.
"In recognition of the assassination attempt against him, and in compensation for the harm House Draykar sought to inflict, all forfeited assets are granted to House Ambrose."
A shocked murmur ran through the assembly. Such a clear transfer of an entire house’s wealth to a single beneficiary was unprecedented.
Julius shot to his feet. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, such a distribution upsets the balance of—"
"The balance was upset when House Draykar committed treason, Lord Luminaris," the Empress cut him off. "House Ambrose was directly targeted. It is fitting that they receive compensation."
Grim met Julius’s furious gaze calmly. "I thank Your Majesty for this just resolution," he said, bowing deeply to the Empress. "House Ambrose will use these resources to strengthen the Empire, as we have always done."
Julius looked as though he might object further, but Mira placed a restraining hand on her father’s arm, whispering something that caused him to slowly retake his seat.