Chapter 310: A Guilt of The Past (II)
"Mr Norman’s mother was gravely ill during the expedition when the incident occurred. He didn’t join it since he was taking care of her, knowing there was not much time left. After being arrested, he pleaded with the guards to allow him to see her one last time, but his requests were denied. She passed away while we were imprisoned, and he never had the chance to say goodbye or pay his final respects during her funeral. It took over a year for him to speak to me again, and even if he did, it was only for work-related matters, nothing more."
Clara’s heart swelled with sadness, realising the depth of pain and loss that Ayden had endured.
"I had no idea... He never mentioned it to me."
"I believe it hurt him so deeply that he couldn’t bring himself to speak of it to you."
"It must have been incredibly difficult for him. Now, I can’t help but feel that His Majesty was unjust in his actions towards you. Even though you were declared innocent in Dracor, he still punished you and the entire knighthood, including Mr Amares and Ayden."
"No, he wasn’t. His actions were in accordance with Cassian customs and regulations," Noah clarified. "In this society, the value placed on women’s lives and safety is higher than in other kingdoms. Any attempt to harm women is considered a grave offence. Even those who abuse women and children, regardless of their position as husbands or heads of households, face severe punishment, such as having their limbs severed."
Clara gasped as she was unfamiliar with Cassian laws and regulations.
"Oh, my! I had no idea!"
"The crime I was accused of was far from being insignificant. According to the severity of the offence, I was supposed to face death if it happened in Cassian. However, His Highness believed in my innocence and fought to defend me until the end. He succeeded, as there was no concrete evidence, and the presented witnesses could not prove they saw me do it."
Understanding dawned on the knightess’s face.
"I see now. His Majesty intended to set an example for others, to ensure that people wouldn’t take such matters lightly."