Chapter 151 - Hundred And Fifty One
The air in the Royal Court was thick with tension. Nervous whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd of nobles, their eyes darting between Ryan and the imposing figure of King Albert on his throne.
"Duke Ryan," began Lord Valerian, his voice dripping with disdain, "you stood before this very court mere months ago, promising to apprehend this elusive murderer. Yet, we see no results. Only a growing list of victims."
Lord Theron, eager to curry favor with the king, chimed in, "Indeed, Lord Valerian speaks the truth. Count Edmund’s death is the last straw, a reminder that this menace needs to be stopped."
Fear, like a venomous snake, slithered through the room. "What if I am next?" whispered Lady Anne, her voice trembling. "Or worse," she shuddered, "what if they target His Majesty? What if they seek to seize the throne? As it stands now we don’t know their true motives."
The whispers erupted into a mixture of anxious voices. Nobles exchanged panicked glances, their minds racing with terrifying possibilities.
King Albert, his face flushed with weariness, slammed his fist on the armrest of his throne, the resounding boom silencing the court instantly. "Enough!" he roared, his voice echoing through the chamber.
The room fell into an oppressive silence, broken only by the labored breaths of the terrified nobles.
The king turned his gaze upon Ryan, his eyes piercing. "Duke Ryan," he demanded, his voice low and dangerous, "what progress have you made? What information do you have on this... this situation?"
Ryan, his shoulders slumped, took a deep breath. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice steady despite the tremor within, "I believe the murderer is a lord. A powerful lord, with access to significant resources. Exotic poisons, skilled henchmen, a network of spies... these things do not come cheap."