Chapter 128: Shattered Allegiances
In front of the audience, the princess was placed in handcuffs and shackles, while Prince Maximus stood behind her, posing as the prime evidence in front of the emperor and the jury to judge the princess’s crime.
"Prince Maximus, what kind of behavior is this? How could you put shackles on the princess and bring her here as a criminal when everyone is aware of her delicate health?" the emperor asked in anger.
"I apologize, your majesty, but this is related to the poison-related case of the duchess. The maid has confessed that the princess provided the food sent to the duchess. Then how could I not put shackles on the princess when she is clearly guilty of her crime?" Prince Maximus said, looking down following the protocols like a proper knight.
"It could be the maid’s scheme, couldn’t it?" the emperor suggested.
"Your majesty, no one could try to kill without any proper reason or unless someone has given them an order. Regarding your question, I don’t think you are behaving like an emperor right now, but rather like a father. Isn’t that going to complicate matters of justice?" Prince Maximus asked.
"I am behaving like an emperor," the emperor corrected himself.
"No, your majesty. If you were behaving like a proper emperor, you would have asked about how the duchess is, not why the princess is in shackles. I think you are trying so hard to fool everyone. So, isn’t it better for the jury to deal with this case?" Prince offered.
"Prince Maximus, how dare you disobey me in front of the people?" the emperor shouted.
"Your majesty, I think it is better for us to deal with this case. It might bring your personal feelings to interfere between the truth and lie, but we wouldn’t have any issue. Let us take over the case," the jury offered, cutting off the emperor’s words.
"I’m glad to hear that," Prince said, looking at the jury.
"As I said, the maid has already confessed about this," Prince Maximus said.
"What did she say? That she only brought food to the duchess by the princess’s order?" the jury asked.