The appearance of the white light sphere seemed to automatically trigger the earlier declaration from everyone present, and a faint light of the same color was briefly visible on their skin before quickly disappearing into their bodies.

 

What exactly does this mean?

 

The strange diffusing waves seemed somewhat similar to the phenomenon around the Forgotten Lands, where the living used to be replaced by reflections in the mirror world.

 

It shouldn’t be the power of the Cocoon of Blasphemy itself. Rather, it seemed to be the force constituting the mirror world, a blend of forces from different systems.

 

Closer to the laws of death, the kind associated with the [Death Omen Star].

 

Thinking about what everyone had just said in unison…

 

Is it a law related to lie detection or the necessity to speak the truth?

 

That’s quite interesting.

 

No wonder they had to come to the Hall of All Spirits for deliberation.

 

As spectators, Violet or Edwina naturally wouldn’t be the focus in the Hall of All Spirits. No one would deliberately pay attention to them in such circumstances, so even if they displayed slight abnormalities, it wouldn’t have much impact.

 

Thus, under the peculiar sight of the floating white light sphere, the deliberation officially began.

 

Herbert, the head of the three inquisitors, first bowed to the high-floating white sphere, then turned around to face the audience and the princes and princesses.

 

“In the gaze of the spirits of the high heavens, all our words are true. Now, let the initiator of this deliberation, Princess Lilya Melchior, the fifth princess, first present her views and evidence.”

 

The princess stood up, solemnly took out a thick file from her ring that had been prepared in advance, and stacked it on the table.

 

“As you have all heard, there is ample evidence now indicating that the second prince of the Human United Kingdom, Ben Melchior, colluded with the cult organization ‘Eternal Throne.’ For his undisclosed purposes, he not only tolerated but actively instructed members of this organization to commit at least tens of thousands of crimes within our country over the past few years.”

 

“These include, but are not limited to, charges of murder, robbery, human trafficking, drug trafficking, illegal detention, and trampling on the basic personal rights of citizens, totaling more than twenty offenses. It can be described as heinous, with a complete disregard for the law.”

 

“According to incomplete statistics, the current group of victims is estimated to be at least over ten thousand people, spread across major cities and villages nationwide. However, under the strong concealment efforts of the second prince Ben Melchior, citizens find no way to report crimes. Those seeking justice and help face even more severe retaliation, causing the news to ultimately sink into oblivion.”

 

“Fortunately, blessed by the spirits, I happened to discover the enemy’s nest hidden deep within the royal city a few days ago. After a fierce battle, we eliminated over three hundred cultists, captured more than ten, and seized numerous illegal supplies and evil experimental products. The sight was truly shocking.”

 

“I believe that Ban Melchior’s actions have already blasphemed the most basic line for a member of the royal family, treating human lives as insignificant, considering responsibilities as dirt. He is no longer fit to continue enjoying the status of a royal family member. I apply to strip him of all political rights and exile him to a remote place.”

 

“Above.”

 

“……….”

 

After Princess Lilya’s impassioned accusation and her resuming her seat, the Hall of All Spirits fell silent for a few seconds.

 

Contrary to Violet’s imagination of a tumultuous response, there was no uproar or commotion in the hall. Compared to the adventurers’ assembly hall, the people in the Hall of All Spirits remained surprisingly calm after hearing this explosive declaration, some even engaged in hushed conversations.

 

On one hand, they were all aristocrats, nobles, or leaders of large organizations, renowned and powerful figures. Their city and worldly experiences were naturally not comparable to adventurers with varying levels of education.

 

On the other hand, they were all insiders, and these matters had been known to them through their own channels well before. Some even knew the details earlier than Lilya herself.

 

But regardless of whether the nobles or faction leaders in the hall supported one side or had their own intentions, since the spirits of the high heavens had already shown their divine presence, what they said no longer mattered.

 

In the sacred and majestic Hall of All Spirits, the real ultimate decision-making power rested solely with the spirits of the high heavens—the will of countless ancestral spirits incarnated.

 

Only the ancestral spirits had the authority to abolish a member of the pure-blooded royal family.

 

Therefore, even though the three inquisitors sitting above, in a sense, were aligned with Lilya, it did not mean she could manipulate the process and outcome of the deliberation at will.

 

The guards submitted all the evidence Lilya provided, and Herbert placed them on the altar beside him. After the white light sphere descended and scanned through these files, Lord Herbert, with a serious expression, turned his gaze to Ben Melchior, who was sitting on the lower left.

 

“So, Prince Ben, do you have any defense or rebuttal against the accusations of Princess Lilya? The spirits of the high heavens have personally witnessed these charges, distinguishing truth from falsehood. If you think there’s any inaccuracy in what Princess Lilya has said, you can speak up now.”

 

“But remember, under the gaze of the spirits, any falsehood or deception is a grave offense. Think carefully before you speak.”

 

The way Herbert spoke… was not exactly gentle.

 

Although Ben was a prince, to be honest, unless he became the true king, his actual status was not much higher than the adventurers’ guildmaster, Herbert, and other legendary figures. The privileges possessed by higher-level beings were generally substantial, and with the backing of the Adventurers’ Guild, Herbert’s position was even more secure.

 

Herbert himself was not known for his good temper, and considering he had openly sided with Lilya, he naturally wouldn’t show Ben a friendly face. Moreover, the actions of the second prince, who condoned the atrocities committed by the Eternal Throne, were indeed deserving of public anger, causing him to lose the people’s trust.

 

To some extent, Herbert’s decision to fully support the obviously more young and promising Princess Lilya was influenced by witnessing the tragic conditions and evidence of the victims.

 

Facing the inquiry, Ben did not show much concern. He simply glanced at the three inquisitors on the high platform, the floating sphere of light in the air, crossed his hands on the table, and revealed the usual humble smile.

 

“Regarding this matter, I’m afraid my sister and you all have misunderstood. I have neither heard nor come into contact with organizations like the Eternal Throne, let alone instructed them to do anything.”

 

“As the eldest son after the passing of my elder brother, I have been busy mourning for my father. According to the tradition of ‘no decree from the late king, the eldest son ascends the throne,’ I have been diligently preparing for the early-stage work of inheriting the throne. How could I have had time to associate with any cult during this period?”

 

“???”

 

With this statement, the expressions of the people present changed, especially those who belonged to Lilya’s faction, their faces becoming even more unpleasant. Even Princess Lilya herself couldn’t help raising an eyebrow.

 

He dared to openly deny his wrongdoing in such a solemn setting, and even indicated his ambition for the throne? Moreover, he brought up a discarded regulation that no one cared about, established by some past king?

 

“Ben Melchior, what on earth is he thinking?

 

But what is even more unbelievable is that, having spoken such an obvious lie, overlooking everyone in the Pantheon, he, who absolutely does not tolerate any false gods in the sky, showed no sign at all?!

 

How… is that possible?

 

“Hold on!”

 

Before Lilya or any arbitrator could speak, the third prince Patrick, who was eavesdropping on the side, couldn’t hold back. He stood up abruptly, pointing at Ben’s nose and started cursing loudly.

 

“What nonsense are you talking about! The absurd notion of the eldest son inheriting the throne. My elder brother became the crown prince in the first place because the king designated him, what does it have to do with the order of birth?”

 

“Today, let’s settle it here in this hall. I don’t care about the throne, let everyone rely on their own abilities. If you want to ascend using such a ridiculous reason, I, Patrick will be the first to have a bone to pick with you!”

 

“Ugh oh oh oh oh!!!”

 

As soon as he finished speaking, a white light from the celestial spirit above struck the sturdy body of the third prince, causing him to shake uncontrollably as if he were electrified. Even black smoke emerged from his head.

 

At the same time, a majestic neutral voice instantly spread throughout the entire place.

 

【In the sacred place of the spirits, do not speak recklessly, do not use filthy language!】