As soon as these words were spoken, not only the nobles of Lilya’s faction or the neutral faction but even many supporters of Ben himself looked unbelieving, and their expressions became intense.

 

Internecine strife within the royal family resulting in one side’s death is a serious crime, a true act of treason!

 

In terms of severity, it is not below colluding with cult organizations and harming countless common people.

 

Although in history, there were cases where princes and princesses seized power by rebellion and killed their siblings…

 

But, this is the 【Hall of All Spirits】 temple.

 

【Internal strife within the same family, an unforgivable crime, shall be sentenced to eternal imprisonment!】

 

The neutral and majestic voice from the heavens resounded throughout the hall the moment Ben admitted his guilt.

 

The white light sphere floating in the air cast its light onto Ben Melchior below, leaving a fresh red chain mark on the back of his right hand.

 

This signifies that the High Spirit personally judged the crime of the second prince killing his brother and issued a verdict.

 

Everything has been settled.

 

He lost to his competitor, Lilya Melchior.

 

Although this outcome was anticipated by many nobles, given the overwhelming support of Princess Lilya, when the day truly arrived, it gave a strong sense of unreality.

 

Could it be too easy?

 

Ben did not fall on the topic originally proposed about the “Eternal Throne.” Instead, he completely stumbled due to Princess Lilya’s sudden shift to the death of the eldest prince, a topic that had nothing to do with this deliberation. It can be described as a dramatic turn of events.

 

So, who is calculating whom between these two?

 

Although the development deviated significantly from what most people expected, in the end, the fifth princess still achieved the ultimate goal of this deliberation.

 

In other words, her remaining competitors are now only the third prince, Patrick, and the fourth prince, Devitt.

 

The threats posed by these two seem to be less significant than Ben Melchior, at least in terms of popularity and prestige.

 

As Ben, escorted by palace guards, was about to be detained, he passed by Lilya without the disappointment and anger that a loser should have, maintaining his humble smile.

 

“You’ve won, little sister. It’s truly a spectacular comeback. It seems sending you to the Western Frontier battlefield back then was a mistake. It allowed you to undergo such a transformation, didn’t it?”

 

Compared to Ben, who smiled despite his failure, Lilya did not show a smile for her victory. She earnestly observed the expression on the man in elegant clothing’s face, as if trying to capture even a hint of guilt and remorse.

 

“Why go to such lengths? Whether it’s my elder brother, me, or those innocent people who perished because of this, is it worth abandoning even family, subjects, and the very principles of being human for a crown?”

 

“Heh…”

 

Ben smirked, not caring about the many gazes cast upon them, speaking frankly.

 

“That big brother is just a fool, but he’s favored by the king just because he was born a few years earlier than me. His so-called benevolence doesn’t work in this world of power struggles. A country becomes strong not by flattering the so-called commoners, but by strength!”

 

“Lilya, I understand better than anyone else what true strength is. It’s a power you can’t imagine, the power that can sustain a nation.”

 

“… Because of this reason, you killed our elder brother? Ben… you really are beyond redemption.”

 

A hint of disappointment deepened in the princess’s eyes.

 

“Ha, might is right. You won this round, and you can say whatever you want.”

 

“But, little sister, you better understand what brought you to today—wasn’t it power? Even you had to abandon that meaningless kindness and take up the sword to contend with us, didn’t you?”

 

Ben opened his mouth, forming some vague words.

 

Only Lilya and Violet, who were closest to him, could discern the message — “Don’t think this is the end.”

 

Then, the second prince, at the end of his rope, spread his arms, tore off the mask of humility, and laughed heartily.

 

“Lilya, don’t lose, hahaha!!!”

 

Ben had already gone far, but his laughter lingered, echoing in the air.

 

“Are you okay?”

 

Violet patted the shoulder of the girl in front of her, waking her from deep thought.

 

Although Violet had listened to the entire conversation between the two royal siblings, she did not interject or refute. Rather, despite disapproving of their methods, some of what the guy had just said seemed to align with the ideals of the priestess.

 

Unfortunately, he chose the wrong path and abandoned his principles, a point Violet couldn’t agree with.

 

There should always be a line when doing anything.

 

“It’s nothing… just a bit concerned about his attitude. Let’s go back, things here are almost wrapped up.”

 

“Alright.”

 

With the guilt established, and after the three adjudicators escorted the white light sphere known as the High Spirit back, the people in the Hall of All Spirits temple gradually dispersed.

 

With Ben defeated and detained, the most intense contenders in the struggle for the throne had settled.

 

It seemed that the final outcome was becoming clear.

 

Three days remained until the ritual’s conclusion.

 

…………….

 

At night, on the large bed in the inn, Violet sat cross-legged in the center, observing the dark purple-patterned ring in her hand.

 

Miss Dragon, displaying remarkable flexibility, was sprawled next to her in a sitting duck pose, hands propped against the bed, and her large white tail swayed rhythmically behind her, looking quite lively.

 

“Master, what is this?”

 

In the pet space, Xiao Guang had witnessed the details of the Spirit deliberation during the day, so Violet spared herself much explanation.

 

“Oh, that ring on Ben’s hand, he probably relies on that to block the scrutiny of the High Spirit’s laws. It’s likely an interesting piece of equipment.”

 

As for how this thing was stolen from the second prince’s hand by Prakaka, the rat person, it’s actually quite simple.

 

Among the chaotic magical items stolen from the little treasury of the third prince Patrick by Prakaka, there was a very peculiar purple equipment called the [Ring of Exchange].

 

Although it falls into the category of equipment, it’s actually a disposable item. Its function is, after the user gets close to another person’s body to a certain extent, to unconditionally swap this equipment with another specified item worn by the other person.

 

Although the limited distance almost requires physical contact, once it is activated, the effect is quite overbearing. Even this equipment that can resist pseudo-god-level law forces was swapped away.

 

After use, the [Ring of Exchange] is directly scrapped, becoming an ordinary item with no magical power. It should still be on the second prince’s hand right now.

 

However, this equipment seems a bit strange. Naturally, Prakaka successfully stole it but couldn’t use it.

 

Later, Lilya simply gave it to Violet as a reward for her help today.

 

The real intention of the princess should be that the priestess might be able to decipher this secret and make good use of it.

 

As for why others can’t use it, Violet figured it out early on.

 

This equipment is bound to Ben Melchior.

 

In other words, judging by the rules of “Illusory World,” this is at least something of a higher quality than a golden spiritual tool, because there is no concept of binding for items below the gold level.

 

And for some reason, this dark purple-patterned ring gives Violet a familiar feeling.

 

So, let’s try investigating it first.