Chapter 66: The Punishment of Viscount Fayatt

The trial proceeded, and after Lord Dardale’s testimony concluded, the court adjourned for a recess before delivering the verdict.

While I was relaxing in one of the chambers, a servant approached Grandfather and whispered something in his ear. His expression sharpened as he nodded.

“Toma, the King will be coming shortly.”

“What?”

“He wishes to speak with you informally.”

“Me?”

“As the Apostle of a god, you’re a person of considerable importance to this kingdom.”

“Do I have the right to refuse?”

“No.”

“Of course not.”

“The King likely chose this trial as an opportunity to meet you without stirring up too much noise from the temple. That old woman would raise hell if this was done openly.”

“But this is still so sudden.”

“It’s because any prior arrangements would have risked that same woman finding out.”

It was clear the King had timed this to avoid backlash from the temple, knowing that my current presence at the castle was a rare opportunity.

Within minutes, King Othfried arrived, accompanied by Prince Reinhardt.

“Dispense with the formalities. Take a seat.”

Grandfather and I had risen to offer a deep bow, but the King waved us down.

Prince Reinhardt casually waved at me, seeming far more relaxed than I was. How could he be so carefree in the presence of his father, the King?

“At last, we meet. I am Othfried, King of this land.”

“It’s been a while, Toma.”

“It is an honor to meet Your Majesty. I am Toma Ashud Roxfall. It is good to see you again, Prince Reinhardt.”

“Now, Toma, let me ask you—do I have any illnesses?”

Wait, that’s the first thing he wants to know?

“…Your Majesty should be cautious about excessive drinking.”

The King’s liver was suffering from years of heavy alcohol consumption, likely driven by both habit and the stress of ruling. If he continued, it was only a matter of time before his health completely failed.

“Hmm? But I’ve never consumed that Liquor King stuff.”

“The poison in Liquor King is irrelevant here. Any alcohol consumed in excess can harm the body. Your Majesty’s symptoms of poor health and loss of appetite are likely tied to this overindulgence.”

“Indeed, I’ve been feeling unwell and have had little appetite lately. Should I seek treatment from the temple priests?”

“I recommend treatment alongside a disciplined lifestyle and a balanced diet.”

“Why don’t you treat me yourself?”

Before I could respond, Grandfather interjected.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but Toma cannot take on such a role. You already have court physicians in your service, and bypassing them would create unnecessary friction.”

“Hmph… Then I shall appoint Toma as my physician.”

“Do you think that would go unnoticed by the temple?”

“Ugh… The temple would indeed interfere. Very well, I’ll heed your advice.”

Grandfather’s intervention was masterful, but the King’s current condition could still lead to an untimely death.

“Grandfather, a word, please.”

I whispered into Grandfather’s ear, explaining the severity of the King’s condition. His face stiffened.

“What’s going on? Why are you whispering?” the King demanded, growing visibly agitated.

“Ahem. Your Majesty…”

“Am I dying?”

“…Everyone will eventually face death.”

“That’s not what I mean! I’m only forty-three years old—surely that’s too young to die!”

The King leaned forward, desperate. His fear was palpable.

“Grandfather, I’ll prepare medicine for His Majesty. Please deliver it to him later.”

“Good! Toma, I’ll count on you!”

The King visibly relaxed, leaning back into his seat.

“I’m healthy, right, Toma?” Prince Reinhardt asked with a grin.

“Yes, Prince Reinhardt, you’re perfectly healthy.”

For a ten-year-old, he was indeed in excellent shape.

The conversation then shifted to family connections.

“But isn’t it unfair that only the Duke of Bayerline gets such a talented grandson?”

“Toma is my grandson, Your Majesty. A fact that brings me immense pride.”

“Even so, the Duchess Brünnhilde is my aunt, which makes Toma a distant relative of mine as well!”

“Is that so?”

“Hah! That was a jest, Your Majesty.”

Wait, what? I hadn’t known my grandmother was once a princess. The two elder men then delved into reminiscences of the past.

“By the way, Toma, that spectacle with Lightstar earlier was quite entertaining. His panicked reactions were a delight.”

The King laughed heartily before he and Prince Reinhardt left the room, their business concluded.

The Verdict

The trial resumed, and the verdicts were delivered.

It is customary in this kingdom for clear evidence to result in same-day sentencing. The widespread harm caused by Liquor King ensured that today would see the case’s conclusion.

“Viscount Fayatt and Marquis Lightstar, step forward.”

Both defendants moved to stand before the judges. The chief judge bowed slightly toward the King’s observation area before delivering the verdict.

“The verdict is as follows: Viscount Fayatt is sentenced to retirement, demotion to the rank of baron, and a fine of three billion gazel to be paid to the treasury.”

“No, please! I only followed Marquis Lightstar’s orders! Have mercy!” Fayatt cried.

“Silence, you fool!”

Marquis Lightstar shouted, striking Fayatt to the ground in a fit of rage.

“Restrain Marquis Lightstar immediately!”

“You ungrateful cur! How dare you betray me!” Lightstar bellowed as knights wrestled him into submission.

“Marquis Lightstar is hereby ordered to leave the courtroom!”

Bound and gagged, he was carried out by the knights, still spitting venom.

The court then turned its attention back to Fayatt.

“Why did you not reveal Marquis Lightstar’s involvement during the trial?”

“I… I…”

“You must understand that your silence is tantamount to accepting his crimes as your own. Do you mean to insult this court?”

“No! I would never—”

“Then confess all of Lightstar’s crimes. Only then might we show you mercy.”

Fayatt ultimately revealed everything, extending the trial into the next day.

The Final Sentencing

The following day, Fayatt’s testimony laid bare the extensive list of Lightstar’s transgressions. His lawyer eventually abandoned his defense entirely.

Fayatt’s punishment was significantly reduced: he retained his baronial rank, and his fine was decreased to one billion gazel. His cooperation had saved him from harsher penalties.

Meanwhile, Marquis Lightstar was implicated in numerous crimes. He was detained in the royal dungeon, awaiting further investigations by the knights.

For the time being, only those with royal permission could visit him.