One of them, Count Lasfoden, shouted for Violet to be executed, declaring her guilty.

‘Barbaric.’

It was utterly barbaric.

What kind of gain could they hope to achieve from such unscrupulous actions?

Violet’s lawyer calmly refuted the accusations, but they refused to listen.

Thus, the verbal battle continued.

‘They remind me of someone… those people…’

As she watched those spouting nonsense, Violet suddenly recalled the events that had unfolded in the past, at the Everett Duchy.

Back then, Aileen had collapsed after consuming poison, and Violet had been falsely accused, with Mikhail shouting in outrage.

How could the situation now be so eerily similar?

The duke who played the role of judge already knew the entire truth.

The judge presiding over this trial was no different.

Therefore, the outcome would likely be the same.

“The ledger presented as evidence has been proven to be falsified. It has been confirmed that the Ducal Lady was at her residence when the ledger was created, and the witnesses who testified…”

The lawyer continued to calmly present his counterarguments, but those filled with malice simply shouted that it was all lies.

Violet thought the entire situation seemed like a play.

Yes, this was a play.

“—Therefore, I find Violet Everett not guilty.”

A play meant to deceive people.

From behind the screen, the judge declared her innocence.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, the opposing side raised their voices in disbelief.

“This is absurd! How can that villainess be found not guilty!”

“Considering those who have suffered at the hands of the witch, this verdict cannot be allowed!”

In the case of Aileen’s poisoning attempt, the evidence clearly proved Violet’s innocence,

so they were trying to dredge up other past events to attack her.

Even if it was difficult to prove immediately, Violet’s reputation had always been consistent.

They likely thought it would be easy to exploit any real crimes she might have committed to their advantage.

How foolish, these people.

“Are you saying that my judgment is wrong?”

With that voice, the screen was lifted.

The judge seated on the bench was the emperor.

The man who had stained the imperial palace with blood and now stood at the pinnacle of the empire.

His face, much like Rajaden’s, was marked by a heavy dignity, with a faint trace of anger.

“Arrest all the traitors, including Count Lasfoden, Baron Epsilten, and Cardinal Halleton!”

“Yes!”

In an instant, the situation was reversed.

As soon as the order was given, the imperial knights stormed into the courtroom, subduing the people.

If anyone resisted, they did not hesitate to wield their swords.

One of the captured men shouted.

“What is the meaning of this!”

“Do you take me for a fool?”

The emperor responded.

There was no emotion in his expression, but a few in the room understood its significance.

It was an expression that had been seen decades ago.

The same look he had when he executed his relatives and ascended to the throne.

The emperor, who had led the nation by cleansing it of sin with more sin, now signaled the end of this ridiculous play.

At the emperor’s gesture, the man beside him quickly handed over the documents.

Those who had been shouting in rage froze.

The words that soon left the emperor’s mouth were enough to plunge the courtroom into chaos.

Forces colluding with enemy nations, those who had sold the country’s secrets, and the atrocities committed by those who had allied with them in the temple.

Among the documents held by the emperor was one bearing the seal of the current cardinal.

The papers detailed the conspiracy of imperial nobles with the southern principalities, the involvement of Liran officials, and several prominent figures in the current political arena.

“This is slander! Slander! The imperial family has been blinded and is siding with evil! How can such vile acts be committed under the sacred heavens!”

“That— that document is a forgery created by the witch! It must be a vile trick!”

“Indeed! Surely the emperor cannot be deceived by the witch’s slander!”

“I heard Lady Aileen has not yet awakened! How can this be brushed aside so easily!”

The agitated people began shouting recklessly.

Their desperate outbursts were pitiful.

The emperor’s eyebrow twitched.

Selling the country’s secrets to an enemy was a crime equivalent to treason.

Even if they were beheaded on the spot, they had no grounds for complaint, yet they continued to plead their innocence.

They either underestimated the emperor or were simply that foolish.

Before them, someone appeared.

“Hmm? I delivered the antidote, but you’re telling me she still hasn’t awakened?”

“You scoundrel—!”

Vaughn smiled as he looked down at the bound cardinal.

The one who had stamped the seal on the documents sent by the Liran official was the cardinal.

There was no way he wouldn’t recognize Vaughn.

“Since when have you been here!”

“I’ve been here from the beginning. I attended as a witness… didn’t you notice?”

“This is slander!”

Despite it all, the word ‘slander’ came out once more.

Well, with their lives on the line, it would be disastrous if they grew tired of making excuses.

Violet continued to observe the situation, as if she were watching a play.