His denial, an almost pitiful attempt to lessen his son's culpability, tugged at the heartstrings. But the scale of Randolph's misdeeds far exceeded what could be dismissed as re mistakes. Resolving to confront the truth, Duke Capone began to explain.
"Your Majesty, I regret to inform you that the reports you have received barely scratch the surface. Forgive for speaking so bluntly, but I must speak as a friend, not as your subject."
Charles V nodded heavily, knowing full well his son's impulsive temperant and arrogance. While these traits had seed manageable within the palace, they had wrought havoc on the battlefield.
Understanding the king's anguish, Duke Capone shifted the focus to Princess Elise, highlighting her suspicious behavior.
"I had my doubts about the princess, Your Majesty. From their sudden secret marriage to the Crown Prince's impulsive decisions, there were too many inexplicable elents. Thus, I summoned her for questioning."
In truth, it was Michael who had brought Elise in, but the duke saw no harm in taking credit to bolster his position. As the narrative turned to Elise's role in seducing and goading the Crown Prince, Charles V clenched his fists in anger. His sharp gaze landed on the princess lying in the bed.
"To think she used that beautiful face for such wickedness!"
The king's entire body trembled with rage at the thought of this enchantress who had ruined his precious son. Though Randolph's current state was more a result of his own failures than Elise's manipulations, a father's bias clouded his judgnt.
Duke Capone, equally inclined to shift the bla away from the Crown Prince, escalated his condemnation of Elise.
"The princess claims to be carrying His Highness's child. However, considering the marriage was secret and less than a month old, the timing of this 'discovery' is highly suspicious."
The duke paused to gauge Charles's reaction. Seeing no overt objection, he continued with so relief.
"I indicated, as a mber of the royal family's council, that the child could not be accepted. Forgive if I overstepped my bounds, Your Majesty."
Charles offered the duke a consoling remark, sharing his sentint.
"You were right to act as you did, Capone. A child conceived under such circumstances would only sow discord, not unity."
The king's agreent was as expected. Randolph's incompetence had already jeopardized the royal family, and introducing a child under these conditions, especially with Elise's questionable loyalty, would only exacerbate the kingdom's instability. The precarious state of the Elonian royal family, facing near-collapse, made the matter even more dire.
"Such a tainted seed cannot be brought into the royal family. You did well, Duke."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," the duke replied with a respectful bow. "When I revealed this to Princess Elise, she attempted to seduce . But it wasn't just ordinary seduction… the mont she touched , I was overwheld by hallucinations."
As Duke Capone described Elise's use of sorcery, Charles V's face turned ashen. Unable to endure the mounting revelations, he sank back into his large leather chair. The old leather creaked under his weight, mirroring the strain on the king's heart.
On the table before him sat an untouched glass of wine. Charles toyed with the stem of the glass but ultimately set it down again.
Across from him, a high-ranking priest sat with a solemn expression. Deep wrinkles etched across his face testified to years of devotion and wisdom. Dressed in a pristine white robe, his steely gaze reflected his unwavering duty. Though a cleric of the Church of Radiance, his loyalty to the royal family of Lania was beyond question.
Charles V straightened his posture with a sigh, signaling that he had regained so composure. Duke Capone, recognizing the mont, resud his account.
"When confronted, the princess beca enraged and feigned abdominal pain—a transparent ploy, of course. But when I suggested investigating her strange powers, her deanor shifted again. It was like watching a witch at work."
The duke paused and exchanged a glance with the priest, who listened intently, his sharp eyes betraying no emotion.
"Then she tried to overpower and Count Michael. She unleashed so sort of monstrous force and attempted to flee. I lost consciousness due to her attack."
Shaking his head as though to dispel the mory, Duke Capone lowered his head in a gesture of deference.
Charles V, anwhile, was still struggling to process the convoluted situation. A son reduced to a shell of himself, a princess wielding unnatural powers—how could such a nightmare be resolved? With a dry throat, he spoke in a subdued tone.
"Given the circumstances, sacrificing Princess Elise may be the best course of action. The Elonian royal family will likely agree."
He turned to the priest. "Baron, would you examine the princess?"
The priest arched an eyebrow and approached Elise with asured steps. He touched her hair, clasped her hand, and conducted a series of careful examinations. When he finally shook his head with a puzzled expression, Charles V leaned forward anxiously.
"Is it certain? Was she under the influence of the otherworldly force?"
The priest released Elise's hand and replied gravely.
"It is certain. The foreign energy has vanished entirely, but traces of it remain unmistakable."
Duke Capone exhaled in relief, recounting the chaotic events of that day once more.
"According to Count Michael, the mont the princess grabbed my hand and cast her spell, a powerful backlash swept through the entire chamber. This room is not the original—it had to be replaced after the previous one was destroyed."
He glanced at Michael, who stood quietly by the door. Unlike before, the duke's gaze held no warmth for him.
When the duke regained consciousness that day, Elise had already miscarried, her blood staining the floor. Since then, she had remained unconscious, little more than a breathing doll.
Michael's explanation was logical and coherent, but Duke Capone couldn't entirely dispel his doubts. Noticing the duke's suspicions, Michael smirked inwardly. He knew it was only a matter of ti before those doubts would vanish.
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