"We have conducted a thorough investigation and confird the testimonies of several servants from Theo’s estate," Casaio said, his voice heavy with distaste. "He systematically targeted young won, ruthlessly exploiting their financial or social vulnerabilities."
He turned back to the throne. "If His Majesty allows, I would like to summon Theo’s widow, Susanna."
"You have my permission," Raidan stated, his expression unreadable.
Estelle exited once more, returning shortly with Susanna. The woman who stood before them was transford; the ghostly, trembling figure from the previous day was gone, replaced by a woman who stood with a somber, steady grace. She offered a deep bow to the Alpha King.
Before Casaio could even begin his interrogation, Susanna spoke clearly. "Your Majesty, my husband was a predator. He molested young won and silenced them with threats. I know a wife is expected to defend her husband’s mory, but as a woman, I cannot. I stand with those who suffered under his hand. I deeply regret not coming forward sooner, but I was a prisoner too. Theo threatened to slaughter and my son if I ever breathed a word of his cris."
An awkward silence blanketed the council hall. The council mbers, previously so eager for a swift execution, now avoided each other’s eyes. After a flurry of hushed whispers, the eldest mber stood and bowed his head.
"Your Majesty, given the weight of these revelations, we collectively believe this young man should be spared a harsh sentence. However, the law states that murder remains murder. We suggest a minimal punishnt to satisfy the statutes. Furthermore," he added, "those officials who refused to file the sister’s complaint must be stripped of their titles and replaced imdiately."
Gabriel Harty let out a snicker that cut through the formal atmosphere. "Is that all?" he challenged, his gaze burning with resentnt as it swept over the gathered noble council mbers. "A few low-level officials? What about the senior-ranking officers Theo called friends? They knew. They watched running here and there to seek justice. They are just as guilty as he was."
"Prince Casaio, bring a comprehensive report of every official, from the lowest clerk to the highest-ranking officer, who refused to act on this complaint. Not a single soul shall go unpunished. That is the word of the Alpha King," Raidan pronounced, his voice echoing like thunder.
The Alpha Prince and the council mbers bowed in deep reverence. With the dismissal of the session, the young man was transferred to the palace prison. However, per the King’s silent understanding, he was moved to a clean, quiet cell, far removed from the harsh conditions of common criminals.
Casaio and Estelle stood at the iron gates, watching the young man through the bars.
"Would you like to be my Gamma?" Casaio asked, his tone surprisingly gentle. "I have need of soone with your resolve. However, I would suggest you consider changing your na. Gabriel is my brother’s na, and it will surely cause confusion within the palace. It is rely a suggestion, not a compulsion."
The young man didn’t jump at the offer. He looked at Casaio with a weary but dignified expression. "I will think about it, Your Highness," he replied, choosing his words carefully.
Casaio humd in acknowledgnt, respected the boy’s hesitation, and walked away with Estelle.
As they crossed the palace courtyard, they encountered Ian.
Estelle stopped and offered a respectful bow. "Your Highness, I will take my leave now. I intend to begin cross-referencing the archives to identify the officials who ignored Gabriel Harty’s pleas."
"Very well," Casaio replied. "Be thorough, Estelle."
She departed quickly, leaving the two n to walk in a heavy, contemplative silence. Ian kept his hands locked behind his back.
"Your Highness, have you truly considered the current state of the administration?" Ian asked, his voice low and tinged with a bitter realism. "The King is powerful, but even his reach has limits. This council only convened because Theo was a prominent na in the guard. It makes one wonder... How many similar tragedies remain buried beneath the layers of bureaucracy and fear?"
"The rot doesn’t always start at the top, but it certainly thrives in the shadows where the King cannot see."
Casaio nodded, the weight of the realization settling into his shoulders. "I will do my best to help the Alpha King purge this rot. The administration must serve the people, not just the powerful."
"Indeed. And I must admit, it truly surprised that you unearthed the real culprit so swiftly and brought the truth to light," Ian stated, a faint, rare smile touching his lips.
"So, are you actually complinting for my efforts, Ian?" Casaio inquired, a hint of amusent breaking through his serious deanor.
"In a manner of speaking," Ian answered cryptically. He then bowed deeply, his long coat sweeping the stone floor. "I shall take my leave here. Until tomorrow, Your Highness."
Once Ian disappeared around the corner of the palace corridor, Casaio’s expression shifted back to concern. He pulled out his phone to call Gabriel. His brother had fled the council hall with such urgency and visible distress that Casaio knew it couldn’t simply be about the trial.
He waited as the line rang, but the call wasn’t answered.
~~~~
"Alex is alive!" Louis’s voice was sharp with disbelief as he t Gabriel’s gaze. "After the guards discarded his body for the scavengers, Ophelia was seen entering those grounds. I tracked down a group of local rag pickers who witnessed her ascending to that desolate place."
"Since this occurred over six months ago, all CCTV footage has long been overwritten," Karn added with a grim expression. "Ophelia traveled certain stretches by foot to avoid detection, but I believe she relied on teleportation for the majority of the journey. She was hiding him."
"Gabriel, he won’t be able to breach the palace walls," Louis stated firmly. "The wards are too strong. There is no way he can enter."
"But he doesn’t need to enter the palace to hurt us," Carlos remarked. "He can target Alie’s family. Specifically, her sister, Flora. If Alex wants a way in, he might use her as his key."
The color drained from Gabriel’s face. He pulled out his phone, his fingers trembling as he realized he didn’t have Flora’s direct line. He imdiately dialed David’s number, speaking with a hurried, clipped tone as he requested Flora’s contact information, promising a full explanation later.
As soon as the digits flashed on his screen, Gabriel pressed call. He held the phone to his ear, pacing the carpeted floor of the chamber, hoping she would answer.
Finally, Flora picked up the call.
"Hello?"
"Flora, this is Gabriel speaking." He sensed her voice sounded strange.
"Your Highness!" Flora greeted from the other side, wiping the tears as she finally stepped out of the hotel.
"Did Alex approach you?" Gabriel demanded. Beside him, Karn and Louis exchanged a sharp, worried look; they hadn’t expected the Prince to be so blunt, but ti was a luxury they no longer possessed.
Flora squeezed her eyes shut in silence. She knew she should tell Gabriel everything, but the image of her parents’ faces flashed in her mind.
Gabriel understood Alex had t her. "Where are you exactly in San Ravendale? Tell ," he ordered.
"I... I am at the Grand Celestia Hotel," Flora finally whispered.
"Stay exactly where you are. Do not talk to anyone, and do not leave the public lobby," Gabriel commanded and hung up the call. He looked up for Grand Celestia Hotel on the map and recalled it.
"I can only take two. Louis, you’ll stay here and tell Alie everything," Gabriel pronounced, holding Karn’s and Carlos’ hand before disappearing.
"At least, tell what I’ve to say!" Louis said in frustration.
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