Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1403

Now that everyone had been gathered, the long-awaited reckoning could finally begin.

After thorough investigations by the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the Capital Guard, it was confirmed that Yuvan, Nicholas, and his associates were indeed guilty of treason.

The charges were indisputable. After such a long delay, it was time to list all their crimes for the world to see.

Yuvan's entire family—except for Randall, who had provided valuable information—was sent to Astral Prison. However, Randall was also removed from the royal registry. He remained in his post at the Supreme Court, still serving as warden. Despite that, it was clear that any prospects for promotion were now out of reach for the next ten years.

Matthew had ordered Randall to take a temporary leave, telling him to stay away from Astral Prison and reflect quietly at home while the matter was sorted.

Matthew thought Randall was a bit slow, but at least the latter was honest and willing to learn. Over time, he had grown more decisive and was starting to think things through, which Matthew appreciated. So, Matthew was still willing to look out for him.

Matthew had mentioned Randall to Carissa before. Carissa had said that Randall had grown up with a timid nature, never daring to resist when faced with challenges. Fortunately, he had been raised by Avis, who had taught him well. This prevented his nature from being spoiled.

Carissa advised Matthew not to give Randall too much special attention. "Let him stay in the capital and live an ordinary life. Only then will the king feel at ease."

Matthew understood this. Randall had only managed to get out of the situation because of the lead he had provided about Yuvan's private army. But once everything settled down, Salvador would no doubt feel uncomfortable every time he thought of Randall.

That was why Salvador hadn't stripped Randall of his post—he was being kept close, under constant surveillance. If he ever harbored thoughts of leaving the capital, he wouldn't make it far.

In the morning court, Salvador announced the charges against Nicholas, Yuvan, and their co-conspirators. The list of offenses was staggering—over a hundred in total.

They were accused of plotting to overthrow the throne, fabricating royal attire reserved only for the king, training private soldiers, hoarding weapons and secretive escape techniques, inciting the people, spreading rumors about the court, embezzling taxes, supporting bandits, and raiding villages...

The charges were all grave, some of them almost unfathomably severe.

The people might not have cared much about power struggles or rebellion, but when bandits began plundering and terrorizing the common folk, the situation took a turn. That was when the people's anger truly boiled over, for it became personal. The public's fury was such that they cried for blood, wishing nothing more than to see the criminals meet a gruesome end.

The fury was so intense that the people called for the harshest punishments.

Anything that could express their hatred, they threw.

Before their execution, there was widespread discussion about the bandits causing chaos and harming the people. Their cruelty angered everyone.

Clifford was no longer the calm figure he once was. His composure finally cracked.

He had always thought that no matter how much people insulted or cursed him, it wouldn't hurt him. His heart had become numb.

But as the filth and mud rained down on him—dirty, repulsive, and degrading—he felt something shift deep inside him. It was as though all the blood in his body rushed to his head, and his face turned a deep, livid shade.

This was what true public disdain felt like.

This was the weight of universal contempt.