When the monarch was angry, one would do well to just shut up and try not get embroiled with his anger. That was what most the nobles in the room were thinking, at least those who were not involved in the plotting of this event. 

On the other hand, those who have their own agenda were quite happy with the development. 

Now, one must understand that what was in play was not purely luck from Geoffrey's end. He was not the only one involved in this move. It was unknown to him, but his hand was also used to propel the turn of events.

When Geoffrey's man started looking for evidence against the grand duke, the radical faction leader, Marquess Maurelle Klaus knew that this was their chance. He knew that Charles was a sacrifice they would need to make to recruit his only son to their side. Thus, he supplied the evidence. 

"You still dare to beg mercy!?" The king exclaimed in a fit of anger. He has not even announced the punishment yet and the traitor's son was already ready to defend his father. 

Charlton did not utter any reply.

Then, another person kneeled. "Please grant mercy." It was Marquess Klaus. 

Charlton looked and saw a man he never even exchanged words with kneel for leniency for his father. Then, shortly, about 30% of people inside the room followed. 

The king laughed sardonically. It was an ugly sight before him. Were these dogs baring their teeth against him? "You all wish to be buried with the grand duke!?" he was angry. He was only planning to have the Charles imprisoned and questioned, but now he wanted to get him executed. 

Geoffrey watched everything unfold as if he was innocent and had nothing to do with it. In fact, he even looked sympathetic and about to say something, as if wanting to defend the grand duke.

Frederick who was observing Geoffrey from the corner of his eyes saw all the changes in his brother's expression. Then he thought 'No, Geoffrey was already ahead in the race to the crown. I need Charlton's family to be on my side if I want to have any chance of winning.' Thus, he spoke. 

"Father, please quell your anger. I believe that in light of their contributions to our kingdom, we should still give the Daniels a chance."

Geoffrey furrowed his brows as if regretting that he didn't say the words himself. Really, his outer appearance was that of being torn, but deep inside he was rejoicing. Everything was going according to his plan. Even this brother of his was acting in a way he expected him to. 

Although it was in Geoffrey's purpose to get Charlton sent out of the capital, he did not want to seem like he was involved in this event in any way. He was a person who did not like any loose ends. When he does something, he would not let it get traced back to him. He trusted few people and even those in his faction do not know everything he was doing behind the scenes. 

The king looked at Frederick. He did not think that his son was colluding with the rebels, but he knew that he was standing up for the Daniels because he wanted to get them to his side. Geoffrey was overpowering his brothers, and his popularity with the masses was already immense. He was the crown prince and his first son, but his mother… also, he did not really wish to get rid of the balancing force in the court. 

"What chance?" The king asked his 2nd son.

Frederick's eyes widened. His father was giving him a chance to get the Charlton to his side. If he can get him and his father out of this situation, then they would surely remember this saving grace and stand behind him.

"Father, the crime was committed almost 3 decades ago, and although a crime is a crime, the more pressing matter now is to know if the grand duke is currently colluding with the rebels. Now, instead of letting him rot in prison, why not let him eradicate the rebels to prove his innocence?" Frederick tried.

The members of the radical faction became nervous. If the king lets Charles escape, the war will be against them instead of the crown. No, the grand duke must not get out of this. Charlton was the one they needed, not his father.

"That seems reasonable…" The king mused.

Thankfully for the radicals, Duke Cobalt stood from his seat. "Your majesty, although I agree with the method, I also dissuade it. If the grand duke were truly part of the rebels, then he might turn against us instead."

"That is also true." The king answered. 

After that, everyone in the room remained silent waiting for the king's final decision.

The king looked at everyone in the room. He can feel that there's a political plot happening but then, it seems like both factions wanted to get rid of the grand duke. He shook his head. He was now more confused than when he first entered the house. He sighed. Despite his hate for the grand duke, he was still his sister's husband, and Charlton her son.

In the end, he sentenced the duke on the grounds of forgery and plunder from the kingdom's treasury. The punishment was 5 years of imprisonment at island Lerise. On the other hand, on the grounds of treason, he announced that Charlton should prove his father's innocence by eradicating the rebels. He shall set out with Earl Cobalt the following day to start their campaign.

The trial ended with that. Grand duke Charles was not given time to talk to his son nor to his wife. The palace guards went to escort him. They all walked out of the house towards the waiting carriage that would deliver him straight to the pier.

As Charlton saw this event happening in front of him, his heart felt like it was being squeezed. It was difficult to breathe, and tears blurred his vision. That was his father, but what to do? He was indeed guilty as he admitted so himself. 

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TBC

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