As Ambrose entered the grand hall, the unfolding scene left him utterly stunned.
Rufus, the Prince of West Lucozia, stood imposingly with hands behind his back, an air of displeasure evident on his face. The princess consort, who stood by his side, wore a stern expression.
Albert, the Executioner, maintained a facade of respect, yet his eyes hinted at a concealed threat.
Jaxon, the captain of the royal guards, positioned his hand on the hilt of his blade, subtly indicating preparedness to draw his weapon.
The most surprising sight was Reuben, kneeling on the ground, wearing a panicked expression and bowing repeatedly-a clear portrayal of impending doom.
“Your Highness!” Ambrose promptly kneeled, saluting respectfully without fully grasping the situation. Typically, Rufus would allow him to rise immediately, but this time was an exception.
“Mr. Linden, do you understand why I summoned you in the middle of the night?” Rufus began, echoing his earlier opening statement.
“I do not, Your Highness. Please enlighten me,” Ambrose replied, swallowing nervously. He could sense an unexpected tension.
“If you’re unaware, then see for yourself!” Without much elaboration, Rufus snatched a letter from his desk and tossed it at Ambrose’s feet. As Ambrose reviewed the contents, his expression underwent an instant transformation.
“Your Highness, I’m innocent! This is a baseless accusation! A deliberate attempt to tarnish my name! I implore Your Highness to conduct a thorough investigation!”
Witnessing this, Reuben, still kneeling nearby, couldn’t help but roll his eyes. He knew this wouldn’t work from his own experience. Ambrose had to try something new.
“Baseless accusation? Tarnishing?” Rufus sneered. “Seems like you and Reuben are cut from the same cloth. You’ll remain unconvinced until faced with grim reality.”
“Your Highness, though my son may be wayward, he would never commit such atrocities, let alone form some Hero Alliance. There must be a misunderstanding!” Ambrose vehemently asserted.
“Mr. Vern, enlighten him on whether there’s a misunderstanding.” Rufus redirected his gaze, glancing at Reuben.
“Mr. Linden, in this situation, deceit won’t avail you. Confess, and perhaps His Highness may show mercy,” Reuben suggested with a mournful expression.
“Mr. Vern! What nonsense are you spouting?” Ambrose retorted, indignant, “Though I may not be the most talented, I’ve always been honest. I won’t let you besmirch my reputation! 11
In Ambrose’s eyes, this was clearly Reuben’s attempt to drag him down. In such a situation, he naturally wouldn’t admit guilt.
“Honest? Never lied?” Rufus coldly chuckled.
“Ambrose, I’m giving you a chance to admit your mistake. I didn’t anticipate your stubbornness. I’ll ask you one last time-did your family commit these heinous acts?”
At this point, Reuben, still kneeling, signaled desperately with his eyes. However, Ambrose seemed to ignore it, persisting in denying any involvement.
“Your Highness! I’ve always been diligent in my duties and would never let my son run amok. If such things have indeed happened, I’m willing to atone with my life!” Ambrose portrayed an image of righteousness.
Eloise sighed as she heard this. She knew Ambrose had effectively cut off his only escape route. Why would the usually shrewd man act so foolishly in a critical moment?
“Very well!” Rufus was infuriated and grinned.
“Ambrose, it seems you’re fond of seeking death. If you desire, I’ll grant your wish. Take him away! Tomorrow at noon, he’ll be executed in public!”
