In this pivotal moment, Ambrose had utterly forsaken all rationality, succumbing to a reckless frenzy.
He staunchly believed that his tireless efforts had been instrumental in Rufus’s effective governance of West Lucozia.
In Ambrose’s perspective, reveling in the privileges of power and authority was a well-deserved entitlement.
Why hold such a position if he couldn’t relish its benefits? Sacrificing the lives of a few commoners seemed trivial compared to his role as governor. He failed to perceive any wrongdoing on his part, attributing the entire crisis to Rufus’s lack of wisdom.
“Ambrose, do you still refuse to accept it?” Rufus shook his head, disappointment etched across his face.
He went on, “Your son ran rampant, lives were callously taken, and the people were treated as if they were inconsequential. Your actions mirror those of ancient savages-burning, killing, and pillaging!”
“I’ve achieved greatness! I built West Lucozia’s prosperity, ensuring its citizens’ well-being! What harm is there in removing a few inconsequential lives?” Ambrose bellowed.
“Ambrose, your accomplishments don’t absolve you of your crimes. Your contributions don’t justify your malevolence. The honors you earned won’t shield you from facing the consequences.” Rufus rebuked.
He added, “We’re here to seek justice for the people, not to oppress them. If everyone adopted your logic and behaved as you did, West Lucozia would crumble.”
“Ambrose, face the consequences for your mistakes. Your guilt is undeniable, and there’s no escape,” Eloise said icily.
“I refuse! I refuse to accept it!” With fiery eyes, Ambrose continued to rage, having completely lost his reason in the face of life and death.
“Your refusal won’t change anything. The evidence is solid. No matter how you try to defend yourself, it’s futile,” Rufus declared, shifting his gaze to Albert.
“According to West Lucozia’s laws, how should we deal with Ambrose’s crimes?”
“Hanging, drawing, and quartering,” Albert replied casually. The mention of this execution made even Eloise, who stood nearby, visibly tense.
It was the cruelest form of punishment, involving hanging by the neck but not to the point of death.
Then, the person would be drawn behind a horse to the execution site and have their four limbs tied to different horses, pulling their limbs in various directions before it ended the condemned life.
Only the most heinous crimes warrant such a punishment.
“Ambrose, considering your years of service, take up the blade and end it yourself!” Rufus commanded sternly, offering a last chance for self- redemption. 2
“Rufus, you scoundrel! I served you faithfully for so many years, and now you want to kill me? I curse you to a miserable death!” Ambrose continued to shout, resembling a madman.
“Ignorant fool!” Rufus’s face darkened.
“Take him away! According to the law, execute him!”
“Yes, sir!” Two guards entered, restraining Ambrose and forcibly dragging him away.
“Rufus, you ungrateful scoundrel! You sever the ties and betray my trust! I refuse to accept it!” Ambrose, with a frenzied struggle, continued his protests.
Despite his furious curses and defiant cries, Ambrose couldn’t escape the inevitable fate of death.
“Albert, issue the order. Ambrose is to be executed according to the law, and the Linden family is to be eradicated as a warning to others,” Rufus commanded once more.
The occurrence signaled the decay within West Lucozia, demanding a severe deterrent. “Yes, sir.”
