Within the main hall of the Court of Justice, various individuals had gathered for possibly the last trial involving the Gertrude Dukedom Incident.
It was ruled that the incident was an act of Arson, perpetrated by the youngest child of the family, Troy Vhelian Gertrude. The pieces of evidence found on the scene of the crime were only an empty box and the bodies of all the members of the Gertrude Family.
Well, the known members, to be specific.
The decision of the court to pin the crime on Troy was final and irrevocable. The purpose of the last trial was to determine the fate of the Gertrude Dukedom.
The Court of Justice, alongside the representatives of the Royal High Court and the Noble Tribunal, would determine whether the Dukedom would continue to exist or be absolved in its entirety. The distribution of the wealth under the name of Gertrude would depend on the Dukedom's fortuity.
Since Duke Brahm Gertrude was a public official, the highest officer of the Parliament, thirty percent of his wealth would be taken by both the Royal and Public Treasury. As for the position of the Prime Minister, it had been decided that a snap election would take place a month after the trial.
"The court has deemed that the Hamlin Family is not capable of assuming the duties of the Dukedom. The Hamlin County is not qualified to ascend the hierarchy by virtue of their lack of contribution to the monarchy, and more importantly, the society."
Upon hearing the verdict, Countess Orelia Hamlin opened her fan to cover the frown on her countenance. Her husband, Count Henry Hamlin, stood up and pointed his finger at the Chief Justice.
"Your Honour! I object to this decision! Hamlin County has been of service to the Royals far longer than most nobles!"
"Count Hamlin, the decision has been made in cooperation with the Royal High Court and the Noble Tribunal. You are welcome to appeal, provided that you acquired the permission of the Emperor himself and the succeeding Prime Minister."
"But Your Honour--!"
The Chief Justice quickly grabbed the gavel, hitting the sound block thrice afterwards.
"Order in the court,"
The Count didn't have any choice but to sit back down while gritting his teeth. If he continued to cause a ruckus, his chances of appealing the decision would decrease.
Although the Chief Justice made it sound easy, acquiring permission from two of the highest standing officials within the Empire was more than gruelling. Getting an audience with the Prime Minister would require him to solicit the aid of, at the least, twenty signatures of Noble Family Heads. And that's merely one out of five requirements.
As for getting an audience with the Emperor, it's a task that's virtually impossible unless Count Hamlin had significant contributions that the Monarch himself had recognized.
Lamentably for the Count, and the rest of Hamlin County, his contributions weren't worth talking about.
Orelia put a hand over her husband's clenched fist. She then met his eyes and shook her head. Henry immediately understood what his wife was trying to say, forcing him to sigh.
"Regarding the eligibility of the relatives of the Gertrude Family, three candidates will be named after the thorough deliberation conducted by the three courts. May we request these three people to take a stand: Lord Kedrick Yaverneil, Lord Luka Kristoff Vanerheim, Lady Leahmir Dantalion."
Once they were called, the three made their way towards the centre of the hall. They instantly earned the glares of the individuals sitting in the audience sector occupied by Hamlin County.
However, even after receiving that kind of reception, their faces were devoid of a single emotion. The three simply stared at the Chief Justice, waiting patiently for their turn to be addressed.
"Lord Yanerveil, Lord Vanerheim, Lady Dantalion, you three were named as the heirs of your respective family. Be that as it may, if any of you was deemed qualified to assume the name and title of the Gertrude Dukedom, you will have to abandon your birth name and your family."
Leahmir Dantalion raised her hand after the Chief Justice's speech. The man nodded at her, urging her to speak.
"What if we refuse the ennoblement?" The lady asked as she brought down her hand.
She could feel the gazes of the other two, but she paid them no heed.
"In the event that the qualified person refuses the court's order, they will be imprisoned."
The Chief justice then stood up, sweeping the entire hall with his gaze. A small frown appeared on his countenance when his eyes landed on the side of the Hamlins. He averted his gaze from them right away, and instead, looked at the three exemplary individuals afore him.
"As you all know, the Gertrude Dukedom has long existed even before the Empire was established. The Monarchy and the Parliament have a duty of preserving its existence. With all that being said, the head of the Dukedom should be the sort of person who could bring honour to the Dukedom's name. That's the very reason why the three of you were chosen."
Truth be told, Leahmir was already aware of the answer. She went on and bowed her head at the Chief Justice. Shortly after, she gave a glance at Count Hamlin, a smirk briefly showing on her face.
Without a doubt, Count Hamlin noticed provocation. He clenched his fists more tightly, hoping that it would be enough to stop himself from acting out.
"The three of you will be undergoing the usual procedures to take over the heads of your family. The formal appointment will be based on your performance. Fifteen monitors will have their eyes on the three of you every second of the day. The observation will last for three months. In the meanwhile, the Parliament and the Third Knight Order, the Order of Ghealach, will be in charge of overseeing the duties of the Dukedom."
Once he was done with his explanation, the Chief of justice sat back on his seat. He gestured for the chamberlain to take over the rest of the announcements.
However, before the chamberlain could even start, a commotion arose outside of the hall that earned the curiosity of everyone inside.