The next day started like any other, but a group of four men on horseback stopping in front of their house broke the usual routine. Rafael, Ella, and her brothers were eating breakfast when a servant entered the room.
"Pardon me, my lord, but there is a man outside who insists on delivering a message directly to you and Miss Ella."
"Me? But why?" Ella asked, confusion clouding her face.
"Who sent them?" Eruin asked, his brow furrowing.
"They were sent by the Hildebrands, sir."
At the mention of the Hildebrands, both Eruin and Rafael frowned. What could they possibly want? Eruin thought. Is this about the marriage again?
"They? What the hell do they—Forget it. I'm going." Ella stood abruptly.
"What do they want now? Tell them to leave us alone!" Adelaide chimed in, irritation in her young voice.
*sigh* "Let's go see what this is all about," Eruin muttered, pushing his chair back and following his sister.
As they headed towards the front door, Eruin had a thoughtful expression. "What if..."
"What?" Ella glanced at him, but before he could finish, they heard rapid footsteps approaching behind them.
"Hey, don't leave me behind," Rafael called, running to catch up.
"What are you doing?" Eruin snapped. "They called for me and her only. It's improper for you to join."
"Oh, come on. Didn't we throw all that 'noble decorum' out the window when you agreed to my plan?" Rafael shot back, rolling his eyes. "Now let's just see what they want."
Eruin stared at him for a moment but then resumed walking.
They stopped near the gates where a well-dressed man stood, flanked by three guards. The townsfolk passing by barely spared them a glance, mindful of the dangers of attracting a noble's ire.
"You are Baron Eruin, am I correct?" The man held a folded letter, its paper pristine and official.
"Yes, and who—"
"And you are Miss Ella, daughter of Baron Frederic and Avice, correct?" He didn't wait for Eruin's response, shifting his gaze to Ella, eyeing her from head to toe.
Ella glared at him, anger flashing in her eyes. "What do you want?"
The man raised an eyebrow at her lack of decorum but remained composed. "I was sent here to deliver a message to both of you." He ignored Rafael completely, unfolded the letter, and began reading.
"After gathering significant evidence regarding your family, it has become clear that you are unworthy of your noble title. The Crown summons you to answer for your actions, or you will face the consequences."
"What?!" Eruin, Ella, and Rafael exclaimed in unison. Eruin's voice turned cold. "What nonsense is this?"
"You are to present yourselves before the King at midday," the man said matter-of-factly, folding the letter and turning away as though they were already dismissed. He and the guards mounted their horses, leaving without another word.
"What the hell?" Rafael muttered, staring at their retreating forms.
"They're trying to frame us to force the Crown to strip our title," Eruin said, his fists clenching.
"This is outrageous!" Ella stomped the ground, her face flushing with frustration. "We've done nothing wrong!"
"He said we're to be there by noon," Rafael said. "We'd better go inside and figure out how to handle this."
The three of them retreated indoors and spent the next few hours discussing their situation and brainstorming their options. By the time they were ready, they had a plan in mind. Soon, they were in a carriage heading toward the castle in the heart of the city.
Passing through the castle gates, the carriage stopped in a lush garden. A servant greeted them and guided them through grand corridors, up staircases, and finally to a pair of imposing double doors. The castle's interior was opulent, bathed in light, and decorated in red and gold.
The doors opened, revealing a room packed with soldiers and nobles, all standing in anticipation. The three of them hesitated at the sight. What's going on? They exchanged wary glances. All the nobles from the capital are here?
Above them, on a raised dais, sat Threo on his throne, watching them intently. To his right stood his mother, and next to her, Pepin with a smug smile. To his left was one of his advisers and the High Priest of the capital.
This is just the beginning… Pepin thought, eyeing his younger brother seated on the throne. Below them, Icarus stood among the nobles, his gaze fixed on Ella with barely contained jealousy.
So, this is the one who stole her from me, Icarus thought, glowering at Rafael. And why is he here? We only summoned Ella and Eruin.
Rafael, oblivious to Icarus's disdain, admired the grandeur of the throne room, impressed by its beauty.
As they approached, they bowed before the King.
"Now that everyone is here, let us begin," Threo said, his voice echoing in the chamber. "I've received a formal complaint from many of the esteemed men present. They demand your family be punished for various offenses."
Fucking pigs! Eruin seethed silently, his fists tightening. They've all conspired to destroy us!
Ella, her hand trembling, grasped Rafael's hand for comfort. Despite her faith in him, the weight of the situation bore down on her, filling her with doubt.
"Count Cuthred's son, Icarus, took the lead in presenting these accusations," Threo continued, giving Icarus the floor.
Icarus stepped forward with a satisfied smirk. "Your Majesty, the offenses committed by this family are numerous and severe." He began to list fabricated charges, many of which were blatant lies. The only partially valid accusation was the arranged marriage between himself and a supposed "peasant."
Rafael watched him with amused indifference, unfazed by the lies.
"We even have witnesses to confirm their wrongdoings," Icarus added, his confidence growing. "However, we recognize their past contributions to the kingdom. Therefore, we propose a reasonable punishment." He turned to Threo, his eyes gleaming.
"We believe a fitting sentence would be to strip them of some lands, impose a substantial fine, require them to send men to the war front, and, finally, annul the marriage between Miss Ella and this man, Rafael."
Icarus smiled triumphantly, certain that the King would agree. He and the other nobles had carefully crafted their demands to appear reasonable, knowing Threo wouldn't likely reject a moderate punishment.
You have no choice but to agree, brother, Pepin thought, watching Threo intently. If you refuse, you'll lose the support of the nobility.
"What?!"
Everyone turned in shock at Threo's sudden outburst. He sat up straight, his eyes locked on Rafael. The lazy disinterest he'd shown moments before was gone.
"You're Rafael?" Threo asked.
"Yes, my King," Rafael answered, bowing respectfully.
"...Aahhahaha! Excellent! Come and stand by Venes' side. You're my new adviser!" Threo declared, pointing to his left.
"What?!" This time, it was the entire room that gasped in disbelief.