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Within the imperial throne room, a solemn gathering convened. Kingly presence filled the chamber, accompanied by his special subject and advisory council, whose expressions ranged from curiosity to concern.
"Greetings, my king, the owner of the silver throne," the prophetess offered her salutations.
The king acknowledged her greeting with a nod, his focus fixed on the unfolding situation. "I've heard that your daughter has awakened," he remarked.
"Yes, but I've also reached a conclusion in my investigation," the prophetess responded, her words carrying a weight that cast a pall of unease. The Archduke of the North, though seemingly composed, concealed his growing apprehension.
"Proceed," the king commanded, his gaze unwavering. The accused was brought forth, bound and visibly distressed. Whispers of anticipation rustled through the assembly.
"Your Majesty, despite enduring severe torture, he refused to confess," the prophetess began, eliciting murmurs of concern. The Archduke seized this opportunity to signal to his closest confidant.
"Bring him in," the prophetess ordered, her determination unwavering.
Another man was brought before them. "Let us hear your connection to him," she directed her inquiry at the new arrival.
"Your Majesty, I beseech your mercy. I come before you to plead for his life," the man implored, his desperation palpable. "He was once a soldier, but when his wife fell gravely ill, he had no means to afford her treatment. I offered to buy myself, but he chose not to. My lord showed great compassion toward me. However, his behavior took a turn, and he began asking for money from friends and relatives. No one lent him money due to his mounting debts. Eventually, he visited the Archduke recently. Shortly after, he left home without notice, sending me a message claiming he was on a perilous mission and entrusting me with a substantial sum of money to care for his family. I cannot bear to lose my lord."
The king regarded the accused. "Is this true?" he inquired.
The man nodded fervently. "Yes, Your Majesty. I plead with you to spare my life. My wife is heavily pregnant, and with his weakened state, there will be no one to care for my family should I meet my demise."
The king's patience wore thin. He signaled to the general, who in turn motioned for the guards to apprehend the Archduke.
"This is a falsehood! You need more evidence!" the Archduke protested vehemently.
The king's chanter began to chant, invoking the spirits. "Oh, the lion of the jungle, father of many. Please, do not be angered. The elder who does not get angry begets more children. Truly, who dares to play with the king's sword? The sword cuts deep, and I dare not. You are the formidable mountain feared by every farmer. Oh, my king, I present my head in humble supplication. I beseech you not to be angered."
The king, feeling the weight of the moment, raised his hand to halt the chanting. "The Ida's clan was given the right to pass judgment. However, before judgment is passed, there shall be an investigation," he declared, ensuring that justice would be served and the truth unveiled.
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The king's declaration settled over the assembly, a quiet hush falling upon those gathered. The Archduke's defiance had waned, replaced by a growing sense of unease.
As the accused and the Archduke were led away, the prophetess cast a last, lingering glance at the Archduke. A subtle, knowing smile curled her lips, hinting at secrets yet to be revealed.
With a calculated pause, she addressed the king once more, her voice laden with enigma. "Your Majesty, the path of investigation is a winding one, and sometimes, the shadows cast by the truth are the darkest. The secrets held by the Archduke run deep."
The king's brow furrowed as he considered her words. The suspense in the room thickened, a palpable tension that left everyone on the edge of their seats.
"The Ida's clan shall proceed with the investigation," she concluded, leaving the king and the council members with a lingering sense of uncertainty.
As the throne room emptied, the king was left to ponder the prophetess's cryptic warning. The fate of the Archduke hung in the balance, his secrets a mystery that promised to unravel with each step of the investigation.
And in the shadowed corners of the kingdom, unseen eyes watched and waited, knowing that the path ahead was fraught with danger and intrigue.
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