"As we gather here today, it is imperative to engage with a matter that strikes at the very core of our society's foundational tenets – the rapid dissemination of whispers that traverse every corner of our kingdom. Tattler's Tales stands as a living embodiment of this very human desire for connection."
Her voice was a blend of thickness and calm, her chin lifted with a regal air as she addressed the court. "It is of utmost importance to underscore that the article in question did not explicitly mention the Crown Prince's fiancee by name. Instead, it served as a vessel for the currents of public sentiment."
Carla's presence was undeniable, her words like a well-crafted spell that had the power to sway even the most skeptical minds. Yohana begrudgingly acknowledged the allure of Carla's argument, briefly wondering how persuasive she could be to a neutral observer.
"This publication echoes public thought; it's not against the sovereign's seat, but a voice of the populace."
As she neared the crescendo of her statement, Carla's voice lifted, her right arm rising in an emphatic gesture. "Let us unite in safeguarding the principles of fair journalism and the essential public right to mold the collective opinions that shape the destiny of our kingdom."
***
As the trial progressed, the promised witnesses, Miss Rita and Lady Felicia, took the stand, their presence a beacon of hope for Yohana in her battle against the rumor.
With poise and conviction, Lady Felicia recounted the details of her nocturnal walk with Yohana on that fateful night. Beside her stood Landgrave Simon, her fiance, offering his support to corroborate her testimony.
Following Lady Felicia's compelling account, Miss Rita stepped forward to lend her voice to the defense. With a clear voice that carried through the hushed courtroom, she affirmed seeing Yohana and Lady Felicia together at the precise time of the incident.
Miss Rita went on to emphasize a crucial detail—the person adorning the blue gown had distinctly blonde hair.
A ripple of murmurs coursed through the assembly of nobles, a sea of whispers igniting like sparks in the night. The attendees exchanged knowing glances, connecting Miss Rita's revelation with the tales that had been circulating among the maids.
The pieces of the puzzle were aligning, forming a picture that challenged the veracity of the rumor they had so eagerly embraced.
"Did you hear that? It's confirmed! The lady in the blue gown was indeed Princess Eleanor."
"Why on earth would Princess Eleanor target Duke Fabian? Could she have been secretly infatuated with him?"
"I brushed off my maid's chatter about this, thinking it was mere nonsense. But here we are, faced with the truth."
The crowd's attention shifted dramatically toward Princess Eleanor, their fingers now pointing in her direction. While this revelation successfully rescued Yohana from the clutches of the false rumor, it unwittingly shifted the poison onto Princess Eleanor.
With potential harm looming over the royal family's reputation, and by extension, Henrie, Yohana steeled herself, hoping that her next strategic move would prove enough to quell the mounting attack against the crown.
Then came the turn of Mauritz, the proprietor of The Tattler's Tales, to take the stand. He fielded every question with an audacious confidence, an almost untouchable air about him, as if he held all the cards in his hands. And perhaps he did.
"Lady Odetta told me about that incident. She was also the one who instructed me to publish the article," Mauritz confessed.
With the weight of Miss Rita's and Lady Felicia's testimonies behind her, Yohana was well aware that the next target in this trial would inadvertently become the royal family.
It was time to maneuver the blame onto a different figure, one she wouldn't mind seeing out of her path – Lady Odetta.
Approaching Mauritz before the trial, Yohana and Henrie presented a proposition: a public apology to all victims inflicted by his publications (and a personal apology to Lady Felicia's family), five years in prison, and a pledge of never publishing any story without confirming the truth in exchange for weaving Lady Odetta's name into his testimony.
A persuasive alternative was set forth as well – death by hanging. Henrie's royal authority allowed him to decree such a fate without the necessity of a trial.
Nevertheless, he had chosen the path of a trial, aiming to ensure that every citizen of Reichwein knew the truth behind the malicious rumor.
In the midst of the trial, Lady Odetta – representing the queen's interests – was caught off guard by the sudden mention of her name. Springing to her feet, she vehemently denied the allegations, her every movement a desperate attempt to convince those present.
"That's a falsehood! I have never crossed paths with that man in my entire life. I am innocent of this accusation. Please, you must believe me. I am not responsible for this. I was in close proximity to Queen Emma throughout the party. She can attest to this," she pleaded, her voice edged with panic.
However, the absence of Queen Emma and the gravity of Lady Odetta's alleged involvement worked against her. Yohana had anticipated this, well aware that implicating Lady Odetta would not sway the queen's allegiance.
The pieces were falling into place as Mauritz concluded his testimony, making way for the next crucial witness.
"Allow me to introduce myself as Anna, a loyal servant of the Henzler residence for over a decade. My tenure has exposed me to many unspeakable truths, including Lady Odetta's concealed infatuation with Duke Fabian. Among us maids, it is no secret how deeply resentful she can be," Anna began, her voice steady as she addressed the courtroom.
With the weight of her experience, Anna delved deeper, exposing Lady Odetta's personal vendetta against Princess Eleanor and Lady Runa. The root of this animosity was Lady Odetta's jealousy of their beauty, a sentiment that festered beneath the surface.
Carla probed further. "Considering the nature of Lady Odetta's character that you've come to know, do you think it's plausible that she intentionally set a trap for Princess Eleanor, ensnaring her in this scandal?"
"Yes, it is exceedingly plausible. She would stop at nothing to achieve her desires," Anna affirmed with remarkable courage, though she was keenly aware of Lady Odetta's gaze upon her.
Amidst Anna's resolute testimony, Lady Odetta's facade of composure shattered. She erupted in a cacophony of angry shouts and bitter curses aimed at Anna.
Her outburst escalated into a full-fledged scene that demanded the intervention of several guards. With their firm grip, they led Lady Odetta away from the courtroom, her protests echoing through the space.
The narrative had now shifted dramatically. What began as a sweeping rumor had morphed into the tale of Lady Odetta's personal scandal.
When Lady Odetta was eventually allowed back into the courtroom, the courtiers' perception of her had crystallized into a damning judgment. Her credibility was irrevocably marred, and her words held little sway.
Karsten, a strategic presence embedded by Henrie to document and disseminate the unfolding events, diligently transcribed each incident onto his parchment. His role was to spread the truth, dispel the false rumors, and display the length of effort Henrie was willing to make to protect his precious someone.