The next day, a huge crowd of people had gathered in the castle. Everyone wanted to know what would happen to the killers of their beloved king. The royal family and the council of ministers sat as the judges. Angus was also with them. Lenin had not completely let Angus off the hook just yet but he couldn't keep her confined on the basis of speculations.
Darzen was brought infront of the jury.
"Lord Darzen of House Gramwis, you have been accused of killing king Joseph, do you have anything to say for yourself."
Upon seeing how there nothing else left, he decided to talk.
" Well as a matter of fact I actually do have something to say.
As you people accuse me of killing Joseph. For minute let's just assume that I actually did but did any of you made an effort to know why?
To get the answer of that we must travel seven years into the past.
During the official meet between all the lords of the seven houses hosted by Horis Frega.
Everyone was there talking on their diplomatic relations and future endeavours. But Horis had a different idea behind this meet.
A few months prior, his Mage Deftel had actually analysed the area and found out that there was a huge reserve of Ulma under the city of Quang. Ulma was a very precious mineral which was essential in magic research and witchcraft. It could even boost a mages magial power. Horis planned the meet to talk Joseph into selling Quang to him.
But when Joseph learnt of this, he was vehemently against this idea. As Quang is a very important and historic place of House Joyern. Horis did not like Joseph rejecting his offer like this. He believed that Joseph had disrespected him. But after a small time had passed, he tried again and again to acquire the land of Quang, but then one day Joseph had enough
"Lord Horis, you a knowledgeable and respected man, yet you still beg for my land like a beggar. You know, you might have enough money to actually buy all of my kingdom, yet you don't have enough money to buy some class. I rejected you once before and again I am saying this, loud and clear, my land is not for sale. You may take your money and buy a tutor to teach you some manners."
Horis was vexed to hear this response.
And at that day he had decided that he will take his revenge for this humiliation.
After that he came to me,
He knew that me and Joseph were not at good terms with each other due to a few land disputes. But it was not to the extent that I actually wanted to kill him.
But Horis promised me that after Joseph's death and the fall of House Joyern, he will have Quang and the rest of the kingdom will be given to me. But I had never imagined that it would have snowballed into this mess. "
Upon hearing all of this, everyone in the court was silent. None of them could have thought that there was such a huge reason for the assassination. Lenin breaks the silence,
"You weren't lying when you said you had something to say for yourself.
So you are saying Horis is the main reason for all of this."
Darzen opens his mouth again,
" I am not trying to deny my wrongdoings, I am as responsible for the crimes as is Horis"
Hearing this honesty actually surprised Lenin," well aren't you being honourable.
I have heard enough and you also admit to your crimes.
Though you may not have directly killed my father but you were involved in the plotting of his killing making you equally responsible."
Upon discussion with the ministers and and his generals
Lenin finally made his dicision.
"Lord Darzen of House Gramwis I sentence you to be stripped of all your powers and be imprisoned in a castle in the northern most island of your Kingdoms coast and your youngest daughter Ingrid rule the house as your successor. "
Darzen was content with his punishment as he could finnally atone for his sina and also because his daughter was a competent politician. Under her control house Gramwis was in sound hands.