The private trial meant the courthouse was quiet.

Ines took a seat in the farthest corner, escorted by just one person.

In the row ahead were Earl Graham’s wife, his son, and a daughter with red hair. Joseph was nowhere to be seen, despite looking around.

Soon, Earl Graham stood in the defendant’s place, looking pale. It was hard to believe this was the man who had stood so aggressively before Carson.

His wife’s sobbing soon filled the room.

The first person on the witness stand was obviously Lena Mariere. She was already serving her sentence and wore prison clothes.

Even if she had taken bribes, she couldn’t escape punishment completely. But those prison clothes weren’t from Romfield.

The murder attempt had failed, and she had confessed. Her sentence would likely be reduced. And most importantly, wasn’t Jason still alive?

Surely Carson was properly guarding the child.

Proving this, Lena testified unhesitatingly against Earl Graham.

Lena, with her clear eyes, convincingly showed that she wouldn’t lose her composure.

Many more witnesses appeared. The man who had been hiding Lena’s child, the one who had drugged Lena before taking the bribe, and those who had been ordered to kill by Graham.

The trial ended quickly, almost disappointingly so.

When the judge finally sentenced Earl Graham to execution, his wife fainted.

“Summon the Empress, let me meet the Empress!”

Graham rose from his seat, shouting, but was pulled back down by the nearby guards.

“No, no. Call Prince Carson. This is not what was promised!”

But no one listened. His son sat there in shock; his daughter was sobbing, hugging her mother. No one comforted them.

Ines left before the crowd dispersed.

The next day, the local newspaper would report Earl Graham was sentenced to execution for plotting against the royal family.

Joseph’s impending knighthood for saving the earl’s daughter would also be at risk. What would Joseph do then?

Ines, climbing into her carriage, had colder eyes than ever.

It was already late when Carson arrived at the imperial palace. Regardless, he headed directly to meet the Empress.

The Empress’s reception room was as grand and luxurious as the Emperor’s. No empress in history had wielded so much power.

The Empress didn’t usher Carson into a more private area, despite the sensitive nature of their conversation.

He thought it was a very empress-like choice.

The Empress revealed herself from behind the curtain, sitting on her throne and looking down at him. He had been terrified of her when he first came here as a child.

“Prince, it’s been a while.”

“Just call me ‘Earl,’ please.”

“Very well, Earl Raymond.”

Her lips, painted red, were tapped lightly by her well-manicured nails. Her ageless appearance was almost eerie.

“Why have you come to see your mother so late?”

“The trial of Earl Graham took place in Lusonia today.”

“I am aware.”

Carson smirked at the Empress, whose expression didn’t change. Did she have a crystal ball that allowed her to see far away? Of course, he also suspected she knew everything.

“So, you’ve come at this late hour, high-spirited. You must have something significant…”
She raised her hand, and a young servant of remarkable beauty poured red wine into the Empress’s glass.

“You would hardly conspire with such a person.”

Her eyes narrowed as she looked at Carson. Of course, she knew he was more outstanding than the other imperial children. Until now, her mother and sister had also bowed to her for her safety.

She had thought him a cat hiding its claws, but he turned out to be a beast cub with a surprisingly agile mind.

The Empress believed that she had pushed him into the lordship of Randhill, but recent behavior indicated that Carson had taken the position of his own accord.

“Still, if it’s known that you conspired with someone who tried to kill the Emperor’s daughter, you won’t be able to pass it off quietly.”

The Empress scratched the handle she held with her fingernails. Even then, Carson continued speaking. It was clear that, despite being far below her, he was not looking up at her.

“You would hardly expect loyalty from such a person.”

She raised her head a little more, careful not to reveal her own disquiet. Even in the highest position, one’s vision and reach narrowed when confined to the palace.

So, that rat Graham must have also hidden the facts about the gold mine.

That clever eighth prince, who was good at looking one or two moves ahead, had probably already made his decision on how to act here.

‘When did that child, who didn’t come from my belly, grow so big?’

“Of course, I understand that there would be nothing strange about Count Graham’s neck getting the noose tomorrow.”

“What’s the point? Everything in his head has already gone into Count Raymond’s hands. Moreover, since he is to be executed, that head will soon fall from Graham’s neck.”

“What a waste. You must have lacked such a hunting dog, Your Majesty.”

“A dog is just a dog.”

The Empress tapped the handle sharply.

“However, Carson, my son, you can’t oust me with that.”