I Killed My Husband (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 9
The court erupted in commotion as Carlos entered the judgment hall—even though he had quietly slipped into the back row, settling in the shadows.
It was unavoidable; he was simply too conspicuous.
Moreover, the situation was slightly complicated.
Carlos, the Emperor of the Room Empire, which ruled the entire continent except for Shaym and a few minor kingdoms, participating in this trial carried great significance.
It meant the conqueror of the continent regarded the murder of Shaym’s crown prince as a matter of grave importance.
The humble Shaym Kingdom might have mistaken this as an endorsement, imagining it had gained imperial favor—especially since Carlos had remained here for ten days, as if he were fond of Shaym.
Thus, the king appeared almost elated at the sight of the Emperor.
Even though his own son was dead, the king seemed almost pleased that the Emperor of the Room Empire had taken notice of Shaym’s tragedy.
In any case,
it was under these circumstances that Logan and Abigail had quarreled along the way.
Other subordinates were also dissatisfied with Carlos’s attendance at the trial.
Yet, all of them obeyed the Emperor’s decision without complaint. They might grumble, but they would never openly defy him.
The Emperor Carlos, who had led the conquests, enjoyed deep trust from his subordinates—and having governed the empire wisely, he commanded even greater reverence.
“Your Imperial Majesty, a seat of honor has been prepared for you in the front.”
As if prearranged by the king, there was a position offering an excellent view of the trial. Carlos twisted his lips into a smile.
“Would I not be suspected as the criminal if I sat in the seat of honor during a heinous trial? This spot suits me perfectly.”
Instead of saying he preferred this distance to observe the woman, he made a jest.
“We begin the trial of the accused.”
The judge’s solemn voice announced the commencement of the trial.
Carlos stared expressionlessly at the emaciated woman seated in the defendant’s place.
“The accused has committed the grave crime of murdering the crown prince of Shaym, the first in line to the throne. You understand there can be no explanation or pardon for this offense.”
The judge’s voice rang out as he recited Mercedes’s charges.
“The court hereby strips the accused of her entire surname.”
And then, her surname was revoked.
It meant she was degraded to the lowest possible status in this land.
‘That would mean even Cromwell’s name is erased.’
No one had yet mentioned the Count Cromwell.
Of course, everyone assumed there would be a trial for Count Cromwell. Public opinion had been fiercely hostile.
But when combining the judge’s words with the recent intelligence gathered… well. Perhaps things might unfold differently than people expected.
Of course, this was only Carlos’s speculation—he kept it to himself.
Carlos thought only to himself.
“Finally! The crime of murdering the crown prince is so heinous its weight cannot be measured. Therefore, the accused shall be publicly executed, her limbs torn asunder, and her corpse displayed upon the city walls to be devoured by beasts—a punishment of utmost severity.”
A punishment of ultimate humiliation, extending even beyond death.
“…….”
Mercedes, having received the verdict, appeared remarkably detached. No one could guess what thoughts lay within her.
“Hm.”
Carlos murmured softly as he observed her.
Though the sound was quiet, those seated around him startled and tensed instantly. Carlos’s presence was that intensely formidable.
The judge raised his gavel, preparing to finalize the sentence upon Mercedes.
And then—
“Judge.”
Carlos raised his hand.
Though seated at the very back, his low voice rang clearly throughout the entire courtroom.
“Before the judge delivers his final verdict, the Room Empire has a proposal.”
Instantly, silence fell, heavy with tension.
Carlos spoke calmly, as if utterly unconcerned by the tension.
“We wish to take custody of the accused.”
His tone was light, almost flippant—but the weight of his words was immense.
And that single sentence caused a storm to erupt within the courtroom.
“…cough.”
Someone cleared their throat in panic, then profound silence settled thickly.
In any land, the courtroom is a place where the judge holds absolute authority.
Even the king cannot interfere at the moment of sentencing.
Thus, Carlos of the Room Empire speaking up just before the verdict, silencing the judge, was not merely disrespect—it was an act beyond it.
But Carlos was the conqueror of the continent. For him, “should not be done” did not exist. Who could stop him?
The entire world had to watch their words before him.
For if the Room Empire declared war, no nation could withstand it.
The courtroom filled with stillness. The judge looked only at the king.
“…ah.”
From the center of the silence, Mercedes spoke softly, turning her gaze toward Carlos.
‘Why?’
It could not be otherwise.
Mercedes, who had read the newspapers daily, knew well: the king could never ignore the Emperor’s words.
Thus, in a single gesture, Carlos had extended her life. Undeniably.
‘Why me, of all people?’
Yet, this extension of life brought her no joy.
Since Gertrude had betrayed her, since the week in the underground prison—
She had desired only death.
There was nothing left for her to live for.
The crown prince was dead. She could not witness Count Cromwell’s trial, but afterward, the family would surely be exterminated.
Having her limbs torn apart and suffering disgrace meant nothing. She felt only that to gather all ends and vanish from the world was her due.
She even felt her abilities had been inherited precisely for this moment.
And now, a hand of salvation was suddenly extended.
Had she ever received true salvation before?
The count who had pretended kindness to bring her from her wanderings in the Room Empire had abused her the moment they arrived in Shaym. Elmond, who had fallen for her at first sight and proposed, had tormented her. Even Richard, who had placed her on the throne of crown princess under the pretense of inheriting his brother’s fiancée, had driven her to death.
There had been no true salvation.
Distrust naturally settled over her, and everything felt utterly ruined. Was she being dragged once more into the pit of life, into another torture?
‘Not anymore. I refuse.’
Instead of the king, still stunned and speechless, Mercedes spoke first.
“Let me die.”
“…….”
“I have dared to murder His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. This is not merely an insult to the royal family—it can even be called treason. Kill me. Cut off my head. Tear my limbs apart and feed my corpse to beasts. I beg you—”
“Say that again.”
Carlos’s deep voice cut through Mercedes’s calm, earnest plea to be killed.
He had already walked from the back row to the center of the courtroom.
Still clad head to toe in jet-black armor, draped with a magnificent crimson cloak, his beauty seemed divine, and his mere presence overwhelmed the entire courtroom.
Carlos looked directly at the king and spoke slowly, once more.
“We wish to take custody of the accused.”
“…….”
The king stared at the Emperor, his face blank. A flicker of irritation crept across Carlos’s expression.
“How long must I wait for your answer to my proposal?”
As if triggered by those words, the King of Shaym leapt to his feet.
“Wait—just a moment. We require a discussion.”
It seemed he had only now regained his wits.
Carlos, relieved to be spared further unnecessary words, stepped toward the king.
Carlos even displayed the audacity to cross the courtroom. It was as if he were making it unmistakably clear: though the king ruled this kingdom, he himself stood above the king.
“T-The trial shall be resumed later… I shall issue a notice. For now, everyone, vacate the courtroom. The accused shall be returned to custody.”
Before leaving the courtroom, the king hurriedly ordered, and Mercedes was dragged away once more by soldiers.
At that moment, Carlos and Mercedes passed each other. Mercedes’s eyes remained fixed on Carlos, but Carlos gave her not a single glance.
It was an even more incomprehensible action.
Mercedes was escorted out, her eyes still imprinted with Carlos’s image.
Such a sudden, explosive declaration naturally required negotiations to adjust the proposal. But the King of Shaym’s handling of affairs was exceedingly slow.
While assigning attendants to guide Carlos and arranging a separate table, he continued to fluster and fumble.
Eventually, seasoned servants, noticing what the king had neglected, rushed about, and the palace descended into chaos.
‘He must be flustered.’
Carlos decided to wait patiently, with generous forbearance. After all, he was the one who had thrown the bomb. While waiting for the preparations, his attendants were in an uproar.
“What are you thinking, Your Majesty!”
It was only natural. Carlos had given not a single proper warning to his attendants since arriving and joining the trial.
“Surely… surely you’ve taken a fancy to the Crown Princess? You should have given us some hint! There is no woman Your Majesty cannot have!”
“Does the woman’s will matter?”
“Your Majesty is the Emperor—and a handsome man! Who would refuse?”
“Logan. You must relearn how to respect people.”
“No… that’s…”
“Enough of such foolishness from a fool like Logan. So, are you truly serious? You stayed here this long because you took a liking to the Crown Princess?”
Carlos did not answer the question, but simply smiled.
“Huh!”
“His Majesty shows interest in a woman!”
“But… she’s a murderer. Is that acceptable?”
The most important question emerged at last.
Carlos regarded quietly the attendant who had spoken it.
Turns Out He’s Been Secretly in Love with Me
One-line summary: He acts like he doesn’t like her but is actually playing hard to get.
Synopsis:
Xu Muzhou like her. He has liked her for a very long time, and through repeated schemes, he finally closed the distance with her.
But this is still far from enough.
He wants to be the one who stands out among her many suitors, to fight for her attention, and to make her take the initiative to pursue him.
_____
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MANGA DISCUSSION
1 Comment
Chapter Comments (17)
“The news spread across neighboring nations in an instant. The Kingdom of Shaym suffered great humiliation.”
I don’t like war but hope ML conquer that country.
Live girl, so u can kill them all. And was he really fall in love with her?
Carlos asked, slightly embarrassed as he ruffled his hair—almost as if he was carefully observing her reaction.
He’s cute 😂
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Blairwoods
Yes, please save her. She’s so pitiful and miserable that i feel so sad