“The atmosphere seems more solemn than usual, perhaps because it’s a trial involving the imperial family. Those attending the court are not ordinary people, and I heard that even the Emperor will be present.”

A trainee journalist from , one of the most influential newspapers in the empire, murmured as he looked around.

Suing members of the nobility or their close associates was not uncommon, but today’s case was different due to its focus on Claude’s lineage.

“Has the heir become more assertive, trying to take the throne more actively as there seems to be no improvement in the Emperor’s health?”

The trainee journalist asked, glancing at Benjamin.

Benjamin Homan was currently the most respected journalist in the newspaper, having gained recognition for his in-depth articles related to the hidden heir of Duke Lexion.

As he had always stuck to the topics of Lexion and the imperial family, he was expected to know a lot about today’s trial.

“What do you think, Senior Benjamin?”

“If it was just to restrain the Emperor’s side to seize the throne, there would have been no need for Duke Lexion and his wife to personally attend.”

Benjamin answered, keeping his gaze fixed on the luxurious blonde in the front row of the spectator seats.

Whether acting as the stable keeper of the mansion or becoming a member of the mercenary corps, Baelter always exuded an intimidating gaze.

In his intense green eyes, there was overflowing confidence that he could easily overcome anyone in front of him. His confrontational spirit also revealed that he was ready to accept any fight he could win.

‘Wasting time watching trivial fights is not something such a person would do.’

Moreover, Edith, with a slightly tense expression, was standing by his side now. It seemed unlikely that she had come here without any thoughts or preparations.

“It’s unfortunate news for Lady Patricia that those two came in person. Be prepared, as we never know when an important statement might come out.”

While Benjamin’s voice sounded indifferent, his gaze remained fixed on Edith.

“I believe everyone here is well aware of the value of magic stones. As a mineral that accumulates natural magic power over hundreds of years, even a small amount can be useful.”

“…”

“However, Lady Patricia and the Viscount Tertre couple reported on the magic stones buried in the Humphrey Viscountcy and thoroughly kept that fact a secret. This decision favored the interests of Tertre rather than the entire Agnus.”

Lawyers from the nobility, body members of the court, questioned Lady Sunghuangbi’s charges one by one.
Patricia surrounded everything with an attitude that showed no signs of wavering, attributing everything to misunderstandings and administrative omissions. However, after the witness appeared, she couldn’t maintain her composure.

“I… I am Rozalin, who served Lady Patricia Sunghuangbi for a long time.”

Patricia listened to Rozalin’s testimony, chewing on the flesh inside her mouth. When the statement emerged that Claude was conceived by bringing in another man due to the Emperor’s infertility, the entire courtroom buzzed.

“Then, if Claude is not of royal blood…”

“If what the maid says is true, Lady Patricia, who became Sunghuangbi by giving birth to an heir after the Emperor’s infertility, would also be excluded from the royal bloodline, wouldn’t she?”

“If she claims to be of royal blood, hiding the magic stones for capital formation is also justifiable.”

The hands of the journalists wielding their pens sped up.

Patricia slowly rose from her seat, gazing at Rozalin.

“Look at that child. Isn’t she protected by Lexion’s knights? She must have promised something to Lexion as compensation for slandering me.”

“…”

“Moreover, if Claude is not of the Emperor’s bloodline… that maid should receive punishment for attempting to damage the honor of the royal bloodline without even understanding the subject.”

Patricia did not waver even after Rozalin’s testimony. Instead, she looked at the court physician, appealing that the unjust one was herself.

“For the honor of Sunghuang, for my son, the only heir of the Agnus imperial bloodline, I have no intention of avoiding this issue.”

The empress turned her gaze towards a specially prepared spectator seat for the royalty.

There, the Emperor was observing the trial with an indifferent expression.

“Respected Emperor, I seek your assistance in proving that my son belongs to the royal bloodline.”

The Emperor, seeing Patricia passionately making her case, chuckled.

“Very well.”

As the Emperor stood up, the court physicians followed suit. According to the etiquette, the royal blood could not be drawn in public for everyone to see.

Claude also momentarily left his seat. Before long, the courtroom had prepared a crystal rod for the blood test.

“Isn’t this the third paternity test for Claude? Since Patricia claimed that she brought in another man for pregnancy, if Claude’s result shows that he is of the royal blood, Lexion will have to bear a lot of responsibility.”