They say you haven't seen true luxury until you step into the palace's domain. The birds chirped in melody, the trees and other vibrant flowers were in full bloom, making one stare dazedly in wonder.
The floors, the walls, the statues, the tapestries, the ornaments, and everything else screamed wealth beyond what many sea pirates could ever imagine.
…
—The Grand Audience Hall, The Palace of Etratis—
.
'Your Majesty, 6th Prince Julius has been brought, and is now waiting outside the hall!' one of the black shadows appeared, whispering into Altec's ears.
Altec nodded, "Everyone, it seems the one you wish to question is here."
Seeing that Altec still looked calm, everyone once again felt they wouldn't be punished for attacking Julius.
Altec rubbed his chin with interest, agreeing that he indeed wanted to see how this kid would get out of this mess. After reading the report given to him by Number 1, he also held some expectations in his heart towards Julius.
In the meantime outside the Audience Hall, Julius was rolling his eyes heavenwards, while waiting to be summoned.
Dammit, do these bastards think he had all day? Aren't you the ones who dragged him here with urgency? So what's the delay for?
Brmm~
The gigantic double-sided door was finally open.
"6th Prince, his Majesty will see you now." Steward Hayden emerged, ushering him in.
Steward Hayden stared at Julius, finding that he wasn't so much of a sore eye as he thought in the past… (probably because of the KFC he just ate.)
Hayden walked with his long robes keeping his hands that were cusped in a circular manner in front of chest. Etiquette was everything in this feudal dynasty, and imperial power was supreme.
'Oh? All for me?' Julius clicked his tongue in amusement when seeing just how many people were gathered.
Reaching the forefront, Julius didn't kneel. Please! Since coming to this world, he has never knelt before his Altec. Instead, he gave a respectable bow. "Commoner, Julius Etratis, see your Majesty."
"No ceremony." Altec's majestic voice fell. He was already used to Julius's refusal to kneel.
Again he couldn't help wondering where this guy gets his stubbornness from.
Well, it would be a lie to say that Altec wasn't pleased. He nodded in appreciation, seeing that although this son of his was quite troublesome, he was also someone who didn't have fear in his eyes.
He had a tiger's heart and wasn't shaken at all by that massive crusade of ministers and civil servants who scrutinized the hell out of him with their gazes.
It was just that… Sigh…
Altec was a little depressed, seeing as such a good seed had been left out of the palace.
Why can't this boy be peaceful? Had he not committed so many crimes, would he, Altec, be forced to drive his own son out of the palace for the sake of 'fairness?'
Again, it was the brat's own fault for escalating the matter so much. What's so difficult in admitting one's mistakes? If the brat had just admitted his mistakes from the start, none of this would have happened.
The more Altec thought of it, the colder his eyebrows grew.
So stubborn!
Julius was dumbfounded. What did he do now? Why was his father smiling in one second and then glaring furiously at him the next?..
"6th Prince Julius, do you know why you were summoned here today?"
Julius raised his hands above his shoulders innocently, "Could it be you all are fascinated about my good looks again?"
"_"
Again?
Excuse you, but when have they ever been fascinated with your looks? More importantly, who would call a meeting to discuss just your looks?... Narcissistic much?
The corners of everyone's mouth twitched.
They had to admit that the 6th Prince was quite a ballsy fellow. Of course, seeing what his first words were, many again chuckled knowing they were going to eat this brat alive with their impeachment.
Hmph! How can a person who has little brains be able to defend himself against their wave of attacks?
Before they could speak, a messenger came in to announce the coming of another guest. "Your Majesty, General Clayton is outside, seeking an audience."
Oh? Clayton? The one whose daughter Julius molested? The father of the girl who was forced into engagement with Julius?
Good, good, good…
Everyone knew General Clayton Campbell, one of the toughest military commanders who has on multiple occasions, protected the kingdom of Etratis for invaders.
He was one of the strongest men in Etratis with an army that kept enemies from other kingdoms away. And it was this same man who had his daughter's dignity 'disgraced' by the 6th Prince Julius.
So wasn't this a good opportunity?
"Your Majesty, we must not leave General Clayton out for so long."
"Yes, your Majesty, why don't we allow him in? After all, Prince Julius' matter is but a small thing. So how can we keep the mighty General standing out the corridors?"
Cold sparks flickered in the eyes of many, as they begged for Altec to let Clayton in.
Julius saw through their thoughts and chuckled softly.
How naive.
"Alright," Altec nodded. "Let the General in."
…
Two minutes later, Clayton joined the group, standing close to Minister and Civil Servant Hoggard Rune, who was one of the heads within the Ministry of Works.
Another good friend of his was Minister Gin Arkinsol, another major head within the Department of State Affairs.
Everyone knows that the Campbell, Rune, and Arkinsol families have always been in good standing with each other, especially since their heirs were best of friends.
"Julius Etratis the 3rd… since you don't know why you're summoned, I, your father, will tell you." Altec spoke, looking at the calm Julius with an intriguing smirk on his lips.
"You are being impeached."
Impeachment.
Such a word could cause ministers, civil servants, anyone who wants to take the imperial examinations in this world, and soldiers, to worry themselves to death. But Julius was unbothered, keeping his hands behind his back with a lazy demeanor.
"Oh? And pardon me, your Majesty, but what crimes am I being charged for?"
Altec didn't mind his somewhat rude demeanor that was devoid of etiquette. "Theft and chaos."
"It's said you created a set of evil dishes that have controlled the minds of the masses…. As for the theft matter, it is said you stole those dishes, threatening the real owner of the dishes with your former status as prince."
Altec paused, pretending to be serious. "I almost forgot one. Etiquette. In the words of my ministers, even if you have been reduced to the state of a commoner now, how can you be seen entering into the kitchen and making these meals yourself? This is not blatant disrespect for his former training as a noble."
"Your Majesty, I have something to–" The anxious Clayton rushed to defend, but was taken aback when Julius raised his left hand, signaling for him to stop. And then.
"Is that all?"
"_" [Everyone.]
So you wish there was more?
Nerve in their lifetime did they imagine his reaction would be this.