MasukSome debts take a lifetime to repay... and some leave scars long after judgement has been passed. Tonight was about consequences, loyalty, and the weight carried by those who sit in judgement. Cornelius may wear a smile more often than not, but even the gentlest rulers have limits. And tonight's chapter was a reminder that justice is never as simple as punishment—it is also restraint, mercy, and the burden of choosing where the line must be drawn. Thank you for reading 💜 If you enjoyed the chapter, please don't forget to leave a like, vote with your gems, and drop a rating—it truly helps the story grow and reach more readers. See you in the next chapter... ✨
Cornelius exhaled, his features etched with exhaustion. His page hurried over to serve him hot tea and refreshments. Cornelius waved him away, devoid of his usual amiability, irritability evident for all to see.“My dear…” Aglaya gently patted Cornelius’s hand, spoke in a soft whisper, “every debt has its debtor. Don’t let the innocent burn in the flames.”His gaze turned towards his wife, his anchor and advisor. He sighed once again and gave a soft nod. He could never quite keep his temper in check. If he did not have his sworn brothers and wife by his side, he might well have become a tyrant.He threw a side glance at Alex and Baldwin, hoping against hope that they didn’t notice anything was amiss. They gave him face and feigned ignorance, but the upward curl of their lips spoke volumes. They knew each other too well, words were never needed.He coughed to regain his composure, took a sip of the tea, and nodded in acknowledgement towards his page. The old man lowered his head, there
Both lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound. “You will answer that question.” Cornelius slammed the table.“No” Both answered in unison. Cain tried to struggle one last time, “but that was not part of the operation I was responsible for.”“You were aware and participated….” Cornelius’s lips curled in disdain, “just not responsible… did I understand correctly?”Cain felt his body burning red hot from shame… that was exactly what he meant but he didn’t expect to be bared openly in front of everyone…“Being aware but not participating…” Cornelius paused in deliberation before continuing, “…in itself is a crime. Knowing yet not stopping… putting everyone in danger… how exactly does it make you innocent of the crime?”He didn’t wait for anyone to answer and continued, “Either way, that dilemma doesn’t exist in your case, you were aware and you participated.” He enunciated each word of the last part of his sentence.“Your highness…” Both Cain and Cole called out in unison, “We were
The historians who were quietly scribing the events, sitting at the back of the chamber, nodded in unison, acknowledging the order.The soldiers who were punished were led out in an orderly manner by the leading guards.Silence returned to the chamber as the courtiers lowered their heads to review the scrolls distributed to them. The evidence was clear, in black and white. The chain of events related to the smuggling operation was documented with precision. Soldiers were transported from the East Kingdom to the gypsy lands under the guise of caravan trading, then distributed throughout the various duchies disguised as slaves. Dates, locations, transit points, and the number of people involved were all meticulously recorded.No one could refute the overwhelming evidence. There was also witness accounts from the gypsy tribe, with the one with the greatest weight being the one from the chief of the Lovari tribe who brought in more than a dozen to the spies in chains to open court.However
Silence reigned supreme as everyone waited for someone else to bear the weight of the judgement.As everyone deliberated, the man Alex sent had returned and handed over a paper. Alex eyeballed the paper and passed it to Baldwin who was about to sit back. He glanced at the paper, before turning his gaze to Alex who nodded subtly. He then turned his gaze towards Cornelius who too gave a subtle nod of approval.“Those whose names are called, please step to the right side of the hall.” Baldwin announced before calling out the names listed on the scroll.The soldiers looked at one another in bewilderment, but all the same they stepped to the right obediently as their names were called.“Crime of passion and crime of necessity…” Alex slowly opened his mouth, “Although they aren’t the same, the effect of both is the crime itself. And while our hearts may go out to those who acted out of necessity, necessity does not excuse the crime itself. Had it succeeded, the end result would have been no
“Some might while others won’t, so I will let my commander brief you before we proceed.” Cornelius sat on the throne as he gestured towards Parker to speak.Parker stepped forward into the center of the chamber.Before him sat not only the crown, but the surviving Grand Dukes of the founding clans. Many eyes unconsciously drifted toward the elevated seats surrounding the throne.The seating arrangement within the Chamber of Justice differed greatly from that of ordinary court sessions held in the throne room. The Founding Dukes, also known as the Grand Dukes, sat facing the court alongside the crown. Their seats were elevated above the rest of the chamber, second only to the throne platform itself.Of the original founding clans, only the Ambertons and Worthingtons still occupied their positions in full legitimacy. The Haribeorts had been erased from history—or so they thought. The Asters had been banished, though their seat remained, a silent tribute to their founding ancestor. There
Alex hooked a brow towards Zelda, who had reappeared in the room.Zelda didn't bother with formalities either. "Blood Curse Illusion.""What the hell is that?" Cornelius frowned, turning to Alex."No idea." Alex shrugged."It is an ancient enchantment," Zelda began explaining without waiting to be asked. "One believed to have been lost to the passage of time.""It allows the faces and fates of two people to be exchanged.""Can it be reversed?" Thomas asked curiously."Very simple... call the person by his birth name.""That simple?" Humphrey wrinkled his face in disbelief. “Just anyone can call to break the curse?”"Yes, but it must be his birth name, not merely the name he is known by.""What's the difference?"“Birth name is the name whispered in your ear when your senses fully develop.” Zelda spoke matter-of-factly, as though it were common knowledge. Judging by the expressions around the table, nobody else shared that opinion."Bruce would know that, right?" Cornelius mused aloud.
“This current understanding is that Southamberston was annexed under the management of the king’s estate as our master died without an heir…. But that is not true.” Carl started at the beginning.“Is that not the case?” Mira raised her eyebrows.“Not in its entirety.” Carl shook his head. His eyes ref
“Sir, I need to give you a briefing of the current affairs of the estate.” Carl scratched the back of his head.“That is why you stayed back?” Jack raised his eyebrows.Carl rubbed his chin; he didn’t know if it was a good thing that his new master could read him like a book. Most people couldn’t read
“A gentleman’s honor is not joke.” Stranton declined with a serious expression and then chuckled “I am waiting for the storm… this is just a breeze.” “Alright then…” Mira laughed and didn’t insist. She handed five gold coins to the attendant who helped her. “This….” The attendant had a constipated e
Harrison left two maids to help with at the manor and sent the rest back to Southamberston to get four cottages close to the Southamberston manor and all the apartments in the manor ready. “Since you all insist on staying…. I am not sure how to organize the living arrangements.” Mira knitted her bro







