Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

On the following morning, during the court assembly, Irvin and his deputy, accompanied by several senior inspectors of the Oversight Department, presented a series of reports.

The reports accused Samuel of consorting with a courtesan while his legitimate wife was pregnant, favoring his concubine over his wife, and mistreating his wife.

Furthermore, they condemned the Warren family for their disrespect towards the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family, leading to public outrage. The resulting anger had led to people throwing excrement at Valor Estate. The Warren family members had caught the culprit, dragged him inside, and broken his limbs. The culprit had now filed a complaint at the Royal Citadel, confessing to the act and demanding compensation.

Barrett had not been allowed into the court and had to stand outside with lower-ranking officials. Although he was supposed to be out of earshot of the discussions, the loud arguments from the inspectors penetrated outside, and he overheard them denouncing him.

His heart sank.

He bitterly regretted his decision to abandon Carissa for Aurora. Now, not only was his household in disarray, but his future also seemed bleak.

Samuel was still present in court, arguing and refusing to accept the inspectors' charges. He prided himself on his extensive knowledge and was confident he could argue his case against the inspectors. However, the inspectors of the Oversight Department were skilled debaters, renowned for their fierce and passionate arguments. Despite Samuel's attempts to quote historical examples of courtesans with exceptional talents, and even their contributions to the poetry and painting industry, his arguments were futile.

The Oversight Department focused on one thing: Samuel had broken the law and violated the late emperor's edict.

Irvin's voice was stern as he declared, "No matter how talented that courtesan might be, your actions in taking a concubine while your legitimate wife is pregnant show utter disregard for the law.

"Moreover, the late king issued repeated edicts forbidding officials from frequenting places like entertainment parlors and brothels. It's one thing to know her, but to bring her into your home? No official in our era has dared act in such blatant defiance of the law! Even those who are brazen only secretly buy houses outside the city and have them live there. But you, a scholar, are openly defying the law. You knew the law and broke it, which makes your creven worse.

"Your affair with the courtesan has beccommon knowledge. The public now believes that officials are all drawn to such places, thinking they are only interested in indulgence and corruption. You have tarnished the reputation of our officials and committed a crthat cannot be forgiven." "Your Majesty, I beseech you to severely punish Samuel Langley to set an example for all officials," the Oversight Department inspectors implored, their voices firm and resolute as they knelt.

Their plea was emphasized with a final, powerful addition, "And may all officials present who have never visited an entertainment parlor or brothel also plead with Your Majesty to punish Samuel Langley." The impact of these words was devastating.

Who among the court officials dared to remain standing? Anyone who did not kneel was implied to have visited such establishments. Therefore, regardless of their true actions all present had no choice but to kneel and join in the plea for Samuel's severe punishment.

Among them, the voice of the Minister of Justice, Rafael, was the most authoritative.

Salvador, who had previously been unaware of the situation, was already fuming with rage. Seeing the entire court kneeling and pleading for Samuel's punishment while Samuel stood there with an expression of defiant stubbornness, Salvador's fury exploded.

"Samuel Langley, do you not know your crime?" Salvador roared.

Even though Samuel still felt he had done nothing wrong, the overwhelming presence of the king forced him to slowly kneel. He hid his resentment as he stuttered, "Y-Your Majesty... I... I know my mistake." "It is not just a mistake; it is a crime," Salvador snapped, his anger intensifying as he took in Samuel's reaction. It seems you still do not understand where your fault lies. From today, you are dismissed from all your duties. Go hand reflect on your actions." Samuel's face turned ashen. He had not anticipated such a severe punishment, expecting only a few reprimands. In his panic, he pleaded, "Your Majesty, I know my mista—no, I understand my crnow! I beg for your mercy!" "Take him away!" Salvador waved his hand dismissively.

Samuel, once a prized scholar of the king, had tarnished his own Om reputation so badly that Salvador couldn't stand the sight of him. Hot

was swiftly removed by the palace guards, his pleas and cries echoing down the hall completely bereft of the proud demeanor of a top scholar. "Summon Barrett Warren!" Salvador ordered angrily.

Barrett entered the hall, his face pale and eyes dark with exhaustion.

Salvador looked at him, remembering how much trust he had placed in Barrett, and how many times he had tried to support him. But the man was like useless mud-no matter how hard Salvador tried, he couldn't make Barrett stand firm. X