Chapter 140.1

Sebastian didn’t answer right away. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on one individual. Naturally, everyone’s attention was drawn to him.

“Where do you think the medicine came from, Marquis Songrad?”

“……I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? Haha. You brought that medicine yourself, but now you don’t know?”

The nobles erupted as soon as the king’s words were finished. Roland Sandor and Marquis Songrad were the only people who remained unmoved.

“I’m sure you’ve heard of it: a drug created by a Western herbalist has cured the epidemic.”

“I heard there was a rumor going around.”

“Marquis Songrad once brought medicine, but I refused because the origin is suspicious, isn’t that right, Marquis?”

“That’s what you said.” Marquis Songrad spoke to the king without making eye contact.

“When the queen heard the rumor, she wrote to Agnes, asking for the cure for the plague.”

Sebastian’s voice became increasingly hot. The attendees in the conference room held their breaths while gazing at the king.

“I was skeptical, so I refrained her from using the medicine, but she naively believed it because it came from the Duchess of Arpad.”

“…….”

“My first son, Prince Robert, passed away just three days after taking the medication. Was this the cost of trust after all?”

With one hand, Sebastian partially concealed his face. His expression was filled with sadness. Someone nodded in response to the desperate tone of the voice.

“Robert passed away following the administration of the medication that Agnes, my sister, whom I adore and cherish dearly, gave me. I can’t believe this situation at all.”

After a terrible silence, the conference room became as loud as it could be.

“Are you saying the Duchess of Arpad poisoned the prince?”

“Why would Duchess Arpad do such a thing?”

“We must immediately bring in Duke Arpad and ask him to atone for his transgression!”

“It is illegal to interrofate him for a crime if the context is unclear……”

Due to the fact that everyone was speaking in their own ways, there was a lot of conflict in the conference room. Count Jante jumped out of his seat in response to the noise.

“Please allow me to speak, Your Highness.”

With the expression of a kind king, Sebastian spoke. “Say it, Count Jante.”

“It’s not just a royal family death; it’s a major event in which Nirseg’s successor died, and I don’t think there should be any suspicion about the prince’s death.”

“You’re correct; perhaps Agnes didn’t know much about the medicine when she sent it to the queen.”

“Isn’t that even more problematic? How can you believe rumors and send unproven medicine?”

Marquis Devorsen slipped out a word. The atmosphere has already shifted as the king intended. It is accurate to say that Prince Robert passed away and Agnes sent the medication. Agnes’ murder of Prince Robert became inevitable at some point.

Marquis Songrad kept a quiet demeanor in his chair. He knows better than anyone that no matter what he says, it won’t matter.

“Shouldn’t we summon the Duchess of Arpad right now to find out the whole story?”

“I’ve already sent carrier pigeons to request admission several times, but they’ve consistently refused.” 

“How could she defy your Majesty?” Someone shouted.

“We need your assistance, which is why the noble meeting is being held today.”

“Say anything you want. Your Highness”

“Unfortunately, the majority of my soldiers are stuck on the southern front. No troops are left to enforce Agnes.”

Sebastian made eye contact with the nobles one by one, wearing the sad face he had just made up.

“So, whoever brings my sister, alive, in front of me, I’ll give you a box of gold.”

The conference hall went cold in an instant. In response to the king’s unusual suggestion, they were busy making eye contact and whispering to one another.

“I’m sorry to say this, but the Treasury isn’t exactly flush with cash right now.”

“Who said I’d get the money from the Treasury? Agnes will gladly open her pockets, so what’s the big deal?”

When the nobles understood what the word meant, they turned to face one another and whispered once more. The annual salary of a marquis or higher is roughly equivalent to a box of gold. For the nobles who had wasted a lot of money on war and bad investments, it was a very alluring reward. Greed appeared on their faces one by one.

Sebastian smiled and walked out of the meeting room after confirming it. He was quickly followed by the Count of Barania.

“Count, that old man has a very shiny complexion on his face.”

“I’m sorry, there must have been a spy inside.”

“Are you saying that as an excuse?”

The hallway was carpeted, so the footsteps were barely audible. This allowed Sebastian’s icy voice to reach her ears more deeply.

“I’ll do it again as soon as the meeting is over.”

“Songrad is not a fool; he will not be beaten twice; leave him alone; he is no longer important.”

His steps came to a stop in front of the Queen’s Palace’s largest bedroom. The maid standing guard at the door turned to face the king.

“How is the Queen doing?”

“…… not so good; she didn’t even eat a spoonful of soup today.”

“Incompetent. Your master is drying up, and here you are gaining weight.”

“Your Highness, I apologize, I’m sorry!”

She immediately bowed down to him and asked for forgiveness. The king didn’t even bother to look at the maid.