“Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?” When Langdon saw their faces, his eyes went wide in disbelief. “You… How did you two end up like this?” He was genuinely stunned. 2
Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful figures in West Lucozia. They commanded respect wherever they went, and even Langdon himself had to show them deference.
He never expected that they had fallen from their positions of prestige to become disheveled prisoners overnight.
“Austin! You’ve gone too far!” Recovering from his initial shock, Langdon’s fury erupted. He didn’t even bother with titles anymore.
“Do you even realize what you’re doing? These two men are pillars of West Lucozia and the prince’s most trusted advisors. They’re your elders and mentors. Yet, you tortured them like this. Are you even human?”
“He’s right,” someone chimed in. “They dedicated their lives to this country. What crime did they commit to deserve such cruelty by Your Highness?”
The gathered officials erupted in outrage and condemned Austin’s actions. Loyal officials had been unjustly imprisoned, and they refused to stand by and let it happen.
Amid the royal advisors’ indignant protests, Huxley and Percival exchanged bewildered glances.
What happened? Were these officials… actually fighting for them? Their support was appreciated, but wasn’t their reaction a bit excessive?
After all, Huxley and Percival were criminals. Could those officials just voice their concerns properly instead of all this shouting?
“Enough!” Axel bellowed. “How dare you insult His Highness! Do you have a death wish?”
His fury exploded at the disrespectful words, and he immediately reached for his sword. But Austin raised a hand to stop him.
Pressing Axel’s weapon back into its sheath, Austin turned his gaze toward Langdon, his expression icy. “Think before you speak. Have you ever wondered why I arrested them?”
“What else could it be?” Langdon shot back without hesitation. “Because you’re an arrogant tyrant who persecutes the innocent.”
First, Austin had issued a warrant for Warrick’s arrest. Now, he was imprisoning key officials. At this rate, West Lucozia was doomed.
“Arrogant? Persecuting the innocent?” Austin scoffed. Then, he turned to the two prisoners and asked coolly, “Why don’t you two explain? Did I wrongfully accuse you?”
“N-No, Your Highness.” Huxley shook his head vehemently,
“I deserve it. His Highness has shown mercy by sparing my life, and I’m grateful for his leniency,” Percival said in a humble tone.
Compared to Huxley, Percival had gotten off lightly. At least, Percival and his family’s life were spared. He had only been stripped of his position and was to be investigated. For him, it was a blessing in disguise.
“Sir Thatcher, Mr. Wentworth, did Austin threaten you?” Langdon frowned and continued, “Don’t worry. We’re here to seek justice for you. If you’ve been wronged, tell us, and I’ll personally bring your case before the prince.”
“I have no complaints, and I haven’t been threatened. I made a huge mistake, and I deserve to die. I brought this on myself, and I can’t blame anyone else,” Huxley replied, looking grim.
He had committed so many serious offenses that execution was inevitable. Now, he just hoped his family wouldn’t be dragged down with him.
“Sir Thatcher, I know you’re under pressure, but don’t be afraid. We’re here to support you,” Langdon said righteously.
“That’s right. We’ll prove your innocence, “the other royal advisors echoed.
“I am beyond redemption and deserve to die. Please stop speaking on my behalf,” Huxley said anxiously.
Why couldn’t they just let him face his punishment in peace? If they kept stirring things up and provoked Austin further, there was no telling if his family would be dragged down with him.
“I see what’s going on. Austin tortured you, didn’t he? That’s why you’re so eager to take the blame.” Langdon’s face lit up with revelation.
“You… You fools! Stop sticking your noses where they don’t belong!” Huxley exploded.
But to Langdon and the others, his outburst was nothing more than the desperate struggle of a man too terrified to speak.
“Austin!” Langdon shouted, turning toward him. “What did you do to them? What made them fear you this much?”
“I have done only what the law requires,” Austin replied evenly. “Percival was dismissed for corruption and abuse of power, though I chose not to pursue further charges because of the valuable information he provided.
“As for Huxley, he is guilty of heinous crimes-murder, abuse of power, and countless atrocities. His execution is well justified, and the evidence against him is indisputable.”
As he spoke, Axel placed the stack of incriminating documents on the table for all to see.
But even after reviewing the documents, Langdon remained unconvinced. “This is absurd! Sir Thatcher is the Commander of Militia. How could he possibly have committed such crimes? This is clearly a setup. This so-called evidence is nothing but a lie.”
Austin let out a dry laugh at his stubbornness.
The evidence was all there-witnesses, testimonies, records-but Langdon refused to accept it and clung instead to the idea of some elaborate conspiracy.
Austin couldn’t understand how someone so willfully blind held a position of power. If the government was filled with people like Langdon, then it was time for a major cleanup.
