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King Cedric nodded for him to proceed. "Please, Lord Clearwater, share your thoughts."

"My most noble and respected house of Clearwater also faces certain grievances that warrant this council\'s attention," Lord Maxwell Clearwater began, his voice steady and clear. "It has come to my attention that the tensions between our houses are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of unrest that could jeopardize the stability of our kingdom."

He continued, "Our only ally Ashwoods has provided us with much-needed support while Rutherford has done nothing but stir conflicts in my territory, I humbly ask the court to do justice to my family otherwise..."

The pause in Lord Maxwell\'s voice was deliberate, his eyes scanning the room as he allowed the weight of his words to settle. The silence was thick, a collective anticipation hanging in the air.

King Cedric leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "Otherwise, what, Lord Maxwell? You must understand the gravity of such a statement."

Lord Maxwell nodded. "Otherwise, we may be forced to take measures to protect our interests and ensure the safety and stability of our territories. This could include fortifying our borders and extermination of anyone who dares to threaten our peace. Though necessary for our protection, such actions could inadvertently escalate tensions further.

Therefore, this council must address these grievances with the seriousness they deserve."

The declaration sent ripples through the room, the nobles exchanging concerned glances. The prospect of one of the most influential families in the kingdom taking drastic measures was not something to be taken lightly. King Cedric\'s eyes narrowed as he considered the weight of Lord Maxwell\'s words.

King Cedric\'s gaze hardened. "We cannot afford such divisions within our kingdom, Lord Maxwell. The unity of our noble houses is paramount to our strength and prosperity. I will not allow this court to descend into chaos and conflict."

"Your Majesty," Lady Eveline Clearwater interjected smoothly, her voice a soothing counterpoint to the rising tension. "Perhaps a joint investigation into the actions of the Rutherford family could be conducted, with representatives from both the Clearwater and Ashwood families participating.

This would ensure a fair and balanced approach to addressing the grievances and finding a resolution that upholds justice."

King Cedric considered her suggestion, his expression contemplative. "A joint investigation... It is a reasonable proposal. It would allow for transparency and collaboration between our noble houses. Very well, I approve this course of action."

Lord Garrick\'s face twisted with barely concealed anger. "This is an outrage! My family has done nothing to warrant such scrutiny."

"Then you have nothing to fear from an investigation," I replied calmly, meeting his glare with a steady gaze. "If the Rutherford family is indeed innocent, the investigation will prove it. And if there are grievances, they will be addressed fairly and justly."

King Cedric nodded in agreement. "Lord Samael is correct. The investigation will proceed, and the findings will be presented to this court. Until then, I expect all parties to refrain from any further actions that could escalate tensions."

Lord Garrick muttered under his breath, but he acquiesced with a curt nod. The decision was made, and there was no further room for argument.

A concealed smirk made its way across my face, This was my plan: Targetting the Rutherfords, and the letters I sent to all my family allies said to do the same, I had carefully laid the groundwork for the upcoming investigation.

By exposing the Rutherford family\'s actions through this investigation, I aimed to destabilize their influence and shift the court\'s focus away from the Ashwoods and Clearwaters.

This is just the beginning as the investigation would serve as a pivotal point in the ongoing struggle for power. My goal was to leverage the findings to weaken the Rutherford family\'s standing and consolidate our position within the court.

I knew that while the initial investigation would bring some immediate results, the real impact would be determined by how well we managed the fallout and maneuvered within the shifting allegiances.

"Your Majesty, If I may," A new voice cut through the murmur of the chamber, drawing the court\'s attention. Lord Whitewood, Head of the Count House of Whitewood, and one of my allies stepped forward, his distinguished presence adding weight to his words. Lord Whitewood was known for his diplomatic skill and strategic acumen, which made his intervention at this moment both significant and expected.

"Your Majesty," Lord Whitewood began, his tone measured and calm, "I concur with Lord Maxwell and Lady Eveline\'s suggestion for a joint investigation. As the Rutherford Family has been subjects for dark rituals and forbidden magic. This behavior is not only reprehensible but also poses a direct threat to the safety and stability of the kingdom."

The chamber fell into a stunned silence as Lord Whitewood\'s accusation reverberated through the room. His revelation about the Rutherford family\'s alleged practices added a new, ominous layer to the proceedings. The idea of the Rutherford family engaging in such dark and illegal activities would certainly intensify the investigation\'s urgency.

King Cedric\'s eyes widened in shock, his expression a mix of disbelief and concern. "These are serious allegations, Lord Whitewood. Do you have evidence to support these claims?"

Lord Whitewood nodded, his demeanor resolute. "I have gathered substantial evidence through discreet channels. While I am prepared to share this evidence with the investigative committee, I must stress the importance of proceeding with caution. These are not just accusations but matters that touch upon the very fabric of our kingdom\'s laws and morality."

"LIES! Your Majesty, they are all in this together, Yes! They are targeting my family! This is a coordinated effort to undermine the Rutherford name and discredit us," Lord Garrick\'s voice was filled with indignation as he interrupted Lord Whitewood. His outburst only added to the tension that was already palpable in the chamber.

King Cedric\'s expression grew stern. "Lord Garrick, accusations of such gravity must be supported by evidence if they are to be taken seriously. This council has agreed to a joint investigation, which will address all concerns and reveal the truth. You will have the opportunity to present your case and defend your family."

"But your majesty, My family do no such things, they are spreading falsehoods to discredit us! This is an outright conspiracy!" Lord Garrick\'s voice was now a sharp, desperate plea as he continued to fight against the mounting accusations.

"But Lord Whitewood is saying, he has the evidence to prove the validity of his claims," I interjected smoothly, addressing Lord Garrick. "It would be wise to focus on preparing your defense rather than accusing others of conspiracy without proof."

"YOU BRAT! SHUT UP!!! I AM TALKING TO HIS MAJESTY," Lord Garrick\'s outburst was met with a collective gasp from the assembled nobles. His frustration was palpable, but it only served to further alienate him from the court.

But before the king could say anything, heavy pressure descended on the shoulders of everyone present except me, of course.

"Are you tired of living, you pig?" A slow almost ominous voice cut through the heavy pressure that blanketed the room, its tone dripping with an icy menace.

Everyone collectively looked beside me and saw Mother surrounded by her mana as her eyes fixed on Lord Garrick. The room fell silent as the intensity of her aura became apparent. Her mana, a shimmering blue with flecks of white, crackled around her like a protective shield, casting an ethereal glow that contrasted sharply with the dark tension in the room.

King Cedric\'s eyes widened in surprise, and the nobles exchanged nervous glances. Elysia Ashwood, renowned for her formidable control over Nature Magic, had always been a figure of quiet strength, but witnessing her display such raw power was both impressive and intimidating.

Lord Garrick, his face now pale and stricken with fear, took an involuntary step back. His bravado seemed to dissolve under the weight of her gaze.

"Lady Elysia, please," King Cedric said, his voice attempting to calm the rising storm. "This is a council meeting, and we must maintain decorum."

"Tell that to this pig first," Elysia replied coldly, her eyes never leaving Lord Garrick. Her voice was low and measured, but every syllable was imbued with an unspoken threat. "If you cannot maintain your composure and speak with respect, then you forfeit the right to be heard."

Lord Garrick swallowed hard, his previous arrogance replaced with a mix of fear and desperation. The pressure in the room was palpable, the very air seeming to crackle with Elysia\'s suppressed mana.

"Are you siding with this pig too, Your Majesty?" She said while shifting her gaze from Lord Garrick to King Cedric. The room was filled with tense silence, and the weight of Elysia\'s anger hung heavily over everyone present.

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[To Be Continued]

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