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


    The reports used 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 aint at the Royal Citadel, confessing to the act and demandingpensation.


    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 prated 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 ept 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 thew and vited thete emperor''s edict.


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


    "Moreover, thete king issued repeated edicts forbidding officials from frequenting ces 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 tant defiance of thew! Even those who are brazen only secretly buy houses outside the city and have them live there. But you, a schr, are openly defying thew. You knew thew and broke it, which makes your crime even worse.


    "Your affair with the courtesan has bemon knowledge. The public now believes that officials are all drawn to such ces, thinking they are only interested in indulgence and corruption. You have tarnished the reputation of our officials andmitted a crime that 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 home and 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 crime now! I beg for your mercy!"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Take him away!" Salvador waved his hand dismissively.


    Samuel, once a prized schr of the king, had tarnished his own reputation so badly that Salvador


    couldn''t stand the sight of him. Hot


    was swiftly removed by the pce guards, his pleas and cries echoing down the hall,pletely bereft of the proud demeanor of a top schr.


    "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 ced 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.