Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 427

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 crime even worse.

"Your affair with the courtesan has become common 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 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."