Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 591

Chapter 591 Words Behind Smiles

So I’m young. And I’m a woman.

Then what about you?

A man who’s already stepped away from court, yet still chooses to stand here today?

For the briefest moment, Colton’s smile stiffened, but it returned just as quickly.

“General Hale has earned great distinction,” he said in an even tone. “And by all accounts, he raised his children well. Still, years spent on campaign mean limited involvement in court affairs. Your Grace grew up in that household, surrounded by a soldier’s way of thinking. When it comes to the complexities of court, it’s only natural there may be… gaps in understanding.”

He paused lightly before continuing.

“As for what you said earlier, envying His Highness for having senior officials at his side, I cannot accept that characterization. In this chamber, before His Majesty, no one ‘supports‘ anyone. We speak only according to law and conscience.”

He inclined his head.

“I am here today simply because I was uneasy. I wished to see this matter resolved clearly with my own eyes. If the Crown Prince is at fault, I will not shield him. If he has been wronged, I will not allow injustice to stand. Nothing more.”

Elowen nodded in agreement, her tone gentle and composed.

“What you say is entirely reasonable. My husband and I truly understand very little about court affairs. We only came because His Majesty summoned us.”

The meaning beneath her words was unmistakable.

Unlike you.

Colton gave her another look..

This girl from the Hale family was far more difficult than he had anticipated.

Her words were polished and mild, yet every sentence pushed back against him, subtle and precise, even turning his own position against him.

He withdrew his attention from her and turned toward the throne.

“Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, what exactly is the matter being tried today? I have only

mapler Sy words bening smiles

heard fragments and remain unclear.”

Theodric spoke, “Vernon.”

Vernon, the Minister of Crown Justice rose immediately and stepped forward, offering a form

bow.

“Your Majesty. My lord. Today’s matter began with a killing at the Velvet Lantern. Dominic, Deputy Minister of Rites, after drinking, became involved in a dispute with Rowan, son of Commander Boyd. In the course of the altercation, Rowan was killed.”

He continued smoothly.

“This case was originally a straightforward matter of manslaughter. However, during questioning, Dominic revealed that several months ago, when Prince Roderic of Nordia was assassinated near the border, the act was not carried out by the Duke of Duskmoor, but was instead a deliberate plot meant to frame him.”

Colton’s brows drew together slightly.

Vernon went on.

“Dominic claims that he acted under direct instruction from the Crown Prince. He was ordered to approach the Duke and intensify tensions between the Duke and the Nordian prince. Meanwhile, assassins were arranged along the prince’s route, disguised as men from Duskmoor. After the attack, evidence bearing the Duke’s mark was deliberately left behind, and all clues were directed toward him, leading the court to believe he was responsible.”

Colton remained composed, thinking for a moment before speaking.

“Did Dominic provide any physical evidence?”

Vernon hesitated.

Colton did not wait for an answer and instead addressed the emperor.

“Your Majesty, although I have retired, I spent over twenty years handling cases. I am still familiar with the laws.”

His voice was calm and steady.

“In any case, a conviction requires both testimony and material evidence to support one another. A claim without proof cannot stand. Moreover, the one who accuses must provide the evidence. If a man could rely solely on his own words to accuse the Crown Prince of such a

crime.

He paused,

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“Then this would appear less like testimony, and more like an attempt to shift blame.”

His approach was direct and precise, grounded in legal principle, making his stance sound impartial and reasonable despite clearly favoring the Crown Prince.

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