The Stewarts were terrified when they saw weapons being pointed at them. They got out of their cars and came over.
Even Marilyn was shaking.
"What do you think you're doing? We're the Stewarts! I'm Willow's grandma," Marilyn cried out fearfully.
"Put your guns down! If you hurt us by accident, Lord Caspian's wife will come after you!" Melinda added.
However, the armored soldiers didn't move. For all they knew, these people could be lying to them.
"I'm Carl Stewart, Lord Caspian's father-in-law. Please inform him that we're here," Carl said, stepping forward.
The soldiers exchanged looks. They knew Caspian was married to the Stewarts' daughter.
"Wait here while I report this to the house," one of the soldiers instructed.
Since these people could be Willow's family, they decided to check with Caspian first.
One of the soldiers went into the house and told Caspian, "There's a group of people outside who claim to be the Stewarts. Do you wish to see them, sir?"
"Oh? Is that so? Let them in," Caspian said. He could figure out why they were here.
Moments later, the Stewarts began approaching the house. The compound was surrounded by soldiers, making them feel nervous.
Caspian got up and walked out of the house.
Even though he had no regard for the Stewarts, he was still on good terms with Carl, and out of politeness, he went out to greet him.
"Grandma, why did you guys come here?" Willow asked in curiosity. She had followed Caspian out of the house.
"We came to plead on Henry's behalf. We hope Caspian can release him." Marilyn got straight to the point.
Both Caspian and Willow had seen that coming, of course.
"Let's go in," Caspian said. Despite his ill feelings for them, he was still decent enough to show basic courtesy.
"Yes, sure!" Marilyn led the Stewarts into the house.
Everyone settled down in the living room, and Willow prepared coffee for them.
Alas, the Stewarts were too agitated to enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee.
"We won't beat around the bush, Caspian. We hope you can spare Henry's life," Donald said.
"That's right, Caspian. Even though we treated you badly, you and Willow are still related to the Stewart family. Can't you have mercy on Henry?" Melinda asked.
"I'll be honest with you. If Henry had committed any other crime, I could've considered sparing his life. However, after what he did, it's impossible," Caspian coolly replied.
The Stewarts were disheartened by Caspian's merciless response.
"What did Henry even do? Why must he be executed?" Marilyn asked.
"Henry maintained close contact with Vadesian spies. He, Richard, and Nicholas worked together to create unrest among the people.
"They even goaded the citizens into attacking Riverside Villa. Do you think I can absolve him of punishment for his crimes?" Caspian asked.
The Stewarts all looked ashamed.
"Henry's just young and immature. That's why he did those things. Just give him another chance. He'll turn over a new leaf," Marilyn persuaded.
Henry was too young to die. The family couldn't accept such an outcome.
Marilyn didn't know what to say. She could see how determined Caspian was.
"Caspian, can't you spare Henry just this once? You can punish him however you want, but please spare his life," Carl piped up.
At the end of the day, he was still a Stewart, so he felt he needed to help Henry as well.
"Dad, please don't put me in a tough spot. I'm willing to compromise on other matters, but this decision is final," Caspian coolly responded.
"You can exile Henry to the border and give him a chance to reform. I'm sure he'll change his ways," Carl suggested.
"A leopard can't change its spots. If he can choose to betray his nation once, he'll do it again if the situation arises. He can no longer be trusted. Who knows what else he'll do next time?" Caspian staunchly declared.
After hearing that, Carl knew he couldn't convince Caspian.
Donald and Melinda were also overwhelmed with despair. They could tell that Henry was doomed.
They immediately fell to their knees in front of Caspian, who felt a little helpless and exasperated. He didn't think they would kneel at his feet.
Despite not having a good relationship with the Stewarts, Caspian didn't feel good about letting them kneel before him.
"Uncle Donald! Aunt Melinda! Do get up. What you're doing will only put Caspian in a difficult position," Willow urged.
"Don't bother trying to talk us out of it, Willow. We're going to kneel here until Caspian agrees to let Henry go," Donald declared.
"That's right! Caspian, instead of executing Henry, you could always just keep him imprisoned for life. We just want you to spare his life," Melinda said.
"Why don't you stand up first?" Caspian said helplessly.
"We won't. We're going to kneel until you agree not to execute Henry!" Melinda cried out tearfully.
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