This was my first opportunity to watch the countess at work, and she was clearly in her element. The baron and his guards’ attempts to intimidate were clearly failing. She confidently stepped close enough to grab the baron with her bare hands.

  “The young lord Arsen Rydberg stands accused of myriad crimes, including abduction, torture, and murder. Upon learning of the evidence against him, his co-conspirators plotted his assassination before he once again tried to escape justice. Regrettably, I was too late to thwart the killing as your son had locked himself in a sitting room with a young woman and ordered the guards to block the way.”

  As the gathered crowd murmured, a vivacious older woman collapsed to her knees near one the appetizer table. I noticed Helian’s gaze shift to the woman, her eyes filled with pity. I suppose she’d been close with the bastard.

  “Countess, I don’t know what makes you think you can utter such falsehoods in front of those gathered, but even your title does not grant you the right to-”

  Lady Solana cut him off with a stern glare and continued.

  “I’m not finished. The evidence we’ve collected paints a clear picture of his entire family’s involvement. During our investigation, we made a number of shocking discoveries. When I presented my findings to the king, he naturally expressed great concern, which is how we find ourselves in this present situation.”

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  The baron audibly gasped for air and began to claw at his chest. Perhaps his poor diet and lack of exercise had undermined his health.

  “Baron Rydberg, on the authority granted to me by His Majesty, I formally strip you of your title. If even a fraction of the accusations against you are confirmed, you shall be executed in the city square within the week.”

  The baron’s wife began sobbing openly and uselessly grabbed at the countess’s sleeve.

  The countess ignored her, continuing. “Miss Rydberg, I would advise you to cooperate with my investigation. If the accusations against you are substantiated, you will share your husband’s fate. However, a show of contrition might convince the king to take mercy upon you.”

  Lady Solana then turned to address the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, I sincerely apologize for ruining your evening. It breaks my heart to bear such dire news. Had my tears not run dry long ago, I would weep at the tragic events that led to this moment. I pray you will all aid me in restoring the honor of this barony.”

  The noble lords and ladies looked back and forth at each other for confirmation, then responded in a cacophony of shouts. “Of course!” “We’re with you, Countess!” “Justice for the weak!” “No mercy for the wicked!”

  The diplomatic envoys from the north, visibly shocked, took their leave of the estate, followed by a slow trickle of other attendees.

  A satisfying outcome. Now that attention was off the countess, it was best that I make my exit to avoid being spotted. As I crept towards the servants’ exit, a chorus of voices rang out behind me.

  “Lady Saintess!” “Oh, Metis have mercy!”