The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 542

Chapter 542

The hall was deathly silent. Athena looked up at Arthur and saw him sitting there as if his backbone had been removed, his face marked by utter defeat.

in truth.

She realized that the reason Arthur wanted a secret investigation was that he already knew the

Athena thought. ‘Only by investigating in secret could he protect those he wanted to protect and preserve the royal family’s dignity.

“But my grandfather and the Perkins family was innocent.

Years ago, they were dragged into that embezzlement scandal and nearly lost their lives!

Xander raised the evidence high above his head, “Your Majesty, as your brother and subject, I implore you to conduct an open and thorough investigation into this case.

“If this case goes unresolved, where would the laws of our kingdom stand? Where would people’s trust reside?”

“Silence!” Arthur thundered before staggering as he clutched the armrest of the throne, his face livid with rage. “Do you realize that your reckless actions could undermine the very foundation of tjos kingdom?”

Athena shuffled forward two steps on her knees, pulled out her hairpin to stab her fingertip, then tore off a piece of her skirt and let a drop of blood fall onto it. “Your Majesty, if you insist on covering this up, I am willing to follow Lord Alfred’s example and present a blood–written petition!

“Years ago, the entire Osborne family was falsely accused of embezzlement. Everyone in their family was implicated. Many died on the road to exile…

Her voice trembled, “Does the royal family’s dignity truly matter more than human lives?”

Outside the palace gates, amidst the howling wind and snow, waves of impassioned cries suddenly rang out. “Your Majesty, we demand justice!”

To everyone’s shock, it was officials who had rushed over upon hearing the news. They were now kneeling outside the palace gates to plead for Kurtis’s vindication.

They were Kurtis’s former subordinates and students.

Their faces were etched with grief and righteous indignation.

Arthur looked at Xander with his fists clenched. Then, he turned to the flickering flames and the shifting gazes of the courtiers outside. Suddenly, the world seemed to spin around him.

He had thought those dirty deeds could stay buried forever. He never imagined that one day, a stack of old letters and the relentless pounding of the Petition Drum would drive him to the brink.

“Fine…” Arthur let out a bitter, mirthless laugh through gritted teeth. “issue my imperial decree. Reopen the embezzlement case against Kurtis Perkins.”

Xander and Athena exchanged glances, reading in each other’s eyes the mix of post–crisis relief and steely resolve.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” they said in unison,

A squad of riders thundered down the Peace Street,

Xander was leading the group, his sword like brows and steely gaze radiating authority.

| Sun, 27 JI

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A moon–white piece of silk draped gracefully over her arm, trailing down to the stirrup and revealing the pearls embroidered along the hem of her skirt.

Together, the two were the perfect match, Xander’s noble bearing and Athena’s exquisite grace made it look as if they were destined for each other.

The crowd was not only amazed by the pair’s striking appearance, but even more shocked to see them heading straight for the residence of Leonard.

The air crackled with tension. It was as if a suffocating not had made the onlookers hold their breath.

After all, if the Aegis Guards had been mobilized, it could only mean a case of the gravest importance.

Some onlookers whispered nervously, “Look at Prince Xander’s demeanor. He’s heading straight for the Federal Bureau Chief. It must be a capital crime.”

Another agreed, “That’s right. Whenever the Aegis Guards are deployed, there’s bound to be bloodshed. No wonder everyone trembles at the mere mention of them.”

Though the common folk had never witnessed such a scene, just the thought of it made their blood ruis cold.

Instinctively, they edged back a few steps, desperate to avoid any trouble.

Soon, the Aegis Guards arrived outside Leonard’s residence.

曲

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