The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 400

A chilling smile spread across Xander’s otherwise ice–cold face. “If my princess says there’s foul play, then there must be foul play,” he stated. “And since I’m already here, I’ll personally ensure this case is thoroughly investigated. On behalf of the Duke, of course.”

With that, Xander gave a slight wave of his hand.

Immediately, the Aegis Guards seized Nicolas and dragged Matthew out from his hiding spot nearby.

With a chilling smile, Xander turned to Henry. “Tell me, Duke,” he said smoothly, “shall we settle this at the Justice Ministry, or right here in your manor?”

If this goes to the Justice Ministry, the whole capital will know. The family’s disgrace would be widely known then.

Henry gnashed his teeth in silent fury. ‘Prince Xander is deliberately backing me into a corner!‘ he thought bitterly.

“Father, save me! Save me!” Matthew screamed, his features contorted in terror as he pleaded over and over, utterly devoid of any noble bearing.

He was forcibly held down on the torture bench, completely immobilized.

Nearby, attendants with wooden paddles in hand already awaited the order.

Henry knew that Xander was avenging Athena, and Xander would not let the matter rest until the full truth came to light.

Henry glanced between his two sons, a painful decision settling in his mind.

“H–here…in the manor,” he stammered, each word heavy with reluctant finality.

Nicolas’s face twisted with fury as he shouted defiantly, “I am an official of the Justice Ministry! Prince Xander, how dare you take the law into your own hands and administer punishment without proper judicial proceedings?”

Nicolas had hoped to intimidate Xander by invoking the law, but Xander merely took a leisurely sip of coffee, then looked up at Nicolas with a faint, mocking smile. “Oh? Is that so?” Xander replied.

With deliberate calm, he drew the imperial rod from his sleeve and set it on the table. It was a symbol of absolute authority bestowed by the late emperor.

His voice dropped, cold and commanding, “This imperial rod was granted by the late emperor. With it, I can punish tyrants and ministers alike. Now tell me, do I have the authority or not?”

Xander’s expression was icy, his eyes glinting with scorn. “Don’t flatter yourself. I could even discipline your father with this very rod.”

As the last syllable left Xander’s lips, he smashed the cup to the floor.

“Beat them. Make it brutal,” Xander commanded coldly.

Soon, the sickening thuds of heavy blows striking flesh echoed from the courtyard. Nicolas clenched his teeth and endured silently, while Matthew, howled in agony after just a few strikes.

Athena watched the scene unfold with an impassive gaze.

“This is nothing compared to what Grandmother endured. Mere physical pain is the least they deserve, Athena thought coldly.

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Henry was heart–wrenched with agony. Recognizing Athena’s crucial place in Xander’s heart, Henry frantically pleaded with her, his voice trembling, “Athena, they’re your own brothers! How can you stand by and watch them suffer like this?”

Each blow that landed on his sons hurt Henry’s heart. If possible, he would have gladly taken their place and borne the pain

for them.

‘Prince Xander isn’t just punishing us physically, he’s hurting our very souls, Henry thought bitterly.

“Did they ever consider the consequences when they poisoned Lady Margaret?” Athena retorted with icy sarcasm.

Athena shot Henry a mocking look. “Why so anxious, Duke? They haven’t even been convicted yet.”

She continued, her voice turning icy, “But don’t harbor any illusions. If a few hits can’t get the truth out, the eighteen forms of torture surely will loosen their tongues. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Henry stared at Athena, his face ashen and his eyes heavy with bitter disappointment.

Yet at this moment, he dared not utter a single harsh word. He could only glare at her with smoldering fury, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.

With Athena adamantly refusing to let the matter drop, Henry knew that someone had to be the scapegoat. As Duke, there was no way Henry would be the scapegoat. Nicolas, as the future heir, is also untouchable. This only leaves Matthew, the worthless second son.

Henry burst into tears, turned to Matthew, and pointed an accusing finger at him. Pleading, Henry cried, “Stop beating him! I’ll admit it. It was Matthew who brought the poisonous mushrooms to the kitchen. He alone is responsible!”