Salvador looked down at Nicholas from his lofty position, undisguised hatred brimming in his eyes. "Is that so? You claim you wish to bear your dad's punishment, yet I cannot let an innocent man suffer in your place. As for who truly plotted treason and sought to usurp the throne, I will investigate that thoroughly myself."

Tears welled in Nicholas' eyes. He spoke with deep sorrow, his voice trembling. "Your Majesty, there's no need for an investigation. My guilt is certain. My dad was simply a fool for a moment."

Salvador sneered. "You disappoint me. Is this truly the best you can do? Where is your sense of honor? The self-awareness that the victors write history? You are no great leader. With such character, how dare you even think of claiming the throne and ruling a nation? Nicholas, don't make your followers regret ever supporting you."

Nicholas ignored Salvador's words, repeating his heartfelt plea to protect Hayden. "I am willing to bear my dad's sins!"

The officials didn't believe him and started calling him out for his selfish ambitions. But he didn't care about their insults-if one was tough enough, they could ignore anything people say.

Nicholas still looked very sorrowful as he went on, "Please stop blaming my dad. He just made a terrible mistake in a moment of confusion. As his son, I'm willing to take on any punishment for him."

The officials were furious. Their anger seemed to be bouncing off him.

How could Nicholas be so shameless?!

Salvador's cold voice cut through the room. "You've been plotting for years, thinking you're the smartest and most cunning. Yet, you couldn't even break into the palace gates. Even a fool like Yuvan could probably manage better than this."

Nicholas had always prided himself on being more clever and capable than Yuvan. In fact, after taking in Yuvan's supporters, he had mocked Yuvan, looking down on the latter as little more than a piece of rotting refuse.

So when Salvador made the comparison, implying that even Yuvan might have succeeded where he failed, it was a blow to his pride.

But Nicholas only briefly flinched before repeating, "I'm willing to take the blame for my dad." Davis could no longer hold back.

Furious, he bellowed, "Shut your filthy mouth, traitor! If you're too cowardly to face the consequences, don't try to cause chaos like this! You should crawl back into a hole like the spineless worm you are! "You don't even have the backbone to take responsibility for your actions. What kind of man are you that you would dare to dream of ruling this empire? You're nothing but a disgrace! You should be publicly executed, your eyes gouged out, and your tongue cut from your mouth! The historians should record your every vile act so your name is cursed for generations to come!"

Davis' words hit a nerve.

Nicholas had shifted the blame for everything onto Hayden. Besides hoping for a chance to escape the death penalty, he was also worried about his reputation.

He had always prided himself on his balance of military and scholarly pursuits. Having read the records of treacherous ministers in his youth, Nicholas had condemned them for their foolishness. He was

determined not to be remembered the same way.

No matter how tightly Nicholas controlled his emotions, hearing Davis' sharp reproach only darkened his face further.

Still he said, "I said I'm willing to take on my dad's punishment. There's no need for you to insult me like this, Mr. Lloyd."

"To bear the punishment for your dad's sins means bearing the insults as well. What, can't handle a few insults? How will you handle anything else?" Davis scoffed, unrelenting.

Though Nicholas was in a humiliating situation, he remained proud.

"Kill me, torture me-do whatever you want. I've lived my life honestly and followed my ancestors' teachings to value kindness and devotion to family. No matter how much you investigate, I only have one thing to say: my dad's actions were due to a moment of confusion. Even if he admits to treason, it's because I, as his son, failed to persuade him," he said boldly.

His confidence was so strong that it unsettled the rest.

Whether or not Hayden was involved in the rebellion, everyone in the room present likely already knew. Carissa had already investigated and informed them about it.

Logically, Hayden wouldn't admit to something he hadn't done. But why was Nicholas so certain Hayden would shoulder the entire blame?

Jeremiah, unsure, said, "Your

Majesty, this treasonous plot has shocked the nation, and the truth must be made clear for the people's peace of mind. I propose that the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice conduct a joint investigation and interrogation. The guilty will be revealed, and the innocent shall be exonerated. The truth will come to light soon enough."

Salvador shared the same thought.

Nicholas insisted that Hayden was the mastermind behind the rebellion, and that he would take the blame for his dad. Even though many wouldn't believe that Hayden was the true mastermind, that didn't mean everyone would think the same.

Until the investigation was complete, Hayden would have to carry the blame for Nicholas.

Just as Salvador was about to issue an order, a voice interrupted from the outer hall.

"Your Majesty, Deputy Commander Brown requests an audience," the court attendant announced.

Michael, who had been sent by Carissa to Willowbrook Estate, entered the court with Chaya and knelt before Salvador.noveldrama

"Your Majesty, Prince Hayden has committed suicide," Michael reported. "This woman is Chaya Kingsley, Prince Hayden's goddaughter. She has come with a message-Prince Hayden's final words.