Chapter 80: Unverified Fabrications

The appearance of the white orb seemed to compel everyone present to automatically issue the declaration just made, and a faint glow of the same color coated their skin before quickly seeping into their bodies and disappearing.

What on earth does this mean?

That strange wave of dispersion felt somewhat similar to the kind of thing that used to transport the living into the mirrored world surrounding the Forgotten Land.

It shouldn’t be the power of the profane cocoon itself, but rather the power from another system that comprises the reflection world, merely mixed together.

More akin to the [laws] of death spirits and the Death Star.

Recalling what everyone had just said in unison…

A lie detector, or rather a rule that demands one speak the truth?

Now that’s interesting.

No wonder they’re here in the Hall of Spirits for deliberation.

As spectators, Miss Vilyric and Edwina Cecelia naturally wouldn’t be the main characters in the Hall of Spirits; no one would deliberately pay attention to them at such a moment. Thus, even if they showed slight abnormalities, it wouldn’t have much impact.

So, amidst the peculiar sight of the white orb floating high above, the deliberation officially began.

As the head of the three adjudicators, President Herbert first bowed to the white orb above before turning back to face everyone, including the princes and princesses.

“Under the watchful gaze of the High Spirit, all that we say is the truth. Therefore, let us begin with the initiator of the deliberation, Princess Liliya Meikailande, to present her views and evidence.”

The princess stood up, her expression solemn as she took out a thick stack of prepared documents from her ring and placed them on the table.

“As everyone has heard, there is now ample evidence indicating that the Second Prince, Ban Meikailande, in collusion with the cult organization known as the Throne of Immortality, for his nefarious purposes, has condoned and even actively directed the members of this organization to commit at least ten thousand crimes within our kingdom over the past few years.”

“These include, but are not limited to, murder, robbery, human trafficking, drug trade, illegal detention, and the trampling of citizens’ basic rights, among more than twenty other charges, representing heinous acts that show utter disregard for the law.”

“According to incomplete statistics, the victim group has already exceeded one hundred thousand people, spread across major cities and towns nationwide. However, under the Second Prince Ban Meikailande’s strenuous cover-up, the public has no means to report crimes. Those who seek justice end up facing even harsher retaliation, causing the news to ultimately sink without a trace.”

“By the grace of the spirits, I fortuitously uncovered a stronghold of enemies lurking deep within the royal city days ago. After a fierce battle, I eliminated over three hundred cultists, captured a dozen, and seized countless illegal goods and sinister experimental products, the sight of which was staggering.”

“I believe that Ban Meikailande’s actions have already violated the most basic lines that a royal member should uphold, treating human life as worthless and neglecting his responsibilities. He is no longer fit to retain his royal status, and I hereby request the revocation of all his political rights and exile to a remote location.”

“That’s all.”

The moment Liliya finished her emotionally charged accusations and sat down, there was a brief silence in the Hall of Spirits lasting a few seconds.

There was no uproar or commotion as Vilyric had imagined; instead, the people in the Hall of Spirits remained surprisingly calm upon hearing such explosive statements, even whispering rarely.

On one hand, they were all nobles or leaders of large organizations, renowned powerhouses, their temperance and experience vastly different from those of the adventurers with mixed education levels.

On the other hand, being insiders, they had earlier obtained information through their own channels, with some even knowing the particulars before Liliya.

However, regardless of which side the nobles and power leaders supported, and whatever schemes they were cooking up, since the High Spirit had manifested, their words no longer held weight.

In this sacred and dignified Hall of Spirits, the true authority lies solely with the High Spirit—the will manifested by countless ancestors.

Only the ancestral spirits have the right to depose a pureblood royal.

Thus, even if the three adjudicators seated above were, in some sense, on Liliya’s side, it didn’t mean she could manipulate the process and outcome of this deliberation however she wished.

The guards submitted the hefty evidence Liliya provided, and Herbert placed it on the shoulder altar beside him. Once the white orb in the air radiated its light over the files, President Herbert turned his gaze toward Ban Meikailande, seated on the left below.

“Then, Prince, do you have any defense or rebuttal against Princess Liliya’s accusations? This evidence has been directly witnessed by the High Spirit, clarifying its authenticity. If you believe there’s any discrepancy in what Princess Liliya has stated, now is the time to express that.”

“But remember, under the gaze of the spirits, any lie or falsehood is a great offense, so think carefully before you speak.”

Herbert’s words… weren’t exactly gentle.

While Ban was a prince, the truth is, unless he became the actual king, his real standing was hardly any higher than that of the president of the Adventurers’ Guild, the legendary powerful Herbert.

The privileges held by high-level beings are rather abundant anywhere, especially since President Herbert has the backing of the massive Adventurers’ Guild.

Herbert was not a gentle soul to begin with, and having publicly sided with Liliya, he definitely wouldn’t be showing Ban any kindness. Moreover, the things this Second Prince condoned from the Throne of Immortality indeed sparked outrage among the people, losing their trust.

To some extent, Herbert was likely driven to fully support the evidently younger and more capable Liliya princess upon witnessing the horrific evidence and testimonies from the victims.

In the face of the inquiry, Ban didn’t seem particularly concerned; he merely cast a casual glance at the three adjudicators on the high platform and the floating orb, crossing his hands in front of the table and displaying the familiar polite smile.

“About this matter, I’m afraid my royal sister and everyone here are misunderstanding. I have neither heard of nor engaged with organizations like the Throne of Immortality, let alone instructed them to act.”

“Since my elder brother has passed, I am now the eldest son. During this time, I have been deeply occupied with mourning for our father and, following the tradition of ‘the eldest son inherits the throne in the absence of a royal decree,’ I have been tirelessly preparing for the succession. How could I possibly have time to associate with any cults?”

“???!”

The moment Ban finished speaking, the expressions of those present changed dramatically, especially among the nobles and powerful figures aligned with Liliya, their faces showing extreme displeasure.

Even Princess Liliya herself couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows.

He actually dared to openly deny his crimes in such a serious setting, even indicating his desire for the throne? And he cited an obsolete rule, long forgotten and dismissed by everyone, from an unknown ancestor as justification?

Ban Meikailande, what on earth are you thinking?

However, what left everyone more incredulous was that such an obvious lie had been stated under the watchful gaze of the High Spirit, who overlooks every person in the Hall of Spirits without tolerating any falsehoods—yet there was not the slightest reaction?!

How… is this possible?

“Wait a moment!”

Before Liliya or any of the adjudicators could respond, Prince Patrick, the Third Prince, lost his composure first, abruptly standing up and pointing an accusing finger at Ban.

“What nonsense are you spouting! This ridiculous ‘eldest son inherits the throne’—the reason my brother became the heir was because our father designated him, and it has nothing to do with birth order!”

“I’m stating it plain today: I don’t care about the throne; let each person rely on their abilities—whoever snags it gets it. If you think you can use such absurd justifications to gain power, I, Patrick, will be the first to oppose you!”

“Umm ohhhhhh!!!”

No sooner had he spoken than a beam of white light from the High Spirit struck the tall and robust Third Prince, causing him to tremble as if he had been electrocuted, black smoke even rising from his head.

Simultaneously, a commanding neutral voice instantly spread throughout the Hall of Spirits.

【In the sacred ground of the ancestral spirits, do not speak recklessly or use foul language!】

   

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