Raised From The Wild-Chapter 397: The Punishment 2

"Sapiro Rocas, the eldest son of King Duncan, has been accused of collaborating with the rebellious Dark Phoenix Organization. He was found to have conspired with the rebels, providing them with funds and sharing confidential information with the Dark Phoenix Faction in Ra-Iya," declared the chief judge in a clear and emotionless tone.

"It wasn’t me, I’ve been set up. Can’t you see that this is exactly what the Dark Phoenix aimed for? The organization sought to create conflict within the Royal Family and bring about its downfall from the inside. How can you not see their ulterior motive?" Sapiro passionately argued, his silver tongue weaving a compelling narrative.

The chief judge’s expression turned stern as he carefully considered Sapiro’s words. They seemed logical, and he found himself pausing to think.

Sapiro saw a glimmer of hope when he noticed the brief hesitation in the chief judge’s eyes.

"I had no knowledge that the individuals I worked with in Ra-Iya were affiliated with the Dark Phoenix. They were supposedly part of Ra-Iya’s Intelligence Bureau. How could I have known that they were actually supporters of the Dark Phoenix?" Sapiro continued to argue his case.

"When I went to Uropa a few weeks ago, it was on official business. I only attended the party hosted by the defense minister of Uropa. How would I know that the defense minister is a faction leader of the primary branch of Dark Phoenix when even the alliance only discovered it very late?"

Sapiro was blessed with his father’s deep and enchanting voice. As he passionately presented his arguments, the judges grew increasingly uncertain about their decision.

"Your honor, I request an adjournment, and we will raise an appeal." The lawyer standing beside Sapiro spoke.

"Request granted."

The judge slammed the gavel onto the desk, signaling the end of the court proceedings. "Court’s adjourned," the chief judge announced casually before rising from his seat and striding toward the exit.

Asteria Palace...

Princess Amaya went to the King’s Chamber to pay her respect. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

The king lay on the luxurious four-poster bed, his pallid face a stark contrast to his once-dark hair, now turned a ghostly white. Queen Lucinda maintained a vigil at his side, her worry etched into every line of her face.

"Grandfather, how are you? I missed you so much." Princess Amaya said as she clutched the king’s right hand.

"I am good, my child. Congratulations on your incredible performance at the Battle of the Titans. You brought honor to our country. When the chaos has settled down, we will host a banquet to honor you and Donello."

The king’s wrinkled face revealed a smile. He regarded the Princess with a prideful gaze.

"Grandpa, there’s no need for you to be concerned about this right now. Your health should be your top priority, Grandpa. Have you been taking the immune-boosting supplements that I arranged for someone to bring to you?"

"Absolutely! Many people are placing their trust in that medication. They claim it’s a miraculous drug that shielded them from the Octa Virus. Your grandmother and I are making sure to take it daily." The king cast a meaningful glance at his queen, who was seated on the opposite side of the bed.

"Aya, your grandfather is correct. We have been consistently taking the supplement, and I personally feel quite healthy," Queen Lucinda remarked, her smile radiating warmth.

"That is good, Grandma, Grandpa."

Princess Amaya took out a delicately wrapped box from her paper bag.

"This is a gift from the Nower Research Institute. It is a diffuser with a calming and healing effect."

Amaya walked around to where Queen Lucinda sat on a chair beside the big bed and handed the box to the queen.

Queen Lucinda carefully opened the box and was amazed to see a spherical, translucent, frosty white object.

The queen rose from her seat; her movements were graceful and elegant. She placed the spherical object on the side table and flicked on a switch at the bottom.

The orb began to spin gently, casting enchanting images of landscapes onto the ceiling, and a subtle and delightful fragrance filled the room.

King Duncan expressed his skepticism as he remarked on the pleasant scent and scenery, but voiced concern that the device might be used for spying.

The princess chuckled.

"Grandpa, I wouldn’t dare to put you and Grandma in a dangerous situation. This device is safe."

King Duncan trusted his granddaughter, but he still decided to have someone secretly check the device.

The guard’s clear, booming voice echoed through the hallway as he announced, "Your Majesty, Prince Sapiro requests an audience."

A sudden gloom appeared on the king’s face.

"Let him in." King Duncan replied indifferently.

Princess Amaya observed her uncle, who appeared extremely worn out, enter the room. As soon as he approached the edge of the bed, he dropped to his knees.

"Father, I pleaded my case, and the chief judge granted a reprieve. Father, I am truly innocent. The Dark Phoenix has framed me and wants to harm the Royal Family by sowing internal strife. Father, I am truly innocent."

"Mother...." Prince Sapiro looked at the queen piteously, but he lowered his eyes when she shook her head and pointed to her husband. He clenched his fist and silently cursed in his heart. What did he expect from the queen? He was not her flesh and blood after all.

"My King, in such a delicate situation, you should use not only your mind but also your heart to judge," Queen Lucinda said gently.

Sapiro looked up to gaze into a pair of gentle eyes. He lowered his gaze, and his eyes reddened, but as a prince, he knew full well that the men of the Rocas were not to show any weakness even in front of the family.

King Duncan scrutinized his son for a long time. His arguments were full proof that even the judges doubted their own decisions. But he knew his son full well.

He sighed. He would listen to his wife and judge him as a father, not a king.

"Clean up your mess. This is your last chance, Sapiro. Redeem yourself by cooperating with the Defense Minister and the Bureau of Investigation. Now, leave."

Sapiro’s legs were weak as he stood and bowed before his father and the queen. He turned around to go for the door, and he had a smile on his face. He made it through.

Before his hand could touch the iron knob on the massive wooden door, the king’s stern words froze him on the spot.