1752 Henry's Parting Gift
Not guilty!
Ezenia thinned her dry lips, refusing to admit to anything.
No matter what, she couldn't make it easy for Henry.
However, she failed to realize that Henry wasn't truly asking her opinion.
Chuckling at the side, Henry couldn't help thinking of Landon's many pieces of advice to him over the years.
Perhaps if it were someone else, her words would leave a lot of doubt and suspicion before the masses, with many thinking he was setting up a poor and innocent girl.
But who was Henry?
Just as Landon built his reputation to a God-like existence in Baymard, Henry's reputation was also high over there.
Although not as high as Landon's, many believed in Henry's character. They could swear on his character and nature.
Unlike other monarchs who could stay in the palace for years without ever stepping outside, Henry was different.
Whatever he invested in, he followed through with every fiber of his being.
He would take random checks to the newly built orphanages, and even move around farmlands, villages and other territories to understand his people's plight.
Some people in the crowd have witnessed his kindness firsthand and can never believe Henry was the sort to frame up a little girl.
Understand that before today's hearing, Henry's side has already sent out word about his history with Ezenia.
Nothing was exaggerated.
Of course, as word of mouth spread, the gossip grew crazier, but everything passed from Henry's people were facts.
Ezenia hoped to cause mistrust within his people.
Even though some had doubts, a majority, including nobles, believed Henry's character.
Even some who despised Henry knew he never lies.
If he said he saw it firsthand, then it truly happened.
Besides doing the ball, they too saw Henry and Ezenia leave together, heading off to Henry's private gardens.
What's more, it seems Ezenia was the one who proposed to go there, saying she hadn't been to the private royal gardens in forever.
Ulrich used to take her there when they were younger.
Bottom line she was the one who proposed to hk there.
She was the one who said she wanted privacy with Henry.
She was the one who initiated everything.
So although some commoners might think her innocent, they who were shrewd and used to power plays, already understood the truth.
What's more, they sent some of their dark shadow guards in to gather Intel, and personally confirm that some palace guards had ended up dead and were indeed replaced that night.
After getting the names of the deceased, they even visited these people's homes and confirmed their working schedules, knowing they were there on that fateful evening.
So how can she fool them with her fake tears and pitiful looks?
It's just that several people hidden in the dark couldn't help calling her trash.
Yes!
Trash!
You get so close to the enemy with all your advantages and you still can't kill or even leave a single scratch on him and you think you're not trash?
They felt they might have overestimated her in the past... or else why can't she at least leave a scratch mark on him to prove her assassination attempts?
----
Henry didn't care about Ezenia's shrewd thoughts.
"Continue."
"Right!" The magistrate nodded respectfully to Henry, throwing a brief mocking gaze on Ezenia.
Want to cause chaos among His Majesty's people? Naive!
"Lady Ezenia xxxx, again, I'll say, you stand accused of treason against our great monarch. Your ploys and actions have proven you guilty!"
Instantly, the mourners grew louder by the second the more detailed the magistrate went, examining her crime for all to hear.
Although the primary subject was treason, several innocent men died in her hands when she tried sneaking her men in to replace the identities of those they killed.
Those families have already been compensated and have been visited by Henry to express his condolences.
"We have all the evidence and all the witnesses. Whether you admit it or not will not stop justice from prevailing."
The Magistrate's voice was loud, roaring his words of justice to the masses.
"Now proven Guilty, Lady Ezenia xxxx, is sentenced to spend 40 years of her life in Baymardian Prison!"
Hiss~
The crowd was shocked, already imagining how she would be a 60-year-old woman in prison.
Yup.
Ezenia was already 19.
So if you add 40 years she will come out by 59 right?
(0□0)
Of course, many who are used to the new judicial system knew that if one behaved well then might come out way earlier than expected.
There was once a story of a Pyno assassin guard who used to work for former Arcadinian prince Connor.
This man was one without any bottom line.
At least most assassins and killers had their bottom line.
Some don't kill babies, others don't like taking assignments from truly guilty people and so on.
In their line of business, everyone must have a bottom line.
But this guy didn't.
He would do anything and everything for money and fame.
At first, that man proved tough while in Baymardian prison.
But no one knows what they did to him that made him suddenly change so much.
Those who knew him in the past were so shocked by his new self that they thought they were speaking to a Baymardian priest.
Yes.
That's right.
After coming out, he shaved his head and joined the priesthood here in Baymard.
Those freed from prison cannot still leave Vaymard until another 12 to 15 years of observation and community service are over.
That guy now lives in the church's dormitory and also helps many orphans and children.
There was even a time when someone wanted to touch one of the children because the child belonged to a nobleman who was trying to get rid of this illegitimate child, his greatest shame.
Well, the newly made protest took down the killer and called the police with haste.
Since then, he has been guarding the orphanage and the church as though it were his territory.
Hey...
People do change and reform there.
So the only way she can come out early is if she has truly changed and is of good behavior.
Who knows, maybe by the time she turns 49 or 39, she will come... Only time can tell.
Hearing the magistrate's words Ezenia was in full disbelief, not accepting such a fate as hers.
'Grandfather... Grandfather... where are you?'
Henry chuckled, following behind as the guards pushed Ezenia away.
The whole sentencing ceremony took 45 minutes, and now it was time to ship her off to Baymard.
But before that, he had a little surprise for her.
Ezenia was now taken through several walkways within the cattle walls, wondering what they were up to.
But when she suddenly entered a specific room, she couldn't help leaning back in shock.
"Gr- grandfather?"
