Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Meeting with Duke Richard

    The heavy doors of the great hall swung open, and Arthur entered with Klein by his side. As the gathered people in the hall noticed the king''s arrival, they bowed respectfully, the rustle of movement filling the space. Arthur strode confidently across the room, his gaze sweeping over the assembly before his eyes landed on the guests standing in the center.

    Among them were Duke Richard, his daughter Olivia, and a knight who had accompanied them last time. Standing beside the Duke was another figure, dressed in a style similar to Richard''s—a young man with sharp features and a composed demeanor. Arthur took a moment to study him and, from the fragments of his past memories, recognized him as Benjamin, Duke Richard''s eldest son.

    Reaching the throne, Arthur ascended the steps and settled into his seat. Klein took his place at the king''s side, silent but attentive. Duke Richard rose, bowing slightly as he greeted Arthur.

    "Your Majesty," Richard began, his voice steady, "I bring good news. With your support, we have successfully fended off Elysia''s forces. Their retreat is complete, and our borders are secure—for now."

    Arthur nodded, his expression calm but resolute. "That is indeed good news, Duke Richard. However," Arthur''s gaze turned sharp as he surveyed the room, "before we delve into our discussions, there is an urgent matter to address within the King''s Council."

    At this, Arthur gave a slight nod to Klein, who stepped forward and motioned toward the doors. The sound of marching boots echoed through the hall as fifteen knights and ten mages filed in with precision, their presence adding an air of solemnity and authority to the gathering.

    The atmosphere in the room shifted palpably, curiosity and tension thickening as everyone awaited Arthur''s next move.

    Richard exchanged a wary glance with his son Benjamin and subtly signaled his guards to stay alert. Though his expression was guarded, he couldn''t hide the confusion in his eyes as he looked at Arthur.

    Arthur noticed the unease and addressed Richard with a calm but firm tone. "Duke Richard, this is not a show of hostility towards you or your companions." His gaze shifted to the rest of the room, sharp and unyielding.

    "This assembly has been called to address a grave matter that concerns the very foundation of our kingdom," Arthur continued. "For too long, corruption has been allowed to fester within the King''s councils. Some among us, entrusted with the welfare of Keldoria, have betrayed that trust."

    The hall fell silent, save for the quiet shuffling of uneasy councils members. Arthur gestured to Klein, who stepped forward with a scroll in hand.

    "Klein has uncovered irrefutable evidence of embezzlement, abuse of power, and negligence by certain members of this councils," Arthur declared. His voice carried the weight of conviction. "These individuals have stolen resources from the kingdom''s treasury for their own gain, ignored the plight of the people they swore to protect, and abused their positions for personal benefit."

    Klein unrolled the scroll and began reading the names of those implicated, along with the specific evidence against them. Each revelation struck like a hammer blow, leaving the accused members visibly shaken. Some tried to protest, but the evidence was undeniable.

    Arthur raised a hand to silence the murmurs that began to rise. "There will be no debates or denials here. The evidence speaks for itself. Those named will be relieved of their positions effective immediately and will be punished accordingly. Justice will be served, and the people of Keldoria will see that no one is above the law—not even those in the highest seats of power."

    When their discussion concluded, Arthur''s tone shifted, signaling a change in topic. "I wish to have a private word with Duke Richard. Everyone else, except Klein and Richard, please leave the great hall."

    The members in the room exchanged brief glances before filing out silently. Though most of the corrupted counsels had been dealt with, Arthur remained cautious. Trust was not a luxury he could afford to extend lightly.

    Once the doors closed behind them, the room fell into an expectant silence.

    Richard broke it first. "Your Majesty, what is it you wish to discuss with me privately?"

    Arthur leaned forward slightly, his voice quiet but weighted. "As you may know, there was an assassination attempt on me three months ago. Given your involvement in the war against Elysia, I''m not sure if you''ve heard about it."

    Richard''s brows furrowed. "Yes, Your Majesty, the news did reach my lands. I was furious to hear of such treachery. However, as far as I know, the matter was dismissed after no leads were found."

    Arthur''s expression darkened slightly, and his voice dropped lower. "That''s what I announced to the public. In truth, only Klein and I know the full details. I concealed the truth until you had dealt with the Elysian threat."

    Richard''s confusion was evident. "What do you mean by ''the full details''? And why wait until now to share this with me?"

    Arthur paused, gathering his thoughts before speaking again. "Before I say more, know that this information is strictly confidential."

    Richard nodded, his posture tense. "You have my word, Your Majesty."

    Arthur''s gaze hardened. "I know who was behind the assassination attempt. And I have strong, undeniable evidence to support it."

    Richard''s eyes widened in shock. "Your majesty knew? Then why haven''t your majesty acted? Why not arrest or punish the perpetrator?"

    Arthur exhaled slowly, his voice calm but laced with gravity. "Because it''s not so simple. Confronting them will likely lead to open conflict, perhaps even war."

    Richard''s face hardened with resolve. "Then you wish for my assistance. I can muster my soldiers to support you. But if I may ask, who is it that you suspect?"

    Arthur leaned forward, his voice a whisper, though it carried the weight of his revelation. "According to my investigation, the assassination was orchestrated by the Dukedom of Ashenfell."