Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part Two]

CHAPTER 251: The Absolution Guild

Cassius narrowed his eyes to stern slits. "Your Highness, what exactly is the meaning of this?"

A chorus of voices echoed the same question.

Lord Vaerythos smirked coolly. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but are we to interpret this gathering as a hostage situation?"

A hush fell over the chamber as unease crept into the hearts of those present.

Lumielle's frown was subtle, but sharp. With a flick of her hair, she met his gaze. "How curious, Lord Vaerythos... that your first instinct is to paint a member of the royal family in such a sinister light. I wonder what guilt must weigh on a man for his thoughts to stray so quickly to treachery?"

The marquess didn't hide the scowl that creased his face.

"Since your chauvinism seems to have dulled your hearing, allow me to repeat myself," Lumielle said calmly. "There is no danger here. This space exists only within your minds. Your real bodies are still safely within the ballroom."

Several expressions hardened at that fact.

"Are we seriously going to stand here and indulge this farce?" Ignatius scoffed. "It's utterly absurd!"

"He's right," Palisson added, his voice laced with disapproval. "Princess Lumielle, it's clear the strain of the king's condition and your political aspirations are taking their toll. But this behavior is unbecoming of royalty. You must put an end to this nonsense immediately."

"Right," Zerbst added with a sly smirk. "If it's attention you crave, Princess, surely there are more tasteful ways to satisfy that need."

Lumielle raised her chin ever so slightly, regarding them over the haughty tilt of her nose. "Lords Pembroke, Palisson, Zerbst... if your remarks serve only to amuse yourselves, I suggest you hold your tongues. After all, discomfort tends to expose the guilty—and I imagine those in league with the Mhaledictus would find this atmosphere rather... suffocating."

A hush fell over the chamber as her accusation settled in the air—cold and undeniable.

The Archminister stroked his goatee with idle amusement. "Your Highness," he said smoothly, "would you be so kind as to enlighten us as to the true purpose behind this rather... unorthodox assembly?"

Lumielle nodded, then glanced around assessingly.

—High Justiciar, Hadrian Vexford

—Royal Steward, Leontius Drelmere

—Keeper of the Seals, Evander Wynthall

—Master of Coin, Sylas Duskrow

—Warden of the Gates, Tiberian Evermere

—Lord General, Varrick Merrowind

In addition to Archminister Lucien Halewright, she confirmed that all the other court members were present along with many other aristocrats and key officials such as Grand Chancellor Cassius and Marquess Vaerythos.

"Esteemed members of the court, loyal subjects of the crown," Lumielle began, the melody from the music box ceasing. "It brings me no joy to speak of shadows in this place of light, but I must share with you a truth that can no longer be ignored.

The Mhaledictus is a name some of you may know, and others may have only heard whispered in the darker corners of the realm, but I assure you, it is no mere rumor. It is a dangerous and deeply-rooted criminal organization, infamous for trafficking in illicit arms, narcotics, and human lives."

Her tone grew heavier. "I have reason to believe that this syndicate has not only infiltrated the capital... but the palace itself. Our beloved king has been poisoned and rendered docile while these people work in the shadows. They have begun to sway members of this very court, coercing them with coin, fear, or promises of power."