“Langdon, I can’t tell if you’re playing dumb or if you really are that stupid.”
Though Austin was smiling, his eyes were cold.
He continued, “You asked for physical evidence, and I provided it. You asked for witnesses, and I gave you those too. Now, with both evidence and testimony laid bare, and even the criminal confessing, what else do you want?”
“Hmph! The government is rife with corruption. I’m simply seeking justice and preventing you from wrongfully killing the innocent.” Langdon still held his righteous stance.
Some of the royal advisors who had initially supported him now stayed silent. They could sense Austin’s rising anger and didn’t dare provoke him further.
At that instant, they had lost their confidence. As Austin had pointed out, the solid evidence was right before them, and it was impossible to deny.
Langdon was a member of the Rhys family and Austin’s elder. He could afford to speak without a filter, but the others couldn’t.
If they truly angered Austin, the consequences would be severe at best, their properties being confiscated and at worst, their entire bloodline wiped out. After all, Austin had already imprisoned Huxley and Percival. What chance did they, mere minor players, have?
“Innocent? You? Or them?” Austin’s gaze swept over Langdon and the gathered advisors. His killing intent was barely concealed. “Looks to me like none of you have clean hands.”
“What are you implying? First, you falsely accuse these officials, and now you want to come after us too?” Langdon raised his chin to project an image of unshakable righteousness.
The other advisors, however, avoided Austin’s gaze and were too afraid to speak.
“Langdon, out of respect for the Rhys family name, I’ll give you one last chance.”
Austin took a deep breath to suppress his anger.
He continued, “If you and your men leave now and stop causing trouble, I’ll forget today ever happened. All the unpleasantness of today will be forgotten. But if you continue to stir up trouble, don’t blame me for what comes next.”
“What’s this? Are you threatening me?” Langdon scoffed. “I’ve lived my life with honor, and I don’t bow to anyone’s threats – not even to a punk like you. Even if Prince Rufus himself walked in here, I’d still hold my ground and never back down.”
“Well now, aren’t you the picture of integrity?” Austin suddenly clapped, and a grin spread across his face. Since you’re so upright, let’s see if there’s any dirt on you.’
His smile vanished as he barked, “Axel! Take the enforcement team and search Langdon’s manor immediately. I have reason to suspect him of corruption and harboring criminals.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Axel responded crisply before striding out.
He had disliked Langdon for a long time. To him, Langdon was nothing more than a troublemaker who thrived on stirring chaos.
Austin had repeatedly shown them patience, but Langdon had only grown bolder. Now, Axel was determined to turn Langdon’s home upside down during this search.
“Austin! Y-You’re abusing your power.”
Seeing the enforcement team leave, Langdon panicked and shouted, “I haven’t broken any laws or committed any crimes. On what grounds are you searching my home?”
“Because right now, I run this castle. Is that reason enough for you?” Austin replied coldly.
“Only Prince Rufus has authority over the castle, not you. If you overstep, I’ll go straight to him and report you,” Langdon threatened.
“Go ahead and report me.” Austin was unfazed. “I’m eager to see what you’ll manage to report.”
“You…” Langdon was at a loss for words.
Rufus had gone into seclusion, and even if Langdon wanted to complain, he wouldn’t be able to reach him anytime soon.
The enforcement team was already on the move. If Langdon didn’t stop them soon, they might uncover something truly incriminating.
“Fine. You win this time. Let’s go.”
Langdon hesitated for a moment but ultimately gave in and prepared to leave with the other royal advisors. But as he turned toward the door, they were stopped by a group of guards.
He turned and barked, “Austin, what is the meaning of this?”
“You think you can just waltz in here and leave whenever you please?” Austin said indifferently. “No one leaves until the search is complete.”
“You… You’re going too far!” Langdon’s face twisted with rage.
He had already backed down and let it, ready to walk away. But Austin wasn’t just pushing his luck-he was taking things too far and trying to walk all over Langdon.
“If you have nothing to hide, what’s the harm in a search? Or are you afraid we’ll uncover some dirty secrets?” Austin remained unmoved.
“Ridiculous! I have lived an upright life and have never done anything wrong. Don’t you dare slander me,” Langdon shot back.
“Calm down. Let’s just sit and wait,”
Austin replied nonchalantly. “We’ll know just how honorable you are by nightfall.”
With that, he ignored the group, calmly taking his seat and sipping his tea as if nothing had happened.
The sudden storm had exposed the demons hiding in the shadows. At first, Austin had hesitated to take drastic measures because he feared it would cause unrest. But now, he had changed his mind.
If these parasites weren’t eliminated, who knew how much damage they could cause? This time, he was determined to root out the rot, no matter how deep it went.
