The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 263: The Wanted Warlock

Chapter 263: The Wanted Warlock

The palace was in an uproar... And not just the palace, but the whole kingdom went into a frenzy as soon as the news about the gruesome death of the Minister of Justice spread like wildfire across every part of Valcrez.

Silence reigned inside the courtroom the next morning. None dared to speak first as they waited for the King to break the silence. As expected, Exordium Eva and some of the other officials who were part of the Rossi Clan weren’t present in the court meeting. All except for Minister Rory and a few of his supporters didn’t even bother showing up from the clan.

From where he sat, Nikolai had a blank expression as he looked at the court officials before him. Haman had been eliminated from the equation, and now the next on the list was the Wagner Clan. He was aware that Sage Wagner was plotting something, but after the incident yesterday, he trusted that the Clan would have second thoughts or perhaps hesitate in making any move against him at until things die down.

His gaze darted to Amed Wagner, the Minister of Commerce. Unlike Haman, Amed’s records were clean. He was doing a great job in his position and he was hardworking on top of it as well.

"The Ministry of Justice is now vacant until we find a deserving person suitable to replace him," Nikolai declared.

"Abel and I will step in to fulfill the position’s duties until such a person can be found. For that reason, the Civil Service Exam will be pushed ahead and start in three days’ time. Chancellor Abel will be relieved from any involvement in it to focus on fulfilling the duties in the Ministry of Justice. Meanwhile, Minister Marion will closely coordinate with Minister Milo together with my wife about this matter. I’m planning to get the next Minister of Justice from the civil examinees passers."

"But Your Majesty... They lack experience," Milo Braun, the Minister of Personnel, remarked. "Shouldn’t you just consider someone who has more experience like one of our qualified judges?"

"I want to try something new. The judges under Haman’s authority didn’t do a thing while their head did everything he wanted," Nikolai casually snorted. "They didn’t have a voice of their own. They’re fortunate that I’m still letting them all stay in their posts, but I trust that whoever would be delegated as the new Minister of Justice will do the proper work and remove all the officials who don’t deserve the positions they currently have in justice affairs..."

He then donned a serious countenance as he stared intently at Milo. "I trust that you will carefully screen our current officials, Minister Milo. I hope that there will be no more incidents like what happened yesterday in the future. Take the necessary actions, and don’t hold back in making bold moves if you deem that any official is no longer performing his duties properly and honestly. I don’t care if they’re from a powerful clan. We are entrusted with this position so that we can not be corrupt and instead use the power we have to serve others. We’re in this position to make this kingdom better and keep the peace and order."

Milo gave him a curt nod. "I understand, Your Majesty," he firmly declared. "I’ll make sure to look into our officials carefully moving forward. I apologize for this negligence."

From there, Nikolai then discussed a lot of things with his officials. Soon after, he ended the meeting, everyone promptly left the throne hall except for him who remained seated on his throne.

Unfortunately for him, Mineah was currently outside as she continued with her visitations to the provinces. He had already put extra security around her since he still couldn’t risk her safety. No one knew how Eva would react after yesterday’s incident, and it wouldn’t hurt to be sure.

"My King... Look at you," Fritz, who just seemingly popped out of thing air, began teasing him. "It seems like a decade has been added to your age!"

Nikolai chuckled as he shook his head.

"Are you sure you don’t want to take on being the Minister of Justice while there’s still no one occupying it, Fritz?" Nikolai scoffed, knowing full well that the man would turn him down. This man hated being pinned down in one place, but it still wouldn’t hurt to ask. "You’re more than qualified for it."

"Give it a rest already, Nikolai. Let’s just wait for the newcomers," Fritz scoffed back. "Who knows? You might find someone fierce enough for the task."

"You sound like you have someone in mind," Nikolai curiously noted. "Laura?"

"We’ll see about that. I’ll be staying in the palace during the exams to see how she’ll do," Fritz remarked with a grin. "I’m just curious since she’s been bragging about getting a high position with her capabilities for a while now."

"Hearing that you’re staying here for a few days is good enough. Looks like the attention of our aloof Fritz has been finally caught," Nikolai chuckled. "Oh right, just make sure you won’t follow Taro in marking Mineah’s ladies-in-waiting without marriage first. Or else, my wife will punish me for it as well."

It was something he really didn’t want to face. Mineah already gave him a warning because of Abel and Taro, and he refused to have yet another one of his men give him his third strike against his wife.

"I understand the Queen’s sentiments. Abel sleeping with one of her ladies-in-waiting in one bed creating gossip, and now Taro marking another lady-in-waiting..." Fritz laughed lightly. "She must be so worried about me now since I’m working closely with Laura. Please tell her that I’m the safest man on earth to be with. You know me, so you can easily reassure her without giving her any disappointment."

"Are you saying that you’re still not moving on from Aunt Vania?" Nikolai directly asked.

From what he recalled, Fritz had feelings for his mother’s twin, and since Aunt Vania died together with his father because of the dragon souls, Fritz’s way of coping was wandering around from place to place.

"You shouldn’t worry about me..." Fritz simply answered before opening his fan to cool himself.

Nikolai narrowed his eyes at the man’s response. The fan that he loved so much like his own life was a gift he received from Aunt Vania. The two were lovers, but it ended tragically when Aunt Vania died. Despite his bubbly and smiling disposition, it seemed that Fritz was still struggling deep inside his heart.

"By the way, about Nimue," Fritz casually stated as he changed the topic. "That warlock-"

"Your Majesty!"

However, whatever it was remained unsaid as they were interrupted by the royal guards who suddenly rushed into the throne hall.

"I apologize for this interruption, but someone named Zoran is currently outside the palace gates saying that he brought the wanted warlock Nimue here to face judgment," the guard relayed. "He also said that if you’ll allow it, he would like to execute Nimue himself with his own two hands."

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