The Sinful Young Master

Chapter 353: You need to release Jolthar

"Regardless of motivation."

"Then why now?" Raayani’s question cut through the discussion like a blade. The temperature in the room started to drop as her aura started to increase.

"Baron Rothgard died several months ago. Why bring charges only now, when Kaezhlar happens to arrive in the capital?"

Halvren shifted slightly.

"The timing is not my concern. The charges are legitimate, and they were properly filed. My duty is to enforce the law, not question the motivations of those who seek justice through it."

"Justice?" Cleora’s voice rose.

"This isn’t about justice. This is Hernais trying to undermine Tekkora because he couldn’t inherit it himself. And you’re letting him use your office to do it."

"Lady Cleora," Halvren said firmly, "I understand your frustration. But this office does not play favorites. When formal charges are filed with proper documentation, we investigate. That is our function."

Milan stepped closer to the desk, his presence commanding. "Lord Dodd, why didn’t this office act when the execution actually occurred? A lot of time has passed. If this was truly such a grave violation of law, why was there no prosecution then?"

Halvren’s expression tightened. "We have... many cases to manage, Your Highness. The Ministry of Justice handles thousands of matters across the empire. Not everything receives immediate attention."

"That’s not an answer," Milan pressed.

"Either this was a serious crime that demanded immediate action, or it was minor enough to ignore. You can’t have it both ways—claim it’s serious enough to arrest Kaezhlar now while simultaneously explaining why you ignored it for years."

Lord Dodd’s jaw clenched. "The previous oversight does not negate the current charges."

"But it does raise questions about selective prosecution," Raayani said softly.

"Which would be a grave concern if, for example, this office were being influenced by outside parties with political motivations."

Halvren’s eyes narrowed. "Are you accusing me of corruption, Matriarch?"

"I’m observing a pattern," Raayani replied calmly.

"Finance Minister Richardus is supporting these charges. Hernais Rothgard, who has tried repeatedly to seize control of Tekkora, filed them. And your office suddenly discovers urgency about a year-old case, exactly when Kaezhlar arrives in the capital. The pattern raises questions."

Milan made his decision. "I want Kaezhlar released into my custody. I will guarantee his appearance at any trial or hearing. But there’s no reason to keep him in a dungeon cell while this matter is resolved."

Halvren hesitated. "Your Highness, that’s highly irregular—"

"It’s perfectly legal," Milan interrupted.

"Imperial law allows for nobles of sufficient rank to stand surety for accused individuals. I am exercising that right. Unless you’re suggesting I’m not of sufficient rank?"

The challenge was clear.

Halvren couldn’t refuse a prince without directly insulting the imperial family.

"Of course not, Your Highness," Halvren said carefully.

"However, given the seriousness of the charges—"

"Given the seriousness of the charges," Raayani interjected smoothly, "one would expect more substantial evidence than the complaint of a resentful brother-in-law and the convenient support of a finance minister known for questionable dealings."

Halvren looked between them all.

The prince, the Matriarch, Lord Aravain, and Lady Cleora. This was more pressure than he had anticipated. When Richardus had approached him with this case, it had seemed straightforward—a violation of law with clear documentation. But now it was becoming political, and politics in the capital were dangerous.

"Very well," he said finally.

"I will authorize Jolthar Kaezhlar’s release into Prince Milan’s custody. But this does not dismiss the charges. There will be a full inquiry and, if warranted, a trial."

"When?" Milan asked.

"These matters take time—"

"How much time?" Milan’s voice hardened.

"You were quick enough to arrest him at the city gates. Surely you can be equally swift in scheduling the inquiry."

Halvren grimaced. "One week. I can have the inquiry scheduled within one week."

"Three days," Raayani said firmly.

"This matter should be resolved quickly, before more... complications arise."

Halvren looked at her, reading the unspoken threat.

The Blue Rose had influence everywhere. If he dragged this out, there would be consequences, perhaps not legal ones, but the kind that made life difficult for officials who crossed powerful merchant houses.

"Five days," he compromised.

"I can have everything prepared in five days. That’s the best I can offer while still ensuring proper procedure."

Milan nodded. "Acceptable. Five days. And in the meantime, Jolthar Kaezhlar remains free."

"I’ll have the release papers drawn up immediately," Halvren said, reaching for a bell to summon his clerks.

Cleora felt relief wash through her, though it was tempered by the knowledge that this wasn’t over.

Five days until the inquiry. Five days to prepare, to gather evidence, to counter whatever scheme Hernais and Richardus had planned.

"One more thing," Milan added as they prepared to leave.

"I want the full list of evidence and witnesses that will be presented at the inquiry. No surprises."

Halvren nodded slowly. "That’s standard procedure. My office will provide both parties with the relevant documentation two days before the inquiry."

"See that you do," Milan said.

He turned to the others.

"Shall we collect Baron Kaezhlar?"

They left the office together, moving through the corridors toward the dungeon levels.

Behind them, Halvren sat at his desk, his expression troubled. This case had become far more complicated than he’d anticipated.

He reached for pen and paper. Richardus needed to know that the prince was involved now and that the Blue Rose Matriarch was taking a personal interest.

The game had changed, and not in their favor.

In the dungeon below, Jolthar was still chatting casually with his cellmates when the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the corridor. Keys jingled, and a guard appeared outside the cell door.

"Jolthar Kaezhlar. You’re being released."

The older prisoner whistled low. "That was fast. You got friends in high places, kid?"

Jolthar stood, brushing straw from his clothes.

"Something like that."

He nodded to both men.

"Good luck with your situations."

"Yeah, you too," Pim said.

"Hope you beat the charges."

"I will," Jolthar said with quiet confidence.

The guard unlocked the cell, and Jolthar stepped out into the corridor.

As they walked toward the stairs, he allowed himself a small smile.

The pieces were moving exactly as he’d hoped.

Now, to see what else the board would reveal.