Chapter 218

Chapter 218 – Scapegoat (3)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

The listening nobles were horrified at the King’s accusation.

“Marquise Carnesis did something so despicable…?”

“That makes sense, remember that access to the palace was restricted, and there were all those knights patrolling the grounds…”

“My God…what might have happened to Lady Keers when she was kidnapped?!”

Annette was not the only one damaged by the King’s accusations. Celestine’s reputation would be harmed as well. There were far too many interesting possibilities that could follow a kidnapping, and the noblemens’ eyes glittered with mischief as they contemplated them.

Celestine’s mouth moved to speak, but the King silenced her with an upraised hand.

“I am not speaking to you, I am speaking to Marquise Carnesis. One more foolish outburst from you, and even your father won’t be able to save you.”

Frustrated, Celestine looked back at Annette. The mention of her father effectively sealed her lips; she did not dare to act rashly when she knew that her father would be punished for it. Even though the outcome would be that she became a tool in the King’s hand.

Silently, Annette shook her head. She appreciated the other woman’s willingness to defend her, but this was not the time.

“Trust me, Celestine,” she said, and Celestine bit her lip.

“That was why you were removed as a candidate for the Crown Princess,” the King said, returning his attention to Annette. “And Lady Keers, daughter of Marquis Keers, was named the future Crown Princess. Did you fear that she would punish you for your past sins when she became queen? That is why you plotted this malevolent ruse today.”

“What do you mean ruse?”

“You staged the explosion yourself, so you could pretend to save Lady Keers! Do you think I don’t understand your intent? You thought you could escape punishment for your past mistakes, and shamelessly put yourself in the role of savior!”

“Your Majesty, I have no connection with this explosion.”

“Bullshit! We have already apprehended some of your servants, who infiltrated the palace at your command! They have already confessed to the crime!”

Her eyes darkened at these words, and Annette remembered Ludwig’s warning that the King had been investigating servants in her mansion. Perhaps he had found others willing to be bribed.

Annette smiled bitterly. In her first life, she had been defeated by her own naivety, but it would not happen this time. She lifted her head, her eyes filled with determination.

“Of course, I will apologize for failing to manage my servants,” she said. “But I have nothing to do with the explosion. If these servants were somehow involved, it can only be because someone is trying to frame me.”

“Still you try to evade responsibility! This is your scheme, Annette Bavaria, Carnesis, and I have two maids and a coachman that will attest to it!”

The King’s rebuke held such authority that every listener felt a thrill of fear. He was definitely Raphael’s father; the force of his anger was more than enough to cow a crowd. But Annette was Raphael’s wife. She had a great deal of involuntary experience with this situation.

“I do not claim false innocence,” she said, lifting her chin. “But I have noticed something strange in your words. Allow me to ask a question.”

“What did you find strange?”

It was likely that he did not care to hear the question, but there were many witnesses. There was still the chance they might turn against him if he showed any weakness, and Annette was not going to waste the opportunity to defend herself.