I Will Surrender My Position as the Empress - Chapter 81
“Empress! Take your seat!”
Duke Despone’s voice cut through the silence like a knife, echoing off the high ceilings of the grand courtroom. He sat at the head of the assembly, his presence as imposing as his command. Adele, however, remained unmoved. She stood at the center of the room, staring at the chair reserved for the accused. Slowly, she lifted her gaze and looked around, taking in the intimidating setup. The accused sat at the lowest point, surrounded by royal observers and judges seated on elevated platforms, creating a daunting atmosphere that humbled even the noblest of individuals. Yet, Adele, with a fierce and unwavering gaze, looked at the judges and spoke with a voice full of defiance.
“I am no criminal.”
“…”
“Therefore, I will not sit in the criminal’s seat.”
Her golden eyes blazed with an intensity that caused the judges to flinch. Despone laughed harshly, slamming his cane on the floor to regain control of the room.
“I have heard dreadful news! As a senior member of the Ulrich royal family, I insisted on this urgent trial! You have committed an unthinkable crime!”
“Duke Despone, no matter what, she is still Her Majesty the Empress. Lower your voice,” Elizabeth interjected sharply, her voice cutting through the tension. Despone snorted, his breath heavy with anger, muttering under his breath.
That insolent woman will be dealt with too!
At that moment, the Emperor, who had been silently watching Adele, finally spoke, his voice calm and authoritative.
“Begin.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
At the Emperor’s command, the chief judge cleared his throat and began the trial, his voice resonating throughout the hall.
“This trial has been requested by His Majesty, Emperor Karl Ulrich Ermont. The charge against Her Majesty, Empress Adelaide Ulrich Echmont, is the failure to fulfill her marital duties.”
The judge’s words struck Adele’s ears like a hammer. She took a deep breath, clenching her fist hidden in her skirt. The judge continued, his tone professional and detached.
“Today, the high priest who officiated the marriage will be present.”
As he finished speaking, the door behind them opened, and the high priest, dressed in white ceremonial robes, walked in. Once he took his seat, Elizabeth, who had been holding her breath, spoke up, her voice trembling with emotion.
“Her Majesty the Empress has not only abolished the Tower of Vuetta, which threatened the lives of Echmont’s people but also cared for the lives of the poor on national holidays. And yet, you accuse her of neglecting her duties? She has set a perfect example as Empress!”
“Ha! Is that the duty of an Empress?! The Tower of Vuetta could have been dealt with by wizards, and the Emperor should care for the poor! The Empress has other responsibilities!” Despone’s voice echoed through the courtroom, and Adele finally understood why she was standing there. The weight on her shoulders grew heavier as if it would crush her into the ground. The judge quickly added before Despone could shout again.
“Her Majesty is here because she refused to consummate her marriage.”
The judge’s words silenced the room. The cold stillness chilled Adele to her core. Her hands felt icy as if she had been thrown into the dead of winter. The Emperor, sitting above, watched her intently, his gaze piercing and unyielding.
See, Adele? I am the one who can drag you to hell or save you from it. So, give in to me completely.
The judge turned to his papers and announced the next step in the trial.
“His Majesty has summoned Lady Hannah Giggs who attended Her Majesty, as a witness.”
As he finished, the back door opened again, and Lady Giggs entered with a stony expression. Seeing the Empress standing alone in the dark, oppressive courtroom, the countess felt her heartbreak. Unlike her usual calm demeanor, she looked at the Empress with tear-filled eyes and clenched her fists as she took the witness stand. The judge addressed her in a formal tone.
“Lady Hannah Giggs, did Her Majesty refuse His Majesty’s request for consummation?”
“That night, before His Majesty made the request, they had a fierce argument. Who could consummate under such circumstances?! Moreover, it was His Majesty who refused on their wedding night.”
The lady her breath trembling, glared at the Emperor as if she had nothing to lose. The tension in the room was palpable, and Despone was quick to pounce on her hesitation.
“Answer only the question. Did Her Majesty refuse His Majesty’s request?”
As the countess hesitated, Duke Despone jumped up, pointing a finger at her, his voice booming through the room.
“This is a solemn trial! Answer the question!”
The courtroom’s noise assaulted Adele’s ears. She watched the scene in a daze, feeling detached from it all. Life had led her to this point, standing here in judgment. Her once bright golden eyes dimmed as she looked at Lady Giggs then the judge, and finally the Emperor. She closed her eyes, seeking a moment of peace amidst the chaos. The chaotic voices faded as if she were sinking into the depths of the ocean. The weight on her shoulders finally crushed her. Her soul barely gasped for breath. The Tower of Vuetta, the rotting houses of the poor, the dying people, her desire to save them all felt overwhelming. Oh, she was so tired. She just wanted to stop.
‘Adele!!’
Even amid this, she kept hearing his voice like an echo. Was she losing her mind? She took a deep breath. Then, Lady Gigg’s voice pierced through her thoughts once more.
“How can this be solely Her Majesty’s fault?!”
Opening her eyes, she saw the countess, disheveled and on the verge of tears. As the countess was about to speak again, Adele stopped her, her voice firm and resolute.
“Your Majesty…”
“Lady Giggs.”
At Adele’s firm voice, the countess slowly turned to look at her. Seeing the weariness on the Empress’s face, the countess finally broke down in tears, her shoulders shaking with sobs.
“Enough. Stop now.”
“Your Majesty…”
Karl leaned forward, crossing his legs leisurely, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. It was done. Her wings were finally clipped. Now, all that was left was to declare her deposition, push her into hell, and then extend his hand to save her.
‘Yes, Adelaide. Abandon every last shred of pride and lean on me.’
As the Emperor smiled triumphantly, Adele lifted her head and met his gaze. Karl narrowed his eyes at her empty, hollow expression. She wasn’t burning with anger or lost in despair. There was nothing left.
Sensing something was wrong, he started to rise, but Adele spoke, her words shocking everyone.
“I confess to it all. I couldn’t consummate with the Emperor.”
The judge, blinking in surprise, hastily composed himself and asked.
“Do you admit to the charges?”
Her response was light, almost casual.
“Yes, I do.”
Without any excuse.
“Now, state my punishment.”
Duke Despone, barely containing his glee, shouted.
“Deposition!”
The word echoed through the courtroom, and Elizabeth slammed her fist on the table, standing up in protest.
“High priest! This cannot be!”
But the high priest shook his head sadly, his expression one of regret and resignation.
“The duty of consummation is explicitly stated in the laws of the palace. Regardless of the reason, it must be upheld. Since Her Majesty admitted to neglecting her duty, she can be deposed.”
Despone nodded triumphantly, glaring at Elizabeta. Just then, a chilling laugh started to echo through the vast courtroom. It was Adele.
‘Deposition, huh.’
Her laughter, bubbling up from deep within, shook her shoulders. The judges swallowed nervously as the Emperor stood abruptly, his composure faltering.
“If you acknowledge your mistake and rectify it now, I will give you a chance!”
“What nonsense…!” Despone shouted, biting his tongue and clutching his neck, as the Emperor called out again.
“Admit your mistake and vow to fulfill your duties as Empress!”
Adele, who had been laughing, stopped and looked at the Emperor. She spoke calmly, her voice unwavering.
“No.”
“…What?”
“No, I won’t.”
Karl finally realized something was very wrong. As a cold chill ran down his spine, he tried to salvage the situation, but it was too late. Adele spoke in a low voice to the judge.
“Judge, what are you waiting for? Finalize my sentence.”
With an empty face, as if she had abandoned everything, Adelaide renounced her throne.
The courtroom fell into a stunned silence, the air thick with tension and disbelief. Adele stood tall, her gaze unwavering as she looked at each person in the room. The high priest, the judges, the royal observers, and finally, the Emperor. Her defiance was clear, her resolve unshaken.
