Melody of Strength novel

At the Supreme Court, Patrick was growing increasingly anxious.

“Your Highness, why have you summoned, Sebastian? He has never examined the deceased. No matter how skilled he is, he’s not a coroner.

Rafael remained calm. “Please be patient, Mr. Lloyd. Given the magnitude of this case and the uproar it has caused, if we mishandle it and wrongfully accuse someone, the entire kingdom will condemn us.”

Patrick was accustomed to handling cases, so how couldn’t he know that there was the slightest doubt in the case on hand? But with the perpetrator’s confession, witness testimonies, and physical evidence, what ground was there for a retrial?

“It’s a waste of time! Every extra day the perpetrator lives is a sign of disrespect to the victims she has murdered,” he argued.

Rafael replied, “The case documents from Brightmoor District also recommend execution. It is only April, and with swift couriers, it only takes about a month for the documents to travel back and forth. Why are you so impatient?”

“When will Sebastian arrive? We’ve been waiting for ages,” Patrick fumed, sitting aside.

Though it was unwise to speak too harshly to the Hell Monarch, his displeasure was evident on his face.

The two deputy ministers shivered in fear. Patrick wasn’t intimidated by the Hell Monarch as his daughter, Sylvia, was highly favored by the king. On the other hand, the two deputy ministers didn’t have daughters who were the king’s favored concubines.

Just as Patrick finished speaking, Rafael’s deputy minister, Matthew,

led Sebastian into the room.

Though not tall, Sebastian exuded an imposing presence. Upon entering, he cast a cold glance at Patrick. The minister quickly stood up, his previous irritation replaced by a courteous demeanor.

“Hello, Sebastian. I apologize for the inconvenience today.”

“Apologies for keeping you waiting, Mr. Lloyd. That is my fault,” Sebastian said coolly.

“No, not at all. My frustration was not directed at you,” Patrick hastened to clarify.

He dared not offend Sebastian. It was thanks to this renowned physician that his mother had been cured. If it weren’t for Sebastian’s medical skills, Patrick would be deeply mourning his mother now.

“If it wasn’t directed at me, then who was it aimed at? The prince?”

Sebastian asked as he took a seat.

“No, of course not. I wouldn’t dare,” Patrick said earnestly, trying to make a good impression on Sebastian. “It’s aimed at them.”

He pointed at his two deputy ministers beside him, who were both taken aback. They hadn’t said a word, but it was their duty to take the blame for their superior, so they quickly bowed.

“Yes, it was us who angered Mr. Lloyd.”

Rafael knew well that Sebastian could handle Patrick. Last year, when Patrick’s mother fell gravely ill, even the best physicians had given up hope. It was Sebastian who, despite harsh weather and relentless storms, persisted for an entire month with acupuncture treatments, ultimately saving her life.

As a result, Patrick was deeply grateful to Sebastian. Given that he had just been promoted to Minister of Justice, if he had to mourn for three

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years, he would find the bureaucratic landscape much changed upon his return. Moreover, with several brothers also mourning, the Lloyd family couldn’t rely solely on Sylvia to hold everything together.

Sebastian wasted no time on pleasantries, saying, “His Highness already came to see me last night and explained the case. Let me tell you this: even if a frail, chronically ill person is enraged, their temporary strength would be significant but not enough to overpower several strong men.”

The group grew serious upon hearing this. Rafael was new to public office, and had investigated too few cases to be convincing. However, Sebastian was a seasoned physician. If he said it was impossible, it was indeed impossible.

Patrick spoke up, “But there were witnesses who saw her commit the murders. She confessed, and the weapon used matches the wounds on the deceased.”

Sebastian responded, “I haven’t reviewed the case files myself, but I can infer that the wounds on the victim were severe, with deep cuts to the bone, correct?”

“Yes, exactly!” Patrick and the two deputy ministers nodded vigorously.