Damn, I recarneted As A Judge in Fantasy World

Chapter 164 The Unconventional State Council Meeting [2]

"What do you think, my juniors? Do you believe my cousin harbors ill will toward me?"

"The Supreme Judge has been solely devoted to his duties and has never abused the powers granted to him by Your Majesty. Such a thing will never happen," Colund responded swiftly.

But Josef Padilla remained silent, his mind racing as he calculated which side would benefit him more.

Luckily, the emperor soon turned away.

"That's how I see it as well. They are associate judges of the Supreme Court. They cannot make disparaging remarks about their superiors."

Despite Colund's defense, the lawmakers remained resolute. It seemed they were determined to remove Abel Carriers from his position as chief judge.

His uncompromising rulings had made him many enemies among the high-ranking nobles.

The emperor twisted his lips at the lawmakers' persistent calls for action.

"There is only one way to prove it. We need evidence or testimony."

Bam!

With a flick of his fingers, a figure emerged from the shadows.

Though it was a startling sight, no one in the room was surprised. It was the emperor's personal guard—a black agent of the Knights Templar.

"Did you call, Your Majesty?"

"What is the current security detail of Abel Carriers?"

"He has one close escort and thirty knights stationed around him."

"And the size of his forces in the Carriers Duchy?"

"Only thirty patrolmen, none of whom have learned Aura."

The senators' faces contorted at the agent's report. They had expected far more from such a prominent noble family.

But then, the emperor muttered something that silenced the room.

"Wait a minute. You can plot a rebellion with just thirty men? Then what about the other nobles?"

He scanned the faces of the assembly members before continuing, his lips twisted in a cruel smile.

"I can't run the government while constantly worrying about treason. From now on, all territories must maintain their troop levels below that of the Duchy of Carriers."

Boom!

The lawmakers were left speechless by the sudden decree.

Marquis Gilmore, the one who had started this whole affair, had gone completely pale. Eventually, the nobles fell to the floor, begging for mercy.

After all, no territory could maintain order with only thirty people.

"Sire, please reconsider!"

The long-standing plan of the nobles had crumbled to dust.

The lawmakers were left in a state of disarray. Whispers echoed through the grand hall of the Imperial Diet, each noble casting nervous glances at their peers.

The sudden decree from Emperor Charon had shattered their carefully laid plans, leaving them grasping for any semblance of control. Even the most experienced politicians seemed shaken, unsure of how to proceed.

Marquis Gilmore, who had confidently brought up the motion just moments ago, now stood ashen-faced, his once proud posture deflated.

He had gambled on using Abel Carriers' growing popularity as a means to challenge the Duke's influence, but instead, it had backfired spectacularly. The emperor's unexpected order had thrown everyone off balance.

"This cannot stand," muttered one of the ministers under his breath.

"Thirty men? How can we run our territories with only thirty men?"

Another minister, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "We would be defenseless. The emperor has gone mad with power."

But despite their muttering, no one dared to openly oppose Emperor Charon. The fear of retribution was far too great. Colund Emir, still trying to compose himself, looked around and saw the fear in the faces of his peers.

Even those who had been outspoken moments ago were now silent, eyes downcast, afraid to meet the emperor's gaze.

Judge Josef Padilla, who had been eerily quiet throughout the proceedings, finally found his voice. He took a deep breath and stepped forward cautiously.

"Your Majesty," Padilla began, choosing his words carefully, "surely there is a middle ground to be found in this matter. The security of the empire depends on the strength of its territories, after all."

The emperor's cold gaze turned to Padilla, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence in the room. It felt like an eternity before Charon finally spoke, his voice like steel.

"Are you questioning my judgment, Judge Padilla?"

Padilla quickly shook his head.

"Never, Your Majesty. I simply wish to ensure that the empire remains strong, especially in these uncertain times. With rebellion rumors and external threats, reducing the military capacity of the territories could make us vulnerable."

Emperor Charon leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing as he studied Padilla.

The tension in the room was palpable, and Colund Emir could feel his heart pounding in his chest. It was clear that the emperor was testing them, pushing to see who would break under the pressure.

After what felt like an eternity, Charon waved his hand dismissively.

"I have no intention of weakening the empire, Judge Padilla. My order stands. Thirty men for each territory. And if any noble believes they cannot rule with such a force, then perhaps they are not fit to rule at all."

The finality in the emperor's tone left no room for further discussion.

Your next chapter is on empire

The message was clear: those who could not adapt to his will would be swept aside.

Marquis Gilmore, still pale, opened his mouth as if to protest, but quickly thought better of it. The consequences of defying the emperor were far too great.

Charon rose from his seat, signaling the end of the session. The lawmakers bowed as he departed, his personal guard following closely behind. As soon as the emperor was gone, the tension in the room loosened slightly, but no one dared to speak openly.

Colund Emir exchanged a glance with Josef Padilla, both of them knowing that the implications of today's meeting would be felt for a long time.

The emperor's decree had effectively crippled the power of the nobility, forcing them into a precarious position. And Abel Carriers, whether he intended to or not, had become a central figure in the political storm.

As the nobles slowly began to leave the hall, Colund couldn't shake the feeling that today had only been the beginning. Something far more dangerous was brewing beneath the surface.

And with Abel Carriers' growing influence and Emperor Charon's iron grip on the empire, it was only a matter of time before everything erupted.