Chapter 198
The last remark made the Marquis's face flush with embarrassment, while the noble who had spoken looked away, stammering. The suggestion, however, found agreement among the nobles, each nodding in turn.
"Ensuring everyone's condition is important."
"Yes, let's take a day's rest."
"There may be injuries that haven't surfaced yet."
"Urgent news!" A knight of the Marquis rushed in, visibly flustered. The Marquis, Serge, frowned at the knight's lack of decorum before the guests.
"What's the meaning of this chaos?"
"The Imperial Inspector has arrived, my lord."
"...!" The nobles turned pale. They had expected this might happen, but to arrive just as the third trial began was disastrous timing. With a crowd of witnesses, denial was impossible.
"Damn it, this dragged on too long."
"Of all times, right before the new king is chosen..."