Chapter 79: Framing

Jacques followed John to the most mysterious part of the camp. This was no ordinary tent, but a specially constructed one, with a sturdier frame to support thick linen cloth. The area around the tent was devoid of any other tents, and it was surrounded by rows of fences, as if it were a forbidden zone.

After leading John and Jacques there, young Robert was held back by the royal guards, unable to take another step forward. John personally drew back the curtain and entered the tent.

Inside the long-sealed tent, the stench of rotten food and fermented waste was overwhelming. It was clear that the Earl of Derby had not been well cared for here. Shackled in the middle of the tent, Earl William looked haggard and initially did not react upon seeing John.

"So smelly," John said, pinching his nose and waving his hand.

It wasn't until John spoke that Earl William reacted, crawling towards John's feet, seemingly trying to hug his leg.

"You've finally come, Your Highness," Earl William's hoarse voice was tinged with tears.

John's face showed undisguised disdain and disgust, but this did not deter Earl William from seeing John as his lifeline. He continued to plead, "You arrived just in time. I was almost driven mad by them... This place is full of Robert's men who don't treat me like a human. They beat me every day and don't give me food... Your Highness, I shouldn't have joined them. I know I'm guilty. I beg your forgiveness..."

Earl William's face twisted with his sobs, which only made John more irritated. There was not a hint of pity in John's heart, as this path had been chosen by the Earl himself.

"Did you ever think that if you hadn't joined the rebellion, none of this would have happened?" John kicked him away.

At this moment, the Earl of Derby had completely abandoned his dignity, showing no signs of his noble status. He knelt beside John like a lapdog. "Your Highness, I beg you, take me away from here. I will remember your kindness for the rest of my life, Your Highness..."

John glanced back at Jacques, whose face remained expressionless. The dramatic scene earlier with Robert and his nobles had been so engrossing that nothing seemed to surprise him now.

"Your Highness, I beg you, please forgive me," the Earl of Derby continued to plead.

Ignoring these pleas, John spoke to Jacques, "See? This is what some nobles are like."

Indeed, Jacques now felt that some nobles were even more despicable than street beggars. The awe he once felt for nobility had almost entirely dissipated.

The Earl of Derby continued to kowtow, as if this act would earn John's forgiveness.

In John's heart, an exceedingly ruthless plan began to take shape. He looked at Jacques' face, pondered for a moment, and decided to trust him—a young man who would use any means to climb higher. With just a slight gesture, Jacques leaned in close to John, ready to hear his plan.

"Help me kill the Earl of Derby and frame young Robert for it," John said without any expression.

Jacques' face showed shock. "Your Highness, although the Earl of Derby participated in the rebellion, is it really necessary to treat him this way?"

In Europe, except for Byzantium, most regions handled rebellions with leniency. Using such brutal methods to deal with traitors was rare, with perhaps only William the Conqueror employing such severe tactics across Western Europe.

John's face showed displeasure. "Just do it. Don't ask so many questions."

Seeing John's expression, Jacques knew he couldn't ask further questions. He nodded reluctantly. It wasn't that he was unwilling to do it; he just found John's plan somewhat unreasonable.

The underlying reasons for John's plan couldn't be directly stated. First, framing young Robert was essential. Murder is a severe crime worldwide, both in ancient and modern times. Moreover, the Earl of Derby was a significant noble in the kingdom, and even the king couldn't arbitrarily take his life. Henry II's autocratic rule in England had been significantly challenged by the Thomas Becket case.

The Earl of Derby had four sons. If he was believed to have died at young Robert's hands, his sons would certainly seek revenge. With these noble families pressuring the king, executing young Robert would become inevitable.

Furthermore, for John to gain the support of major feudal lords in central England, he needed to create bonds of gratitude with the local lords.

When the Earl of Derby dies, his son will surely pursue young Robert. By then, John's strong support for them will definitely earn their friendship.

At the very least, he can establish some connection with them, rather than remain a stranger as he is now. Once he gains the Earl of Derby's support, John can use it as a foundation to expand his control over the central-northern part of England. This area is a weak spot in the English royal authority, perfect for John to penetrate with his influence.

With so many benefits, all John needs is to borrow the Earl of Derby's influence temporarily, and he feels like he's hit the jackpot.

John glanced at the Earl of Derby again, now a sorry sight, unlikely to be of much use in the future.

After exchanging a meaningful glance with Jacques, John finally left the stuffy tent. Outside, the air felt sweet.

Soon after, John found young Robert and said to him, "Robert, go inside. The Earl of Derby has something to say to you."

At this moment, young Robert was completely unable to think for himself, obediently following John's instructions step by step. As John watched him walk inside, he couldn't quite discern his own feelings.

Perhaps he had never anticipated from the beginning that John would have such a malicious plan.

A piercing scream from inside the tent drew everyone's attention. Then, Jacques ran out in panic, "He's killed the Earl of Derby!"

Guillaume hesitated for a moment, then rushed in. As soon as he entered, he saw the Earl of Derby lying in a pool of blood, his body twitching slightly. Young Robert looked at the dagger on the ground, his expression almost vacant.

"Guillaume!" Jacques grabbed Guillaume, "The Earl of Derby said he had something to tell me, and then he took the opportunity to kill him!"

With this action, Jacques successfully diverted Guillaume's attention.

"No, no, no, it was you who killed him, you liar!" young Robert, only just realizing, began to roar, but it was too late.

The royal guards rushed in, witnessing the Earl of Derby in such dire circumstances. Coupled with Jacques' preemptive accusation, almost all evidence pointed towards young Robert. It seemed like a case of silencing someone permanently.

Even though they didn't know what secrets young Robert might be hiding, his actions spoke volumes.

"Seize him!" John entered at this opportune moment. "Arrest this murderer and traitor, and bring him before the king for trial!"

Yes, bring him before the king for trial.

That was the only thought in the knights' minds. They acted swiftly, without much hesitation, and subdued young Robert.

John glanced briefly, noticing Jacques' composed exterior, but the sweat on his forehead betrayed his inner tension. Nevertheless, this guy's ability to handle things was indeed exceptional.

Once the knights took young Robert away, Jacques finally breathed a sigh of relief. John, without further observation, turned and left the scene.

"Your Highness, Your Highness!"

As soon as John left the tent, he saw someone jogging towards him.