Olivia, who had not attended the trial, entered with the priest breaking the copy of the register just as Leo finished speaking.
Not only that Arden came with other knights who had attended their marriage and had names as witnesses.
A few of the nobles believed that Leo was a qualified person and had fulfilled all his responsibilities in absence of his father.
As if a silent tsunami was knocking the walls George had created. The result he was waiting for came but the conditions changed completely just after that.
George could see the image of Leo getting taller and taller and taking over everything he had painstakingly created.
He could feel the position of the duke going again in his hands. When he met Leo's eyes, he felt like Leo was mocking him.
Only the thought was enough to brood him. He looked at Leo with eyes full of hatred and forgot for a second that they were still in the middle of a trial.
"You are a greedy person. You have hidden everything knowing that this day was closer. Isn't it? You wanted to have the position for yourself.
You have planned everything!" The last words came out bellowing as he punched the table in front of him with anger.
He had completely lost himself as he could not accept that a young lad, who was not even half his age, who was just a mere commoner with no background dared to defeat him.
His chest heaved in rage as he pointed at him with trembling fingers.
"My brother had nurtured a snake in his house and now that he had grown up, he was ready to attack his family."
Everyone sucked in a deep breath as they stared at Leo. every finger and eye was pointed at him now.
Though no one said a thing, their looks were enough to point out that they think the same. He was trying to devour the powers when the family was in need! How cruel! How shameless! How dangerous!
"What could be expected from a commoner?"
"Poor duke, he thought that he was his son!"
"He should have thought before treating a filthy boy with this much luxury. Now he is like a beast who has tasted the blood!"
Thousands of whispers and murmurs filled the room that was loud enough to enter in the ears of the family who glared back at others but it was not enough to keep them silent.
They have come here to see the demise of the family in the first place. How could they let go of such an opportunity?
"That is enough! If I did not have any problem, what right do others have to speak so much?" William stood up and scanned the room with a cold icy glare.
His eyes were filled with the intent to kill anyone who dared to speak against his son. Like a mother when protecting his chick, he stood up in front of Leo with a majestic look.
Everyone felt intimidated by his one look. He was like a king looking down at his citizens with a cold look, that nobody was able to meet his eyes.
"I think Leonardo deserves the title. What is with the comments and accusations?" He stared hard at George who finally came back to his senses and realized that he had made a mistake.
"That is because I am worried about you, brother." George replied in a soft and apologetic voice as he shook his head taking a deep sigh.
"You do not need to worry about me that much. Since he meets the criteria, pass my title to him.`` Without an ounce of warmth in his voice, William stared at George who had to nod and write the decree as he had nothing to reject.
"After all the arguments and proof, it is believed that the position of the duke could be transferred to the first son in law of Duke William, husband of Lady Evangeline, Lord Leonardo.
If any one has an objection, please speak now as no complaint would be entertained later." thought many whispers could be heard, no one objected.
After a few minutes of formalities, the court was about to get adjourned when the sound of footsteps could be heard again.
A few men with unknown identities entered the room.
"We are here to prove that duke Thawyne had no hand in swapping the kids. We have proof that it was a conspiracy against him because it is not done once but twice!"
"Thump!" George trembled as the instant words left his mouth and shook in fear.
He had already lost the case after Leo told that he had already married Evan.
If the rest of the truth would come out then he would come in the circle of doubt.
Who are these men?
Looking at the confusion in the eyes of everyone, even William was looking confused, he took a breath of relief.
At least the man did not belong to any of them.
"Who are you and how did you enter the palace?
Who gave you the right to speak in the middle of the case!
And as long as it is about proving that William is not guilty, it is already proved.
The case had already ended and the time I had given to take objections had lapsed too.
If anyone would try to malign their name to speak against them, it would be taken as an insult by the court.
If you spoke once again, I will hold you guilty and place you in prison." he bellowed but the man was looking confused.
They looked at each other as the tasks they were given had already happened.
After looking at each other for a while they bowed their heads and left the room without saying anything else but George stared at his man who took the hint and followed them with the intent of catching them.
"From here, the court is adjourned!"
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