"Before it gets dark outside, this is what the kingdom demands as payment for the destruction caused by Asher Reynolds," Grand Chancellor Nadia said, handing Mr. Martinsville a folded sheet of parchment.
The Duke took it smoothly, and scanned it with a neutral face.
"Two hundred platinum coins… and a lifetime ban on Asher Reynolds ever setting foot in Zephandria again," he muttered.
"It is the verdict of the noble court!" the King declared from her throne, voice sharp and unyielding. "For a man who destroyed our infrastructure, and even lied that our kingdom's guildmaster harbored an underground facility full of monsters and demons—this punishment is merciful. Were it not for certain considerations, these transgressions would warrant execution!"
Max's father, sitting just beside the Duke, nodded outwardly in agreement. Inwardly, however, he was angry.
If only they'd executed this brat already! He's been a thorn in our side since the very beginning!
