Chapter 170

“So after using me however you pleased, now that there’s nothing left to squeeze out, you’re dumping all the blame on me—is that what you’re saying?”

At those words, the nobles in attendance gasped and began to murmur.

But Count Hayward had clearly anticipated this reaction.

“Cornered as you are, are you trying to grab onto my ankle? Unfortunately, it’s useless. All the evidence shows this was your crime alone.”

“Don’t make me laugh!”

“When you met Firman spies, when you exchanged letters with the Firman royal family, when you accepted payment—all of it involved only you. The spies we captured all pointed to you as well.”

“I took it and passed it on to you people! You used me as a go-between—was this all for today?!”

Benedict shouted.

But Count Hayward showed no sign of shrinking back or wavering.

“Do I look that naïve? Why would I entrust such…