As I taunted Isabella while locking eyes with her, I utilized my telepathy to engage in a covert conversation.

“Do you appreciate my gift, Isabella? Don't assume you'll escape this ordeal unscathed.”

Shock etched Isabella's face, a clear indication of her guilt upon being exposed.

“What fate awaits you and your family, Isabella? How many of my brother’s business ideas did your family steal? Will you confess, or shall we erase your family line and purge every last member to the brink of extinction?”

Isabella instinctively covered her ears, causing onlookers to speculate that she was undergoing a breakdown.

Speaking incoherently, her voice trembled as she whispered to herself, "No, no, no. Spare my family. I never intended to steal the crown prince’s ideas or engage in those illicit acts with Alfonso. Please... Spare my family.”

Her admission validated the contents of the recording. Perhaps it's the 1700s mentality, but the nobility of this era seems remarkably indiscreet when guilty. Are they truly that obtuse, or have modern individuals like me mastered the art of concealing our emotions properly? Sigh Well, you’re nothing more than a third-rate villainess. A mere pawn, just as depicted in the novel. Yet, in this reality, you remain a disposable tool.

Supporters of the Adinerados began to voice their opinions one by one, with the majority quickly aligning with my stance.

“How could Lord Alfonso betray the second prince with the crown prince’s fiancée? Isn’t that an act of treason?”

“The punishment should be execution, right? It violates not only imperial law but also the Temple’s law.”

“The Adinerados’ thirst for dominion over the empire’s power is insatiable. They can’t even control their own son.”

“Shh, lower your voice; they might hear you.”

However, some defended the Adinerados by placing blame on House Rosas.

“Perhaps the future crown princess bewitched Lord Alfonso; he wouldn’t act that way.”

“Yes, it must be dark magic.”

“Lord Alfonso is being framed.”

Pope Alon's patience wore thin. He slammed his hands on the table and sternly declared, “There is no dark magic involved, and Duke Adinerado’s son is not under any enchantment. Cease with these absurd statements. The Holy Temple ensures the empire’s protection from demonic harm, and do not slander dark magic; the Varalas wield both Holy power and dark magic, the origin of the Temple’s powers.”

The Adinerados' supporters fell silent.

“The recording is accurate. Both engaged in an affair, and the future crown princess insulted the imperial family. Isn’t that treason, deserving execution for both?”

Duke Adinerado abruptly seized his son's right arm, dragging him to the throne’s base. He knelt with his son, pushing his head to the ground in apparent reproach for his actions.

“We apologize, Your Majesty. My son is young and ignorant of the gravity of his responsibility as the second prince’s fiancé. We pledge to compensate you in any way you desire.”

Pope Alon intervened, stating, “Your son’s transgressions extend beyond violating the Empire’s monogamous law to defying the Temple, tantamount to treason and punishable by execution. The only mercy he may receive is the preservation of his nobility.”

“Your majesties, your highnesses, your holiness, we implore your forgiveness. We accept any sanctions, but spare my son from execution or nobility-stripping.”

Hmmm, the Adinerados on their knees, bowing before the crown? Quite a satisfying spectacle, indeed. However, it falls short of my expectations. I'm well aware of your cunning, Duke Adinerado. We'll go along with your charade for now. Yet, bear in mind, I am the game master in this little drama. You're nothing more than characters on my stage, and I hold the power to erase you from the narrative at any given moment.