A few minutes later, in another special room.
"I'm truly, terribly sorry, Your Highness Tales."
Federico's voice was as calm, cold, and ruthless as ever.
He raised his head and gazed quietly at Tales.
"Judge Brennan was one of the old guard from back then. He was indeed on the list, and I did have plans to question him. Luosang the Second acted on that basis." Federico shook his head. "But I assure you, aside from questioning him, I never ordered his assassination."
Tales frowned, his gaze suspicious.
"But as far as I know, your father had always been at odds with him. They even attacked one another publicly, and Brennan was the one who convicted your father."
Tales narrowed his eyes.
"Perhaps, in your view, his death was deserved?"
"Quite the opposite."
Federico's voice remained utterly even.
"My father disliked Lord Brennan, but they only disagreed on official matters. There was never any personal enmity between them. In fact, Father respected Lord Brennan greatly. He once told me in private: 'In Emerald City, the person with the fewest selfish motives, and the one least likely to betray Cavendil, is Judge Brennan.'
"As for Brennan convicting my father, given Jann's skill at forging evidence, I imagine the judge could only act according to the law.
"Just as Ram Horn Duke once said: 'Everyone you can see is a friend. The enemy is the one you cannot see.'"
Tales did not answer. He merely took a sip of tea and studied Federico carefully.
At least on the surface, he could not spot the slightest flaw.
"What about Luosang the Second? That assassin?"
Tales said, "You're sitting here, while he's still active in the city, running errands and handling matters for you?"
"Please forgive me." Federico's expression grew solemn. "When I surrendered