Corleone stepped into the center of power of the seven countries, and all eyes were instantly focused on him.
He was dressed in gorgeous clothes, which perfectly complemented the splendid scenery.
[Dignity Iv3] has not been unfolded, but it is still walking calmly in this temple of power.
At this moment, Joffrey on the Iron Throne frowned, squinted his eyes and stared at Corleone for a few seconds, and suddenly pointed at him. "Wait... are you that... who is that?"
Seeing Joffrey's appearance, Corleone almost couldn't help but roll his eyes.
We had such a happy chat before and promised to make him a knight and reward him with a land title.
Feelings, you didn't remember my name at all...
However, he didn't show anything on his face, he just bowed slightly, his posture was respectful but not humble, and he answered in a clear and steady voice, "Vito·Corleone, Your Majesty."
"I'm honored that you still remember me."
"Oh! Yes! Corleone!"
Joffrey suddenly understood, but just when he wanted to continue asking about "Fighting Arena", Tywin interrupted him in time.
"Your Majesty and the Royal Council are reviewing the murder of Captain Swen Rossby."
"Adam Malbrand Ser testified that James Ser took action because Rossby accepted bribes, neglected his duties, and violently resisted the law. Gales Earl has doubts about this."
"As a civilian detained by Swen·Rosby who abused his power, you must state what you saw and heard truthfully, Vito·Corleone."
His words were brief, but they carried unquestionable pressure. The implication was very clear, requiring Corleone to give an answer that could protect Lannister's reputation.
As soon as these words came out, everyone's eyes were once again fixed on Corleone.
So that's it...
After glancing at Gyles Rossby not far ahead, Corleone finally knew the true purpose of Tywin coming to him.
Although he was not present when James slashed Swen with his sword, he had already heard about it.
Corleone has been prepared for this.
"Your Majesty, ladies and gentlemen."
He raised his head and glanced at everyone calmly. "What I know about the late Captain Swen Rossby only comes from what I have seen and heard."
"If my description makes some people uncomfortable, it is only because the facts themselves are enough to sully the ears of any honest person."
Corleone did not rush to explain, but finalized what he was about to say.
This not only shows Tywin's loyalty, but also blocks Gales' mouth to prevent the old guy from messing around.
Then, Corleone began to state. "Swen Captain Rossby led the team into Blood Pit that day." On the surface, he was investigating the case, but in fact, he was committing extortion in the name of investigation."
"Not only did he slander me and my friends as fugitives, but he also fraternized with villains suspected of slave trade, murder, fraud and other crimes in broad daylight. His words and deeds were outrageous and he completely betrayed the oath of the golden robe to protect the law and maintain order."
"This is no longer simple dereliction of duty, but outright complicity!"
His words were clear and logical, but every "fact" was carefully embellished.
"Shit!!!"
As soon as these words came out, Gale immediately pointed at Corleone and said loudly, "I have a lot of money in Rosby City, how could Swen...
"Please do not interrupt the witness, Mr. Earl."
Seeing that this guy was about to chatter again, Minister of Justice Kevan spoke in time and suppressed him.
However, although he is Tywin's younger brother and has managed the West as his Deputy for decades, Kevan is a character who abides by justice and order.
Even if Swen really broke the law, he could not cover up whether James was guilty of directly killing the other party.
Thinking like this, he looked at Corleone and asked in a deep voice, "What we need to know is, were you present when Jaime Lannister Ser killed Swen Rossby?"
But to people's disappointment, Corleone shook his head. "I'm sorry, I wasn't there at the time, sir."
Hearing this, Kevan couldn't help but frown.
If this witness is not present, it means that Adam Malbrand is the only one who can testify, but his testimony cannot convince Gales at all.
At this moment, the voice of Corleone sounded again.
"Your Majesty, ladies and gentlemen."
"Whether Jaime Lannister Ser is guilty depends largely on whether the Kingsguard has the right to directly intervene, or even use force, to intervene in the internal affairs of the City Watch."
"This... involves Legal Tradition of the Seven Kingdoms."
As soon as these words came out, not only did Joffrey show deeper confusion, but even several people in the Royal Council couldn't help but look at him in surprise.
As a commoner, what he talks about is "legal tradition"?
However, Corleone remained calm and composed, ignoring the surprised looks and continued to speak, like a maester debating in the city: "According to the "White Canon", in the 233rd year of Aegon's calendar, the tall kingsguard "Duncan Ser once encountered a royal tax officer who abused his power and tortured civilians to extort money."
"After Duncan Ser ordered him to stop, he directly subdued him and escorted him to justice. The then King Aegon V Targaryen later ruled that Duncan Ser's actions were necessary to safeguard the justice of the Iron Throne" and did not exceed his authority."
He cited a real and morally glorious precedent - "Tall Man" Duncan.
This is a famous civilian hero in Westeros. This case can not only increase the persuasiveness, but also occupy the moral high ground.
Hearing this, there was silence in the hall for a while, and then Kevan was the first to speak, "But they are just uniforms, and... we don't know whether Aegon V's ruling is supported by legal provisions."
"Yes, sir, yes!"
Corleone grinned and spoke confidently.
"This precedent indeed caused a lot of controversy among the maesters at the time, but later, everyone unified their opinions and generally believed that Lord Commander of the Kingsguard was a member of the Royal Council, and members of the Kingsguard swore an oath to protect members of the royal family from harm."
"As for actions that damage the reputation of the Iron Throne, in an emergency, the Kingsguard has the right to take necessary measures to put an end to the evil behavior. Their actions can be regarded as a direct extension of the king's will, rather than a simple personal interference."
Corleone spoke eloquently and fluently explained a set of legal principles that sounded very reasonable and well-structured.
"Specifically, the case of Captain Swen Rossby."
With that said, he returned to the original topic. "He is suspected of accepting bribes, using excessive force, illegally arresting people, and openly defying Lord Commander of the Kingsguard's inquiries. The nature of his behavior is in line with the scope of damaging the reputation of the Iron Throne."
"James Ser killed him after many warnings failed. This can also be regarded as a direct extension of the king's will in this state of emergency."
After finishing speaking in one breath, Corleone stopped talking and stood quietly where he was.
The atmosphere in the hall became increasingly silent, and everyone looked at him in disbelief.
A commoner could actually face the Imperial Council in front of the Iron Throne, quote scriptures, talk about the Seven Kingdoms legal traditions, and even explain the specific year, the name of the king, and legal precedents so clearly!
That's outrageous!
Facing these looks, Corleone remained calm and composed.
Since coming to King's Landing, he knew that given his background, he was destined to have a difficult time in this Game of Thrones, so he continued to enrich himself whenever he had the opportunity.
With James' help, he borrowed a large number of books, from the boring general history of the Seven Kingdoms, family genealogy, to more obscure legal commentaries, and even read the "The Book of the White Knight" which records the life and deeds of the Kingsguard several times.
These days, Corleone is absorbing the knowledge of this world like a sponge, not to become a bachelor, but to know how to use the rules.
On the Iron Throne, Joffrey was confused, but inexplicably felt that it made sense.
But when he heard the words "a direct extension of the king's will", he couldn't help but straighten his chest, obviously very happy.
Although I don't know how happy he is.
A trace of surprise flashed in Kevan's eyes, and he couldn't help but look at Corleone again.
The smile on Wallis's face became a little playful, as if he had seen an unexpected and interesting change.
Even Tywin glanced at Corleone in surprise, gaining a new understanding of the knowledge and eloquence he displayed.
Only the bachelor was still dozing off with his eyes squinted. It seemed that he was sleepy after chatting with the girls late yesterday.
"Liar!!!"
It took a long time for Gales Earl to react, and he pointed at Corleone and started to spray again, but he only said a few words over and over again, "He is lying!"
"This is just nonsense. There is no such law!"
Hearing this, Kevan also recovered from the shock and glanced at Gales.
Although he did not believe Corleone's words, according to the procedure, he still cleared his throat and said loudly, "Grand Maester Pycelle!"
"Uh, ah?"
Pycelle, who was taking a nap with his eyes closed, opened his eyes. He seemed a little confused, but he immediately smoothed his long snow-white beard slowly and spoke in an old and authoritative tone.
"As for what Lord Corleone said, the deeds of the tall "Duncan Ser" are indeed recorded in the "White Code"."
"When I participated in the compilation of "Compendium of Major Precedents of the Seven Kingdoms", I personally saw the original text. Duncan Ser is a model of chivalry. His actions shine with the glory of justice and sincerity to the king's power."
He talked eloquently and answered questions fluently. He didn't look like he was awake at all. He could clearly hear all the previous conversations.
As the Lannister's loyal dog... well, an admirer of the Hand of the King, Pycelle was the first to confirm the authenticity of the case and immediately gave it a moral halo.
Then he spoke again, "After 234 Aegon Calendar, the Kingsguard have invoked the spirit of this precedent, and when faced with extreme and urgent violations, they have the obligation to make emergency corrections beyond the scope of general jurisdiction."
"It reflects the wisdom of the king's ancestors that can be applied flexibly to safeguard the dignity and reputation of the Iron Throne."
"As I was studying in the city, the masters often quoted the old proverb: He who sows poisonous weeds will eventually reap bitter fruits.""
"And James Ser just happened to be the one... who had to pick this bitter pill."
He is worthy of being a veteran of the Royal Council.
Pycelle's remarks not only confirmed Corleone's statement, but also elevated it to the level of "Common Law System of the Seven Kingdoms practice".
It perfectly caters to the current Prime Minister's need to protect the family's reputation, and also coincides with Joffrey's sensitive authority psychology.
A few words of understatement not only demonstrated knowledge and loyalty, but also blocked the possibility of Gales Earl's legal rebuttal.
After all, even Kevan, who is the Minister of Justice, may not understand those obscure legal provisions, let alone others.
In other words, the final interpretation of legal provisions rests with Pycelle.
It's really a master, a master, a master.
I still have to practice...
Seeing the old boy squinting his eyes and stepping aside after finishing speaking, Corleone couldn't help but admire him a little.
It's not difficult to pretend for a day, but it takes a lifetime to pretend.
Sure enough, as soon as Pycelle finished speaking, Tywin did not wait for Joffrey to express his "high opinion" again, and directly announced, "The facts are very clear!"
"Swen Rossby accepted bribes and derelict in his duties and openly defied the Kingsguard, which has caused serious damage to the reputation of the Iron Throne."
"Jaime Lannister Ser, as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, exercises emergency powers. Although his actions are controversial, his fundamental purpose is to maintain the authority and legal dignity of the Iron Throne."
"After I finish speaking, who agrees and who opposes."
After saying that, Tywin glanced around for a week, and almost no one dared to look at Old Lion.
However there are always exceptions.
"I object!"
Gales Earl did not choose to accept the verdict. He was obviously overwhelmed by resentment and unwillingness, and complained, "Seven Gods... ahem... what kind of justice is this!"
"Maiden's tears cannot wash away this injustice... ahem... if the hand of the king is still Lord Jon Arryn...
"He would never make such a partial and unfair judgment based on one side of the story.
"Warrior will not agree to such a cowardly compromise, Father's judgment will eventually come!!!"
He spoke the teachings of the Seven Gods and "Jon Arryn" in his mouth, and his voice was like crying blood.
Fortunately, his brain was not completely broken, and he did not mention Eddard Stark, who had been sentenced to treason and had his head chopped off.
But as soon as these words came out, the air in the Iron Throne Hall seemed to drop to freezing point instantly.
Joffrey didn't know why, but he just felt that the old man was verbose and a little irritated.
Grand Maester Pycelle buried his head lower and even began to snore lightly.
The smile on Wallis's face remained unchanged, but it seemed a little subtle.
Kevan Lannister seemed to have expected something, and his brows knitted into knots.
Corleone stood aside, watching all this quietly, watching Gales Earl immersed in self-righteous "sorrow, anger" and "piety", chattering about Jon Arryn.
His eyes were calm and calm, but when he looked at Gales, there was a sense of indifference like looking at a dead person.
He commented coldly in his heart.
Idiot.