In the Doghouse - Chapter 142
The intent behind Richard’s words was crystal clear: Frederick could not avoid punishment by hiding behind Courtney.
No one dared to argue, they only hoped to escape the harshest consequences. Courtney, already knowing what would come next, clasped her hands tightly in her lap.
“We will strip Frederick Devon of his noble status and exile him from the capital.”
The severity of the sentence shocked Hendrick Devon first. The usually timid Count immediately protested, his voice filled with dismay.
“Your Highness! This punishment is far too severe!”
“Do you still think so, even after hearing the full extent of his crimes, Count Devon?”
Richard’s tone was colder than ever. Until now, he had maintained a favorable attitude toward the Devon family, largely because he had been courting their daughter.
Hendrick flinched under the Crown Prince’s cold gaze, but even he couldn’t accept a punishment this severe. Stripping Frederick of his noble status meant he could no longer inherit the County.
“Your Highness, while Frederick has indeed committed serious offenses, he is still the family’s heir. Please consider his position and show some leniency.”
“The only person being punished here is Frederick Devon. You already have a grandson who can inherit the title, so there’s no issue.”
Richard cut off Hendrick’s plea without hesitation, having anticipated this objection from the start.
In shock, Hendrick looked toward Edvard, finally understanding why he had been asked to bring the boy to this meeting.
Richard continued in an icy tone.
“I trust you will take the necessary steps to ensure that no one else in the family follows in Frederick’s footsteps.”
The warning in Richard’s words was unmistakable. He was signaling that if anyone else in the Devon family stepped out of line, they too would face similar consequences. Hendrick fell silent, and Patricia trembled with fear.
Naturally, the one most shaken by this decision was Frederick himself.
Though he’d never truly valued the honor of nobility or held any ambitions, he had never once imagined losing his status, something he had always taken for granted since birth.
“This… This can’t be happening. I—no, this is absurd…”
Frederick clutched his head, looking dazed. Elise, too, was horrified. If Frederick couldn’t inherit the County, she would never become the Countess.
Worse still, with her husband losing his noble status, what would become of her own? If he were exiled from the capital, would she be forced to leave as well? Desperation overtook her as she turned to Courtney.
“This is… this is far too cruel. Courtney! Courtney, please say something! No matter what he did, Frederick is still your brother.”
Courtney avoided Elise’s gaze, remaining silent. Had even one family member understood her struggles, she might have endured it a bit longer—maybe even a lifetime. But it was far too late for that now.
Frederick and Elise’s complete lack of remorse only fueled Richard’s resolve. He spoke with finality, his tone chilling.
“This is an imperial decree.”
No further explanation was needed. Refusing an imperial decree was tantamount to treason. The only choices left to Frederick and Elise were to accept their fate or face death.
Finally realizing the gravity of the situation, Elise began to cry bitterly. Her mournful sobs were unlike the habitual whining she often displayed. Patricia, too, sniffled as her eyes reddened.
Courtney felt a crushing weight in her chest. Was following Richard’s plan truly the best choice? Her previously firm resolve wavered like a reed in the wind.
At that moment, Edvard tugged on Elise’s sleeve and spoke.
“Mom.”
“Eddy—!”
Only then did Elise remember that her son was present. She pulled the boy close, holding him tightly. Although it appeared that the Crown Prince would not punish Edvard, she feared they would have to leave the capital together if Frederick were exiled.
“It’s okay, Mom. I’ll protect you,” Edvard said softly.
Despite the adults’ distress, Edvard remained remarkably calm, almost as if he had anticipated the situation.
As Elise held him close, Edvard patted her back with his small hand, glancing toward Courtney over his mother’s shoulder. His eyes were still clear and bright.
Seeing her nephew’s quiet courage, Courtney strengthened her resolve once again. She knew drastic measures were necessary, especially for Edvard’s future. After all, this was only the beginning of the plan.
Once the room’s tense atmosphere had slightly calmed, Richard spoke again.
“While punishment is unavoidable, there is a possibility of a reprieve if Frederick demonstrates his commitment.”
A sudden glimmer of hope. Frederick, previously drowning in despair, looked up in surprise. Elise, too, was stunned as she turned to the Crown Prince, who continued with his plan in a steady tone.
“The western border has been restless lately. Before winter sets in, we plan to deploy additional troops there. If Frederick volunteers to join them, his punishment will be postponed, and we may consider a full pardon depending on his future conduct.”
