Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Baron vs The King

    The baron turned sharply, his face twisting into a mixture of surprise and disdain. "Who dares interrupt me?" he sneered, his eyes scanning Arthur with contempt.

    Dressed as a commoner, Arthur''s plain attire betrayed none of his true identity. The baron''s lips curled into a mocking smirk. "And who are you to tell me what I can or cannot do?"

    Arthur stood his ground, his voice steady. "A man who won''t stand by while a child is beaten over an accident," he said, his gaze unwavering. "What kind of person strikes a boy and his father for a minor mistake, let alone threatens their family? Have you no shame?"

    The baron''s son, a haughty young noble, sneered. "Hey, commoner fatso, do you even know who my father is?"

    "What, your mother didn''t tell you?" Arthur replied. The crowd erupted into muffled laughter, the boy''s face reddening with humiliation.

    Enraged, Baron barked an order to his guards. "Capture that insolent fool who dares to insult Ethan Yone, Baron of House Yone!"

    Two guards stepped forward, closing in on Arthur. Before they could lay a hand on him, a lightning spell erupted from the side, striking both guards and leaving them sprawled unconscious on the ground. Gasps rippled through the crowd as Carl, Arthur''s guard, emerged from the crowd, his hand still crackling with residual energy.

    The baron''s remaining knights formed a protective line in front of their lord. "Who dares use magic against a noble in the central square?" Ethan shouted, his voice tinged with panic.

    Carl stepped forward, his voice sharp. "You dare to harm—"

    Ethan staggered back, his bravado crumbling. "Y-Your Highness..."

    Arthur ignored him, kneeling beside the injured boy. He gently helped the child sit up, then turned to the boy''s father, assisting him to his feet. Both stammered their thanks, their fear evident.

    Arthur addressed the crowd, his voice firm yet compassionate. "You have nothing to fear. No one will harm you for this. I''m sorry for the injustices you''ve endured under a king who has failed you. That changes now. From this day forward, I vow to create a kingdom where every citizen is treated with dignity and fairness."

    The murmurs of the crowd were a mix of disbelief and hope. Some remained skeptical, recalling the king''s reputation. Others dared to believe in a brighter future.

    Arthur silenced the murmurs with a raised hand. "To begin, I will see justice done here and now. Baron Ethan will answer for abusing his power and harming the innocent."

    Ethan dropped to his knees, his voice trembling with desperation. "Your Highness, it was a misunderstanding! The boy kicked a ball at my face—I was merely teaching him respect. Spare me, and my family will provide you with treasures, magic items, gold—anything you desire to strengthen the kingdom."

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    Not a part of the story

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