134 How Much for Your Life? (1/2)

At the trial ground, the crowd was finally able to see the faces of the heads from the 40 noble families along with the Solaris family.

All 23 direct members of the Solaris family were tied at the forefront if the 40 other heads. They all wore lifeless expression as their cultivation were crippled and they have come to terms with their fate.

Among the 40 noble family heads caught in the  illegal auction, there were 3 marquises, 10 earls, 12 counts and 15 barons. They were similarly tied, but they cultivation had not been crippled yet.

If they wish, they could break their binds, but no one was stupid enough to do that while they were in the presence of her majesty. The palace guards also surrounded them. There were no escape routes. The moment they showed the slightest intention to resist and escape, they would be mercilessly cut down.

The queen seated herself on the newly erected platform and swept the guilty nobles below with her piercing cold gaze.

They immediately felt a gargantuan pressure on their shoulders as they began to break into cold sweats. Even if the queen decided to kill them all now, no one would be able to stop her.

At the side of the queen, her palace maid, Lily stood by a table filled with reports, detailing each of their crimes

Elizabeth made a hand gesture for Lily to pick up the first report and begin reading.

”Solaris family have been captured for the illegal possession and selling of forbidden and illegal items, including but not limited to; slaves and the Water of Absolute Nothingness.”

”In addition to last night's event, starting from 12 years ago, the Solaris family have…”

Lily recounted their crimes of last night, before continuing list 37 other crimes from as far as a decade ago, including; the abduction of young women, forced acquisition of businesses, forced purchases of goods at low price, and some killing of commoners from the Commoner Districts.

The Solaris family thought they had concealed all their crimes well, but some were still noticed and recorded down by the Shadow Guards.

They naturally committed much more than 37 crimes in the last decade, but the fact that the royal family knew so many of their evil deeds caused some shock to appear in their listless eyes.

They were prepared for death, but having their dirty work laid bare and feeling the unbearable stares of the crowd, they wish everything could just end quickly. Death was their release.

After Lily finished reading the report, Elizabeth stared at the Solaris family icily and said, ”What do you have to say for yourselves?”

”…”

The Solaris family was eerily quiet. Many would normally beg for their life and fight for the chance to continue living. However, the Solaris family did not. They were determined to die.

Seeing their silence, Elizabeth gave her judgement, ”For the weight of their crimes, the Solaris family will be sentenced to death by decapitation!”

As she said this, swords immediately flew out from the sheaths of the palace guards and ruthlessly beheaded them all. Their heads flew as their bodies dropped. The flying swords flicked off the fresh dripping drop and returned to their sheaths quickly. She did not leave any room for further discussion.

In truth, when she asked what they had to say for themselves, it was just formality. She was already determined to kill them. To kill and make an example of the rest. Only this way, would the nobles be more fearful and easier to extort.

”Continue.”

Lily began picking up the reports and reading out the noble families list of crimes, one after the other. The noble families weren't as headstrong as the Solaris family was, especially after watching them slaughtered merciless, their resolves were shaken, and their faces paled as they listen.

From the list of crimes, it wasn't just the family heads that had to bear the weight of their crimes. Their families were also implicated.

”Your majesty, please spare us! We know our wrong! We swear to never do evil again!” the family heads pleaded.

What was the use of their faces? As long as they can live, they were willing to do anything.

”Your words don't mean shit. Do you think your crimes can forgiven and escape your punishments easily just base on your words alone?” Elizabeth said icily, but then she added slyly, ”However, I am willing to waive the death penalty for all of you, but how much are you willing to pay for your lives?”

From last night's operation, they had hauled in 800,000,000 Craws, but this was just the amount the family heads carried in notes with them to the auction. It wasn't all their wealth.

Boom!