Clive listened quietly; he had long anticipated that there would be no shortage of people speaking on Barbara's behalf. When everyone had finished speaking for Barbara, he asked, "Duchess Barbara, what do you think?"
Barbara bit her lip repeatedly and said, "Please punish me, Your Majesty."
"Very well." Clive slowly surveyed the attendees, finally fixing his gaze on Barbara, and said, "At least you have the courage to take responsibility for your mistakes."
A mistake requires punishment; it is only right and proper.
The earls and dukes who previously pleaded for Barbara simultaneously lowered their heads.
"Duchess Barbara, for dereliction of duty, you are to be fined a year's salary, retain your parliamentary membership, be demoted to the rank of count, and remain under observation as a count. Once you've completed the tasks in Leaf County, your duchess title will be restored."
