LYDIA'S POV

　　I raised the original book of evidence in my hand, and his eyes widened in shock.

　　"That—that book—" he stuttered for a moment but soon composed himself.

　　"Yes…this book." I smirked and started reading its words loud and clear enough for everyone to hear. I read every word slowly, savoring the impact each revelation had on the crowd. I watched as Oleg's face turned a deep shade of red, his rage boiling over.

　　He lunged forward, snatching the book from my hands. "This isn't anything. This proves nothing. I am the king now. I have the power now," he raved, tearing the pages out one by one, shredding the book into pieces until it was nothing more than a pile of torn paper at his feet. His eyes were wild, and his voice shook with desperation. "This means nothing!" he spat, throwing the pieces of the evidence at my face.

　　He was trying really hard to maintain facade of indifference, and I knew he was losing his grip on reality. He had spent half his life scheming against my father, and now, as everything fell apart, he was teetering on the edge of insanity. But I was prepared for this.

　　"You think destroying the book changes anything?" I asked, my voice calm and steady. "The truth is out, Oleg. The people know. Your crimes have been exposed."

　　He looked around, realizing the crowd's anger was no longer directed at me but at him. His eyes darted from face to face, seeing only contempt and betrayal. Brandon and Evan's voices echoed in my mind, reassuring me that the copies of the evidence had already been dispersed throughout the kingdom.

　　Oleg's desperation turned to panic. "This means nothing!" he repeated, but his voice lacked the conviction it once held. He was flailing, and everyone could see it.

　　I stepped forward, addressing the crowd. "People of the kingdom, you have seen the proof of Oleg's treachery. He has manipulated, stolen, and murdered to gain power. He has poisoned our land and our people for his own gain. But no more. Today, we reclaim our kingdom from his tyranny."

　　The crowd erupted in cheers, their faith in justice and truth reignited. Oleg's face contorted in fury and fear as he realized his time was up. He tried to speak, but his voice was drowned out by the shouts of the people demanding his removal.

　　Brandon stepped forward, his voice carrying authority. "Oleg, you are hereby stripped of all titles and power. You will be taken into custody and tried for your crimes against this kingdom."

　　As guards moved to apprehend him, Oleg struggled, shouting incoherent threats and denials. But it was over. The people had spoken, and justice would be served.

　　"NO."

　　"You cannot take him away, not until I allow it." A new voice in the court was heard and everyone stopped.

　　"You cannot take him away, not until I allow it." The gates to the courtyard swung open, and there stood Kate. My mother. Her presence cast a sudden, chilling silence over the crowd. Her regal bearing and the commanding aura she exuded were unmistakable. Despite her mental instability, she was still the queen, and her influence could shift the tide.

　　"Mother?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. The betrayal I had felt when she had sided with Oleg before came rushing back, but a part of me still hoped she would see the truth now.

　　"Lydia," Kate said, her voice cold and controlled. She glanced around, her eyes settling on the torn pieces of evidence at my feet, then on Oleg, who stood smirking despite his restraints. "What is happening here?"

　　"Mother, you need to listen to me," I began, stepping forward. "Oleg has been manipulating you. He's responsible for Father's death and all the suffering in our kingdom. We have proof."

　　Oleg's eyes glinted with triumph as Kate's gaze met mine. "Lydia," she said, her voice dripping with condescension, "you've always been so naive. Oleg has shown me the truth. He has been a stabilizing force in our kingdom, not a traitor."

　　My blood ran cold. "You can't possibly believe that," I pleaded. "Look at the evidence. Look at what he's done."

　　Kate's expression hardened. "Evidence can be fabricated. Lies can be spread. But loyalty and vision for our kingdom's future are what matter."

　　Brandon stepped forward, his voice steady but urgent. "Your Majesty, we distributed the evidence to all the noble families and throughout the kingdom. Everyone knows the truth now. Oleg's crimes cannot be ignored."

　　Kate's eyes flashed with anger. "You dare to lecture me on what can and cannot be ignored? You have no right to judge."

　　Oleg's smirk widened. "See, Lydia? Even your mother sees the truth. You are the one being manipulated, not her."

　　"Mother, please," I begged, my voice breaking. "He's using you. Can't you see that?"

　　For a moment, Kate's eyes softened, and I thought I saw a flicker of doubt. But it was gone as quickly as it came. She turned to the crowd, her voice authoritative. "People of the kingdom, you have been misled by my daughter and her cohorts. Oleg has been a loyal servant to our family and our kingdom. He has been working to secure our future."

　　The crowd's murmurs of confusion grew louder. Some still held the papers Brandon had distributed, their eyes darting between Kate and the evidence.

　　Evan stepped forward, his voice cutting through the din. "Queen Kate, with all due respect, the people deserve to know the full story. Oleg has caused immense harm to our kingdom. Ignoring this will only lead to more suffering."

　　Kate's eyes narrowed. "You speak of suffering, but you do not understand the sacrifices necessary for true power and stability."

　　I felt a wave of despair crash over me. My own mother, standing against me, defending the man who had destroyed our family and our kingdom. "Mother, if you can't see the truth now, you never will," I said, my voice filled with a mix of sorrow and determination. "I will fight for this kingdom, with or without your support."

　　Odin, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice calm and measured, "if you truly believe in Oleg's vision, then allow us to present the evidence formally. Let the people decide. Let justice be served in the open."