1 Arc I Part 1
As the early weeks of August unfurled, the Regalia Grand Tribunal bore witness once more to a remarkable influx of visitors, undeterred by the scorching summer sun. Their determination to evade the crowds and commotion was unwavering, fueled by an insatiable curiosity that ignited a fire within their minds.
Nestled in the heart of the Royal Capital, Iryston, the Regalia Grand Tribunal reigned as the paramount court in the Kingdom of Aldric. Its assiduous law enforcement officials found themselves ceaselessly occupied by a myriad of cases presented before them.
However, the corridors of the Regalia Grand Tribunal were not accustomed to the current spectacle of throngs of spectators. It was a rare sight, even within the capital, to witness a court transform into a central gathering place for such a multitude, particularly when the subject at hand revolved around a divorce.
Perhaps, if the case involved reputable elite nobility, commanding public attention and soliciting their opinions, the scenario would be different. Such cases were customarily overseen directly by the king or other royal descendants, with the king's blessing.
Yet, as whispers circulated, this divorce case solely involved the Marquess and Marchioness Sinclair of Eastlyn from the Eastern region. Their noble lifestyle, culture, and manners, though slightly antiquated, stood apart and were more conservative compared to the upper echelons of the aristocracy in the capital.
Truly, the Marquess and Marchioness Sinclair of Eastlyn cannot be deemed as ordinary nobles in the Eastern region, for their distinction stems from several remarkable reasons.
In days gone by, Marquess Sinclair emerged as a revered War Hero, returning triumphant from the fervent clash between the Kingdom of Aldric and the Kingdom of Evron. With unwavering courage, he reclaimed the vast expanse of Nor'eastshire, a territory stretching from the northern reaches to the eastern frontiers of the Kingdom of Aldric, wresting it from the defiant grasp of the Evron inhabitants who valiantly sought to protect their newfound dominion.
Originally, Nor'eastshire rightfully belonged to the Kingdom of Aldric, yet it had become a disputed land, with former Aldric denizens, now assimilated into the people of the Kingdom of Evron, resolved to establish it as a new realm under the sovereignty of Evron.
In the shadows, the Marchioness Sinclair remains an enigmatic figure, whispered to be the linchpin of the revolution for progress and economic prosperity in the Eastern region. She has adeptly garnered the unwavering support and trust of none other than the respectable Duke and Duchess Harrington of Eldridge, the paramount landlords in the Eastern realm.
Curiosity and speculation abound as rumors swirl about the Marchioness, for she has shunned the grandest and most intimate gatherings that typically punctuate the social calendar of the nobility since her marriage. Whispers even suggest that she has yet to partake in the customary rite of passage that accompanies the maturation of other nobles.
This captivating circumstance has piqued the interest of the capital's elite, leaving them yearning to unravel the secrets of her enthralling methods, the very means that persuaded the venerable Duke and Duchess Harrington to entrust her with the weighty responsibility of uplifting the welfare of the Eastern region's inhabitants.
Yet, the harsh reality persists, for the modest strides made in the Eastern region's economy and development are deemed insufficient to warrant the presence of Duke Charles Wellington, the honorable younger brother of King Percival XX, as the presiding judge—an opinion shared by the nobility in the capital. Particularly in the case of Marchioness Sinclair's divorce suit, a woman's path to victory against her husband in this era is steep and treacherous.
The dearth of property and assets owned by women, the undervaluing of their talents and abilities in the workforce, and the relegation of women to mere pawns in political marriages, primarily tasked with domestic affairs, all contribute to the tragic reality that women entangled in legal disputes are denied the rightful access to justice they deserve.
These limitations hinder most women from affording skilled lawyers, impede their access to education in social humanities and professional certifications, and curtail their participation in formal sectors to champion their aspirations and rectify the imbalance and bias entrenched within the bureaucracy, resulting all too often in court decisions that favor men.
Undoubtedly, such an outcome would bestow absolute victory upon Marquess Sinclair, her husband, who not only carries the esteemed title of War Hero but also basks in the splendor of abundant wealth bestowed as a reward. Therefore, the presence of Duke Charles as the presiding judge is treated unnecessary, as the matter at hand is not regarded complex enough to warrant his involvement.
In a scene befitting his distinguished stature, Duke Charles graces the courtroom with a grand arrival. The ornate doors swing open, revealing his decisive presence as he steps out of a magnificent carriage, drawn by a pair of regal horses. Resplendent in a meticulously tailored suit adorned with exquisite jewels and insignias denoting his rank, he radiates an aura of splendor.
A hush falls upon the room as all eyes fixate upon him, the atmosphere thick with anticipation and excitement. Observers react in diverse ways; some are awestruck, their gazes filled with reverence for this formidable noble, while others harbor an inquisitive gleam, their eyes brimming with curiosity and intensity.
The press, recognizing the profound significance of this momentous courtroom affair, scramble to capture every fleeting instant.
With unwavering confidence, Duke Charles strides to the judges' table, accompanied by other respected justices renowned for their brilliance and unwavering loyalty. His commanding presence exudes authority, displaying an unruffled demeanor in the face of gravity. It becomes unmistakably clear that he is prepared to lead the court and safeguard his esteemed reputation at any cost.
Knock knock knock
"Let the proceedings commence! I extend an invitation to the legal representative of Marchioness Sinclair to initiate the presentation of the plaintiff's case."
"Your Honor, I express my gratitude for this opportunity. May I introduce myself as Baroness Yoselyn Madison, legal counsel acting on behalf of Marchioness Sinclair.--
"Furthermore, I humbly request permission to present my client's claim, which primarily asserts that Marchioness Arabella Whitmore Sinclair is petitioning for the dissolution of her marital bond with Marquess Nathaniel Sinclair, her spouse, while seeking an allocation of spousal support equal to 45% of the entirety of wealth accumulated by Marquess Nathaniel Sinclair throughout the duration of their eleven-year matrimony.--
"The justifications underlying this litigation are as follows: Firstly, the matrimonial union between the Marchioness and Marquess Sinclair was formed as a result of a political alliance, established through a contractual accord entered into by the parties during their minority, whereby the Marchioness Sinclair, at the age of ten, and the Marquess Sinclair, at the age of twelve, affixed their signatures.--
"Secondly, over the course of their eleven-year matrimony, both the Marquess Sinclair and the Marchioness Sinclair have abstained from engaging in conjugal relations, given that the Marquess Sinclair expeditiously departed for military service immediately after the matrimonial ceremony, taking up residence solely within the military abode situated in Iryston, the capital city, without undertaking any visits to the Eastern region until his victorious return subsequent to securing dominion over the disputed Nor'eastshire territory.--
"Thirdly, the Marquess Sinclair has been remiss in fulfilling his conjugal responsibilities, particularly with regard to the provision of financial maintenance to the Marchioness Sinclair, his lawful spouse. Lastly, the Marquess Sinclair is the biological father of a two-year-old son and an unborn child from another woman, whom he has discreetly concealed in the opulent basement.--
"I, as the legal representative, hereby initiate the filing of this legal action on behalf of my client, Marchioness Arabella Whitmore Sinclair."
"Hmmm... I understand," Duke Charles murmured, deftly concealing any hint of a change in his countenance, particularly because he was also intrigued by Baroness Yoselyn Madison's course of action as she confronted Earl Frederick Anderson, the lawyer renowned for his remarkable success rate of nine out of ten in civil litigation cases, including three involving divorces.
Even without careful analysis, Duke Charles could anticipate the shrewd counterarguments that the astute Earl would present. With regards to the marriage contract signed when they were both underage, for instance, Earl Anderson could argue the legality of the union, emphasizing that their lawful parents or guardians had granted their consent at the time of the nuptials.
Otherwise, the issuance of the marriage certificate, which serves as irrefutable evidence of its validity, would not have been possible, thereby rendering the marriage null and void in the eyes of the law.
Subsequently, it can be anticipated that Earl Anderson will emphasize the weighty burden and responsibility shouldered by the Marquess in aiding Duke Henry Wellington of Verdantlyn, the war commander from the Northern region, in the enduring civil war against the Kingdom of Evron. The lack of communication between spouses due to the protracted conflict has become a well-known secret that often forms the basis for divorce among the noble class.
Even the military headquarters of the army and navy have agreed to implement a one-year war service leave system for soldiers who have made noteworthy contributions, with the provision that they must reside in military quarters and remain vigilant. With this arrangement in effect, it is hoped that married couples with vested interests can avail themselves of it to ameliorate their domestic situation.
Consequently, Earl Anderson will assert with conviction that Marchioness Sinclair did not actively fulfill her duties as a wife and displayed unwillingness to accompany her husband during his leave of duty.
Apart from the challenge of limited communication during the protracted war, which strains the marital bond, financial matters pose another significant concern. In a relentless state of war, the kingdom, being the primary custodian of responsibility, must ensure the fulfillment of moral and material support necessary throughout the conflict, which inevitably incurs hefty amount of expenses.
Thus, it is only fitting that similar obligations become the specific duty and responsibility of households, who directly contribute by sending their warriors to the battlefield. Considering this, the head of the household or their trusted confidant will automatically allocate a significant portion of the household income to serve the needs of the soldiers on the front lines, before addressing the remaining requirements of their personal household.
Particularly in cases such as these, the court often grants leniency when individuals or households are unable to meet their primary obligations due to conflicting and more pressing duties.
Lastly, if it is proven that Marquess Sinclair has fathered a child with another woman, his side may argue that it is immaterial to the divorce petition and alimony claim filed by Marchioness Sinclair through her legal counsel. Earl Anderson can assert that the existence of the child does not directly impact their marriage because, according to royal law, children born out of wedlock do not possess specific rights, including inheritance and the right to head a family, unless officially recognized by the family.
Therefore, both in accordance with royal law and based on prevailing practices within noble families where children are born out of wedlock, the presence of the child should not infringe upon the rights of the future children who will be born from the legitimate marriage between the Marquess and Marchioness Sinclair. Thus, it should not serve as a basis for terminating the marriage or affecting the claim for alimony.
"Hereby, as the legal representative of my client, Marquess Nathaniel Sinclair, I present this response to the allegations raised against Marchioness Arabella Whitmore Sinclair, Your Honor." With these words, Earl Anderson concluded his rebuttal, confirming all the conjectures that Duke Charles had just played out in his thoughts.
