The Ambush in the Imperial Court - part 3

The Decline of the Rosen Clan - Episode 4 |

In the days following the feast celebrating the harvest, as feared, the nobles turned on William in unison.
"To attend an official banquet while wearing a sword and to enter the court accompanied by armed guards is a violation of the law. These rules, established long ago by imperial decree, are sacred and unchanging. Yet, William, despite being a subject, stationed an armed warrior—his so-called retainer—in the court’s outer garden and appeared at the banquet with a sword at his waist. Both actions are unprecedented acts of disorder and go against established customs. For this, he should not escape punishment. His right to enter the court must be revoked immediately, and his rank stripped.”
Their complaints reached the Arch-Emperor Theodosius, who was greatly surprised and summoned William to question him.

William explained as follows:
“First, regarding my retainer waiting in the garden, this was completely beyond my knowledge. Recently, there have been schemes to entrap me. My long-serving retainer, hearing of these plots, took it upon himself to safeguard me, acting without my orders and waiting in the courtyard to protect me. If there is a crime in this, then I will summon that retainer and offer him for judgment. As for the sword, I have already entrusted it to one of the court ladies. Please call for it and examine it to determine whether it is a true sword, and judge me accordingly.”

The Arch-Emperor responded, “That seems reasonable.”
When the sword was brought and inspected, it was indeed sheathed in black lacquer, but inside, it was merely a wooden sword wrapped in silver leaf.
“To avert immediate danger, William appeared to wear a sword, but anticipating accusations, he carried a wooden blade instead. Such foresight is truly impressive. This is precisely the mindset a warrior should have. Furthermore, it is only natural for a retainer to wait in the courtyard to guard his lord. William bears no fault here.”
Instead of being reprimanded, William was praised, and thus, no further punishment was handed down.

This is a story based on a Japanese classic.