
We have, during our time at court, been privy to its commissions, yet the Houses Delmotte and von Schwarzkrau are more than perturbed by what has been purported by Mister Hawthorne. It is true that Archduke von Schwarzkrau and I have been pursuing an investigation into Grand Duke Castley, but what we must repudiate are allegations of misconduct and criminal activities.
Though I myself might be inclined towards more underhanded tactics if it were to mean the better good of the State and Empire, my cooperation with the honorable Archduke simply made such a thing impossible. He would never approve, nor act on any ill-gotten advances, so I would never presume to insult his confidence by employing such strategy. It is with this fact alone that everyone in the honored peerage who knows of the upstanding reputation of Archduke Howland von Schwarzkrau should know Nathaniel Hawthorne's testimony to be false.
Furthermore, it should be known that after the Archduke and I willingly brought ourselves to Greygate it was revealed by Nathaniel Hawthorne that he was compelled to sign the publication by Grand Duke Castley and that the publication does not reflect how he feels. This confession was witnessed by several members of House Sorenvik, House de Azcoissia, and numerous Violet Guardsmen.
Meanwhile, Grand Duke Castley is reported to be bunkering down at his estate in fear of retribution for the crimes he has committed against the State and Empire, cowering from the reach of the honorable men and women who serve to protect our city from the likes of men like him.
I had intended to expand upon my response, but I do believe that the publication by His Serene Grace has eviscerated Grand Duke Castley quite enough.
Signed, Duke Markus Delmotte of Bastadon