The following statement is published, hand-written, alongside other remarks after the inquest that occurred on March 31. This copy is soon taken to the printing presses so anyone in the city can read it, or hear about it.
There are too many gaps in the testimonies provided during last night's inquest. There exists a 15-day span of unaccounted actions. What transpired, for instance, 15 days before the verbal agreement to include another Countess in a politically arranged marriage? How is this not being addressed? Moreover, why would it be politically advantageous for a man who has been married for three years to his then-wife to take on another wife with lands far, far away, especially when he has at least one heir to secure his lineage? If this is indeed true, I theorize that he sought nothing more than the pleasure of referring to someone else as his wife while neglecting his obligations to the first.
Reflecting on my own past, I regret not taking the necessary steps when Count Lamont Norinn's feudal lord, the Mountain Duke, renounced the egregious neglect he showed toward his then-wife. I urge Countess Silverberry to pursue the course of action I wish I had taken years ago. It would have provided me with a measure of satisfaction to hold His Grace and his dismissive mistresses accountable in a formal trial.
However, what is done cannot be undone. This situation has left a trail of broken hearts, shattered hopes, and violated vows, especially following the Count's admission last night. I suspect—though this remains speculation until proven otherwise—that Count Norinn and Countess Nayelen reached a political arrangement before presenting this situation to the then Countess Consort Norinn. It seems likely that, under pressure to satisfy her then-husband, Countess Silverberry agreed to a verbal divorce, only to later realize the true implications of that decision and felt compelled to retract it, as she never truly wished for this outcome.
Is it a sin to be straightforward? Is it a sin to desire nothing more than happiness? To wish to be wed, have children, and hope that it all leads to love one day? Is it a sin to feel anger upon discovering that your partner, your promised spouse, is developing feelings for another? To experience the betrayal of vows being broken before your very eyes? If any of these feelings are mistakes or sins, then I confess that I have sinned greatly as well, and I would sin again were I in Countess Silverberry's position.
One cannot blame a woman who has loved and cared for a man for at least three years and borne him a child for attempting to please him, only to change her mind when faced with profound hurt. If you do, you reveal yourself to be remarkably heartless. Understand this: the pain you inflict upon others without remorse will eventually return to you, leaving you weak, for it is what you deserve.
I extend my gratitude to the Celates and the religious collective for hosting this inquest despite its less-than-ideal circumstances. I appreciate their patience throughout these proceedings.
Katrín Óltorskr,
The Baroness of Rykinsvik
ON THE MATTER OF OATH-BREAKING
Many have already shared their thoughts on this matter. I encourage the public to read those perspectives before considering my own, as understanding them is essential to grasping the complexities of this situation. I believe the issue at hand should have been addressed more formally. Given the serious accusations of oath-breaking, violations of vows, and the sanctity of a promised monogamous marriage, it would have been more appropriate for Countess Amber Silverberry to summon her now ex-husband to a legal court to officially accuse him of adultery. I have many questions, some of which I cannot fully articulate, but I feel that something is amiss.
There are too many gaps in the testimonies provided during last night's inquest. There exists a 15-day span of unaccounted actions. What transpired, for instance, 15 days before the verbal agreement to include another Countess in a politically arranged marriage? How is this not being addressed? Moreover, why would it be politically advantageous for a man who has been married for three years to his then-wife to take on another wife with lands far, far away, especially when he has at least one heir to secure his lineage? If this is indeed true, I theorize that he sought nothing more than the pleasure of referring to someone else as his wife while neglecting his obligations to the first.
Reflecting on my own past, I regret not taking the necessary steps when Count Lamont Norinn's feudal lord, the Mountain Duke, renounced the egregious neglect he showed toward his then-wife. I urge Countess Silverberry to pursue the course of action I wish I had taken years ago. It would have provided me with a measure of satisfaction to hold His Grace and his dismissive mistresses accountable in a formal trial.
However, what is done cannot be undone. This situation has left a trail of broken hearts, shattered hopes, and violated vows, especially following the Count's admission last night. I suspect—though this remains speculation until proven otherwise—that Count Norinn and Countess Nayelen reached a political arrangement before presenting this situation to the then Countess Consort Norinn. It seems likely that, under pressure to satisfy her then-husband, Countess Silverberry agreed to a verbal divorce, only to later realize the true implications of that decision and felt compelled to retract it, as she never truly wished for this outcome.
Is it a sin to be straightforward? Is it a sin to desire nothing more than happiness? To wish to be wed, have children, and hope that it all leads to love one day? Is it a sin to feel anger upon discovering that your partner, your promised spouse, is developing feelings for another? To experience the betrayal of vows being broken before your very eyes? If any of these feelings are mistakes or sins, then I confess that I have sinned greatly as well, and I would sin again were I in Countess Silverberry's position.
One cannot blame a woman who has loved and cared for a man for at least three years and borne him a child for attempting to please him, only to change her mind when faced with profound hurt. If you do, you reveal yourself to be remarkably heartless. Understand this: the pain you inflict upon others without remorse will eventually return to you, leaving you weak, for it is what you deserve.
I extend my gratitude to the Celates and the religious collective for hosting this inquest despite its less-than-ideal circumstances. I appreciate their patience throughout these proceedings.
Katrín Óltorskr,
The Baroness of Rykinsvik
