In the days that followed, the Emperor of Acadia issued a formal decree.
Before the Imperial Court and gathered officials, he announced that new evidence had come to light. He declared that Adam's prior accusations had been built upon falsified testimony and manipulated records.
The recent investigation, he said, had uncovered deliberate corruption within the system.
Soon after, the Imperial Court released written confessions from several "witnesses". They admitted to being coerced. They spoke of threats, bribes, and pressure from hidden forces that had twisted the truth of what had happened at the Battle of Ravenfell.
The message did not remain within palace walls.
Official bulletins were posted in every public square across the Empire. Town criers read the decree aloud in marketplaces. In cities and villages alike, the same statement was repeated word for word:
Adam Constantine had been framed.
