The Council of Justice · Chapter
Princess Revolutionary explained
Bartholomew attempts to persuade the Woman of Gratz to flee with him, revealing his fear of the Four Just Men and the Red Hundred.
What happens
Bartholomew attempts to persuade the Woman of Gratz to flee with him, revealing his fear of the Four Just Men and the Red Hundred. Starque and François interrupt, accuse Bartholomew of betrayal, and execute him. Manfred arrives with a live wire, subdues Starque and François, and confronts the Woman of Gratz, humiliating her before allowing her to leave.
Themes in this chapter
Vigilante Justice vs. Legal System
Manfred acts as a self-appointed judge, intervening in the Red Hundred's internal execution and deciding the fate of the Woman of Gratz.
Moral Ambiguity of Right and Wrong
The execution of Bartholomew by the Red Hundred and Manfred's subsequent actions blur the lines between justice, revenge, and murder.
Anarchism and Political Terrorism
The Red Hundred's internal discipline, including execution for betrayal, illustrates the violent methods of anarchist groups.
Intelligence and Cunning as Weapons
Manfred uses a live wire as a clever and unexpected weapon to subdue his opponents, demonstrating strategic thinking.
Characters to notice
- Lauder Bartholomew
Pleads with the Woman of Gratz to escape with him, is accused of betrayal by Starque, and is executed by Starque and François.
- The Woman of Gratz
Remains cold and impassive during Bartholomew's plea, witnesses his execution, and later confronts Manfred, who humiliates her before she leaves.
- Rudulph Starque
Accuses Bartholomew of treason, executes him with a knife, and is later subdued by Manfred's live wire.
- François
Assists Starque in executing Bartholomew and is incapacitated by Manfred's live wire.
- George Manfred
Enters the flat, uses a live wire to subdue Starque and François, confronts the Woman of Gratz, and allows her to leave after humiliating her.
Key passages
“But why?”
The Woman of Gratz repeatedly asks Bartholomew for his reasons, showing her cold detachment.
Her repeated question underscores her lack of emotional involvement and her role as an unyielding revolutionary.
“You have betrayed us to the Four Just Men—but that we might never have known, for the Four have no servants to talk. But you sold us to the Embassy—and that was your undoing.”
Starque accuses Bartholomew of double betrayal, revealing that the Red Hundred set traps to expose him.
This reveals the Red Hundred's cunning and the high stakes of loyalty within the organization.
“He is dead. He was a traitor—so we killed him.”
The Woman of Gratz calmly informs Manfred that Bartholomew has been executed for treason.
Her matter-of-fact tone highlights her ruthless commitment to the cause.
“I shall know you again. I shall look for you and find you, and be it the Princess Revolutionary or the Princess Beautiful who brings about your punishment, be sure I shall strike hard.”
The Woman of Gratz vows revenge on Manfred after he humiliates her.
This threat sets up a future confrontation between her and Manfred.