Looks like that Durian Lords and Kings are professional in nature and can only do as much as the laws and customs of the land allows.
I understand that there is no law that says "Durian Lords must answer all the questions posed to them by the King." Also, I agree that it would be perfectly acceptable to enforce the laws simply to their letter, and no more, as you suggest.
However, there is more to a strong hierarchy than a legal list of titles, rights, and responsibilities. There must also be the
spirit of loyalty, which the laws were created to promote and protect. Without that spirit, the laws are just a puzzle for the cunning and ambitious to work around, which brings me to my second point.
One of the
most important features of loyalty is transparency. It proves one's dedication to the cause (in our case, growing and maintaining an empire), and reveals those who would work against it. Although that High Lord Kumotar may declare himself (if questioned) to be as loyal as any Lord, he lacks the transparency to prove it.
To clarify, this is no longer a matter of whether or not Kumotar is secretly a traitor. It's of whether or not Kumotar is loyal enough, and I think that matter is settled.
Even so, I will concede that taking him out like this is unfair. Perhaps the King before us was a little more lax, so we just need to show the High Lords that those days are over. By giving him a chance to reconsider, the other High Lords will accept our new policy more willingly.
TL;DR: Loyalty is at least as important as laws. Transparency is part of loyalty. Kumotar is being secretive, so he is guilty, but we'll give him a break.
On that note, I change my vote to
A.