The king used his technique and imprisoned a lot of people with higher spiritual lower or geniuses in the dungeon. Of course, it was under the guise that they were criminals. Yes, he framed them even though they were innocent. He made fake evidence and witnesses to apprehend. In the eyes of the public, they are the most vicious criminal when they didn't really do anything wrong to warrant their imprisonment in the dungeon.
They can do nothing because the king is the most powerful. He was the ruler of the city. The king looked pensive and decided to tell this to Caleb. He just felt that it was fun to share his accomplishments and hard work with another person.
"So, you've been manipulating people's lives based on their spiritual power? Framing them as criminals just to achieve your goals?" Caleb's voice was laced with disdain.