Villainess' Second Chance

CHAPTER NINE

A few days later...

"Lady Eloise, please open your eyes."

Veronica's voice greeted me as soon as I opened my eyes. I can't get up yet; it's too early. I glanced by the window and saw a bright light beaming towards my face.

"My lady, you just received an invite from the royal court." She stated

It took me a moment to process what she said, and I immediately sat down on my bed and took the mail Veronica was holding. I bathed and changed into my garments before going to the dining room to meet my father and brother.

I got an invitation for the imperial trial that'll occur later!

I stated, "Good morning."

My father replies, "Good morning."

I took a seat and ate my breakfast.

"There's a trial later in the imperial court. We're all attending, you received the invitation correct?" Elliote stated. He wasn't looking at me but I know he's talking to me.

I simply nod as my response.

I am amused though, Raiden Jondalar gathered evidence so fast. How did he do it?

"It seems that the mage that was sent a few nights ago will be leading the court today. He has the evidences to prove it's the viscount." The duke stated, "Nevertheless, you did a good job Eloise."

I looked at him. He's praising me?

"Although you didn't gather the evidences, you still did a good job."

Yeah, that's backhanded. I rolled my eyes

"I didn't do much. You don't have to praise me." I stated, "But knowing Viscount Caledon, he'll fabricate a story to get out of this situation. I hope the evidence that the mage gathered is enough to imprison him."

I shouldn't't let my guard down once we got there.

We're currently in trial right now, we arrived an hour ago. As I sat next to my brother, I noticed Raiden glancing around, as if he's looking for someone.

That's right, he still doesn't know I was Iris Magdalena.

The imperial trial is finally starting. We all settled in to watch the whole thing.

In the midst of the court, I saw Count Caledon kneeling in front of the judge. He was detained earlier today and brought here.

The man in front, the judge, remarked, "Let's all stand up for the Emperor and Empress," and then the royal family appeared. We all applaud, but I do not see the heir to the throne anywhere.

"Greetings, my loyal subjects. We are all aware of the story regarding the black market deal, but one of our people has recognized the mastermind who manages the transaction himself. Please come forward," the emperor said.

When Raiden removed his hood, he grinned at everyone. 

How could Thalia not fall for this man? This guy is handsome as heck, and full of mischievousness.

"It may not be the strongest proof, but we know that it was the viscount Caledon based on the accent of his voice," according to Raiden.

The nobility started muttering in the entire room.

The emperor roared, "Silence!" and they all fell silent. He is quite ominous. "What do ya mean we?"

"Obviously, I would just not claim sole responsibility for finding the culprit; Iris Magdalena figured that out first. I wouldn't have recognized him without her help."