YLTESCIA: A Reincarnator's Tale in the Lands of Merusia (3)

Chapter 426: Under the Scales

CHATTER CHATTER CLATTER

The halls were abuzz, whispers and gossip adrift in the air and suspicious eyes swam left and right, curious and vicious gleams hidden inside. Seats were placed along the aisles, people of gentle and noble status, attending all the same.

There were Marquesses, Counts, Viscounts, Barons, Baronets, and Knights, even some influential merchants sitting amongst the crowd. It was a busy day, the news already spread throughout the Royal Capital, even commoners awaiting the results.

A long-awaited day of judgement which could very well overturn the fate and future of the Kingdom. Two sides stand against one another, eyes fierce as tigers and dragons which won't bow down even at the cost of their own lives.

"The Defendant, His Grace, Duke Arslan til Schemer, is entering!"

A loud voice boomed throughout the halls and all suddenly became quiet. All sorts of eyes, both sharp and soft, peered towards him, some avoiding the Duke's gaze whilst some looking at him with contempt, looking at him like a bug.

Behind the Duke were two figures, both bearing the rank or "Lt. General" in the army and two of the three powerhouses in his side. Just their presence alone was enough to keep everyone's mouth shut, tension rising even higher.

"The Complainant, His Majesty, King Philip til Varreon Aldenberg, is entering!"

The voice rang out once more and another person entered. It was the King, his might and majesty coursing throughout the court with every step he took. His eyes were resolute and his heart was firm, ready to put an end to the misery.

Following him were his trusty vassals, the General, the Captain of the Guards, and another 2 Lt. Generals. They didn't wield any weapons, however, their presence alone was enough to make everybody feel suffocated.

"How intense... It seems like His Majesty has already decided..."

"Duke Schemer... Just what sort of crime did he commit for His Majesty to be so angry. This day won't be a peaceful one."

"No matter how this ends, it will be chaos."

Everyone started whispering and murmuring once again, all kinds of gossip and rumors spreading throughout the court like wildfire, both sides glaring at one another without hiding their hostility, hell about to break loose at any moment.

A week has passed and the time for judgement has come. It was the day of trial for the Duke and the King, the latter accusing the former of heavy crimes which neither one of the audience knew of. It was all a mystery, waiting to be unraveled.

However, it was not like the people were entirely clueless. Though there was a gag order to prevent either side from gaining advantage over the other, it wasn't like the feud between two sides was something new. Nobles and commoners alike already know of how bitter their ties were.

"The Judge, His High Reverence, Archbishop Lawrence, is entering!"

The final character has shown up and the whole court was set. In the side of the Defendant was the Duke, and in the side of the Complainant was the King. As the neutral party, it was the Archbishop's role to ensure everything was fair.

"Both sides raise their hands and take an oath before God. What you say will be the truth, and only the truth. Do you pledge?" ［Lawrence］

""""I pledge.""""

"Those who are judged to be guilty shall accept the rightful punishment, be it compensation, be it repentance, or be it death. Do you pledge?" ［Lawrence］

""""I pledge.""""

"Those before us shall serve as witnesses and shall stand as equal before all. Their voice shall be heard and their questions shall be answered. Those that do not speak shall be the evil whose tongues are bound by God. Do you pledge?" ［Lawrence］