If an opponent acts with arrogance, one would choose to fight until the opponent's morale collapsed, and let them suffer severe punishment. In contrast, if an opponent acts in a pitiful manner, it lessened the desire to fight. This kind of opponent can make anyone confronting them feel uncomfortable, even when the punishment is deserved.
It was especially the case for Sovieshu, who had picked up Rashta injured, cared for her, and showered her with affection.
In the end, Sovieshu coldly ordered,
"Get out."
"Yes."
Rashta replied helplessly, her voice barely audible. Then she turned to leave.
"Rashta."
Sovieshu called out to her before she opened the door.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Rashta turned around without the slightest hope, like a withered flower.
"The trial of Viscount Roteschu and the Isqua couple will be held today. You may attend if you want."
Sovieshu didn't even look at Rashta's face as he spoke. She didn't understand why he asked her to attend the trials, but after some thought she replied that she would attend. Sovieshu nodded and told her that one of his secretaries would accompany her. Rashta hoped it would be Baron Lant.
However, the secretary that Sovieshu later sent to Rashta was Count Pirnu, not Baron Lant.
Count Pirnu and Rashta didn't usually interact, even during her best days, so they were uncomfortable with each other. Instead, Baron Lant cared so much about her that he suggested she run away.
For that reason, Rashta thought that Sovieshu had deliberately assigned Count Pirnu, with whom she didn't get along.
Sovieshu's intentions were known only to Sovieshu himself, but Rashta was right that she was not to Count Pirnu's liking, who always had a bad feeling about Rashta.
He had never liked her, starting specifically from the time he inquired about a gift that Rashta had received from Sovieshu. He discovered that she had given it to Viscount Roteschu, who sold it.
"Your Majesty is free to attend the High Court officially or unofficially. You can do it in the way that is most favorable for you."
"What does Count Pirnu advise me?"
"I advise Your Majesty to attend the trial unofficially."
"Why?"
"Both trials are related to Your Majesty. The situation could become complicated if the Empress is present."
Rashta found it difficult to trust Count Pirnu, but his words convinced her, so she put on a simple dress, a light purple cloak over it, tied her hair up and hid her face with the hood of the cloak.
The High Court was connected to the Imperial Palace through a small door, but people usually entered and exited through the front door.
Thanks to this door connecting both buildings, Count Pirnu and Rashta were able to easily enter the Court without leaving the Imperial Palace.
Rashta stood among the audience hidden under her hood. Count Pirnu and a guard stood on either side of her as a precaution.
In the large hall, the whispers of the spectators could be heard. They were mainly talking about the upcoming trials, but at times they were also talking about Rashta.
Since the remarks were negative, Rashta lowered her hood even further and asked,
"Which trial is first?"
