“Ugh... Let’s not do this during the day.”
Elze, completely exhausted from her work at the sponsorship office, lay sprawled on the sofa in the study muttering. Shan, who was sitting next to her, burst out laughing at Elze’s appearance.
“Yeah, I guess I pushed myself too hard.”
“If we do it during the day, it will affect our afternoon schedule as well.”
Elze stopped talking and hugged the cushion on the sofa. The cushion was delicately embroidered with the symbol of Targayel, a crow, but it ended up getting crushed because Elze hugged it so mercilessly.
"I'm tired..."
Shan ran his hand through her hair as Elze muttered.
“Well, you must be tired since you worked so hard.”
“...”
Elze glanced at Shan without saying a word. Shan just smiled at the implicit gaze telling him to be quiet. Then, when Elze leaned her head against him, he carefully wrapped his arm around her shoulder and said.
“I told Elijah and Kalia to report it to me first. We can listen to the story in person when we're less tired.”
Then, he picked up the envelope in front of the sofa and showed it to Elze, who was amazed at Shan's sense once again.
Right now, Elze didn't have the energy to talk. It might have been Elijah, but even so, she couldn't talk while lying on the sofa in front of Epen.
She briefly suspected that he had considered having a relationship and had even asked her to write a report when he had planned tea time in the garden. However, since it was convenient for the time being, Elze simply followed his advice.
“Yes. I’ll take a look now.”
At Elze's words, Shan took out the report and gave it to her. He held the report in his hand and asked playfully.
“Shall I read it to you?”
“Are your eyes okay?”
Sometimes, she would see him carrying her on his back and acting like he was going to feed her. If she got used to his behavior, she felt like she would quickly become a spoiled child.
“Yes. Read it slowly.”
Shan put the report in Elze's hands and made her lean against him. Elze turned the first page of the report and asked Shan.
“Have you read it?”
“I read it. There are some surprising facts, so prepare yourself and read it.”
“...?”
Elze tilted her head at Shan's words and began to read. However, she didn't read much before she jumped up from the sofa, clutching the report as if she was going to tear it apart. Elze, who had been standing there blankly, flopped down on the sofa again and muttered.
“Heglatan...”
Shan had already guessed that Duke Seraph would side with Heglatan. However, Elze agreed with his guess, but at the same time, she also thought it was impossible. However, Shan’s guess was true. Elze looked back at Shan and asked.
“What are you going to do?”
“What should we do? Based on this, we should gradually tighten the screws on Duke Seraph. This is decisive evidence, and we are currently gathering other small pieces of evidence.”
Shan said, frowning.
“But there is something that bothers me a little. I don’t know how far Crown Prince Raymond will protect Duke Seraph.”
Shan had already tried to shake Raymond once. However, the bond between Duke Seraph and Crown Prince Raymond was stronger than expected. They wouldn't budge even with something so trivial.
Elze, who was reading the report while listening to Shan's words, stopped at the part of the basement that Kalia and the others had visited.
"...What's this."
Shan, who glanced at the part Elze was reading, frowned and said.
“Just read that part.”
While doing so, he covered half of it with his hand. Unfortunately, the part that Shan covered with his hand was the part that Elze had already read.
“Ugh, it’s okay, Shan..."
Elze, who had read the report to the end, looked even more exhausted. The Duke Seraph was truly amazing, to be able to make people tired just by reading it. Elze said as she handed the report back to Shan with her hands weak.
“Since Duke Seraph is regarded as a perfect being, I think it would be good to reveal this to the nobles.”
The contents of the report confirmed what had been thought to be nothing more than a rumor. It was true that Duke Seraph was involved in the disappearance of the blue-eyed prostitutes.
Epen wrote in detail about the situation in the basement in a somewhat dry tone. According to the report, several women with blue eyes were trapped in the basement of the Seraph's residence.
They were displayed in a fancy room, neatly dressed and made up like well-decorated dolls. At first glance, they looked normal, so Kalia tried to talk to them, but they were all drunk on some unknown drug and not in their right minds. All they did was sit there blankly with their eyes unfocused.
The report concluded that they could not all escape and that those who appeared less addicted were brought to the Targayel mansion.
“Whew... Well, we’ve gathered quite a few witnesses.”
The servants that were captured from the Crown Princess's Palace last time were treated so well that they almost died. Adding the women that were brought in this time, they were too numerous to ignore as witnesses.
“At this rate, we can immediately take care of Duke Seraph if he does anything stupid?”
“Yes. But...”
Shan's words trailed off. He frowned and muttered.
“I don’t know why I’m so concerned about this.”
“...”
Elze nodded quietly to Shan's words. In fact, Elze was the same as Shan. She had gathered enough evidence to the point where she thought she would never be lacking anything. But she still felt like something was missing.
She couldn't tell if this was truly due to a lack of evidence, or if they were simply nervous because their opponent was the Seraph Duke.
“But for now...”
Elze said, clenching her fists.
“Because I have no choice but to try as much as I can.”
Shan nodded slowly to Elze's words.
From that day on, Elze and Shan spent their time finalizing preparations for the trial of the Count of Epernon, while waiting for word from the Duke of Seraph.
However, Duke Seraph was quiet. Elze and Shan, who had expected that he would somehow adjust the negotiations to their advantage and try to negotiate again, became a little uneasy.
But time passed steadily, leaving the anxiety behind. And soon, the day of the Count of Epernon's trial arrived.
On the morning of the trial, Elze was busy preparing to attend the trial. Then, Astin came to see Elze.
“Astin, what’s going on?”
Elze was delighted by Astin's visit, but a little nervous. He was dressed like he was ready to go out. Before Elze could even ask where he was going, Astin told her what he wanted to do.
“Take me with you today. I understand that the Count is appearing as Epernon’s defense attorney at this trial and that our family has been given a seat in the audience.”
“What about the report?”
“I’ve already written the final report and sent it to the school.”
After finding out everything, Astin spoke to Elze as if informing her.
“Take me too, Sister.”
“...”
But Elze couldn't answer right away. Astin had been interested in the trial of the Count of Epernon for some time. However, even though Elze knew this, she didn't ask Astin to go to the trial with her.
She had no idea what would happen in the courtroom. Elze had a vague but instinctive feeling that something dangerous was waiting for her in the courtroom.
That's why she wanted to leave Astin behind if possible. But she couldn't tell Astin not to do it without a good reason. So she tried to leave him behind without hesitation, but Astin noticed Elze's shallow trick and ended up barging in and informing her.
“Sister!”
Astin looked at Elze with strength in his eyes. His eyes were telling her to hurry up and tell him why she wasn't going to take him. Elze finally sighed and said to Astin.
“Yes, let’s go together.”
So Elze, Shan, and Astin headed to the courtroom together. When they arrived at the courtroom, there were already quite a few people taking their seats.
The trial was attended by leading nobles as jurors, and any nobles who wished to attend were free to do so.
The trial of the Count of Epernon was a matter of great interest to many and a considerable number of people applied to attend. There was not a single empty seat in the audience.
“Yes, let’s meet up later.”
“Have a nice trip.”
After a brief greeting with Elze, Shan headed to the defense table for the defense of the Count of Epernon. Elze and Astin took their seats in the viewing area reserved for the Count of Targayel.
Most trials were merely formalities. In many cases, the outcome was already decided behind closed doors, so the trial proceeded quickly and a verdict was handed down in one breath.
But in a trial as important as the one involving the Count of Epernon, the circumstances were different. It was a real trial, complete with the plaintiff, defendant, defense team, jury, judge, and clerk.
Shan was seen talking to Duke Wade, who was presiding over the trial today. Duke Wade, who was in charge of the law for the Baluar Empire, often presided over important trials.
Duke Wade, along with Shan, argued for the Count of Epernon's innocence. However, even though the Duke was the judge, there was little he could actually do.
It was impossible to make a selfish decision while the nobles, including Crown Prince Raymond, were clearly watching. Without proper evidence, it would naturally not gain the support of the jury, and with the opposition of the nobles watching, Crown Prince Raymond in particular would be furious.
As Elze watched the conversation between Shan and Duke Wade, she heard whispers coming from the side.
"Oh..."
“Is that the Count of Epernon? He's changed completely.”
“I guess he was in a lot of pain.”
Today's defendant, the Count of Epernon, was in the position. The Count of Epernon, who entered the courtroom with his hands tied and guarded by the imperial knights, was a complete loss of his former splendid appearance. He entered with a gaunt face and sat down in the defendant's chair, staggering.
Then, Duke Seraph appeared in the jury box. The courtroom was momentarily chaotic as many nobles rushed to greet him, but it soon regained its composure. This was because Crown Prince Raymond entered with the sound of a trumpet.
Everyone in the courtroom stood up and bowed to Raymond. Elze bowed while looking at Iarin, who had entered with Raymond.
She saw Iarin wearing a dress with a high neckline. Elze was glad that she no longer had to cover her neck. Iarin also turned her head slightly to look for Elze, and when their eyes met, she smiled faintly.
The Crown Princess and her husband sat in a special place at the very front of the audience. After Raymond was fully seated, the trial began.
“We will now begin the trial of the Count of Epernon. First, please state the plaintiff’s reasons for the lawsuit.”
At Duke Wade's words, the Marquis of Geth rose from his seat. Technically, it was Crown Prince Raymond who initiated this trial. However, since the Crown Prince could not appear as the plaintiff, the Marquis of Geth was sent away.
While the Marquis Geth was eloquently arguing the guilt of the Count of Epernon, Elze noticed Adam Geth sitting next to him.
Adam Geth was someone she had met in front of the Harpyrion restaurant before. He had been arrogant then, but today he looked very nervous. He looked strange as if he was sweating coldly and he took out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead.
After Marquis Geth finished speaking, Shan was about to get to the floor and present a rebuttal according to the procedure.
“Your Honor!”
A loud voice echoed through the courtroom. Everyone’s eyes turned to it. The man who suddenly stood up was Adam Geth.
Elze narrowed her eyes. There was no reason for that man to come out here. Anxiety clawed at her insides. Before Duke Wade could scold him for his rudeness in interfering in the trial, Adam spoke loudly.
“I do not believe that Count Targayel is qualified to represent Count Epernon in his defense. He is guilty of deceiving the House of Baluar."
Adam's words stirred the crowd. Even Duke Wade was embarrassed and didn't know what to do, so he looked at Crown Prince Raymond. Raymond's face was expressionless and frozen. He nodded slightly. It was a signal to listen. Duke Wade had no choice but to give Adam the floor.
“...Please speak.”
Adam, who had been given the chance to speak, swore in a serious voice that he would tell the truth in the name of God and in the honor of his family.
“I, Adam of Geth, declare that what I am about to say, in the name of Ines and on the honor of the Geth family, is the truth without a single lie.”
She didn't know what Adam was trying to say, but it couldn't be good for Elze. Elze fidgeted nervously with her hands at the hem of her dress.
“Countess Targayel, Erzenes Targayel...”
The name Erzenes Targayel was particularly vivid in her ears.
“She is Elze, the mercenary who led the infamous Elijah mercenary group. Count Targayel knew this, but kept it a secret until now, deceiving the royal family and the Empire.”
Elze opened her mouth. Her head felt cold as if someone had hit her on the back of the head. Unlike Elze, who was so shocked that she had lost her mind, Shan was calm. Shan cut off Adam’s fierce words with a cold voice.
“This is an absurd accusation. Do not disturb the sacred court with nonsense unrelated to the trial.”
But Adam's words did not end there.
“I hereby request a trial by ordeal to Erzenes Targayel.”
“A trial by ordeal? That’s ridiculous!”
This time, Shan couldn't hold back and shouted. His purple eyes were burning. Adam flinched and shrank at the terrifying glare. However, Crown Prince Raymond added a word in a dry voice.
“...”
Shan forced himself back into his seat. But his eyes were glaring fiercely. There was a reason Shan was so angry.
A trial by ordeal was literally a trial that tested the defendant to determine whether he was guilty or not. It was also called a trial by God, meaning that the outcome of the trial was left to God.
But unlike the grand name, the reality was absurd. The method of the trial by ordeal was simple. First, the defendant was given a near-death ordeal. Then, if the defendant was truly innocent, God would grant him a miracle to prove it and he would live. If not, he would die.
Although it was an ignorant and primitive judicial method, it was kept alive by the support of devout believers because it left the judgment to God.
Adam confidently looked around the courtroom and expressed his opinion.
“If she is innocent, Ines will grant her the strength to prove justice, and even if not, Elijah’s Elze will be able to escape death without any problem. I believe there is no method more certain than this.”
That crazy bastard... Elze cursed inwardly. It seemed like they thought Elze was immortal or something.
She wanted to yell at him and dismiss his nonsense, but unfortunately, Crown Prince Raymond didn't seem to think so.
“That’s an interesting statement.”
His eyes were cold and sunken. Elze felt a chill in her stomach. Crown Prince Raymond looked at Elze and said.
“I want to hear your story.”
Duke Wade put his hand on his forehead. He washed his face dry and called Elze's name in a heavy voice.
“...Erzenes Targayel.”
Given the circumstances, Elze had to say something. Elze slowly got up from her seat.
“...”
Everyone's eyes were turned to Elze. Every single person in the courtroom was looking at Elze. It was so intense that it felt like my skin was tingling.
Elze stood up from her seat and looked around the courtroom. Astin, sitting next to her, had turned pale, almost bluish. She turned her back to Astin, whose face was as hard as wax, and looked at Duke Seraph.
Duke Seraph looked at Elze with an elegant smile. His blue-gray eyes sparkled with interest. Seeing those eyes, Elze was certain that Duke Seraph was behind this incident.
Crown Prince Raymond was glaring at Elze. However, Elze was more concerned about Crown Princess Iarin, who was trembling beside him, than Crown Prince Raymond. She looked like she might faint at any moment.
The last thing she saw was Shan. He looked like he wanted to throw everything away and run to Elze right away. As Elze looked at Shan’s face, distorted with anger and worry, she suddenly felt at ease.
Whatever choice she makes here, Shan will support her. As always, like an unshakable tree. Elze opened her mouth with a slightly relieved heart.
“There is no need for a trial by ordeal.”
And she paused for a moment. For a brief moment, all sorts of thoughts flashed through her mind. Back when she first participated in the Hundred Years' War, created Elijah, fought alongside them on the battlefield, and fought back-to-back with Shan.
No matter what anyone said, Elze never regretted a single moment of living as Elijah.
There was no way she could back down any longer. No matter what excuse she made to escape the crisis, it was only a moment. Duke Seraph would reveal Elze's true identity.
And... She didn’t want to back down.
The courtroom was silent. There was not a single rustle of clothing. Everyone was waiting for Elze's words, holding their breath. Elze clenched her hands tightly. The sensation of her nails digging painfully into her palm was vivid.
With his blue eyes shining with determination, Erzenes Targayel spoke.
“Because I am Elze, the leader of the Elijah mercenary group.”
[Continued in Volume 5]
Elze, completely exhausted from her work at the sponsorship office, lay sprawled on the sofa in the study muttering. Shan, who was sitting next to her, burst out laughing at Elze’s appearance.
“Yeah, I guess I pushed myself too hard.”
“If we do it during the day, it will affect our afternoon schedule as well.”
Elze stopped talking and hugged the cushion on the sofa. The cushion was delicately embroidered with the symbol of Targayel, a crow, but it ended up getting crushed because Elze hugged it so mercilessly.
"I'm tired..."
Shan ran his hand through her hair as Elze muttered.
“Well, you must be tired since you worked so hard.”
“...”
Elze glanced at Shan without saying a word. Shan just smiled at the implicit gaze telling him to be quiet. Then, when Elze leaned her head against him, he carefully wrapped his arm around her shoulder and said.
“I told Elijah and Kalia to report it to me first. We can listen to the story in person when we're less tired.”
Then, he picked up the envelope in front of the sofa and showed it to Elze, who was amazed at Shan's sense once again.
Right now, Elze didn't have the energy to talk. It might have been Elijah, but even so, she couldn't talk while lying on the sofa in front of Epen.
She briefly suspected that he had considered having a relationship and had even asked her to write a report when he had planned tea time in the garden. However, since it was convenient for the time being, Elze simply followed his advice.
“Yes. I’ll take a look now.”
At Elze's words, Shan took out the report and gave it to her. He held the report in his hand and asked playfully.
“Shall I read it to you?”
“Are your eyes okay?”
Sometimes, she would see him carrying her on his back and acting like he was going to feed her. If she got used to his behavior, she felt like she would quickly become a spoiled child.
“Yes. Read it slowly.”
Shan put the report in Elze's hands and made her lean against him. Elze turned the first page of the report and asked Shan.
“Have you read it?”
“I read it. There are some surprising facts, so prepare yourself and read it.”
“...?”
Elze tilted her head at Shan's words and began to read. However, she didn't read much before she jumped up from the sofa, clutching the report as if she was going to tear it apart. Elze, who had been standing there blankly, flopped down on the sofa again and muttered.
“Heglatan...”
Shan had already guessed that Duke Seraph would side with Heglatan. However, Elze agreed with his guess, but at the same time, she also thought it was impossible. However, Shan’s guess was true. Elze looked back at Shan and asked.
“What are you going to do?”
“What should we do? Based on this, we should gradually tighten the screws on Duke Seraph. This is decisive evidence, and we are currently gathering other small pieces of evidence.”
Shan said, frowning.
“But there is something that bothers me a little. I don’t know how far Crown Prince Raymond will protect Duke Seraph.”
Shan had already tried to shake Raymond once. However, the bond between Duke Seraph and Crown Prince Raymond was stronger than expected. They wouldn't budge even with something so trivial.
Elze, who was reading the report while listening to Shan's words, stopped at the part of the basement that Kalia and the others had visited.
"...What's this."
Shan, who glanced at the part Elze was reading, frowned and said.
“Just read that part.”
While doing so, he covered half of it with his hand. Unfortunately, the part that Shan covered with his hand was the part that Elze had already read.
“Ugh, it’s okay, Shan..."
Elze, who had read the report to the end, looked even more exhausted. The Duke Seraph was truly amazing, to be able to make people tired just by reading it. Elze said as she handed the report back to Shan with her hands weak.
“Since Duke Seraph is regarded as a perfect being, I think it would be good to reveal this to the nobles.”
The contents of the report confirmed what had been thought to be nothing more than a rumor. It was true that Duke Seraph was involved in the disappearance of the blue-eyed prostitutes.
Epen wrote in detail about the situation in the basement in a somewhat dry tone. According to the report, several women with blue eyes were trapped in the basement of the Seraph's residence.
They were displayed in a fancy room, neatly dressed and made up like well-decorated dolls. At first glance, they looked normal, so Kalia tried to talk to them, but they were all drunk on some unknown drug and not in their right minds. All they did was sit there blankly with their eyes unfocused.
The report concluded that they could not all escape and that those who appeared less addicted were brought to the Targayel mansion.
“Whew... Well, we’ve gathered quite a few witnesses.”
The servants that were captured from the Crown Princess's Palace last time were treated so well that they almost died. Adding the women that were brought in this time, they were too numerous to ignore as witnesses.
“At this rate, we can immediately take care of Duke Seraph if he does anything stupid?”
“Yes. But...”
Shan's words trailed off. He frowned and muttered.
“I don’t know why I’m so concerned about this.”
“...”
Elze nodded quietly to Shan's words. In fact, Elze was the same as Shan. She had gathered enough evidence to the point where she thought she would never be lacking anything. But she still felt like something was missing.
She couldn't tell if this was truly due to a lack of evidence, or if they were simply nervous because their opponent was the Seraph Duke.
“But for now...”
Elze said, clenching her fists.
“Because I have no choice but to try as much as I can.”
Shan nodded slowly to Elze's words.
From that day on, Elze and Shan spent their time finalizing preparations for the trial of the Count of Epernon, while waiting for word from the Duke of Seraph.
However, Duke Seraph was quiet. Elze and Shan, who had expected that he would somehow adjust the negotiations to their advantage and try to negotiate again, became a little uneasy.
But time passed steadily, leaving the anxiety behind. And soon, the day of the Count of Epernon's trial arrived.
***
On the morning of the trial, Elze was busy preparing to attend the trial. Then, Astin came to see Elze.
“Astin, what’s going on?”
Elze was delighted by Astin's visit, but a little nervous. He was dressed like he was ready to go out. Before Elze could even ask where he was going, Astin told her what he wanted to do.
“Take me with you today. I understand that the Count is appearing as Epernon’s defense attorney at this trial and that our family has been given a seat in the audience.”
“What about the report?”
“I’ve already written the final report and sent it to the school.”
After finding out everything, Astin spoke to Elze as if informing her.
“Take me too, Sister.”
“...”
But Elze couldn't answer right away. Astin had been interested in the trial of the Count of Epernon for some time. However, even though Elze knew this, she didn't ask Astin to go to the trial with her.
She had no idea what would happen in the courtroom. Elze had a vague but instinctive feeling that something dangerous was waiting for her in the courtroom.
That's why she wanted to leave Astin behind if possible. But she couldn't tell Astin not to do it without a good reason. So she tried to leave him behind without hesitation, but Astin noticed Elze's shallow trick and ended up barging in and informing her.
“Sister!”
Astin looked at Elze with strength in his eyes. His eyes were telling her to hurry up and tell him why she wasn't going to take him. Elze finally sighed and said to Astin.
“Yes, let’s go together.”
So Elze, Shan, and Astin headed to the courtroom together. When they arrived at the courtroom, there were already quite a few people taking their seats.
The trial was attended by leading nobles as jurors, and any nobles who wished to attend were free to do so.
The trial of the Count of Epernon was a matter of great interest to many and a considerable number of people applied to attend. There was not a single empty seat in the audience.
“Yes, let’s meet up later.”
“Have a nice trip.”
After a brief greeting with Elze, Shan headed to the defense table for the defense of the Count of Epernon. Elze and Astin took their seats in the viewing area reserved for the Count of Targayel.
Most trials were merely formalities. In many cases, the outcome was already decided behind closed doors, so the trial proceeded quickly and a verdict was handed down in one breath.
But in a trial as important as the one involving the Count of Epernon, the circumstances were different. It was a real trial, complete with the plaintiff, defendant, defense team, jury, judge, and clerk.
Shan was seen talking to Duke Wade, who was presiding over the trial today. Duke Wade, who was in charge of the law for the Baluar Empire, often presided over important trials.
Duke Wade, along with Shan, argued for the Count of Epernon's innocence. However, even though the Duke was the judge, there was little he could actually do.
It was impossible to make a selfish decision while the nobles, including Crown Prince Raymond, were clearly watching. Without proper evidence, it would naturally not gain the support of the jury, and with the opposition of the nobles watching, Crown Prince Raymond in particular would be furious.
As Elze watched the conversation between Shan and Duke Wade, she heard whispers coming from the side.
"Oh..."
“Is that the Count of Epernon? He's changed completely.”
“I guess he was in a lot of pain.”
Today's defendant, the Count of Epernon, was in the position. The Count of Epernon, who entered the courtroom with his hands tied and guarded by the imperial knights, was a complete loss of his former splendid appearance. He entered with a gaunt face and sat down in the defendant's chair, staggering.
Then, Duke Seraph appeared in the jury box. The courtroom was momentarily chaotic as many nobles rushed to greet him, but it soon regained its composure. This was because Crown Prince Raymond entered with the sound of a trumpet.
Everyone in the courtroom stood up and bowed to Raymond. Elze bowed while looking at Iarin, who had entered with Raymond.
She saw Iarin wearing a dress with a high neckline. Elze was glad that she no longer had to cover her neck. Iarin also turned her head slightly to look for Elze, and when their eyes met, she smiled faintly.
The Crown Princess and her husband sat in a special place at the very front of the audience. After Raymond was fully seated, the trial began.
“We will now begin the trial of the Count of Epernon. First, please state the plaintiff’s reasons for the lawsuit.”
At Duke Wade's words, the Marquis of Geth rose from his seat. Technically, it was Crown Prince Raymond who initiated this trial. However, since the Crown Prince could not appear as the plaintiff, the Marquis of Geth was sent away.
While the Marquis Geth was eloquently arguing the guilt of the Count of Epernon, Elze noticed Adam Geth sitting next to him.
Adam Geth was someone she had met in front of the Harpyrion restaurant before. He had been arrogant then, but today he looked very nervous. He looked strange as if he was sweating coldly and he took out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead.
After Marquis Geth finished speaking, Shan was about to get to the floor and present a rebuttal according to the procedure.
“Your Honor!”
A loud voice echoed through the courtroom. Everyone’s eyes turned to it. The man who suddenly stood up was Adam Geth.
Elze narrowed her eyes. There was no reason for that man to come out here. Anxiety clawed at her insides. Before Duke Wade could scold him for his rudeness in interfering in the trial, Adam spoke loudly.
“I do not believe that Count Targayel is qualified to represent Count Epernon in his defense. He is guilty of deceiving the House of Baluar."
Adam's words stirred the crowd. Even Duke Wade was embarrassed and didn't know what to do, so he looked at Crown Prince Raymond. Raymond's face was expressionless and frozen. He nodded slightly. It was a signal to listen. Duke Wade had no choice but to give Adam the floor.
“...Please speak.”
Adam, who had been given the chance to speak, swore in a serious voice that he would tell the truth in the name of God and in the honor of his family.
“I, Adam of Geth, declare that what I am about to say, in the name of Ines and on the honor of the Geth family, is the truth without a single lie.”
She didn't know what Adam was trying to say, but it couldn't be good for Elze. Elze fidgeted nervously with her hands at the hem of her dress.
“Countess Targayel, Erzenes Targayel...”
The name Erzenes Targayel was particularly vivid in her ears.
“She is Elze, the mercenary who led the infamous Elijah mercenary group. Count Targayel knew this, but kept it a secret until now, deceiving the royal family and the Empire.”
Elze opened her mouth. Her head felt cold as if someone had hit her on the back of the head. Unlike Elze, who was so shocked that she had lost her mind, Shan was calm. Shan cut off Adam’s fierce words with a cold voice.
“This is an absurd accusation. Do not disturb the sacred court with nonsense unrelated to the trial.”
But Adam's words did not end there.
“I hereby request a trial by ordeal to Erzenes Targayel.”
“A trial by ordeal? That’s ridiculous!”
This time, Shan couldn't hold back and shouted. His purple eyes were burning. Adam flinched and shrank at the terrifying glare. However, Crown Prince Raymond added a word in a dry voice.
“Count Targael. I see the defense has not yet finished speaking.”
Shan forced himself back into his seat. But his eyes were glaring fiercely. There was a reason Shan was so angry.
A trial by ordeal was literally a trial that tested the defendant to determine whether he was guilty or not. It was also called a trial by God, meaning that the outcome of the trial was left to God.
But unlike the grand name, the reality was absurd. The method of the trial by ordeal was simple. First, the defendant was given a near-death ordeal. Then, if the defendant was truly innocent, God would grant him a miracle to prove it and he would live. If not, he would die.
Although it was an ignorant and primitive judicial method, it was kept alive by the support of devout believers because it left the judgment to God.
Adam confidently looked around the courtroom and expressed his opinion.
“If she is innocent, Ines will grant her the strength to prove justice, and even if not, Elijah’s Elze will be able to escape death without any problem. I believe there is no method more certain than this.”
That crazy bastard... Elze cursed inwardly. It seemed like they thought Elze was immortal or something.
She wanted to yell at him and dismiss his nonsense, but unfortunately, Crown Prince Raymond didn't seem to think so.
“That’s an interesting statement.”
His eyes were cold and sunken. Elze felt a chill in her stomach. Crown Prince Raymond looked at Elze and said.
“I want to hear your story.”
Duke Wade put his hand on his forehead. He washed his face dry and called Elze's name in a heavy voice.
“...Erzenes Targayel.”
Given the circumstances, Elze had to say something. Elze slowly got up from her seat.
“...”
Everyone's eyes were turned to Elze. Every single person in the courtroom was looking at Elze. It was so intense that it felt like my skin was tingling.
Elze stood up from her seat and looked around the courtroom. Astin, sitting next to her, had turned pale, almost bluish. She turned her back to Astin, whose face was as hard as wax, and looked at Duke Seraph.
Duke Seraph looked at Elze with an elegant smile. His blue-gray eyes sparkled with interest. Seeing those eyes, Elze was certain that Duke Seraph was behind this incident.
Crown Prince Raymond was glaring at Elze. However, Elze was more concerned about Crown Princess Iarin, who was trembling beside him, than Crown Prince Raymond. She looked like she might faint at any moment.
The last thing she saw was Shan. He looked like he wanted to throw everything away and run to Elze right away. As Elze looked at Shan’s face, distorted with anger and worry, she suddenly felt at ease.
Whatever choice she makes here, Shan will support her. As always, like an unshakable tree. Elze opened her mouth with a slightly relieved heart.
“There is no need for a trial by ordeal.”
And she paused for a moment. For a brief moment, all sorts of thoughts flashed through her mind. Back when she first participated in the Hundred Years' War, created Elijah, fought alongside them on the battlefield, and fought back-to-back with Shan.
No matter what anyone said, Elze never regretted a single moment of living as Elijah.
There was no way she could back down any longer. No matter what excuse she made to escape the crisis, it was only a moment. Duke Seraph would reveal Elze's true identity.
And... She didn’t want to back down.
The courtroom was silent. There was not a single rustle of clothing. Everyone was waiting for Elze's words, holding their breath. Elze clenched her hands tightly. The sensation of her nails digging painfully into her palm was vivid.
With his blue eyes shining with determination, Erzenes Targayel spoke.
“Because I am Elze, the leader of the Elijah mercenary group.”
[Continued in Volume 5]
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