70. Painful hearings

Previous Chapter

"Don't worry too much, I promise you that you will be well taken care of," Jimena assured me.

"That's a nice change," I replied with a frown. Shimena didn't say anything, and she didn't comment when I gently pulled one of my fingers up.

We went to the terrible courtroom. I didn't have time to prepare, I didn't have time to do anything. My hearing starts tonight, and that's it. My only merit is that it is my self-appointed lawyer, Salim of Rosenthal, who has asked me not to delay, the courtier who warned me that Lambert is coming. Jimena assured me that he had both experience and ability.

I don't have a clear memory, and I've never been a lawyer, so I'm going to rely on him. Like my father would say, those who choose to defend themselves, their clients are idiots.

I only hope that my fate does not depend on others, no matter how talented they are.

"I'm just warning you, dear sister, that if the Lancasters get custody of me, I'm dead."

"If it gets to that point, we'll both die tonight," she replied with a smile. There was not a trace of worry in her, but I don't know if it was out of faith in Salim or acceptance of death. Seeing my worried expression, she continued.

"Don't worry, you'll be a member of the clan before this is done. Then you're free to go anywhere on the continent, go to Charleston, Boston, or even form your own witch group! Think of all the trips we can enjoy together, the people we will meet, and the meals! It will be glorious. ”

"Yes...... Yes, I'm fed up with being hidden. ”

"You will soon be accepted into one of our ranks. Just wait and see. ”

"Hmm."

I live in a bedroom on the second floor. The central wing of the estate is used almost entirely for accommodation, as well as some private reception rooms. The right wing contains suites for large gatherings, as well as a library, while the left wing is dedicated to offices and archives. The underground floors are deep and the defense is very good, with wards and mechanics that make an attack dangerous on any given day. Even Shimena did not know the full extent of its defenses. She told me that there was a well-equipped armory, a complex training room, magic workshops...... I think there's also a torture chamber.

We walked down a corridor decorated with earthy and dark woods down a huge stone staircase. If I'm not mistaken, the guards were spaced at regular intervals, to fortify the building, and to prevent fire. They taste snow and suffocation.

At the end of the stairs is a corridor that crosses the same path I had walked three days earlier. We turned to the right and soon saw the courtroom.

We walked in. I remember loosening my grip on her hand when one of Gimena's knuckles cracked. She didn't say a word.

This time, on the table in the reception room sat a woman with a serious expression, with gray-brown hair and a haggard face. She nodded when she saw us and waved us in. Her aura is that of a weak, or very young master. I realized that Rosenthal's work was well organized, although I also noticed that it had a strange spike. Before I noticed more, we walked between the two sentinels and entered the room where my fate would be decided again. I really hope things will get better this time.

On the right, I remember the plaintiff's side, there were five people, and I recognized most of them. At the top of the table, Mrs. Moore's agate-colored hair is carefully combed into a hairstyle. Next to her was a vampire I didn't recognize. Judging by his clothes, he is male, with gray hair and a black suit. Just behind her, I saw the backs of Melusin and Baudouin, and if I remember correctly, one of the Roland twins who presided over my duel with Ximena thirty years ago.

Then my eyes looked to my side. In front sat Salim of Rosenthal. Behind him, Nami

Ata wears a beautiful white cotton dress with a lot of frills, and behind her, Ai

Tza sat straight next to a man I'd never seen before. As I passed by, I looked at him and was surprised to see that he was a very old De Fogg, looking wild, with a large bald head and a messy white beard. He stared at me intently as I walked by.

Jime

A stop at Nami

ata, gently pushing me forward. I sat next to Salim and he gave me a smile that I thought was encouraging. I don't have the strength to refute. Instead, I close my eyes.

Fingers are good.

The toe is good.

Fresh air.

It can be moved.

Good.

I repeated the mantra in my head. It helps. I wish my cold mind could cover up these memories. I guess I shouldn't be too greedy. A mortal would need... In fact, a mortal will die.

We won't wait long. It seems that Constantine was not the kind of person who made others wait for the sake of power. He entered the room with three vampires through the door on the right.

I didn't realize the significance of being here until now. Boston is the vampire capital of North America, and I'm the head of government here. The first man who followed was tall and muscular, not like a worker, but like a circus Hercules. The brown suit he wore was bulging, and while it was clearly custom-made, it looked like it was painted. It's as if someone has stuffed a bear in a tuxedo. I don't need to taste his aura to recognize Natalis, I can tell you that this is an ancient and powerful man.

The second person who came in was an elegant young woman with blonde hair and crystal blue eyes the color of the coldest ice. She wears an elegant sleeveless white dress with high gloves. She smiled innocently when she saw me, and although her aura waned, I can say beyond a doubt that it was a lady.

The last person to come in was also a God, even though his aura seemed to be missing something. He grimaced under his thick eyebrows and shoulder-length white hair. His suit is also off-white, showing a lean but muscular physique. His face is a little older than that of the average vampire, and his eyes are resolute, like a wolf. He calmly surveyed the room, unobtrusively interested.

I was impressed with you a few days ago. Don't think about reducing the population of a small town, this room has enough power to destroy an army. Of course, they may never agree to fight side by side.

Three newcomers sat in the elevated seats behind Konstantin to my left. Compared to us, they are diagonal, and their position allows them to condescend to see the upcoming program.

Constantine walked behind his pulpit and, without any ceremony, began his speech.

"Nilaari's Ariana asked the Speaker to be granted the status of the House of Representatives under the Agreement. The Lancaster Parliament, the local representative of the Lancaster family, exercises their right to object. We will now review the validity of their claims. The verdict will be made by a neutral jury. Let us welcome Mistress Jerek of Natalis, Lady Sephar of Hastings, and Master Tolan of Devor. ”

To my surprise, Salim's eyes widened at the sight of the surname. I feel like all vampires have changed. Obviously this person is important. Good for him.

"Remember, anyone caught lying, regardless of their position, will be handed over to Ignas to deal with. Barlow, you come to the floor," Konstantin finished.

"Thank you, sir," replied the white-haired old man. He stood up and walked to the front. The man was handsome and had an aristocratic temperament, but when our eyes met, his sneer turned his face into a mask of cruelty.

"In 1803, after a decennial conclave, the Lancasters took over Ariana of the Nerali family, who at that time was just a fledgling child and made an agreement with her father. The family put considerable effort and resources into raising her, and she evaded her responsibilities six months later, cheating in a duel as prescribed by the Holy Shrine, and cowardly assassinating a member of the Witch Society. After this, she left a trail of destruction all over the United States, which proved beyond a shadow of a shadow that this woman could not be left to her own devices. We believe that the Lancasters have been wronged and that our generosity has been spurned by the accused. All we ask for is justice. We demand reparations and, for her own benefit, release the offender into our custody until the debt is paid off. Thank you. ”

The scoundrel walked back to his seat with dignity. I'm excited. The audacity of these people...... Will this abuse ever end?

"Salim, you have a say," Konstantin said in turn.

Salim smiled and stood up and sat down in Barlow's place.

The defence argued that freeing Ariana from the torture she had endured was an internal Lancaster affair at the time. We believe that the plaintiffs have no legal basis and that they have wasted the time of this noble assembly with these flimsy accusations to take revenge on the vampire who outright outnumbered them. We ask the General Assembly to see through this trick and to bring the proceedings to an expeditious and just conclusion. ”

Although it only lasted for a while, I could see that Salim's request had been answered by the Speaker. He gave me the impression that he valued his time. Maybe it's too precious. My lawyer knows the judge well and it's a good place to start. When Salim walked back, I realized that for the first time since leaving the university, I felt a new emotion. Wish.

"Barlow, you can get started."

"My lord, I invite Lady Moore of Lancaster."

The arrogant woman walked forward and made a small circle to the right of the clearing that I hadn't noticed before. She stood there as if her presence was a privilege for which we should be grateful. Her testimony is a heartbreaking story of how she "saved me" from my father, a man known for treating his offspring in a depraved and horrific way.

There is no objection.

The lady then elaborated on how she wanted to give me a chance at life, despite the misfortune of my ancestors, and did her best to educate and guide me until my fatal betrayal. I was angry, and although I hid it well, I found it helpful to be angry. I don't feel like I'm being tortured anymore. Instead, I added Moore, Anatoly, and that little bastard with a crying nose to the list, and I'm going to skin them alive myself, then dip them in a bucket of freshly squeezed lemon juice and roast them in a pit.

It was Salim's turn. The difference between him and Barlow is striking. While the flamboyant bastard is punctuated with witty features with flowery language, Salim is calm and to the point.

"What compensation have you received from Lord Nelari other than custody of my client?"

"Against," Barlow said positively, "it doesn't matter. ”

Constantine turned his gaze to Salim, indicating that he could answer.

"Your Excellency, the plaintiff believes that accepting Ariana is a favor to her. I'm just trying to prove that this is not true at all. ”

Constantine's attention turned to Moore.

"It's a false dichotomy, young sir, and I can act in a way that is beneficial to Ariana and myself. Business wisdom is not a disadvantage. ”

"So it is first and foremost a transaction, and as for the benefits, I have a copy of a letter sent to the Government of the Agreement in August 1803, with your signature, requesting recognition, I quote, to eliminate the threat of the devourer. I suppose it's your 'wisdom' while maintaining your usual kindness, Mrs. Moore?"

Silent.

"No other problems, sir."

I know that this exchange did not lead to any concrete results. This was only a preliminary testimony to establish the circumstances of my enslavement, however Salim broke their narrative. In just a few words, my status changed from a protected person to an asset.

The next person to come up was Baudouin, and I forced myself not to laugh. If they want to prove how much they contributed and how I gave them back, then Merusin should be next. Their decision may be for the best, although the jury may wonder why she didn't intervene.

The faithful servant explained, in English, in bloody detail, how I had cleared a warehouse for him. He remembers how I showed unnecessary cruelty and malice in the course of my work. He said that my wrists and limbs were broken, and that men and women were drained of blood at every chance I had the chance.

His twisted story didn't anger me. Baudouin was a servant, and servants were allied with their masters. That's the way it is.

After Baudouin finished his crazy exaggeration, Salim stood up and laughed.

"How many times have you entrusted Ariana with the Lancaster business?" Give us an estimate. ”

Trust. Well said, Salim.

Baudouin hesitated.

"You mentioned at least 13 different instances where she proved to be too violent, so I ask again, how many times did you send her on a mission?" Fifty?"

"Pretty much ......"

"Remind me, how many Lancaster vampires were there in the city back then?"

"They weren't always there."

"Please answer this question."

"Seven".

"The Lancaster family has seven vampires to handle affairs, and you're so reliant on a newbie from a different bloodline?"

"Their time is precious. I don't know how you do it, but here we don't allow noble people to waste their time on menial work. ”

"Defending your academy's financial interests is a menial task?" You mean to say that you've hired Ariana so many times because none of the other seven vampires in the Witch Guild are willing to do this kind of menial work, and you clearly don't approve of her actions?"

"I didn't mean that."

"Let me summarize your story, Baudouin. You have repeatedly asked my client to deal with sensitive matters, although you are very upset with her barbaric behavior, as the other seven members of the witch congregation are all busy with extremely important and sensitive cases. Really?"

Silent.

"No need to answer Baudouin. Another question, when you mentioned that my client was, how many people had she fed on those nights?"

"Vampires' eating habits have nothing to do with me"

"Ah, but as your master's executor, you should know the condition of the fledgling man you released in the city, right?" Surely you wouldn't let a chick run around without supervision and feeding, would you? Such irresponsible behaviour would constitute a grave violation of the security provisions of the Agreement. ”

"She didn't run recklessly. I was very careful. ”

"Is that you? How did you force her to obey?"

Silent. So far, the jury has been silent. The last sentence piqued their interest. Suddenly, the atmosphere became heavy, and their attention fell on the servant.

"Answer the question, Baudouin," Konstantin said in a deceptively soft voice.

"Use a pain control bracelet."

There was a painful and embarrassing silence, and four pairs of critical eyes fell on Mrs. Moore. To her credit, she didn't back down. I knew I would.

All in all, Lancaster's benevolence means hard work, poor management of the feeding of chicks, and loyalty enforced by the Pain Bracelet. This time, I agree with the plaintiffs that compensation is indeed needed. No other problems, my lord. ”

Baudouin walked back to his place on thin ice. Hostility in the atmosphere of the jury is a special thing, because our instincts naturally weaken the desire to hurt the servant. It seems that I am not the only one who despises captivity, and worse, by someone who is not a vampire.

I stole a glance at the Lancaster bench. Barlow and Moore were as unmoved as ever, but behind them, Melusin's fists clenched tightly. Our eyes briefly made contact.

I know Salim is well prepared and doesn't need my opinion. He knows me very well and knows me very well through Jime

a, Nami, Isaac and Loth do everything. I still think it's reckless for him to act so fast. There may be information that I haven't shared yet, and it may be related to the trial.

The next witness to be called by Barlow is one of the Roland twins. He recounted how he presided over a duel and confirmed that it was a life-and-death duel in accordance with the Agreement. Salim only objected to Barlow's insinuation of my duplicity, not to prove my duplicity, and he didn't ask questions. Then Constantine announced a brief adjournment, and he left the room first, followed by the jury. They looked at me as they passed.

They looked interested.

The defendant was the first to leave, and we were escorted to the reception room by one of the Speaker's silent sentinels. These groups do not leave together in case of sudden violence. It's a wise choice, because if I can get away with it, I'll be happy to stab them. We sat on the couch, including old De Vogel, who looked completely out of place and somehow still had a faint smell of fish.

"Introduction?" Out of politeness, I asked him in English and looked at him.

"I don't know who you are, little girl."

This voice, this crazy eye, this incredible age......

"Are you...... Ellinger?"

"Understood"

I know Ellinger. Loth often mentions him. E

li

gu

is an old legend in Dve

gu

Almost a legend among the clans. His temper is the subject of many ballads, as is his lust for women and wine. His first axe is said to have broken off the head of one of Trajan's legionnaires. It is said that his profession was a mercenary from cold Kievan Rus' to the Spanish coast, and he was the captain of the Byzantine Varangian and the bodyguard of the First California. It is also said that he once wrestled with a roasted wild boar at his ex-wife's wedding. The boar won.

He is not known for his brilliance.

Still, the last time we talked, Loth missed him a lot. After returning from work in the Scottish Highlands, it was Ellinger who taught him English. He is also the oldest living uncle of my friend.

"When you catch that narwhal......"

"Uh-huh," Salim interrupted. I was distracted and felt good. Although judging by the old man's angry face, I should choose another story. But definitely not the one with squid.

"We're running out of time," the lawyer continued, "and I need to ask you if you're in good enough shape to testify." ”

"If you give me time to recover, it will definitely be better." I booed in response.

It's all there. All straight. All fines. No, I need to be more focused. Calm down.

"There's a reason for that. I guess you refuse to give Lancaster anything, right?"

"If they get custody in any way, it will be my last night and I will take as many of them as I can when I leave."

"Then think about this. The final decision will be made by the jury. They are the ones we need to convince. They are visiting European dignitaries and they know what happened to you recently......"

"What did they do?"

"Yes. They know that you are being ruthlessly exploited by Constantine in the power game between him and the knights. However, knowing and seeing are two different things. Constantine did not understand this pain. He couldn't. ”

Salim's expression blurred, and I remember Isaac mentioning torture training. He knows.

"There is not a single living man or woman who has not endured enough pain to drive a hundred mortals insane, and you are here the next night, falling, but not falling."

"You expect them to sympathize with you?"

"Not sympathy, Ariana. Respect. ”

Well.

Jime

A sit closer. She flicked my arm with her light fingers. On the other side, Nami bumped me on the shoulder.

"Very well, I'll do it," I replied.

Salim asked me to prepare for the next 15 minutes, and he insisted that a good lawyer wouldn't ask a question he didn't know the answer to. I used the opportunity to show that Melusin's loyalty was uncertain, and Salim was sure that if they wanted to take advantage of her, he could take advantage of that. After that, I asked to talk to Ximena alone. The others lined up and left the room without complaint.

"When?" I asked.

"When will it stop?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry, sister; I wish I had an answer, but I didn't. Master Theron can help you...... Ah, maybe we'll talk about it later. Know that once this is over, you're free and have plenty of time to recover. Since you became one of us, you have either gone into hiding or run away. With this in mind, you will be able to visit any of our cities and be welcomed like guests. ”

"I'm not sure ......"

"You're going to be welcomed here, you're going to be welcomed by my family in Charleston, you're going to be welcomed by the Elkem family in New Orleans. There are libraries, teachers and trainers. There are many wonders to visit, many parties to attend, and many people to meet people who were alive when Columbus stained his pants. Think about it. ”

"I can't. I can only... Never mind. Let's get this over quickly, I can't calm down until I know I'm safe. ”

"Good."

weaknesses. Powerless. I've forgotten how it felt for too long, and now I think about it again, in this room full of old monsters.

"Did you intend to cheat when you duel with the Jimena of CΓ‘diz?"

β€œNo.”

"Did you do anything that could be considered cheating?"

β€œNo.”

"Did you know you'd face her on the battlefield?"

β€œNo.”

"But you must have guessed what was going to happen, right?"

"Yes, I expected what was going to happen, so I was very surprised when she stabbed me in the heart."

Isn't it funny that the members of the jury have changed shifts? In any case, my innocence in the duel initiated by the sabotage of the Entente should be confirmed. It's not my trick, and if they doubt me, they can always ask Ignatz for confirmation. This is yet another tool missing from the Lancaster family's arsenal of slander and semi-false lies.

Next, Salim asked me to detail the many things I did for Baudouin. My answer showed my deep understanding of their structure and priorities, something that a barely controlled mob did not know. I briefly explained why the hunting mage's attack and Nami's subsequent rescue made Moore doubt my loyalty, and how she didn't hesitate to use me in her arena. Moore visibly nervous at the mention of how much money might be involved, and Barlow suddenly seemed interested.

Accept it, you dishonest old witch.

Salim's measured wording calmed me down, and I quickly realized that the three members of the jury had deliberately depressed their aura. They don't feel so domineering anymore, on the contrary, they are a bit protective. Yes, they are dangerous, but not for me, at least not now.

I still need all the willpower to stay upright. I just want to put an end to this. I'll say a little more and everything will be fine.

Barlow stood up and interrogated me.

Salim's advice is to answer the facts and not worry about any impressions I make. So, I'll do it. I don't think hard, and I don't act cowardly. My answer is concise and nothing more.

"You're back to see your family, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Are they welcoming you back?"

"Yes."

Things didn't seem to be going as smoothly as Barlow had imagined. I think the Lancasters have been treating me like a bloodthirsty idiot for too long, and have ended up believing their own myths.

"When did they kick you out?"

"They don't. I left that night and remained close to my father until he died three years ago. ”

β€œβ€¦β€

Wait a minute.......

"How many people did you kill on your way from New Orleans?"

"Mortals who quench my thirst, and vampires"

"FranΓ§oise?"

"Yes."

"To cover up your betrayal, you killed a member of the Witch Society?"

"No, I killed her because she wanted to kill Ancha," I said, pointing to the servant in the room. Mrs. Hastings gasped in surprise.

"Her finger is broken," I added.

Of course, at that time Ancha was not bound to Jimena, although I did not elaborate on this.

"Uh-huh. Yes. And after that? How many people have died at your hands?"

I'll count. The three idiots lynched a fugitive slave named Toussaint, which, by the way, was the first time I got drunk. Then there was Father Perry and his entourage.

"Six," I replied, explaining who they were and the circumstances of their deaths.

Barlow ended with a few treacherous, slanderous words suggesting that my testimony was unreliable and that I may have killed those on whom I depended for my livelihood without realizing it. He noted that the number of missing persons increased during this period, which Salim objected. This ended his counter-interrogation.

Jury members are already showing signs of impatience. They are neither offensive to the host nor easy to single out by us. The fact that they sat behind Constantine also helps. Salim smiled as he introduced the next witness.

"The plaintiff questioned my client's ability to act alone. Now, I will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that as soon as she got rid of her tormentor, she fought hard and achieved success that a one-year-old chick could not match. For this reason, I will ask Roth, king of Sgolage, to bear witness. ”

King?

Ellinger stood up, clutched a box in his rough paws, and tiptoed to the front. The artifact is an intricate silver structure topped by a needle from which a gentle aura of magic emanates. It tastes like ......

It tastes like Rose, like mountains and steel! He cast his own magic.

"Ellinger, please explain the reason for your visit," Salim said. It was very subtle, but I noticed that the courtier's expression was just a little funny.

The reason for this soon became apparent.

Loth asked me. yes, I've known him since I was a kid. "You're going to fight badly, you spent the day running around like a pure rabbit in your shabby house, you didn't want to leave his house, so he just shut your house and you got it away before I hit it, you didn't want to, so he said, leave before I burned down your house and got you a job, so I left and here I am," he said.

There was silence in the room. Constantine's gaze penetrated deep into Salim, and he watched calmly. Ms. Hastings opened a fan to hide her obvious smile.

"What did he say?" The Speaker asked angrily.

"Ellinger is here on the orders of King Loth."

β€œβ€¦β€¦ I see, what is his mission?"

"I know," said an extremely low, hoarse voice.

It was the Lord of Natalis who spoke. For his size, his voice is surprisingly soft, and he speaks slowly and with moderation.

"It's a recording box, it's Dve

gu

of inventions. They are very precious and rarely used. He's here to open the door. ”

"This virus can only be activated through the blood of relatives. It's a safeguard against tampering with information," the gray-haired lord added. His voice is still bass, though not as low as his neighbor's. Even in Akkad, his accent is strange. There was a rhythm, as if he was reciting.

Konstantin looked at the object curiously. He'd probably never seen it.

"Then we'll hear from your relatives," he said.

As soon as he finished saying this, Ellinger poked his thumbs on his phone. The box flashed with blue runes, and then an illusory globe rose into the air. It vibrates slightly with every sound produced by the magic.

"I'm busy! it! My friend's distinctive voice said. A rare emotion filled my heart, and I raised my hands to my chest. Loth's aura now spread throughout the room, as if he were right here.

"Is the damn thing open? Ah, on. "Uh-huh.

"My name is Loth and I'm from Scolag. I have spent the last century in North America, and for the past ten years I have welcomed Ariane from Nelari in my home. During this time, she complied with all the terms of our arrangement without exception. She has never killed my citizens, nor has she ever endangered my life or my secrets. She shows loyalty and candor in her dealings, and curiosity and ingenuity in her quest for knowledge. She fought alongside me and bled with me, no matter how dangerous her life was. She helped me face my inner demons and make me a better person, not out of personal gain, but because she wanted to help me. She is an apprentice, a confidant, an assistant, and more importantly, a friend. A true friend and I would not hesitate to risk my life for him. All you overseas vampires, whoever you are, there's a diamond among you, and I regret every day that she can't be with me and not with these ass-licking, unruly fools. What a good hunt we'll have! Anyway, I've said enough. Ariana, if you're here, I'll make you a gun the next time we meet, and I'll make you a gun that can knock a bastard's head off a mile and then five more times without reloading, and you'll see! Aw

ite。 I'm King Loth, end the call. ”

The sound bubble dissipated, and I involuntarily gasped for breath and bent forward slightly.

Happiness.

The emotion was so ephemeral and precious that I forgot the whole hearing and focused on the elusive warmth in my chest. I let it go through me. It was only when it dissipated into the cold nest of my unbeating heart that I opened my eyes again and straightened my body. Both the jury and the speaker were expectant, even though I knew they saw my reaction. They pretended not to see my weakness for a moment. It's a sign of respect.

On another bench, Lancaster's discomfort was palpable.

If I were to judge the impact the hearings have had on them so far, I would only use the word "catastrophic."

Despite the numerous setbacks, Barlow hasn't given up yet.

"Ellinger, they've been living together for ten years. Is it impossible for your king to be under her influence?"

Want to discredit the witnesses in front of his grumpy uncle? Good idea, idiot, let's see what this does for you.

"You stupid, you silly," said the old man, trembling with rage, "of course we've checked his brain, you little!" "

"He respectfully disagreed," Salim added with a blank face.

The only sound was the sound of wood, and Barlow's paws slowly reached into his table.

Beautiful.

"I think that's enough," Konstantin declared, glaring at Lancaster.

"Sir, allow me to say one last thing." Barlow interjected respectfully.

Ah, when are you going to give up? Constantine was silent, and the lawyer interpreted it as permission to continue.

"We also have evidence that Ariana Nerali is allied with the White Order, a hostile mage religious group that has caused great suffering to our family. We believe that her collaboration with the enemies of all of us is a crime and should be punished. ”

"Why didn't you mention it before?" Konstantin asked impatiently.

"Our witness is Melusin of Lancaster. She has suffered a huge loss lately, and we hope not to put unnecessary stress on her. ”

Right.

Melusi

e stands up in place of El

i

gu

Stand in front.

It would be nice.

"Merusin, after that battle that cost your courtiers their lives, you witnessed Ariana's collusion with the enemy, right?"

Silent. Merusin's shoulders tensed, and her face was like a frozen mask. I can't imagine the turmoil in her heart right now, and I'm glad she decided to keep our vows instead of being loyal to her family.

"Right?" Barlow repeated with obvious anger. If I was humiliated like him, I would be angry too.

"Melusin, you forgot yourself. Answer my question. He insisted, as Mrs. Moore's gaze fell on the little vixen. A condemnatory silence! It couldn't be better.

β€œβ€¦β€¦ Saved me. ”

The sound was almost a whisper, so silent that mortals could not hear it, but to us it was like thunder in the blue sky.

"Say that again, please?" Barlow half-sc

eams。

"She saved me. Do you want to know the answer? I'll give you an answer, you hypocritical idiot. That beautiful blonde farmer saved my life that night. She dragged my crippled body through the flames and smoke, breaking through when I couldn't. Cunning and ruthless, she sends one group of admirers to slaughter another, fighting with claws and fangs, while your mistress runs away with her tail between her legs! All this because she caught their precious warlord, and she did not deign to cover her tracks like a fool. ”

Melusin is screaming right now. I bet they could hear her on the other side of the bay. Don't mind my previous comment, it's a thousand times better than silence.

"Moore, you cunning shit!" My Arthur is dead because you are stupid and you can't do the right thing, and you have no backup and sent me to clean up the mess for you! Now you're ordering me to help? You think you're smart? You think you won? When the Emperor receives my report of your embezzlement and fraud, even if you usually swallow a few miles, it will not let your scrawny fellow go unpunished!"

Forget they could hear her in London.

"Loyal to the cause?" Ha! his career, his family, him!"

The room became quieter. At least that's what I thought, my ears were still ringing. Author: The Observer. Wow.

I was knocked down.

Barlow and Moore stared blankly and frightened like a pair of stranded fish.

"Anything else you'd like to add?" Konstantin politely added, while the angry redhead was still panting.

"I ...... I want to be a part of the Academy!"

"I guess he's a political refugee, right?"

"Yes!"

"Your request was accepted. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, let's stop here. Do you need time to think about it?"

"No, speaker."

β€œNo.”

"Not really."

"The result?"

"I, Jerrick of House Natalie, refuse to accept Lancaster's request."

"I, Sephar of House Hastings, refuse to accept Lancaster's request"

"I, Tolan of Devor, refuse Lancaster's request"

"Lancaster's request was denied. The request was granted. Welcome to the Accord, Nelari House. ”

Like they say, that's it.