"What did you say!"
The representatives of House Apeto cried out, but the judge's declaration that no one could leave was firm.
"It's to protect all those gathered here and prevent any involved parties from fleeing. Please wait a moment."
"So you're implying that we would run away from here! How rude."
"What family are you from? If you dare to disregard Apeto to this extent, surely…"
'They have a notable ability to interpret everything in their favor.'
Yuder, watching these scenes play out like a farce, turned his head toward Kishiar. He was observing the seven grand judges who were locked in conversation. As it happened, it seemed the evidence they'd requested had arrived, as lower-ranking judges rushed in with paper bundles tied with string.
Not long afterward, one of the judges approached Kishiar and politely bowed his head.
"The seven grand judges have sent this to ask for His Grace Duke Peletta's opinion on the matter of reading the confidential evidence."
In his hand was a rolled-up piece of paper and a pen.
"I'll check it first."
Yuder stepped forward to receive them, making sure there were no problems in anticipation of any unforeseen circumstances.
'There's no issue, the content… they want to know which part of the submitted evidence we wish to designate for reading.'
Having confirmed, he passed the paper to Kishiar. He quickly read the content and briefly wrote his response at the bottom. The judge took the reply and immediately returned to the seven grand judges.
"Do you have any idea which part I designated?"
Kishiar opened his mouth leisurely. Yuder blinked a few times before replying softly.
"I didn't read the entire record, so I can't be sure… but since House Apeto has requested this to clarify why they've committed such acts, shouldn't it relate to that?"
"Correct."
A soft smile spread across Kishiar's face as he leaned back in his chair.
"I tried to gloss over and skip the sad history of House Apeto for the sake of Prince Aishes, but if they insist on this, what can I do?"
They have no choice but to reveal the truth to defend themselves. With that remark, Yuder instantly had an inkling of which part Kishiar had requested.
'It must be the part related to the Blood of Blessing.'
How would House Apeto react when the sins they had long hidden came to light? They probably wouldn't be able to keep posturing so boldly.
Even the mere thought brought a sense of satisfaction, but Yuder was slightly curious if the seven grand judges would indeed permit the reading of such a secretive part in front of everyone.
"But if it's that part, might not the seven grand judges refuse to accept it?"
"The reason there are seven grand judges is to decide the verdict by majority vote. It's the same in this case."
Kishiar lightly gestured toward the seven grand judges with the hand resting on his knee.
"As long as four or more agree, it can be read. Two of them took bribes from Apeto this time, and two others, though not bribed, have deep connections with other ducal houses. And the remaining three were personally appointed by His Majesty the Emperor right after his enthronement."
"So then…"
A majority of four out of seven was necessary, but if the Emperor's faction only contained three, how could the remaining one be fulfilled? It was an unfair selection process, even if it wasn't a quality trial. Seeing Yuder's furrowed brow, a slightly colder smile than usual played on Kishiar's lips.
"Yesterday, the Duke of Diarca sent a secret letter to His Majesty the Emperor. He said he would like to help, in some small way, with this matter."
"Help? Are you implying that among the grand judges from the ducal houses faction, there is one with connections to the House of Diarca?"
"There has to be."
Kishiar's crimson eyes scanned the faces of the grand judges.
"Their influence reaches everywhere in this country."
The Duke of Diarca wouldn't have reached out without a reason. Yuder speculated on the meaning behind Kishiar's brooding expression.
'Is the Duke of Diarca trying to cover up the crime committed by the Crown Prince in exchange for his help in this trial?'
It was indeed wicked. It was a proposal that would have been impossible if he had not previously understood the tendencies of the grand judges.
"Did His Majesty accept his offer?"
"No."
Kishiar curtly responded and continued.
"But they won't care about our refusal."
Of course, they wouldn't. Even if their help was rejected, they could boast about their offer once it was given. Kishiar turned his gaze towards Yuder, lost in thought. He was now smiling, a playful one unlike before.
"Truthfully, it wouldn't matter even if they didn't help. One of the two judges linked to the Apeto family had accepted money from Prince Aishes."
'...Aishes Shand Apeto?'
His frantic thoughts stalled for a moment. Yuder silently performed calculations in his head.
'Wait. Three of the seven grand judges belong to the Emperor's faction, at least one person is from the Diarca family, and one person is from Prince Aishes' side. That means......'
Four votes, easily enough to win by majority rule.
'Had he anticipated this and held back until the Apeto faction had no choice but to reveal the evidence in a decisive argument?'
Indeed, it was Kishiar. There was no match for his method of obtaining his goals through acting and patience. Yuder let out a small breath and calmly smiled.
"You took great care to prevent any relevant issues from arising, Commander. Even if permission to read is granted, Prince Aishes will likely understand."
"I hope so."
Kishiar extended his hand, feigning regret. The Commander and his assistant locked eyes, their faces full of complicity. Eventually, the grand judges, who had been discussing amongst themselves, seemed to reach a conclusion and returned to their seats.
"As a result of our discussion, six out of seven grand judges agree to the request of His Highness, Duke Peletta. The designated section will be read by the judge shortly."
"That's preposterous!"
"Six votes? How could such an absurd...!"
Although shocked voices arose from the Apeto side, the judge stepped forward undeterred. He raised the document in front of the excited and curious spectators and began to read the written words.
"...Lately, I feel my illness is deepening. It has been like this since I was born, but now I truly do not know how much longer I can live. The incurable disease that doesn't respond to any medicine or divine power, and can't be cured by magic, has long proven our Apeto's glorious and sad history."
The section he had read was part of a record that Beltrail had written in diary format. While not directly mentioning the Blood of Blessing by Apeto, he knew that the nobles in the capital were well aware that many frail individuals had been born generation after generation in the house of Duke Apeto.
In the midst of everyone holding their breath, a representative from the Apeto side hastily ran out to stop him.
"You can't! Apeto did not agree to this! Can't you stop at once!"
"What is this nonsense in a sacred courtroom! Take him out."
"No way!"
Despite the Apeto representative struggling and shouting, he was unable to overpower the soldiers holding him.
Taking advantage of this, the judge read the remaining part.
"Anything to survive, even if it means becoming a devil. I want answers, regardless of the sacrifices, since we are born to survive. The First Prince said that no answers can be found with the power of the Awakeners, but the Second Prince trusted me. Together we will definitely see the end of this research... That's it."
"..."
Everyone was speechless, except for the Apeto representative shouting in protest.
"...So that's why."
Someone sitting in the gallery muttered in a stunned voice. He was not the only one with such thoughts.
As if woken up from a dream, the people started stirring all at once, and not just the detained representative of the Apeto family; other representatives also rushed out to protest. Echoing around was the Apeto side's refusal to agree to the disclosure of this information, and allegations that it was an outright lie.
Yuder turned his eyes to the oldest man who was banging on the desk in front of him with a husky voice.
"Regardless, it's already not an issue for the Second Prince and Elder Priest Beltrail! Duke Apeto has nothing to do with it! Don't drag him into this disgraceful affair!"
"No involvement. Really?"
Once again, when Kishiar opened his mouth, the angry glances of the Apeto family's representatives turned back to him.
"Even if the late Second Prince Lenore helped Beltrail, do you think all of this could have been possible without the tacit approval and help of the Duke?"
"Don't speak without evidence!"
"Evidence. I will, of course, present it."
"What? What are you..."
Whether they were speechless or not, Kishiar did not rise from his seat but instead smiled. As he raised his hand, Nathan Zuckerman, who had been standing silently beside the witnesses, approached and pulled out a piece of paper from his bosom.
"This is a document with the personal seal of Duke Apeto, intended to support the terrible research of Beltrail Shand Apeto."
For a moment, Yuder heard a roar that seemed to shake the entire imperial court.
"We didn't hear such a thing! It's a lie! It's a lie!"
"It's a manipulation by Duke Peletta! It's definitely a fake!"
"Whether it's fake or not, you'll know when you see it."
Kishiar elegantly twisted his hand and extended the paper toward the grand judges.
"I will submit the final piece of evidence."
'It's over.'
Yuder, watching the Apeto representatives in chaos and despair, and the murmuring crowd, had a feeling that everything was over.
"What did you say!"
The representatives of House Apeto cried out, but the judge's declaration that no one could leave was firm.
"It's to protect all those gathered here and prevent any involved parties from fleeing. Please wait a moment."
"So you're implying that we would run away from here! How rude."
"What family are you from? If you dare to disregard Apeto to this extent, surely…"
'They have a notable ability to interpret everything in their favor.'
Yuder, watching these scenes play out like a farce, turned his head toward Kishiar. He was observing the seven grand judges who were locked in conversation. As it happened, it seemed the evidence they'd requested had arrived, as lower-ranking judges rushed in with paper bundles tied with string.
Not long afterward, one of the judges approached Kishiar and politely bowed his head.
"The seven grand judges have sent this to ask for His Grace Duke Peletta's opinion on the matter of reading the confidential evidence."
In his hand was a rolled-up piece of paper and a pen.
"I'll check it first."
Yuder stepped forward to receive them, making sure there were no problems in anticipation of any unforeseen circumstances.
'There's no issue, the content… they want to know which part of the submitted evidence we wish to designate for reading.'
Having confirmed, he passed the paper to Kishiar. He quickly read the content and briefly wrote his response at the bottom. The judge took the reply and immediately returned to the seven grand judges.
"Do you have any idea which part I designated?"
Kishiar opened his mouth leisurely. Yuder blinked a few times before replying softly.
"I didn't read the entire record, so I can't be sure… but since House Apeto has requested this to clarify why they've committed such acts, shouldn't it relate to that?"
"Correct."
A soft smile spread across Kishiar's face as he leaned back in his chair.
"I tried to gloss over and skip the sad history of House Apeto for the sake of Prince Aishes, but if they insist on this, what can I do?"
They have no choice but to reveal the truth to defend themselves. With that remark, Yuder instantly had an inkling of which part Kishiar had requested.
'It must be the part related to the Blood of Blessing.'
How would House Apeto react when the sins they had long hidden came to light? They probably wouldn't be able to keep posturing so boldly.
Even the mere thought brought a sense of satisfaction, but Yuder was slightly curious if the seven grand judges would indeed permit the reading of such a secretive part in front of everyone.
"But if it's that part, might not the seven grand judges refuse to accept it?"
"The reason there are seven grand judges is to decide the verdict by majority vote. It's the same in this case."
Kishiar lightly gestured toward the seven grand judges with the hand resting on his knee.
"As long as four or more agree, it can be read. Two of them took bribes from Apeto this time, and two others, though not bribed, have deep connections with other ducal houses. And the remaining three were personally appointed by His Majesty the Emperor right after his enthronement."
"So then…"
A majority of four out of seven was necessary, but if the Emperor's faction only contained three, how could the remaining one be fulfilled? It was an unfair selection process, even if it wasn't a quality trial. Seeing Yuder's furrowed brow, a slightly colder smile than usual played on Kishiar's lips.
"Yesterday, the Duke of Diarca sent a secret letter to His Majesty the Emperor. He said he would like to help, in some small way, with this matter."
"Help? Are you implying that among the grand judges from the ducal houses faction, there is one with connections to the House of Diarca?"
"There has to be."
Kishiar's crimson eyes scanned the faces of the grand judges.
"Their influence reaches everywhere in this country."
The Duke of Diarca wouldn't have reached out without a reason. Yuder speculated on the meaning behind Kishiar's brooding expression.
'Is the Duke of Diarca trying to cover up the crime committed by the Crown Prince in exchange for his help in this trial?'
It was indeed wicked. It was a proposal that would have been impossible if he had not previously understood the tendencies of the grand judges.
"Did His Majesty accept his offer?"
"No."
Kishiar curtly responded and continued.
"But they won't care about our refusal."
Of course, they wouldn't. Even if their help was rejected, they could boast about their offer once it was given. Kishiar turned his gaze towards Yuder, lost in thought. He was now smiling, a playful one unlike before.
"Truthfully, it wouldn't matter even if they didn't help. One of the two judges linked to the Apeto family had accepted money from Prince Aishes."
'...Aishes Shand Apeto?'
His frantic thoughts stalled for a moment. Yuder silently performed calculations in his head.
'Wait. Three of the seven grand judges belong to the Emperor's faction, at least one person is from the Diarca family, and one person is from Prince Aishes' side. That means......'
Four votes, easily enough to win by majority rule.
'Had he anticipated this and held back until the Apeto faction had no choice but to reveal the evidence in a decisive argument?'
Indeed, it was Kishiar. There was no match for his method of obtaining his goals through acting and patience. Yuder let out a small breath and calmly smiled.
"You took great care to prevent any relevant issues from arising, Commander. Even if permission to read is granted, Prince Aishes will likely understand."
"I hope so."
Kishiar extended his hand, feigning regret. The Commander and his assistant locked eyes, their faces full of complicity. Eventually, the grand judges, who had been discussing amongst themselves, seemed to reach a conclusion and returned to their seats.
"As a result of our discussion, six out of seven grand judges agree to the request of His Highness, Duke Peletta. The designated section will be read by the judge shortly."
"That's preposterous!"
"Six votes? How could such an absurd...!"
Although shocked voices arose from the Apeto side, the judge stepped forward undeterred. He raised the document in front of the excited and curious spectators and began to read the written words.
"...Lately, I feel my illness is deepening. It has been like this since I was born, but now I truly do not know how much longer I can live. The incurable disease that doesn't respond to any medicine or divine power, and can't be cured by magic, has long proven our Apeto's glorious and sad history."
The section he had read was part of a record that Beltrail had written in diary format. While not directly mentioning the Blood of Blessing by Apeto, he knew that the nobles in the capital were well aware that many frail individuals had been born generation after generation in the house of Duke Apeto.
In the midst of everyone holding their breath, a representative from the Apeto side hastily ran out to stop him.
"You can't! Apeto did not agree to this! Can't you stop at once!"
"What is this nonsense in a sacred courtroom! Take him out."
"No way!"
Despite the Apeto representative struggling and shouting, he was unable to overpower the soldiers holding him.
Taking advantage of this, the judge read the remaining part.
"Anything to survive, even if it means becoming a devil. I want answers, regardless of the sacrifices, since we are born to survive. The First Prince said that no answers can be found with the power of the Awakeners, but the Second Prince trusted me. Together we will definitely see the end of this research... That's it."
"..."
Everyone was speechless, except for the Apeto representative shouting in protest.
"...So that's why."
Someone sitting in the gallery muttered in a stunned voice. He was not the only one with such thoughts.
As if woken up from a dream, the people started stirring all at once, and not just the detained representative of the Apeto family; other representatives also rushed out to protest. Echoing around was the Apeto side's refusal to agree to the disclosure of this information, and allegations that it was an outright lie.
Yuder turned his eyes to the oldest man who was banging on the desk in front of him with a husky voice.
"Regardless, it's already not an issue for the Second Prince and Elder Priest Beltrail! Duke Apeto has nothing to do with it! Don't drag him into this disgraceful affair!"
"No involvement. Really?"
Once again, when Kishiar opened his mouth, the angry glances of the Apeto family's representatives turned back to him.
"Even if the late Second Prince Lenore helped Beltrail, do you think all of this could have been possible without the tacit approval and help of the Duke?"
"Don't speak without evidence!"
"Evidence. I will, of course, present it."
"What? What are you..."
Whether they were speechless or not, Kishiar did not rise from his seat but instead smiled. As he raised his hand, Nathan Zuckerman, who had been standing silently beside the witnesses, approached and pulled out a piece of paper from his bosom.
"This is a document with the personal seal of Duke Apeto, intended to support the terrible research of Beltrail Shand Apeto."
For a moment, Yuder heard a roar that seemed to shake the entire imperial court.
"We didn't hear such a thing! It's a lie! It's a lie!"
"It's a manipulation by Duke Peletta! It's definitely a fake!"
"Whether it's fake or not, you'll know when you see it."
Kishiar elegantly twisted his hand and extended the paper toward the grand judges.
"I will submit the final piece of evidence."
'It's over.'
Yuder, watching the Apeto representatives in chaos and despair, and the murmuring crowd, had a feeling that everything was over.
