"State the reason for your refusal, Sir Halkias."
"I am attending this trial as a mere witness, Your Honour. I admit that personally escorting the lady was an undesirable move on my part. If I will also be responsible for verifying the authenticity of the memory sphere, concerns regarding the verity of my statement will surely be raised."
Hearing Halkias' reasoning, the Chief Justice conceded without further complaints. Considering their circumstances, it would be easy for the nobles to claim that Halkias was conspiring with Ilya.
As the lead person for the Gertrude Dukedom Arson investigation, Halkias ought not to do anything that would cause a disturbance. His duties were long fulfilled and he was just overseeing the finality of the deliberations.
Again, the extent of courtesy he could extend to Ilya was escorting her inside the court. Beyond that was a challenge that Ilya should face all by herself.
"Refusal granted, Sir Halkias." The Chief Justice said as brought out a brooch from the box in front of him. He then took a stand and walked towards the room behind him.
The room was especially made for concealed viewing of Nobles and Royals who didn't wish to show themselves to the audience. After all, the spell for creating a Manna screen required at least a couple of trillions of Manna particles just to be activated. Moreover, commanding Manna to replicate a scene in real-time was more difficult than showing a mere recording.
In essence, the room itself was conditioned to supply the screen automatically with Manna.
As he entered, the Chief Justice bowed his head at the representatives.
The Court of Justice was ruled by the Chief Justice. On the other hand, the Royal High Court and the Noble Tribunal main overseer was the Emperor. In his stead, representatives were appointed to partake of His Majesty's duties for a period of six years.
As of the moment, the Emperor's representatives were watching the last trial inside the aforementioned room. They didn't see the need to pry in the proceedings of the Court of Justice. However, the recent developments greatly piqued their interest.
Even though they were inside his domain, The Chief Justice wasn't there to ask their favour as a Judge, but as a noble. The Chief Justice was only a Viscount and the representatives were a Marquis and a Count. It's a given that Courtesy was due.
"My Lords, I'm imploring the both of you to take over." The Chief Justice announced as he showed them the brooch.
Halkias' authority as a Knight Commander and an heir to a Dukedom hindered the Chief Justice from giving him an order. Hence, he solicited the help of those who could despite his adamance.
"Before anything else, Your Honour, I would like to know your justification." The Marquis replied, "Do you really believe that woman's declaration?"
"Pardon me, My Lord, but it's not a matter of believing her or not. The result of the verification will shape the future of the Dukedom itself."
"That's not for you to decide, Your Honour. The three candidates have already been chosen. If you allow a stranger to disrupt the process, the Court of Justice will take the brunt of the Nobles; criticisms."
The Chief Justice straightened his back and uttered, "That's also not for you to decide, My Lord. I will welcome any criticisms against my court. Withal, what if Lady Ilya Gertrude is speaking the truth?"
The Marquis sighed, massaging his temple concurrently. He glanced at the Count and gave him a nod. Thereafter, both of them stood up and approached the Chief Justice.
"Hevelia von Bismarck was considered as one of the Empire's talents. That goes the same for Brahm Gertrude. If we fail to recognize their only child, the Royals will be outraged." The Marquis said, lowering the Chief Justice's hand that was holding the brooch.
The Count looked at the Manna screen that was showing a live feed of the trial. He was curious of how Ilya was facing the situation. While he was watching, he spoke.
"If I recall correctly, their unnamed child was declared dead at the age of five. It was a month after Sorsiana Hamlin married into the family. A year prior, Hevelia von Bismarck died. Clearly, the timing of the incidents within the Dukedom was questionable, but no one dared to question anything."
"Well, the dead would bring neither benefit nor prestige to those who defend them."
"It's also not worth it to face a scum of a mistress."
The Marquis scoffed at the Count's comment while the Chief Justice covered his smile with his hand. A few seconds of silence ensued.
The Chief Justice then cleared his throat and said, "Are the both of you willing to heed my request now?"
Without a word of reply, the representatives went past the Chief Justice and exited the room. The Marquis took up the centre podium, the Count behind him.
The Marquis faced Halkias and said, "Marquis Vatar Halkias, would you be willing to do the task of verifying instead?"
Halkias wasn't able to stop himself from louring at Marquis Herkel Benedict. Still, he said nothing. Not only was the Marquis the representative of the Royal High Court, he was also the Commander of the Third Knight Order. There was no room for him to be audacious.
'He's asking if I'm willing, but it's obviously a command.' Marquis Benedict thought as he sighed.
Ahead of responding, Halkias peered at Ilya for a split second. Right then, he noticed that there was blood dripping down her nose. He inhaled sharply and returned his gaze at the Marquis.
"Yes, My Lord," He answered through his gritted teeth.
"Fret not, Marquis Halkias, I will be joining you. The Count and the candidates as well. In that way, no one would be able to question the validity of our findings. Am I right, dear Nobles?"
Marquis Benedict's declaration managed to silence the audience. He simply smiled at them as he went down the platform. In no time, he was in front of Ilya.
"Well then, let's proceed with the verification of the Manna Sphere."