Other than the Imperial Knights, the Emperor has another set of special fangs. It is none other than the Special Task Squad, renowned as the Emperor's Watch Dogs. The members are selected purely based on their ability, as opposed to normal knights who are granted the knighthood because of their noble background. Anyone from middle to upper class nobles can easily become a knight even though they don't have any aptitude. Meanwhile, to join the Special Task Squad, you need to have decent abilities. Whether you are a noble, commoner, or even an ex-criminal, you can apply to join.
As a result, the Special Task Squad is referred to as the strongest military organization in the entire empire and this man is the leader of that crazy bunch. The Leader of Special Task Squad, Captain Jullius Rizar.
And that man…
"Eeeek!!"
Many people looked startled by his presence.
The man who claimed to be my boyfriend accidentally looked straight at Captain Jullius and immediately was startled as if he was looking at ghost and quickly bowed his head down. That's it! He's famous for that fierce look on his face.
In the past, a cute looking junior in Holy Knight Squad even dared to refused an errand while screaming, "I'm scared to death by the ferocious looks of the Leader of Special Task Squad! I refuse to run an errand to their camp!"
"How can you survive in this harsh world if you have a heart as weak as rabbit?" I said that to my junior while clicking my tongue and smacked him.
(T/N: rabbit is a weak hearted animal. It will die soon if they received a shock hence the used of that euphemism to call someone a coward.)
I already felt irritated when I heard people claim The Special Task Squad were stronger than us, the Holy Knights, and presumed them to be the most powerful squad in the Empire. On the other hand, my junior blabbered such nonsense, saying he was scared witless of him in front of me… Thinking back on it, I still feel irritated even now. Based on our abilities, the Holy Knight Squad shouldn't be underestimated either. Why would people say the Special Task Squad is the strongest? Furthermore, we never had a match with them because they were part of Imperial Knights too, so we must not attack each other.
Wait a minute! Right now I'm not the Leader of the Holy Knights!
Does this mean we can have an unofficial match? I focused my sight on Captain Jullius. Arghh damn it! Even so, it's obvious that I will lose in my current state. Back then, I should have thrown my gauntlet at him before going to the Demon King's castle, while saying, "I might die this time, so let's have one last match!"
I could only shut my mouth because even if I had a match with him right now, I would not feel satisfied either. Suddenly I met his gaze by chance. I noticed he had a pair of pale grey eyes. Although he was said to have ferocious looks, it wouldn't be a problem if you hardened your heart and ignored all the voices that cried, 'Hey!! You will die if you face that mad dog! Quickly, run!'
In short, someone with big guts or someone who had had three or four times near-death experiences wouldn't be affected by Captain Jullius' ferocious looks. To be honest, the color of his eyes is really pretty. Well, my emerald green eyes are much more pretty though.
"That…ahem. Sir Jullius Rizar."
The prosecutor cleared his throat once and began to speak.
"Is it true that you came here on behalf of Sir Cain Silac as witness?"
"I do come as a witness–"
Captain Jullius turned his head to look at the prosecutor.
"But not as a proxy."
"Then…"
"I'm here to give my testimony on what I myself saw that day."
He saw it himself? But I didn't notice him there at that time. It can't be… he was there when that bastard Cain killed Viscount Schwart?
It's not just me, but the prosecutor also gave suspicious look.
"Would you care to explain?"
"On the day Viscount Schwart was killed, I saw Miss Silla Epheria jump out from the inn's second floor, then she was hopping around in pain. Before she ran with all her might towards the main road, Miss Silla Epheria looked up at the second floor for a bit."
Say what!? That guy really saw me on that day!
"Then I heard Viscount Schwart yell some curse words. So Miss Silla Epheria is not the murderer."
I don't know where he hid himself in that small desolate alley, but… this is a very good chance I never expected. Immediately I exclaimed without any hesitation, "What Captain Jullius has said is right! I escaped from Viscount Schwart through the window! I don't know what happened afterwards. And also about that foolish-looking man, claiming to be my boyfriend, this is my first time ever seeing him."
"Then… Viscount Schwart…"
"I have no idea how he died because he was still alive when I left him. I suggest you ask Sir Cain Sillac. He was still inside the inn on the first floor when I took my leave."
Although I've said his name, it's unlikely he will get into trouble. But still… I want to do it. The prosecutor seemed to be in doubt while looking back and forth between me and Captain Jullius. What now? I have already given my explanation. Why is he hestitating? Did he accept a bribe from the Countess?
"If that's how it is, then…"
"I think you need to verify the truth of the testimonies given by the witnesses because a contradict testimony has appeared. For now, let's begin with the questioning."
After I finished saying those words, I immediately closed my mouth. The bastard Cain isn't here, while those weakling-liars have to face Captain Jullius. The result is obvious.
As I expected, the man who claimed to be my boyfriend and those fake witnesses lost their spirits and gave up.
"The murder charge against Silla Epheria is considered to be invalid due to lack evidence."
The judge announced the end of the trial along with the court ruling. Now that I was free, I exited the court room with light steps, without any burden. However, before I could go any further, someone's shadow could be seen blocking my way.
"Miss Epheria."
"Yes?"
I looked upwards, staring at Captain Jullius, the man who stood before me, with smiles all over my face. Thanks to you, I don't have to live in wilderness and hunt for wild animals to eat. I feel really grateful.
"What is it? Ah, I need to express my gratitude. Thank you for helping me."
After he stared at me, who was smiling at him in admiration, he started to talk.
"Could you spare some of your time, Miss?"
"That's not a difficult request. Captain Jullius must have known that I've got lots of free time in my hands because my death sentenced was just cancelled."
I didn't need to return to prison anymore and I have lots of free time. Captain Jullius nodded and led the way, while I followed behind him.