Electric discharges ran through the room, momentarily paralyzing the people nearest to the epicenter. Enveloped in a golden glow of rage, the princess shattered the table into pieces. My indifference and the inadequacy of world leaders had finally driven her to madness; even with her gloves and belt, her hair rose upwards like wings from the discharges.
"Why do you act like children, quarreling over grievances that have lasted for centuries? Can't you share the desired piece of land, knowing that each of your disputes could lead to thousands of deaths! Do you ever think about anyone other than yourselves?" Katrina's anger quickly quelled the arguing voices. "Before you hurl accusations, think about where they will lead you!"
"Hmm, she's on fire," Ignis said calmly from the corner, seemingly unfazed by the princess shaking the hall.
"Perhaps something sensible will come out of her," Rector also remained undisturbed, not even breaking his tea session.
"Don't worry about Kat; she can shut down any of these brutes with a snap if she's pushed," another dragoness joined the sly couple.
"Daughter? When did you arrive? I thought you had gone north," the king inquired.
"We had to come back urgently. Hilda is already leading the criminal here; we just need to buy twenty more minutes," the daughter replied.
"Yet, you hastily convened this court to pronounce the culprit, even though you had already decided everything long ago. You didn't care about the inevitable war with the Empire," Katrina continued.
"Katrina, it was necessary," the king replied.
"Ha! Necessary? To maintain order in the country and friendly relations with neighbors?" Katrina showed no intention of stopping, despite her father's protests. "Do you even believe that yourself? Look at how you turned on each other as soon as a spark of mistrust ignited. If you accused Aileen, what would have changed? Do you think Leran and Nordrune wouldn't perceive it as an attempt to hide your involvement in the matter?"
"Aren't you going too far?" the king tried to press Katrina, but she was unstoppable.
"No! You didn't want to listen to me before, so now you will hear me out! You started this farce to quickly deal with the problem; you were not initially interested in finding the criminal. You found a couple of indirect clues and chose the first suitable person. I told you not to start this trial and to give us time to figure it out, and see where it led us!"
"But you brought all these people here to sabotage the trial!" the king accused.
"Because I couldn't allow you to execute an innocent person just to save face in front of the neighbors!"
"And was that the only reason?"
"Of course not! It's also because any of them could have been the one behind these attempts," Katrina finally shouted at her father, but her last sentence reignited whispers throughout the hall.
"Hoo, now you're throwing accusations around as well. Care to explain?" Henry grinned and reclined in his chair.
"I believe you don't need me to explain that the princess is right about something?" Ragni stood up in defense of her friend. "You yourselves were just throwing accusations at each other and unintentionally revealed all the grudges you've been holding to this day."
"Much of it was said in the heat of the moment, and one should not take words as undeniable truths," the king replied.
"Well, indeed, disputes over territories are still as relevant as ever. With Nordrune over Kamiyari and with Leran over Merenlake. But I believe you wouldn't have resorted to such methods to settle these issues. Besides, there were enough reasons for others as well. Someone will always feel offended. In addition to the disputes among the three kingdoms, you've had long-strained relations with the Empire, especially after the emperor killed the first summoner. Although they don't like you either, considering that humans are involved in the death of the gods."
"But..."
"I haven't finished," Ragni ignored Henry and continued calmly presenting the facts. "However, after that war, you finally managed to establish peace with the dragons. Officially, we submit to the countries whose territories we inhabit, but unofficially, we don't hold these agreements in high regard. Black dragons don't particularly like the people of Verania, and your predecessors have sent agents more than once to kill or bribe my mother. I must point out that our clan has never meddled in the coups that have periodically taken place in your country, giving you the opportunity to decide your own fate."
"I think you're trying to justify yourselves."
"Oh no, just stating the widely known facts," the dragoness nonchalantly waved her hands. "The Red House was subservient to Leran, but even being one of the wealthiest houses in the country, they couldn't influence its governance, though they desperately wanted to. Until recently, they actively tried to change that fact until the problem resolved itself. Although the opponents of the new leader won't forget their resentment anytime soon."
Valraz grimaced dissatisfiedly.
"The blue dragons have the most reasons to hate you, as hundreds of their ancestors perished at the hands of your ancestors, but they are too peace-loving for that and preferred to separate themselves from all of you. The Golds..." Ragni glanced at the dragon from the Empire, who was peacefully studying the surrounding architecture. "I believe they couldn't care less about what's happening in the world. The Whites, on the other hand, are the only ones who peacefully coexist with the inhabitants of Nordrune, mainly thanks to their assistance in combating the great plague."
"Are you hinting at something specific or just making excuses?"
"Allow me to continue," Seleria now joined the conversation. "Of course, everyone holds grudges against each other, but attacking for such trivial reasons is foolish. It's better to look for those who benefit from it right now, not in the distant future."
"Do you have specific suspects?"
"One could say that," the red princess grinned mischievously. "Equipping the killer with the necessary evidence, choosing them in a way that their country of origin cannot be determined, and, of course, expecting your hasty decision. But I have a feeling that the client was desperate to unleash a war at all costs?"
Seleria turned to her friends.
"They attempted to kill not only you; Kat, Hilda, and I were also targeted shortly after your attacks."
"AND YOU KEPT SILENT ABOUT IT?!!" Henry jumped up from his seat, and the hall erupted with loud gasps.
"I simply foresaw whom you would direct your anger towards immediately. And I wouldn't want you to try to pin these crimes on my friend, who, by the way, saved your daughter during that assassination attempt!" Seleria turned to the kings of the North and South. "You won't deny that you and your daughters weren't the only ones hit? OTHER family members were also in danger?"
The sorceress clearly alluded to those whom it was not customary to discuss openly in high society – secret wives and illegitimate children.
"Exactly."
"Confirmed."
Siegfried and Severin nodded in response.
"Thus, after the last uprising, there were only two direct contenders for the throne in the royal family of Verania. That's why you didn't notice it, but someone wanted not just to provoke you into a conflict, but to eliminate all the higher authority in order to seize power," said Seleria.
"But only those closest could do that," Henry frowned.
"Exactly, someone close enough to the kings to know all the secrets of their behind-the-scenes lives. The war itself was a convenient chance to eliminate rivals and rise in rank. But a direct power grab would be much better. And if it's done legally, there won't be any objections. Moreover, if the new king also saves the country from the malicious imperialists who killed all the beloved past kings and unleashed war, he will become a hero and savior. Everything fits so neatly, even if you survived, those who orchestrated it wouldn't lose anything," Ragni explained.
"Are you saying that I played into the hands of the conspirators?" Henry furrowed his brow in displeasure.
"Well, finally, you got it," Katrina snorted disdainfully.
"It seems beneficial to someone, and I don't rule out that many nobles, including some imperialists, were involved in the conspiracy," Seleria glanced at Valraz, who was indifferently looking out of the window. "But we won't be able to identify all of them. Let the rulers deal with that themselves. Right now, I'm interested in the immediate instigators of this assassination attempt. And I would look for them among the first contenders for the throne, meaning everyone present."
"You've been going on about it for so long, but you haven't named a single name yet. I'm starting to get the feeling that you have nothing," Henry scowled while Seleria hesitated for a moment.
"Well, there are specific suspects, but first, I would wait for one more witness," the princess tried to speak slowly, stretching the time as much as possible, but the expected miracle didn't rush into the courtroom.
"Ragni, now is the time for Hilda to appear."
"I see, but she should have been here by now."
"I'm still waiting."
Seleria's self-assurance was slowly beginning to dissipate.
"But where is she?"
"What do you mean I can't come in?" at last, behind the closed doors, a loud voice and the grumbling of the last guest could be heard. "I don't care who's in there; I should be there too! To hell with all of you!"
Two muffled knocks, and the door swung open to reveal a girl in Valkyrie armor.
"Sorry for the delay, I brought a guest," she said.
Following the girl, Grain and Asura led the bound Krig.
"Well, my daughter has a talent for choosing companions without regard for decorum," Henry said with a sigh.
"Well, sorry, I had other priorities,"
"And who is this with you?"
"This is my former subordinate, Krig," Siegfried decided to answer. "A mercenary who was expelled for his crimes. As far as I know, he amassed a considerable army of mercenaries, although I didn't expect him to show up here."
"We started looking for him because you and Frigg were poisoned with a very specific poison, but I didn't expect our search to bear fruit so quickly."
Krig involuntarily tried to rub his hands, but his wrists were already severed, and the wounds were frozen.
"Yes, there's no point in hiding it, since I lost to these girls. I was hired for these assassinations, and honestly, I regret that I couldn't personally be the one to kill you. Then, you wouldn't have escaped me," Krig sneered maliciously, glancing at Siegfried. "But concealing our identities was one of the client's demands."
"You confessed so easily; do you expect leniency by revealing your employers?" Henry nervously tapped on the table.
"Oh, no, of course not. I don't expect them to pardon me suddenly, and I've already exchanged my confession for the safety of my people. I'm their leader, and I'll take responsibility for this crime."
"Hmph, I should have executed all of your lackeys, but okay," Henry's comment was not warmly received by the other kings. "If you name your employers, then your gang will be left alone."
"Not that I've met them personally; they're not idiots, after all. But I did have some time to find out about the origin of the order," Krig replied.
"So, you don't know anything?"
"I didn't say that," Siegfried looked at the coins laid out in front of everyone. "I see the youngsters have already offered you a way to silence, which they decided to use. Quite an amusing spell, by the way, invented by one of my ancestors. Although, if the employer knew about it, he would have figured out how to silence me too."
"So, one of the Thanes of Nordrune hired you?"
"Well, one of those who hired me was definitely him, although none of the Thanes have enough gold to pay me what they promised. They would have to sell half of their arsenal for that."
"Are you implying...?"
"Yes, those fiery little brats probably had a hand in it. They're quite inclined to betray. Although, the fact that someone else besides me wanted Siegfried dead was unexpected for me, although I won't hide my delight."
"Get to the point."
"Yes, yes. This spell is unusual, and it was soon banned after active use began. Therefore, only a very few people may know about it. I can only recall five of them."
Krig raised himself and looked around the hall.
"It's me, that fat half-man who helped these scoundrels," Hel spat at the warrior's insult. "And one more individual, the assembly of all known runes is studied by the High Jarl and the Senior Valkyrie. But if they didn't want to end their lives in such a twisted way, then it's unlikely to be them. And one more person must know all the runes, isn't that right, Siegfried?"
With a malicious grin, Krig leaned over Siegfried, finding immense pleasure in this. The closer the jarl approached the person responsible, the wider the mercenary's smile became.
"Don't dare to tarnish his name. You could have enchanted the coins yourself!"
"No matter how much you wish it, I didn't. I wouldn't be foolish enough to kill my own people. They fear me enough not to betray," Krig said with a satisfied smile, glancing at the nord sitting to the right of the jarl. The seasoned Thane, who had served Siegfried's father and long protected his family, sat with his head down. "Well, why are you silent, Holdr? It's you who keeps records of all our people's runes, and you're the one who forged and enchanted the weapons wielded by the finest warriors of the North. What have you been doing for the past month?"
"Tell me, old friend, two months ago, I asked you to forge a sword as a gift for someone important to me, but you said you were busy. And you still haven't started working on it?"
"No, I was occupied all this time, and there's no point in denying it. I enchanted the coins, and I hired Krig," replied the senior Thane Holdr, showing no signs of cowardice or attempts at justification; he remained proud even after his betrayal was exposed. "I believe you were a good ruler, but I don't agree with what your daughter wants to do. I know you wanted to proclaim her the new ruler, and I know she would dismantle the traditions on which our country stands. And I'm not alone in this belief; I was just the first to act on it. I surrender to your mercy; you can do as you see fit with me."
"Hmm, it seems we've found the conspirator, but you wouldn't have attempted assassinations against other rulers," Henry looked dissatisfied, glancing at the old warrior. According to the law, he couldn't pass judgment; the decision had to be made by the ruler of his own country. "If you reveal your accomplices, you might soften your sentence."
"Ha, it's not for you to decide, King of Verania, and you know it. And I see no reason to betray others. If you want to find them, do it yourself."
"Well, there's no need for that," I pushed back my hood and carefully scanned the hall. "Your accomplice has already exposed himself."
I slowly walked along the rows toward the person I suspected.
"It's clear that someone from the Leranian nobility provided the gold, but suspicion would fall on too many of them. Thanks to the help of the thieves' guild, we managed to identify at least five families who were the first to buy Imperial coins in large quantities. Of course, it could have been mere hysteria in anticipation of the impending war and a desire to profit from it, but some began hoarding gold in advance. Among these families were also staunch opponents of the ruling family, engaged in a centuries-long rivalry with them."
I approached the slightly corpulent man in his fifties, dressed in dark red garments. Leaning down, I picked up a golden coin from the floor carefully, making sure not to touch the inscription.
"Seems like you dropped this," I cautiously handed the coin to the merchant.
"Pff, these are your coins, moreover, they seem unsafe," he replied.
"Well, they are perfectly safe, as you can see, I'm holding them," I smirked slyly, discreetly passing the coin to the nobleman. "By the way, we borrowed these coins from your treasury, so you can take them back now."
"What?! You sneaked into my treasury?! And you boldly admit it!? Do you realize how many assassins will be after your head now!?" the nobleman seethed with anger.
"Oh, come on, we just needed to check something. And I'm ready to return everything we took; after all, it's your money. Take it," the merchant reluctantly reached out to take the coin, but his hand was visibly trembling. "Don't worry, the spell has probably already taken effect, and it won't work on you anymore, well, of course, unless you have something to hide."
I relaxed my fingers, and the coin flew edge-on into the merchant's palm. However, at the last moment, he pulled his hand back, and the gold piece fell to the floor with a clinking sound.
"Are you afraid?" I asked.
"Why would I be?" the man's voice began to quiver as well.
"I suppose I forgot to mention how this spell works. It kills the person if they try to reveal the event for which they received this item. It won't affect me because I didn't receive this gold for keeping any secrets. If you have nothing to hide, take the coin."
The merchant hesitated to follow my advice.
"To hell with you, I won't risk it. You can consider this a confession, but I regret that we couldn't see it through to the end."
"Ah, Voren, why did you need all this?" Severin sighed sadly.
"Because you infuriate me! You're a pathetic excuse for a king. There was an opportunity to unite the continent again, and no Empire would have threatened us. Your 'army' is a joke; other countries don't attack us only because we can buy their mercenaries. And your entire family supports this nonsense! I would have made Leran as great as it was before the elemental war, and generations would speak of my achievements."
"That's why you'll never be a king; you're too disconnected from reality. That's why neither you nor Holdr would have held power for long, especially with the threat of the Empire's invasion. I can't imagine what you were counting on."
Finishing his speech, Serzen fell into deep thought. He had spoken the truth, but something still eluded him.
"Hmm, the second faces of Nordrune and Leran, unpleasant, though not entirely unexpected," Henry summed up. "Is that all, or do you know other conspirators?"
"I'm afraid not," I shrugged. "These were the direct clients, and even if they had accomplices, they weren't directly involved in the assassination attempt."
"Hmm, since the clients turned out to be nobles from other countries, their fate will be decided by their rulers," Henry finally decided to conclude the court session. "The immediate executor will receive the deserved punishment according to our laws."
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Uraz smirked, which only elicited a displeased grimace from the judges.
"We apologize to the Empire for the false accusations; I hope this won't lead to a new invasion."
"Well, that's not for me to decide; first, I'll have to convince the council that you didn't do it on purpose. So, Aileen will have to come with me for a while."
"If no one else has any objections, let's conclude the session."