(Chapter 41 Guilty)
Three days had passed since Tempest's uprising. Now, he sat alone in the dining room, eating breakfast. The room was quiet, save for the soft clinking of cutlery against porcelain.
'It has been three days since the uprising is over. The Knights of the Golden Hand have sworn their allegiance to me. The rebels and the soldiers abandoned by my Father have all returned home. However, I still don't trust the Ghosts, they are locked up in the dungeons along with Pierre.'
Tempest's thoughts lingered on the recent events as he took another bite of his breakfast. The weight of his new responsibilities pressed heavily on him.
'I found nothing. Every piece of evidence that I could have used in court was burned. The Ghosts knew nothing about what my Father was planning, and Pierre refused to tell me anything. His pride and ego are as strong as his loyalty to my Father.'
Tempest sighed, frustration evident in his eyes. The lack of information left him in a difficult position, unsure of what his next move should be.
'I know what his plans were, but who would believe me in court? Every Fontainian despises the Proudmoores outside of Stormwind. My word alone carries little weight without solid evidence. The hatred and distrust run too deep.'
Tempest's thoughts were heavy with the weight of his situation. The breakfast before him remained untouched as he stared out the window, lost in contemplation.
'I need a witness...'
Tempest thought to himself.
'Uncle Gardon has assured me that he will act as my defendant and will do everything in his power to prove my innocence. Yet, despite his commitment, I fear it may not be enough. The people's perception of my family is tainted beyond repair. Will you, My Lady, find it in your heart to show forgiveness and understanding towards me?'
Tempest's thoughts were weighed down by doubt, the uncertainty of his future gnawing at him.
'I do not want to resort to trial by combat, even if it means securing my freedom. The consequences would only deepen the hatred and negative perception towards House Proudmoore. I had used Ra's power during my duel with Father, but since then, I have not been able to harness it again. The otherworldly voice in my head has been silent, leaving me to question whether my connection to Ra has faltered or if the power I wielded was merely a fleeting gift.'
Tempest's thoughts echoed his worries as he continued to stare out the window.
'I'm running out of time... It won't be long until the Gardes arrive in Stormwind. If only I could show them Ra's blessing, but he's silent. The divine light that once guided me seems to have vanished, leaving me to face this trial alone.'
Tempest raised his hand, channeling his energy through the Delusion. Flames began to manifest, dancing in his palm with a fierce glow.
'I can use my Delusion now, without thinking about the horrible memories of my Father now...'
He clenched his fist tightly, causing the flame to flicker and then extinguish completely.
A knock echoed through the dining room, followed by the creak of the door as it swung open, Alfred and Melissa, entered the dining room.
"Your Grace, they are here."
Alfred the head butler said.
"Mhm."
Tempest got up from his seat and walked towards, Alfred and Melissa.
"Melissa, can you call, Rohan and Falric here?"
"Of course."
Melissa bowed her head shortly and left the room.
"How's the situation outside?"
Tempest asked Aflred.
"As per your instructions, the Knights refrained from engaging the Gardes. Instead, they allowed them to enter the courtyard unhindered. The Gardes have arrived with a considerable number of Gardemeks in tow, Your Grace."
Alfred replied, his voice steady and respectful.
"I see, hm. Rest assured, they're only here for me, also, Alfred. Don't call me, 'Your Grace,' it doesn't feel right, at least for now..."
Tempest said to Alfred.
"My apologies, Young Master. I wish you the best of luck. The mansion shall always await your return, no matter the outcome."
Alfred said, bowing his head slightly with a respectful and somber tone.
"Thank you, Alfred."
Tempest responded with a nod, and shortly after, the door to the dining room opened. Melissa entered first, followed closely, by Falric and Rohan.
"Young Master."
Rohan and Falric said in unison, Tempest nodded in response.
"I thought you had gone to the Fontaine Research Institute, by now, Falric."
Tempest spoke to Falric, noting that his missing left arm was now wrapped in bandages, and his right eye was covered by an eyepatch.
"That can wait, Young Master, for now, I just want to see everything return to normal before I go."
Falric replied, and Tempest nodded in acknowledgment, a solemn expression on his face.
"I need you both to keep a close watch over the mansion while Constantine and I are away, Gardon has left a hundred of his knights here as a precaution. Should any unrest or revolt arise in our absence, make full use of them to maintain order and security."
Tempest instructed Falric and Rohan.
"Yes, Young Master."
Falric and Rohan agreed in unison.
"Good, thank you both for fighting with me. I will return in a few days."
Tempest said, Falric and Rohan, nodded in response, shortly, he left the dining room, and made his way to the entrance of the mansion.
"You ready? Young Master?"
"Are you ready, Young Master?"
Constantine asked, standing next to the entrance with a steady gaze. The four swords he usually carries were not present.
"Mm."
Tempest replied, and together they made their way to the entrance of the mansion. In the courtyard, a group of Gardes awaited them beside a carriage, surrounded by numerous Gardemeks.
a captain Garde, followed by two of his subordinates, stepped forward to address Tempest and Constantine.
"Tempest Proudmoore, we are here to serve you with a warrant for your arrest. You stand accused of murder and insurrection."
The captain declared, his voice firm, he then held out the official warrant, its seal clearly visible.
"Is that so?"
Tempest muttered to himself, then extended his hands and clenched them into fists, silently signaling the captain to proceed with the handcuffs.
"Well?"
Tempest spoke calmly, as the captain looked momentarily flabbergasted. Expecting resistance or protest of innocence, he was taken aback when Tempest instead accepted his arrest without hesitation.
"Right."
The captain responded with a nod and then signaled his subordinates. They stepped forward and carefully placed the handcuffs on Tempest, securing him for transport.
"And who is this person?"
The captain looks at Constantine.
"Oh, I'm the guy who advised the Young Master to initiate this whole uprising."
Constantine said with a smirk. The captain's eyes widened slightly, and he flinched for a moment at the mention of Constantine's name.
"Arrest him as well."
The captain addressed his subordinates, giving a curt nod. After a brief moment of hesitation, his subordinates moved to cuff Constantine as well.
"The court also demands that you free every soldier and knight that you captured as prisoners during your uprising."
The captain commanded firmly.
"Unfortunately, every soldier and knight who fought against my rebels has willingly submitted to me. However, there is one person who does not fall into this category."
Tempest replied. He then gestured for two of the Golden Hand Knights, at the sides to step forward.
"Young Master?"
One of the knights addressed him.
"Bring Pierre, outside."
Tempest said, and the two knights nodded in response, shortly going inside the mansion.
"You two, step into the carriage and don't do anything foolish."
The captain ordered Tempest and Constantine. He then retrieved a letter from his suit and handed it to Tempest.
"Lady Furina requested that you receive this."
'A letter?'
Tempest thought to himself as he and Constantine climbed into the carriage. The heavy door closed behind them, and the carriage jolted into motion, setting off towards Stormwind Harbor, most likely.
Tempest gazed out the window of the carriage, observing as Pierre was escorted from the mansion by two knights who held him securely. With a mix of defiance and resignation, Pierre was guided into another carriage that was stationed in the courtyard. The door closed behind him, and the carriage prepared to depart.
"He's going to be trouble..."
Tempest muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on the mansion as the gates slowly creaked open. The carriage, now under heavy guard, was escorted by dog-like Mekas that surrounded the carriage.
"Young Master, watch this."
Tempest turned his gaze to Constantine, who raised his cuffed arms with a grin. Constantine then retrieved a small knife from his pocket using his cuffed hands. With impressive skill, he maneuvered the knife with his mouth, expertly unlocking the cuffs and freeing his hands.
"Put it back later..."
Tempest said to him, his gaze then returned to the window.
"Yes yes."
Constantine replied with a smirk, then slipped the small knife back into his pocket. He then reached into his coat, retrieving his kiseru with a practiced ease.
"Ah, shit, forgot my lighter... You think we can tell them to go back?"
Constantine said with a hint of sarcasm in his tone. Tempest sighed in response and snapped his fingers, manifesting a tiny flame that went straight to the bowl of Constantine's kiseru, lighting it effortlessly.
"Thanks, you've gotten used to using your Delusion huh?"
Constantine said while he inhaled his kiseru.
"Mm."
Tempest replied, he then opened the letter that, Furina, requested to be given to him.
"I am deeply disappointed in you, Tempest. Truly, I thought you were different. You promised me two months ago that you would keep your word, but you broke it... Your actions have left me feeling appalled and disgusted. I'm starting to regret not telling anyone when I found you at the elevator in the Palais Mermonia. I hope your time in the Fortress of Meropide, can lead to a change in character for you... I truly hope it does."
Tempest's stomach churned as he read the letter. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, but he failed. His teeth clenched in frustration, and his face was etched with deep regret.
"Young Master?"
Constantine asked Tempest, concern evident in his voice.
"It's nothing..."
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(Two Hours Later.)
After a long and grueling journey, Tempest and Constantine finally arrived at the imposing Fortress of Meropide. The massive steel walls loomed high above them, casting dark shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly. The air was thick with the scent of salt and sea, a constant reminder of the fortress's underwater location.
"Please stand here for your mugshot."
The woman at the counter eyed them both with a mixture of curiosity and indifference. She motioned for Tempest to step forward first. He complied, moving with a deliberate and steady pace. Holding the signboard with both hands, Tempest stood before the camera, his expression emotionless and unreadable, his gaze unwavering. The flash of the camera momentarily lit up his stoic features.
Next, it was Constantine's turn. He approached the camera with a swagger, holding up his signboard with one hand, his lips curling into a mischievous smile. The contrast between the two men couldn't have been more stark, Tempest's calm reserve versus Constantine's brazen confidence. The camera flashed again, capturing the smirk that played across Constantine's face.
"Well, this isn't my first time, going to a prison, ha."
Constantine chuckled.
"Your trial will be held in the next three days, Tempest Proudmoore, please proceed to the elevator."
The counter lady said.
"Right."
Tempest replied.
"Please change into these clothes, once you enter your rooms."
Tempest nodded, and shortly both Tempest and Constantine, went to the elevator to descend.
"Do you know anything about this place?"
Tempest asked Constantine.
"Hmm, heard they used coupons here for currency for everything in the fortress."
"Is that so?"
Tempest replied briefly, and shortly thereafter, the elevator doors opened. The two stepped out and began their walk through the enormous halls of the fortress. The imposing structure was under constant surveillance by Gardemeks, their mechanical eyes scanning every inch for any sign of disturbance. The corridors, lined with cold, steel walls, seemed to stretch endlessly.
"Well, this place doesn't seem so bad."
Constantine said with a smirk.
"You two new here?"
A person approached Tempest and Constantine, He had tufted black hair with grey streaks and pale grey eyes.
"We are, who might you be?"
Tempest asked.
"Name's Wriothesley, been here for two years now, heard about you, killed your Father huh? Same, but with my foster parents, though."