"Arrrrrgggg!, just kill me!" A man shouted, his voice a mournful wail, like a wounded animal.
A lady with crow-black hair pierced the man's flesh with a gleaming dark knife, cutting his skin and revealing fresh, meaty flesh. She bit her lower lip and grinned mockingly at the helpless man.
"How long will you keep hiding the mastermind?" she uttered, tracing the blade's tip along his trembling skin.
"Eeeeeeek!, I don't...really know anything!" The man's response was a barely intelligible whisper, punctuated by heavy gasps.
"Just tell me everything you know and I'll spare your life and those friends of yours." She said, her words dripping with sweet persuasion.
As her words echoed in his mind, the man's thoughts raced with desperation. The sweet laughter, the bitter cries, and the scent of floral moments painted through his mind as he reminisced about his past.
"Marquez is the masterm—!"
Laughter raced across the lady's face as she heard the man's confession, her grin making the man's sweat cascade down his face. The sweet and sickly fragrance clung to his body. The lady gazed at him and waved her hand.
She sighed, clicked her fingers, and a cherry-soaked bag emerged from thin air. "Too bad, they were gone a few moments ago." The lady smirked as she pulled out a head from the wet bag. Ronson's jaw dropped, the silent, crippling memories biting his awestruck heart.
The lady placed the decaying head beside him, its rotten flesh leaving a metallic and salty scent. Ronson's eyes raged in despair as he gritted his teeth, trying to break his chains.
"Break me, and you'll never know the truth!" he spat, his voice filled with venom.
The lady's smile grew, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Are you going to use your right arm?" She mocked.
"Curse you!" He roared, gazing in anguish at the stump of his right arm. His mind raced with memories of the battle in the Capulet mansion.
"I don't need your thoughts." The lady's smile lingered, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction as she swiftly slashed Ronson's head, leaving a bloody bath in the solemn jail. She turned to leave and kicked the head into the ground. A servant appeared, holding a robe painted with a symbol of a bird nestled in a grass.
The servant snuck a glimpse at the lifeless body on the ground and handed over the robe she was holding. "Forgive my intrusion, Lady Mirae, a message from the knight Commander was sent here. Sir Miku Salvador was already seized by the knights and is en route to the Supreme Court of Mihian." The servant muttered, placing her gaze on the lady.
Lady Mirae snatched the court robe and draped it around her shoulder, the soft fabric engulfing her like a shroud. The subtle fragrance clung to her body against the prevailing wind blowing around.
"Inform the jury to prepare the trial!" she commanded the servant. The girl quickly bowed and left the area.
A few hours later, Miku was standing in a majestic sight. The walls were made of solid rocks and a few gems, producing a tempting serenity. The chirping birds flew, and the rustling sounds of the carriage wheel broke the silence.
Miku was restrained and escorted by the knights as they entered the elven wonder. He was placed inside an unbreakable room. The ceiling and walls were both made out of adamantine, carbonadium, and a few dragon skins, preventing any powerful attacks from breaking the room.
He remained frozen, his gaze fixed on the cold wall as the movement seal bound him. He had no intention of escaping or utilizing his ability; he only wanted to sneak a glance at the fallen pieces of the elven kingdom with a slight grin. "Intriguing," he thought.
"Miku!" Lhara shouted, knocking on the door. The knights outside tried to usher her away. She gazed at them with a piercing stare, her eyes burning with an unnerving intensity that sent shivers down their knees.
"Step aside, or I'll break your bones!" She hissed, her voice low and menacing. The knights hastily obeyed, their armor clanking as they scrambled to make way.
"Miku, can you hear me? I'll look for a way to release you!" She muttered, placing her gentle hand on the rough door.
Miku sat quietly as the bloodlust erupted in his thoughts. The scents of copper and sweet, viscous liquid teased his senses, dragging him into darkness.
A man with an enormous aura emerged behind Lhara, tapping her shoulder with a floral fragrance. "Excuse me, little girl! This place is a restricted area!" The man muttered. He was Ernie Montihero, the newly appointed vice-commander of the Supreme Knight of the Mihian Kingdom and one of the new six Head Judges of the elven court.
Lhara opened her mouth to speak, only to be silenced by a soft whisper from a nearby servant. The servant's urgent message made her eyes widen in surprise. Lhara gritted her teeth, her eyes screaming with rage as she left the area.
"Don't worry, I'll ensure your boyfriend receives the best treatment!" Ernie reassured, offering a gentle smile.
Lhara's rage melted away, her cheeks flushing a vibrant pink as she looked away, embarrassed.
Ernie knocked three times before pushing the door open. His signature gentle grin wrapped his face. "Hehehe!" He laughed beneath his thoughts.
Inside the Grand Chamber, a high-ceilinged, circular room with a shimmering crystal dome, the five elves were walking towards an elegant, curved platform of polished Yggdrasil wood, adorned with elven runes. They were the five new Head Judges of the Elven court, soon to preside over the momentous trial.
The aristocrats also entered the gallery, their dignified presence grabbing the jury's attention. The Royalties came with a blast of raging eyes. Princess Mia sat in the middle of the silver chair adorned with petals. She sat between her parents, the King and Queen. The floral fragrance blew around, casting a sense of discomfort.
Mia's gaze fixed on the jury. She gritted her teeth. "You will pay for this!" she thought.
Princess Mia's eyes darted to her father.
/Tap·tap·tap·tap·tap/ The king's impatience rippled through the chamber as he drummed his fingers on the wooden table. He frowned as he saw a lady adorned with a robe and the seal of the Supreme Court. She was Lady Mirae, the mastermind behind the upcoming trial.
Rumors said that Lady Mirae's own hands were stained with the blood of the apothecary and the whole Rwarter band imprisoned in the infamous Sixail jail.
The Queen's eyes narrowed as she pieced together the fragments of information. She snapped out of her thoughts, realizing that the Supreme Head Judge's intention was to incriminate her daughter's newly appointed knight.
Even the chair of the juries was missing. Lady Mirae stood up and gathered everyone's attention. "In the name of the Angel of Justice, I, Mirae Sol En Procto, will start the Trial of Crema El Prove!" Her voice was solemn and gentle as she gazed at the doorway.
"Alas de honor!" The five head judges shouted.
The door slowly opened, the whisper of the cold breeze snatching everyone's attention. The rustling ground smashed the silence as the unknown figure emerged, wearing a white dress, clothed by cherry flowers.
The figures started to move their bodies, they bowed their heads and raised their hands in a prayer-like gesture. They stepped out their one foot and landed on the heel, then transferred weight to their toes. They gently swayed their hips from side to side.
They continued to swing their whole bodies, the dancers' movements becoming more fervent, their brass anklets jingling in rhythm. Suddenly, they stopped, their eyes sparkling with amusement. A shadow figure emerged from the door.
The figure, adorned in ceremonial attire, approached the center of the gathering, holding a huge sheep destined for the ritual sacrifice.
Lady Mirae stepped down from the Judges' Bench and gazed at the knight in the corner. Kiyara, stationed nearby, presented a gleaming silver sword. With the sword in hand, she walked towards the ancient altar. The man put the sheep down, and Lady Mirae stood up, placing the tip of the blade on the sheep's neck.
"For justice! In the name of Maharlika, the Heavenly Kingdom where fear, cries, pain, and regret cease to exist. I offer this sacrifice for the fallen victim of the false hero. May their spirit find guidance on the path to Maharlika." With solemn resolve, Lady Mirae slit the sheep's neck, its innocent gaze meeting hers.
As the sheep's life faded, Lady Mirae recalled the victim's tragic fate, a fate twisted by just a mere human child. The figures' whispers echoed, "May the sacrifice bridge the path to our Heavenly Kingdom."
Everyone was left awestruck, their eyes softened as they watched the Ritual of Guidance. Lhara's eyes narrowed, the fragrance of deep rage overflowing from her chair. A young man, tightened by heavy shackles and a movement seal, emerged from the back door.
Miku's body was painted with deep wounds, and his breath was barely intelligible. He was accompanied by five knights, six wizards, and a man known by the name of Ernie Montihero. His gentle and mocking eyes made Lhara unleash her sword, but the Queen stopped her.
Ernie ascended to the empty chair of the Judges' Bench. He laughed and smirked before taking a seat. He gestured upward, pointing to the ceiling and cracked open a coconut shell with a fast motion. He raised the shell to his lips and drank the cool and refreshing liquid.
"Ab initio!" Lady Mirae uttered.
The echo of silence sliced through the thin paper of time. "The Supreme Court of Mihian Kingdom is now open!" Lady Mirae declared, her eyes gleaming with criticism.
Lady Mirae walked towards the highest chair, adorned with rose and sunflower petals. "I, the Supreme Head of the Supreme Court of Mihian Kingdom, declaring the start of the Trial of Crema El Prove!. The Ritual of Guidance and Opening was solemnly performed, thus will be followed by the presentation of the jury members." She claimed, her deep and gentle voice masking her intentions.
The six head judges arose from their chairs, the blast of tension breaking out.
"The Honorable Ernie Montihero presiding!"
"The Honorable Mintaros Van Gogh presiding!"
"The Honorable Kritogane Machine presiding!"
"The Honorable Lina Pon Krimston presiding!"
"The Honorable Gilamero Prak presiding!"
"The Honorable Mintos Grame presiding!"
"And I, Mirae Sol En Procto, will be the final judge!" She paused and continued her statement. "For this Trial, the power of any external influences were nullified, by which means: the power of the aristocracy and the royal declaration cannot affect the results of this hearing!" She firmly declared, the whistle of rustling voices from the nobles spreading around.
"What is the meaning of this?" The King broke his silence and shouted, his eyes raging with anger. His eyes narrowed, piercing the eyes of Lady Mirae.
The Supreme Head Judge only ignored the king's questions and continued her statement. "According to Article XV, Section XLVIII of the Elven Provolaticos Constitution of [Migalomiea], the Supreme Court has the power to deflect any urge from royalties, nobles, and citizens when a case threatens the fate of the kingdom. Thus, the late King Hiryot reaffirmed that the Supreme Court holds supreme power within the kingdom's jurisdiction, and executive powers are nullified unless provided by law." Lady Mirae further exclaimed, taunting everyone's thoughts into disbelief.
"How could this threaten the kingdom's fate?" Princess Mia shouted. "Release my knight!" She added, her voice echoing, grabbing everyone's attention.
"That's right! Miku was innocent!" Kimberly claimed.
"What is happening to your mind, Mirae! Aren't you trying to use the power of the Supreme Court bestowed by the constitution to incriminate an innocent man? Remember, he was the hero, the Peacekeeper who saved the lives of the entire kingdom!" The Queen spat, her eyes blaming the lady.
"I know your frustrations, but this is just a mere trial for justice! I'll ensure that this hearing had no biases and all products of the rights of the courts' decision." Lady Mirae uttered.
"Hah? What the hell?" Lhara shouted, gazing at the lady with her piercing eyes. "Look at him, his face was soft and clean a few hours ago, but what the jury did to him was to exert violence that left scarlet wounds." Lhara further implied.
"For that reason, the court will also investigate that! But let's all focus on the true symbol of threats!" Lady Mirae uttered, her gaze fixed on the young man.
Lhara gritted her teeth and grasped the building tension around her heart. She glanced at Miku's wounds, and the scent of metallic fragrance clung to his body. The blood on Miku was fresh, served almost a minute ago. Her senses could never lie, and her heart was pounding to save him.
"May I call the first presiding judge to explain the case?" Lady Mirae said, gazing at Ernie.
"This case involves the subject, Miku y Salvador, for being the mastermind behind the Marquez The Wise rampage!"
"Shit! What kind of lie is that?" Kimberly shouted. "Didn't you see him defending the elves?" She added, addressing Miku's efforts.
"The court has gathered enough evidence for the past three months and concluded that Miku y Salvador was the main suspect that planned the whole chaos!" Lina Pon Krimston stated.
"Fuck! Are you all fools!" Kimberly shouted, her eyes narrowed.
"Refrain your mouth, lady!" Ernie muttered.
"Let's all ask the suspect first! Before creating a conclusion!" Lady Mirae uttered with responsible eyes.
Everyone's attention shifted to Miku. The wind breeze snapped their thoughts.
"Is it true that you are the mastermind behind the Marquez's rampage?" Lady Mirae uttered, but Miku only gazed at her, his mouth never uttering any words.
"The Mihian library has a record of your meeting with Marquez The Wise, Hippocrates the apothecary, and the Rwarter band three days before the slaughter. There are also a few reports about you being out of your duties. What does it imply? Do you belong to them?" Lady Mirae muttered, twisting everyone's minds into a rampage.
"Miku will never do that!" Lhara shouted.
Once again, Miku didn't even move the tip of his mouth.
"Recent reports from the guild quoted that your name ordered a huge amount of hemlock flowers. It was also received before the Princess's birthday. Is that suspicious?" Lady Mirae smirked and paused.
"According to the testimony of the apothecary before his last breath, you were pointed as the one who urged Marquez The Wise to penetrate the kingdom's morale. He also pointed you as the manufacturer of the entire plan. Are you sure that you have no reconciliation of your actions?" She muttered.
Ernie Montihero flew a hurdle of paper around, revealing the entire connection of the Peacekeeper and the Marquez plan.
"You didn't only serve as the mastermind, but you also tried to build a new plan to destroy the kingdom!"
Lady Mirae smirked and gazed at the aristocracy as they scanned the contents of the paper. "The paper you're holding right now contained not only the contributions of Miku y Salvador to the Marquez rampage, but also his connection to the demon Lord. He was a spy sent by the demon!"
Everyone's chin almost fled, the songs of confusion raising the tension. "This is a lie, Onee-chan would never do that!" Princess Mia shouted, defending her knight.
"This is fabricated information, aiming to incriminate my daughter's knights. Don't make us fools!" The queen shouted.
"No, these are first-hand information. You can check them if you want!" Lady Mirae muttered, ensuring the validity of the information.
"Now, answer me with honesty, Miku! Are you really a minion sent by the demon Lord?"
The chirping birds suddenly changed their direction, the rustling sounds of tension stopping as Miku stood up from his chair, gazing at the ceiling. The scents of petals twisted by the bloodlust coming from the young man.
The heavy glare sliced the silence. Miku's eyes peeled their thoughts, a dark, menacing aura engulfing Miku's body. He laughed, sending a chill inside their veins. The sudden shift in Miku's action quoted a dark memory.
Suddenly a menacing eye gazed at their shadow sending their body trimmed. "Very demure!" Miku muttered, destroying the movement seal and the heavy shackles.
"Looks like you've found me!..."