Chapter 211
Chapter 211
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 211
Chapter Title: The Trial Begins
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The dim dawn. Lights in the imperial palace flicked on early. Everyone silently dressed, pulled out their uniforms, and partook of a neat breakfast.
Ian was no different. He slowly buttoned up under the hands of his attendants. He pinned every badge and patch awarded to him as Magic Department Minister across his chest without missing a single one.
Today was the day Prince Marib would vanish from history—and in another sense, the day he would be etched into it forever.
Knock knock.
"Come in."
"Oh, Ian. You're almost ready."
"You've come. You didn't wake me yesterday."
Romandro was unusually neat, a rare sight. His hair, always tousled from being pushed this way and that, was neatly combed down. Probably Vivianna's handiwork. Romandro wagged a leather document folder and shook his head.
"No urgent business, and people need their rest when it's time to rest."
"Have you rested well, Lord Romandro?"
"Of course! With Vivianna by my side, I feel at ease even without going home. I slept deeply for the first time in ages. Everything for final review is sorted here, so we just need to attend the trial."
Ian crossed his legs in front of the mirror. He waved off the attendants for a moment and checked the report. Daring to say it, last night had clearly been a rare peaceful one where Ian could finally sleep, thanks to everyone holding their breath ahead of the great event.
"And Prince Marib?"
"I checked the prison early this morning. He seems fine, no worries at all. The indictment to House Haiman will get approvals from each department and be delivered by tomorrow. They're all busy, and with House Haiman attending the trial too, they probably don't want to stir up awkwardness."
"Isn't House Serro coming to the trial as well?"
"They've arranged a meeting after it ends, so we'll at least share a meal. Count Serro's health is poor, so his eldest son, Marlon Hoff Serro, will come in his place."
"Ah. That should be fine."
In many ways, isn't a familiar face better than a stranger? Ian had met Marlon Hoff Serro at the New Year's banquet and seen him when Berik sparred with Jayrot. A young, gentlemanly man, so there shouldn't be any issues in negotiations.
Ian flipped through the report again, and the attendants approached to finish adjusting his clothes.
"Then please escort His Highness Jin."
"Got it. See you outside."
Romandro sniffed and replied in agreement. Dressed so sharply, he looked every bit the young noble. Sure, the marquis's heir was famous for his looks, but he couldn't hold a candle to Ian.
Creak.
After Romandro left, Ian gave his appearance one last check and stood. Unlike usual, mages in robes gathered throughout the lobby. They too were key observers of the trial and would move with Ian.
Snap.
"Lord Ian."
"Everyone assembled?"
"Yes. All present except the Mana Stone Management Division."
"And Captain Acorella's research report is ready?"
It was about the amber gemstone Idgal that Prince Marib had used. At Ian's question, the mages held up their documents in turn and answered. They were witnesses on site and key in the cleanup, signing off to condemn Marib.
"No issues. Shall we go?"
"Lord Ian!"
It was Jin. The boy approaching briskly under Romandro's guidance. He wore a small but dignified uniform, and even his hair showed Xiaoshi's careful attention.
"Your Highness. Good morning."
"Yeah. Good morning."
"All preparations are complete?"
"Yes. We just need to head out."
Preparations to meet a mother and Arsen he'd never seen before, once the matter concluded. Ian extended his hand at Jin's reply, and the boy took it without hesitation. The two led the way down the Magic Department building stairs.
Clack clack!
Dozens of mages followed behind. The morning chill wind fluttered their robes, but their expressions were resolute. Jin glanced back briefly, taking in each person accompanying him.
* * *
Nobles streamed into the palace endlessly to attend the trial. Among them were those like Haiman charged with treason, but Ian had urged every central noble to participate without exception. So they could witness the outcome of the rebellion with their own eyes.
No matter how much a prince, threatening Variel would end like this. The nobles were to forever remember Marib's example and never scheme idly. It was a kind of warning.
Clack clack!
Neigh!
"Ah, Lord Charlotte. Good day."
"Come on, let's go in. What are we doing standing here?"
"The trial ends today, right?"
"What point in dragging it out? His Majesty was injured, and the palace ruins are proof. I'm curious what execution method Prince Marib will get."
"Expulsion from the imperial family means hanging, I suppose."
It was a crowd like the New Year's banquet. Carriages packed the front of the courtroom, and nobles entered whispering solemnly, all in muted colors.
From above, the scene looked less like a trial and more like a massive funeral.
"Lady Dillaina and Prince Arsen."
"Oh ho, they've arrived. Did you hear?"
"That Prince Arsen is a Mana User?"
"The world's amusing. For Prince Arsen to reveal his ability in this situation. And he was injured, yet he looks fully recovered."
"That puts Prince Jin and Lord Ian in a bit of a bind."
"Shh. They're coming this way."
Dillaina and Arsen stood out sharply among them. Hand in hand, they led supporters up the stairs. Even those who'd voted for Jin days ago were mixed in. Nobles parted left and right, bowing heads, and Dillaina spotted Haiman and approached.
"Duke Haiman."
"Lady Dillaina."
The two greeted and whispered secretly. Dillaina frowned and nodded, and the nobles witnessing it confirmed the rampant rumors. Variel's purse strings, Haiman, meeting the Mana User Arsen. The next emperor was already set.
Creak.
Clack clack!
Just then, carriages arrived one after another with harsh friction sounds. Carriages bearing the Magic Department's flags. Nobles hurried inside fearing sparks might fly, and Dillaina halted, gazing down.
"Your Highness, please step down carefully."
"Thank you."
It was Jin. Descending the carriage under Ian's escort. He seemed a bit taller after just a short time apart. Dillaina bit her lip hard, unable to tear her eyes from Jin. Arsen merely gazed up at her with dry eyes.
"Ah."
Jin, climbing the stairs diligently, spotted Dillaina. And next to her, Arsen. Arsen greeted Jin in his mother's stead.
"Jin. Long time no see."
"......"
"Your wounds have healed well. I've missed you."
Jin felt strange. These were people he'd spent his whole life with since birth. Yet after a brief separation, how could it feel so awkward? He'd thought them indispensable in his life, but now it seemed not.
Now Jin stood firm. He looked straight ahead unwaveringly, his heart unshaken even by Arsen's greeting.
"...Yeah."
'Yeah.' A reply to what? Arsen twitched an eyebrow and met Jin's gaze.
'Well, well.'
Sharp eyes. Arsen smirked inwardly and examined the boy closely. Good complexion—he was clearly doted on and well cared for in the Magic Department.
"Lord Ian. Are you serving 'our' Jin well?"
Ian smiled brightly at Arsen's cheeky greeting and replied in kind.
"Of course. 'Our' Prince Jin is brilliant and deeply considerate, so the entire Magic Department praises and serves him. How is Prince Arsen's condition?"
"As you see, physically recovered, but the wounds of the heart linger. As long as Brother Gail lives, it won't heal easily."
It was a jab at Ian for protecting Gail. No matter a prince, leaving a clear criminal alive instead of executing him. A warning that it greatly irked Arsen. But Ian feigned ignorance and shook his head smoothly.
"I hope you recover well despite your worries."
"You think that's easy? How could I forget someone who tried to kill me? I never could."
Arsen growled lowly. Those who'd tried to kill him included not just Gail but Ian too. He hadn't ordered it directly, but hadn't he urged the disposal?
As Arsen roughly grabbed Ian's arm, Jin swiftly pulled his hand away.
Snap!
"Many eyes watching."
"...Jin?"
"Ian, let's go in. Arsen, take good care of Mother. For my share too."
Jin nodded curtly to his mother as his greeting. Ian did the same. He brushed off the wrinkled sleeve and straightened his clothes.
"Then, excuse us. Prince Arsen. See you again."
Mages waiting a few steps away filed past Arsen and Dillaina. If Arsen was a Mana User, he'd be close to the Magic Department, but the overall atmosphere was coldly hostile.
Creak.
"The Magic Department has arrived."
"Time to start soon."
"Tsk tsk. Prince Marib is something else. Look at Prince Jin's face. Such scars on a young prince."
The courtroom ceiling curved down in a massive dome. On the platform, sixty-five judge seats were prepared. Given the gravity, all authoritative Judiciary figures would sign the verdict.
"Judicial authority is half from the Judiciary, a quarter from the imperial family, and the rest to senior palace officials. Prince Jin gets one vote too. But it's public, so choose your stance carefully."
A kind of participatory trial. Token nobles observed from the second floor, royals and high officials took first-floor seats. Behind the judges loomed a massive throne, empty. Had the emperor not been frozen, he'd have sat there overlooking the trial.
"I understand."
"Don't be nervous. Someone else has reason to today."
Who could be more terrified than one facing death? Jin moistened his lips and straightened. Soon the doors opened, and velvet-robed judges entered in a line.
"Please be silent. We now commence the trial of Prince Marib for treason and the attempted assassination of His Majesty the Emperor."
Thud thud!
The chief judge's gavel silenced the hall instantly. The judges sat, gazing forward with dignity.
"Bring in the defendant."
Creak.
All heads turned toward the sound.
A blond, blue-eyed man entered surrounded by soldiers. Long hair tied back, glasses as always. Chains removed for face, he retained his princely dignity from before.
"Prince Marib."
"How can he look so......"
"Shh. Be quiet."
Murmurs faded briefly. Marib sat calmly, scanning the room. Central nobles all gazed down at him. Those who'd once fawned at his feet now with disgust, pity, sympathy, or anger.
'Hah.'
Then Marib spotted Ian. He curled his lips in a sinister smile, mouthing silent words. Ian couldn't make them out and frowned, while Marib straightened with a laugh.
"State your name, defendant."
"...I am Variel's First Prince, Marib Berosion."
Marib's history began its end.