Chapter 121 Bluestellaʼs trial has begun?
Chapter 121 Bluestella?s trial has begun?
Black Dragon Gate Arc
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(POV: Lumiere)
How exactly did we return to the Silva Citadel?
I wondered.
"Isadora, how did we find our way back here?" I asked.
"It was Stellaria. I used my skill [Telepathy] to transfer my memories of the Silva Citadel into her thoughts. By doing so, I granted you the pathway to open a portal straight to our destination." (Isadora)
"Oh, cool."
I also gained the [Telepathy] skill from Isadora but never used it.
However, now, telepathic communication could be very crucial.
Umbra (dark spirit) materialized behind me in a swirl of darkness.
Dressed impeccably in his butler attire, he bowed his head respectfully and said, "Master, I am relieved to see that you have finally awakened from your slumber."
I nodded appreciatively, but confusion filled my mind. "Umbra, I didn't summon you. And yet..."
"In dire situations, I am able to utilize the spiritual corridor, allowing me to manifest myself physically. Your safety and well-being are my utmost priority, and thus, I took it upon myself to be by your side." Umbra?s voice was smooth.
His immense power surprised me.
I hadn't fully grasped just how formidable he was.
"So, Master, I have confirmed now that the crown prince is no longer in any da-" (Umbra)
Before he could divulge any further information, I placed my index finger against my lip and uttered "Shhhh.."
I was yet to tell the grygans and minotaurs about my bloodline.
Just then, Fasit chimed in with a reassuring smile. "Worry not, my lord. Serena and Isadora have already informed us about your background while you were unconscious."
"Yes, we know you're of royal blood." Martini smiled.
Skarz nodded vigorously with his arms folded.
Surprised, I turned to Serena, seeking confirmation.
She nodded, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding.
Isadora winked in affirmation.
At this point, they knew everything about me. From being a bastard to being an apostle of All-Father.
"So, since that's out of the way," I turned to Umbra. "You said something about the crown prince."
"Two days ago," Umbra started, his words slow and measured, "Bluestella turned herself in to the king, confessing her treasonous acts."
A surge of disbelief rocked my joints.
"Why would she do such a thing?" I blurted out.
It was a sudden turn of events.
Skarz chimed in, "But isn't this a good thing? The traitor is brought to justice."
"Indeed, now you won't have to force her to do it." (Serena)
"That would've been way more fun." (Isadora)
"I agree." (Umbra)
I sighed, attempting to explain my thoughts.
"Yes, it is indeed a positive outcome, but the suddenness of it all caught me off guard."
"Well, you've been unconscious for three days. A lot has transpired in your absence." (Serena)
I dressed my hair. "I guess you're right. Still, I wonder what would've driven her to do that."
Umbra sensed my curiosity. "If I may, Master?"
"Yes, please do," I replied, eager to gather as much information as possible.
Umbra delved into his explanation, theorizing about Bluestella's motivations.
"Perhaps she was gripped by fear after the Duke's tragic demise. She may have chosen to turn herself in, believing that it would spare her from a similar fate." (Umbra)
I absentmindedly scratched my head, contemplating Umbra's words.
"It seems likely, doesn't it?" I mused aloud. "But I can't help but wonder how her children would feel about this."
"Also, today is the final day of the royal court proceedings. Would you be interested in attending?" Umbra asked, his voice smooth as always.
I immediately responded, "No, it's not of great importance. Bluestella will either be exiled or imprisoned, and it's not within my care to involve myself."
Maybe.
"Excellent words, my lord," said Fasit, proudly smiling.
...
(POV: Bluestella)
As I stood before the royal court, regret weighed heavily upon my heart. I knew that I could not undo my actions, but perhaps I could plead for leniency. The court was abuzz with anticipation, and I could feel the judging gazes of the important dignitaries upon me. My once pristine clothes were now tattered and stained, a reflection of my inner turmoil. My unkempt hair fell haphazardly around my face, mirroring the chaos that consumed my mind. The weight of the steel cuffs around my wrists served as a constant reminder of my betrayal.
I glanced towards King Greyson, Queen Ayisha, Vanessa, and Arthur, their eyes filled not with pity but with unbridled hatred. I understood their anger, for my actions endangered the life of their beloved heir. However, I could not bring myself to hate them in return. No, the hatred I felt was for myself, for allowing my greed to cloud my judgment.
In that tense moment, the Court Herald, Master Herald Maxwell Bate, rose from his seat and beckoned for silence. His voice echoed throughout the grand hall, commanding attention as he declared the commencement of the trial for my heinous crime. The room grew silent, the air thick with anticipation.
"Esteemed members of the royal court," began Master Herald Maxwell with a steady voice, "we gather here today to seek justice for the murder of Nerbas and the attempted murder of Crown Prince Arthur."
The tension in the room was palpable, and I could feel the weight of the court's gaze on me.
I took a deep breath, summoning the courage to speak.
"I stand before you today to acknowledge my wrongdoing," I admitted, my voice tinged with remorse. "I allowed my greed to blind me, to believe that the fate of my children justified any action."
King Greyson's stern expression remained unchanged, but a flicker of curiosity danced in Queen Ayisha's eyes.
Vanessa's gaze, cold and calculating, bore into me, while Arthur's clenched fists betrayed his anger and frustration.
"But at what cost?" The prosecutor, Attorney General Damian Hartley, was the one who asked.
"What price is too high when it comes to securing a bright future for one's children?"
A murmur spread through the court, conversations sparked by my questions. I could sense the skepticism and disapproval, but I pressed on.
"True, my actions were misguided, and they endangered the life of an innocent prince. But I would do anything... and I mean anything, to make sure my children have the life they deserve." (Bluestella)