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Death’s Daughter Chapter 53

Author: “FoodLovingPanda”

CHAPTER 53 – I CALL YOU UPON THE WITNESS STAND

On the second day the witnesses were supposed to be introduced, but after a short discussion it was decided to introduce them as they are called up front. It didn’t matter that much to me, it will still take too long.

Now on the second day, I wasted my life listening to how great Duke Loren was, how well he treated his subordinates and all the battles he fought and won. Basically, everyone that believed Duke Loren was innocent was trying to suck up his ass by praising him. Each and every one of them said that duke would never cooperate with Black Hand.

The day after the situation was opposite, nobles that spoke criticized the Duke and were trying to kiss Earl’s ass by going against the Duke. Seriously, what a pointless part of a trial. These people had nothing to do with the case, so what’s the point?

Finally, the fourth day arrived. Things were supposed to start moving now. The first one to be called to testify was Earl Orzak, he actually looked decent and groomed for a change. He presented the case accusing Duke Loren of attempted murder and collaborating with Black Hand.

Next up was the Duke himself, however he had some trouble talking as he had his tongue missing so it ended up a yes/no questioning. And then at last it was my turn to speak.

“I call upon Naoko Maeda to the witness stand.”

Three pairs of eyes widened in shock as I approached the witness stand. It was Hii-chan, Inoue-san and Daisuke-san’s, while the others only seemed mildly surprised with my appearance that was so similar to them.

“Please state your age, class, job, race and swear to only speak truth.”

“17, Magic swordsman, Adventurer C-rank, human, I swear to tell the truth, only the truth and nothing but the truth.”

“Very well, please present your side of the story.”

And so I told everything that happened starting from the moment I was called to the Earl’s mansion until we arrived at the capital. I only briefly mentioned Irina’s death. When I was done the guard that was in charge of announcing everything spoke up once again.

“Since Maeda-san is a commoner she will need at least three other people vouching for her words, otherwise this will not be considered as valid testimony.”

What’s with that? I didn’t know about this. I don’t know any nobles. Heck the Earl is the only one that can vouch for me. I looked at him and saw he was unhappy as well with this. Somehow, I think this is not a normal thing.

“I, Toriwa Orzak, vouch for her words.”

Good, that is one, but it means nothing if others don’t speak up, but I felt they wouldn’t just do it since they never saw me before, nor do they get to gain any benefits from me. I should have mingled with nobles a bit more. Sadly, it is too late now.

“I, Colt Mahim, vouch for her words.”

EH?! Colt-san? Why are you here? I didn’t even know you were a noble, wait how come I don’t remember hearing your name on the first day? I sent him a polite nod thanking him for speaking up for me.

“I, Nakanishi Hiiro, vouch for her words.”

Hii-chan, please forgive me, I forgot about you. Following him, Inoue-san and Daisuke-san both vouched for me. With that I had more than enough people so they had to accept my side of the story.

“In that case, does anyone have questions for Maeda-san?”

Silence… nobody was asking, but I think it could be because they were all focusing on the King behind me. I turned around and saw he took out a sword pointing at me. Oi, Oi what the heck are you doing? I remained expressionless while my inner self was in full panic on the inside and preparing to fight at a moment’s notice. You can’t do anything in front of so many people, or more likely, I can’t do anything. You’re the King you can do anything. Aah… what to do? If I use Blink I could probably get away… I think.

“Maeda Naoko, this sword can distinguish lies told by others. An unknown girl has beaten one of the most promising young mages while drunk. I got curious and looked into some records from the kingdom, but I could not find your information anywhere. This causes concern for me. Now, why don’t you tell me about your origins.”

Seriously?! That sword had such a function,
so why the farce of this trial if you can just ask the Duke if he’s guilty or not? So, why do you suspect me? I didn’t want to be here in the first place, also how detailed your records can be?

“I come from an island country on the far east of the world. My country is different from yours, and sadly, since I left it I can no longer go back as far as I know. I long made farewell with my country.”

Good, there were no lies within this story. The sword shouldn’t show any reaction, but this is exhausting, my nerves are killing me.

“In that case why come? Who taught you to fight and use magic, from what I heard you have used rather unusual magic.”

“Back home I spent countless hours battling numerous opponents which brandished my sword. Hundreds have fallen under my blade and I fought thousands of times. All that sharpened my skills. And magic was learned from books and pictures. Knowledge is the most important factor when dealing with magic and seeing clear pictures of it makes it easy. And as for why I am here, it is because I was cast away when a certain lazy and shameless person picked me up all annoyed because I was bothering him and he dumped me here.”

No lies here whatsoever.

“Lastly, if I brand you enemy of the state and wanted your head sending my entire military and all twelve heroes how many you think would survive in your attempt to escape?”

Silence, nobody dared to speak a single word as they waited for my answer. I thought about it and if I am to judge by Hii-chan’s party, and considering that the normal military men were weaker, I came up with a solution.

“None whatsoever.”