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Death’s Daughter Chapter 54

Author: “FoodLovingPanda”

CHAPTER 54 – ENEMY OF THE STATE, SET FOR EXECUTION

Nobody spoke a word, even the king was staying silent following my outrageous reply. I could see he was hoping that the sword would react to my statement, but I really don’t see a way they would be able to go against the very same trap of vacuum. It would end up being one sided massacre. I couldn’t lie, and he couldn’t do anything since this was only a hypothetical question.

“That is all I have no further questions.”

The king withdrew his sword. Since nobody else wanted to ask any questions, I was allowed to stand down. Going back to my seat, everyone moved away and gave space for me to pass. I decided not to pay them any attention and patiently waited for the trial to continue.

“Next, I call a wanted criminal Sotou to testify.”

Sotou was bound in chains, half of his face beaten blue, but oddly enough satisfied at the situation before him. Could he be planning on doing something, his look reminded me of when we were about to be attacked by monsters. He seemed to be looking for something in the crowd, but I don’t know who he was looking for.

“Sotou, do you confess to the crimes you have committed as well as colluding with Black Hand to assassinate Duke Loren and his escorts?”

As soon as he was asked this question he locked eyes with me. The color of his face was drained immediately and he began to tremble. I decided not to break away and make him suffer a bit more. Instead, I raised my hand and slightly waved at him.

“Answer me! Remaining silent will do you no good!”

Sadly he was in no state to answer, he was completely focused on my slightly smiling
face. Finally, people around noticed his state of terror and his stare. Add on my previous statement and you have a perfect recipe for awkward silence.

The first one to break this silence was the Prime Minister that was in charge of Sotou.

“If you do not want to talk, then we have no other choice but to return you to Naoko-san who was the one to capture you. She will be the one to decide your fate, including how
exactly you will die.”

“NO! WAIT! I’ll talk! Please, I’ll confess anything just don’t send me back to her. I don’t want to die like that, anything will be better than such death. The things I am wanted for, I admit them all. As for the attack on the Earl Orzak and the captive Duke Loren, it was ordered hit by someone connected with Black Hand. We did several jobs like that for them in the past. I don’t know anything else. In fact, I never met anyone inside Black Hand, I swear. Brand me enemy of the state and cut my head off, just don’t send me back to her.”

Oh, come on. I am not that much of a devil that you are making me out to be. Besides, these people are already afraid, there is no need to add more oil to the fire. I shot the Prime Minister that was in charge of the prisoner a mean glare, but seeing his bewildered look, I realized he was also unaware that this threat would be so effective. Mr. Prime Minister next time do not try any psychological experiments in front of a live studio audience. Thanks to it, right now I must be branded more evil than the Undying Necromancer in some people’s minds.

“You have all heard him plead guilty, I hereby sentence you to death by decapitation. Take him away. Right now, we shall take a break from the trial. Dismiss.”

Luckily all this went pretty well, if you disregard the fact that half the nobility present thinks of me as an evil creature born of hell. This could be seen from the fact that the closer one was sitting to me, the faster they rushed away towards the exit. Thankfully, I can be sure that they will not be bothering me anytime soon. There is no need to pay attention to them at all.

One good thing is that I will definitely be rewarded handsomely for the capture of Sotou, and if you add on the gold I need to pick up from all the monster materials I just might be able to get a nice little house that has its own bath built in. That way I can soak in it every day if I want to.

Dreaming about my future house that has its bath, I left the Royal Hall. I didn’t feel like eating lunch for over two hours like some people did, so I started pacing up and down the hallways while eating my sandwich. Up and down, back and front, and at some point I began walking while avoiding the cracks in the marble floor like a child playing around.

The guards stationed nearby around must have thought I was crazy, acting like this for almost an hour without stopping. Up and down, back and front all along the hallway. As I was acting like this, I came across a certain someone when I turned the corner. As soon as I noticed him I froze.

“Maeda Naoko-san, I will be taking some of your time. Accompany me for some tea.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

***COLT’s POV***

I came to watch the trial just so I can hlearn about this amazing magician that had
appeared. I belong to a small baron household and I had the right to attend this trial. My family was part of the neutral faction that did not support any of the high noble houses and was loyal to the King. Since my father was here, I was seated next to him.

The first three days went past without much happening which was to be expected but on the fourth day, she was finally presented. I couldn’t believe that our small Naoko was the main actress for this story. I could immediately see that she has grown a lot compared to when we first met her. I felt really proud for her. She didn’t allow the weakness of what was known as useless magic stop her from improving and moving forward. That is why I didn’t hesitate one bit before vouching for her words. If Blink was present here, he would do the same.

Even the King personally asked her about her origin while holding the Sword of Light and the fact she could reply normally shows how strong she is. According to legend, those questioned by the sword would feel immense pressure and would barely be able to speak, but she looked rather relaxed. When she said she fought countless battles I was not surprised. After all, it was something Nord and I came to a conclusion. Most likely her status was sealed or suppressed. But hearing it from her, only made me validate that guess.

However, the real shock came from her next statement. Countless troops and all twelve heroes to hunt and kill her and she was certain to exterminate them. Exactly what kind of power does she have to be so sure of herself? At first I was doubtful, but after hearing the testimony of the criminal Sotou I was assured, she definitely had a way to get rid of anyone sent after her.

For a second I could see it. Queen Naoko standing on top of the world not bowing to anyone with countless others by her feet, it was a sight that both terrified and excited me at the same time. I couldn’t wait to see what the future holds.