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Death’s Daughter Chapter 56

Author: “FoodLovingPanda”

CHAPTER 56 – THE END OF THE TRIAL

The king left and I found myself alone in this room. Maybe I shouldn’t have told him about the sword, seeing how interested in it he seemed, but at the time seemed like a good distraction from my affairs. Well, it doesn’t matter, as long as I possess Amethyst he can’t do much, just like I can’t do anything as long as he has Amber. Either way, the king doesn’t seem like an unreasonable person, so that is a good thing. I don’t think he will hold my words
earlier against me and most likely will leave me alone.

With the lunch break ending, I returned to the Royal Hall to await the second part of
the trial today. It was time to bring out the convicted Duke Loren to testify. Well, since he had his tongue cut off, I think it will come down to him answering yes/no l questions. I was certain they would prolong this forever asking all kinds of irrelevant questions, so when the king stood up and took his sword I was rather surprised.

“Did you, Duke Loren, try to kill Earl Orzak and Maeda Naoko after inviting them for a drink and getting angry at them therefore losing control?”

Oh wow, that was super direct question. The Duke being before the sword was trembling in fear, and after a pause he nodded. The sword remained silent.

“Did you use your skill, which could deprive them of their free will, to ensure they do not resist your attack?”

Once again the Duke nodded. Well, there you have it, a wave of whispers and gasps spread around the hall. Half of what he was accused of has been confirmed. Now for the second part.

“Duke Loren, did you, knowingly and willingly, provide shelter to Black Hand members while not reporting or arresting them?”

Here it is. It was one thing if he didn’t know that Irina was a Black Hand member, but if he did, there was no way out for him. Right now, with his attempted murder he would most likely only be demoted maybe even get some prison time, but with treason in case of helping Black Hand, he will be sentenced to death.

I was staring at the trembling Duke waiting to see his response. He was shaking his head violently making unintelligible sounds to deny this accusation, but the very next moment the sword shined brightly and a light beam pierced his left shoulder leaving him screaming and twitching in pain on the ground, his dignity all lost.

Uproar was started in the Royal Hall. To have a highest ranking noble commit such a crime was unheard of. It was no wonder that there was such a big reaction. The crowd didn’t seem to be calming down at all and it was only after a shout from a royal guard did it quiet down.

“Did you work with Black Hand before, either sheltering them or using their services for your own gain?”

While panting in pain the Duke, knowing lying was useless, nodded his head. Even I was surprised to hear this. I had thought he only broke the law because it was, after all, his own granddaughter who was in question, but it would appear he was truly rotten to the core. King-sama good job on recognizing this.

“In that case, Duke Loren, are you aware where the main hideout of Black Hand is and how to find them?”

The Duke shook his head. Well, I guess it was only natural, even I wouldn’t tell outside affiliates the true location of my base if I ran criminal organization. But with this, Duke Loren had lost all hope to keep his own head. His fate was set in stone now.

“Duke Kasim of the house Loren, second of his name, I hereby strip you and your family of the title Duke and taking all your privileges. You are found guilty of treason by harboring a criminal of the kingdom and using their services for your own gain. You are to be imprisoned and publicly executed ten days from now. I pass this judgment to you under my title of King of Elicia.”

Is that it? Couldn’t you have done this from the very beginning and save three days of my life? Earl-sama, you are absolutely correct this trial really did last too long. I can’t believe I have to endure another day to thank each and every noble person that participated. Seriously, all this is unnecessary waste of time.

I withdrew to my assigned room where I ate my dinner. Just one more day and I will be
free. I can’t wait for that. Since I was not sleepy, I decided to roam the castle but I felt bad for those five guards following me from the shadows, so I kept my midnight walk to a minimum.

—

“With that I would like to thank everyone present and conclude the trial of former Duke of house Loren. His position will be taken over by Edward Elicia, third of his name.”

Finally over! Edward Elicia is the King’s youngest brother and up until now he did not have his own territory. He spent time in the castle helping out the King deal with all the paperwork. He already had title Duke, being the King’s brother, so this was accepted easily by everyone.

“For the nobles gathered here and our friends, there will be a tournament held starting with the first day of the following week. Participation is open to everyone and the royal family will prepare special rewards for the winners.”

Oh, that sounds really interesting. If the Earl is planning on staying until the execution I don’t mind entering the tournament and going for that prize. Also a small vacation is always welcome.

“Lastly, I Erik von Elicia will bestow one, Naoko Maeda, with the title of Viscountess as a reward for her contribution in discovering a corrupt noble and taking down several Black Hand members, as well as solving a great threat of a monster horde that could have proved to be extremely dangerous. Please step forward and accept the decree.”

Eh? EEEEH? What did he just say? I don’t want that! Can I deny it or is it already set in stone? Just when did he decide to do this, I did not ask for this.

“I am deeply honored Your Majesty, but I am afraid I must decline, I am not worthy to bear such a title.”

“That is a lie Maeda-san, and you know it.”

Screw that sword.

“I don’t want to do deskwork and be bothered with nobility stuff, it’s annoying and boring.”

A burst of laughter came from the King. Well, I’m glad you’re finding it funny.

“You will be fine. Just accept it, you won’t have any work at all to deal with. It is more of a token of gratitude coming from me than anything else.”