-~*~-
After the whole thing has come to died down a bit, nothing much is to do. Sure there are some cases left and right, but for the sake of the story, it's not really important.
And like how fast the weather can change in one day, the time for the trial of Eduoard Choffard came. Since this case is involving the safety of the Empire, everyone has to attend the trial. Though, high nobles members aren't allowed to leave their state in order to keep check and balance.
Thus, to combat such problems, they have been given two light transmitter communicator to use for any trials that happened in other state. Though, there are some instances that everyone has to attend but I'm not going to dive deep into that.
The trial chamber is slowly being filled with leaders of each household, taking their designated seat. Some had even sent in a representative as there might be an unavoidable circumstances at hand. The only seat that is left empty are the three throne, fore front at the stairs, the middle seat, where the culprit would be seated and five front chairs in the High Lord area.
The transmitter are being displayed around the room but still, no faces are shown. There is only four of the transmitter which means that one of the High Lord will be coming in face to face.
The sounds of horn and marching of soldiers cause every single person in the room to stand from their seats and look over to the giant door. "Announcing! The arrival of His Majesty, Emperor Dylan Searl Valionix and His Highness, Crown Prince Devian Leon Valionix!" A soldier shouts at the top of his lung the announcement and proceed to help open the door to let the figure inside.
Two dashing figure walked across the royal blue carpet, one looks to be older than the other. They both walked over to the three empty throne by the stairs and turn to face hundred faces in the room. All of which then bow and chant in unison, "All hail the Ever Lasting Star of the Empire, Your Majesty!. All hail the Glaring Sun of the Empire, Your Highness!"
Seeing that everyone is where they are seated to be, the emperor wave his hand up. "Rise, my subject and take your seat." They did as they are told stayed silent until the emperor said to begin the trial. Though he didn't immediately start them as he look over to where the High Lord seats are situated.
Confused, he look over to where the faces of transmitter showed up and ask. "Where is Xenzi? He wouldn't be late to national trials at all." The emperor look over to ask the four other High Lord which sound more like he is conversing with a friend. "We have no clue of where he is, Your Majesty. However, rest assured. We believe that he will come soon."
"Since this is a matter of national safety, we can't wait any longer. Devian?" He looks over to his right to see his son's eyes. Which he gets the signal and stands up to command the following. "Today, we are gathered in the trial chamber to both hear and judge the crime that had been committed. His Majesty will be overseeing this trial alongside all of us and shall commence the verdict and punishment suitable for the culprit."
Devian looks over to the guard on the left side of the hall and nodded, which the other seem to understand. With all his might as the Crown Prince he commence, "Bring in the accuse to the face of justice!"
The door on the left was left open wide and in came the culprit in question with both hands tied down by a light rion energy. He was escorted to the middle seat of the hall and was seated down. By his sides are two guards on each corner of the table. "Eduoard Choffard, your evil deeds that occurs in Kinsel has been reported by the police as well as the Marquess of the state himself."
Eduoard — "Tch!"
Devian — "You have been charged with mass kidnapping, killing, destruction of empire's property, illegal use of empire's property and causing obstruction to the both public and the empire's safety. What do you have to say to these charges before further run down of your deed?"
Eduoard — "..."
Devian — "Eduoard Choffard! Are you listening?"
Eduoard — "Shut your mouth, you prickling prince."
The guards around him are about to turn to smack him, but Devian raise his hand to stop them from moving. He saw the movement with his eyes and head. He is looking for something, or rather someone. "Licia, I pray that you won't be rattled out tonight." He think to himself.
"Huh? I guess that bastard of a marquess didn't bother to be punctual with his duty." he snark out a remark before turning back to where the four screen is located and stare down to where Marquess Ryuichi is. "You won't get away from karma, you boot licking asshole."
The emperor seem to have had enough of his rude remarks and was about to call him out himself when the giant door in the middle part way to let a man in blue and white walk in. The emperor seated himself back in his throne an let out a sigh of relief. At the very least with this man inside the premise, Eduaord won't be able to act as rude as he had been.
He takes his seat at where the High Lord seat is and proceed to make a bow to where the throne is. "My greatest apologize, Your Majesty, Your Highness, for my tardiness. There is something that I have to settle down before coming."
Emperor — "No worries, Marquess Xue. At last you finally come to this trial."
Eduoard — "Hah!"
Xenzi — "Watch your mouth, you father of devil spawn!"
Xenzi had already had his fair share of investigation done after being informed of who it is that is being held on trial. He didn't like to dwell much on previous cases. At last, he can't escape this one. Eduoard was about to blow up and ran to him and clawed his face but was being held against everything by the guards stationed.
"Your Highness, you may continue." Seeing that Xenzi didn't take much of the situation into something of a big problem, Devian continue to read out everything that has been detailed by the Chief Inspector of Kinsel regarding the case. "That is all that has been said by Inspector Chen Luyao, Your Maejsty."
The emperor didn't need to say more things and only move his sight to where Marquess Ryuichi is. "Ikuto, if you would further detailed the situation of the related case to the audiences." Without much waiting, Marquess Ryuichi tell everyone what had come to spiral down 4 to 5 years ago.
The emperor then move his sight to where Xenzi is and the Marquess of House Xue further said his end of the line. He foretell how he had taught that the guardian of the leader of the human trafficking incident is still roaming around the empire. He had collaborated with every High Lord to find the culprit but Eduoard has been laying low for years and nothing suspicious had occurred.
At last, there was enough evidence to prove his guilty. There is motive and action and by the look of his craze eyes, he did commit the deeds. Devian bring out the previously asked question, "Eduaord Choffard, do you plead guilty of these crimes?" Rolling his eyes, he stare back. "Yeah, so what?" The answer is in their hands now.
"Very well. Since Sir Eduoard Choffard has confirm his crimes, we shall now proceed to the discussion of punishment." In the trials of national, every member of the hall are allowed to give out suggestion on how they consider to be the perfect way to punish a culprit. Since most crimes that is brought over are a crime of potential safety hazard, the constitution allows for the punishments to be decided by collective agreement.
There are many suggestion ranging from tying him with metal clamp and put his body into the deep sea to where they outright state to cut off each of his limbs and let them rot in jail by his still breathing body. Yes, most of these punishments are cruel. This shows that these peoples would go to such length to show their anger towards someone who dare to threaten their empire. The devotion is incomparable.
At last, everyone agreed with the premise of giving the same punishment for which his daughter receive. However instead of putting near public places, they decided to put his dying body near the grave of his beloved daughter. They figure that since he wish to be with his daughter so much, why not let them see each other immediately after getting to the afterlife.
"Xenzi, you had handled the punishment procedure for his daughter. Let him taste the same wrath and conduct it." The emperor command which Marquess Xue bowed and nodded, willing to give his utmost to complete his duty.
A small sickening laugh came from the middle table. The culprit is looking down to where his hands are tied together before bolting his head to the ceiling and laughing out loud like a deranged man. Everyone starts to be on their guards to anything that could happen. At last, he turn to where Marquess Xue is seated and said in a low voice, potentially wanting to see the shock or fear within.
"Your daughter really do get your sense of mind. Cold and empathetic. Oh how I wish to tear her long sky blue hair and gouge her silver eyes right now, putting in on a platter for you to see." His comments makes everyone inside the hall start to panic and mumbles in a hush tone.
Everyone starts to become animals in a coop, clucking around when such things is said. For starter, not a lot of people knew how Lady Xue looks like, especially those who isn't of native of Volparine. Second, who wouldn't be surprise about such descriptions after the girl went missing for four months.
Eduoard turn to look at the High Lord area and thought of seeing his face turning to anger or something equivalent of fear. Much to his dislike, Xue Xenzi, Marquess Xue, the father of Xue Licia Yanyi, is smirking in the amidst of his daughters whereabouts. "I'm afraid that your wish to see me in fear or shock hasn't come to fruition, Sir Eduoard. If my daughter is able to capture you and the Revix tree is still standing strong, she is capable to survive."
Xenzi — "I may not devote all of my life for my daughter, but at least, I didn't resort to doing something that would make her disappointed in the afterlife. You have failed to be a good father. I hope your daughter never had you as her father in the next life."
Eduoard — "YOU!"
Xenzi — "Though, I guess what the old folks say is true. Like father, like daughter. I now knew where she gets those repulsing idea of committing a crime is for justice."
Eduoard — "XUE XENZI!!! I WILL KILL YOU!!"
"Kill me if you can. If my daughter can defeat you, what makes you think that you can kill me, her tutor and father?" Xenzi said in arrogance. He didn't hide the fact that he is proud of her skills yet still lacking the emotions of a loving father.
Eduoard lunges from his middle seat to get his hands of those dark blue hair. Wanting to claw it out with his bear hands. This time, he had used all of his strength to fight the guards restrain and still failed. He panted in defeat.
"The verdict can now be said. Eduoard Choffard, you has been found guilty for all the charges against you. The punishment of Eduoard Choffard has been collectively agreed by the members of trial chamber and will be enforced by the Marquess of Xue. Trial is adjourned!"
.
.
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~Marquess Xue Household~
The carriage carrying the head of the house come to a stop at the central stairs. The footmen take the door handle and open it for the man to come outside. He took off his coat and handed it over to the maid by the stairs as they bowed in respect to the head of the house.
The next second he felt a little jolt at the end of his left leg and find it hard to move. He knew just by tilting his head down a bit and seeing a short curly strands of white hair sticking out. He bend down and pick up the little boy to his arms. "What are you doing here, Yaoyao?" He ask in a caring tone. Much different to how he is during the meeting.
The little boy laugh with joy as he spread his arms wide and hug Xenzi by his neck and declare the following, "Welcome back, Papa!" The man hug the little boy back and move towards the entrance where he see yet another person waiting for his arrival. the sky has already turn dark as it soon will be bask in the cold midnight color, away from its current amber.
He had spend all day at the palace working on the current military situation and all the execution that will have to be pass by him in order to be placed. The woman stands by the entrance of the door with a fur coat as well as a whin layer of shawl around her wrist. Her white and silver hair makes her appear as an angel that has descended from the heaven. This is his one and only beloved wife, Ariani Xue Varione.
Ariani — "Welcome home, dear."
Xenzi — "Thank you, darling."
He give a light peck on the lips before entering the grand door together with the two people by his side. "Where's A-Xian and A-Xiao?" He question while they make way to where his office would be. It has become a routine for him to go back to his office every single day after coming from the palace. "As usual, busy with the Academy council stuff. But, they'll be attending dinner together."
"That's good." He opens the door to his office to find ... no one, like normal. Four months ago, his office would always be blown up with screaming and yelling from both side. One is where he sat at his table, listening and giving back the same amount of energy to the person who screams before his eyes. The same person.
The daughter that he has, the firstborn of the house, the only daughter that he has. She would always be present at his office everyday after he came back from the palace. It would be for yelling and complaining about two things only. One is how his "constant" pressure had push to far to her and everyone. That is on her side. He would yell and would be called back with how her "constant" absence is making things worse in the household.
The would have a screaming match every single day with only the bell of dinner to break them apart. After that, both would retire to where they want and won't be having any communication.
Thinking back on those moments just because she was mention today seems pathetic. "Dear?" Ariani called for him and the same goes to the little guy in his arms, who is tugging onto his shirt with worry crossing his face. Yes, the face that came from his youngest child. The third son, Xue Jinyao. Seeing the boy's current position he wonder, has he ever pick his daughter up the way he did now?
"I'm fine, darling. Just something come across my mind." Seeing his tired face and an unfamiliar facial expression, Ariani take the boy from his arms and whisper something in his ears before he goes out running. She close the door and see her husband sitting on the couch while kneading his forehead.
She sat by his side and see how he had taken off the gloves on his other hand. She make contact with that hand and a jolt of electric feeling came flowing to her mind. After a couple of seconds she let the hand go and stare back at her husband. Seeing his face both with regret and realization, she takes it within her palms and let him lay on her lap. "Yiyi has done something amazing, right dear?"
He didn't answer, letting his wife play with the already messy dark blue lock of his. "I never held her like I just did to Yaoyao." Ah, so now she finally understand his demise. It is good for him to reflect on his loss of affection towards their children. But it was too late for him to regret. He had spend his youth in parenting in forcing an image of independency to their daughter to a point where he outright ignored her safety.
Ariani — "A person only has one childhood, dear. Time has flow by. We can't change what had been done."
Xenzi — "... I could've done better..."
Ariani — "Yes. Yes you could and you should. But you can't."
Xenzi — "..."
Ariani — "..."
Xenzi — "I know where she is."
"Then let her be." The sentence is not something that he had expected coming out of his wife mouth. She had been the parents that is somewhat present in Yanyi's life. When the girl went missing four months ago, she had been the one to be so worried for a month straight. And Xenzi, as the husband had made a promise to search for her and bring her back.
He raise his head and stare into Ariani's eyes, trying to find any semblance of joking within. "What's the matter, dear? Something on my face?" He sits back properly and take her body to be sitting across his lap. He gently move his hands along her cheeks. "There's nothing wrong with your appearance, darling. You look perfect."
"Then why are you staring at me like that?" He look over to where his table is and try to recollect all the picture that he had put on his table. He had the picture of Ariani, Lixian and Lixiao, Jinyao, both him and his wife and the family picture. He remembered now that he had never put a picture of Yanyi on his table. The more he thinks about this daughter of his, the more guilty he feel. "I want to bring her back."
Ariani — "Pardon?"
Xenzi — "Darling, I want to bring Yanyi back. Back to our home."
Ariani — "...When?"
Xenzi — "I'll get the papers ready by tonight. And the troops will be going to Kinsel to find her and escort her back safely. Then I'll discuss about what the futu-!"
"NO!!" The sudden yell from the lady in his lap scarred him for a milliseconds. I mean, if someone who is near point blank to you suddenly yell you would feel startled at least. Nevertheless, he looks to her and question. "Why no?" Her brows turn down at the face of his husband question gaze. She outright disapproved of his idea of taking back their daughter here.
"Dear, do you know why Yiyi always ran away whenever you called for her for training?" The man was about to answer when he realized he didn't know what to say. For he didn't know the reason why she had escaped multiple times. He had taught that it might be because of the grueling training that he had put her through. But to be fair, she had already love these sort of training as she had been doing them in the palace. What's the difference with the Xue's training.
With reluctancy, he shook his head, admitting his obliviousness of their daughter's actions. Placing her fingers at the tip of his nose, Ariani started to nag her husband like how a mother would nag a child. "That is because she wanted freedom. Every time she gets back, you would forbid her from going out of the residence if she has no solid reason. She can't even go out to the city freely. That is why she constantly seeking for a way to escape."
"And where do you hear this?" With a gloating smile, she held her chin up high, quite proud that she had been there when her daughter needed most. "She told me." The husband can't help but make frown on his lips. He didn't seem happy that his wife is gloating about her existence in their children's life. I mean, yeah she can gloat. But Xenzi felt attacked by her words.
"My point is, let her be for now. If she's able to handle a man who has a vendetta against you, she will be able to handle herself on her own. Let her be okay?" She creases his cheeks while giving him the pleading eyes. This secret technique is rarely use by her. But for the sake of their daughter's happiness, she would do anything. Letting out a sigh, the head of the house give in to the one person who holds power over his heart. "Fine. But if the situation came to be dire, like it or not, I will send people to take her. Okay?"
"Okay!"
.
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.
-~*~-
~The Ryuichi manor~
The head of the house had just came out of his office and is heading downstairs to the living room where his wife, Marchioness Ryuichi is sitting while reading a book. "The trial is over, dear. How is it?" She place the book back on the table and take a teapot to pour a cup for her husband. He sat down on the other armchair and take the offered cup.
"Very well. The criminal got a sentence befitting his vengeance. Although, it seems like one of our guest whereabouts might have been exposed." He takes a sips as Vaiden, the Marchioness tilted her head in confusion. Aside from their two sons and themselves, no one knew of who she really is. Well, no one can prove who she ought to be. Unless, "DId that criminal say something about her?"
Marquess — "Close. He provoke Xenzi by using Yanyi. Constantly comparing them to one another. It is a fact that not a lot of people get to see Yanyi's appearance. For him to say that outrightly, he had disclose that Yanyi is in fact within Kinsel boarder."
Marchioness — "Oh no. Is anyone going to come and get her?"
Marquess — "I'm not sure. To be fair, with how Xenzi use to act, I figure that he would send someone to take her. But, with Ariani there, I'm sure she can handle him."
Marchioness — "*phew* Thank Arulians. At least Ari knew how to keep her husband at bay."
"Where are they?" He start to look around when he didn't even hear any noise coming from the inside. Yes, it is a fact that Yanyi and Irene came over to the Ryuichi household to know the outcome of the trial. It did take a good 3 to 4 hours to finished so they decided to do something else first. "They're outside, by the scorio-lily garden. Two is eager to duel while the others wanted to seeps in the fresh air."
Ikuto, Marquess Ryuichi raise from his seat and give his wife a peck on the forehead as well as giving her belly bump a small crease. "Don't make trouble for your mother, little one." With a small giggle from Vaiden, he moves to where the entrance is and head over to the scorio-lily garden is.
.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
Swoosh!
The tip of a blade is place just a few inches away from someone's neck before it stops. The person on the ground raise their hands in defeat. "You need to start enhancing your melee combat." He seethe back the sword and held out a hand for the person on the ground to hold. Instead, they let out a whining long sigh and flop on the ground. "Ahhhhh~... I'm bored."
"Too bad, the trial hasn't finished yet." Seeing his hand are not being accepted, he sat on the ground of where they and just fight. Beside him lay the defeated warrior. Her hair spread on the ground resembling a stream of river with how blue it is. "And~ If you want to listen to the whole thing, better wait for dinner."
Yanyi — "I rather listen to an hour of trial summary than fighting you again. I hate melee range."
Kazuto — "You're the one who wanted to fight him!"
Yanyi — "Sew your mouth shut, you prickling lazy bitch!"
Kazuto — "At least I'm not a stubborn hot headed bull, fucker!"
"Ugh!" She ought to only handle the bickering from where she lays. Those two is relaxing under the shade of a tree so nonchalantly. Such privilege they had. For one at lest, the other is lazy. "Didn't you also wield a scythe? An azure one, right?" The question came from the very man that ahd defeated her.
It is true that Yanyi wield a scythe and she had those as her birthday gift from when she turn 10. Though, her first ever weapon is actually a dual dagger which each is of azure and howlite. She got a good rion constitution from when she was seven years old when they discovered she can wield two elements without a problem. Thus, the Marquess, her father had gifted her a pair of dagger with both elements for her first signia.
Though, those signia are not link to her. It is a normal dual dagger that she barely use nowdays. It is quite well known that the Xue's are exceptionally compatible with azure elements for generations. It's not much of a surprise that she got a linking signia of azure which she choose to be a scythe.
Now here's the thing about this scythe of hers'. She normally used it to fight opponents who no matter close of range as it is quite large. Thus, when you are presented with a weapon that balance the melee and range of combat, you would hardly rely on specific one. Though it becomes more adamant when she receives and used her other linking signia, the howlite daggers that dangles her fingers are a definite proof that she much prefer long range.
"Yeah, I do have it. But I never really like using them to cut opponents from close. I like using them for far. It's much more cool that way." He sigh and stood up when he saw a figure approaching them. The girl twist her head to see hat he is looking at. Immediately stood up and ran over to where the man is headed.
"Uncle, did the trial adjourned?"
"Well if it wasn't adjourned, would your martial father be here?"
"Right."
"Anyway, is Yanyi here with you?"
"Right here." She raised her hands in the air. The old man only look at her and turn back to where the house is. Though he didn't give any instructions, she had figure that a talk is needed. Something must've happen during the trial for them to have a talk. Regardless, she ought to reveal a few of her cards right now anyways. Better be safe than sorry.
When she came into the house, the Marchioness is still in the living room reading her book. She gave a tender smile to the girl with her eyes closing in a smile. Her beauty is mesmerizing, even other people who is near her age wish to had been the lady's spouse in the past. Speaking of which, I had never really introduce the Ryuichi couple have I? Let's do it now while Yanyi is going to the office.
The Marquess of this house is named Ryuichi Ikuto and the Marchioness is named Vaiden Balmorne. They are in the age of 47 and 45 respectively. As for appearances, the marquess possess a bright red hair paired with a glaring red pupils. On the other hand, the marchioness has a glistening royal purple locks with a mesmerizing ocean blue eyes. For further info, Marchioness Vaiden is not native of Volparine. She is actually a noble from the kingdom of Anderil. Long story short, she ran away and disowned her family which soon fall without her.
Arriving to where the Marquess's office is, he gestured for Yanyi to have a seat at one of the couches while he called for a maid to bring in tea. "This is going to be quite the talk, isn't it?" She mumbles to herself in a low voice. Though, it is clearly not low enough as the old man respond with, "Quite actually. Let's begin, then."
Yanyi — "How's the trial, Marquess?"
Marquess — "Please, call me Uncle Ryuichi. It's not we are strangers to each other. Right, miss Lunar Maiden?"
Yanyi — "I am not in the current situation of where my title as the Lunar Maiden is needed. So, what is it that you wish to talk about?"
Marquess — " "You" being here."
Yanyi takes in a deep breathe, as she prepared to be hit with all possible question and to convince him to let her stay here. "You are not here on the pretext of your father's order, did you?" Yanyi shakes her head, confirming his suspicion. To be quite blunt, only people in Ashton had only ever heard the rumors of her going missing. The rumors had never spread quite far as to not invoke sudden shock to civilians.
Placing his arms together and crossing his legs, he looks to where the girl is. She is currently holding her head low, but her eyes didn't any sign of regret. He didn't wish to ponder deeper into her stuff. However, since she is currently staying and living within his territories, he needs to at least conferred to her reason. "Your reason?"
"I can't say all of my reason right now. I will eventually, when "everyone" is there. Though part of the "rumors" where I ran away to see away from my father is not wrong. I want to feel free for once in my life. I find mysteries interesting and working with the authorities in Ashton won't give me much of my own freedom as... he will eventually know. That's why I came to Kinsel. I swear I have my reason of coming here. But no matter how much you wish to pry into this "reason" of mine, I can't yet tell you. Soon, I tell "everyone" soon."
"Very well, I won't pry into it. But, why Kinsel? Why not other territories?"
"The Irozil, is a state controlled by the Phenorr. Lucile Phenorr is the Crown Prince closest confidant and his family runs it. For me to be there and not be caught is near impossible. Jurssder is in the hands of Duke Yoo and the Fihdeer is within Duke Relianor. Though I have no close relation to the lineage of Duke Yoo, Duke Relianor's lineage is someone I knew well to have a head butt with. Both of them are exceptionally close to each other. If I ever get caught by one, it would be back to square one again."
"I knew that you and my father hadn't has the best relationship. You both pick fights with each other. But, I knew that you respect each other's work. My father is in charge of the justice punishment within the empire. Many had criticize his methods, whether it be blunt or behind his back. Though, I had never seen or heard you criticize his work before. This leads me to figure that you, sir, are someone who wouldn't judge a person just because of their affiliation. But rather on their motive. I believe that if I ever get caught of my runaway here, you would be willing to listen to me and make your own conclusion. And here we are."
The marquess can't help but smirk at the current situation. She had her own deduction on point. Judging by where they are currently, it is true that no matter who her parents are, he wouldn't judge her based on those. Many had a saying where he should be taking the work of Marqeuss Xue. In reality, his willingness to listen to people is the weakness that he own that makes it impossible to judge a person. And this girl right before him had use that weakness against him.
"You are really perspective, Yanyi. Though you are right, I won't judge you with your affiliation, it doesn't mean that I won't do the right thing." The girl pupils starts to dilated a bit. It is clear that she had thought that her conviction is enough for him to not rat her out. But everything is coming to a stop when he continue with the following. "I will not pass this information to your family of where your exact whereabouts is. However, if it ever come a point where you are exposed, I will not take the blame. In short, I will allow your stay but it is not under my responsibility. You are fully in control of that. Understood?"
"Understood!" The maid came knocking on the door and bringing the tea that he had called for. Though the hard talk is now over, he had the inkling that she wanted to hear the trial procession in detail. Thus, they spend the rest of the evening talking about the trial and what had happened. That is how the second case come to an end.
-~*~-