Chapter 602 The Orion Trial (1)
The first day of the trial dawned upon the courtroom, shrouded in an air of anticipation. Now seated in a cage-like structure, Ashton observed the room with a focused gaze.
The council had gone to great lengths to ensure his confinement, fearing his formidable powers and the potential for escape. The structure was a testament to their caution, its bars standing as a physical reminder of their doubts.
As the courtiers settled into their positions, murmurs of curiosity and speculation permeated the air. Whispers of Ashton's past exploits and his association with the ghosts reached the ears of those present.
The council, determined to prove their case, had even considered placing cuffs on him, suppressing his abilities during the trial.
However, the Emperor's objection resonated through the room, commanding attention. The Emperor rose from his throne, and his gaze was piercing and unwavering.
"I will not allow unjust measures to be taken against Reaper. He shall remain unrestrained until a crime has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a court of law, and we shall uphold its principles."
"Of course, your highness," one of the council members tried to save their image. "What you mentioned is true, and we shall proceed in that manner."
The council members exchanged begrudging glances, their dissatisfaction evident. Reluctantly, they conceded to the Emperor's demand, recognising the importance of maintaining the integrity of the trial.
Ashton, though confined, felt a surge of gratitude towards the Emperor for his unwavering support. But things were just getting started.
The next moment, the COuncil head asked Ashton whether he had someone to represent him, and if he didn't have one, the council would provide a lawyer to represent him.
The room fell silent, eyes darting from one council member to another, waiting for a response.
Then, unexpectedly, Minister Theron, a figure revered for his legal expertise and resolute character, rose from his seat. A ripple of surprise swept through the chamber, punctuated by the gasps and murmurs of the spectators.
"It shall be I who represents Reaper," Theron declared, his voice calm yet commanding.
Clad in his official robes, Minister Theron stepped forward to represent Ashton. His presence exuded confidence and determination, a stark contrast to the scepticism in the room.
The council members exchanged puzzled glances, their brows furrowed in disbelief.
Theron had retired from his esteemed position as a legal representative many years ago, his name engraved in the annals of legal history for his unrivalled record of success. The notion of his return to the courtroom was met with astonishment.
One council member, unable to contain his curiosity, voiced the collective sentiment. "Minister Theron, it has been years since your Theron met their gaze, his steely eyes reflecting a resolve that had weathered the test of time.
retirement. Why would you step forward to take on this responsibility?"
Theron met their gaze, his steely eyes reflecting a resolve that had weathered the test of time.
"Reaper's case requires a steadfast hand, a voice that can unravel the complexities surrounding him. I have not lost a single case in my century-spanning career, and I intend to maintain that legacy. This trial demands justice, and I shall see it served."
Ashton, confined within the cage-like structure, couldn't help but smile. He knew firsthand the brilliance and tenacity that Theron brought to every case he undertook.
The Minister's unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice had earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of those who sought his counsel.
The spectators, too, were captivated by the unexpected turn of events. The courtroom buzzed with whispered conversations, the air thick with anticipation.
The prospect of witnessing Theron's legal prowess ignited a sense of intrigue, causing the onlookers to lean in, eager to observe the unfolding drama. The council members, grappling with their surprise, slowly regained their composure.
They recognised that, despite his retirement, Theron's keen legal mind and unyielding determination made him an ideal choice to represent Ashton. Reluctantly, they conceded to his request, acknowledging the complexity of the trial at hand.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Theron strode towards the centre of the courtroom, his presence commanding attention. The council members and spectators watched in awe as he prepared to embark on what could become a defining moment in his already illustrious career.
The stage was set, and the players were in position. Minister Theron's return to the courtroom had reignited hope and aroused anticipation in the proceedings.
The trial would test not only Ashton's fate but also the limits of justice itself. The eyes of the courtroom turned towards Theron, awaiting the brilliance of his legal acumen to unfold.
The opposition lawyer, a shrewd and cunning advocate, sat beside Adri, rose from his seat and called forth a witness to the stand. The courtroom held its breath as a server from the ball, clad in a neat uniform, stepped forward.
The opposition lawyer approached her, his voice measured yet piercing. "Please state your name and occupation for the record."
"My name is Amelia Grason, and I work as a server at the grand ball hosted by the Emperor," the witness replied, her voice wavering slightly.
The opposition lawyer leaned closer, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "Ms Grason, could you please recount the events of the evening in question, specifically regarding the altercation between Reaper and Lord Callan?"
Amelia took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts before recounting the incident. "I was serving drinks near the eastern wing of the ballroom when I noticed a commotion.
There I saw Lord Callan engaged in a heated argument with Madam Bella. Their voices grew louder, and eventually, a physical altercation ensued where Lord Callan forcefully grabbed her hand and tried to get her away-"
Ashton listened intently, his eyes locked on the witness as she shared her account. He knew the events she described were true, but the opposition lawyer's artful manipulation of the situation began to unfold.
"And thus she kicked lord Callan," The lawyer's voice grew more assertive as he probed deeper. "Ms Grason, would you say that Bella's actions were justified? Did she do the right thing by kicking a noble while being a commoner?"
'Here we go,' Ashton thought. 'That fucker is trying to frame Anna and get her jailed for the Cult to do its thing.'
Ashton then looked around the audience, his eyes scanning the crowd for a familiar face, but he couldn't find him.
'Since he isn't here yet, I got nothing to do but watch this stupidity.'
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