The judge frowned deeply as he adjusted his glasses with a finger.
"Daniel Halo and Fiora Halo, you meticulously planned the murder of Penelope Ash Halo, sought out an assassin’s guild to carry out the crime, and have shown no remorse. Instead, you have lied arrogantly in this sacred courtroom. Therefore, this court sentences you both to 25 years of imprisonment for your crime of incitement to murder."
"What?! This can’t be...!"
Fiora’s face turned ghostly pale, and Daniel’s voice rose in desperation.
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"Penelope didn’t even die from the poison! At most, it’s attempted murder, isn’t it? And we didn’t personally administer the poison, so how can you impose such a harsh sentence?"
"Are you unaware that incitement to murder carries the same penalty as murder itself? This court has already sentenced the assassin to death. You should consider yourselves fortunate that your inexperience and the failed attempt spared you from the same fate!"
The judge’s harsh rebuke left Daniel speechless, his earlier bravado evaporating entirely. His mouth clamped shut, his pale face betraying his fear.
Meanwhile, Penelope watched the scene unfold with a conflicted expression.
Not the death penalty, huh...
She had expected a beheading or at least hanging. To think that attempting to poison her with a substance capable of killing an elephant resulted in only a 25-year prison sentence.
I really don’t know much about imperial law, she thought, feeling slightly deflated.
While Penelope mulled over the sentencing, the trial quickly came to a conclusion.
"If the defendants have no further statements, this court is adjourned," the judge declared, hammering his gavel three times.
It’s not a bad verdict, all things considered, Penelope mused.
It should serve as a strong warning to anyone harboring similar malicious intentions.
The nobles in the audience seemed to share her sentiment. Many nodded in satisfaction as they rose from their seats, their expressions pleased with the outcome.
***
Penelope and Ahwin strode out of the courtroom without hesitation.
Nobles filing out from the audience seats cast respectful glances toward the Tower Master but refrained from approaching him.
Even among nobles, the Tower Master was a figure of awe, untouchable and intimidating.
The two waited for their carriage after leaving the courtroom.
“You’re late, it seems. The trial is over, isn’t it?”
“Oh... Lord Rianel, I didn’t expect you to attend today.”
Penelope turned around with a strained smile. Rianel, dressed impeccably in a black suit, descended the stairs slowly.
Through the veil, Rianel observed Penelope’s expression and smiled faintly.
“It seems you’re not entirely satisfied with the court’s ruling.”
“Oh, I was very pleased with it.”
Penelope flinched slightly as she replied.
‘Why does he have to strike up a conversation here of all places?’
Her lips curled into an awkward smile. A sideways glance revealed Ahwin’s expression growing increasingly cold.
Needless to say, the nobles were watching the trio with keen interest.
‘I feel like a celebrity right now.’
In her previous life, Penelope had disliked being the center of attention, and that preference hadn’t changed in this one.
Waving eagerly toward the coachman bringing the carriage, Penelope spoke quickly.
“Oh, look, the carriage is here. I’ll see you another time.”
“When would be convenient for you? I’ll come visit.”
“....”
Did I just hear that correctly?
Penelope shivered silently. It felt as though she could hear nobles crunching popcorn as if this were a live drama.
At that moment, Ahwin interjected.
“I own the house. Who said you could come and go as you please?”
“....”
Penelope shot Ahwin a trembling look, silently signaling him to stop. Not now! Stop!
But Ahwin didn’t so much as flinch.
Rianel smiled subtly and replied, “There’s no reason for me to meet Penelope at your residence, Tower Master. If there’s another location she prefers, she need only let me know. I’ll send a messenger.”
“That’s...”
Before Penelope could respond, Ahwin’s chilly voice cut in.
“Penelope is currently under threat of assassination. What business could you possibly have with her?”
“What if there are no longer any potential assassins?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Ahwin’s question prompted Rianel to respond nonchalantly, “The investigation by the security forces uncovered evidence implicating some of the Halo family’s collateral members in the assassination plot. They’ll soon receive their sentences as well. I was handling those matters and arrived late to the trial. I assume you were unaware.”
“Ha...”
Ahwin raised an eyebrow in disbelief, instantly understanding the implications of Rianel’s words.
Penelope couldn’t help recalling a previous conversation.
“Daniel and Fiora may have commissioned the Assassins’ Guild, but it’s possible that other collateral members were involved in the planning as well. It’s best to eliminate the roots of these problems.”
So, he really meant to deal with every problematic branch in one sweep.
‘When the Northern Grand Duke gets involved, the resolution is frighteningly thorough. The taste of power is sweet—no, this is just terrifying.’
Feeling a chill crawl up her spine, Penelope clasped her hands together tightly. The increasingly overt stares of the nobles made her uneasy.
“I think I’ll head back. It’s been a tiring day.”
“Please take care. It’s unfortunate I couldn’t escort you myself.”
“...Yes.”
Penelope thought she could hear the sound of Ahwin grinding his teeth.
The coachman, perceptive as ever, brought the carriage to a stop before them.
Then, without anyone touching it, the carriage door swung open abruptly.
Ahwin had opened it with magic.
“....”
The murmuring among the nobles grew louder. Penelope felt an overwhelming urge to disappear into a hole.
Ahwin confidently extended his hand toward her.
Penelope suppressed a sigh and took his hand. Ahwin made a point of glaring at Rianel, who merely smiled silently.
“I’ll see you next time.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure there’ll be a next time.”
“That remains to be seen, doesn’t it?”
Rianel replied with calm confidence, the tension between the two palpable.
At that moment, Penelope tugged firmly on Ahwin’s hand. Startled, he glanced back at her, but this time, she was resolute as she pulled him into the carriage.
“We’re late.”
“Late for what? Did you suddenly make plans?”
“Just get in already!”
Penelope shoved the reluctant Ahwin into the carriage and slammed the door shut. The carriage began to move swiftly.
Rianel’s brow twitched faintly, but he turned away with composure.
He felt the nobles’ curious gazes but didn’t spare them a thought. He had never been one to care about others’ opinions.
‘The emotions between a friend and a lover are entirely different.’
Rianel sensed that the bond between Penelope and Ahwin leaned more toward friendship. At least, for now.
‘I want to approach her as a man, but I don’t want her to feel too distant either.’
He calculated the distance between himself and Penelope with precision.
He wanted to draw closer, but any abrupt move seemed likely to make her retreat.
Suppressing his impatience, Rianel climbed into his carriage. He felt like a lion waiting to pounce after a day of lying in wait.
‘Still, dealing with the Tower Master is exhausting.’
Even a brief exchange with Ahwin left him feeling drained. Dealing with someone who sharpened his gaze and words with hostility at every turn was tiresome.
‘Noisy and troublesome.’
For a fleeting moment, a sharp glint flashed in Rianel’s eyes.
‘Perhaps removing the magician from the picture would be...’
“Indeed, kindness is best when dealing with women.”
“Jewelry is always the answer.”
“I’d recommend both.”
“....”
Snapping out of his thoughts, Rianel looked up. His aide and two guards were watching him with eager, sparkling eyes.
Rianel frowned, feeling a rare sense of bewilderment.
“Did I ever ask you for advice on romance?”
“Not exactly, but your romantic endeavors are of utmost importance to us.”
“Indeed. And this time, we approve wholeheartedly.”
“That sounds like you didn’t approve the last time.”