That night, both Adel and Jen stayed in my room. I am not sure what happened, but at some point after dinner, the two walked off to talk on their own. And when they came back, they were much friendlier with each other. Not that I am complaining. I would prefer them to be best of friends more than anything else.
I did not try to ask what they talked about. I did not wish to be too nosy. Although I guess I can not say I am not curious as to what they spoke about, but I will just leave it at that. My days continued as they were. Most of the hostile gazes I was getting in the academy have disappeared. I have even been confessed to quite a few times now. However, I do wonder what they see in someone who still looks like a child, basically.
Well, I guess I should say I have grown a bit. A quarter of an inch, to be exact! But most importantly, I will be turning thirteen soon. I will officially be a teenager! Anyway, currently, I am getting dressed up. Today was the day of my trial, and I must say that I am a bit nervous. I already have plenty of evidence that shows that things were an accident, but my main concern was not my conviction but the nobles we were trying to bait. All of the nobles who speak out today would fall under suspicion and allow the king to investigate them fully.
Up until now, even Diablo shadow has not reported anything back that can be used against the Prime Minister, so hopefully, after losing many nobles who are at his side, he will begin to move once more. I have no idea if he is just lying low after the dungeon incident or not, but we need him to make only one mistake to close the net around him.
I walked out of the house and into the carriage surrounded by guards. Jen, Adel, and the rest would be attending the trial on their own. As I am the one on trial, I need to show up in the proper manner. Although I am not sure if showing up in a fancy carriage surrounded by guards is something a supposed criminal should be doing, but since I was only confined to my home and the academy, so I guess it is okay.
The court was situated inside the palace grounds but far away from the palace itself. When I arrived, many nobles were slowly making their way in. I, of course, garnered many curious gazes as well as ones filled with malice. I do wonder if they know that my senses are much more heightened than their own.
I was not brought through the main entrance but around back to the entrance to the dungeon below the court. I would have to spend my time in a cell for the first time in my two lives, waiting for when it was my turn to enter the court. Sir David took it upon himself to stand guard at my cell as it was needed since I was not in a cell that restricted magic.
Surprisingly compared to the dungeon entrance and dampness of the hall outside my cell, the cell itself was quite dry. I couldn’t detect any kind of magic circle, so I wonder if it is something to do with the construction of the dungeon itself. Although it still smelled musty but I could get over that.
“So, are you ready for this?” Sir David asked. It has been an hour since I have arrived. In the dungeon now.
“To face all the nobles? I am sure most want me hung right now.” I replied with a chuckle.
“The entire court is packed. I never thought a trial of a young girl would gain so much attention, but every seat in the court, which can hold three thousand, is now filled, and some are even standing. It’s not just noble house heads but even students and others as well. You may not hear it, but there is even a huge crowd outside waiting for the verdict.” Sir David replied.
“Hmmm…. Did someone publicize the trial? How could so many people come into the palace grounds?” I asked. I thought it would be hard to enter the palace.
“His Majesty made sure to allow anyone who wished to enter to enter after spreading word in the lower city that you were being charged for a crime. Faith, you may not know it, but your company has blossomed and changed the lives of many. A Chunk of the slums in a month’s time has turned into a normal city. Thurul has been spreading your name like wildfire too. Your popularity has really grown.” Sir David explained.
My guess is many commoners who are fed up with some of the nobles are also within the group and just looking for a reason to voice their complaints. But it was nice to know things are going smoothly with the company. Annie and Thurul have been doing most of the work since I have been so busy. “As long as no one tries to stir up trouble, it is fine.”
“Don’t worry, this is the palace grounds. They are all ushered to a certain point. No one is allowed to pass the line of guards.” Sir David answered. It seemed the king had things well thought out.
“Then let’s just hope everything works out how we planned,” I said with a sigh. I have no idea how things will end, but I do hope it will work out in the end.
I leaned back against the wall and closed my eyes. The court session should soon start, and when it does, it will finally be show time. I guess my acting skill will come in handy today. I have done everything I can to prepare for this moment, even reading those boring law books. So hopefully, it will all work out.
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