Chapter 50: The Second Trial

Chapter 50: The Second Trial

The execution was a failure.

I could immediately feel that the way I was treated had shifted 180 degrees just because of that.

Instead of the cold, dust-filled dungeon where the Mage Magistrates had taken me, I was now offered a room in the royal palace, imbued with old-world charm.

That didnt mean I was free to stay here as I pleased, however.

In reality, this place was just a more fortified prison.

[Its as you predicted,] said the Dark Sage, who appeared by phasing through the wall and gave a slight nod.

[The Grand Magus, along with his disciples, is surrounding this room from all sides. If you so much as move your mana in a hostile manner, theyll be ready to draw blood.]

The reason I was brought here was that the Mage Magistrates had concluded they could not contain me.

After all, I had effortlessly defeated Tyren, the strongest of the Mage Magistrates, without so much as a scratch on me.

Even considering that the execution ground was particularly advantageous for me, the royal family couldnt simply overlook how easily I had neutralized Tyren.

King Orpheus himself was likely quite surprised by my capabilities.

[So whats the plan now?]

.

When I give no response and simply look out the window, the Dark Sage corrects her vague statement and asks again.

[Do you really intend to solve all three trials the king mentioned? Youve got two left. Do you really think hell accept you, a dark mage, once theyre resolved?]

I choose not to answer. My faith in King Orpheus remains unwavering. Hes a king who stands by his word.

[And even if he accepts you, what about the citizens? What about the Church? Theyll openly criticize you; theyll never accept you.]

The grim resentment in her voice indirectly conveys what kind of treatment she received as a dark mage.

[You must not know because youve only recently embarked on this path. Youll regret it eventually. Do you think sincerity will persuade them? That proving yourself through results will validate you? Surprisingly, the world doesnt place much importance on such things.]

I know.

I cut her off. If I keep my mouth shut, she will continue to spew whatever she wants to say indefinitely.

I dont assume that the kingdom will accept me just because the king does, I say.

However, it was necessary for me to gain external recognition to carry out my activities.

Even if they dont believe in me, I can still make them hold their tongues.

Aria and Finden Ai were actively working on solving this issue.

They havent reached their goal yet, but I dont doubt theyll make timely progress.

[Make them hold their tongues?] the Dark Sage queries.

I choose not to answer, mainly because the door opens and King Orpheus walks in.

Ahem.

He enters the room, clearing his throat awkwardly. The Grand Magus who follows him looks at me with far more caution than before. Nnêw n0vel chapters are published at novelhall.com

Did you rest well yesterday?

Yes, thanks to the comfortable room you provided, I was able to rest well.

King Orpheus seems to want to say something about yesterdays failed execution but exhales deeply instead, as if unable to find the right words.

I did not expect you to defeat the Chief Magistrate so easily. Your abilities are undeniable.

I dont contradict him.

While it was important to remain objective in my self-assessment, there was no need to deliberately downplay my abilities publicly.

It would be less humiliating for the Chief Magistrate too.

So, Im thinking of presenting my second trial for you. Is that acceptable?

I accept.

As I respond with an indifferent nod, King Orpheus face visibly darkens, and he whispers hesitantly.

I have a younger sister. Her name is Eleanor Luden Griffin. You probably know that she is currently a student at the Robern Academy.

Yes, I am aware.

How could I not be?

Even in the game, Eleanor is a rather significant character. Although players have mixed opinions about her, she serves as a stepping stone for the protagonist Arias growth.

She has been plagued by chronic nightmares for several years now.

Orpheus narrows his eyes slightly, betraying his weariness. Just thinking about his sister seems to add to his stress, filling him with sorrow.

Many people have been summoned to resolve her nightmares. Even the saintess was consulted, yet the problem remains unsolved.

...

Bang!

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Eleanor hastily kicks the carriage door, but aside from its regular clattering, the carriage shows no signs of being affected in any way.

Open!

Bang! Bang! Bang!

She tries desperately to escape the carriage, but it wont open.

Then, through the window up front, she feels the gaze of the coachman looking her way.

Shatter!

He shatters the window with his forehead and oozes his way in, then subtly grins.

Is it Mana this time?

Stop it!

Another clue revealed: she realizes shes in a dream.

Enough, stop it!

Heh.

Despite Eleanors urgent plea,

Heh heh heh heh heh.

The laughing coachmans form begins to disintegrate. Morphing into a gel-like substance, he soon takes on a shape identical to Eleanors.

Would you like to see what Ive practiced?

What?

When she asks, confused by the cryptic question, the fake Eleanor smiles and gestures.

Hello, I am Eleanor Luden Griffin.

!

The impersonation is spot-on.

It mirrors exactly what Eleanor had said and how she had acted on her first day at the academy, during her self-introduction.

I may be a princess of the kingdom, but Id rather you not make a fuss over that.

Stop it.

Lets just do our best as friends and as rivals.

I said, stop!

Thud!

Pr-Princess?!

She feels a throbbing pain in her forehead.

Suddenly waking from her sleep, Eleanor finds her entire body soaked in sweat, her forehead tinged with red, evidently from hitting it against something inside the carriage.

The carriage has stopped, and the coachman is looking at her with concern.

Princess! Are you alright? You seemed unwell, so I stopped the carriage.

Huff! Huff!

She remembers the coachmans face.

Her own sour sweat stings her nose as well.

But it doesnt end here.

With trembling hands, she manipulates her mana.

A gentle blue light gathers at her fingertips, reminding her that this is indeed reality.

Is it Mana this time?

The voice, eerie as it mumbled those words, still lingers vividly in her mind.

Ah, hic!

Tears form, trickling down and dampening Eleanors cheeks.

Though the coachman is shocked and suggests taking her to a nearby clinic,

Eleanor cant muster any response; she huddles up, consumed by fear.

Please, someone, please...

Her plea for help choked in her throat, unable to escape past her tears.

--- End of The Chapter ---

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