"Have confidence in yourself, My Lady," Thomas said. "The more confident you are, the better you can defend yourself."
Morrigan nodded as she stood before the Hall of Justice. It was her first time facing a trial. She straightened her back and calmed her tense body.
The Hall of Justice was a large building with a simple design, featuring a statue of King Arthur rather than luxurious decor.
It was also located near the palace where the Royal Family resided. Many cases were resolved here.
Built 500 years ago by the king of that era, the Hall of Justice was also a place where the Reformists held significant power.
This was one reason why Thomas believed the case might be won. Despite Thomas’s efforts to reassure her, Morrigan was still nervous.
Her father, Duke Alfred, had already set off and would reach the capital in two days. During this time, Morrigan needed to either delay the trial or win it.
Even though the Reformists held the upper hand in the Hall of Justice, it didn’t mean Royalists were absent.
The Hall of Justice was marred by politics. While the King sought to control all the organs of the country, the Reformists wanted a constitution that limited the King’s rights.
It might not have reached the point of rebellion yet, but tensions were rising daily when it came to King Henry’s stance.
"You must be Lady Morrigan," said a middle-aged official with brown eyes. He appeared to be in his forties. He looked at Morrigan and spoke respectfully.
"Yes," Morrigan replied. "When will the trial begin?"
"It will start in half an hour, My Lady." The official handed some documents to Morrigan. "These documents explain that you have temporary immunity."
"Please, don’t lose them." Morrigan was a bit surprised as she examined the document. "Who arranged this?"
The official glanced around before whispering to Morrigan. "Mr. Maxwell pulled some strings for you. Please keep this between us."
Morrigan nodded, noticing that the official didn’t trust Thomas either. She turned to Thomas. "Thomas, you can leave."
Thomas bowed slightly, "As you wish, My Lady."
After Thomas left, the official introduced himself. "My name is Leon, My Lady. Mr. Maxwell wanted me to invite you."
Morrigan didn’t understand why Maxwell was interested in her, but she accepted the invitation nonetheless. "I am a Dark Magic user. Are you still inviting me?"
Leon smiled as if he had heard something amusing. "We are not like them, My Lady. We don’t judge people without understanding them."
"Well, I might lose the trial," Morrigan said. "How can you help?"
"Don’t worry, Lady Morrigan. The judge presiding over your case is a member of our party. He will assist you." Morrigan’s eyes brightened; perhaps she had a chance. Leon continued, "Consider this a favor from Mr. Maxwell, My Lady."
"Please convey my thanks to Mr. Maxwell," Morrigan said. They then chatted for a while longer.
Watching all this, Jack was surprised. "Maxwell was supposed to be involved with Alice; what changed that made him choose Morrigan instead?"
In the game, Alice was the one invited by Maxwell, but this time it was Morrigan. Jack’s eyes grew serious. "My knowledge of the game is gradually becoming useless."
Maxwell inviting Morrigan made Jack realize that the future would be less predictable.
"After they left, I went into the forest and found the bodies of animals torn apart, and three wolves brutally killed, with black miasma emanating from their corpses." The judge nodded as he listened to David.
"Can you prove this?" the judge asked David, but Alaric interrupted. "We found the wolf carcasses and obtained an autopsy report. The Church can assure you they were killed by dark magic."
The judge, slightly irritated, banged his gavel, turning his gaze to Alaric. "Please do not interrupt me again, High Priest."
Alaric reluctantly remained silent. The judge turned back to David. "This isn’t sufficient evidence. Do you have anything else to add?"
David lowered his head in shame. "No, Your Honor."
"Then you may leave," the judge said, dismissing him. The judge’s expression softened as he looked at Morrigan. "How old are you, my child?"
"I’m 16 years old," Morrigan replied. The judge nodded and turned to High Priest Alaric. "Aren’t you ashamed of accusing a 16-year-old girl of false crimes?"
The High Priest stiffly responded, "Judge, you know the dangers of dark magic. It is dangerous and harmful. Other lives are at stake."
The judge’s face tightened as he listened. "Lady Morrigan has no criminal record; she is completely innocent. Is she to be condemned simply for possessing dark magic?"
Alaric was about to interrupt, but the judge continued, "No person can be deemed guilty or classified as evil just because of how they were born."
"High Priest, before you judge others, take a look at yourself, and then refrain from behaving so rudely here." After glancing at Morrigan, the judge turned back to Alaric and sternly said,
"Since there are no more witnesses or testimonies, it’s time to render a verdict." The High Priest seethed with anger, while Morrigan’s expression softened with relief.
"Though Lady Morrigan should have been sentenced to death for using dark magic," Morrigan held her breath as the judge spoke calmly, "an unexpected decree from the Queen Mother has restored Morrigan’s immunity."
Morrigan was overjoyed, grateful for her aunt’s assistance. The judge continued, "Thus, the death sentence has been suspended until the King and Queen reach a joint decision."
Alaric objected, "But Your Honor—"
"If you wish to contest the Queen’s decree, you may file a petition, High Priest Alaric." The High Priest fell silent at the judge’s words.
"In the case of the hunting forest incident, due to witness David’s inadequate testimony, Lady Morrigan has been found not guilty." The judge’s statement was recorded.
"However, given the dangers of dark magic, the defendant, Morrigan Thornvile, is hereby prohibited from leaving the capital, New Camelot, for two months." Hearing the judge’s final words, Morrigan breathed a sigh of relief. Even if she hadn’t fully won the case, she had still prevailed.
"This trial is adjourned for one month." After concluding the trial, the High Priest Alaric stormed out, shooting a furious glance at Morrigan before leaving.
Morrigan looked at the judge with a grateful expression. "Thank you, Your Honor."
The judge smiled kindly. "I couldn’t have lived with myself if I had sentenced you to death, my child."
Morrigan offered a rare smile. She felt a sense of satisfaction she hadn’t experienced before. After bidding farewell to the judge, she left the courtroom.
Thomas met her outside. "You look happy, my lady. It seems things went well for you."
Thomas spoke as he glanced looking at the High Priest leaving the Justice Hall. Morrigan nodded. "Yes, the trial has been postponed for one month."
Thomas smiled, bowing slightly. "Congratulations, my lady."
"Let’s go," She said, and they left the Justice Hall together.