Chapter 211: Rumination

Chapter 211: Rumination



Lyra and Emir returned to their seats among the audience, surprising their family by appearing again out of nowhere.

And they had something with them that they hadn't before.

A bag that jingled with clinking coins at every swing from Lyra's hand.

"What's in there?" Lily asked as she tapped Emir's back.

Emir chuckled and gestured for Lyra to answer, which she did:

"Just a few Valora that we got as a gift from our new friend."

Lily rolled her eyes while Elijah showed slight scorn towards their actions, understanding the meaning behind Lyra's words.

"Elijah, mate. You're now one of us now, and if you can't even accept the gray, then you'd be better off going somewhere else."

Emir said with an annoyed tone as he looked back at his mother.

"He's right, you know..." Lily added with a giggle.

Elijah grew embarrassed, but then he looked back at Emir, about to rebuke him...

Only for him to be shut down:

[Your sister wants you dead; they tried to bribe our new friend, you see.]

[You should've known this already, but you're too much of a coward to do anything about it.]

Emir let out a sigh.

"I've placed a bet on you by inviting you into our family; never forget that."

"...I-I understand... big brother."

Lily looked at Elijah in amusement, while Emir and Lyra did the same.

"Ah, I didn't mean to say that..." Elijah added, extremely embarrassed.

"Awww. You're so cute~."

"It's fine, lil bro, call me whatever you like."

"A cutie indeed."

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Their voices were soon drowned out as a gavel's bang resounded in the courtroom, announcing the arrival of a terrified but determined Lewis, who barely held himself up to his podium.

"The court is in session." He quietly spoke.

"I, Lewis, with the help of my jury and attorneys, have come to a decision."

Low gasps and murmurs echoed through the space as his words reached the audience. Clang!

Just as he swung down his gavel, he stated:

"The defendant is deemed not guilty of all the charges presented by the plaintiff!"

"All previous decisions affecting the defendant shall no longer be allowed, and further rumination will be given!"

'Niceee!'

Emir's body suddenly began to shake, but that wasn't because of his relief.

It was due to Lily's handy excitement.

Even Lyra and Elijah were swept up in the mood of victory.

"You did it, Emir! You did it!!"

"You're the best b-big bro!"

[No one beats you at intimidation.]

Emir smiled at their reactions; even his mother was looking back at him with absolute happiness all over her face.

[It's flooded by news reporters; when we leave, they'll crowd us, asking for interviews.]

[Ah... forgot that those pests exist; I'll go deal with them.]

Emir turned around and headed to the outside, but his steps paused as he heard Lyra's voice

urgently echo in his mind:

[Wait!]

Surprised, Emir faced her.

[Something happen?]

[Make sure to control your ability.... They didn't notice it, but you're really agitated right

now.]

Emir tilted his head.

[Ability? Is that what the feeling was?]

[Yes, you unknowingly unlocked an ability relating to killing intent.]

'The good news keeps on coming~.'

His eyes soon saw a hologram of his system screen, and he scrolled down until he reached his

abilities.

{Death's Shadow: This ability causes the user's eyes to darken like an abyss, projecting a potent illusion of the opponent's unending demise. This chilling vision can paralyze the target in fear, rendering them vulnerable in combat, regardless of their willpower. Only

effective against Knight sub-rank Ascendants and lower.}

'.... Not bad at all, it'll be incredibly useful.'

[Thanks Ly.]

[Is that my nickname now?] She replied with a soft giggle.

[It fits, no? Ly could be an acronym for many things too.]

[Does it include love you? Longing for you? Yearning maybe?]

[It includes loyalty, Lyra... something I place importance on the most....]

[You went back to your home base and came back, and that means a lot to me.]

Lyra's smile brightened, and her eyes revealed the depth of her feelings.

[Loyalty, huh? I like that.... Prince.]

[But you know that I hold much more than just that for you.]

Emir returned her smile.

[I know.... But that's all that I can give right now-a rare treasure in this world.]

As they talked telepathically, the chaos of their family's celebration continued around them.

His mother, sister and Elijah were engaged in lively conversations and laughter.

A stark contrast to the intense situation they were just in.

'Love to see it...'

Emir soon turned back to the group, his expression calm and his newfound ability under

control.

He approached his mother, who was still surrounded by the cute duo.

"Ready to face the reporters?" she asked with a knowing smile.

Emir nodded.

"As ready as I'll ever be."