Chapter 148: Joint trial

There was something subtly off about Brownie’s tone and movements, and Rita couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of unease.

Although Brownie hadn’t acted out of line yet, it was only because Rita herself had shown no signs of resistance.

Otherwise, Rita had no doubt that Brownie would have taken forceful measures against her.

In other words, things were already quite bad, even if they hadn’t reached the worst possible outcome yet.

But the most important thing was what Brownie had said: “His Majesty wishes to see you.”

The King wanted to see her, and even sent a Holy Knight to personally escort her—there was little mystery as to why.

After hearing her elder sister speak in such a tone, Promi also realized that Brownie wasn’t acting as the lady of the house or as her elder sister, but was simply carrying out her official duties.

So, Promi pressed her lips tightly together and fell silent.

“Rita, His Majesty is waiting. There’s no time to waste—let’s head out early,” Brownie said in a deep voice, as cold and indifferent as she’d been the first time Rita met her.

She’d already explained what needed to be said to Rita. Now, it was up to Rita’s attitude.

“Alright.” Rita nodded and followed behind Brownie.

Seeing Rita fully cooperate, Brownie’s expression softened a little. She turned to Promi: “Promi, I suggest you come along as well.”

“Me?” Promi was a bit surprised her sister mentioned her.

“That’s right, there are plenty of people involved this time, one more or less makes no difference,” Brownie said. “Besides, since you fancy yourself a knight, you ought to accompany Rita to repay her for saving your life.”

The three of them left Brownie’s residence together, striding quickly through the noisy streets, heading down the same road Rita had taken toward the palace.

Along the way, Brownie simply kept her head down and walked briskly without a word, the invisible pressure making Rita’s heart grow even heavier.

Upon entering the palace, they took a route completely different from the one Rita had used yesterday—it was clear this was a path leading to a main building.

“Rita.” To Rita’s surprise, Brownie actually spoke first: “It’s a good thing you were in my house just now. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to openly accept this task.”

“Mm.” Rita nodded in reply.

“Don’t be nervous. The Princess and I are on your side.”

With that, Brownie pushed open the large door in front of them.

Beyond the doors was an unusually spacious room—far larger and more imposing than any Rita had seen before.

Just walking into this place made Rita’s breathing unconsciously heavy, as though something in the room was pressing down on her, making it hard to breathe.

Besides that invisible pressure, there was another, clearer source.

Stares. Countless eyes focused on her, making Rita feel as if she were being pierced by arrows, riddled with wounds.

“Hoo…” Rita took a deep breath, but it only made her breathing rougher.

She was just an ordinary person—even when meeting the King in the garden, she’d needed to mentally prepare herself. Now, standing here in the Royal Hall, the pressure felt like it would crush her outright.

Yes, this was the Royal Hall.

The King she’d seen yesterday was seated on the Golden Tree Throne. Even with his rotund body, he looked small against the enormous throne.

The Golden Tree Throne was simply enormous, formed entirely from the roots of a massive tree, as if it had grown there naturally, pale trunk streaked with flowing gold, as if watered by ages, intrigue, and blood.

The King’s attire wasn’t as casual as it had been yesterday; this was his formal dress for state affairs.

On either side of the aisle leading to the throne stood countless people, some Rita recognized, some she didn’t—everyone’s gaze was fixed on her.

Rita could even make out whispers among them.

“This child, is she a bit nervous?” An elderly woman dressed in splendid clothes chuckled.

“Oh my, is it really her?” An elegant bald man sighed in a shrill voice.

There was also a harsh, cold snort, though Rita couldn’t spot its source.

Beyond these people stood a row of individuals, each in unique attire but exuding an aura no less imposing than Brownie’s.

Among them, Rita caught a glimpse of the Holy Knight Fran, whom she’d met briefly in Solus City, now standing with arms crossed.

There weren’t many of them—no more than ten in total—standing in two lines on either side, their gazes not only curious but scrutinizing.

There was no doubt—these were all Holy Knights. No, perhaps even all Crest Knights.

Closer to the front, standing before the King, people were arranged in five groups, forming a line at some distance from the throne.

A tall girl with shining golden hair watched Rita with lively interest; beside her, a solitary girl with honey-gold hair and a calm expression stood with her eyes closed; another, with rose-gold hair, looked gloomy, hands clenched, her face gloating; and a petite girl with platinum hair darted her eyes everywhere, acting as if none of this concerned her.

Then, there was a delicate girl with golden hair and golden eyes, her expression tinged with a nervousness unfamiliar to Rita—the very master Rita had sworn to serve.

At that instant, Rita’s eyes met Cecilia’s for a brief moment. A surge of unknown strength rose from within her, and her unsteady steps grew firm.

She was Cecilia’s personal knight—the one who would stand here in the future. How could she allow herself even a trace of fear here?

“Oh?” Someone raised their brow. “Her aura changed completely.”

Because of Rita’s sudden transformation, the atmosphere in the room grew a bit livelier, and a few more comments broke out, but Rita no longer paid them any mind.

All conversation ceased as Brownie began to speak.

“Your Majesty, Rita has been brought in.” Brownie offered a knight’s salute.

The King waved his fat hand on the armrest of the Golden Tree Throne, signaling Brownie to step aside a little. She exchanged a glance with Promi, who moved to stand by the honey-gold-haired girl.

That must be the Second Princess, Rosalia.

Rita thought to herself, then likewise saluted the King.

“Good.” The King made no gesture in response, merely said, blandly, “Then, let’s not waste any time.”

Rita’s heart thudded heavily, the pressure still immense, but as long as she kept her eyes on Cecilia standing there, her shoulders felt oddly light, as though she could do anything.

“Rita, answer truthfully. My daughter, the Fourth Princess Cecilia, Julius, she bestowed upon you her precious golden blood. Is this true?”

The King’s voice was like a great bell.

So it really was about this.

Rita placed a hand over her chest, maintaining her composure.

“Your Majesty, it is true beyond any doubt.”

As soon as Rita spoke, the hall was in an uproar.

Half were shocked at the revelation; the other half at how calmly Rita admitted it.

“Good.” The King nodded, his many chins quivering with the movement. “Cecilia, do you know that bestowing golden blood upon an outsider is forbidden?”

“Your Majesty, I know,” Cecilia replied, turning to the King.

“Very well.” The King’s already small eyes nearly vanished beneath heavy lids, making his gaze impossible to read. “Then why did you break this taboo? Do you know the consequences?”

“I understand,” Cecilia answered.

“Even so, you gave her the golden blood?” The King’s eyes narrowed to slits, the chill in them making Rita shudder.

But Cecilia seemed completely unfazed, raising her chin to meet his overwhelming aura. “Even so, I made this choice. As the Fourth Princess, I am willing to take responsibility for my words and actions.”

“Cecilia, why would you do this?”

“Because the Court Mage Dorothy committed an unforgivable crime. As the Fourth Princess, it was my duty to rid the kingdom of this scourge. However, Dorothy’s power was too great, and the situation dire. In order to defeat her, I could only bestow my golden blood.”

“Hah, dire? Father already sent two Holy Knights to Solus City to provide aid—how dire could it have been?” Lilia snorted coldly.

“If I hadn’t given Rita the golden blood, I fear I wouldn’t be standing here now,” Cecilia said softly, but her determination was unshakable.

“Weren’t you the one who left without permission, seeking fame and glory, thereby landing yourself in danger?” Lilia retorted.

“Enough!” The King slapped the armrest of the throne, cutting off Lilia’s increasing aggression. “Silverfang, your turn.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Brownie stepped out from beside Rosalia. “Dorothy colluded with the demons, launching a massive assault on Solus City and committing monstrous crimes. According to our reports, the Fourth Princess performed outstandingly in Solus City…”

“I’m not asking you about that. Tell me, was the situation truly that urgent at the time?”

“Your Majesty, Her Highness the Fourth Princess was in grave danger. I fear we could have killed Dorothy, but might not have been able to save the Princess’s life.”

“Then you withheld this from me?”

“Your Majesty, after Fran and I destroyed the teleportation gate and killed the invading demons, Her Highness the Fourth Princess had already left the battlefield. So we did not witness that battle ourselves and do not know exactly what happened then.”

Although her answer seemed neutral, it was clear enough whose side Brownie stood on.

Without Rosalia’s nod, given the relationship between the princesses, Brownie would never have spoken so.

Just for this, Rita felt a bit more fondness for the Second Princess Rosalia.

“Hand of the Climber,” the King called next.

“Your Majesty.” Fran stepped forward from the Holy Knights’ line, his tone still a bit casual. “Brownie’s right. I didn’t see that fight either. The Fourth Princess said they killed Dorothy; we can’t interrogate the Princess for every detail. Besides, Dorothy’s body was there, clearly killed by magical backlash. Who’d have thought there’d be a Crest involved in the battle?”

Both Brownie and Fran spoke honestly. Whether or not they’d mentioned it in private, just saying so before the King already gave Rita ample face.

“Mm, return to your places,” the King said, slapping his thigh twice. “My daughter.”

Though it was just a change of address, the King’s attitude toward Cecilia was clear.

“Father.” Cecilia bowed her head.

The King stroked his many chins with his plump hand as he pronounced his judgment.

“You were thinking of the people—good. You dared to enter danger—also good. But putting yourself at risk, and giving your golden blood to another—not good. You acted without due thought. You must be punished, you truly must. From tomorrow, reflect in seclusion.”

Although it sounded like a punishment, everyone knew Cecilia rarely left her quarters anyway, so it made little difference.

No one bore Cecilia any real grudge, and no one had reason to make a fuss over this—it would only bring them loss, not gain.

“Father, I understand.” Cecilia nodded.

“Enough, that’s all.” The King said, shifting his weight as if to rise.

“Father, aren’t you forgetting something?” Lilia’s voice rang out, breaking the mood. “Then what about the one who received the golden blood—how should she be dealt with?”