CHAPTER one
PLATE OF TRUTH
A peculiar breeze blew through the capital, carrying an eerie stillness that threatened to unleash chaos at any moment. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as nobles and servants alike awaited the judge's final verdict with a sense of urgency. Inside the royal court, tension hung thick in the air as the judge wiped his sweat-soaked brow. "Your lordship,"he requested, "I implore you to address her highness by order until she is proven quilty."Despite his best efforts to maintain a stern facade, fear gnawed at him from within he thought: people have offered me to the butcher. There is no middle ground - it's either i offend the king or lose everything I've worked for. I cannot bear to become a poor minister and laughingstock of society; this king is not like his father, and if I fail him he will leave me headless. Rumors abound that he keeps a record of all those who have wronged him.
"The heinousness of her highness is evident as she ordered her men to commit the murder of those peasants,"exclaimed the third prince with great anger. "General, I implore you to take a stand and defend yourself by giving this court an account of what occurred on that fateful day,"inquired the judge. In response, a figure clad in bronze armor and adorned with a regal cape draped over her shoulders rose from her seat. Her appearance was both sharp and elegant, causing all eyes to fixate upon her. With a wave of her hand, one of her subordinates stepped forward to receive the cape which she then unstrapped and handed over. The court fell silent in awe; for this cape bore the weighty insignia reserved only for royalty – it could be removed solely by order of the king who had bestowed it upon its wearer. As such, it could not be treated disrespectfully within an official space or used as evidence against its holder during trial proceedings."I must clarify that this royal garment cannot bear witness alongside me; I hope your honor understands."
The general stood facing the doorway, bowing twice before speaking. "I am unable to justify the loss of life or provide solace to those who have suffered the loss of their loved ones,"she said solemnly. "While I did not issue the command myself, the swords wilded were under my command, thus I cannot claim innocence."The judge observed her with incredulity; he suspected that she wished for him to be hanged alongside her. However, he remained resolute in his decision: even if it meant losing his wealth he would choose life over death.