WYN'S VIEW

The evening Rime Herald was executed, Decorum Hall witnessed another person kneeling in front of the platform. 

Moments after Marshall and Sun Hayden had managed to escape, Wyn was forced down for an impromptu trial.

The area filled with hushed whispers anew as Rime Herald's remains in the shape of black dust were swept away by the cleaners, restoring the purity of the hall.

Wyn stared into the ground with a straight face as the statue grasping balanced scales looked past him with a critical gaze. Staying back in the tower was a possibility he had seen coming, so he felt prepared.

In the corner of his eye, the snow deity could see the official with the golden whip, Custodian Darius, standing near the platform, watching him with a scowl on his bruised face. And the hateful glare was for a reason—the bruise was the size of Wyn's fist.

As Custodian Darius wielded his whip against Marshall and Sun Hayden shielded him, Wyn threw a punch. Undignified as it was, the snow deity did not regret it it. His blood was boiling.

How dare an official of the Chastity Tower trample over the rules continuously when he should be setting an example for everyone else?

As the Arbiter of Justice began the trial, the distant murmurs of officials were replaced by a righteous voice echoing through the hall.

"Young Lord Chioni, are you aware of the reasons for this trial?"

"I am," Wyn replied calmly.

"You have been absent from the Chastity Tower for a prolonged period of time, during which you are believed to have associated with a fugitive. Upon your unauthorized return, you assaulted an official in order to aid the said fugitive. Is that correct?"

"It is."

The Arbiter of Justice took a good look at Wyn, perplexed by the lack of remorse on his face. But personal feelings were not something to be punished for, so he drew in a deep breath and began reciting his lengthy, formal monologue.

"By the authority vested in me as the Arbiter of Justice, I sentence Chioni Wyn, having been found guilty of betraying the Sky Oriels Sect and aiding a fugitive, to be stripped of his title as the Keeper of Snow and to serve a period of imprisonment for a duration of twelve months.

However, recognizing Chioni Wyn's valuable skills and contributions during the war period, his sentence shall be served under constant surveillance of the military authorities, where he shall use his abilities to demonstrate his loyalty and dedication to the Sky Oriels Sect.

During his imprisonment, Chioni Wyn shall be confined to quarters within the barracks. He shall not be permitted to leave the premises without prior authorization.

Let it be known that violation of these conditions shall result in immediate and severe consequences, including additional imprisonment and stripping of Chioni Wyn's position in the Chastity Tower, along with inheritance rights to the Chioni family's legacy.

May this sentence serve as both punishment for past transgressions and an opportunity for redemption," the Arbiter of Justice finished.

Wyn subtly glanced at Lord Chioni, who had listened to the sentencing with an unperturbed expression. His son could have been stripped of his rights to inherit his spot right that moment, but his expression remained impassive. 

Perhaps he had given up on trying to get Wyn to his side at last. Although, he knew that the Arbiter of Justice would never take extreme measures when it came to the Chioni family. Lord Chioni never worried about anything. His confidence had long turned into arrogance.

"Escort him to the basement prison as we set the preparations in place," General Gi commanded the guards.

There was no point to resist. Wyn complied, letting the guards lead him down the countless sets of stairs. Lord Chioni followed, presumably to gloat.

As Wyn entered his cell, the mechanism was activated and the spiritual bars set ablaze. He felt his spiritual energy being drained. It was more unpleasant than expected, but he managed to hold onto a fraction of his energy to use for Soul Shaping later.

Once the guards and General Gi left the basement, Lord Chioni moved closer to the glowing bars with a winning smirk on his thin lips. 

Wyn's muscles habitually stiffened as he steeled himself against any attempts to sway him.

"This is what happens when you let your emotions lead you," Lord Chioni began in his deep voice. It was much like his father to strike the iron while it was still hot. 

"Young Lord Chioni, it is about time you stopped making foolish decisions, is it not? If you continue to behave this way, I do not see you fit to take my throne when the time comes."

Wyn stood tall, keeping a distant gaze without uttering a word. Perhaps his actions had been foolish, but if the men in power turned a blind eye to the assault from their officials, then someone else had to step up. 

Unfortunately, since there was an execution warrant on Marshall's back now, Custodian Darius was no longer in the wrong for using a spiritual weapon on him. The Chastity Tower wanted him dead, after all. Nevertheless, Wyn still could not let it slide.

Seeing that his son refused to speak, Lord Chioni shook his head with a wistful expression on his face, "After all I have done for you, you still meet me with hostility?"

The man's voice grew lower as he continued, "You do not seem to realize the gravity of the situation you have created for yourself. It concerns me deeply."

Wyn was well aware that the situation was not pleasant, but it was not the worst case either. 

"If you were disinherited, everything would be taken from you. Your rank, your wealth, your every title, and even your name. Young Lord Chioni, you have a bright future ahead of you. Is it sensible to throw it all away?"

Throw it all away? What use was it clinging to a future that promised a dirty throne? Wyn's hand twitched, and the subtle movement did not slide by unnoticed.

Lord Chioni smiled anew as he took in his son's rigid form, knowing that it got to him. "Although you tend to make the wrong decisions, you are wise for your age. Consider the consequences carefully. The impure child will rise above everyone if no one stops him."

"..."

"You and Shei Marshall might be on the same side now, but once he ascends, he will have no use for you. Something as fickle as friendship can never measure up to power."