Oath And Judgement

"You... Y-you dare speak to me like that?!"

Minister Vesta clutched his cheek, reeling from the impact of Kaijin's perfectly landed punch.

"Shut up!" Kaijin barked, storming toward him again. Without hesitation, he delivered another blow to Vesta's face, knocking the minister backward and into one of his startled subordinates.

I watched the exchange with a calm detachment, my tone frigid and controlled. "Was that wise? He is a minister. This will bring trouble down on you."

Kaijin didn't answer immediately. He stood still for a moment, back turned to us, his shoulders tense with both anger and resolve. Then, finally, he spoke—quietly but firmly.

"Hey, Arceus... You were searching for skilled artisans, weren't you?" He turned to face me, his eyes shadowed but unwavering. "Would you settle for me?"

Our eyes met. I remained impassive at first, gauging the conviction behind his words. Slowly, my lips curved into a faint grin. Rising from my seat, I approached him without a word and extended my hand.

"I would be honored to have your service, Sir Kaijin."

Kaijin accepted the handshake with a small, genuine smile. But the moment was short-lived.

As we stepped out of the bar, we were met by Kaido and a contingent of security dwarves. Chains clinked as they bound our hands without delay.

"Brother... What were you thinking?" Kaido asked with a tired sigh, locking the manacles around Kaijin's wrists.

"Hmph. That idiot insulted my friend Arceus. I couldn't let that go." Kaijin scowled.

"You can't just strike a minister and expect no consequences," Kaido replied, resigned. "Don't hold it against me. This is the law."

With a wave, Kaido ordered, "Move out."

Escorted by silent guards, we were led to the dungeons beneath the capital. The cells were cold and damp, but we said nothing until the doors slammed shut behind us.

"I'm sorry..." Kaijin murmured, his voice heavy with guilt. "If only I hadn't lost my temper, I wouldn't have dragged you all into this mess."

He bowed low, his head nearly touching the floor.

"Hey, it's fine!" Garm said cheerfully. "No hard feelings."

"Nothing to worry about," Dord added, brushing it off with a shrug.

I sat beside Kaijin, the stone wall at my back. "So we'll be facing trial?"

Kaijin nodded. "Yeah. But don't worry—we won't be executed. Most likely a fine or exile."

He chuckled softly, but the humor didn't reach his eyes.

"I hope so," I replied, glancing at him. "That minister seemed to carry a deep grudge."

Kaijin's gaze turned distant.

"I used to serve the king—His Majesty Gazel Dwargo," he began. "Back then, I was the captain of one of the seven orders of royal knights."

He exhaled deeply. "Vesta was my adjutant, from a marquis household. I, on the other hand, was a peasant. That disparity always burned him."

"Even back then, we clashed constantly. Eventually, he was tasked with the Magisoldier project. It was a failure—utterly collapsed under pressure. So he pinned the blame on me."

Kaijin lowered his eyes.

"He rallied support and manufactured false testimony. To protect my men, I took responsibility and resigned."

A small, bittersweet smile crossed his face.

"Since then, he's hounded me at every opportunity."

"He's pathetic," I said coldly.

Kaijin laughed softly. "He wasn't always like that. He worked hard. He cared about his research. I think... all he ever wanted was the king's approval. The failure broke him."

He stood and offered me his hand. "If I leave this country... maybe he'll grow past me. Arceus, I'm yours to command."

I took his hand firmly. "Then welcome aboard."

"Count us in too," Garm said, standing.

"Yeah. We're going wherever Kaijin goes," Dord added.

Myrd nodded silently in agreement.

Kaijin blinked in surprise. "You guys..."

"Arceus, would we be in your way if we followed too?" Garm asked with a grin.

"Not at all," I said, shaking each of their hands. For the first time since our arrest, laughter echoed within our cell.

---

The Trial

The morning light filtered through the tall windows of Dwargon's royal court. We stood in chains, flanked by armored knights. Beside us, Minister Vesta appeared with exaggerated bandages wrapped around his face.

A herald stepped forward. "His Majesty Gazel Dwargo shall now enter!"

A hush fell over the chamber. A broad-shouldered man with dark bronze skin, a regal golden crown of leaves, and a commanding presence strode to the front. His thick beard and shining armor marked him unmistakably: the Hero King of the Dwarves.

All knelt in reverence. I gave a measured bow, cold but respectful.

The gavel struck.

"The trial shall commence. All rise."

In Dwargon, no one may speak at trial without royal permission. A proxy had been appointed to speak on our behalf.

"As witnessed, Minister Vesta was enjoying refreshments when Kaijin and his companions assaulted him without provocation," the proxy announced, gesturing to Vesta's dramatic bandages. "Such violence cannot be tolerated."

Kaijin leaned toward me. "He's been bought."

I nodded slightly, face unreadable.

"Is this testimony accurate?" the judge asked.

"Yes. There is no mistake," the proxy affirmed.

Minister Vesta stepped forward. "Your Majesty, please issue a harsh judgment. These men have insulted the crown and disturbed the peace!"

The gavel struck again.

"The verdict shall now be delivered," the judge declared.

"The primary offender, Kaijin, is sentenced to twenty years of forced labor in the mines. His accomplices shall serve ten."

"The court is adjourned."

But before the guards could move, Gazel Dwargo raised his hand.

"Wait."

His voice cut through the courtroom like a blade.

"It's been a while, Kaijin. Have you been well?"

Kaijin dropped to one knee, head bowed. "I am honored to see you in good health as well, Your Majesty."

"Kaijin," the king said, his voice softer. "Do you wish to return to my service?"

Kaijin raised his head. "I thank you, but I've already found my master. My sworn oath is now my greatest treasure. I would sooner die than betray it."

"Insolence!" shouted the knights, spears raised.

Dwargo held up a hand to silence them. His eyes lingered on Kaijin's unwavering gaze.

"I see," he said quietly.

"I will now issue a new verdict. Kaijin and his companions shall be exiled from Dwargon. That is all."

Tears welled in Kaijin's eyes. We turned and exited the court, save for Vesta, who remained behind with the king and the judge.

---

Epilogue of Judgment

"Now then, Vesta," King Dwargo said sternly, "is there anything you wish to say?"

Vesta stammered, lowering his head. "Your Majesty, I... I don't know..."

"It's unfortunate," Dwargo said gravely. "I have lost a loyal retainer."

Vesta raised his head, startled. "How can you say that? Kaijin swore no loyalty to you!"

Dwargo's gaze was steady. "You are mistaken. The loyal retainer I have lost... is you, Vesta."

The minister's eyes widened.

"I had such hopes for you. Even after the Magisoldier incident, I waited—waited for you to speak the truth. But now..."

He turned to the judge and pointed.

"Do you see that potion? A full recovery draught, crafted from hipokute herbs. Even our best can only achieve 98% recovery... But this potion heals completely."

"It was that man—Arceus—who gave it to us."

Dwargo's voice hardened. "Because of your pettiness, we've lost a valuable relationship."

Vesta collapsed to his knees, tears spilling down his cheeks.

"I only ever wanted to be of use to you... Ever since I was a boy, that was my dream. Did I go wrong when I began to envy Kaijin? Or was it before that...?"

He wept.

"For failing Your Majesty's expectations... I beg your forgiveness."

King Dwargo said nothing. He simply turned away—silent, cold, and resolute.