another chap

With that, Clind returned to his seat, leaving the courtroom in stunned silence, his words echoing ominously as the weight of his argument settled heavily over the assembly.

Priscilla The red-haired noblewoman crossed her arms, an amused smile playing on her lips as she watched the spectacle unfold. "What a deliciously petty display," she mused internally, her golden eyes flicking between Clind and Subaru. "This trial is nothing more than a show, an exercise in preening authority. Yet that boy…" She narrowed her gaze thoughtfully at Subaru. "There's fire in him, defiance they can't quite stifle." She smirked, intrigued. "How long will that spark last in the face of such scrutiny, I wonder?"

Seated regally, Roswaal's painted face betrayed a slight smile, though his mismatched eyes glinted with calculation. "Such passion, Subaru," he thought with a quiet laugh. "You do tend to throw yoooourself into things, don't you?" His gaze drifted to Emilia, a flicker of amusement playing on his face. "Yet here you are, standing alone, unguarded by the warmth you once drew from her. Isn't it interesting, Subaru, hoooow the tides turn? Your fate hinges on this moment, and you're all too eager to challenge it." He leaned back, his fingers steepled as he observed with quiet satisfaction. "The more you resist, the more entertaining this trial becomeeeees."

Emilia's silver hair fell in soft waves around her face, her violet eyes wide with distress as she watched Subaru from across the room. Her heart felt heavy with a mix of regret and confusion. "How did it come to this?" she wondered, biting her lip. She wanted to reach out, to tell Subaru that she was here, but she couldn't bring herself to stand up or to speak. The trial seemed to highlight everything she hadn't understood about him, his struggles, his intentions. "Subaru… I don't know what you're thinking," she thought, her heart aching, "but I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt us. I believe in you. I just… I hope you know that."

Seated with his hands clenched tightly on the table before him, Subaru's mind raced as he processed Clind's damning accusations. "So that's how they see it, huh?" he thought bitterly, his jaw clenched as he kept his eyes on the judge. "I tried to protect people, to make a difference, and this is how they twist it." He cast a quick glance at his friends—Russell, Beatrice, Halibel—those who stood by him in this courtroom, despite everything. "If this kingdom is so set on tearing me down, fine," he thought, a spark of defiance blazing in his eyes. "But I'm not giving them the satisfaction of seeing me break. I've faced worse, and I'll face them, too."

Judge Devereux shifted his gaze to the row of ten commoners seated off to the side, their presence a quiet but crucial reminder of the people's role in the kingdom's justice. He regarded them solemnly, his voice steady and resonant as he addressed them.

"As the king's seat remains vacant, you, the jury, have been entrusted with the weight of judgment in this case. You stand in for the absent crown, carrying the will of the people into this hall. It is your task to observe, to weigh, and to decide."

The room fell silent as the judge paused, allowing the gravity of his words to settle over the assembly. Every eye turned to the ten jurors, a group of men and women of varied backgrounds and ages, their expressions reflecting a mixture of nerves and resolve.

Judge Devereux continued, "The jury has yet to make its decision. You may now retire from this chamber to deliberate on the matters presented."

With quiet murmurs among themselves, the jurors rose from their seats and walked in a solemn line toward the grand doors of the throne room, each one aware of the significance of their role. They exited, their footsteps echoing until they disappeared into the hall beyond.

Judge Devereux turned back to the room, his expression stern but composed. "In the meantime, we will resume proceedings to ensure a complete and just review of all matters presented in this court." He glanced toward both the prosecution and the defense, his gaze expectant.

Ten long minutes ticked by in tense silence, each second stretching as the assembled crowd waited for the jury's return. Finally, the doors to the throne room creaked open, and the ten commoners filed back into the chamber, each step they took echoing across the room. The crowd leaned forward, anticipation thick in the air, as one man—a middle-aged farmer with a sturdy build and weathered face—stepped forward as the jury's spokesperson.

Judge Devereux looked to him, his face impassive as he gave a slight nod. "You may deliver the jury's verdict."

The spokesperson cleared his throat, casting a brief, uneasy glance at the crowd before focusing his gaze on Judge Devereux. "Esteemed judge, and respected members of this court," he began, his voice steady though his hands trembled slightly. "After careful deliberation and review of the charges against Natsuki Subaru, we, the jury, have reached a decision."

The entire room seemed to hold its breath as the spokesperson continued, "Natsuki Subaru stands accused of the following crimes: reckless endangerment of citizens during the battle with the White Whale, the destruction of property at the Mathers estate, affiliations with foreign entities, and suspected collusion with the Witch's Cult."

He paused, his voice firm as he delivered the final words. "We, the jury, find Natsuki Subaru… not guilty of any specified crimes against the kingdom."

A mixture of reactions rippled through the courtroom. Some of the crowd burst into applause, clearly relieved or even elated by the verdict, while others exchanged uncertain glances, unsure what to make of this absolution. Emilia covered her mouth in relief, while Crusch allowed a satisfied nod. Anastasia, ever the strategist, leaned back thoughtfully, her expression unreadable.

Across the room, Roswaal's face betrayed a flicker of something—shock, confusion, and a sliver of rage. Internally, his mind whirled, struggling to comprehend what had just unfolded.

"This… this was not in the Book of Wisdom," he thought, his mismatched eyes narrowing as he clenched his hands. "How could this outcome possibly exist outside its guidance?" His thoughts spiraled, each unanswered question a source of maddening frustration. "Subaru's authority—there's no other explanation. It must be his interference, twisting fate itself to thwart my plans. But how?" He drew a slow, trembling breath, his usual poise faltering in the storm of his internal monologue.

Just then, a faint, dismissive chuckle echoed from deep within him. Roswaal stiffened, recognizing the all-too-familiar voice that haunted his soul.

"Ah… once again, ye stumble in darkness, Roswaal," the voice of Hector, the Warlock of Melancholy, murmured, dripping with derision. "This wasn't supposed ta happen, was it? And yet… here we are, hm? You've failed once more, just as you always do."

Roswaal's face paled, his gaze dropping as the words stung with undeniable truth. His mind whirled with frustration and a seething hatred—both for Subaru, and, in some part, for himself. His hands tightened until his knuckles turned white.

But outwardly, Roswaal forced himself to remain composed, steeling his expression even as Hector's mocking laughter echoed in his mind. In his heart, he knew that this verdict was a moment of defeat.

Judge Devereux leaned back slightly, letting out a sigh of clearance that echoed through the silent hall. He gave a small nod, his expression one of reluctant acceptance as he addressed the assembly.

"After thorough review and careful consideration, I find myself in agreement with the jury's verdict. There are… many unknowns at play in this case, factors that cannot be fully accounted for at present. Given this uncertainty, I am granting Natsuki Subaru partial immunity for the next three months against any undue interference or targeted action by the Sage Council."

A shocked murmur swept through the room, mingling with gasps of relief and disbelief. But Bordeaux's reaction was far less composed. His face contorted with fury, and he staggered back, visibly shaken by the decision. "This is foul play! Favoritism, plain and simple!" he shouted, his voice thick with outrage.

The room fell silent as Bordeaux's accusations echoed off the walls. He pointed an accusing finger at the judge, his expression twisting with anger. "I will appeal this ruling! There must be higher intervention—this cannot stand!"

Ferris, who had been smirking triumphantly beside Crusch, crossed his arms and gave Bordeaux a mocking look. "Appeal? This is the highest court in the nation, ya pompous puffball. Any higher, and you'd need a king to back ya up."

Judge Devereux gave a slight nod, his expression calm but firm as he acknowledged Ferris's point. "Indeed, Councilman Zellgef. This is Lugnica's supreme court, and its rulings are final. Any attempt to appeal would be… out of place, unless the crown itself were reinstated."

Bordeaux's face darkened further, but after a tense pause, he glowered at Ferris, then at the judge, and finally turned his bitter gaze toward Subaru. "Foul play… this is nothing but foul play," he muttered, before turning sharply on his heel and storming out of the hall, the heavy doors slamming shut behind him.

Miklotov, watching his fellow sage's dramatic exit, sighed and turned his gaze toward Subaru, a faint smile softening his otherwise serious face. The trial was over, and the young man had prevailed—at least, for now. Around Subaru, his friends and allies gathered in relief and quiet celebration.

Beatrice clung tightly to his sleeve, her expression a mix of pride and fierce loyalty. "See, I knew it, in fact! Nothing they threw at you could make Betty doubt for a second."

Russell gave Subaru an approving nod, his eyes reflecting satisfaction at the outcome. "Well done, kid. A merchant knows how to spot true value, and you've shown the world exactly what you're worth."

Heinkel, standing nearby, offered a rare, gruff smile and clapped Subaru on the shoulder. "Took all this nonsense and still came out standing, eh? Well done, kid."

And even Halibel, the tall shinobi from Kagaragi, who was normally reserved, allowed himself a small, pleased smile. "Well, ya pulled through, just as I figured ya would. Guess I chose the right person ta follow."

Surrounded by his friends, Subaru felt the weight of the trial begin to lift, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to feel the relief of victory. But he knew that this was only one battle won, and the kingdom's eyes would still be on him. Still, with allies like these by his side, he felt prepared to face whatever might come next.

As the crowd dispersed, voices drifting away in murmured conversations, Subaru found himself preparing to leave the grand hall, surrounded by his friends. But just as he reached the exit, a familiar voice, clear and soft as silver bells-

"Subaru!"

He turned, his breath catching at the sight of her—Emilia, with her silver hair cut now down before her shoulders and her amethyst eyes lowered. She stood there, looking uncharacteristically timid, her fingers fidgeting with each other as she gazed downward. Her voice had been gentle, almost hesitant, yet it had pierced through the remnants of the courtroom's tension as if it were the only sound in the world.

Subaru stood frozen, a mixture of shock and uncertainty flashing in his eyes. He hadn't spoken to her, hadn't even seen her in so long, and now, here she was, standing before him as if no time had passed at all. He felt a hand on his shoulder—a reassuring squeeze from Halibel. The tall shinobi gave him a knowing smile, a nod, and an enthusiastic thumbs-up before he slipped away, leading the others out and leaving the two alone in the vast, empty hall.

The silence between them was thick and awkward. Subaru struggled to find words, to know where to start. But before either could properly speak, they both spoke up at the same time.

"It's been soooo long," Emilia said, her voice tinged with quiet longing, while Subaru, caught between nerves and his old, familiar humor, blurted out, "You must have a Emilion and one questions!"

They both stopped, blinking at each other in surprise before a hint of a smile tugged at Emilia's lips. She gave a small, shy laugh, and Subaru couldn't help but chuckle softly himself, the sound breaking the tension just enough for them both to relax, if only slightly.

Emilia's gaze fell to the floor again, her fingers twisting together as she hesitated. "I… I didn't know if you'd even want to talk to me, after everything." She swallowed, her voice trembling just a bit. "I didn't know what I would say."

Subaru took a slow breath, his expression softening as he finally took a step toward her. "Emilia… I'm here now. Whatever happened, whatever I went through… it's all behind us for now, right?"

She nodded, lifting her gaze to meet his with a faint, grateful smile. "Yes… I suppose so. I… I've missed having you around. There's so much that I don't understand about what happened, but…" Her words faltered, and she bit her lip, searching his eyes. "I wanted you to know I'm still here."

Subaru's heart clenched as he took in the uncertainty in her eyes. It was a mixture of guilt, hope, and vulnerability he hadn't seen in a long time, and it stirred up emotions he'd nearly buried. "I… I'm glad you're here, too, Emilia. Really, I am."

For a long moment, they stood there, caught in each other's gaze, with a thousand unsaid words lingering between them.

Emilia's gaze dropped for a moment, a shadow of hesitation passing over her face as silence settled between them once more. After what felt like an eternity, she drew a quiet breath and looked up, though her expression was tinged with reluctance.

"I… I should go," she murmured, her voice soft, as though the words were as much for herself as for him. She shifted her weight slightly, her fingers still fidgeting, before she forced a small smile and looked up at him again. "But… maybe we could catch up over tea sometime?"

Subaru's expression softened, a warm, genuine smile spreading across his face. "That sounds like a great idea, Emilia," he replied, his voice filled with a gentle reassurance. "I'll be there whenever you're ready."

Emilia's smile grew, though it was faint and fleeting, her eyes lingering on him for just a moment longer before she gave a small nod. Without another word, she turned and quickly brushed past him, her footsteps echoing softly as she made her way down the hall.

Subaru watched her go, his gaze fixed on her retreating figure, his heart caught between the distance that had grown between them and the faint glimmer of hope her invitation had brought.

With a final, triumphant scribble, Ferris held up the transcript proudly. "And that's the Trial of Natsuki Subawu!" he announced, his voice ringing out with exaggerated enthusiasm.

Subaru chuckled, rolling his eyes at Ferris's flair but feeling an undeniable sense of relief. "Wait ferris, yer still here?" he replied, shaking his head.

Ferris winked, stashing the notebook away. "Ya did good, nya. Let's hope we never have ta do that again, though!"

Author's Note:

This has to be the longest chapter I've written so far! This trial scene turned out incredibly dense with layers of political tension, character dynamics, and intense stakes. I wanted to make sure each character's perspective and alliances were clear, which really added to the length! Let me know id anything seemed unrealistic or out of place.

Now, as for the timeline, let's agree that this trial takes place about half a year before the events in Pristella. This way, the timeline flows smoothly, and we have room to explore each character a bit. What is ideal is that we have some development after the trial for everyone. Anyway, I wanted to move quickly to arc 5. I think a time skip would do good for the story as any development in this corner of the fic can be transfered to the next arc in ease.

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