For the next four days, the entire city of Veridia lived in a state of high alert. The activity of the Throne Guards was impossible to miss. They moved through the streets like storm, raiding suspicious warehouses and searching every cargo crate that entered the docks. Usually, such a heavy military presence would annoy the general population, but the people of Veridia did not complain this time. In fact, they welcomed the shakedown. The raids had toppled many of the corrupt and ruthless nobles who had spent years tormenting the poor, and the people enjoyed watching the 'mighty' fall.
Surprisingly, many of the raids were a massive success. The guards recovered huge piles of illegal weapons, hidden caches of gold, and forbidden luxury goods meant for the black market. These successes made Lorian even more confident. He felt that his hypothesis was being proven correct with every door his guards kicked down- the conspirators were clearly stockpiling for a massive riot. Lorian felt a deep sense of pride. He had successfully anticipated his opponents' moves and was now taking effective measures to thwart them before the first spark could be lit.
Even his parents seemed very happy with their son's newfound efficiency. However, Lord Elmsworth's behavior began to change in a way that felt strange. He started becoming overly affectionate toward Lorian, offering frequent praise and warmth that went against his usual, stoic nature. Most people in the Spire thought Elmsworth was simply feeling guilty for harshly rebuking his son a few days earlier. But this sudden shift in her husband made Seraphina feel unsettled. She watched him closely, keeping her worries hidden behind her royal composure, but the air in the palace felt heavy with a secret she couldn't name.
Finally, the day arrived that everyone in Veridia had been excitedly waiting for. Even dignitaries from the other six city-states had also arrived to witness the proceedings. It was going to be a trial remembered for generations.
The court was held in the Hall of Pillars, the largest room in the Veridia Justice Building. Usually, this place was used for big celebrations, but today it felt cold and, surprisingly, a bit scary. The room was shaped like a big rectangle. At the very front, there was a long, high desk made of dark wood where the four judges sat. They were wearing heavy black robes and looked very serious. Behind them, on the wall, hung the crest of the city-states alliance. Below the judges was a small table for the clerks who would be writing down everything being said. To the right of the judges was a raised platform, which was going to serve the purpose of the witness stand. To the left was the jury area, where prominent people of Veridia as well as representatives from the other city-states sat to watch. In the center of the room was a heavy iron cage. This was where Baron Bistro and the other captured men were kept. The Baron didn't look like a proud noble anymore. His clothes were wrinkled, and he looked tired, but he still kept his head up, looking around the room as if he was waiting for something to happen. It unsettled Lorian a bit.
The rest of the hall was packed with people. On one side, the rich families sat in their best clothes. Some looked angry at the Bistros, while others looked nervous, probably wondering if their own secrets would come to light as well during the trial. At the back, the regular people of Veridia stood crowded together. They were whispering loudly. Words like "traitor," "pirates," and "hang them" could be heard echoing through the stone walls.
Commander Lucien had placed Throne Guards every few feet along the walls. They stood perfectly still, and their hands were on their swords.
The air was thick and smelled like old dust and sweat because of the big crowd packing the room. Large windows high up let in some sunlight. But it didn't make the room feel bright. Every time the heavy doors at the back opened, the whole room went silent for a second, everyone checking to see who was entering.
Lorian sat in the front row with his parents. He could feel his heart beating fast. He looked at the back entrance, thinking about what Grisel and Jax had warned him.
And then the trial began.
The Trial was surprisingly undramatic at first. The state's prosecutors brought forth proof after proof, witness after witness. The accused men simply denied everything. When the judges asked how rescued victims were found in the Bistro dungeons, or how weapons were discovered in their homes and werehouses, the Baron and his men just stayed silent. This silence made the commoners in the back erupt in mocking laughter. The judges had to bang their gavels and shout for order several times to maintain the dignity of the court.
It was clear the accused were hated by the people. This made Lorian wonder- If everyone hates them, how could they possibly incite a riot? Who would fight for them? He looked at his parents for reassurance, but they looked even more troubled. Seraphina maintained her dignified smile, but it looked forced. Elmsworth kept his serious, authoritative expression, but there was an air of deep anxiety around him that Lorian had never seen. Their collective dread began to infect Lorian's mind. He stopped listening to the legal arguments and started scanning the room, anticipating a disaster that could come from any corner.
The trial did not run long. The accused had no real defense other than pleading "not guilty" and claiming they had been framed by their enemies. Most of them, including Baron Bistro, claimed they were victims of their own household staff- that they had no idea such shady deals were happening under their roofs. These were lame excuses, and it was obvious they would be convicted.
The judges and the juries leaned in, ready to give the final verdict that would end the Bistro line along with all the conspirators, forever. However, before the words were spoken, the Chief Judge followed the ancient tradition of the city-states. He addressed the gallery- "Does anyone here have anything to share regarding this case before the final verdict is declared?"
It was a formality. Usually, the gallery stayed silent for a minute, the judge would nod, and the sentence would be passed. But today, the silence was shattered.
From the very back, where the commoners sat, a tall man stood up. He had a grace that didn't belong to a commoner. Eight other men stood with him, four on each side, like a protective guard. Every eye in the Hall of Pillars turned toward them. A cold unsettling silence washed over the room.
"Yes, young man," the Chief Judge said, his voice echoing in the quiet, "Do you have something to share related to the ongoing trial?"
The man didn't look intimidated.
"Yes," he smirked "I humbly request that you release Baron Bisfront Bistro immediately, and acquit him of every charge in this trial!"
The room gasped, but Lorian didn't breathe. He looked at the man, then at his father, and realized with a sickening jolt that the real game had just started.