Alex had been training for a week now, focusing mainly on his healing element, and barely trained his space element enough to learn his skill, Teleportation.
He had bought two healing skills last week—Healing Touch and Wide Healing.
The first was a single-target heal that required close contact to take effect; the second, as the name implied, could heal multiple people at once, though with reduced potency.
The reason for this focus was his new job. Sylvana had contacted him two days ago, and as promised, he would start working at the hospital three days a week. He had also signed up for a once-a-week volunteer shift at the orphanage.
After stretching, he went to take a shower; it was almost lunchtime, and in a few hours, the trial for Roderick Halvern would take place.
After his shower, he dressed neatly, since it was a formal occasion and the queen would be present.
This was because the judged party was a noble, making the repercussions significant.
He then went outside and walked toward the teleport hall. Once there, he showed his new royal ID, which granted him easy access to any town on the continent and free teleportation from and to the palace.
Upon reaching the palace, he was greeted by Vanessa, who was waiting for him.
"Hello, you look neat in those clothes," Vanessa said.
"Thank you. I'd say the same, but you always dress neatly," Alex replied.
He unintentionally complimented her.
She caught it instantly, smiling. "Well, thanks."
She then guided him toward the court.
It was surprisingly located inside the palace, though smaller than standard courts since only high-ranking individuals were allowed in.
Upon entering, Alex saw a circular room with two desks in the middle—one for the accused and one for the accuser. Rows of seats surrounded them, each row higher than the last, and at the front, above everything, were the queen and king's chairs.
He took a seat in the first row beside Vanessa. It was arranged this way since he was technically her aide. On her other side sat Lucile, her actual aide.
Until now, Alex had never met her, as she usually handled Vanessa's more administrative tasks.
Once everyone was seated, a royal guard announced:
"Now entering, the Queen of the Morning Star, Alicia Morningstar!"
A woman adorned in a luxurious dress and crown entered.
She was beautiful in her own right and resembled both Sylvana and Vanessa. Yet she possessed a regal poise fitting for a queen—more formal and composed than her daughter.
As she walked past, everyone stood, Alex included. Unlike the others, however, his gaze lacked any reverence.
Alicia glanced sideways at Vanessa, nodding, then let her eyes briefly fall on Alex.
'So that's the boy Vanessa wanted so badly. Hm… as she said, it seems he doesn't hold nobles in high regard. At least he shows basic courtesy.'
She took her seat on the highest chair. The one beside her, meant for the king, remained empty; he was dealing with matters at the frontier.
"Now entering the accused, Roderick Halvern!" the guard announced.
The man entered with a chain binding his remaining hand to his feet, escorted by two royal guards. He sat at the desk on ground level where all could see him.
"On representation of the accuser, now entering Marina Valecourt, former head of the royal guard!"
Marina entered with her aide and took her place at the opposite desk. Before sitting, she gave a formal royal salute to the queen, who nodded in return.
When both sides were settled, the guard declared:
"May the trial begin. Accuser, please step up and explain your case."
Marina stood and walked forward before beginning:
"Ladies and gentlemen, today we stand in judgment over the atrocious acts committed by this man, Roderick Halvern.
Last week, on the second day of Seradyn, we received a report that the accused had been kidnapping people as slaves. The newly formed special operations group was sent to investigate.
Upon entry, the head investigator—Princess Vanessa Morningstar—accompanied by her aide, Alexander, found evidence of horrific acts of violence committed by the accused against both children and adults. He was also caught in the act of torturing an elderly, defenseless woman, which cost him his arm.
When the royal guard entered, they interrogated the already-healed slaves and learned they had been held there and tortured for months. Many stated they were not the only ones—numerous others had died from their wounds. This is the evidence."
Marina activated a device that projected the recording artifacts.
Testimonies of the tortured commoners echoed through the room—anger, fear, sorrow. Murmurs spread across the audience: some furious, some disgusted.
Once the recordings ended, Marina turned to the queen.
"Your Majesty, ladies and gentlemen, in my opinion—after centuries as the head of the royal guards—this man deserves the death penalty. His atrocities surpass even what beasts are capable of. I ask that you weigh this carefully."
She returned to her seat.
"Now may the accused stand and explain his case!" the guard announced.
Roderick stood and walked with an arrogance that contrasted sharply with his shackles.
"Ladies, gentlemen, Your Majesty," he began, "what I suffered that day was a violation of my right to privacy.
The princess and her lapdog invaded my home, knocking out my servants and ransacking everything I own.
That hooligan Alex severed my hand out of sheer hatred and wanted to kill me on the spot. If the princess hadn't stopped him, I would be dead instead of defending my case here today."
Dozens of eyes immediately turned toward Alex, including the queen's.
He remained stoic. It was the truth—he had intended to finish the job then and there.
Vanessa peeked at him from the corner of her eye, hoping he wasn't reacting. Thankfully, he wasn't.
"While I may have committed a crime," Roderick continued, "everyone here must consider the contributions I make to this country. Does the life of a few commoner nobodies truly outweigh the taxes, money, and resources I bring in?"
Alex grew furious at those words and tightened his fists, his thoughts darkening.
Four people snapped their attention toward Alex, sensing something coming out of him:
Alicia.
Vanessa.
Marina.
And the announcing guard, who, as the representative of the trial, was a master martial artist.
They all felt the killing intent pouring off him.
Vanessa leaned toward him immediately. "Breathe, Alex. Your intent is showing. Endure it—breathe."
Alex obeyed, forcing himself to swallow his fury and let the trial proceed.
He wished he could've ended the man right there instead of listening to his nonsense.