CHAPTER 61: CHAPTER: 61, TRIAL CONTINUES...

Now, after everyone was present and well settled, Harold came forward and began to explain the situation and allegations.

"You highness. I and Hydromancer Lilith were both accompanying the Blessed for the barbeque party as today’s event put a lot of physical strain on them and they needed a well-rounded rest.

"While we were enjoying the moment, Berserker Duron approached me and said that he saw Dreamer Dainsleif feeding Dark Knight Azaria something, after which she supposedly became unconscious and was then led by him to his quarters.

"I and the rest of the Blessed didn’t dare waste time and quickly approached Dreamer Dainsleif’s quarters to find him all over her, which seemed like he was assaulting her. Hero Hestia quickly covered Dark Knight Azaria and paralyzed Dreamer Dainsleif, whom I quickly subdued.

"It should be noted that everything I just recounted were only eyewitnesses and words with no definitive proof. But I believe the direct witness is enough proof to punish Dreamer Dainsleif.

"Also, for some reason, Hero Hestia is trying to protect Dreamer Dainsleif from Punishment. It was later found that Dreamer Dainsleif and Hero Hestia are actually relatives, which explains her actions. But I think we should avoid her input on the matter to uphold Justice. That’s all Your Highness!"

Everyone was silent, but Dainsleif’s eyes darted towards Hestia with a shocked expression, whose eyes avoided his. This was the very thing she didn’t want to reveal to Dainsleif, but because of Aldric, that bastard, that now everyone knows their ties, even Dainsleif.

Dainsleif quickly retracted his gaze, accepting the reveal. He already had his own doubts because of Hestia’s grandfather’s action of taking him in. At first, he thought that the old man pitied him and was thus helping him. But later, suspicion arose in his heart and he tried to confirm it.

But everytime he tried doing a DNA Test, the results were always the same. He didn’t have any connection to anyone from their family. It happened so many times that he eventually accepted it.

But now with this reveal and Hestia’s reaction, he understood everything. His reports were rigged, either her grandfather –now also his grandfather- or even she herself changed it. But one question arose in him, why would she try to hide the fact that they were related?’

At that moment, a loud voice sounded as Duron spoke up, "I apologize for the interruption, but given Hestia’s previous actions, we should avoid taking any testimonies from Azaria and Penelope as well."

Lilith from the side asked him, a bit confused, "Why do you say that? Dark Knight Azaria is the Victim after all. Her testimony is the most important here, why Sage Penelope as well?"

Duron looked serious as he replied to her, "That’s simple. Hestia and Azaria are childhood friends. She has a kind heart and might forgive Dainsleif for his actions if she asked her to. But what if he does it again? He didn’t succeed this time but what if he succeeds the next time? Who’d be responsible at that time?

"As for Penelope, many have witnessed her coming out of the corner of Dainsleif’s room, clearly indicating that she was inside his room the whole time. She might appear as an accomplice with reasons unknown. So her input should also be avoided beside Azaria and Hestia."

He finished his words, and seeing the complicated but firm looks of Emperor Ray, he sighed with relief and sat down.

Aldric from the side gave him an appreciating glance and moved to watch the scene.

This time, he has to make sure Dainsleif is expelled from this facility, if possible even from the Capital. Only then would Hestia move all her attention from him and focus on herself by eventually forgetting about him.

Only then can he get a chance to win her heart in his absence that he couldn’t do in his presence. And this was nothing but the perfect opportunity for that to become true. So, he can’t let this fail. Duron’s actions just made any attempt from those three useless as that would be irrelevant. And except them, there is literally no one who knows about the truth of the matter.

Emperor Ray thought for a moment and asked some of the Blessed, who reciprocated the same words as Harold.

Emperor Ray then looked at Dainsleif with disappointment clear in his eyes as he asked a last question. The evidence was too much against him and he would likely be punished without any solid evidence.

"Dreamer Dainsleif, would you like to present any defense on your part?"

Dainsleif stayed silent, waiting for a few seconds before finally replying, "I just want to say that I am innocent, and without definitive proof, you already cannot punish me severely. So, I suggest you expel me from this facility, since that would be the appropriate punishment for an accused without proper proof to confirm his wrongdoings."

Everyone in the grand hall frowned, their eyes narrowing with disgust at the shameless words of Dainsleif.

Emperor Ray also frowned, even though his words made him more suspicious, but the things he said were indeed true. Nobody, even he cannot punish someone severely without proof confirming someone is guilty as per the Crimson Democratic Laws of the Kaiser Empire.

The three girls whose words were meaningless in this situation also frowned with dread and guilt in their faces.

"WAIT! He is accused of assaulting me, right? So what if he gets married to me? That would indeed make for a good punishment as he will take my responsibilities." Azaria quickly interjected before Emperor Kai declared anything.

The Blessed were shocked and Aldric and Duron looked horrified. Indeed, if these two get married, then this trial would lose its meaning. They tried to say something but Hestia beat them into it,

"That’s right! According to the C.D.L, Any assault charges would become void if the two parties agree to get married. As long as she, the victim agree to marry him, his charges would become void."

Emperor Ray looked helpless as he added, "You’re right. There indeed is a law offering this solution, but like you mentioned, both parties need to agree on the marriage, if any of the person disagrees, then the offender would receive the punishment."

Hestia looked at Dainsleif with expectant eyes. Their goals would be achieved only if he agrees on this marriage.

To be Continued...