After shutting his eyes, James fell asleep unknowingly. However, he was soon awakened by hunger. He would then fall asleep again. This repeated multiple times. Finally, he could hear the sound of footsteps. Fully-armed men from the Red Flame army dragged James out of his cell. James could finally see the sunlight. Basking in its warmth, James relished the short-lived experience. Many convoys were at the prison gates. The Emperor, dressed in his Red Flame robe, got off one of the convoys and approached James. Seeing the pathetic state James was in, the Emperor gloated, “Did you not have a good night’s sleep last night?” James glanced at the Emperor. He wanted to speak. However, he did not have the strength to do so. He would surely collapse to the ground if not for the men supporting him. “Bring him to the courthouse.” “Understood.” James was shoved into the convoy. The courthouse was a place of trial for high-ranking officials of Sol. It was mostly deserte
“The trial will now begin.” With that, the long-awaited trial began. The vast courthouse was silent. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on James. Some pitied him, although most were apathetic. “C-Can I have something to eat?” James opened his eyes with great difficulty. The glaring lights blinded him. Though his voice was frail, it reverberated throughout the silent courthouse. Seeing this, many wept, especially Quincy. She knew that James served the people wholeheartedly. Though he had resigned, he chose to return to the battlefield without the slightest bit of hesitation. In the end, however, this was how he was treated. She stood up and voiced her dissatisfaction tearfully. “Although James is guilty, you have no right to torture him under Solean law. Is this how you treat a man who performed great meritorious service for the country?” Quincy’s voice boomed. The Emperor stood up and hurriedly explained, “I apologize for the neglect of our prisoner’s condition. We were so
All the cameras were pointed at James. He was filthy and unwashed all over. “I do,” James said in a feeble voice. Although the witnesses had exaggerated, it was undeniable that he killed them. “Good.” The Emperor stood up and cried out, “Since you plead guilty, what do you think your punishment will be in accordance with criminal law?” “Execution.” James looked the Emperor in the eye. His eyes were devoid of fear. Although he was enfeebled, his stare was as menacing as always. The Emperor was discomposed. Feeling as if he was being targeted by a ferocious beast, he unconsciously took a few steps back. Immediately, however, he put on his facade. The panic which was written on his face disappeared. Scanning his surroundings, he announced, “James should be executed for his crimes in accordance with the law. Members of the jury, please discuss amongst yourselves.” Hearing this, they exchanged their opinions in whispers. Outside the courthouse… A convoy stopped in fron
“He’s wearing a black robe… He’s a general of the Southern Plains! What is he trying to accomplish by appearing with the Blade of Justice at James’ trial? Is he trying to exonerate James with the sword?” The crowd was heatedly in a discussion. Meanwhile, James sat at the defendant’s stand and smiled. Seeing the Blade of Justice, the Emperor’s face darkened. Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, Henry announced, “Though Sol is a country with a rule of law, many are able to escape justice by finding loopholes. The Blade of Justice serves to execute these wicked criminals and give them what they deserve.” Henry said with great confidence, “The Black Dragon, commander-in-chief of the Black Dragon army, has upheld Solean law by executing all those who escaped justice. The former heads of the Great Four of Cansington were executed due to a massacre ten years ago. “Ten years ago, the Cadens, the most powerful and influential family in Cansington, were burned alive. The mastermind
Under everyone’s gaze, James pulled out the Blade of Justice.He looked at the Blade of Justice and pointed it at the Emperor.“What?”The masses were shocked by his actions.The Emperor was stunned. His heart palpitated as cold sweat beaded his forehead.After a few seconds, he calmed down and shouted, “What is the meaning of this, James? You’re pointing your weapon at me. Are you implying that you want to kill me?”James smiled. “Emperor, you’re overthinking this. I was just casually waving it around.”He was holding up the Blade of Justice, which weighed more than five kilograms. His arm had gone weak, and his face gradually turned pale as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Wielding the Blade of Justice took all his strength.He reluctantly put it down.Many sighed in relief.Henry looked at everyone again. “I’ve said everything I needed to.”After speaking, he walked to an empty seat below and sat down.The jurors in the higher seats began to debate.“What should w
No one expected him to be a national hero who sympathized with the poor and dedicated his life to protecting the nation. A person like him ended up with such a miserable fate.Thousands of people gathered outside the courthouse. All of them lowered their heads in silence. Many women secretly wept for him.“James…”A voice came from behind him. James turned around and saw Henry chasing after him.Henry approached him and asked, “Where are you going, James?”James raised his hand weakly and patted Henry’s shoulder, saying, “I appreciate you. You don’t need to worry about my affairs anymore. Go back to the Southern Plains. Someone needs to be there to manage the hundred and fifty cities. Don’t let the Southern Plains fall into chaos.”“But, you…”James waved his hand and interrupted Henry. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’ll take this opportunity to have a really good rest. I’m exhausted. Incredibly exhausted.”James reassured him and turned to leave.The people at the entrance
The public trial that shook the whole nation was finally over.James’ crimes were listed during the trial. However, the allegations were cleared off one by one.As for accepting the bribes… James admitted to committing the crime.However, the money he acquired was distributed to the Black Dragon Army and used to establish the Transgenerational Group to give back the money to the commoners. Although it was illegal, he gained the support of the people.The Black Dragon had a Black Dragon card and was not short on money. However, he still knowingly broke the law to give back to the country.After the public trial, James collapsed. No one knew why it happened.However, the public knew that from that moment onward, Sol had lost their War God and a great commander devoted to the country.During the public trial, James used all his strength to hold up the Blade of Justice and put it back in place.After leaving the courthouse, he walked through a path surrounded by people about two
James gently shook his head.He did not blame anyone.Even without Thea, the Emperor would have found another way to deal with him. If it was not her, it would have been someone else.“By the way, are you alright? Are you feeling better?”Thea shook her head. “I-I don’t feel any discomfort and should be fine for the time being.”Hearing this, James felt relieved.The Gu in Thea’s body was not as vital as his, and she was not in immediate danger.“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry…wah…”Thea was at a loss for words and could only keep apologizing in front of James.“It’s okay. It isn’t a big deal. Aren’t I still fine? I’m hungry. Do you have anything to eat?”“I-I’ll go get something for you.”Thea did not know what she could do for James. Hearing that he was hungry, she quickly left the ward to get him food.After Thea left, the ward returned to silence.James leaned on the bed. He weakly raised his hand and massaged his temples. He had a lot of things to do next.However, th