Chapter 73- Examination
Chapter 73- Examination
Alatia knew this was coming. Kyle had already told her that her family would never allow him to get close to her, especially after what happened with Edmund. Her obsession with Kyle became a reason for her family to become wary of Kyle.
And wariness has brought them to the point where Kyle is being branded as a criminal.
Unforgivable.
"Do you have anything to say, alleged?" The heavy voice of the Emperor resonated in the courtroom as he accused the man who was supposed to be rewarded today and not get charged with a crime.
"I want to say something here." Alatia got up and left her throne before proceeding toward her lover.
"Alatia, you sit down. This doesn't concern the Princess." Hearing Edward's words her anger elevated.
With her eyes turning frosty she looked at the person and unhesitatingly stated, "This indeed concerns the Princess, after all, you are blaming my servant. And as his mistress, I trust him more than anyone, so I must perform my role as his ally, no?"
Her wordless battle of stare continued with Edward for a moment before she turned towards the Supreme Authority, and said, "You won't believe Kyle just because he is nothing but a butler in your eyes, but I am your daughter and the Princess of this Empire...can't you even trust me?"
Those words made the Emperor feel troubled in his heart. It has been so long since he saw his daughter and when she returned she was forced to fight against her family to support her butler.
The Butler...no, if things continued like this then that day wouldn't be far away when Alatia might end up abandoning her family for him.
He couldn't allow that to happen.
"Eyes can be fooled, Princess. Your statement doesn't prove his innocence. There has to be an examination to prove his innocence." The Emperor voiced; against Alatia's claims.
Alatia's expression showed that she couldn't believe what her father said. The Emperor's heart nearly moved to see how badly hurt she seemed.
However, to stop him from taking a wrong decision, Edward spoke up once again,
"You are brainwashed by him, Alatia. You can't see things from our perspective."
Her expression once again shifted from disbelief to anger as she directed her sharp gaze at Edward—making the latter flinch.
With her voice turning strained she replied to the oh-so-brilliant-Prince, "I am not being brainwashed, Prince Edward, you all are being blinded by hatred just because Kyle has become close to him. You and the Emperor just couldn't see someone caring for me. All you two want is for me to remain alone for the rest of my life!"
"Alatia....what are you saying...." Edmund's eyes turned moist hearing that and for a moment, Edward's expression softened as well.
There were tears in the eyes of the two Empresses while the Emperor sat in silence with a whirlwind of emotions flaring up in his heart.
The courtroom fell under profound silence after that, which was broken by Alatia's following words, "I, Alatia Triwin Valenchide, declare Kyle as an innocent individual. If the Supreme Authority decides to still examine him, then at the insult of not being held credible, I would let go of my title as the Princess-"
"Alatia." Before anyone else could have reacted, suddenly Kyle held her hand from behind and stopped her.
Alatia turned to look at him with her gaze softening. The agitation seemed to have melted the moment she directed her gaze at him.
Kyle slowly shook his head in her direction, clearly asking her to not go that far.
Alatia softly nodded—much to Edward and his father's shock—before Kyle stepped forward and conveyed,
"I apologize for my impertinence, my lord, but I assure you, my lady will not forsake her title. Please proceed with the examination."
His words reached everyone present inside the court and this time Alatia didn't raise her voice in protest even though she seemed reluctant.
Edward didn't like the fact that Kyle had such an overwhelming influence on his sister, which made this examination even more desirable.
Sharing a glance with the Emperor, Edward called out,
"Bring it."
A butler appeared from behind the curtains while holding a tray, on which a glass jar rested and the content inside of the jar was visible for everyone to gaze at.
Blood.
The thick red liquid inside the container was undoubtedly blood. And for those who are aware of the subject relating to Dark Mages, it wouldn't be too difficult for them to discern whose blood it could be.
"This blood is taken from a Divine Awakened this morning just to test whether Butler Kyle is indeed innocent as he claims to be...or-" Edward halted his words upon finding Alatia's glare in his direction.
He coughed in his fist before ordering the butler to pour some blood in a small glass.
Kyle stepped forward but paused when Alatia reluctantly held his hand. The tears that built in her eyes made many of the people around them; emotional. However, the suspicion arose along with emotions that if Kyle is indeed not guilty then why Alatia was reacting in such a way?
Kyle directed a soft smile of assurance in her direction before he gently removed her hand and stepped forward.
The Prince was holding the wine glass in his hand as he closely watched the Butler.
Kyle silently stood there with his eyes on the ground to show his respect before finally the glass was extended in his direction.
'Come on...now show your true colours...' Edward believed that either Kyle would create some circumstances through Alatia which could hinder this examination or he would try to escape.
Although the first option was negated by the butler himself, the second option was still open. However, Edward has already positioned the Royal Order all around the palace and the court. If Kyle decides to flee then it would be his worst mistake.
Kyle held the wine glass in his hand for a moment, contemplating something with clear tension on his face.
Edward smirked and scoffed, "What happened? Are you-" But his mocking was short-lived as suddenly Kyle raised his hand and began to gulp down the divine blood with big gulps.
*Ghurg* *Ghurg*
His eyes were closed and sweat trickled down his body as he forcibly pushed down the human fluid.
Under everyone's shocked expression, Kyle finally drank all the blood...and in the next moment,
*Thud*
He collapsed.
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A/N:- *Ahem* They are good actors ig?