Chapter 374 – On His Trail.

“Has it started yet?”

“I think it was supposed to start after midday?”

“What are your thoughts on it?”

“I hope he gets what he deserves!”

A group of Albrook residents were gathered in front of the city hall where a significant event was about to take place. Today, a criminal named Ivor would be put on trial, and his fate would be decided by the city lord, Arthur Valerian. Many of the residents were unsure about the whole situation, feeling that it was being blown out of proportion. However, they couldn’t hide their desire to see Ivor punished.

“They tried to force my sister to work for them. Those bastards exploited my father’s gambling addiction against our family! If it weren’t for the guards… I don’t even want to imagine what would have happened…”

One of the younger men shared his story, and many others chimed in immediately after.

“Did you hear about what they did to people there? They were selling their insides! One of my uncles disappeared after visiting one of those gambling dens; he might have been one of the victims…”

The crowd recoiled in shock, but they were all aware of the news about what was happening in those places. Body parts had been discovered, and several families had already identified the remains. Some individuals were sobbing, while others glared with anger, seeking justice. A large gathering had formed, all with a vested interest in the outcome. Would the nobleman truly punish the wealthy criminal, or would it be a mere slap on the wrist? Given the gravity of the situation unfolding before them, it felt like a potential precedent for the future.

“Make way!”

Shouted one of the soldiers, commanding the crowd to part as the group approached. The clattering of hooves and the creaking of the carriage filled the air, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. As the onlookers cleared a path, their eyes were drawn to the mysterious carriage. Its lack of windows and sturdy metal construction hinted at the importance of its contents.

Speculations ran wild among the crowd, each person eager to catch a glimpse of the supposed prisoner held within. At the forefront of the procession stood Sir Wayland, an imposing figure renowned for his bravery and skill. His presence alone commanded respect, and whispers of his recent heroic deeds circulated among the people.

“Did you hear? He single-handedly subdued that monstrous man in a matter of moments!”

“Yes, I heard he had no trouble defeating the other Knight either. Some even speculate that he may be stronger than the other Knight Commanders in the region…”

“That would certainly be reassuring…”

The crowd buzzed with excitement and admiration for the knight. Despite the lack of concrete knowledge about his true character, the people of the city held him in high regard. There were no tarnishing rumors surrounding him, and even his past as a skilled runesmith only added to his air of mystery.

Although he had once been embroiled in a feud with the dwarven union, it seemed that most individuals remained indifferent or neutral towards the matter. Sir Wayland’s stoic demeanor and aloofness made it difficult for anyone to truly know him. He rarely engaged in idle chatter, making him an enigma to those who sought to unravel his true intentions. This became even more difficult after he ascended to the prestigious rank of Valerian Knight.

The carriage soon arrived at the end of the road, just before the recently expanded city hall. This building had undergone several changes, with a new courtroom now incorporated. Today, it would be used to handle not one, but two high-profile prisoners. The soldiers swiftly moved to the back of the carriage to open it up. From within, they could see a towering figure emerging, his hands and legs securely shackled.

It was a formidable individual, belonging to the mighty Goliath race. His towering frame stood in stark contrast to the ordinary farmers and shop clerks who had gathered nearby. As he stepped out of the carriage, a hushed silence fell over the crowd. Despite his battered and bruised appearance, an aura of unease permeated the air. This individual was renowned and feared by all who knew of him. The chains that held him in place didn’t seem like they would hold if he ever decided to run wild.

“Get a move on prisoner!”

“…I’m going to ki…”

Two guards emerged from the sides, brandishing spears aimed at the man’s head. The imposing figure glared defiantly, attempting to issue a threat. However, before he could finish his sentence, his body suddenly gave way. He was compelled to drop down onto one knee as the shackles around his hands and legs emitted a pulsating red glow. Runic symbols materialized across the shackles, inflicting excruciating pain upon him.

“Is he wearing a slave collar?”

“It must be similar, he looks to be in a lot of pain.”

“Good, that bastard should suffer, he is a damn murderer!”

As soon as the onlookers realized that the man was unable to retaliate, the noise level rose once more. Some individuals, fueled by their anger and contempt, began hurling rotten fruit and rocks at the lumbering figure making his way towards the city hall. Amongst the chaos, a stone struck Ivor’s head, cutting his eyebrow and causing blood to stream down his face. Before he could express his indignation through a shout, the familiar magical effect surged through his shackles, incapacitating him once again.

“That’s enough, bring them into the building.”

Only when the Knight Commander raised his hand to produce some type of translucent energy shield did the people stop. It was clear that they wanted to make this man pay for all of his sins but before the sentence was done, the man needed to stay alive.

“I must ask you to remain civil, the ones to punish him and others like him are us and not you.”

The commanding voice of the Knight Commander resonated through the crowd, instantly silencing everyone present. With the Knight Commander leading the way, the prisoners were escorted into the city hall. However, not everyone was granted entry into the trial room. Only individuals in influential positions or officials representing the common folk were allowed to participate.

The entire area was now surrounded by the new city guard, their armor gleaming with an unprecedented level of pristine cleanliness. Ever since a deal had been struck with the dwarven union, procuring magical equipment in large quantities had become considerably easier. Gradually, Arthur’s personal army was taking shape, and if given enough time, his reputation would likely soar to new heights.

…

‘This was easier when the people were made of wood…’

Roland swung open the imposing double doors, revealing the grandeur of the newly constructed juridical chamber where Arthur stood, already poised and ready. Roland’s purpose for the day was to serve as a bodyguard, the final line of defense in case an escape attempt was made. However, given his prior introduction to the current thieves guild master, things were expected to go down smoothly.

Even if an attempt was made, it would probably not be during the actual trial. The more reasonable time would be when the prisoners were being transported or held in the prison dungeon. Attacking a place like this in broad daylight was not something even the most courageous thief would do.

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‘Those two didn’t really have many friends, they were still expanding their influence in the city. Plus that woman has to keep her end of the bargain…’

A deal was struck with Madam Hanako, the Thieves Guild Master. He promised not to disclose her secret to anyone, including Arthur, in exchange for her cooperation. The city was looking at an era free of criminals like Ivor, who traded their organs for profit. However, this did not mean that individuals who gambled their lives away would be absolved by the city. Instead, they would be transformed into debt slaves and required to work off their debts.

“You can’t be serious, my people will kill you in your sleep!”

While he was thinking about the future, Ivor began angrily shouting at Arthur. The man was now a paper tiger, everyone that was involved with him had been made docile by their new associate. It was true that some plans were made for an assassination but no one was willing to take the deal. Murdering a Valerian Noble deep inside of their own territory was just bad business and the money to compensate for such a dangerous mission was not there.

“Someone please quiet that man down…”

Arthur replied with a hint of disappointment in his voice. Roland was aware that his noble friend had anticipated a proper trial. Arthur had invested significant time and effort in preparing for the event, but his opponent was making it too effortless. Before Arthur could even mount his defense, his adversary began threatening the judge. Kabir, too, was not behaving any differently, attempting to remove the magically enhanced shackles instead of speaking. Both individuals realized they were trapped and chose to abandon any pretenses.

“Order in the court!”