The subject of the third trial — the silver-haired officer with a ponytail strolled into the grand council hall, calmly observing the strangers seated in the tiered seating around him, his demeanor not that of a prisoner of war in shackles, but rather a gladiator stepping into the arena.
The freemen of the Newly Reclaimed Land were also scrutinizing the stranger on the trial seat.
Tall, handsome, composed, silent, appearing weary yet dignified, clothes worn yet tidy, figure frail yet imposing — these were the first impressions most freemen had of the silver-haired officer.
Just as beautiful women receive unearned grace in social settings, the silver-haired officer, in silence, garnered much favor among the freemen.
"The defendant." Colonel Skool broke the silence. Compared to the indifference and harshness he showed in the first two trials, the colonel's attitude was softer this time: "Are you the former Major of the Republic of Palatu's Army — Gaspar Berent?"
