Three Days Later – Imperial Court, Solvaris Empire
The Imperial Court was a cauldron of whispers and sharp glances, its marble walls gleaming under golden chandeliers.
Crimson banners swayed faintly, stirred by an unseen breeze. The air was thick with tension, nobles packed into the galleries, their ornate robes rustling as they leaned forward, eager for the spectacle.
Reth stood two steps behind Princess Asthia, his hand resting lightly on the runed hilt of his sword.
System Update
Location: Imperial Court – Central Chamber
Threat Perception: Level 1 (Passive Scan Active – High Hostile Intent Detected)
Loyalty Sync: 16%
Side Quest: Survive 7 Days Without Triggering Punishment – 2 Days Remaining
EXP: 62 / 200
Asthia sat on her obsidian throne—the Ninth Flame's seat of judgment. Her silver hair was bound in a braid with gold threads catching the firelight. Her crimson eyes swept the chamber with calm precision.
At the center, a woman stood in chains. She was tall, composed, and striking, with long black hair and emerald robes—torn, but still noble. Her hazel eyes burned with defiance.
A robed priest stepped forward, unrolling a scroll.
"Lady Seris of House Thalren, you stand accused of conspiracy with the Rebels. Intercepted letters and testimony from insurgents support this claim. How do you plead?"
Lady Seris smiled faintly. "I plead nothing. Your 'evidence' is a farce spun by cowards who fear truth more than rebellion."
The nobles murmured. Some shifted uncomfortably; others leaned in for the drama.
The priest's voice was flat. "Your defiance is noted. The Central Authority will now hear arguments."
Asthia tapped her finger once on the armrest. A deliberate signal. Reth caught it—she was calculating.
A noble in blue rose. "Princess Asthia, your judgment is respected. But House Thalren controls key trade routes. If Seris falls, so does her house. Surely this demands a public trial, not execution."
A woman in gold added, "House Thalren has never faltered. This accusation reeks of politics. Perhaps the Ninth Flame seeks to eliminate a rival?"
Asthia's smile was razor-thin. "Careful, Lady Veyra. You speak boldly for someone whose house barely clings to Tier 2."
The woman in gold flushed and sat down.
Asthia's gaze returned to Seris. The chained noble met it without flinching.
The priest raised his hand. "Princess Asthia, what is your judgment on Lady Seris?"
Asthia stood. Her robes shimmered as she stepped forward. All eyes followed.
"Lady Seris," she said, voice firm. "Your name carries power, but power alone doesn't shield guilt. Your defiance could signal innocence… or arrogance. Which is it?"
Seris's eyes narrowed. "I serve the empire, not its paranoia. If you want truth, stop hiding behind scrolls."
Asthia tilted her head slightly, intrigued.
"Bold words for a woman in chains," she replied. "But words alone prove nothing."
She turned toward the priest.
"A public trial would become a stage for rebels. House Thalren's influence makes transparency dangerous. I propose this: place Lady Seris in my custody. I'll find the truth. If she's innocent, her house remains untouched. If she's guilty…" Her eyes hardened. "I'll deliver justice myself."
The nobles stirred, but none spoke.
The priest finally nodded. "So ordered. Lady Seris is remanded to the custody of Princess Asthia, Ninth Flame. The court will reconvene in seven days."
Seris's gaze sharpened as she was turned over. Asthia met it without blinking.
"Reth," Asthia said quietly, "escort Lady Seris to the Serpent Wing."
New Command Received
Objective: Escort Lady Seris to the Serpent Wing
Instruction: Ensure safe transport. Remain silent.
Reward: +15 EXP
Failure Consequence: Punishment Triggered
Reth stepped forward. Seris looked at him, unreadable. Guards unfastened her chains from the floor, but left the wrist bindings.
She walked gracefully despite them.
The crowd parted as they moved. Reth's Threat Perception ticked—low hostility, lingering.
Threat Perception
Level 1 – Passive Scan
Hostile Intent: Low, but persistent (source: surrounding nobles)
The walk was silent. Asthia led. Seris followed. Reth scanned every corridor they passed. The serpent carvings along the walls seemed to shift in the torchlight.
At the reinforced door of the Serpent Wing, Asthia stopped.
"Secure her inside," she said. "I'll speak with her tomorrow."
Guards moved. Seris paused in the doorway.
"You think you'll break me, Princess?"
Asthia's response was almost soft. "I don't need to break you. I just need the truth."
The door thudded closed. Asthia turned to Reth.
"You're dismissed. Rest. Tomorrow, you'll stand guard during my conversation with her."
Command Complete
Escort Objective: Fulfilled
EXP Gained: +15
Current EXP: 77 / 200
Loyalty Sync: 18%
Side Quest Progress: 2 Days Remaining