Chapter 121 - North Korean rabbit

Episode 121

Renus Beltain entered the courtroom with a slow, deliberate pace, his expression so composed it bordered on melancholy.

He received overwhelmingly more attention than the other witnesses. It was only natural, as he was one of the two central figures in this scandal.

All manner of interest, judgment, and mockery flew at him from every direction.

"That's the famous adulterous knight..."

"He looks loyal enough, but he's not particularly handsome. I was expecting a stunningly handsome man."

"Exactly. His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness Prince Ludwig are both counted among the most handsome men... Perhaps Her Highness the Crown Princess has low standards."

"Who knows. Affection isn't always proportional to looks. Ah, but his physique certainly looks impressive."

A torrent of insulting words poured from all sides.

The mere fact that he had appeared as a witness for Ludwig's side led many to judge that this adultery scandal was true.

Hilia could not afford to pay attention to the malicious gazes and words around her. She had no such leisure.

Her expression proved everything.

Evangeline, who had been focusing all her attention on Hilia's face since the trial began, could tell.

Hilia was now, for the first time since the trial started, genuinely flustered.

'Yes, this is the face I wanted to see!'

A thrill like a flame spread through Evangeline's mind.

She recalled what had happened just a short while ago.

* * *

Evangeline had secretly summoned Lord Beltain from the defendant's witness waiting room.

It was enough to have bribed one or two of the ordinary administrators working at the Imperial Court to arrange such a thing.

Seeing Evangeline, Lord Beltain stiffened his face in shock.

With an expression of disbelief, he asked.

"Was it you who said you had important information to tell me for Her Highness's sake?"

"Yes. Out of our old friendship, I came to tell you, Lord Beltain, a way to help Hilia."

At that, Lord Beltain's face twisted into a deep frown.

For the first time in his life, he used rough language towards a lady.

"I've watched from the side all this time how much you've tormented her. Don't talk nonsense."

Nevertheless, the smile that rose to Evangeline's lips did not fade.

"I'll testify in court that you even tried to bribe me."

Even at those words, Evangeline showed no agitation whatsoever.

With a leisurely smile playing on her lips, she fluttered her fan.

"How stiff you are. Though, you are famous for that. Even the maids at the Grand Duke's residence and my own shook their heads, saying neither words nor money work on you."

"You know well. Then I shall take my leave..."

Lord Beltain showed none of the courtesy a knight should have towards a lady when it came to Evangeline.

A sharp word from Evangeline stabbed into his back as he tried to turn away coldly.

"If you testify as always, loyally and faithfully, you, a now-useless knight, will be discarded."

It was a voice filled with conviction, beyond mockery. Lord Beltain's feet stopped of their own accord.

Evangeline flicked her tongue like a cunning snake.

"If you don't want that, appear as a witness for Ludwig's side. And testify. That you and Hilia were lovers during your engagement, and that such a relationship continued even after her marriage, within the Imperial Palace."

"...Don't be ridiculous! Even if there were a one-in-ten-thousand chance I would do such a...!"

"Blame me. Say I threatened you and you had no choice. Then kind Hilia will understand, won't she?"

"Preposterous nonsense!"

"After the trial, if you console Hilia who has lost everything and reach out your hand, she'll ultimately have no choice but to forgive and accept you, right? After all, you were Hilia's one and only knight since childhood."

"Even if my life were to end, such a thing would not happen."

"If not, then you'll soon be discarded, won't you? By Hilia."

"...What?"

When he turned his head, filled with anger, Lord Beltain paused for a moment in surprise.

He hadn't sensed any presence, yet Evangeline had drawn close to him.

The unknown black gem hanging from Evangeline's black hat emitted a dangerous light for a brief moment.

It was such a fleeting instant, and his mind was elsewhere, so he failed to notice.

"Such a scandal is fatal for a noblewoman. Especially Hilia, who from the very start of her marriage had incidents like annulment and a marriage of abduction. If a scandal with you is added on top, she's ten times more likely to be treated as a 'loose' woman."

"That is your goal... yet you speak as if you're thinking of her."

At that, Evangeline smiled crookedly.

"It's also true that I'm thinking of Hilia as an old friend."

"How dare you spout such nonsense..."

"It's true. Wouldn't it be better than suffering in a position that doesn't suit her, to live with a man who truly loves her?"

Evangeline gave a small laugh. The laughter seemed to reverberate as if in a cave.

For some reason, Lord Beltain felt a dizzying sensation.

'What is this?'

He clenched his fist until it bled, but his mind grew increasingly hazy.

"And as a bonus, I'm helping your side too, Lord Renus Beltain. Hilia's one and only loyal knight—ah, not anymore, is it?"

Even as his mind grew hazy, Lord Beltain felt a sensation as if his heart had plummeted.

"Though he swore his knight's oath to Hilia later than you, there is Aaron Müzen, the ducal heir and a Sword Master, isn't there?"

"......"

No—he absolutely had to deny it.

Astonishingly, Evangeline was precisely pinpointing the anxiety Lord Beltain had felt all along.

"But is there any reason to keep you, who only brings scandal, by her side? Anyone would send you far away or dispose of you."

In fact, the Head Lady-in-Waiting, the Duchess of Müzen, had given Hilia similar advice.

That the rumors were bad, so she should send him away.

'But Her Highness Hilia did not do so. She did not cast me out.'

Moreover, she had even spoken kindly to him before the trial began.

"Don't worry too much, Lord Beltain. We are innocent, aren't we? This tramples not only my honor but yours as well. I could never allow such a thing, could I?"

Saying so, Hilia had smiled radiantly.

His fading mind seemed to grow clear again.

Then, a completely unexpected statement flew from Evangeline's mouth.

"Without a method like this, you will never be able to have the woman you love."

Lord Beltain jerked his head up.

"Wha-, what nonsense! I swore loyalty to Her Highness purely as a knight! Feelings like that...!"

"Don't make me laugh. You might fool other people's eyes, but not mine. How many years have I been coming and going to Delphin? Did you think I wouldn't know the look in your eyes when you watch Hilia?"

Evangeline smiled wickedly and declared.

"You love Hilia, don't you?"

"...!"

He had to deny it, say he never had.

That was the way to protect his own honor and, above all, his precious master.

And yet...

"Did you really never wish for even a single moment? To make Hilia your woman?"

Why did that voice sound so sweet?

Lord Beltain thought again with his dazed mind.

Watching Lord Beltain stagger out of the room, Evangeline smiled with satisfaction.

Detaching the brooch adorned with the black gem from her hat, she rolled it in her palm and muttered.

"It's really convenient, this thing? Is it really a divine artifact? It seems more fitting to call it a cursed object."

Then Archbishop Bio, who had opened the door and entered, snatched the brooch from Evangeline with a displeased expression.

"Blasphemous words also curse the mouth that utters them. Be careful with your speech."

The words were close to an insult, causing Evangeline to frown.

"Don't speak like that to a collaborator who gave you the divine artifact you were searching for and provided decisive help. Archbishop Bio."

"I know you are a person without piety, but at least pretend to be a little mindful in front of me."

An uneasy gaze tangled between Evangeline and Archbishop Bio.

At any rate, she couldn't openly make an enemy of Archbishop Bio now.

He was one of her greatest collaborators, and it was because he had lent her the divine artifact that had awakened his abilities that she could enchant Lord Beltain.

'Of course, it was possible because my way with words is good.'

Though it went against her nature, Evangeline took a step back.

"I shall be mindful."

"It seems the preparations are complete, so let us enter the courtroom now."

Thus, enjoying the jealous gazes of the noblewomen around her under Archbishop Bio's escort, Evangeline...

* * *

...could now enjoy the sight of Hilia's genuinely horrified face.

Evangeline waved her hand towards Hilia, who was glaring at her with fierce eyes.

It was an answer to Hilia's 'Was it you?' look.

Of course, she had no intention of ending things with just this.

Meanwhile, Ludwig's lawyer, whose spirits had risen, nominated Lord Beltain.

"The plaintiff first requests testimony from Lord Renus Beltain."

Accordingly, Lord Beltain was placed in the witness stand.

Everyone's gaze gathered on his mouth.