Zed had a hidden card that could turn the situation around.
As he pulled out the prepared crystal ball, Cox frowned.
"What is this?"
"This is a video record from when my lord dealt with the Billy family. It contains a confession about framing the Cherbille family."
"Cherbille…?"
It was an unexpected mention.
Caught off guard by the sudden name, Cox quickly activated the crystal ball.
The footage displayed the events from a first-person perspective.
You dare to defile the sacred mountain where my ancestors rest and disturb their peace.
What?
You dared to attempt to kill the heir of Arahan, my son. Lastly, you falsely accused the Cherbille family.
Hah! So even the Black Knights are aware of this.
The blue light emanating from the crystal ball captured every detail of that moment.
From the conversation between the heads of families to Genedine's terrifying power, none of the investigators could tear their eyes away from the screen until it ended.
"Wow…"
As the video concluded and the crystal ball dimmed, they all collectively gasped in astonishment.
They had heard rumors of a single individual burning down an entire family, but witnessing it firsthand was an overwhelmingly powerful experience.
In the midst of their stunned silence, Zed spoke calmly.
"This is a record of my lord's perspective. The investigators can determine its authenticity."
"..."
"If it is not false, then Robert Billy's confession must also be acknowledged. My lord has made them pay for defiling our sacred site and attempting to kill his child while also framing the Cherbille family."
Cox closed his mouth and quietly closed his eyes.
He intended to remain neutral and judge fairly, but Zed seized this opportunity perfectly.
"The filthy schemes of the Billy family led to the deaths of some of our greatest artisans. The Empire's finest wealth was destroyed by their own military. They dared to mock the Empire while creating innocent victims; such sins cannot be taken lightly."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
The Cherbille family had been slaughtered by Imperial forces. If they were indeed wrongfully accused, then the Empire had committed an unforgivable sin against them.
The dead could not be brought back to life, and their suffering could not be compensated in any way.
Cox opened his eyes slowly after a moment of contemplation.
Zed seized this moment and presented another crystal ball.
"What is this one…?"
"This contains a petition from the sole survivor of the Cherbille family, Lakto Cherbille, requesting that my lord's actions be taken into consideration."
"Ah…"
Cox couldn't help but admire Zed's preparedness.
How far ahead had this young man thought?
Without saying a word, he accepted it and infused mana into it.
The scene revealed Lakto sitting down as his voice flowed out.
I am Lakto Cherbille, the last bloodline of my family.
As Lakto extended his wrist to show his family crest, all investigators gasped in shock.
It was known that every member of Cherbille had been killed—yet here was Lakto alive and well!
Lakto sat back down and cleared his throat before continuing,
I appealed to Lord Arahan for justice. Thankfully, he promised to deliver appropriate punishment upon the Billy family. Arahan has corrected an injustice done against me by restoring honor to my fallen kin. I sincerely hope that His Majesty will render a fair judgment.
"Th-this…."
As the brief video ended, the investigators were even more agitated than before.
If Imperial law could be summed up as "an eye for an eye," then property damage would require compensation in kind; those who took lives would pay with their own lives.
Since the Billy family had slaughtered Cherbille, they would logically face similar consequences for their actions.
Lakto Cherbille's existence transformed this incident into an entirely new phase.
Zed spoke firmly to address the murmuring investigators,
"My lord has restored justice for the Cherbille family. Please reconsider based on this evidence."
Instead of seeking revenge for defiling their sacred site and attempting to kill his child—he had instead sought justice for an innocent victim through Imperial law!
The investigators were thrown into confusion by this sudden shift in perspective.
While it was certainly plausible reasoning—it still felt ambiguous regarding Genedine's guilt.
Though other investigators couldn't pinpoint why it felt unclear—Cox understood precisely what lay at its core.
"Zed Arahan. I understand your claims well enough; they are both reasonable and valid. According to Imperial law principles—the Billy family has committed crimes deserving annihilation."
Cox stepped closer and placed a hand on Zed's shoulder.
He looked down at the young boy with a somewhat heavy expression.
"However, that decision ultimately rests with His Majesty. It is clear that Arahan acted on its own accord—a clear violation of law! Knowing about Cherbille's false accusations—why didn't you report them?"
"It was because I wasn't certain if it was true or false."
"Don't try to deceive me! Arahan has long sought independence from His Majesty's rule! Do you think I don't know that using Cherbille as a scapegoat is merely an excuse?"
"Even if it is an excuse, you must judge based on facts, Cox."
Despite facing pressure from Cox's gaze—Zed stood tall without faltering even slightly!
Cox admired Zed's spirit but returned to his role as investigator without hesitation,
"You speak only favorable words; even judging neutrally would necessitate investigating Genedine!"
Cox was an experienced investigator; although charges against Genedine would likely lessen due to Lakto's claim—the guilt could not be entirely dismissed either!
By Imperial decree—he would still have to arrest him and conduct investigations regardless!
Yet Zed's promise remained—to prevent anyone from stepping foot onto their territory!
"Well then, what remaining crimes does my lord have?"
"...The grave fact that you failed to report significant information directly to His Majesty while making your own judgments."
"Very well. I will bear that burden myself."
"What…?"
"I request a 'Substitute Mission Order' from His Majesty."
A Substitute Mission Order—that was a type of amnesty allowing one to handle Imperial affairs while receiving forgiveness for past transgressions.
For instance, those unable to compensate due to lack of wealth might serve as laborers instead—essentially working off debts owed!
Having not been enacted for so long—many had forgotten its existence entirely until Zed mentioned it now!
"540 years ago—the Gutra family received similar punishment."
"How do you know…?"
"This incident shares similarities with events from 540 years ago; while outcomes may align—the causes and processes differ significantly! The weight of guilt varies accordingly too! Naturally—the level of severity regarding Substitute Mission Orders must also be lowered!"
"...."
"Arahan will receive its just punishment! So please depart for today!"
His words were bold and audacious without hesitation whatsoever!
Zed exuded confidence rather than fear—believing wholeheartedly things would unfold as he envisioned them!
Both Cox and all investigators felt admiration swell within them silently watching on…
'Is there truly such a remarkable descendant within Arahan…?'
'To stand firm before Imperial forces without faltering! What guts this boy possesses!'
He was indeed someone who had dealt with those who mocked him previously—having eliminated those who belittled him without hesitation whatsoever!
Investigators realized firsthand now that stories circulating about Zed were no exaggeration at all!
Before them stood someone small in stature—but whose presence felt as solid as a massive wall standing tall against adversity unyielding under pressure!
'Is he truly attempting to prevent anyone from stepping foot onto Arahan territory?'
Due largely due claims surrounding Cherbille—it appeared Genedine's guilt had significantly diminished overall!
While investigations would likely yield lighter sentences—the reality remained unchanged: they still needed to apprehend him under orders issued forth directly from His Majesty himself regardless!
Thus far—Zed appeared determined enough ensure no Imperial soldiers ever dared step foot upon their lands again…
'…Alright then; today I shall concede.'
With no apparent procedural issues arising amidst discussions taking place now—it became evident how much effort Zed poured into protecting everything dear held close within heart…
Cox chuckled lightly while patting Zed's shoulder gently,
"It seems you've become quite dependable as head of Arahan."
"That is too kind."
"My retreat today marks both first—and last time I yield ground here; moving forward you must exercise caution in your actions lest I find myself having no choice but capture you myself someday!"
"I will take utmost care."
"Haha! You are indeed amusing!"
With that—Cox signaled for withdrawal as over one thousand Imperial soldiers turned simultaneously retreating away from Arahan territory altogether…
As Zed finally released breath held tightly since earlier moments passed—he watched white-clad troops moving further away into distance beyond sightlines disappearing completely outta view entirely now finally able breathe
freely once again feeling relief wash over him steadily flowing forth like waves crashing gently upon shores calming tides rising high
above sea levels surrounding islands nearby shimmering brightly reflecting sunlight shining down warmly illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives
ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking
understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture
forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently
until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances
vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting
discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently
until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting
patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across
distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope
illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet
unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago
buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales
woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find
solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers
long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long
forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking
understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking
answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share
tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding
footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally
revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once
again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration
daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep
beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking
understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring
anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst
chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown
realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long
forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts
yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready
share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances
vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning
forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets
hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finally unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside waiting patiently until finally called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil surrounding them offering hope
illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward
into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines waiting patiently until finally revealed when time arrives ripe enough reveal secrets hidden long ago buried deep beneath layers covering truths waiting patiently until finalmente unearthed once again ready share stories long forgotten lost amidst chaos surrounding world outside
waiting patiently until finalmente called forth once again ready share tales woven together throughout ages past intertwining lives lived intertwined destinies forged forevermore connecting souls together across distances vast spanning realms beyond comprehension seeking understanding bridging gaps separating worlds apart uniting hearts yearning find solace amidst turmoil
surrounding them offering hope illuminating paths leading onward guiding footsteps toward brighter tomorrows filled promise adventure awaiting discovery beckoning forth inviting exploration daring anyone brave enough venture forth onward into unknown realms yet unexplored seeking answers long sought after hidden deep within shadows lurking just beyond sightlines