Chapter 280: A Twist

(The Imperial Court, Jack Sullivan’s POV)

Jack felt the enormous weight upon his chest lighten considerably as he stepped away from the dais, knowing that he had finally presented his findings without compromising the principles he had upheld throughout his career.

And judging by the expressions of the nobles gathered around him, his testimony had made a considerable impression, as even those who had previously condemned Riven now appeared uncertain of their accusations.

"So the boy wasn’t guilty after all?"

One noble muttered, exchanging a surprised glance with the elderly gentleman seated beside him.

"Well, I always found it rather unbelievable that a single student could slaughter twenty-one of his peers, especially when several of the victims were his seniors."

Another noble replied, shaking his head as he reconsidered the accusations that had been circulating throughout the Imperial Capital.

"My Batista and that boy were the best of friends. I never believed young Lord Dawnriver would willingly murder someone who trusted him so deeply."

A grieving parent remarked, his voice trembling slightly as he glared towards others.

Similar conversations spread throughout the chamber, with several nobles openly questioning the original accusations while others wondered who could have possessed the strength necessary to commit such a massacre.

Even amongst the families of the deceased, the atmosphere had begun changing, as their desire for justice gradually overcame their earlier certainty that Riven Dawnriver was responsible.

For Jack, hearing these conversations brought an unexpected sense of relief, as he realized that his decision to speak honestly had not been entirely in vain.

However, when he glanced towards Prime Minister Vinicius, the satisfaction he had been feeling quickly began to fade.

The anger that had previously burned within the Prime Minister’s eyes was nowhere to be seen, replaced instead by an expression of quiet disappointment as he looked down upon Jack.

"Many thanks, Chief Inquisitor Sullivan. Your report has provided this court with considerable insight into the circumstances surrounding the Imperial Academy massacre."

Vinicius announced, his voice remaining perfectly composed despite the unexpected direction Jack’s testimony had taken.

"You have fulfilled your responsibility admirably, and your findings shall be taken into consideration during these proceedings. You are now dismissed."

Jack bowed respectfully before stepping away from the dais, although the Prime Minister’s unexpectedly restrained reaction left him feeling considerably more uneasy than he had anticipated.

’That’s it?’

He wondered, glancing towards Vinicius once more as he began making his way back towards the section reserved for Imperial officials.

’Would he really be this calm if he is the mastermind behind all this?’

Jack wondered, as he felt his sixth sense tingle.

The man appeared far too calm for someone who just had his schemes ruined by an unexpected turn of events, and so, Jack could not help but glance back repeatedly in his direction.

’Something isn’t right.’

Jack thought, slowing his footsteps as an uncomfortable suspicion began taking shape within his mind.

However, before he could examine that suspicion any further, Vinicius stepped forward once again and raised his hand to silence the murmuring courtroom.

"Your Majesty, although Chief Inquisitor Sullivan has presented a thorough and commendable investigation, I believe there remains one important matter that deserves this court’s attention."

Vinicius began, turning respectfully towards Emperor Diomande before continuing with his explanation.

"As we have just heard, the evidence gathered during the initial investigation suggests a ninety-nine point five percent probability that young Lord Riven Dawnriver was not responsible for the massacre."

Several nobles nodded approvingly, seemingly pleased that the Prime Minister was acknowledging the findings rather than attempting to dismiss them.

"However, Your Majesty, the remaining half a percent represents a possibility that cannot simply be ignored, particularly when twenty-one young lives have been lost under such extraordinary circumstances."

Vinicius continued, his expression growing increasingly solemn as he addressed the assembled court.

"Therefore, in the interest of establishing the truth beyond any reasonable doubt, I would like to summon another investigator who has been examining an alternative theory concerning the events of that dreadful night."

Jack stopped walking.

’Another investigator?’

His eyes narrowed as he turned towards the Prime Minister, suddenly realizing that there had been an entire aspect of the investigation deliberately concealed from him.

"While Chief Inquisitor Sullivan was occupied with examining the primary evidence, I personally appointed Cross-Investigator Robin Crusoe to investigate certain possibilities that could not be thoroughly explored within the limited time available."

Vinicius explained, gesturing towards the section reserved for Imperial officials.

"His findings may either eliminate that remaining half a percent of uncertainty and establish young Lord Dawnriver’s innocence beyond doubt, or provide this court with additional evidence requiring further consideration."

The statement immediately attracted considerable interest, as the nobles who had begun accepting Jack’s conclusions turned their attention towards the possibility of new evidence.

Meanwhile, Jack felt his stomach tighten as the true nature of Vinicius’s earlier composure finally became apparent.

’So that’s why he wasn’t angry.’

He thought, staring at the Prime Minister with a mixture of disbelief and growing apprehension.

’He never intended to rely entirely upon my testimony.’

Jack had spent the previous evening agonizing over whether he possessed the courage to defy Vinicius, believing that his decision would determine the direction of the hearing.

Yet now he understood that the Prime Minister had prepared another avenue through which the accusations against Riven could be pursued.

’All he needed was for me to leave the smallest possibility of guilt unresolved.’

Jack realized, his expression darkening as he recalled the precise wording of his own professional assessment.

’And now he intends to exploit that possibility to introduce whatever evidence this new investigator has supposedly uncovered.’

Jack concluded, as a middle-aged man wearing the formal uniform of an Imperial investigator brushed shoulders with him and began approaching the dais.

Jack had never seen the man before, although the confident manner in which he walked suggested that he was thoroughly prepared for the proceedings awaiting him.

More troublingly, the man carried a familiar halberd in his right hand, its distinctive blade immediately attracting the attention of everyone gathered within the courtroom.

’Sky-Cleaver?’

Jack thought, his eyes widening as he recognized the weapon that had remained under Imperial custody since its recovery.

The murmuring gradually subsided as Robin Crusoe stepped onto the dais, carefully positioning the halberd beside him before bowing respectfully towards Emperor Diomande.

"Your Imperial Majesty, my name is Robin Crusoe, and I was appointed by Prime Minister Vinicius to conduct an independent examination of certain aspects of the Imperial Academy massacre."

Robin began, maintaining direct eye contact with the Emperor as he introduced himself.

"While Chief Inquisitor Sullivan was occupied with his investigation, I was instructed to explore alternative explanations and cross-examine individuals whose earlier statements might contain details requiring closer scrutiny."

He paused briefly, allowing his gaze to travel across the assembled nobles before returning his attention towards the Imperial throne.

"During this process, I had the opportunity to speak with Sir Roderick, the Chief Weaponsmith of the Imperial Academy, whose expertise concerning the weapon recovered from the crime scene proved particularly valuable."

Robin continued, resting one hand upon Sky-Cleaver as he spoke.

"And during our discussion, certain details concerning this weapon came to light, details that appear to have been overlooked during the initial investigation."

Jack’s expression hardened.

’Overlooked? What exactly is he talking about?’

He wondered, recalling the numerous conversations he had personally conducted with Roderick while examining the injuries sustained by the deceased students.

"However, before I present those findings, Your Majesty, I would respectfully request permission to question the accused concerning several matters directly related to this weapon."

Robin declared, turning his head towards Riven Dawnriver, who had remained standing silently throughout the proceedings.

"I believe his answers will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the significance of the evidence I am about to present."

Emperor Diomande regarded the investigator for several moments before giving a slight nod of approval, granting him permission to proceed with the questioning.

Robin bowed once more before stepping down from the dais, carrying Sky-Cleaver with him as he began walking towards the accused.

The courtroom gradually fell silent as hundreds of eyes followed his movements, while Jack remained motionless near the investigators’ section, watching the unfamiliar man approach Riven.

And as Robin Crusoe finally stopped directly before the young Lord Dawnriver, Jack could not shake the growing suspicion that the most dangerous part of the hearing was only just beginning.