By Zephyria Leonardo, reinvigorated, began to read the documents Flynn had left behind with concentration. More than half of the words were unfamiliar and difficult, so he was stuck from time to time, but each time he flipped through the ‘Terminology’ chapter of 『History of the Council』 to understand the meaning.
There is no unnecessary knowledge in the world. The words he had read with blurred eyes came together to form a plausible encyclopedia in his head. Soon after, he recharged his sugar levels with the cookies Flynn had brought, and he was able to read and memorize at a decent pace.
In the afternoon, he met with a lawyer from the outside, hired by the Council for a fair trial. The documents he brought had the Agrizendro family seal on them, and Leonardo immediately realized that this person was not an ‘outsider’.
The lawyer opened the conversation with a kind and gentle tone, saying that he had heard many stories. He explained that focusing on the keyword ‘sacrificial hero’ and appealing to emotions could work in his favor in this trial.
He said that his past injuries and medical records would be helpful as evidence, and in the evening, they moved to the ward together to collect data for the defense statement.
He also had a scheduled checkup and, under the supervision of the medical staff, made a cut on his fingertip to collect a blood sample for the final blood test. Perhaps because he had caused a disturbance twice before, the Legion Commander, whom he rarely saw, was also present during the process. After the examination, Leonardo buried his head in Hugo’s arms and breathed heavily for a while.
After his mind and body had finally stabilized, the two were able to hear the final test results.
“No toxins were detected in the blood. The viscosity is not perfect, but it has improved a lot, and if you drink plenty of water, you don’t have to worry.”
Leonardo, who hadn’t paid much attention to his physical condition in the first place, felt relieved to see Hugo relieved by the results. He was even praised for doing a good job, and Leonardo returned to his private room escorted by Hugo.
He made various excuses to stay with him a little longer, but the other seemed eager to leave and promised to see him later.
“I’ll be there when you enter the courtroom tomorrow. Get a good night’s sleep tonight and focus on maintaining a good condition. And as always, come in with a confident look.”
He wanted to act spoiled once more, but he couldn’t bring himself to hold him back when he saw him smiling while hiding his fatigue. Leonardo reluctantly agreed with a face full of regret.
At least the goodnight kiss he received on his forehead remained like an afterimage, comforting his lonely night.
‘Sleep well, Leonardo.’
A bright blue sky was covered with intense sunlight. The stillness of midday, without a single breeze, was like the calm before the storm.
The flags of the Council, which always fluttered in the breeze, were calm and still today. It was exactly three days since the funeral, and the atmosphere of mourning seemed to have subsided in general.
They say a day like this is a perfect day to be released.
Actually, he didn’t like the word ‘release’ either. It’s the day he regains his freedom.
Leonardo leaned against the window frame and munched on a sandwich wrapped in packaging. One must always fill their stomach on the day of a decisive battle.
Until a few days ago, he had to eat mainly soft foods, but now he had heard from the medical officer that he could eat raw vegetables or grilled bacon. Moreover, he had a small amount of blood drawn last night, and he thought he would have nightmares, but he surprisingly slept well and felt light and refreshed.
Whether it was a placebo effect or not, he definitely felt better after hearing that his health had improved. Perhaps it was because he had slept apart from him last night.
He hadn’t been able to sleep properly for the previous two days because he was conscious of that person.
‘I wonder if that person slept well today.’
Leonardo stared blankly at the blue sky, which resembled the color of the man’s eyes. He hoped that he hadn’t been able to sleep because he wasn’t by his side, but today was an important day. He hoped that he would greet him with a smiling face when he entered the courtroom in good condition.
Leonardo took a big bite of the last piece of bread and turned to look at the large gift box scattered on the table with his cheeks puffed out. Inside, a magic robe of ivory cotton embroidered with gold thread was neatly folded. The tailor, who had been reluctant, seemed to have managed to meet the deadline.
The design of the magic robe was almost identical to the one he wore when he first went to the peninsula, but the fabric and function were so much more luxurious than before that it was impossible to put a value on it.
He was currently wearing a numbered prison uniform because he was about to go to trial, but once everything was over, he would change into that outfit right away and leave this room with dignity. Just as he was thinking about that moment and raising the corners of his mouth, he felt a subtle presence at the window.
‘Did he come.’
As soon as he turned his head, something fluttering caught his eye. Leonardo, who had been waiting, naturally reached out his hand.
The Butterfly, carrying news, gently landed on his palm. Then, as if glad to see him, it moved its wings rhythmically.
“Did you confirm what I asked?”
Leonardo brought his outstretched palm closer and asked without preamble. The Butterfly shook its wings and began to visually convey the information it had brought.
His narrowly opened golden eyes focused on its movements.
It took quite a while to decipher because the content was long, but the information it brought was quite valuable.
‘So he’s going to use it there.’
He had been bothered by the fact that Meterion Kleinder had approached him at the risk of danger. While probing him, he had told him not to interfere with his work, and that statement itself made him suspect that he was hiding something suspicious.
After confirming the mining team’s lair on the peninsula and getting out, he had thought about what his intentions might be for a while. As a result of checking just in case, after being silenced, the Butterfly conveyed the answer he had expected at the time in more detail.
And finally, it added a specific time.
‘6 PM….’
Knock knock—
Leonardo glanced over and waved his fingers to send the Butterfly away.
‘Blaine, we should go soon. Are you all dressed?’
Flynn’s voice was heard from outside the door. Leonardo shook his palm, straightened the collar of his clothes, and fastened the zipper and buttons all the way up.
He ran his hot hand through his hair, turned to the window, and answered into the air.
“Yeah, I’ll be out soon—”
He closed all the windows as if he had never opened them. Only after the flickering wings had completely disappeared from his sight did he take a deep breath, make a resolution, and step outside.
‘Let’s do well.’
The trial was to be conducted quietly, based on the spirit of the Council, which symbolizes justice and fairness, with only a small number of judges invited by the oversight body, internal Council members, and some jurors.
Of course, ‘quietly’ meant that it would not be publicly announced to prevent confusion, not that the number of attendees would be small or that it would be conducted in a comfortable atmosphere.
Flynn said that this trial would be the largest of the Council’s voting cases in recent years. Leonardo, who had said “What tension?” to him, who had told him not to be nervous, headed to the waiting area before entering the courtroom under the protection of him and the 1st Battalion members.
But the feeling was strange from the moment he entered the building. By the time he arrived at the waiting room, the atmosphere had changed 180 degrees from what it had been until now.
“We will escort you from here. Please follow our instructions.”
The leader of the armed members who had come to greet him approached and presented the Magic Stone handcuffs that had been tormenting him.
Leonardo’s expression, which had been relaxed until just now, hardened in an instant, and Flynn hurriedly added in a flustered voice.
“Blaine. It’s not just because it’s you, but everyone who goes inside as a subject of deliberation has to wear them. I should have told you in advance, but I was too distracted. I’m sorry, don’t take it badly—”
“I know. It’s okay, put them on. You got rid of that weird handcuffs, right?”
Leonardo twisted his lips slightly and obediently held out his clenched fists. After all, the guys inside were all cowards who were afraid of him. As long as his release depended on them, he was willing to comply with even more than this if they released him.
However, as if to say that he would not tolerate any malicious intent in these handcuffs, Leonardo glared coldly at the members.
“Y-yes, of course. Those handcuffs are gone now. Don’t worry.”
Flynn reassured Leonardo with a more nervous look than him and gave the escorts a reluctant wink.
Two armed members with their faces covered by protective gear hesitated and put thick Magic Stone handcuffs on Leonardo’s wrists. Fortunately, he didn’t feel unpleasant. Leonardo relaxed his sharp eyes.
“I’m going.”
Just before being escorted away by the members holding his arms, he turned to Flynn and gave him a bright smile on purpose. He smiled back at him in the same way that he had tried to reassure him. It seemed like the roles had been reversed, but Leonardo showed a more composed appearance because of the psychological warfare with the guys holding his arms.
Flynn felt a pang in his heart for a moment at the sight of him pretending to be okay even with the handcuffs on. He also felt an unknown anxiety. It was like déjà vu, as if he was seeing his back as he entered the prosecutor’s office again.
But today is an important day. He, the Commander, and Leonardo had all worked hard for this day.
The person in question was smiling calmly, so he couldn’t show an anxious face. Flynn smiled brightly as he faced him.
“Okay. I’ll see you inside.”