---

The orphanage was owned by the Maid’s House. It was revealed that the donations invested in that orphanage were distributed to several places, and those places could certainly handle a good amount of money.

‘The benefits for the children aren’t that significant compared to what was received.’

The money that was called upon must have been happily gobbled up by Kelsy Arnin and her family.

If the donations had been used as intended, that orphanage should have had quite a splendid main building, filled with the sounds of children’s laughter and happiness. However, it turned out that wasn’t the case at all.

“Thus, we have established this point of connection and have continued to investigate the pressure regarding Shione Shianella and Herrel.”

“Lady Piana Trilla merely donated to the orphanage; the decision on how the funds were used was solely that of the Arnin family. To claim that Lady Piana Trilla has insulted the direct bloodline of the Count’s House, which she has served faithfully, is absurd.”

“Furthermore, we’ve succeeded in gathering substantial evidence.”

Of course, thanks to Siabel’s statement, which supplemented the lawyer’s claim.

Ainel’s interest was inevitably drawn to the circumstances highlighted by her daughter.

“Siabel Shianella. Please elaborate further.”

“Thank you, Your Honor.”

In the lengthy discourse, Siabel took a moment to clear her throat.

Having already seized the momentum, there was no one who could stop her.

“Before we delve into the details, I would like to highlight that the timing of the insults directed at Shione Shianella by the servants and the time Piana Trilla shifted from my faction to Sion’s faction coincides.”

As Siabel began to get into the groove, there was no one who could hold her back.

“When Sion had just awakened his divine power, Piana Trilla had moved to Sion’s faction. However, at that time, Sion’s faction was quite weak. There was no need for someone like her, who was actively building her reputation on my side, to make such a move.”

“What does that have to do with this situation?”

“Piana Trilla was a woman who valued the expansion of my standing and influence. There was no reason for someone who had many supporters within my faction to break away and join Sion’s side, especially when our intentions often did not align. Their reluctance to accept Piana, who had supported me, was also a factor.”

At Siabel’s words, most wore puzzled expressions.

As per Piana’s lawyer’s statement, there were those who didn’t quite understand why this particular narrative was suddenly emerging.

Siabel sensed this atmosphere and quickly continued.

“Thus, focusing on why she shifted to Sion’s faction revealed her desire to become a bridge with the church, which wanted a closer relationship with the Count’s House through the newly awakened Divine Power of Sion.”

“……”

“At that time, Piana Trilla made a substantial donation to the church. Subsequently, she also began participating closely in the selection of priests to become Shione Shianella’s teacher and church-related events. After that, a collusion formed between the church and Piana Trilla. I will present the evidence discovered in the investigation of Piana Trilla’s corruption linked to the church.”

“This discussion is certainly not about the insult directed towards Siabel Shianella; it pertains to the relationship with the church, right? Your Honor, Siabel Shianella has deviated from the main point.”

“As shown in the evidence, I will present the list of retainers who, little by little, became inclined towards me after profiting in various ways, and aimed to elevate their standing within the family.”

Siabel handed another sheet of paper to Ainel.

“Additionally, among those listed in that document… I would like to summon Lord Robert as a witness.”

“Let’s hear his testimony.”

Upon Ainel’s permission, Robert slowly walked out from beside Aheira.

The one who had once completely subdued Piana Trilla, interrupting Shione’s archery practice, the old gentleman.

As if ready, he slightly nodded to Ainel and stood straight, awaiting questions.

“Lord Robert, you have heard Piana Trilla propose to you that it might be beneficial to work together to enhance your standing within the family.”

“Indeed. I thought it would lead to frequent clashes due to our differing perspectives and tendencies, so I declined her proposal, but she certainly asked me.”

“Did you hear anything about the methods Piana Trilla was considering?”

“I didn’t delve deeply into it as I hadn’t joined her proposal… However, I do recall her suggesting that since it would be difficult to rival the legitimate Siabel, she could help Sion secure an elevated status and power after Siabel.”

Siabel’s next status and power.

In a world where gender roles were reversed, that status was one that Shione, who couldn’t be considered particularly talented, would have to hold despite knowing a bit of magic and trying to attempt different paths if the sword didn’t work out.

“Witness, you swear there are no lies in your statements?”

“I swear by this old man’s name that I speak the truth.”

Thus, this indicated only one thing.

“If what Lord Robert said is true, then Piana Trilla would have attempted to eliminate her rival, Shione Shianella. And instead of a bright way to highlight Sion’s pure achievements, it would have been by collaborating with the Maid to ensure Shione’s incapacitation.”

The statement implied that Piana Trilla aimed to eliminate Shione before she could show any other capabilities.

With the opportunity-seeker image of Piana Trilla gradually forming, the attorney quickly scanned the audience and Ainel.

Seeing everyone leaning slightly towards Siabel, it seemed like Piana’s attorney felt they could not remain passive.

“…It seems you believe Lady Siabel has a definite connection with Lady Piana Trilla, but isn’t it bad to push that narrative just because of a single donation to the orphanage?”

“Then I will present tangible evidence related to this. Witness, Aheira Faldat. What reaction did Kelsy Arnin display when you didn’t share information regarding Shione Shianella’s movements?”

“She seemed anxious that the matter regarding Herrel might come to light.”

“And how did she act in response?”

“And then… she handed me a letter, instructing me to deliver it to Lady Piana Trilla.”

“Your Honor, could we not call this situation too coincidental? Also, I wish to submit Lord Diolia, who witnessed the clandestine meeting between the two, as the last witness.”

The situation shifted rapidly.

After Aheira’s testimony, there appeared Diolia to testify as well.

Having already secured their crimes, there was no way for them to win from the onset.

However, the problem was that this trial was merely a prearranged play.

In a scenario that felt almost like a scripted presentation, it was nearly impossible for them to lead anything.

‘The Maid seems to have given up entirely.’

Therefore, Kelsy Arnin seemed to have accepted her fate.

‘…What’s up with her?’

Piana Trilla blushed with embarrassment under the gazes of judges and witnesses locked onto her.

Upon closer inspection, it didn’t seem like it was mere embarrassment but rather rage. What had she done to warrant such a reaction?

Distaste for the opportunistic old noble’s hideous display made me click my tongue internally. Just then, she began to exhibit an even uglier persona.

“…It’s unjust! How could I insult Shione Shianella! Being a retainer of the Count’s House and insulting the direct bloodline doesn’t make any sense! With Ainel and Siabel standing right here in perfect health, how could I speak ill of someone who is favored by all!”

As those words triggered something, Siabel, who had been composed thus far, smirked.

In the trial, the lawyer often took the lead in speaking. The plaintiff, Shione, merely watched silently.

For a moment, Siabel looked at Shione and slowly articulated the words she had restrained until now.

“There seems to be an inconsistency in your statement. You mentioned being favored. Shione has not received protection from anyone of the Count’s bloodline, hence she stepped forward herself.”

“……?”

“From the moment Shione began wielding a sword until she finally set it down, unlike myself, the Head of the family never directly supported Shione or taught her to wield a sword. Even when she pursued different fields, there wasn’t a single moment when her efforts were praised. All that was said was to work harder.”

A bombshell was dropped in the sacred courtroom.

And it was directed squarely at Ainel Shianella, the head of the family.

Under normal circumstances, such rudeness would warrant immediate consequences. No matter how established Siabel’s position was as the next head, saying something so direct was beyond reckless. As the judges began to rise in response…

“…….”

Ainel Shianella remained quiet, listening intently to the words.

“Siabel Shianella is the same. What have I done when Shione faced difficulties? I merely watched from afar, sympathizing as a bystander. I didn’t exhibit any visible actions, kept my mouth shut, and what could Sion do to shield Shione from such a circumstance at his young age?”

The judges watched Siabel, shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

“Didn’t we rather ignore Shione’s plight, lost in our own affairs? With a lack of interest from both the head and the eldest daughter, wouldn’t it be fair to say there was everything to gain from stepping forward?”

“That… that’s—”

“Hold on…!”

Amy, raised high as the head, never expected Siabel would speak without any brakes.

Shione, visibly flustered, was trying to speak to Siabel, who was essentially laying out their sins one by one.

Ainel, too, seemed startled by Siabel’s words, radiating deep contemplation.

Just at the moment Siabel seemed poised to continue…

“Silence. That’s enough. Without needing to hear more, it appears the decision is already set, so I shall pronounce judgment.”

Slowly rising from her seat, Ainel declared.

“Piana Trilla and Kelsy Arnin, from this moment forth, you are stripped of your standing within the Count’s family. Your vile and premeditated crimes will be dealt with in accordance with the customary laws of the Count’s House and the revered laws of the kingdom, further facing stricter punishment based on associated agents.”

Ainel turned her gaze to both culprits.

“Kelsy Arnin will be imprisoned without a doubt, awaiting her sentence. Piana Trilla will also be imprisoned for corruption, with further investigation to ensure she receives due punishment.”

In the end, both may either perish or live a life worse than death.

Unlike Earth, this place didn’t provide much regard for human rights. One might even imagine them being tossed to monsters.

“At this point, they no longer need to hear my judgment. Immediately confine the two in the Count’s underground prison.”

“Understood!”

Clearly eager for their capture, Ainel summoned the soldiers.

As the soldiers forcibly dragged the two away, the courtroom fell silent once more.

Taking a moment to catch her breath, Ainel continued as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“Moreover, the former maid who served the Count’s House, Herrel, will be granted clemency for her actions.”

This meant that Shione’s caretaker’s past sins had been absolved.

And second…

“Siabel Shianella will undergo a re-education period under my supervision for some time.”

Having boldly thrown her bombshell, Siabel would now face Ainel’s restraint.

“Additionally, Shione Shianella is hereby granted the right to demand reparations from the Count’s House for this incident, subjecting the family’s bloodline to the obligation of atonement towards her.”

This marked the third ruling.

None of the witnesses worried that Ainel’s public ruling would diminish the standing of the Count’s House.

They took pride in being a faithful member of the count’s family, forgetting completely about Shione’s contributions before I arrived.

Following Ainel’s silent verdict, Shione could finally comfort her past self, who had solely blamed her inadequacies.

It wasn’t merely that she had struggled because of her own shortcomings. She had faced circumstances that would allow her to blossom into a far more magnificent flower. Once her icy demeanor melted away, like a flower blooming after trials, she could now fully reveal herself and rectify all the painful past.

“Thus, I bring today’s trial to a close.”

At long last, the one-sided trial had reached its conclusion.

 

---