CHAPTER 101: THE SILENCE OF COURT

Shaan fell silent after hearing Sir Kael’s words. Honestly, he looked completely confused. That creature had been there, and he killed it. But how could it just disappear in an instant?

"I’m not lying at all. That creature was indeed there and almost killed me," Shaan said, trying to convince them. "I’m sure there must still be traces of that creature’s presence inside."

"Defendant Shaan Devansh, is there anything else you wish to say?"

"No, that’s all."

"Madam Yashina, how can you be certain that what the defendant is saying is true?" Sir Kael Heugen glared at Shaan. "He could be lying to get out of this trial."

"No. What the defendant said is true." Madam Yashina nodded her head. "He is telling the truth and not hiding anything in his mind."

’Goodness, how could she know what I was thinking?’

"I agree with what Madam Yashina said."

Upon hearing those words, Shaan immediately turned his gaze to the side and saw the man wearing glasses sitting next to Sir Huegen, suddenly standing up. At first glance, with a messy black hairstyle and fine wrinkles on his forehead every time he spoke, Shaan could estimate the age of this man to be around 40-50 years old (similar to Huegen’s age).

"What do you mean by that, Dr. Marshall?" Sir Huegen furrowed his brow.

"I just received a report from one of my team members who happened to be with the defendant at the time," Dr. Marshall explained. "He confirmed the presence of a mutated Doppleshade, and it nearly killed all of them. However, he had no idea whether the creature survived after it fell from the bridge along with the defendant."

So Dr. Marshall is the leader—and also the alchemist—who created the courier master, Shaan thought with a faint smile. Good. At least now I have someone who can support my claim that I wasn’t lying.

"I believe we need to conduct a more thorough investigation around the cave area," Dr. Marshall suggested. "There’s a chance the initial inspection missed something important. This trial should go on hold for a few days—just to make sure the defendant’s claims are legit."

"No. Not. We have too much to deal with already after this chaos," he said sharply, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Shaan. "This man destroyed the bridge, caused a riot in front of the gate, and even killed guards inside the cave. How can we postpone this trial when he’s the culprit?"

He’s right. I agree.

This man speaks the truth.

We can’t let this man live! He must face justice now!

Whispers spread like wildfire through the courtroom, breaking the silence and heating the atmosphere.

Damn it. That man’s words just ignited everyone’s anger.

"The point is, this trial cannot be postponed. We must make a decision now," said the red-haired man. "Don’t let people like this enter the twilight sanctum. He might destroy this place. Destroy our only home here!"

"Yes, I agree!"

"Me too!"

Shaan froze as the voices around him piled up, one after another. He didn’t respond. He didn’t try to argue. Deep down, he knew—no matter what he said, it wouldn’t matter. Not now. Not when the courtroom had already turned against him.

"Look at him! He won’t even say a single word," the red-haired man sneered. "That proves it. He’s already admitted his crimes. We must act before—"

"Silence!"

The shout hit the room like a thunderclap. The heated tension dissolved into a stunned silence. Shaan blinked, surprised that someone could quiet the chaos so completely. At first, he thought the voice belonged to Madam Yashina, but no, her voice never sounded this sharp, this commanding. Whose voice was that?

Slowly, Shaan lifted his head, and disbelief washed over his face. A woman. An elderly woman with chestnut-brown hair. Not just that—something about her presence felt completely out of place. Her eyes stayed hidden beneath a long strip of cloth tied around her head, and her right hand held a wooden cane, clearly supporting the weight of her aging body.

’Who is this old woman?’

"Don’t let your anger control you," the old woman said firmly. Her voice echoed through the chamber with clarity and calm. "You all claim to seek the truth, yet you allow rage to blind your hearts!"

"Mother Catarina, we just want answers," the red-haired man replied, his voice suddenly much softer. "W-we don’t want this matter to drag on without a proper resolution."

"...."

"Not everyone who stands under suspicion carries guilt. And not everyone who appears righteous walks in purity. So let him reveal who he truly is—not through defense, but through the truth that follows him."

"V-very well, Mother Catarina. I understand," the red-haired man replied and slowly sat back down.

"We are beings of reason, guided by conscience," the old woman said, gently placing her hand over her chest. "Let your conscience speak. Give the defendant a chance before you cast judgment upon him."

"I, Mother Catarina, as the leader of the Ecclesia Faction, will allow the defendant to prove whether his words are true or not."

’Yes, I also agree with what Mother Catarina said.’

’Me too, we should give him a chance.’

’Same here, I think the same way.’ Mother Catarina wouldn’t say something like that without a clear reason."

"Please, everyone, stay calm." Madam Yashina tapped her hammer once more. "Two faction leaders have agreed to give the defendant a chance," said Madam Yashina, looking around the room. "What about the rest of you? Do you agree with Mother Catarina’s words?"

"...."

"Those who still object to what Dr. Marshall and Mother Catarina have suggested, please raise your hands."

Only a few people from the group raised their hands to defend his words, including Sir Kael; however, the rest did not raise their hands at all and agreed to let Shaan prove his words.

"Alright, based on the voting results, I decide that all parties agree to allow the defendant to prove his words within three days. Today’s hearing is postponed." The judge hit the hammer, signaling the end of today’s session.