The sight was so unprecedented and stunning that the gate guards didn’t even notice Noah walking among the royal party. Their attention remained completely focused on the impossible vision of captured aristocrats being marched toward the capital for what could only be treason charges.
"Your Majesty! What... what has happened?" called the captain of the gate guard, who was at the adept rank, his voice carrying both relief at the king’s safe return and confusion about the prisoners.
"Treason, these nobles have been caught collaborating with demon extremists against the kingdom; they have sold their kind for mere profit. They will face public trial and execution." King Aldric replied in a cold tone.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the assembled guards, whose training had never prepared them for witnessing the arrest of multiple noble families simultaneously by the king himself!
Meanwhile, Lola remained concealed through a subtle spell, her demonic features hidden from casual observation. The king had suggested it would be better to keep her presence secret until he could properly clarify the complex political issues surrounding demon allies and extremist enemies.
Noah had readily agreed with the proposal, understanding that introducing a master-level succubus to the general population required careful preparation and official royal backing.
The public trial followed with unprecedented swiftness, demonstrating King Aldric’s determination to address treason with immediate and decisive action. He refused to allow time for political manoeuvring or behind-the-scenes negotiations that might compromise the integrity of justice.
The king summoned one of his master-level royal guards, a formidable warrior whose loyalty to the crown had been proven through decades of faithful service.
"Gather every noble family in the kingdom. Send official summons that brooks no refusal or delay. This is a matter of kingdom security that demands their immediate presence." King Aldric commanded.
The royal guard bowed deeply, understanding the gravity of such a comprehensive summoning. "It shall be done, Your Majesty. When do you require their attendance?"
"In an hour," the king replied firmly. "And issue a public announcement throughout the capital. I want every citizen who can possibly attend to witness what transpires. This trial will serve as both justice and warning."
The master-level guard departed immediately to execute his sovereign’s commands, knowing that such urgent royal orders indicated events of extraordinary significance.
Within minutes, royal messengers had spread throughout the kingdom carrying official summons to every noble house, regardless of rank or current political standing. The messages carried the unmistakable seal of royal authority that made attendance mandatory rather than optional.
Simultaneously, town criers filled the streets with announcements that drew crowds of curious citizens eager to understand what momentous event would require such unprecedented public gathering.
"Hear ye! Hear ye!" the criers called from every major intersection. "By royal decree, all citizens are invited to witness a trial of utmost importance to the kingdom! In an hour, in the Grand Plaza!"
The announcement created a buzz of speculation throughout the capital as people wondered what crime could possibly warrant such public attention and comprehensive noble attendance.
An hour passed, the sky was clear and bright, as if the weather itself recognised the significance of the proceedings about to unfold. The Grand Plaza had filled with an enormous crowd that represented every level of society, whether poor or rich, powerful or weak, everyone as gathered.
Noble families occupied designated seating areas, their expressions ranging from curiosity to growing unease as they noticed several familiar faces missing from their usual social circles. The absence of Baron Richard and his associates had been noted, but no one could have predicted the true reason for their disappearance.
Common citizens filled every available space, their voices creating a low murmur of anticipation that reflected the kingdom’s collective desire to understand what had prompted such an extraordinary gathering.
King Aldric appeared on the raised platform that had been constructed for the trial, his royal regalia gleaming. His presence got immediate silence from the assembled thousands, his absolute authority settling over the plaza like a force of nature.
"Citizens of Durenholde, you have been summoned to witness justice being served against those who would betray everything we hold sacred," his voice rang out with mana amplification that carried his words to every corner of the vast gathering.
A collective intake of breath rippled through the crowd. Betrayal suggested treason, the most serious crime possible against the crown and the kingdom.
"Before you stand those who have sold their oaths, their honour, and their fellow citizens for mere gold," the king continued, gesturing toward the platform where Baron Richard and his fellow conspirators had been brought in magical restraints. NovelHub
Gasps of shock echoed throughout the plaza as noble families recognised members of their own social circle among the accused traitors. The sight of high-ranking aristocrats bound like common criminals sent waves of disbelief through the assembled nobility.
"You will witness the evidence of their crimes through magical means that cannot be falsified or disputed," King Aldric declared, raising his hand to summon the floating orb that had recorded their underground meeting.
"Zephyra’s Eye, reveal truth," he commanded.
The magical recording began playing above the platform, projecting images and sound with crystal clarity that left no room for denial or interpretation. The crowd watched in stunned silence as the conspiracy unfolded before their eyes.
The underground meeting chamber appeared in the air above them, showing the gathering of demon extremists and human nobles in treasonous collaboration. Voices carried clearly across the plaza as the recorded conversations revealed the depth of their betrayal.
The crowd erupted in angry murmurs as they witnessed Baron Richard distributing kingdom resources to enemies who openly despised their people.
The recording continued, showing the planning sessions where extremist attacks were coordinated with noble assistance, the exchange of military intelligence for personal profit, and the discussion of treating human citizens as expendable resources.
When the magical projection finally ended, the silence in the Grand Plaza was deafening. Thousands of citizens stared at the accused nobles with expressions of betrayal, rage, and disgust that needed no verbal expression.