A platform defying the laws of physics floated amidst the very fabric of space.
A castle stood upon it, constructed from an unknown black material that gleamed with an otherworldly shine. Its texture was mesmerizing, but its sheen belied its true nature no known material in the universe could compare.
Guards surrounded the castle on all sides, their mere auras sending ripples through the starlit void. No one could see the platform's edges or its ultimate bounds.
Inside the great hall, ethereal light bathed the surroundings, illuminating a platform made of celestial white carbonic gold, one of the most mystical materials in the known universe.
Aetherion, the Supreme Sovereign of the Cosmos, sat upon a magnificent throne, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest as his gaze rested upon those before him. Amusement danced in his eyes as he looked down at the gathering.
His attention was drawn to a young man standing on the lower ground.The boy appeared to be around seventeen or nineteen years old, with strikingly beautiful silver hair. His face was calm, slightly downcast. Perhaps he wasn't afraid—though one might argue he should be.
The Sovereign's voice rang out, laced with both sarcasm and curiosity. "I must say, it's shocking that no one from the Whiterose family deemed you important enough to attend. Not your sister, not even a mere butler. Quite the surprise none of them considered you worthy."
"What do you say, Ray Whiterose?Are you embarrassed?" he asked, chuckling softly.
Ray's expression didn't waver. His voice remained steady, though a trace of sadness lingered beneath the Sovereign's sharp words. However, his pride would not allow him to bow his head or reveal weakness.
"An unrelated question," Ray responded. "I was summoned here to the Court of Judgment for a reason. The presence of others is irrelevant if they're not tied to the accusations against me."
The Sovereign's amusement deepened.
"Ah, yes, whatever you say."
His tone shifted to one of intrigue as he continued. "So the accusation comes from your famous beloved girlfriend? Sweetheart, I've heard quite a few rumors about you two."
There was a glint of excitement in Aetherion's eyes. It wasn't every day that he could witness a spectacle involving members of primordial imperial families. And not just any dispute this one carried a weight of severity and seriousness.
The Sovereign's gaze shifted toward a young woman. She appeared to be seventeen or eighteen, with stunning violet hair. Her expression was utterly emotionless, betraying nothing. Ember Darkheart, a direct descendant of the primordial imperial family of Darkhearts, stood silently.Unlike Ray, who had no visible support, Ember was accompanied by an entourage. The most notable figure among them was a woman with green hair, dressed in a maid's uniform. Despite her unassuming appearance, no aura could be sensed from her—a fact that only added to her mystique.
The Sovereign's thoughts raced.
"The great Head Maid of the imperial family... here for just a child?This alone speaks volumes about the significance the Darkheart family places on this meeting. How intriguing."
He spoke again, his tone now sharp and deliberate."So the young lady of the Darkheart family claims that this boy before us tried to take advantage of her body by force. Am I correct?"
The hall fell silent. Not even the guards dared to breathe. The gravity of the accusation was staggering.
This was more than an insult to the Whiterose family it was a direct affront to the primordial imperial families as a whole. What made the situation even more dire was the conspicuous absence of the Whiterose family representatives.
Everyone in the room understood one thing clearly: the Whiterose family didn't care for their son. And that lack of support spoke louder than words. In a setting where family backing meant everything, Ray stood utterly alone, facing the combined pressure of the court and the unyielding gaze of the Sovereign.
He was just one boy, insignificant in the shadow of such towering powers. Not even a child, in their eyes merely a fragile, unborn babe when compared to the centuries-old might of those surrounding him.
The guards, their cultivation levels unmatched, could crush him with a mere breath. Yet none dared to act without command, for this was no ordinary trial it was a matter of cosmic significance.
Aetherion leaned forward slightly, his gaze shifting between the two. "Ah, yes. The young lady of the Darkheart family... Ember, isn't it? Your childhood sweetheart, your beloved girlfriend." His tone was laced with mockery as he chuckled softly."Quite the scandal, wouldn't you say? A tale of trust and betrayal that even the cosmos would find entertaining."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the hall. "Tell me, Ray Whiterose, how does it feel to be accused by the one person you should trust the most?"
Ray didn't even turn or look toward the Sovereign.
"How dare" one of the guards started, their aura skyrocketing in response to Ray's perceived disrespect. But they were silenced by a mere glance from the Sovereign, who found the entire situation thoroughly entertaining.
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