Seeing this, Lynn immediately averted his gaze.
And yet, the accusation against him seemed to continue.
"Since there are objections to this matter, and considering the solemnity of the occasion, let us set it aside for now," said Marquis Mosgla, apparently ignoring the interruption, and He spoke respectfully to Saint Laurent VI, "However, Your Majesty, with respect to the son of an old friend, I have one more charge to present."
Saint Laurent VI raised an eyebrow.
He seemed as if he knew nothing of all that had happened today.
Lynn glanced at him but said nothing.
"Indeed," Marquis Mosgla looked up, meeting the gaze of someone following behind Saint Laurent VI, "Of course, it may not be entirely proper for me to bring this up."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Cardinal Connor Gregory, standing behind Saint Laurent VI, barely perceptibly sighed.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor cast an inquiring look back.
Dressed in red robes adorned with gold embroidery and jewels, Cardinal Connor, bowed slightly, "Your Majesty, this grand banquet is held in celebration of the Empire's hero's triumphant return, and the Heavenly Principle Church does not wish to spoil the mood."
"However, since the Old Marquis has brought it up, I shall take the opportunity to ask this Mr. Lynn a few questions."
"What does the bishop wish to inquire about? Speak plainly."
Saint Laurent VI's gaze swept indifferently over Lynn.
Upon hearing this, a hint of a smile appeared on Cardinal Connor's face, and he nodded at Lynn as if merely greeting him amicably.
"The incident that occurred on the border is something I'm sure everyone is aware of," Cardinal Connor surveyed those around him as a prelude, "My first question is, according to the report provided by the Third Prince to the Military Department, you stopped the Sealed Object's rampage by willingly harboring its core properties within yourself."
"As a First Rank Transcendent, how did you survive the destruction and corruption of the core properties?"
Lynn was expressionless, yet the thought "as expected" surfaced in his mind.
He calmly said, "This should all have been mentioned in the report."
Cardinal Connor nodded, "Lynn Bartleion, although I am reluctant to address you thus, as one who was once banished by the Church as a 'God Forsaken,' you, in a moment of desperation, prayed to the Demon and summoned an indescribable monster, thereby suppressing the outbreak of the Sealed Object's properties within your body."
"All these points come from the Military Department's report, the contents of which have been verified as accurate."
After a prolonged silence, the youth's voice echoed within the vast Council Hall, "You are correct."
In an instant, all those present gasped, their eyes filled with an unprecedented astonishment.
Many instinctively took a few steps back, wishing to put distance between themselves and the young man before them.
After all, Demons had always been synonymous with evil and tyranny, as well as the Empire's mortal enemies, with countless soldiers dying on the battlefield each year or being devoured by those monsters.
The hatred involved was too intense to be resolved.
And now, this individual was brazenly admitting to having connections with the Demon.
The look in everyone's eyes towards him inevitably carried a hint of wariness and rejection.
"The second question," Cardinal Connor seemed unaware of the stares, "In the recent Level 0 Sealing Object incident, all 108 Transcendents from the Heavenly Principle Church stationed in Orn City sacrificed their lives. Upon examination, each of them met identical fates, as if their hearts had been gouged out by a Demon."
"Other Church Transcendents have claimed to have witnessed the incident's occurrence, which was related to the Demon that appeared that day."
"What do you have to say about this?"
Saying this, Cardinal Connor's demeanor remained gentle, but his words were beginning to grow sharp.
The implication was clear: Are you admitting that these atrocities were your doing?
Of course, Lynn couldn't admit to it; he would have to be out of his mind to do so.
He shook his head, "I know nothing of this matter."
Seeing this, Cardinal Connor did not show disappointment, but instead nodded.
"Then, onto the third question."
"However, I'm not going to direct this question at him, but at another individual present."
Saying this, Cardinal Connor slightly turned, casting a benevolent gaze towards Xiya who stood beside Hillena.
"Captain Xiya, as the Hero of the Empire, you possess an admirable noble character," he nodded, "So for this question, I ask you to answer truthfully."
Xiya couldn't help but furrow his brows at the sudden shift in the conversation.
He was still immersed in shock from Lynn's grand move at the border, filled with indignation and disgust.
Now, all eyes had suddenly turned to him.
However, he didn't show any sign of weakness, instead, he nodded and said, "Your Excellency, please speak."
"According to unofficial news from the military, there seems to have been a minor conflict between you and the Third Prince's party before you left the Jump facility."
"This Mr. Lynn publicly slandered you and attempted to brand you a spy of the Demon Clan, is this true?"
Recalling the scene, a shadow crossed Xiya's heart.
Still, he nodded: "It's true."
Cardinal Connor continued to ask, "According to him, despite being complete strangers, you developed an inexplicable dislike for him."
"Do you think there is a possibility that 'Lynn Bartleion has been corrupted by Demon Power and out of guilt, wants to shift the blame onto you'?"
Hearing this, Xiya instantly realized the true meaning behind the Cardinal's questions.
His eyes lit up slightly.
If that were the case, this man's crimes would be set in stone, with no room for exoneration!
Just as Xiya was about to answer, a slender figure suddenly walked out from beside him.
Tiya, who had arrived at his side at some unknown time, looked at Lynn with an icy gaze: "There's no need for such trouble."
"I swear on the honor of the Silent Saintess, this matter has absolutely nothing to do with Brother Xiya, he is innocent."
"The real culprits are your people."
"In fact, it's very easy to clarify what happened that day, we just need him to agree to be examined by the Sealed Object in front of everyone, to reproduce everything that occurred."
"Unfortunately, he does not seem to have the courage."
Tiya's voice was ethereal and pleasant to the ear, yet it carried an undertone of urgency.
Seeing this, Xiya felt a surge of emotion.
All the resentment he had harbored against Lynn vanished in an instant.
But why did Tiya seem... agitated at this moment?
Although he was confused, now was not the time to ponder such questions, so he thrust his doubts to the back of his mind.
Meanwhile, Tiya's suggestion quickly gained everyone's approval.
After all, the matter was quite straightforward.
Just allow everyone to see clearly what had happened that day, and it would be clear who was innocent.
All eyes turned once again to Lynn.
The atmosphere immediately fell into silence.
Just as everyone thought the boy would continue to refuse, he suddenly glanced in Tiya's direction.
Then he bowed his head deeply.
"Fine," Lynn's voice betrayed no emotion, "Since that is your request, then... I agree."
Clearly, his answer surprised everyone.
They hadn't expected the boy, who had been so defiant, to suddenly yield.
Only Tiya understood what had just happened.
Recalling the look the boy had given her, a painful expression mixed with pity and loss, her heart was once more seized by an unprecedented irritation.
Don't look at me with those eyes!
I don't even know you!
And... don't make it seem as if it's because of me that you chose to agree to this proposal!
In the corner, the Silent Saintess clenched her teeth, her heart pounding furiously.
(P.S.: Still feverish, sorry...)