Peaceful Life System: I only need to live peacefully-Chapter 180: Duriel’s warning (1)

The peaceful days in Elowen came to an abrupt end with the arrival of a royal messenger. He rode into the village square on a lathered horse, his armor bearing the crest of the King. He dismounted and made his way directly to the new Church of Light, asking for the Grand Luminar.

Seraphina met him at the entrance. He handed her a sealed scroll. She broke the seal and read its contents, her expression turning grim.

She found Riku and the others in the longhouse, going over plans for the Lifewell Project.

"A summons from the capital," Seraphina announced, placing the scroll on the table. "The Central Council has convened. It is time for the sentencing of Vestarch Elian."

Lysaria looked up, her face frowning as she recalled the heretic who had ordered children to be burned alive.

"The King wishes to make an example of him," Seraphina said. "To show that the Church’s corruption will no longer be tolerated. Lysaria, as the primary witness and the one the Herald named, your presence is required." She then looked at Riku. "The King has also... requested your attendance. As a guest of honor."

Riku sighed. So much for peace. "Of course."

"We’ll all go," Lila said immediately, her expression firm. "We’re in this together."

"I’m not," a sharp voice cut in. Sherry stood by the doorway, her arms crossed. "Luxia? The heart of the Light Empire? No thank you. I’d rather walk into a nest of shadow-drakes."

"Sherry, please," Lysaria pleaded, grasping her hands. "You were a witness as well. I can’t do this alone."

"You won’t be alone," Sherry retorted. "You’ll have him." She jerked her chin towards Riku. "And the Grand Luminar. And the entire Church. I’ll pass."

Lila walked over and took Sherry’s hand as well. "But we’re a team now, aren’t we? We support each other. That’s what you do here."

"Plus, it might be a good time to see if other people are really as bad as you think."

Sherry looked away, but she didn’t pull her hand back. She let out a long, frustrated sigh. "Fine," she grumbled. "But if anyone tries to ’cleanse’ me with holy water, I’m holding you responsible."

"Okay. That settles it." Riku clapped. "Come on, gather around." Once again, he made a small circle with all the girls.

He raised his hand. Mass Teleport. Long Distance. [-2,000 Goodwill Points] Target: Luxia.

A brilliant flash of white light erupted from the center of their circle, consuming them completely.

They materialized in a private chamber in the royal palace. The city outside was buzzing with an energy they hadn’t felt before.

The trial was not held in a closed room. It was an open court, set up in the grand plaza before the main cathedral. Thousands of citizens had gathered, their faces a mixture of anger and grim curiosity.

On a raised dais sat the jury. It was comprised of ten of the most powerful figures in the kingdom. Lord Arnold and Lord Gregor were there, along with a newly appointed chamberlain. The Flame Matron, a stern, elderly woman whose gaze seemed to pierce through steel, sat beside two empty seats reserved for Seraphina and Lysaria.

King Harius himself presided over the session. He gave Riku and his companions a solemn nod as they took their seats. "Thank you for coming," he said, his voice low. "It is important that the people see justice done."

At the center of the dais, bound in chains of light, knelt Vestarch Elian. He looked up as they arrived. Though he did not recognize Riku’s undisguised face, he recognized Lysaria and Sherry, and his own face twisted into a mask of pure, undiluted hatred.

The Flame Matron noticed. "Control yourself, prisoner," she snapped, her voice like the crack of a whip. "Or we will have you gagged." Elian flinched and lowered his head.

"Will... will the Herald be coming?" Seraphina asked the Flame Matron in a low voice.

The Flame Matron shook her head. "I do not know. The Herald appears by his own will."

Riku remained silent. He doubted Duriel would appear again for a simple sentencing.

The trial began. A royal clerk stepped forward, his voice ringing out across the silent plaza.

"Let the charges be known," he declared. "The prisoner, Vestarch Elian of Vintross, stands accused of heresy, murder, and the betrayal of his sacred vows. He did knowingly and with malicious intent orchestrate a false plague to condemn and execute the innocent children of the Sanctuary of the Dawn."

A low, angry murmur rippled through the crowd.

"The prosecution calls its first witness," the clerk announced.

A nervous city guard from Vintross was brought forward. He knelt, his hands trembling. "I... I was there, my Lords," he stammered. "Vestarch Elian... he told us the children were cursed. He ordered us to lock the doors of the orphanage. He said it was the only way to contain the blight."

"And did you see him set the fire?" the Flame Matron asked, her voice sharp.

The guard flinched. "No, my Lady. But he held the key. He said the Light demanded a cleansing by fire. He said it was a holy act."

Next, Sister Alia was called. Her face was pale, but her eyes burned with a cold fury. "He came to my orphanage with false smiles," she said, her voice shaking with suppressed grief. "He spoke of protection while plotting murder. I had to run to Riku when I realized that they were about to get killed. Sob."

Elian, who had been sneering, now looked shaken. "Lies! All lies! They were cursed! I was saving the city!"

"Silence!" the King commanded.

Finally, Lysaria was called. She walked to the center of the dais, her face calm and resolute. She looked directly at her former superior.

"Vestarch Elian," she spoke with an angry and agitated manner, "You preached that the Light protects the innocent. You preached that our duty is to shield the weak. You lied. You used the name of the Light to justify murder."

"You are a heretic and a disgrace to the cloth you wear."

This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢