Chapter 251: The Citywide Trial (5k) - Stop Hypnotizing Me, Villainous Princess!

Chapter 251: The Public Trial of the Whole City Rewind the time to ten minutes earlier. In the boundless darkness, Lynn felt as though he was trapped in an endless, unending dream. The specifics of the dream were lost to him, leaving only a vague memory of enduring what felt like an eternity in a torturous darkness, with nothing but emptiness to show for it in the end. It was an immensely terrifying experience, so much so that even someone with Lynn’s resolve and character found himself nearly lost in the overwhelming confusion and horror of it all. Just as his soul was on the verge of obliteration, an emblem appeared before him — familiar yet strange — a golden ring-like mark. Thanks to his memories of a past life, Lynn recognized it clearly as the Möbius Strip. This mark had once descended into the rift of the Divine Moon during his confrontation with the God Ancestor, Thea, pulling him back from a sure death. Beyond that, it seemed to be something surpassing concepts and recognition. In the very center of the Möbius Strip, a peculiar point of light, shimmering with star-like brilliance, flickered unsteadily like a black hole — so captivating that just one glance at it threatened to devour his consciousness and soul, annihilating them completely. What was this?! A startled and uncertain Lynn was nearly driven to faint. It was a sensation of palpitating fear that he hadn’t felt in a long time. He couldn’t be sure if it was an illusion. Standing against this vast and endless Möbius Strip, he couldn't help but think, "Perhaps what stands before me is of a higher tier than Witch Lady and God Ancestor Thea." Such a thought was utterly irrational, so absurd that it rendered him speechless. Lynn, having read the original work, knew very well that throughout the novel, there likely wasn't anything stronger than those two beings, who had long reached the pinnacle of divinity. As for this Möbius Strip? It was a bizarre setting that had never appeared in the entire book. A feeling that exceeded his expectations suddenly surged within, causing Lynn, who always prided himself as a person from another world, to feel uncharacteristically at a loss. Yet, barely had this thought arisen when the scene abruptly shifted, as if consumed by a black hole, instantly transitioning to another place. When he regained consciousness, Lynn found himself standing in an infinite void without knowing when or how he got there. This void felt oddly familiar. It resembled the scene he had witnessed upon awakening as the Devourer of Lies. At this moment, within the boundless void, peculiar threads seemed to break through the boundaries of time and space, converging here. They moved with worm-like liveliness, dancing in strange formations, and steadily surged toward a common goal. At the end of the tide-like stream of threads, a human-shaped apparition was suspended in mid-air, reminiscent of a crucified figure, the entire body forming a crucifix shape. It was the 'Prisoner of Fate!' Seeing the emaciated silhouette, Lynn instinctively called out its name. In a sudden burst of clarity, as if guided by fate, he extended his hand and lightly touched the thread closest to him. For some unknown reason, he felt no aversion or fear towards these odd existences. Instead, he was filled with an inexplicable sense of affinity. However, to his complete surprise, upon touching the thread, the tide-like vision exploded like fireworks, surging headlong into his mind! Pain! An excruciatingly unbearable pain!!! As a user of the Thorned Crown's power, Lynn’s will was already beyond ordinary. Yet, even in this illusionary space of consciousness, he could feel an intense pain surpassing his mental limits, making his face contort with agony. Simultaneously, memories began unfurling before his eyes without respite. Experiences from his past life, events since his transmigration, and even memories that weren’t his all surfaced! The entire process seemed to last but a brief moment, though it felt like ten thousand years had passed. The massive torrent of memories continuously assaulted Lynn's mind, a side effect of using the 'Prisoner of Fate' power, with countless murmurs ceaselessly striking against his will. Without stabilizing his mind in time, he risked becoming a lifelong vegetative state! At this most critical juncture, a vision unfurled with a roar, vividly appearing in Lynn’s mind: It was a grand and desolate underground tomb, imbued with a mysterious style not belonging to his era. The expansive scene revolved relentlessly in Lynn’s mind, atop the tomb sat an enormous bronze coffin, from which a skeletal hand emerged. At the same time, a grand voice echoed in Lynn's ear. The specific content of the voice was unknown, as if the mysterious consciousness was speaking in an indecipherable tongue. Yet, even so, he grasped the meaning of the words. "Come and find me." Then, the vision vanished. Was this a hint from the 'Prisoner of Fate'? What was the true connection between it and him? Various doubts bubbled up in Lynn’s mind, but he had no time to dwell on them. Because he felt as if his head was going to explode. The powerful torrent of memories continued to batter Lynn's soul, tearing at his will with excruciating pain. In this precarious moment, a sudden gentle whisper resonated like a guiding anchor from above, pulling his consciousness back from the brink of collapse! "Rest assured, Master will not let you die." The voice's undertone seemed indifferent, yet at this moment, it was imbued with an unprecedented warmth and affection, passionate enough to almost melt a person. "Your Highness!!!" The next second, he jerked open his eyes, awakening to reality. Simultaneously, an unbearable, searing pain washed over him, drawing a suppressed groan from deep within. It should be noted that Lynn possessed formidable willpower, even the tormenting 'Chair of Suffering' had never subdued him. Yet now, influenced by the aftermath, he found himself close to madness. More tormenting than mere physical pain, however, was the soul-depleting sense of exhaustion that consumed him. "*Gasp, Gasp, Gasp—*" His lungs sounded like a bellows, echoing as if he were an elderly man on the verge of death. The intense pain and chaos were paralyzing, leaving him lifeless, much like a vegetative state. Every sign in his body screamed that his condition was dire. Yet lucky, beyond all odds, Lynn held onto his life. Instead of feeling relieved, recalling the moment he narrowly escaped the annihilation of his soul, the whisper from Iveister lingering in his ears made his heart wince with a sharp ache. Was it a hallucination? No. Forcing himself to endure the pounding headache, Lynn surveyed the 'third-person view' preserved within the torrent of memories, glimpsing everything that had transpired around him in recent days. Though unaware of why his unconscious self retained such memories, he had no time to deliberate. Engaging with the contents of these memories, he focused on regaining control over his body from the throes of intense pain and emptiness. Post the battle in the Divine Moon's rift, the deployment of 'Prisoner of Fate's power had surpassed its limits, resulting in a deadly kickback from the karmic law. Of course, to save Tiya from being possessed by Beatrice, there had been no other choice. There was at least a seventy percent chance of dying, yet miraculously, he had escaped with his life intact. No. It wasn’t unimaginable — Lynn just refused to acknowledge it. But now, the vividly raw memories unrelentingly pierced his heart with harsh reality. The reason was simple. A woman had once declared that only she could decide his life or death in this world. If she didn’t consent, not even a god could wrench him from her side. But what price had she, at her current semigod tier, paid to achieve this? An indeterminable amount of time later, Lynn finally regained control of his body. His fingers stirred first, then his palm painstakingly shifted to prop up his form. At present, Lynn’s body was akin to a shattered porcelain, wrapped in bandages that seeped blood. Yet he paid no mind, instead focusing on the woman lying beside him. Iveister Roland Alexisni, the Third Princess of the Holy Roland Empire, who had always claimed to be his master. The woman he remembered was arrogant, domineering, and malicious. Yet now, she lay with closed eyes on the bed, hands clutched to her chest, her exquisitely beautiful face pale as death, her ebony hair cascading like a waterfall behind her. Serene as a sleeping beauty. Despite her frowning brow, even deep in sleep, she clutched his garment hem like a little girl who'd lost her precious toy, not willing to let go. Lynn fell into a prolonged silence. It was time to face reality. The truth was that, to save "himself, who was on the verge of death after saving Tiya," the princess used a forbidden ritual to link their lives together, allowing them to share each other's life force. The price, however, was that she perhaps temporarily — or maybe for a long time — fell into a deep slumber. While Tiya was saved, things had ultimately taken a turn towards the outcome Lynn most dreaded. At this moment, Lynn had no time to worry about how far the princess's storyline had deviated. Despite all his efforts, the world's fate had still prevailed in achieving what it intended. Throughout his intersecting fates with Iveister and encounters with the Witch Lady, Lynn scrutinized everything with the perspective of a transmigrator. In this process, he faced numerous challenges, always needing to exert all his strength to avert crises. From the Solon Mountains to the Rift of the Divine Moon, it had always been this way. Regardless of the cost, the outcomes had always leaned favorable. But this time, Lynn’s plans spiraled beyond his expectations. Those around him suffered due to his impulsive decisions. For some reason, Lynn took a deep breath. Perhaps it was his pride, or maybe an inexplicable emotion deep down towards Iveister, but as a man, Lynn knew he had to act. He was fully aware of the choice Iveister made for his sake. To protect him, Iveister openly defied Holy Roland VI’s decree, thereby branding those associated with her as traitors. Currently, the army dispatched by Holy Roland VI had surrounded the manor, marking a critical turning point. Lynn realized that all these events stemmed from him. Even though his body was barely functional, this wasn’t the time to ponder such matters. He made a decision. Typically, he wasn't one to make decisions lightly, yet he was undoubtedly a person of action once decided. When he made a decision, it meant he had thoroughly thought through every aspect. No one could force him to go against his will. Not even himself. Thus, any decision he made was sincere and aligned with his heart's true intentions. With this resolution, what was there to hesitate about? With this in mind, he slowly drew a piece of wire from his sleeve. It was almost amusing to think about how their first encounter had been unpleasant, with shackles involved. Due to that experience, Lynn carried a wire in his sleeve every time he left the house, to avoid being shackled again. Little did he expect, it would come in handy now. With trembling hands, Lynn bent the wire into a simple, makeshift ring. Then, in the quiet room witnessed by no one, Lynn gently placed this wire ring on Iveister's ring finger, following the rituals from his previous world. It symbolized a promise Lynn made to Iveister. Afterwards, Lynn's face bore a complex expression as he gently caressed Iveister's pale cheek. In the next instant, the frowning and worried brow slowly relaxed. Not only that, as if sensing the cold touch on her ring finger, her pink lips curled slightly into a brilliant smile. "I won’t let you sleep too long." Seeing this, Lynn smiled softly and assured her. Then, supporting his frail body, he slowly rose from the bed. In the process, his gaze grew cold and determined. Aside from romantic ties, Lynn had more urgent matters to handle. Encircled by military forces, the imperial guards had the manor surrounded with large-caliber magical cannons aimed at it. Such an array was intended solely to capture him, and Lynn knew well why the enemy took such drastic measures. As the primary suspect for the previous limb-grafting incident that led to the death of the Fourth Prince, Joshua, Lynn faced hostility from the entire city—despite not being the real culprit. Many were willing to cover up the demonic incident just to eliminate Iveister’s power completely, nobles and royalty alike. "It takes the one who ties the bell to untie it," Lynn murmured. Since everyone was intent on capturing him, why not let them have their way? With such thoughts, Lynn, supporting his feeble body, patiently tucked Iveister into the covers and then slowly made his way out of the room. The Bartlett Manor, after enduring the relentless assaults of the imperial and noble armies, lay in a state of disrepair. As for the original servants of the manor, they had either been dismissed or fled to save themselves. In any case, the once lively mansion was now chillingly empty, an acrid scent of blood faintly lingering in the air. Lynn traversed the corridor with a stoic expression. Beyond the windows, stars mingled with moonlight cast their light over his shoulders. When he looked up again, Lynn had already made his way to the gates of the manor. At this moment, the formidable army stretched to the end of the street. Upon seeing the notorious "limb-grafter" openly appear before them, a stir of panic swept through them. The lead commander of the imperial guards widened his eyes, pulling on the reins, attempting to calm the restless horse below. Right now, Lynn, who even struggled to walk, moved step by step. A gust of wind appeared as though it might topple him. He never expected that the mastermind behind the incident would appear in such a manner, alone at this location. The poised magical cannon seemed subdued by the tense atmosphere, quietly extinguishing. "......" Silence. Despite his frail appearance, facing Lynn’s emaciated figure, the imperial guards chose to remain silent for reasons unbeknownst to them. Harsh, wary gazes peeked out from beneath the soldiers’ helmets, and some, lacking fortitude, involuntarily took a half-step back under Lynn’s piercing glare. Seeing this, Lynn shook his head lightly, a contemptuous smile on his face: "A bunch of cowards." … As the golden light of the Divine Spirit Tree faded, Xilina awoke from that special state, a complex expression on her beautiful face. Thea lay somewhat disheveled on the ground, unconscious. Seeing this, Xilina wasted no time and immediately summoned her attendant maid. "Should we arrange for Master Thea to stay at your manor?" "Yes," Xilina stared blankly at the handsome, blond young man, "And ensure you bring me the best healer available, to prevent any lingering aftereffects." "Understood." Shortly afterward, Thea was placed onto a stretcher and taken out of Elohett Palace. After settling Thea, Xilina hastily returned to her manor. As for the anomalies at the Divine Spirit Tree that night and the subsequent scandal involving the Savior Hero, those concerns temporarily slipped Xilina’s troubled mind. Upon returning to her room, after a simple bath, Xilina wrapped herself in a towel, her fair, delicate feet bare, as she lay back on her soft bed. She gazed at the blood-red ring on her ring finger, her mind inadvertently wandering back to that fantastical proposal scene, reminiscent of a hero proposing to a princess. It was no exaggeration to say there was hardly a woman who could maintain composure in such a stunning setting. Even she was no exception. The intense fluttering and pounding of her heart were genuine. Immersed in such an atmosphere, she didn't even think to reject him. Is this what love is? Who would have thought, she, a princess of a nation, faced such a moment? Yet, she didn’t find it distasteful. Following the storyline's path, listening to the Divine Spirit Tree’s revelation and becoming Thea’s companion might very well be the best choice. She murmured to herself inwardly. Yet, for reasons unknown, as soon as this thought emerged, a subtle sense of discord crept into her subconscious. What was happening? Was it— "Knock, knock, knock!" Just as she attempted to clarify the strange feeling in her heart, whether by accident or coincidence, a maid knocked on her door. For her attendant to seek her out, something significant must have occurred. Xilina regained her composure. "Come in." The maid then delivered shocking news: just now, the wanted suspect of the limb-grafter case, Lynn, had willingly surrendered himself and was now imprisoned in the Executor’s jail, soon to face a public trial in the city. The public trial would take place at the Clerical Court, overseen by judges appointed by the royal family and with a jury from the three major churches. It would be a transparent proceeding broadcasted for millions of citizens across the Saint Roland Empire. The intention was clear: to definitively condemn this heinous serial killer, sentencing him to the gallows and appeasing the public’s fear and anger! "What did you say?" After hearing the news, Xilina's face was unavoidably filled with shock. She even asked the maid to confirm it twice. Upon receiving a definitive answer, she fell into prolonged silence. "You may leave." Feeling somewhat drained, Xilina waved her hand, speaking softly. As the room returned to silence, her previous thoughts about Thea were cast aside, shifting her attention away from the ring on her finger to this explosive news. Things should not be like this. Recalling Lynn’s promise to her, Xilina frowned deeply. Reflecting on the matter shortly, she realized it was filled with puzzling aspects. From her interaction with Lynn that night, combined with the inside information she had as a member of the royal family, Xilina was certain that Lynn could not be the culprit. Then, why was the government treating Lynn as the murderer? Moreover, why would Lynn, clearly not the killer, surrender himself? Had he grown tired of living and sought death? Xilina was deeply puzzled. The entire situation was in chaos now, and given Iveister’s current strength, there was absolutely no chance to save Lynn. After all, he faced Saint Roland VI, who lost a beloved son, the nobles whose authority had been threatened, the clandestine operations of the Church of Tenets, and the fervent wrath of the entire nation’s populace! In this realm, likely no one could survive such a tempestuous tide! Pacing her room with her slender legs, Xilina's bare feet made a soft “click-click” as they touched the floor. Beyond that, only her light breathing could be heard. Her concern for Lynn wasn’t out of affection. The reason was simple. That night, when Lynn sought her help, he promised to accompany her and Iveister’s Excavator Team to Heremus’s crypt and resolve its lurking crisis. With Lynn now imprisoned, this agreement seemed void, which greatly displeased Xilina. Particularly, the feeling of being taken advantage of without return was igniting an unexplained fury within her. After what seemed like a long time, Xilina made a decision. She needed to visit the Executor's prison overnight, to see Lynn one last time before the public trial. Currently, Lynn was held under high security; outsiders couldn’t possibly meet him. Fortunately, as the eldest princess, it wasn’t difficult for Xilina to arrange a meeting with a high-profile prisoner in the Executor’s prison. … Detained in the Executor’s prison, Lynn was evidently given "special treatment," enduring numerous brutal punishments, his body suspended in restraints. As the prime suspect in the "limb-grafter" case, Lynn was a thorn in the side of many, who wished nothing more than to see him eradicated. For some undisclosed reason, even Saint Roland VI insisted on a public trial. With that in mind, Lynn was subjected to intense suffering. Lynn understood this quite well. Despite being on the brink of despair, he exhibited no panic or hopelessness. In a way, he thought, it felt like he was cosplaying as the Prisoner of Fate. The pain didn't truly torment him, as he silently calculated time in his mind. Judging by the rate of information exchange among the nobles, the person he was waiting for should be arriving soon. Indeed, as such thoughts arose, the sound of footsteps echoed from the entrance. The sharp "click-clack" of high heels striking the ground suggested that the owner was walking with urgency. Moments later, the members at the entrance abruptly shifted their icy façades to ones of unprecedented humility, evidently in awe of whoever approached. "Open the door. I want to see him." "As you command, Your Highness." They respectfully opened the cell door. Moments later, Xilina’s exquisite face appeared before Lynn. "Leave us be. By order of His Majesty, I have questions to ask him." The request seemed to defy protocol. The lead interrogator hesitated but, glancing at the grand princess's authoritative face, dared not challenge her, and reluctantly acquiesced: "You have five minutes." Once they were alone, Xilina studied him coldly for a moment and calmly asked, "Why did you do this?" Staring at the battered Lynn, who somehow still wore a smile, despite being in such dire straits, Xilina acknowledged his handsome features that seemingly appealed to women, even in his battered state. Yet, Xilina, skilled in political manipulations and deeply reserved, showed nothing of her inner thoughts. Gazing at Xilina's irritated expression, Lynn chuckled. Clearly, even the grand princess didn’t grasp the true nature of the events. She knew nothing of what transpired when the cruel king descended upon the old factory, and the sacrificial acts Lynn made to save the imperial capital Glossitine. Lynn had no intention to offer an explanation. What difference would telling Xilina the truth make? In the end, he would still face the struggle alone. In this world, the only reliance one could have was on oneself. Thus, when faced with Xilina’s reproach, Lynn shook his head, speaking leisurely, "Respected Princess, I have no intention of breaking our agreement." His composure spoke volumes, completely unfazed by his predicament. His calm demeanor, especially against his battered body, felt particularly strange to Xilina. Xilina knew there must be a hidden truth unknown to her, but he seemed unwilling to reveal or explain, remaining confident despite his dire situation. "What gives you the confidence to say such things?" Xilina queried. Her past interactions and gathered intelligence hinted, for reasons unknown, that this man possibly had a way to change his fate. Perhaps it was the initial agreement that bred such unrealistic hopes? But that seemed preposterous. Even with her resources and vision, she couldn’t envision a path for Lynn apart from a certain demise. Observing the princess’s curiosity, Lynn gestured for Xilina to come closer. Xilina frowned. As a princess, it was a first having a man beckon her to this intimate stance for a whisper. Yet, considering the current situation, she refrained from protest, leaning slightly forward. Amidst the gentle and elegant fragrance lingering at his nostrils and the personally close proximity, transparent iridescent earlobes visible, Lynn’s heart remained still as he whispered softly into her ear. "I need Your Highness to do two things for me." A moment later, Xilina’s expression turned peculiar. With skepticism, she reevaluated the man before her. Despite being gravely wounded and restrained in torture devices, where most would have succumbed to agony, perhaps barely surviving, Lynn displayed a casual demeanor, as if his wounds were nonexistent. The confidence in his voice hinted at self-assuredness. Could things unfold as he predicted? Did he set up contingencies? She quickly dismissed these thoughts. Before arriving, she meticulously checked the intelligence about the third princess. Iveister was in a sorry state, reportedly unconscious, and her forces were shattered, incapable of staging any rescue plan for Lynn. This implied his unyielding confidence stemmed solely from himself? Recalling Lynn’s numerous astonishing past feats, she hesitated to voice any rebuttal. Considering it, even if it failed, it would simply mean being taken advantage of one more time. If successful, however, she might witness the birth of a miracle. Ultimately, carrying a cautious optimism, Xilina agreed to Lynn’s plan. ... The next day, in the council chamber. Holy Roland VI, numerous nobles, and leaders from the three major churches all gathered collectively. It had been ages since the empire had seen such a grand assembly. Their unified purpose for gathering now was to put the limb-grafter—Lynn—on trial. Some of them privately acknowledged that Lynn might not be the limb-grafter, but the emperor needed a scapegoat, as did the citizens. All they needed to do was offer Lynn as an answer. Moreover, the accusation of killing the Fourth Prince Joshua was not unfounded. That alone warranted a death sentence, justifying his path to the gallows. As the proceedings began, the Mosgra family, who bore a blood feud with Lynn, promptly proposed simplifying the trial process, affirming the monstrous crimes of Lynn, and proceeding directly to a public execution as a testament to the empire’s inviolable authority! For the Mosgra family, with their heir’s death, a blood feud was a mild description of their hatred. Marquis Fred, as the head of the Mosgra family and Eunice’s grandfather, had witnessed his granddaughter’s public duel and demise at Lynn’s hands. His resentment towards Lynn was equally profound. With a chance for revenge now on the table, how could he let it slide? Thus, led by him, a collective of Saint Roland’s nobles unanimously supported his proposal. "Gentlemen! Everyone here is a person of standing! If we fail to punish such a demon as the limb-grafter Lynn appropriately, we stand to lose the public’s trust!" "Lynn, the limb-grafter, such a demonic butcher! He has harmed countless citizens and nobles! These are vile crimes he committed!" Marquis Fred came prepared, presenting documents of Lynn’s alleged crimes. "Because of this demon! Many innocents have lost loved ones! They’ve lost important family members! They’ve lost hope! Their lives could have been filled with happiness!" For nobles, oratory was an essential skill; and fueled by fresh vendettas and bitterness, Fred's speech was genuinely impassioned. And it resonated with many of the moderate nobles. Some nobles, oblivious to the truth, silently aligned themselves with Marquis Fred’s stance. Of course, for now, they were merely observing. Without tangible benefits, even if nobles identified with your cause, they wouldn’t actively lend a hand. Xilina, the eldest princess, observed these proceedings with cold detachment by Holy Roland VI’s side. Lynn had predicted this precisely. During their conversation the previous night, Lynn had mentioned what might transpire in the council chamber. The fervent display by Marquis Fred was precisely one of the scenarios Lynn had anticipated. Xilina watched Fred’s performance in silence. At present, Fred’s impassioned speech aimed to cement Lynn's 'limb-grafter' label. Boiled down, it served Fred’s own interests. However, the ultimate decision rested with Holy Roland VI and the cardinals of the three major churches. "Your Majesty! I propose we simplify everything! Let us burn this demon!" Unsurprisingly. Upon hearing Fred’s ardent plea, Holy Roland VI didn’t immediately respond, his demeanor as indifferent as if a son hadn’t been slain. He saw through Fred’s theatrics. Fred’s gaze subtly sought out Cardinal Connor of the Church of Tenets. On the subject of Lynn, they were allies in their stance. As a cardinal, Connor held significant regard wherever he went. Yet, the public embarrassment Lynn had dealt him at a banquet remained a scar of disgrace. And because of Holy Roland VI’s leniency, Connor couldn’t retaliate against Lynn’s disrespect, igniting a deep-seated loathing. Moreover, Lynn’s actions at the Solon Mountains left the Church of Tenets in a dire position—an entire city’s district church obliterated by that boy’s decisive measures! Yet, he couldn’t pursue vengeance. In Connor’s mind, thus grew an unwavering suspicion that Lynn was indeed a demon’s spy—a doubt yet unresolved. Were it otherwise, how had he survived such calamity? Nonetheless, after that banquet, Cardinal Connor never mentioned the matter again publicly, silently plotting in the shadows, poised for a deadly strike. Now, so it seemed, his fangs were poised to unsheathe. "Your Majesty, Marquis Fred speaks with wisdom. The Church of Tenets also believes the trial process can be simplified. Presently, evidence is solid and the accused has confessed—proceeding directly to a verdict would be appropriate." Connor's authority vastly outstripped that of Marquis Fred. With his leadership, many nobles found a direction to sway, echoing: "Your Majesty, the Cardinal makes a compelling point. Why not bypass the process and go directly to the rightful conclusion?" "Your Majesty! This demon must face severe punishment!" The 'unity' displayed by these nobles made Holy Roland VI narrow his eyes, yet he chose to stay silent. He awaited Holy Roland VI’s decree. At the core, targeting Lynn wasn’t solely a personal vendetta, but a matter of strategic necessity. Lynn was excessively gifted. Even with Iveister’s formidable strength in the past, Connor and nobles could collectively constrain her through influences. After all, she lacked political acumen. Lynn was different. Even as an adversary, one had to concede that his intellect was a force to reckon with. His presence essentially covered Iveister’s weaknesses. Connor feared that with time, Iveister and her supporters could rise to a terrifying prominence. As participants in the king selection ritual, this was a scenario Connor couldn’t allow. In their eyes, individuals like Iveister should, at best, serve as empire tools, discarded easily when broken. Tools cannot possess the thoughts or means to defy their fate. Thus, Lynn had to die. Otherwise, Connor would never collaborate with Marquis Fred. Meanwhile, as the congregation pleaded, Holy Roland VI remained stoically silent, simply surveying the attendees. The rationale was straightforward. From his perspective, the alliance between the church and nobles seemed overly synchronized, and since when did the Mosgra family stand with the Church of Tenets? He appeared in no rush to decide, waiting for reactions from the other two churches, an icy look in his eyes. The council chamber buzzed with heated exchanges. After Connor stood forth, many nobles supported Fred’s proposal. It was then that the long-silent Xilina stepped forward. "Since there’s no consensus, why not adopt the empire’s most fair and just trial method—the Sacred Tree Judgement?" The moment Xilina spoke, the hall fell silent. Fred stopped mid-sentence, looking at the princess in astonishment. Connor’s eyes grew alarmed, as if foreseeing a troubling scenario. Why was she stirring the pot now? Sensing muttered queries and the focused gazes of everyone else, Xilina remained serene. Indeed, everything had unfolded as Lynn had described. She surveyed the crowd with tranquil poise, elaborating no further. Some novice noble families, unfamiliar with her words, began murmurs of inquiry, quickly receiving explanations. The Sacred Tree Judgement, as its name suggests. The Spirit Tree standing at the empire’s heart boasts numerous extraordinary uses, one of which is the Sacred Tree Judgement—a method used early on in the empire to judge nobles and formidable individuals. Due to some nobles and elite warriors possessing overwhelming power, even emperors couldn’t ensure their judges’ impartiality, thus employing the Spirit Tree for judgment. The means involves projecting the judged’s true memories and deepest secrets onto the central sky screen above the imperial capital—an unequivocal disclosure for public gaze! No matter how influential these people were, they couldn't hide their inherently evil nature. Moreover, after the trial, the Divine Spirit Tree would bestow rewards upon the virtuous and enact the harshest divine punishment on the most wicked, allowing all citizens of the imperial capital to witness justice being served to wrongdoers. This was the Sacred Tree Judgement that Xilina spoke of. Everyone present, nobles and church members alike, understood the implications of the Sacred Tree Judgement. Marquis Fred was the first to stand in opposition. With an angry retort, he said, "Your Highness, there's no need to waste time on such a criminal!" Facing Marquis Fred’s questioning, Xilina gave him a cold glance. Realizing his rudeness, Fred quickly gritted his teeth and apologized: "My apologies, Your Highness, please forgive my hatred-blinded eyes. This demonic butcher killed my granddaughter..." Here, Cardinal Connor took the baton: "Though Marquis Fred is somewhat hasty, his points hold merit." "The sins of the limb-grafter Lynn are heinous, and our investigations are conclusive. There's no need for further time wastage, and the citizens of the capital long to see the perpetrator punished promptly." This move was solely to declare the Church of Tenets’ stance. Now, whether to adopt the Church’s suggestion or the eldest princess’s depended on Holy Roland VI. All eyes turned towards the emperor on the throne. Feeling the numerous gazes, Holy Roland VI remained silent for a moment before slowly stating, "Cardinal Connor makes a compelling argument..." Hearing this, Marquis Fred's face lit up with joy. Though Connor remained outwardly calm, a faint sigh of relief escaped him internally. Unbeknownst to them, Holy Roland VI had not finished speaking and, after a pause, continued: "But Xilina's suggestion carries weight too. Displaying such criminals under the central sky screen will better deter unlawful behavior." "The Church of Abundance and the Church of Silence have been quiet today; what are the two cardinals' thoughts on the matter?" Passing the decision to the two remaining cardinals, silent until now. Both the Church of Silence and the Church of Abundance didn’t rush to voice allegiance but offered humble bows: "We defer to Your Majesty’s decision." Seeing this, Holy Roland VI’s expression softened slightly: "Since we have representatives from all three major churches present, why not have the three cardinals vote? Do you endorse or reject the Princess's proposal?" Upon this suggestion, Connor's brow furrowed, opposing immediately: "Your Majesty, I maintain my earlier view; the criminal’s guilt is established, and we need not waste time." Holy Roland VI nodded slightly and then looked again towards the Church of Silence and the Church of Abundance cardinals. The two had no option but to make a choice at this juncture. Connor exchanged a glance with the two and felt somewhat reassured. As for the voting outcome, he was fairly confident. The Church of Silence had been preoccupied with matters concerning the Goddess of the Crescent, abstaining from taking sides in political squabbles for quite some time. Meanwhile, the Church of Abundance maintained its neutrality, never showing interest in participating in the king's selection ceremony, nor likely to support Xilina. In this environment, aligning with the eldest princess would clearly mark you as part of Xilina’s faction. The room's tension escalated, breaths stilled. However, in the following moment, an unexpected and surreal tableau unfolded before everyone—an outcome no one anticipated. Under everyone's watchful eyes, even those of Holy Roland VI, the cardinal from the Church of Silence stood with a calm expression, raising a hand, "We support the princess's proposal." "?!!" The room drew sharp collective breaths. Were it not for Holy Roland VI’s presence, discussions would have erupted chaotically. Among familiar nobles, shared glances conveyed a common question. When did the Church of Silence align with Princess Xilina? If true, it could shift influence in the king's selection ceremony, potentially affecting the second prince's—Felites’s—advantage. Cardinal Connor mirrored this confusion, silently questioning why the unified alliance between the churches fragmented. Faced with dissonance over a seemingly trivial matter. Yet, his perplexed gaze yielded no answer. What was happening? Brow furrowed tightly, Connor couldn’t unravel it. However, with one vote held by the Church of Abundance, known for its neutrality, they'd likely cast against Xilina's proposal. This line of thought quickly shattered. The Church of Abundance's cardinal glanced blandly at the assembly: "We also support the princess's proposal." Once again, silence engulfed the space. No one foresaw such a voting result. For a brief moment, a grimace flickered across Cardinal Connor’s features, momentarily losing composure. Even numerous nobles couldn't help but whisper among themselves. "The Church of Abundance aligns with the princess too?" "Seems the imperial selection is gaining another variable..." Nobles once allied with other princes began to entertain different ideas. Yet, Holy Roland VI simply regarded Xilina with mild surprise, displaying no overt emotional reaction. To him, it sufficed that the three churches were not in unified opposition. Observing the Church of Tenets’ stance indicated that his desired outcome was at hand. Whether the Sacred Tree Judgement was a time drain didn’t concern him. Next, the distinctive authoritative voice of the emperor rang out, "Then, let us proceed with the princess's proposal." This statement sealed Lynn’s fate. Hearing this, Marquis Fred's mouth hung agape, as if he had descended from heaven to earth in an instant. An outcome he could not accept. He yearned for the immediate demise of that wretched brat, itching to ravage him in every conceivable way. Yet, with Holy Roland VI’s decree, he dared not oppose. As the matter moved past discourse, questioning further challenged the emperor’s authority. Similarly, even after the meeting’s conclusion, Cardinal Connor couldn't unravel the matter, ascending his carriage in solemn silence. What veritable madness had seized the churches of Silence and Abundance? Did Xilina somehow persuade them to unite behind her? ... Outside the council chamber, within a four-wheeled carriage. Back in the carriage, Xilina's tense demeanor finally eased. She wore an incredulous expression, staring at her reflection in the window, deep in thought. Xilina did not grasp the full story; she merely served as a conduit, forwarding two messages from Lynn to the higher-ups of both the Church of Silence and the Church of Abundance. At the time, it seemed innocuous, but now, it appeared Lynn had orchestrated the entire affair! Strictly speaking, Xilina contributed little herself. In the end, the collective actions of the three churches, the reactions, and choices of Holy Roland VI, even their spoken words, aligned precisely with Lynn’s expectations; the proceedings seemed to unfold in unwavering accordance with his will. This revelation shocked Xilina. A seemingly hopeless situation had been radically shifted by the youth using two simple notes! Though the Sacred Tree Judgement carried its hazards for him, it was infinitely preferable to Marquis Fred's immediate execution demand. Lynn had, through sheer capability, pried open a sliver of hope from the abyss! Wait! Recalling the events in the jail cell the previous night, Xilina realized a key detail. During that time, Lynn instructed her to bring up the "Sacred Tree Judgement" at an "appropriate" moment and handed her two notes to deliver to Saint Tiya of the Church of Silence and the cardinal of the Church of Abundance. Initially, Xilina thought little of it, but upon reflection, it dawned on her—Lynn’s hands and feet were bound then, suggesting the notes were pre-prepared. Meaning he anticipated how matters would develop even before his capture! This realization elevated Lynn’s enigmatic and brilliant image even further in her mind. Xilina had a growing sense that perhaps Lynn really could emerge unscathed from this ordeal. ... Xilina rushed back to the Executor's prison, quickly dismissing those nearby to be alone with Lynn. With many questions buzzing in her mind, she needed answers. "You're here?" Lynn remarked, showing no surprise at her arrival. Despite the curiosity bubbling within her, Xilina managed to suppress her questions, taking a deep breath before commencing a soft recount of the day's events in the council chamber. Throughout the entire recount, Lynn maintained an incredibly calm demeanor, occasionally acknowledging with a simple "hmm." His serene composure only made Xilina's heart itch with curiosity. Until, finally, when she finished speaking about the two-to-one vote in favor of her 'Sacred Tree Judgement' proposal, she couldn't hold back any longer and asked directly, "Was all of this part of your plan?" Facing Xilina's inquiry, Lynn did not hide his intentions. He simply shook his head and replied gently: "I just voiced what they would eventually decide on their own." He was transparent with her, laying out the cause and effect, and analyzing everything for Xilina. Just as she suspected, everything was indeed within Lynn’s grasp from beginning to end. Lynn had deduced everyone’s likely reactions and decisions based on their character prior to the Battle of Divine Moon. From the very outset, he was aware of the upheaval his actions would cause, so he made preparations in advance. Lynn was quite certain that when Xilina introduced the 'Sacred Tree Judgement' proposal, the Church of Tenets would strongly oppose it. Because the Church of Silence and the Church of Abundance had taken a passive stance for years, their voices had grown softer, enabling the Church of Tenets to dominate discussions. Holy Roland VI, who favored a balance of power, wouldn't want to see the Church of Tenets growing too strong. As expected, events played out according to Lynn’s expectations, culminating in the voting scenario. This was precisely the outcome Lynn desired. Next, it was time for those two notes to serve their purpose. Without them, the Church of Silence and the Church of Abundance would have aligned with the Church of Tenets, ultimately voting against the proposal. The content on those notes was crucial enough to sway the positions of these two major churches. This left Xilina even more perplexed. Considering the high standing and reverence of cardinals within the empire, how could a mere note change their decisions so easily? "What, exactly, was written on those notes you had me deliver to the two churches?" Xilina asked, eyebrows furrowing in dissatisfaction even after Lynn's explanation. Lynn chuckled lightly and replied, "It's a secret." As a magician, maintaining an air of mystique was key to holding the audience's intrigue. And this could spur Xilina to be more intrigued by him personally. That was Lynn's intention. As for the notes' content, it was rather straightforward. They were addressed in two distinct approaches. The Church of Silence and the Church of Abundance required different tactics. For the Church of Silence: To secure their cardinal’s supportive vote, it was essential to target the church’s particular sore spot — once the Silent Saintess, now possessed by Beatrice, the Crescent Moon Goddess, Tiya. After the Battle of the Divine Moon, Lynn never doubted Tiya's ability to ultimately control the Church of Silence. Therefore, merely informing them of the situation through a note would ensure Tiya’s support for a favorable vote. However, convincing the Church of Abundance to vote affirmatively was more challenging. Lynn hadn’t previously engaged with this church, leaving limited leverage. When dealing with unfamiliar entities, Lynn took no rash actions; rather, he adhered to classic techniques — enticing them with offers. Regardless of one’s stature, if they harbored desires, they could be swayed. Thus, Lynn presented them with an irresistible offer. Well-versed in the original work, Lynn knew the Church of Abundance had relentlessly pursued the Earth Mother Tree following divine edicts, yet they had found nothing for years—a vexing issue for them. Leveraging his knowledge as a transmigrator, Lynn offered them the specific location of the Earth Mother Tree from the book in exchange for their supportive vote. This maneuver led to the shocking vote result witnessed earlier. From the outcome, Lynn's plan had succeeded perfectly. Gazing at Lynn's composed demeanor, even without insight into every detail, Xilina wore a complicated expression. Despite readying herself mentally, she remained immersed in astonishment. Simultaneously, the thought — "Why isn’t this guy working for me?" — surfaced again, paired with an unprecedented jealousy towards Iveister. Xilina had never harbored such feelings toward anyone before. Meanwhile, unaware of Xilina's musings to "poach" him, Lynn continued pondering her earlier words. According to her recount, in three days, he'd be escorted to Clergy Square to undergo the Sacred Tree Judgement, under the scrutiny of millions.