The courtroom settled into a tense hush.
The judge raised his voice, solemn and clear.
"Let the court of Rin Takashima and Taro Okabe begin."
Silence. Not a whisper stirred in the grand hall.
The judge turned toward the knight who had originally apprehended the two boys.
"You. State your name and your testimony."
The man stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"I am Commander Rande," he said firmly. "The one who witnessed the events firsthand."
He took a breath and began.
"I was on a break from patrol in the city of Island when I heard a scream. Someone sounded in danger. I followed the sound and saw the two defendants—Rin and Taro—standing in front of a homeless man. I asked what was happening, and the man claimed they had taken his aid money and threatened him and his family."
Murmurs swept the crowd.
Rande continued.
"At first, I wasn't sure what to believe. But when I asked to see their hands, I found them holding the very coins distributed by the capital's aid program. They denied stealing them—claimed they found them on the ground. When I asked them to come with me, they fled."
He paused, then added coldly.
"They attacked me. Used magic—despite it being unauthorized. That alone proves their guilt."
The judge gave a small nod.
"Thank you for your service, Commander. You have our gratitude."
Rande saluted. "It is my duty, Your Honor."
The judge turned his eyes on Rin and Taro.
"Do you have anything to say for yourselves?"
Rin stepped forward, voice calm.
"Your Honor… that was a setup. We really did just pick up the coins from the ground."
The judge raised an eyebrow. "Let's assume that's true. But what about the other offenses? Fleeing, and attacking a commander?"
Rin's tone sharpened.
"We wouldn't have done any of that if we were given a chance to talk. What else were we supposed to do—just follow along while being treated like criminals?"
A knight behind them stepped forward, sword drawn.
"Watch your tone, fool. Know your place."
Rin glanced at the knight but said nothing.
"How dare you ignore me—"
"Enough."
The blade stopped an inch from Rin's neck.
Commander Enra stood between them, her hand blocking the attack effortlessly. She hadn't even moved her feet.
"This is a courtroom. Show restraint."
Then she turned to Rin, her eyes cool but not unkind.
"And you. You do not speak to the judge like that."
She bowed slightly to the judge.
"My apologies, Your Honor."
From the gallery, a familiar voice spoke.
"May I speak?"
It was Kobe.
The judge nodded. "Go ahead."
Kobe stepped forward, arms behind his back.
"There's no evidence for the coin theft. As for the fight… they may have broken a rule by attacking a former commander—but I doubt they knew his status."
His tone shifted, more pointed now.
"These are kids. Kids who grew up in Gloomshade. If the kingdom wants to blame them for this, maybe it should first ask why Gloomshade is in such a state to begin with."
Gasps filled the court.
Kobe went on, voice steady.
"In any case, I'll take responsibility. I'll pay for any damage caused—and I'll compensate the homeless man myself."
The courtroom buzzed. Shocked murmurs.
"How dare he say that…?"
"Protecting criminals—what kind of instructor is he?"
Rin and Taro stood speechless. They hadn't expected anyone to speak for them like that.
The judge sat quietly, considering. Then he sighed.
"You are right," he admitted. He turned to Rande.
"Commander… will you let go of this matter? We have no conclusive evidence. And as that young man said… perhaps the fault lies not only with them."
Commander Rande stood tall.
"If this is what you believe is best… I will abide by your judgment."
Commander Enra allowed herself the faintest smile.
The judge cleared his throat.
"In that case… I declare Rin Takashima and Taro Okabe—not guilty."
A soft light flashed across their chests. The orbs embedded vanished.
Rin and Taro blinked, stunned. They didn't even know what to feel—relief, embarrassment… gratitude.
Enra approached them.
"You almost made things worse," she said to Rin, raising an eyebrow. "Control that temper next time."
Then she smiled—just barely—and closed one eye in a wink.
"I hope the next time I see you two… it's not in a courtroom."
Kobe walked up behind them, stretching his arms with a grin.
"Man, you guys always find trouble. I thought your watches just went missing… but attacking a commander? That's next level."
Rin and Taro both looked down, ashamed.
Kobe laughed. "Alright, enough of that. You're free now. And as a celebration, we're eating out today—my treat."
---
To be continued...