A Knight's Lilies

"Response To Praefectus Aquinors Maximus,
Your report has been received and sent over to legion command. In the meantime, local orders are to continue maintenance of the Korathi Front. Detail any additional developments as you see fit and hold your positions. Sector command has authorized the deployment of an additional regiment to support your efforts until a decision can be reached with legion command. Glory to Traxia."

- Magistrate Herod Ilyutian, Korathi Sector Administration Department, (Section II-FR: Korathi Frontier Developments)

The main throne room somehow seemed both grander and smaller than she remembered at the same time. She had technically been in this very room more than a few times. Though back then, she was likely cloaked, covered, and quickly shunted from corner to corner by Eva and palace maids sympathetic to young Frederick. A calmer, more fun time compared to the reason why she was here now. She supposed at least, that the room was massive to what younger her might've been able to occasionally glimpse when a flap of cloth or a change of direction was needed. Now, it was both the majestic throne room that she had often seen, but also a room where a plethora of petty nobles gathered to judge her and her mistress. An ultimately insignificant gesture in the grand scheme of things.

Two massive chandeliers and a plethora of sconces kept the room lit up against the backdrop of the setting sun outside. The dim orange of the world intertwined with the yellowish mage fire to cover the room in a strange, if not entirely unpleasant hue. The walls themselves were covered by tapestries and murals that helped lend the throne room a slightly warmer feeling to contrast with the grandness of the space. Royal purple banners also hung lower from some of the pillars, acting as much needed breakages in the line of sight to keep people occupied and not letting their eyes wander that much.

Much like Annalise's throne room in Gratia, there was a raised step that led up to the king himself. Though unlike that, where the petitioners would kneel or supplicate themselves to their liege. Here, the Carradorians had cordoned off the immediate area closest to it as a small semi circle of chairs and desks had been neatly arranged. All of it was flanked by pillars that stretched from floor to ceiling, often with intricate carvings of figures from Carradorian history etched into them, sometimes even a decorative set of armor modeled after them. Where there wasn't armor, members of the royal guard stood in stoic silence, unmoving but ever vigilant.

Where the ballroom had carried with it a festive cheer and a plethora of servants and staff. Around the party, a flurry of activity was still being carried out by a handful of functionaries, bureaucrats and officers belonging to the gathered nobles. And although the nobles had likely all been at the ball less than half an hour ago, the atmosphere in the room was one of deadly seriousness.

The nobles were surrounding a small platformed dais of sorts. There, Eva currently stood mid way through a speech of sorts. Behind her in a small gallery-like section were the saints and the inquisitors. Mila shot Sophie an acknowledging dip of her hat before returning her focus to Eva.

"Wait here for a moment, please. You will be called forwards momentarily." A soldier halted Sophie's party.

Hanabi let out an annoyed grunt but thankfully did not press the matter. The outlander already looked like she had already grown bored with the proceedings before it had even begun. Though that was a sentiment half echoed by Sigrid. The mermaid being less than enthused about being drawn away from the copious amount of food and drink that had been the ball.

"... and so I implore the court to not just consider those factors, but also those…"

Eva continued her speech.

Sophie turned her attention to the lords that she could recognize at this gathering. Naturally the four Grand Dukes and Grand Duchess were there. The four power brokers of Carrador appeared relatively uninterested in the girl's words. Though Sophie hoped this was just because for them, the conclusion would be similar to the one they reached in the meeting of the inner council and thus this was all a spot of extraneous theatre for them to placate their lesser peers.

She did notice however, the presence of sashes of varying colors also on the nobles. Sophie then tried to cast her gaze back on Eva and the others. They also sported the red straps similar to Sophie's party. A larger number of nobles on the other hand wore brown sashes, a fewer amount with green, and the grand dukes wearing blue and red. A few others however, also had straps of dull blue, far less vibrant than those of the grand dukes.

An identifier of sorts then. Sophie mused, clearly, the sashes were for the nobility, but then who are those blue straps? We wear red and are… guests? Those on trial? So they must either be supplicants or some other important personnel. She pursed her lips. In a way, she hadn't even considered that this court be meant for more than just her and Eva. She felt a little irritated at having had such a narrow view of events and chided herself for not taking that into account. For it meant that there would be a few things that she couldn't simply reveal amongst others.

Whatever the case, she supposed that there wasn't anything overly confidential that she couldn't afford to say. If anything, Eva had already told her to consider the Carradorian nobility as the public faces that they would have to meet with. A statement that in essence, told her not to trust them with anything important. Not that she had planned on sharing anymore than necessary anyway.

Past the nobles and guests, a veritable host of functionaries moved about in the shadows of the palace. For today at least, the throne room of the Palace of Kings and the court of nobles served as the primary administrative body for the nation. Though in her experience, most of that work normally would be routed to local administrations instead.

"... it is therefore, my recommendation, that such a measure be considered in more detail. Thank you." Eva managed to wrap up her speech.

The nobles for the most part, seemed unimpressed, but there wasn't much room for debate or cross examinations. With the council having approved it yesterday in confidence, and the public display that Eva and Frederick had engaged in at the ball, it was obvious that she now carried royal favor to boot. The verdict had been decided long before today for her.

"Thank you, Lady Rosengart. Please head to the back of the stands and give us a moment to deliberate upon our judgement. You'll excuse me if I must regretfully inform you that the court, as of this moment, has no additional questions or answers that we need from you." One of the lords sitting at the rightmost edge of the tables announced.

"Of course, Lord Vinberg. I thank the court for its time." Eva bowed and stepped off the dais.

"Naturlich." The man nodded before turning to face the other nobles, "Very well, the court may now commence discussions. By your command, my liege." He bowed his head towards the king.

King Edelin sat upon his throne and merely motioned for them to continue. His singular gesture setting the nobles ablaze in a flurry of discussions amongst themselves. Though whether it was about Eva's situation, she had no idea.

As for Lord Vinberg himself, the man seemed to hold some sway over proceedings. Perhaps an appointed arbiter or adjudicator of sorts. He was a somewhat portly looking lord who wore a neatly trimmed beard. Judging by his broad shoulder stance even while sitting, Sophie assumed that he had once been a warrior or soldier of sorts before he took up more mundane roles. His greying hair marked his age and the tiredness in his voice told her about as much. Yet there was an almost genial expression on his face, reminding her of the commander of the Clover Legion that Ary had them meet before they left Arteria. Hopefully he is as understanding as he looks.

Eva gave Sophie a quick smile as she passed by, having been assigned a seat near the saints on the opposite side of the gallery.

Seeing her, Grand Duke Walden glanced over to the king, getting a subtle nod of approval. The man then conveyed the same message to the guard that watched over Sophie's party. The soldier quietly saluted his liege before turning towards the party.

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"You may join the gallery over there. But please remain quiet and seated until called upon." He gave them their orders.

"Of course." Sophie affirmed.

Confident that the message was received he stepped aside and allowed them entry onto the throne room proper.

Sophie kept her sound profile to a minimum. Taking deliberate steps to try and not let the echoes of her boot's steps ring out for all to hear. She and her party found spare spaces just behind the saints, the two groups letting out hushed greetings in hopes of not interrupting the nobles currently deliberating amongst themselves.

"Is everything going well?" Sophie leaned in from behind Eva.

"Who do you think you're asking?" Eva grinned.

"Had to of course." Sophie winked.

"Never knew you to be this chatty at a moment like this." Eva pulled in closer to whisper, the odd glint in her eyes telling Sophie that Eva saw right through her nerves.

"Mmm." She grumbled.

"It's a little intimidating, but don't worry, we're here with you."

"I know."

"So chin up, stay strong, aye?"

"Of course. Always." Sophie suppressed a chuckle.

"Like I said before. If these snobs don't give you back your freedom to move in Carrador, I'll help out and try to figure something out."

"Thank you."

"Sensei, eyes forward." Suzuki interrupted them, giving Sophie an apologetic but also welcoming smile as she redirected Eva's attention.

"Eh?"

"They're about done."

Up front, the nobles were beginning to relax into their armchairs. Lord Vinberg glanced at his compatriot before moving to announce a verdict. Much like the others, he too met the king's gaze to gain his liege's approval. King Edelin nodded. Lord Vinberg bowed respectfully, took one last look over the nobles to make sure there was no dissent, then he stood up from his chair.

"Lady Evaline Rosengart, please step up to the stand." He loudly announced.

Whatever whispering was in the hall settled down once more. The hushed silence made Sophie painfully aware of the noise of her own breathing. Eva stood up and shuffled off her seat, her head held high as she stepped back up onto the dais.

"Present." She announced herself.

"Excellent. Let me then be the first to extend my welcome to you. For as the nobility of Carrador and the stewards of its future have decided. The motion to officially end your banishment, and at the same time, by our hand and with the blessings of the king, to bring you back to your place within Carradorian society. Have both been unequivocally approved. Welcome back, Lady Evaline Rosengart." Lord Vinberg bowed regally.

A polite wave of claps, if a bit more tepid than Sophie had anticipated, welcomed Eva's return. The girl herself remained unmoving for a few moments, then let out a breath that she had been holding. She then slowly, but surely lowered herself to match Lord Vinberg's bow.

The clapping and noise then died down as a dull thud echoed from the king's throne. King Edelin's scepter tapped against the ground as he stood up from his throne. The elevated steps cast his shadow over the nearby nobility, reminding the room that it is by his strength that Carrador continues to prosper. Following protocol, the nobles saluted and bowed in reverence, Eva following suit.

"Long live the king." A soft murmur echoed from the collective nobles.

King Edelin held out a hand to silence the crowd.

"With the power granted to me by the people, the guidance given by the Goddess, and the wisdom of my forebears. I hereby welcome you to the ranks of Carrador. May you continue to lend us your strength and wisdom as we move forward." The king spoke.

With his judgement given, he simply tapped his scepter onto the ground two times before making his way back into his throne.

Just like that, the verdict had been given and Eva was now whole once more. Before Sophie could celebrate her friend however, the court's adjudicator raised an arm to gather everyone's attention.

"Lady Evaline Rosengart, you may return to your seat. As you might expect, we will need your presence momentarily."

"Of course, my lord. And thank you, my lords." Eva politely acknowledged the court.

She quietly turned around, throwing Sophie a cheeky grin before going back to her seat.

Now another tense silence lingered over the group. With Eva's turn on stand done, it would be Sophie who would be up next. And she expected the already muted reception to her mistress to turn into one that might teeter on outright hostility. But she was prepared for the possibility, or so she hoped.

Her doubts would soon face the test of reality as before anyone even got the chance to breathe, Lord Vinberg stood up once more. The moment he left his seat, the room went deadly quiet.

"The court will now proceed to the next agenda in line." He declared, "The resolution of the issue of the individual known as Sophie of the self declared family Kastiane, and the current charge of treason for aiding enemies of the state during wartime."

He then paused, not to scan the gallery, but his own colleagues. Only after waiting for a few seconds did he then continue.

"As there is no objection to the examination of this matter. I, as appointed arbiter for this session of court proceedings, will now call upon the individual in question to please take the stand. Sophie of the Kastiane household, please step forwards."

"Good luck." Eva whispered to her.

Sophie emptied her mind of thoughts and worries and made her way to the dais. Taking the single step up onto the barely raised platform made her feel just that much more vulnerable. Even though her friends and comrades were naught but a few feet away, she still couldn't help but shuffle uncomfortably.

"Sophie Kastiane, that is your name?" Lord Vinberg asked without any trace of the same politeness that he had shown Eva.

"Yes sir, that is correct." She answered.

"No other titles, additions or otherwise self proclaimed designations?"

"No sir."

He wordlessly turned towards Grand Duke Platts, the older lord simply answering with a tired nod. With permission gained from the nobility, Lord Vinberg then looked once again to the king. King Edelin gestured for him to continue. The lord bowed slowly before abruptly returning to Sophie.

"Fellow members of the court. Today we are here to discuss the most pressing matter of a person accused and subsequently charged with the charge of treason against the state. A verdict and designation that has held until now. However, with the recent changing of situations in regards to one, Evaline Rosengart. We have been asked to reexamine this case and to determine if the charge should be dropped and thus the title of traitor be removed and Carrador be open to her once more…"

Sophie felt herself get even more nervous with how much the adjudicator was spewing. It was a disquieting feeling that reminded her less of being at court, but rather at a lecture in the Academy about a subject that she had little knowledge about. Words and concepts that were mostly meaningless to her that would end up being important bits and pieces that she actually needed to memorize and know well. It was a struggle then, and it was also a struggle now trying to follow the adjudicator's rambling.

"... To that end, we will also have to call upon close associates and partners and otherwise to help analyze the individual in question and get a better understanding of the situation at hand and the arguments as to why…"

Sophie frowned and furrowed her brow. She was trying her best to pay attention but with each passing moment, she could feel her mind slowly trying to wander instead of expending all its efforts deciphering the man's rambles.

"I pose the question to you now, Sophie Kasiante." Lord Vinberg called upon her, "You are acquainted with the current charges and restrictions that have been levelled against you?"

"That is correct, sir."

"Gut. In that case, because of the unique nature of your case, I will ask that you present to the court a brief summary of the events, in your opinion, that have led to this. Would that be a problem?" He practically sneered.

"No sir. I am… ready whenever, sir."

"Does the court have any more questions before we begin?" He spun to face his peers.

At the dull silence that received his question, he faced Sophie again.

"I ask then, that the individual known as Sophie Kastiane to present a recollection of events during their period operating within Carrador and Melton so as to properly inform the court. We will then cross examine that with reports that we have received before engaging in a discussion with you and amongst ourselves about the merit or disadvantages about lifting the sentence. Is there any question from you before we begin?"

Sophie shook her head.

"Then as the arbiter for this session of the court, let me declare the second case to be considered now officially underway. May the judgement rendered be fair and just. Ms. Kastiane, you may begin with your recounting."

Taking a deep breath, Sophie tried to mimic Eva's more confident posture with her head held high. She at least had the wherewithal to remember to offer a polite looking if a tad clumsy bow to the court to demonstrate her respect.

"Thank you sir." She adopted the same curt but not outright rude tone that her mistress had used, "Then allow me to start with the reason why I was forced into Melton in the first place…"