NOVEL NEXT Chapter 103- The Senate (2)
The two walked through the corridor, arriving before a large door behind which their fate would be decided. At the front of the door, knights from the Royal Lion Guards waited for them.
Given that they were all high level and renowned knights, Reinhardt had to admit that the opponent was fully prepared.
"Sir Reinhardt of the house Arcknight is now entering," One of the knights loudly declared and escorted the two inside.
Inside, waiting for them, seated in their elevated platforms and watching over them like gods, were the council of the Elders and the King and Queen.
Given that the entire hall was brightly lit and exuded the weight of history and authority, it was designed to put pressure on those called for the hearing. Had it been someone else and not Reinhardt, they might have become nervous from all the tension and pressure that was put on them.
However, this kind of set up not only did not work on a superhuman being of legendary level 10, but thanks to the Divine Traits that the reincarnated Divine Paladin possessed, the entire hall was swayed by his own presence and aura the moment he stepped in.
[Unyielding Presence], a Divine Trait that gives him a commanding aura that exerts divine authority on others. Enemies within range are struck by fear or hesitation, while allies gain unwavering courage and confidence. This passive effect intensifies during moments of high tension or combat.
As Divine Traits are passive abilities, similar to talent, they are always active. Thanks to that, the ones feeling the pressure of a god watching them were the council.
As for Reinhardt and Zerina, they were so relaxed that it seemed like today was no different from any usual day for them.
Guided by the knights of the Royal Lion Guard, the two of them walked to the trial stand enclosed by dark wooden railings and purposely designed to be at a lower position so that the ones standing here had to look up at the council members.
GULP… Some of the members gulped, feeling their throats getting dry. Others perspired, feeling hot even though the room was conditioned to be cool.
What was this feeling? Why is it that even though it was a hearing for Reinhardt, they felt like they were the ones standing on that trial stand and not the other way round?
"Sir Reinhardt, control your aura" Marquis Herman spoke.
As the commander of the Royal Lion Guards, one of the Seven Great Knight Orders, it was only natural for him to be here. However, he was not here as a guard or escort today, but as one of the members of the Council of Elders.
That's right, being a capital aristocrat and a noble related to the royal family by blood, it was no wonder he was one of the members of the council.
"Haha, Sir Herman your words are too serious. I am yet to release my aura."
At those words, Marquis Herman's eyes widened with unbridled shock. Reinhardt exuded this much pressure and commanding air with just his presence? Then didn't it mean that if he released his aura, no one here other than him would be able to stay conscious?
A being who reached the legendary level 10… they really can't be judged with common sense, Marquis Herman thought inwardly.
It took a while, but after the council got accustomed to his presence, the hearing officially started.
"Since the defendant Reinhardt Arcknight is now here, we shall now begin our hearing to decide his value and whether he is worthy of leading one of the Seven Great Knight orders based on his actions".
One of the elders who seemed to be neutral towards Reinhardt started listing out all of the meritorious deeds that he had performed for the kingdom, since his younger years.
At age eleven, Vanquished the Black Wyrm of Duskmoor that terrorised the eastern provinces for decades. Age twelve, defeated a mid ranking demon.
Age thirteen, joined the order of the Seven Kingdom Coalition Knights, formed at that time as its youngest knight…
Since passing the trial of the gods and becoming level 7, retrieved the holy sword Durandal from the tainted lands.
There were numerous feats of valor that the young Reinhardt performed in service for the kingdom. Each more daunting and praiseworthy than the other.
The more one listened, the more one understood how this being reached the legendary level 10, the peak of humanity.
Age twenty two, as the vice commander of the order of the Temple of Light, held the crimson bridge against the forces of darkness sighted to have been led by a Heavenly Kings for three days alone.
The legendary feat that got him the class of level 10 from the Altar.
The entire council was silent; no one could say anything or dare open their mouths. After all, the feats he achieved were that legendary.
Finally, when the reciting elder got to the Battle of Black Tide, it was as if this was the chance they were waiting for, and they quickly pounced at it like Hyenas.
Why would they not, after all, the Battle of the Black Toide was where the previous Reinhardt that had no blemish in his career up until now, messed up big time.
Because of him, not only did the Temple of Light and the other orders of the kingdom suffered significant losses, Solaris lost one of the Seven Divine Treasures to the demons, a loss that was far too great for the entire human race.
Although Solaris managed to save one of its three level 10 knights from that epic defeat, they had to pay a lot in return.
"Hmph, I have to say his feats since up to this point were quite respectable. However, the defeat at the Battle of the Black Tide was far too significant. Even if we account for all of his meritorious deeds, it does not outweigh the loss".
"That's right, as the one leading the allied knights, it was your duty to secure the eastern front. Your failure was what led us to lose one of the Seven Divine Treasures that humanity needs to stand a chance against the demons".