Chapter 250 City-wide Public Trial (15,000) - Stop Hypnotizing Me, Villainous Princess!

Rewind time to ten minutes ago. In the endless darkness, Lynn felt as if he had experienced an exceedingly long dream. The specific details of the dream were beyond recall, leaving only the vague memory of enduring an extremely prolonged period in a tormenting darkness, which ultimately amounted to nothingness. It was a terrifying experience, so disorienting that even Lynn, with his strong will and nature, almost lost himself in its fearsome chaos. However, just as his soul was about to be obliterated, a familiar yet unfamiliar golden ring-like mark appeared before his eyes. With the memories of his past life, Lynn clearly realized that this was the Mobius strip. This mark had once descended upon the Divine Moon's Rift during his duel with the God Ancestor, Sia, saving him from a life-threatening crisis. Furthermore, there seemed to be existences that exceeded concepts and cognition. In the center of the Mobius strip, a peculiar point of light flickering with starlight appeared intermittently, akin to a black hole. Just a glance seemed to draw his consciousness and soul into it, completely erasing him. Lynn, caught between wonder and disbelief, was on the brink of fainting—a sensation of heart palpitations he hadn't felt in a long time. He wasn't sure if it was a delusion. Standing before this vast Mobius strip, he even entertained the thought that "the presence in front of me might be of a higher rank than the Witch Lady or the God Ancestor, Sia." This idea seemed utterly unfounded and absurd. Yet somehow, it left him speechless. After all, as someone who had read the original novel, Lynn knew well that throughout its entirety, there likely wasn't an existence stronger than those two entities that had reached the pinnacle of divinity. As for the Mobius strip, it was a peculiar setting that had never appeared in the entire book. The feeling of being overwhelmed surged within him, causing the usually composed transmigrant, Lynn, to feel at a loss like never before. But just as these thoughts arose, his surroundings abruptly shifted, as if swallowed by a black hole, instantly transitioning to another scene. When he came to his senses again, Lynn found himself standing in a limitless void. This void felt somewhat familiar to him. It was similar to the scene he had witnessed when he first awakened as a Swallower of Lies. At this moment, in this limitless void, peculiar threads seemed to transcend time and space, converging here. They moved like living worms in strange motions, continuously heading towards a common target in a never-ending stream. It was 'The Prisoner of Fate'! Recognizing that gaunt figure, Lynn subconsciously called out its name. Instinctively, as if guided by fate, he suddenly reached out, gently touching the thread nearest to him. For some reason, he felt no repulsion or fear toward these unusual existences but, rather, an inexplicable sense of familiarity. Unexpectedly, the moment he touched that thread, a tidal wave of imagery exploded like fireworks and flooded into his mind! The pain was intense and unbearable! As a user of the Thorn Crown ability, Lynn naturally had a willpower that surpassed the ordinary. Yet even so, in this imaginary space of consciousness, he felt an intense pain beyond his mental limits, contorting his face in agony. Simultaneously, an endless stream of memories began to unfold before him. There were experiences from his past life, events from after his transmigration, and even memories not belonging to him! The entire process seemed to last merely an instant, yet it felt as though ten thousand years had passed. The torrent of expansive memories continued to impact Lynn's mind. This was the aftermath of using 'The Prisoner of Fate'—endless whispers bombarded Lynn's will. Without timely stabilization of his psyche, he would likely become a lifelong vegetable! At this critical moment, a scene suddenly unfolded, vividly appearing in Lynn's mind: A vast and majestically empty underground tomb showcased a mysterious style not belonging to this epoch. The image whirled ceaselessly in Lynn's mind, and hovering above the tomb was a massive bronze sarcophagus, from which a skeletal hand extended. Simultaneously, a grand voice echoed in Lynn's ear. The content of the voice was indiscernible, spoken in a language incomprehensible to him. Yet despite this, he grasped the meaning of those words. "Come find me." Then the vision vanished. What was the relation between this hint from 'The Prisoner of Fate' and himself? Numerous questions surfaced in Lynn's mind, but he had no time to ponder. His head felt like it was on the verge of exploding. The powerful flood of memories continued to batter Lynn's soul, with the intense pain threatening to tear his will apart. In this dire moment, a gentle whisper suddenly descended like an anchor, pulling his consciousness back from the brink of collapse! "Rest assured, the Master will not let you die." The voice's underlying tone sounded incredibly cold, yet at this moment, it seemed to possess unprecedented warmth and affection, so intense it almost felt like it could melt a person. "Your Highness!!!" In the next instant, he abruptly opened his eyes, awakening in reality. Simultaneously, an unbearable wave of pain engulfed his entire being, causing him to let out a muffled groan. For Lynn, whose resolve was remarkably strong—even the infamous Torture Chair had never broken him—he now found himself slightly deranged under the aftermath's influence. Beyond the sheer physical pain, it was the soul's exhaustion that was truly torturous. "Ha-ha-ha" His lungs emitted a bellows-like sound, akin to an elderly person nearing death; even the sensation mirrored it. The intense pain and confusion rendered him immobilized, making him lay still, akin to a vegetable. Every sign pointed to his dire condition. Yet by some stroke of luck, Lynn survived. He should have felt relieved, but recalling the moment when his soul was nearly annihilated, the whisper from Ivette lingering in his ear caused his heart to suddenly pound with pain. Was it an auditory illusion? No. Forcing himself through the headache, Lynn accessed the "third-person perspective" scenes preserved from the flood of memories, getting glimpses of recent events around him. Even though he didn't understand why he had these memories while unconscious, there was no time for contemplation. He focused instead on processing their content, trying to recover his control over his body from the intense pain and emptiness. After the Divine Moon's Rift battle, using 'The Prisoner of Fate' had exceeded his limits, leading to a deadly backlash from the law of causality. But to save Tia from Beatrice's attempted body takeover, it was a necessary choice. Originally, he believed he had a seventy percent chance of perishing, yet unexpectedly, he managed to cling to life. It wasn't altogether unimaginable, just that Lynn was unwilling to consider it. But now, those vivid memories constantly pierced his heart with the brutal truth of reality. The reason was simple enough. That woman had always said that in this world, only she had the power to decide his life and death. If she didn't consent, then not even a god could take him from her. But what price did she have to pay, she who barely held demi-god status, to achieve this? It was uncertain how much time passed before Lynn finally regained control of his body. His fingers initially twitched slightly before he managed to laboriously move his hand to prop himself up. Lynn's body was now as fragile as porcelain, wrapped in bandages, with blood faintly seeping through. Yet he paid no mind, his focus shifting to the woman beside him. Ivette Roland Alexini, the third princess of the Saint Laurent Empire, and the self-proclaimed Master to him all this time. She had always been obstinate, lofty, and agonizingly wicked in his memory. Yet now she lay with eyes closed, hands clasped at her chest, her delicate, flawless face devoid of color, her long dark hair cascading like a waterfall behind her—peaceful and serene as a sleeping beauty. Watching her furrowed brows, despite being in profound sleep, she still clung to his sleeve like a little girl who'd lost her precious toy, unwilling to let go. Lynn fell into a long silence. It was time to face reality. The truth was that, in order to save himself from imminent death for rescuing Tia, the Crown Princess had resorted to a forbidden secret art, linking their lives together, sharing one another's life force. The cost, however, was that she had fallen into a slumber, potentially short or extended. Though Tia was saved, things had ultimately turned toward a scenario Lynn had least wanted to see. At this moment, Lynn could no longer afford to concern himself with the narrative deviation of the Crown Princess. Round and round, the world's will still achieved what it wanted. Throughout his experiences with Ivette and his encounters with the Witch Lady, Lynn had always viewed these events through the lens of a transmigrant. During this journey, he faced countless challenges, each requiring him to exert all his efforts to resolve the crises. From the Soren Mountains to the Divine Moon's Rift, it had always been like this. No matter what price was paid, the end result had usually been favorable. However, this time the outcome exceeded Lynn's expectations. His impulsiveness had brought harm to those around him. For some reason, Lynn took a deep breath. Perhaps propelled by pride or an inexplicable feeling deep inside for Ivette, as a man, Lynn felt compelled to take action now. He was acutely aware of what Ivette had chosen for his sake. In his defense against Saint Laurent VI's commands, Ivette and her people were branded as traitors. Now, the army sent by Saint Laurent VI had surrounded the mansion, marking the most critical moment. Lynn clearly understood that the root of everything lay with him. Though his body could barely function, it was not the time for hesitating over such matters. He made a decision. Not typically fond of making decisions, yet strong in execution, once Lynn decided, it meant he fully understood the intricacies therein. No one could force him to make decisions against his will. Not even he himself. Thus, a decision made was bound to be aligned with his heart's true desires. Given this, what was there to hesitate over? Thinking thus, Lynn slowly drew a piece of wire from his sleeve. Amusingly enough, their first meeting had involved shackles and was incredibly unpleasant. Because of that experience, Lynn had slipped a piece of wire into his sleeve each day to prevent being cuffed again. Little did he know, the wire would prove useful now. Controlling his severely weakened body, his hands trembling, he bent the wire into a simple ring shape. In the quiet room, with no one to witness, he gently slid this wire ring onto Ivette's ring finger, following the customs of his past life on Blue Star. It symbolized a promise from Lynn to Ivette. Having done all this, a complex expression settled on Lynn’s face as he gently caressed Ivette's pale cheek. In the next second, her tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed. Moreover, sensing the coldness on her ring finger, the corners of her lips curled into a faint, bright arc. "I won't let you sleep for too long." The boy smiled gently, making a soft promise as he supported his frail body and slowly stepped out of bed. During the process, his gaze grew icy and resolute. Besides love, Lynn had more pressing matters to attend to. The army laid siege, with the palace's garrison sealing the mansion and large-caliber magi-cannons aimed right at it. This setup aimed to capture him. Lynn clearly understood their motive. As the main suspect in the prosthetic case for killing the Fourth Prince, Joshua, he'd earned the city's hostility. Even though he wasn't the true culprit, many were eager to eradicate the power of the Third Princess Ivette, willing to hide the devil’s emergence truth for it. "Only the bell ringer can untie the bell." Lynn muttered. If everyone wanted him so badly, he might as well let them have their way! With this resolve, Lynn used his weary body to gently cover Ivette with a blanket before slowly exiting the room. The current Bartlion mansion, after facing relentless sieges by the garrison and noble troops, was in a state of disrepair. As for the original servants of the mansion, some had been dismissed or fled for survival. In essence, where there was once vibrant life, now lay cold and devoid of warmth, with a faint, pungent smell of blood in the air. Expressionless, Lynn walked through the corridors. The stars outside mixed with the pale moonlight, falling on his shoulders. When he raised his eyes again, Lynn had arrived at the mansion's main entrance. Here, the soldiers stretched to the end of the street, visibly in disarray upon seeing the rumored "prosthetic bearer" boldly appear before them. The commander of the garrison widened his eyes, reining in his restless warhorse. The boy in front of them could hardly walk, each step a struggle, like a slight breeze might blow him over. He never expected the mastermind of the incident to appear alone, in such a manner. Even the poised magi-cannon seemed to dim under the tense atmosphere. Silence. Despite his frail appearance, the sight of Lynn's slender figure unnerved the entire garrison, compelling them into silence. Faces hidden under helmets radiated wary stares, and some, unnerved by his intense gaze, instinctively retreated half a step. Seeing this, Lynn casually shook his head, a disdainful smile on his face: "A bunch of weaklings." With the holy tree's golden glow finally fading, Hillelina awoke from that special state, a complex expression on her pretty face. Sia lay on the ground, somewhat disheveled and unconscious. Hillelina, wasting no time, immediately called for her maidservant. "Should we arrange for Young Master Sia's stay at your estate?" "Yes." Hillelina stared, entranced, at the handsome young man with golden hair, "Also, ensure the best healer tends to him, leaving him without lasting injuries." "Understood." Moments later, Sia was placed on a stretcher and taken from the Ellorche Palace. After securing Sia's rest, Hillelina swiftly returned to her estate. As for the abnormality with the sacred tree and subsequent 'Savior' turmoil, they were momentarily forgotten by a distracted Hillelina. Back in her room, after a brief shower, she lay on her soft bed, wrapped in a bath towel, with her delicate, bare feet exposed. Gazing at the blood-red ring on her ring finger, she absentmindedly recalled that enchanting engagement scene—like a warrior proposing to a princess. Truthfully, few women could maintain composure in such a breathtaking scene. And she was no exception. The heart's stirring and intense beat weren't lies; in that moment, immersed in the ambiance, she hadn't even thought to refuse him. This was probably love. Unexpectedly, she, a nation's crown princess, also faced such a time. Yet she found it not unwelcome. It seemed adhering to the book, following the sacred tree's guidance, becoming Sia's partner, was the best choice. She murmured to herself. Yet, for some reason, a sense of dissonance arose the moment the thought emerged. What was wrong? "Knock, knock, knock!" Just as she sought clarity over her strange feelings, a maid's knocks unexpectedly—or perhaps coincidentally—echoed at the door. Realizing the rarity of her maid's visit, Hillelina gathered her composure. "Enter." The maid then delivered astonishing news: moments ago, Lynn, the wanted suspect of the prosthetic case, had turned himself in. He was currently detained in the Executor's prison, soon facing a public trial. Moreover, this public trial will take place in the ecclesiastical courts, conducted by a judge appointed by the royal court and a jury composed of members from the three major churches. Under the scrutiny of millions of citizens within the Saint Laurent Empire, it promises to be an open and transparent trial. The aim is clear: to convict this vicious serial killer conclusively, sealing his fate on the gallows and thus easing the populace's fear and anger! "What did you say?" Listening to the news, Hillelina's expression turned into one of undeniable shock. She even questioned the maid twice for confirmation. Upon receiving assurance from the maid, she fell into a prolonged silence. "You can go now." Weakly waving her hand, Hillelina dismissed the maid. Once the room returned to its quiet state, her previous thoughts about Sia were immediately discarded, shifting her focus from the ring on her finger to this shocking news. It shouldn't be this way. Recalling Lynn's promise to her, Hillelina furrowed her brows deeply. On careful consideration, the entire affair was riddled with inconsistencies. From her interaction with Lynn that evening and her own royal insights, Hillelina was certain that Lynn could not possibly be the culprit. So why was the official stance labeling Lynn as the perpetrator? And why would someone like Lynn, who knew he wasn't the perpetrator, willingly turn himself in? Was he seeking death? Hillelina found herself deeply puzzled. The entire situation was in utter disarray, and given Ivette's current power, there was absolutely no possibility of saving Lynn. He was up against Saint Laurent VI, grieving a lost son, the affronted nobility, the lurking Truth Church, and the enflamed wrath of the entire nation. In this kingdom, it's unlikely anyone could survive such an overwhelming tide! Hillelina paced her room back and forth, her slender legs tapping lightly on the floor, creating a rhythmic sound. Aside from the taps, only her faint breathing could be heard. Her concern for Lynn wasn't because she had any particular affection for him. The reason was simple. That night, when Lynn asked for her assistance, he promised to replace Ivette in the mission to Helremius Tomb with Hillelina's Grave Diggers Squad, resolving the crisis therein. Now with Lynn imprisoned, that agreement seemed void, which greatly displeased Hillelina. Especially as she felt cheated, for some reason, igniting an inexplicable fury within her. After considerable time, Hillelina finally made her decision. She would visit the Executor's prison overnight, to see Lynn one last time before the public trial. Currently, the security around Lynn was tight, leaving no chance for outsiders to meet him. Fortunately, as a Crown Princess, summoning a prisoner in the Executor's prison wasn't too challenging. In prison, Lynn was subjected to "special treatment," numerous punishments employed on him as he hung on a torture device. As the primary suspect of the prosthetic case, many sought to eliminate him swiftly. However, Saint Laurent VI's insistence on a public trial was perplexing. Thus, for now, risks were mitigated with a bit of suffering. And Lynn was fully aware of this dynamic. Despite standing at the brink of a deep abyss, he showed no signs of panic or despair. In some ways, he felt like he was cosplaying as the Prisoner of Fate. Lynn mused bitterly. Of course, these punishments weren't agony to him, for such pain was negligible. He silently calculated. Considering the speed of information travel among the nobles, the person he awaited was likely arriving soon. Indeed, just as this thought formed, the sound of brisk footsteps echoed from the entrance. Distinct clicks of high heels touching the ground indicated the person's urgent pace. Moments later, the faces of the Executor's members transformed from severe coldness to unprecedented humility as they saw someone. "Open the door, I want to see him." "At your command, Your Highness." They respectfully opened the cell door. Soon, Hillelina's stunning visage appeared before Lynn. "You can leave. As ordered by the Sovereign, I have matters to discuss with him." This breached protocol somewhat. The lead interrogator hesitated noticeably. Yet seeing the authoritative air of the Crown Princess, he hesitated to draw her ire. After a brief pause, he chose to comply: "You have five minutes." Once the cell was cleared except for the two of them, Hillelina coldly scanned him and asked lightly, "Why did you do this?" Despite being battered and bruised, Lynn still bore a smile on his handsome face, even in such dire straits. His looks were undeniably appealing to women. Even in this hushed, muted state, he managed to soften the heart. However, Hillelina, deeply entrenched in political intrigue for years, remained unyielding, resolving not to betray her inner thoughts. On the other side, seeing Hillelina's frustration, Lynn smiled. Clearly, even the astute Crown Princess didn't grasp the entire truth. She was unaware of the events that transpired when the Tyrant of Malevolence descended upon the old factory, nor of the sacrifices Lynn made to save the imperial city of Glostin. Nonetheless, Lynn harbored no intention of explaining. What would informing Hillelina of the truth achieve? Ultimately, he'd still stand alone in battle. In this world, one's truest reliance is oneself. Thus, facing Hillelina's criticism, Lynn simply shook his head, calmly replying, "Esteemed Crown Princess, I haven't the slightest intention of breaking our agreement." Lynn's composed demeanor belied the predicament he faced. Compared to his wounded state, this unnerved Hillelina greatly. She realized something was missing from the narrative but sensed Lynn held something over which he refrained from divulging—a certainty or plan. "What gives you the confidence to say such things now?" Hillelina scrutinized Lynn. Reflecting on past intelligence and experiences, for some reason, she felt this man might indeed outmaneuver the dire circumstances. Perhaps it was the prior agreement that misled her into unrealistic hope—yet it seemed absurd. Even with her influence and insight, she saw no escape from this fatal end for Lynn. Perplexed, Hillelina watched him with curiosity as Lynn signaled her to approach. She hesitated momentarily. As royalty, it was her first time a man requested such close proximity for private words. Yet given the situation, she curbed her words, leaning slightly nearer. A faint, serene fragrance surrounded her as Lynn gently whispered something to her. "I need you to do two things for me." Moments later, Hillelina's expression shifted to something quite peculiar. Scrutinizing Lynn with skepticism, she expressed doubt. Bound by chains and bruised, Lynn should by all rights be defeated or barely clinging on. Yet, he seemed unperturbed. His relaxed expression ignored the wounds altogether. And his recent words held a confident undertone. Did he truly have foresight as he claimed? Or had he planned contingencies? Just as the thought rose, doubt erased it. Pre-emptively, she'd inquired about the Third Princess' state. Currently, Ivette was in poor condition, likely unconscious. Her forces were decimated, leaving no capacity to set up a contingency for Lynn. This meant his resolve sprang solely from within. Recalling Lynn's sensational past feats, Hillelina found herself speechless despite intending to challenge him. On reflection, even if the worst occurred, all she'd suffer was a slight indignation. Should this endeavor succeed, she might witness the birth of a miracle. In the end, Hillelina, adopting a skeptical yet hopeful stance, agreed to Lynn's plan. The following day, in the Imperial Council Room. Saint Laurent VI, numerous nobles, and leaders from the three major churches gathered together. Such a grand assembly hadn't been seen in the empire for quite some time. Their unified purpose: to trial the "Limbed One," Lynn. While some among them understood that Lynn might not be the "Limbed One," the Emperor needed closure, as did the citizens. All they needed was to present Lynn as a scapegoat. Besides, the charge of having killed the Fourth Prince, Joshua, was irrefutable. This single reason alone sufficed to send him to the gallows. At the session's outset, the Mosgra family, bearing a deep grudge, immediately proposed to condense the entire process, affirm Lynn's heinous crimes, and proceed directly to a public execution, asserting the empire's unyielding authority! For the Mosgra family, the enmity with Lynn from losing their heir could be nothing short of blood feud. Marquis Fred, as the head of the Mosgra family and Eunice's grandfather, had witnessed his granddaughter being killed by Lynn in a public duel. His hatred for Lynn was equally profound. Presented with a chance for revenge, how could he possibly let it slip away? Thus, led by him, a faction of Saint Laurent nobles unanimously supported his proposal. "Ladies and gentlemen! You are all dignified figures! If we fail to punish the demon known as the 'Limbed One' Lynn appropriately, we will lose the public's trust!" "The 'Limbed One' Lynn, this demonic executioner! He has ravaged countless citizens and nobles! These vile acts are all his doing!" Marquis Fred, well-prepared, presented documents detailing the crimes of the "Limbed One" Lynn. "Because of this demon! Many innocent people have lost their loved ones, valuable family members, and hope! Their lives could have been happy!" As a noble, rhetoric was his forte, and under the influence of both old and new grudges, his current speech was charged with genuine emotion. Indeed, his passionate address resonated with many neutral nobles. Some noble members, unaware of the full truth, silently aligned themselves with Marquis Fred. Now, of course, they were merely observing silently. Without tangible benefits, even if a noble agreed with you in their heart, they wouldn't exert themselves to help. The Crown Princess Hillelina, standing beside Saint Laurent VI, observed all this coldly. This was precisely what Lynn had predicted. During their talk the previous night, Lynn had forewarned her about potential occurrences in the council chamber. The spirited performance by Marquis Fred was one such scenario Lynn had anticipated. Hillelina watched Marquis Fred's display in silence. At this moment, his impassioned speech aimed solely to pin the 'Limbed One' label on Lynn. Ultimately, it was for self-serving purposes. In any case, the final decision rested with Saint Laurent VI and the cardinals of the three major churches. "Your Majesty! I propose we simplify everything! Let us burn this demon!" Predictably. Upon hearing Marquis Fred's fervent plea, Saint Laurent VI remained unresponsive, his expression indifferent, as if the notion of losing a son was of no consequence. He recognized that Marquis Fred was merely putting on a show for him. Seeing this, Marquis Fred discreetly glanced at Cardinal Connor of the Truth Church. On matters concerning Lynn, the two were of the same camp. As a cardinal of the Truth Church, Connor held a prestigious status, revered wherever he went. Yet, during the banquet, being publicly embarrassed by Lynn was an indelible humiliation. However, due to Saint Laurent VI's leniency, Connor couldn't pursue Lynn for his disrespect and insolence, fueling his deep-seated animosity. Further compounding this, Lynn's actions against the Truth Church in the Soren Mountains were enough to plunge both sides into a prolonged struggle. A localized church of a city was obliterated by Lynn's thunderous hand! And yet he couldn't chase retribution. Thus, Connor was increasingly convinced that Lynn was some demonic infiltrator, a suspicion that lingered even now. How else could he have survived that catastrophe? Since that banquet, Bishop Connor hadn't mentioned the event to anyone, akin to a venomous serpent lurking, ready for a lethal strike. Now seemed the moment to bear its fangs. "Your Majesty, Marquis Fred's argument holds weight. The Truth Church concurs that we simplify the trial proceedings. The evidence is irrefutable, and the offender's voluntary surrender warrants an immediate judgment." Connor's authority dwarfed Marquis Fred's substantially. Under his leadership, many nobles found direction, aligning their support: "Your Majesty, the Cardinal's proposal is sound. Why not skip straight to the righteous result?" "Your Majesty! This demon must face harsh punishment!" Their "unified" front caused Saint Laurent VI to squint quietly, not uttering a word. Meanwhile, Cardinal Connor awaited Saint Laurent VI's response. Ultimately, his vendetta against Lynn wasn't just out of personal spite—it was strategic. Lynn was a prodigious anomaly. Even with Ivette's considerable prowess, Connor could coordinate with the nobility to curb her influence using political sway. Ivette wasn't skilled in machinations. Lynn, however, was different. Even as an adversary, his unmatched strategic mind had to be acknowledged. His presence could entirely compensate for Ivette's deficiencies. Connor believed that given time, Ivette and her forces could evolve into a formidable and terrifying entity. As a participant of the King's Selection Ceremony, this was something Cardinal Connor wouldn't permit. In the eyes of the church hierarchy, Ivette was best kept as an imperial tool—easily discarded once it had outlived its usefulness. For tools mustn't possess thoughts or capabilities to defy fate. Hence, Lynn had to die. Otherwise, Connor would never have collaborated with Marquis Fred. Meanwhile, hearing the appeals, Saint Laurent VI observed the assembly quietly. His reasoning was simple. From his perspective, the church and nobility seemed uncomfortably united—why had the Mosgra family sided with the Truth Church? He appeared in no rush to make a decision, awaiting reactions from the other two churches, his gaze icy. The atmosphere within the hall swelled. Cardinal Connor's interjection inspired many nobles to echo Marquis Fred's proposal. It was then that the previously silent Crown Princess Hillelina stood forth. "Since there's no unison, why not employ the empire's most fair and just trial method: the Trial of the Sacred Tree?" The moment Hillelina's words fell, a silence descended over the hall. Marquis Fred's speech halted abruptly as he looked up in surprise at the Crown Princess. Meanwhile, Cardinal Connor's expression grew apprehensive, foretelling a scene he dreaded. Why had she introduced this complication? Facing the audience's gaze, Hillelina's countenance remained calm. Indeed, everything unfolded as Lynn had described. Casting a silent sweep over the assembly, she offered no further words. However, some newer noble families, whose lineage was not as lengthy, seemed unfamiliar with Hillelina's suggestion and began to murmur, seeking clarity. Explanations soon followed. Trial of the Sacred Tree—it is as the name suggests. The sacred tree standing at the empire's heart serves myriad mystical roles, one of which is the Trial of the Sacred Tree—a method historically employed to trial the empowered and nobility. Given that certain noble influences and high-tier strength could be formidable, making it uncertain whether the chief justices could remain unbiased, the Sacred Tree was sometimes employed for judgment. Moreover, this method would allow everyone to witness the crimes committed by the great nobles, thereby diminishing their influence among the populace. The Sacred Tree of the Holy Spirit could reveal the true memories and deepest secrets of the one on trial, projecting them as images on the central sky screen above the imperial capital. No matter how powerful these people's connections were, they could not hide their heinous nature. After the trial, the Sacred Tree would bestow rewards on those who are good and have contributed, and deliver the harshest divine punishment on those who are gravely sinful, allowing all the citizens of the capital to see justice served. This was the Sacred Tree Trial Hillelina referred to. All present, being either nobles or church affiliates, understood what the Sacred Tree Trial represented. Marquis Fred was the first to express opposition. With a look of indignation, he rebutted, "Your Highness, there's no need to waste time on such sinners!" Hillelina met Marquis Fred's challenge with a cold glance. Realizing his faux pas under her gaze, Fred bit his lip in apology, "Forgive me, Your Highness. I've been blinded by hatred—this demon executioner killed my granddaughter." At this, Cardinal Connor interjected, "Though hasty, the Marquis makes a valid point." "The Limbed One, Lynn, has committed grievous sins. We have investigated thoroughly, and there's no need to waste further time. The people of the capital wish to see the criminal punished swiftly." The intention here was to assert the Truth Church's stance. Now, the decision between the Truth Church and the Crown Princess's proposal rested with Saint Laurent VI. All eyes turned towards the Emperor. Feeling the focus shift towards him, Saint Laurent VI remained silent momentarily before speaking slowly: "What Cardinal Connor says makes sense." At this, Marquis Fred's face lit up with joy. Meanwhile, though Cardinal Connor's face remained calm, he breathed a subtle sigh of relief. He hadn't anticipated that Saint Laurent VI might have something more to add, pausing briefly before continuing: "But Hillelina's suggestion holds merit. Displaying such a sinner beneath the central sky screen will deter lawlessness." "Rapturous Church and Serenity Church, you seem silent today. I wonder what your Cardinals think about this matter." Thus, Saint Laurent VI handed over the decision-making to the Cardinals of the two initially silent churches. Both Cardinals from the Serenity Church and Rapturous Church bowed humbly, indicating: "We leave it to His Majesty's discretion." Seeing this, Saint Laurent VI's expression softened a fraction. "With all three major churches present, let's have the Cardinals vote on Hillelina's proposal. Do you agree or disagree?" Hearing this, Cardinal Connor frowned and objected immediately, "Your Majesty, my stance remains: the criminal's guilt is certain, and there's no need to delay." Saint Laurent VI nodded slightly but said nothing more, shifting his focus to the Cardinals of the Serenity Church and the Rapturous Church. Now faced with a decision, the two knew they couldn't remain silent. Connor glanced at the other two, slightly reassured. He had confidence in the vote's outcome. The Serenity Church, absorbed in reviving the Goddess of the Crescent Moon, had not allied with any noble factions for a long while. And the Rapturous Church had maintained a neutral stance, never expressing interest in the King's Selection Ceremony, so naturally wouldn't side with Crown Princess Hillelina. Backing Hillelina now would clearly align them with her faction. The tension in the room heightened, the breathing of attendees becoming more measured. However, unexpectedly, a bizarre yet very real turn of events unfolded before everyone's eyes, including Saint Laurent VI. Under the gaze of all, the Cardinal of the Serenity Church stepped forward calmly and raised a hand. "We support Her Highness, the Crown Princess's proposal." A collective gasp swept through the room. Were it not for Saint Laurent VI's presence, the assembly would have erupted into frantic debate. Familiar glances exchanged between nobles reflected a unified curiosity. When did the Serenity Church stand behind Crown Princess Hillelina? If so, it could shift the dynamics in this King's Selection Ceremony, diminishing Prince Felit's apparent advantage. Cardinal Connor, also deeply puzzled, sought answers through silent questioning as to why the church powers failed to unite, diverging on such a seemingly trivial issue. But his silent inquiries went unanswered. What was happening? Connor's mind raced, struggling to fathom it. Yet there remained a vote held by the Rapturous Church, which, given their neutral stance, would likely naturally oppose. However, such a thought was immediately proven wrong. The Cardinal of the Rapturous Church glanced over the assembly and stated calmly, "The Rapturous Church too supports the Crown Princess's proposal." Stunning silence fell once more. Nobody foresaw this voting outcome. For a fleeting moment, Cardinal Connor's face twitched with a shade of grimace, nearly losing emotional composure. Numerous nobles couldn't resist whispering among themselves. "Has the Rapturous Church also aligned with the Crown Princess?" "It seems the imperial selection has gained new uncertainties..." Meanwhile, Saint Laurent VI merely cast a slightly surprised look at Hillelina, his expression unchanging. To him, as long as the three churches weren't unified, it was favorable. Through the Truth Church’s stance, the desired outcome had emerged as he wished. Whether the Sacred Tree Trial was a waste of time, he cared little. In a regal tone, the Emperor's voice cut through: "Thus, this matter will proceed as per Hillelina's proposal." The wording finalized the disposition regarding Lynn's case. Marquis Fred gaped, as though cast from heaven to the depths. An unacceptable conclusion for him. He yearned for that wretched boy's immediate death, to savor tearing him apart. Yet with Saint Laurent VI's decree, he dared not oppose further. The matter had moved past deliberation; questioning Lynn’s fate now equated to challenging the Emperor himself. Likewise, by meeting's end, Cardinal Connor departed with a sullen expression, still baffled. Had the Serenity and Rapturous Churches taken a misstep somewhere? Or perhaps Hillelina brokered an alliance with them in secret? Outside the council hall, in a four-wheeled carriage. Once inside, Crown Princess Hillelina’s strained visage relaxed. Yet disbelief flickered across her features, as she gazed blankly at her own reflection in the window, lost in thought. The truth was, Hillelina only played a simple messenger role, passing on two notes from Lynn to the higher-ups of the Serenity and Rapturous Churches. At the time, she hadn’t seen the significance, but now it seemed that everything unfolded under Lynn’s control! Strictly speaking, Hillelina hadn’t exerted much effort. In the end, the churches’ display, Saint Laurent VI's decisions, even his words—stood within Lynn’s foresight, steering events per his intent. This was the source of Hillelina’s astonishment. What seemed a certain demise was somehow turned around by the youth with just two simple notes! Though the Sacred Tree Trial still posed risks, it presented the best outcome compared to demands for immediate execution from Marquis Fred and others. Lynn, by sheer capability, grasped the slender string of survival from an abyss. Wait! Reflecting on last night’s events in the prison, a salient detail struck Hillelina. Lynn directed her to propose the “Sacred Tree Trial” at the "appropriate" moment, handing her two notes to deliver to Tia, the saint of the Serenity Church, and the Cardinal of the Rapturous Church. Initially, Hillelina hadn't thought much of it, but upon reflection, she realized something was amiss. Lynn's hands and feet were shackled at that time, which meant the two notes must have been prepared in advance. In other words, Lynn predicted how events would unfold even before his arrest! With that realization, Lynn’s image as a prodigy with an enigmatic aura grew even more prominent in her mind. Hillelina even had a faint sense that he might truly emerge unscathed from this ordeal. Once again, Hillelina quickly made her way to the Executor's prison, dismissing the guards to speak with Lynn privately. Troubled by the multitude of questions, she needed answers. "You've come," Lynn remarked upon her arrival, seemingly unfazed. Despite the whirlwind of emotions within her, Hillelina suppressed her flood of questions, took a deep breath, and softly recounted the day's proceedings at the council. Throughout, Lynn remained composed and occasionally responded with a simple "hmm." Yet the more he maintained this demeanor, the more it irked Hillelina. Until she finally reached the point where the three major churches voted two to one in favor of her proposal for the Sacred Tree Trial, and she couldn't hold back any longer, asking bluntly, "Was this all part of your plan?" Lynn didn’t hide his tactics. He simply shook his head slightly and replied softly: "I only predicted what they would do." He laid out the causes and effects thoroughly for Hillelina, dissecting the situation piece by piece. Just as Hillelina had suspected, every event, from start to finish, had unfolded according to Lynn’s calculations. Lynn had anticipated everyone's responses, understanding their personalities and the choices they would make. He had considered all this before the battle at the Divine Moon's Rift. From the beginning, he knew the magnitude of his actions and thus meticulously planned ahead. Lynn was certain that when Hillelina proposed the Sacred Tree Trial, the Truth Church would oppose it vigorously. And because the Serenity Church and the Rapturous Church had been relatively passive over the years, the Truth Church had become quite vociferous, prompting Saint Laurent VI to intervene to avoid its unchallenged dominance. Indeed, the events unfolded as Lynn had predicted, culminating in a voting decision. This was the outcome Lynn desired. Next, it was time for those two notes to play their part. Without those notes, the Serenity Church and the Rapturous Church would have sided with the Truth Church, casting their votes in opposition. Those notes contained information capable of swaying these two churches' positions. This fact left Hillelina puzzled. Individuals of such esteemed rank as the Cardinals are few in the empire, with their status nearly unparalleled. How could such figures so readily change their stance over a few lines in a note? "What exactly did those notes I delivered say?" Hillelina, still unsatisfied after hearing Lynn's explanation, asked with a frown. In response, Lynn smiled softly, "That's a secret." As a magician, maintaining an aura of mystery helps captivate the audience’s interest. It might spark Hillelina's curiosity about him. That was Lynn's intent. The content of the notes was indeed straightforward. Each note targeted a different direction. For the Serenity Church and the Rapturous Church, a one-size-fits-all approach wouldn't work. Starting with the Serenity Church. To sway their Cardinal into a vote of approval, Lynn needed to address their core concern: the former Silent Saintess, now the usurped Goddess of the Crescent Moon, Tia. After the battle at the Divine Moon's Rift, Lynn never doubted Tia's complete command over the Serenity Church. Thus, he only needed to inform her of the notes' contents, and she'd ensure her Cardinal voted in favor. The challenge was how to similarly sway the Rapturous Church. Lynn had had no prior dealings with this church, leaving limited options. In dealing with unknown entities, Lynn avoided rash actions, instead relying on time-tested methods: appealing to their desires. For anyone with desires, there exists an opportunity to influence them. Thus, Lynn presented them with an irresistible offer. Drawing from the novel's lore, Lynn knew the Rapturous Church had long been following divine directives to unearth the World Tree. Yet, years had passed without success, a challenge that confounded them. Thus, utilizing his foresight, Lynn offered the precise location of the World Tree from the story as bargaining chips, requesting their support in return. This led to the astonishing scene witnessed not long ago. In the end, Lynn's plan had achieved perfect execution. Even though Hillelina wasn’t privy to all the details, Lynn's composed demeanor conveyed confidence. Despite her mental preparation, she found herself amazed by recent events. Furthermore, she began to wonder, "Why isn't this guy working for me?" leading her to experience an unprecedented twinge of jealousy towards Ivette. Hillelina had never before felt this toward anyone. Unaware of Hillelina's thoughts to "poach" him, Lynn continued contemplating her earlier words. According to her account, he would be escorted to the Ecclesiastical Square in three days, where, under the watchful eyes of millions, he would face the trial by the Sacred Tree.