[Lifespan Remaining: 3 days, 0 hours, 53 minutes.]
"It was me who defeated Leviathan and sent it back to the Spiritual World," Lenia suddenly rose up from her seat with a smug grin on her face.
"Do you dare to question that? Mr. Noble?"
The noble who had challenged Noct faltered.
"But witnesses reported seeing a figure surrounded by green wind—"
"A magical construct."
Lenia answered without the slightest hesitation.
"One created using a spirit relic I have spent several years researching. Surely you don’t expect a 7-Star Magus to explain the principles behind her magic to every minor noble who raises his hand?"
’She’s...strong-arming him...’
Lenia then pointed toward Noelle. "The maid helped by entering the creature’s body under my direction and destroyed Faust de Arcadia, severing Leviathan’s connection to the Mortal World."
Noelle glanced toward Noct. Her expression did not change, but he could tell she understood exactly what Lenia was doing.
"As for Noct," the witch continued, "I found him inside the mine after Leviathan’s ritual destabilized the Ley Line. He survived because the spirits residing there protected him until I arrived. So his involvement, and subsequent testimonies, are all true."
The High Judge studied Lenia for several moments, before sighing softly. "Lady Eis, are you formally claiming responsibility for Leviathan’s banishment?"
"I am."
Noct nearly sighed out loud. Lenia managed to protect one of his most important secrets. Unfortunately, she had also volunteered for the spotlight and all the hassles that came along with it.
"Then this court accepts your accout, Lady Eis," the High Judge slammed his gavel once more. "Lord Faust de Arcadia is hereby found guilty of all charges brought before this court."
BANG—!
"His personal holdings shall be seized and used to compensate the victims of the Altaire disaster. All officials, soldiers, and nobles suspected of assisting his operation shall be investigated individually and tried according to the extent of their involvement."
Several members of Faust’s faction visibly paled. "The judgment against Faust de Arcadia is concluded."
The High Judge flipped into the next section of his binder, before directing all attention to Amon, who had been sitting quietly the entire time.
"Now... we shall address the future of the Altaire Crystal Mines, as well as ownership rights and management rights as decided by Duke Amon Arcadia."
The atmosphere inside the hall changed immediately. Now with such a huge amount of property damage, whoever controlled those mines effectively controlled the city of Altaire.
Though for some reason, Amelia didn’t look as excited as the retinue behind her, who were already scrambling to produce documents and statements between themselves.
Noct glanced at the stack of documents Aurora had brought with them, all probably filled with whatever claims and arguments that would keep proceedings going until nightfall.
Possibly until tomorrow morning even.
Amon rose from his seat and spoke casually. "The Altaire Crystal Mine was discovered inside land belonging to House Arcadia. "Therefore, both the land and all resources contained beneath it currently fall under the authority of the Arcadia Duchy."
"However, recent findings have established that the mine cannot be managed as an ordinary mineral deposit. It contains a Ley Line, serves as a habitat for numerous spirits, and remains directly connected to the continued stability of Altaire."
Lenia nodded approvingly.
"Therefore, its owner must possess an understanding of the spirits, the circumstances behind the mine’s formation, and the dangers involved in exploiting it."
Noct leaned slightly toward Aurora.
"How long do you think this will take?"
"At least several hours," she whispered. "Those officials are probably preparing all sorts of cases against you right now."
"Great."
"There are also environmental restrictions proposed by Lenia," Amon continued. "So after reviewing the testimony, circumstances, and future requirements of the mine..."
But that was when Amelia suddenly stood up. The action was so decisive and quick that her own retinue flinched, not sure what was going on. But before long, she voiced her opinion...and confessed.
"I wish to withdraw my claim to the mines."
’What...?!’
"L—lady Amelia, what are you saying? How could you—"
But Amelia simply shrugged the man off. "I confess that I knew about the tunnels. Even after the disappearances became known, I chose not to report them. Even if I had a hunch that it was happening..."
"I had ceased mining, as Father ordered. But I concealed the route because I hoped to use it again if I secured the rights," she continued. "But I did not know those workers served Faust. Nevertheless, I withheld information that might have exposed them."
Amon regarded her for a moment. "Are you sure?"
Behind Amelia, one of her advisers leaned forward urgently. "My lady, we should discuss this before—"
"I’m certain."
The man sank back into his seat.
Amelia kept her eyes on her father. "Diamond Merchantry will continue providing supplies for the displaced citizens. We’ve already arranged temporary shelters and deliveries from the neighboring territories."
"And who is overseeing their distribution?"
"I am. With the Baron gone and several officials detained, someone needed to."
Amon nodded. "Then continue. Submit your expenses and reconstruction proposals to my officials."
"Yes, Father."
That was all, but Noct had a suspicious feeling that this played into her favor quite well. She definitely felt guilty, that part was not a total lie. However, Noct knew what her angle was.
She was organizing supplies, directing workers, and handling the responsibilities abandoned by Altaire’s officials. Now, she had permission to continue doing so. And when the time came to appoint someone to administer the city, who would be the most convenient choice?
The person already doing it.
’You’ve found something else you want, haven’t you? Looks like some things never change.’
"Now," Amon continued. "As I was saying. "Effective immediately, full legal ownership of the Altaire Crystal Mine shall be transferred to Noct de Arcadia."
His father looked directly toward him. "All decisions concerning its operation, extraction rights, distribution, and internal administration shall fall under his authority."
Lenia raised one hand. "That would be me."
Amon looked mildly annoyed but continued on. "Beyond those restrictions, the mine and all resources produced within it belong to Noct de Arcadia."
"That is my judgment."
Noct leaned back in his seat, breathing out a small sigh of relief. Even if no one else was here to challenge him, with Amon de Arcadia, nothing was guaranteed.
The High Judge cleared his throat. "Duke Amon, for the royal record, you told me you would be transferring management rights..."
"I changed my mind," the Duke spoke with ease. "Give him full ownership."
The old man nodded, scribbling something onto the paper in front of him before turning to Noct. "Does the recipient agree to these terms?"
’Free things are usually never free. There has to be some kind of catch.’
Yet, the Duke didn’t even bother hearing Noct’s answer. The man simply turned around and walked toward the back door, with the rest of Arcadia’s officials following right after him.
Noct kept having this lingering feeling in his stomach. Even if Amelia hadn’t resigned her claim, a part of him already knew Amon would give him the mines, but never knew why.
He then turned his head toward the ownership documents that had been given to him, resting upon the dais with a blank stare. But out of the corner of his eye, he managed to catch Noelle’s expression.
She was the only person in the room who did not appear surprised in the slightest. Their eyes met, only for her to look away immediately.
Noct narrowed his remaining eye.
’What the hell did she do?’
But regardless, all he had to do now was provide a signature, and the entire thing would become his. And well, obviously...
"I accept."