Chapter: The Trial Meant to Break Him
"Are you trying to ruin your reputation by willingly taking on a difficult trial?"
The jab came out of nowhere. It wasn't shocking because it was new—just frustratingly predictable.
It was such an outdated tactic, something even the Empire had long stopped bothering with.
Still, it had to be said—they were persistent.
So far, no matter what the Sierra and Giovanni nobles threw at Abel, he had taken it all on without flinching.
'But the people here don't know that.'
Sure, maybe they had heard rumors. But could they have truly imagined that he'd be able to keep a clear head even in the most complex and emotionally charged situations?
Either way, it didn't matter.
"Fine," Abel said calmly. "I'll take the trial."
There was a stir in the room. Smiles, smug nods, and thinly veiled satisfaction spread like a slow wave across the faces in the conference hall.
