Serena's act of saving the people from the shadow beast became the talk of the capital.
Some began to doubt whether she was truly a demon—yet at the same time, a new rumor spread like wildfire:
"Her power draws the monsters to us."
Behind that whisper, pulling every string, stood the daughter of House Valkyria.
A City of Distrust
The midday market rang with uneasy voices.
"Is it true? That the beast came… because her power lured it here?""If that's the case, even if she saves us, she's still a danger!"
Fear bled into anger.
Serena's name now carried two faces:The savior of lives.And the herald of disaster.
Valkyria's Design
Within the great hall of House Valkyria, Irena sat with poise upon a throne of carved oak.
Her supporting nobles delivered their reports.
"The rumor spreads well, my lady. Her power is now seen as more dangerous than ever."
Irena's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Good… It is time we turn rumor into law."
Rising gracefully, her eyes gleamed.
"I will propose to the Royal Council that we establish a Tribunal of Forbidden Arts—to judge her power formally."
The Summons
Two days later, a letter from the royal court reached Serena.
Her hands trembled as she read aloud:
"You are hereby summoned to stand trial for the charge of wielding forbidden power.The Tribunal shall convene in the Hall of Flames in seven days' time."
Her eyes shook with despair.
"No… this isn't true. I used it only to protect everyone…"
But reality was cruel.
The world outside did not seek truth.It sought only an excuse—to cast her out.
The Prince in Chains
Crown Prince Lucius faced crushing pressure within the palace halls.
"Your Highness… you must cease defending her. If you show favoritism, the faith of the people will collapse."
He slammed his fist upon the table in fury.
"She is not a demon! I saw her with my own eyes—her power saved lives!"
But the nobles only laughed coldly.
"Your Highness, you are but one witness. The people believe what they hear in rumor, not what you claim as truth.The power of words outweighs the power of sight."
Lucius clenched his fists until blood dripped from his palm, bound once more by duty and crown.
Serena's Fear
That night, Serena sat alone in the academy's garden, trembling.
"The tribunal… If they condemn my power as forbidden… the name of House Alveir will be erased forever."
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she gripped her chest.
This was no battle on the field—but a battle against the prejudice of the entire world.
A war she did not know how to win.
A Shadow's Vow
In the darkness, the tall figure of Kyren Adelric appeared.
He did not step forward, nor offer comfort.He only watched her from the shadows, his gaze heavy with sorrow.
"Last time… you lost in the Tribunal, and everything was taken from you.""But this time… I will not allow history to repeat itself."
His whisper vanished into the night wind, leaving only a vow unheard by any but the stars.
Valkyria's Smile
Irena stepped into her carriage bound for the palace, her eyes glittering with triumph.
Softly, almost tenderly, she murmured Serena's fate:
"You wish to be light? Beautiful, yes.But light the world cannot understand… is flame to be extinguished."
Her smile was colder than the night air itself.
Closing Scene
The tolling of the Tribunal's bell drew near.
The girl who had proven with her blade that her power was a shield, not a curse—was now to be dragged into the Hall of Judgment,a chamber not of justice, but of schemes and manipulation.
And upon that path awaited the harshest trial of her life.