Britannia District Court

"I see," the judge said. He looked at the defense lawyer beside Zared and continued. "You may start your cross-examination, defense lawyer."

Zane awaited the questions and the pressing. Whatever they were.

Zared let his lawyer up. He went over to Zared and began to question him.

"I see, I see. However, there are a couple of things that bug me about what you say" Zareds lawyer said.

"First of all, you said Zared was inexpirienced with his new job as a servant. We shall come back to that. Secondly, you said a messenger came and told you that the Duke's ball was a fluke. Of course, unless the messenger was sent by that of Britiannia in hopes to protect the Head of the House, it would of had to been someone you knew, or a messenger sent from someone you know, maybe even from a organization you know who told you, since you took immediate action, and left right before the attack, which shows the messenger also knew of the attack about to commence. And that also means no proof of the ball being fake could of been given in time, since, as I said, you took immediate action. Tell us, the judge and the , Zane, was the messenger from Britiannia? Remember, you made a oath to tell the truth. and, If Britiannia didn't send the messenger who could of known the ball was a fluke, know about the attack heading your way, be able to tell you moments before the attack, and have enough trust from you in order for you to believe such a accusation?"

Zared looked to his lawyer kinda asstonished. Confused even. Zared was never "sophisticated" with anything other then his knightmare. and Zared also wondered what he planned to do with his inexpirience as a servent

(sorry about such a late reply, schools been busy >.<)

Zane shrugged. He had a lot of questions.

Before he could answer, the prosecutor objected. "Your Honor, the defense lawyer is badgering the witness!"

The judge thought about it for a while.
"Though some questions are valid, you are at some point, yes," he looked at the lawyer. "One at a time, defense lawyer."

He nodded. "I apologize. First things first though." He turned to look at Zane. "Who came and informed you of the attack moments before it happened?"

"The one who informed me is the one we buy tea from," he replied.

(jan asked me to tell you to don't forget to post in PP too. ^^)

He nodded to Zane's reply. "Do you know how she, or he, could of came across such delicate information? Word of a attack doesn't just leak into the street so willy-nilly."

(Tell her thx for reminding me)

"No, I don't," he said. "But it was enough for me to trust, especially after a suspicious movement from Zared earlier that night."

"A suspicious movement you say?" The lawyer questioned. "What exactly did he do?"

"Late at night, he left the villa's compounds after the young lady went to sleep," he said. "I took note of it but I did not act upon it."

"Which brings up Zared's inexperience. Was Zared informed he wasn't allowed to leave the grounds? Or was it not him leaving, but how he did it?"

"Don't be mistaken. No one needs briefing that you are not allowed to leave the compound without permission. That's common sense," he said. "Especially on your first day. And yes, he left with a cloak, all subtle and such."

"Common sense for those familiar with the way. But thats irrelevant. Just One more question. Was Zared informed that, as part of his job, that he was to remain by the side of Lady Anisette, even in such a crisis?"

"No, common sense for those who have it," he shrugged.
"It isn't part of his job," he said. "He is a footman. He's only to be with the young lady during balls such as the supposed Duke's ball.

At another rate, just to clarify. Lady Anisette is the head of House Michaels," he said sternly. "One of the direct force of Britannia. I have yet to brief Zared about his other job then, as part of the militia of the young lady."

He nodded. "I have no more questions for him, your Honor."

Zane nodded and went back to the plaintiff's table.

"Your Honor," the prosecutor spoke. "What do you make of this?"

The Judge cleared his throat.

"From what I've heard, it is obvious that Zared, although his job wasn't completely aware to him, went with his actions in a inconspicuous way the day before the attack. There is no proof to what he did during this time, however, it leans towards association with the assault, as he went forth to the attack squad and unleashed a explosion, which could be seen as a planned suicide bombing. Overall, with no solid evidence in his defense, Zared is seen with association of the attack."

Zane stood up.

"Yes, I agree, Your Honor," he said. "This trial is held by Britannia, as it is a big issue. But I would like to appeal for Zared Ryoku."

The Judge raised a eyebrow to what Zane said.

"I will allow this."

"As much as this pains me to admit," he said. "I have been terribly careless when it came to this man. He was part of the Cult of C but I still allowed him to work in our walls. When he left the vicinity, I should have followed him. Therefore, due to many factors, he is not lone responsible for this. I do not deny that he could be guilty. However, he may not be. And for this, I appeal for not guilty verdict unless there's solid proof of this crime."

The Judge nodded to Zane's works.

"Your words are carefully taken to attention, Zane. This case is a most stressing one, since there is no proof of commitment of crime, nor any proof of innocence. A decision shall be made from all that has been spoken of, unless someone wishes to bring forth evidence, or another witness steps forth."

(it's in the judge's power. there's no jury in this trial)

(Edited. Thanks for noting that.)

The courtroom was quiet. Neither the prosecutor nor the defense lawyer had anything to say.

Zane wasn't going to, and he was pretty sure Anisette wouldn't either.

As he noted the silence, the Judge lifted his mallet in preparation to seal his decision.

"I have made a decision. Zared Ryoku, the court finds you...

Not Guilty."

He brought down the mallet as it sounded through the room.

(Two little words. So hard to write XD)

(do you really want to be guilty? haha.)

As soon as the verdict was told, and it was made official, Zane passed through Zared and said lowly. "We don't owe you anything anymore."