The first time Soren had entered the Glass, Vinegar had explained that the Eldritch whales supply other resources aside from Soul-steel.

Some produced Aether, which was currently the most reliable fuel in the world.

But to think that they were also the reason for the permanent deletion of soulbonds was beyond him.

Then again, Vinegar did say that Cynthia needed the resin produced by Big Mama for her surgery.

It was mostly to destroy her twin's connection to the Shade that made her life a living hell.

And now, that same resin stared at him, ready to destroy his connection to Chronovore.

At such a time, Soren's mind worked fast. He looked around, eyes searching for a blade that could ensure a quick death.

Unfortunately, his Soul-steel dagger was not with him. That would have made things easier.

If he died and went back to the beginning of today, maybe he could change things. Or at least influence the outcome enough that he does not have to lose his Shade and then his life.

His mind worked fast. There were no guards in the courtroom.

Then again, with Scarvguard here, Soren doubted there was a need for it.

He had felt the man's soul energy pressure before. Only foolishness would make him think that such a person was one he could stand in a fight.

What else?

What else could he use?

His eyes fell on the table. It was metallic. Of course the edges were smooth and curvy.

But Soren could no doubt break it to find a rough, sharp blade for an effective suicide.

His fingers slowly traced the edge of the table, slightly applying a bit of force to first test how malleable the metal was.

At this same time, his gaze focused on Scarvguard. After all, he was the only one in this room Soren believed would stop him.

While there was Lema, and Soren had no idea of her combat prowess or its relevance—he doubted she would care if he killed himself after the entire 'Blasphemy' accusation.

The metal bent slightly under his strength.

Yes. This could work.

Soren told himself.

However, just as he was about to act, a figure stood up.

"Excuse me, your honor." Devon began. "If you don't mind, I do have a question for the jury."

The council head was taken aback by the sudden request. But he did not see anything to it.

After all, Soren's fate was already sealed.

He waved a hand, as if saying, 'Hurry up; let's get this over with.'

Devon turned to the bald man. "Pardon me for asking. I just want to be sure of the details.

My client is free of all charges except the charge of killing a noble of the empire. Is that correct?"

The bald man turned to his fellow jury members and then back to the council head before nodding, "That is correct."

"If I might ask, is this as a result of Section 10 of the Royalty and Noble Protection Act by the first emperor—which protects the rights of all nobles from any harm from a commoner?"

The bald man nodded. "Yes, it is. All commoners that harm nobles, regardless of circumstances, must be punished. And in the case of the death of the noble, they should also face the death penalty."

Devon nodded. "Oh, I see. But this law only applies to a noble-to-commoner relationship, doesn't it?"

"Devon Lamington, what are you driving at!?" The council head bellowed. "The verdict has been given."

Devon acted puzzled, massaging his jawline. "But... uh, that can't be."

"What do you mean?" The council head leaned forward.

"Oh," Devon said, facepalming, but a smirk was hiding at a corner of his lips. "Did I forget to say it?

My client is a noble."

"WHAT!?" Everyone in the courtroom, including Soren, turned to him in shock.

Everyone except one more person.

"Devon Lamington, do you know what you are saying? To impersonate the status of nobility is a severe offense. If it's a lie, not just your client, but even you as a noble will be hanged."

Even Soren felt lost. "Dude," he whispered. "I don't think you should go that far. I'm touched and all, but..."

Devon simply turned and winked at him.

Soren could not tell what it was, but the confidence the man carried was strong.

The council head suddenly chuckled mockingly.

After the stunt Devon pulled, revealing a state secret about the deaths of the first-year cadets, the head council member had been wanting to find a way to pay this cocky lawyer back.

After all, the leak of that information was going to cost the academy dearly.

But to think that Devon would dig a hole for himself.

This was good. This was really good.

Even though Devon was from a reputable family, he would just have to deal with that later.

For now, he would exercise his power to the fullest the law could allow.

"Devon Lamington, do you have any evidence to back this claim—a last name, or a..." he chuckled again, "a nobility status granted by the emperor?"

"Yes. I do." Devon smiled back. "Your honor, I believe you are familiar with the name Waterfell."

~Silence.

Not one person spoke. Even Scarvguard holding the tray turned, stunned.

Devon turned around a bit. He enjoyed the shock on the faces of those present.

Even he had been surprised by when he found out. This was the true reason he had given Soren his card that time and told him to reach out whenever he could.

After all, which noble family in the empire did not know of the Waterfell noble family?

Devon stepped out. "The Waterfell noble family. The only noble family with nobility in two empires and one kingdom.

The most elusive of noble families. The reason we won both the third-generation and the fourth-generation wars so easily.

A family so elusive that all they have in the Almace empire is a huge landmass—an ancestral grave.

They possess no known castles, no known estates, and yet, not one person born of that family has been ordinary.

So incredible is their greatness that many have called them... Miracles."

(Author's note: So there is more to come—stay tuned. Please Golden Tickets, ensure the book is voted up. That way I get more exposure and more encouragement to bring you peak content. Thank you for your patronage.)

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