Reincarnated as the Lady Prodigy

Thirty-Seven

The Young Boy in the Cellar

People watched as a certain masked person is being escorted by several knights.

Murmurs filled the area as passersby couldn't help but talk amongst themselves wondering who the mysterious masked person is especially with the numbers of knights escorting him and the symbol of the flag the carriage has, more importantly, they exited the infamous newly established auction house.

"Who's that?"

"He must a nobles' son,"

"Look, look, those are..."

"Doesn't it look like they're arresting him?"

"Sssh! They might hear you!"

Like a gust of continuous wind, news traveled fast. There are numerous speculations as to why the masked person is with the knights. Some say he's a most-wanted wealthy merchant, a high-ranking noble, a knight officer with a high position, relatives of the royal family, and more. However, what stands out among the rumors is that the masked person is the owner of the auction house and he's arrested for his crimes. There might be several versions of the truth but that latter version stands out the most, it's intentional. Someone is purposely spreading the news. People are skeptical about the news, some believed it and some did not. Some believed that there are forces purposely spreading false news about the auction house since it's striving but some also consider the possibility that they are indeed doing shady business because their products are suspicious. The masses' opinion is half.

Inside Duke Franklin's office, his butler shared with him the news.

"What? Arrested by knights?" He inquired. "Where have they detained L- him?"

"They placed him under the Bureau of Justice's building. As he is under your protection I believe they gave him a proper room to settle down. Should I ready the carriage?"

"Yes do that. How about Rolfe's house, what are they doing?" He is certain that his friend, Rolfe already heard the news. What actions did he take? "Have Rolfe visited Istorya, yet?"

"I'm unaware of the actions the Marquess took, my lord, however, given the situation, he must be waiting for you to take actions first."

That is indeed possible. He knew Istorya first before he did, aside from that, he is the lord's city. All actions he may take will be watched and judged by the citizens of his city.

"Understood. Prepare the carriage, have Geubert visit Istorya." He said and continued reading.

"My lord? You, you won't visit him personally?" He looks up from the papers and stared at his butler.

He's genuinely curious why he decided to let his son visit. "What were the charges pressed against him?"

"Smuggling, extortion, forced labor, k********g, and use of dark magic, my lord."

"The four accusations were light compared to the use of dark magic. I am a duke of this kingdom. This kingdom established through the blood of countless citizens before we attained peace, the very reason why this kingdom spilled blood is the users of dark magic. That is why the use of dark magic is extremely forbidden, even the mention of it is taboo. Being accused of performing dark magic, Istorya gathered the masses' attention as it is. For now, I cannot recklessly move. Besides, remember what I told you before?" He resumed reading the papers scattered in front of him, "we are partners in business. Our aims are simply gains and losses. This is not personal."

The butler stared at his master, slightly dumbfounded. All this time he thought that his master and Young Master Istorya developed friendship more than their business interest, it seems he is wrong. He was wrong. With how nonchalant the duke is about Young Master Istorya's current state, having Lord Geubert visit is simply out of formality only. In reality, this might be the last interaction between Young Master Istorya and House Bernard.

He bowed completely understanding his master's intention. "I will so to it that Lord Geubert will have to be comfortable on his way to the Bureau of Justice."

"Good. You are dismissed. Don't let anyone disturb me while I work."

"Yes, my lord."

As the butler exited, Duke Franklin heaved a deep sigh.

It has finally started. He thought while he massaged his temple. He stared at the sky, the blue mixed with dark grays and orange hue from the stretch horizon seemed calming. At least for him.

This kingdom will experience massive changes. Changed he himself never thought would occur in this way. Changes that started because of a single young lady.

Duke Franklin chuckled to himself as he adjusted his reading glasses. "I'm looking forward to this kingdom's changes no matter how drastic it may be."

The kingdom of Magia is a rich kingdom in terms of natural resources and human resources that's why he was confident that this kingdom will continue to strive further to success becoming the most established kingdom and becoming a home to powerful mages. How wrong he was. There are things, a lot of things kept hidden from public knowledge. What they know is still insufficient compared to what that lady knows. Where did she acquire her knowledge? He doesn't know, but the fact that she willing to impart her knowledge to them is a leap for the future this kingdom is hoping for.

Truly, he is looking forward to the coming days.

-

"It does not matter whether this is part of your plan, Mistress. I just can't accept that they placed you in such an ordinary room!" Alarkson roared in annoyance.

She glanced at him then burst out laughing. "I know this is nothing compared to my room over there in Luxes but calm down, Alarkson." She said over their link.

They are talking telepathically.

"But Mistress, how long will you stay in that room? Why don't you come over even for a moment? I prepared your favorite Bunva juice!" Siren urged her.

Bunva is a fruit that grows in Luxes. It's sweet and a little sour depending on its color. It is also rich in magic energy since the land where it grows is fertile with magic. When it turns yellow it's very sweet, comparable to a candy back on Earth, it also has a minty taste whenever it's colored bluish-green, it's sour when it's colored green only.

A perfect all-around fruit. It looks similar to mangoes, the only difference is that it has two or three lines on its outward appearance.

"Hah, that's tempting Siren but I can't because there are eyes watching me." She sighs.

"Oh. That is too bad, Mistress..." she can hear her pout. She chuckles.

Whoever is watching her might think she has lost her mind. Oh well, she doesn't care.

Still busy talking to her familiars, the bedroom door abruptly opened.

"GET THIS BASTARD OUT OF HERE AND PLACE HIM ON THE CELLAR!" Ah, it was Daddy-finger, erm, Ibin. Ibin from Konseho.

She looked at him through his mask, she chuckles. He looks too smug right now while looking at him from the door. Behind him are knights and officers from the Bureau, Arnold is also behind him, of course, there are mages since Ibin is a Head of Konseho.

Pff, what a dramatic entrance. She thought.

"Head Mage Ibin, we can't place him in the cellar since he is under the duke and marquess'-"

"Who do you think you are to stop me?" Ibin scowled.

"Hoo du u tenk u r to stahp meh," Kiera mimicked comically and dramatically listening to the conversation from Luxes.

"PFFT!" She covered her mouth before she burst into a fit of laughter.

She only realized the result of her action when Ibin yelled. "Get that bastard and tear off his mask!!!" His face crumpled an ugly expression while pointing at her.

Two mages came running in her direction hands in position ready to take her mask off. She didn't move an inch. Once their skin touches her mask, a surge of magic energy exploded and attacked the two mages' direction and sent them flying and hitting the wall.

Her head tilted. "Sorry about that but this mask is a part of me. It cannot be taken off." She shrugs, "my bad~"

"BASTAAAARD!!" Ibin runs towards her but just when she thought he will attack her too, he stopped and composed himself.

Aww! She was preparing to increase the intensity of the magic energy especially for him! Tsk! Chance. A missed chance.

"He admitted that he uses dark magic. It's only right to move him to the underground cellar where criminals deserve to be. Special treatments such as these just because he is acquainted with the duke and marquess are unacceptable! Justice must be served fair and square! Now, take him!"

That was rich coming from the very same mouth of a noble who abuses his authority. She wanted to retort but she calmed herself.

"Move me to the cellar? I'm still under investigation am I not? So why must I be moved in that kind of place?" She asked just to lengthen the conversation and irk Ibin. His expressions are fun to see.

"Hah," Ibin scoffed at her over his shoulder. "Under investigation while you admitted it yourself? How foolish can you be?"

"Did I said I'm a dark magic-user? When? Where?" She gasped, "are you framing me up, Head Mage?!" She gasped in an exaggerated way.

"Wha... what do you mean frame you?! It came from your mouth!!!" He pointed at her while frantically looking at the people with him.

She caught sight of Arnold staring intently at her. "But... I don't remember-"

"Take that damned criminal to the cellar! He wants to confuse us! You all know how tricky dark magic is! Don't listen to him and take him away!!!" Ibin screamed not letting her finish whatever she wanted to say.

-

Her butt hits the ground harshly. The sound of metal clanking echoed as the knight shuffled through the keys and locked her cell. After that, the mage with him started casting.

"ᜐ̃ᜀᜎ̟  ᜆ̟ᜑ̟ᜌ̟  ᜉ̃ᜇ̴̟ᜐ̥ᜈ̟  ᜀᜏᜌ̟  ᜉ̟̍ᜇ̴̟ᜂᜋ̟  ᜂᜂ̩ᜆ̟ᜐ̊ᜇ̃."

Her cell glowed a faint blue and gray color and remained there, at the same time, the magic energy around the room disappeared.

It was a spell on the cell to make the prisoner unable to use magic. From the amount of magic on the bars, once her skin touches it might electrocute her. She looked around her cell, the only source of light are the torches placed on the wall outside. The cellar is dim as she expected but she was thankful that it's the typical cell that reeks of blood, piss, and scents that need not mention. Her cell is thankfully clean and free of unwanted smells that may keep a human being up all night from the scent alone.

Each cell has one person detained inside, like hers, the other cells are also in a proper state, at least that's what she saw while she was dragged on the way.

There are knights stationed at the entrance and because the prison has multiple cells, she unsure as to how long the prison really. She's near the entrance of the prison so she has no idea how many floors or cells are there beyond her cell.

"Please! I beg of you, the child in front of my cell is unconscious! Help him, please!" It's a lady's voice begging. It's the lady from beside the cell of the one in front of her. She must be talking about the prisoner beside her. She wasn't able to see because the cell that the lady is speaking of is after hers.

A child is detained with them? Holy s**t, she thought it was just them, adults.

"Sir knight, please! The child's been starved for days now! Please!" The lady kept of begging until the knight stepped in front of her cell.

"Shut up, thief! Stop bothering other detainees! The child will be executed two days from now because he uses dark magic! Stop begging for someone who is about to die and mind your own business!"

Now that caught her attention. Before the knight could leave, she called for him, of course, the knight who she was.

"What is it?"

"Oh nothing, I'm just wondering about the child beside my cell. He's a dark magic user?"

The knight frowned. "Indeed. Why do you ask? Is he someone you know?"

She waved her hand, "Oh, no, no. Ten gold coins, tell me what you want about that child."

"Oh?" The knight is skeptical but she didn't back out. The knight sighs. "How can you give me a gold coin when you're in jail." He has a fair point but of course, she considered that, that's why...

"I'm the owner of Faceless Auction House. My authority is something you might not expect, Sir knight. So, what do you know about the child?"

"All right." Nice, quick response. "For ten gold coins." The knight stepped closer to her cell and crouch in front of it. "The child beside your cell is an ice elf. I don't know how he got here or what his life was but he was caught using his magic. It was an odd type of magic that summons creatures from his notebook. His magic emits dark smoke and his creatures are also unlike the usually summoned beings that's why he was captured. It was then found out that this boy is a dark magic user."

"How did they found out he has dark magic? Was he checked or anything?"

"I don't know the exact procedure but the boy was taken by Konseho. It was them who announced that he's a dark magic user."

"Huh..." she nodded her head, "well, what is an ice elf doing here? Did you find out why he's here?"

"Ah, that boy was yelling that he is looking for an elder sister that was kidn*pped by illegal slave traders that's why..."

Dang. I knew I can't ignore it. It already caught her attention that a child is being detained with her, including the mention of the boy being an ice elf, it piqued her interest even more.

Eufema did not mention having a younger brother though? She has an older brother based on her story.

Filled with curiosity that will remain unanswered, she spoke. "Do you have a piece of paper? Let me write something for you."

"I do. Here," the knight handed her the paper through the cell bar's gap. Because he's an authorized person he is not being electrocuted. "How about a pen?"

"I don't."

How come he has a small notebook with him but he doesn't have a pen? Incomplete! She wanted to comment about that but she zipped her mouth. It's none of her business whether a knight brings a small notebook with him or not. "Write at the back," the knight said.

She looks up at him before she nods her head and obliged. There must be something about the notebook. She's curious but a thought crosses her mind that made her stop her movement. How could she forget? The man in front of her is a knight. Regardless of how money-hungry he might come out, he is a knight. More than anyone else, his life's always on the line.

She stared at the notebook before she looked at the knight. "Well then,"

"Aya, a pen please, through my storage ring." She said.

{Affirmative.}

Her storage ring is practically empty. She's taking things from Luxes and is using her storage ring as a disguise. The tattoo is hidden through the storage ring. Whenever she takes things out especially those with huge sizes her tattoo glows so she had to hide her tattoo through the storage ring.

She took the quill and started writing, after that she handed him the notebook.

"What... there's nothing here?" The knight asked.

"Don't worry. Just show those to the employees in Faceless Auction House. Tell them it's from me, Istorya. They know what to do."

The knight stared at her for a couple of seconds, hesitant before he nodded and left without saying anything else. "Wait!" She called.

"I told you what you wanted. What else?" He's a grumpy knight.

"Can you give the child something to eat?" She almost begged.

The knight glanced at the boy's cells before he sighed. "All right. I'll bring him something to eat. This will be the last time, don't bother calling for me."

He's not as heartless as he seems to be. That made her glad. He's a little greedy but it's fine. She's a little greedy too, she can relate.

"Thank you so much for your kindness. The child is too young to be suffering this way. Thank you..." the lady said from the other cell.

"Sure. I was curious about him too."

She chatted with the lady from across the cell and found out that she's a thief. She tried to steal from a noble that's why she's detained. The lady's name is Em. Em believed that she will be executed but the Bureau of Justice judged her for ten years of imprisonment since the amount she stole doesn't exceed 100,000 gold coins. It was jewelry worth only 1,000 worth of gold. The noble was a younger sister of the nobleman who always harassed her.

She is actually surprised that Em is got pardoned her head from being cut since usually, stealing things from nobles are crimes punishable by death. Em said it was thanks to the new law enacted that only when 100,000 gold coins will the death penalty be applied. It's a huge amount.

Em is lucky to steal something only worth 1,000 gold coins because there are small pieces of jewelry worth even millions.

The knight did hand the child something to eat which she was glad about. Her ten gold coins' worth it.

-

"Istorya, owner of Faceless Auction House. Your trial will be held today at the Bureau of Justice's trial hall. Are you ready?" The knight asked. It's a different knight from yesterday.

"I am. Nothing will change even if I'm not ready, right," she joked.

Her cell was opened and she was escorted to the trial hall. She's feeling refresh. The prison has a bathroom. Each cell is scheduled, she was thankful that she has clothes on Luxes.

Was she ready for the trial? Of course, she is! She's been looking forward to this trial since yesterday! She's more than ready, she's excited her heart is about to leap from her chest!

The Bureau of Justice's trial hall is a spacious room. There are seats encircling the single chair in the middle, where the accused sit. There are five elevated seats for her. The judges' seats.

Whoa. There are lots of audiences. She thought while looking around. She caught sight of Duke Franklin on the first row of the seat with Marquess Rolfe. Hunters Guild Head is also present, the rest are uniform mages from Konseho and nobles who just want something to gossip about.

"Istorya, without a surname is accused of the following charges. Smuggling, forced labor, extortion, k********g, and finally, use of dark magic. Your plea?" One of the judges asked.

Her head tilted, "not guilty, your honor."

"Call forth the evidence against the accused."

With that, the door near the judges' seat opened. It was none other than Ibin with his assistant. Ibin is wearing a large grin. Keh. She rolled her eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let us show you just how nasty and shady this man's business is." She's sure she's not as shady as him though. Or the man behind him.

Just like a prosecutor from a scene in a series drama back on Earth. Ibin explained everything, showed his so-called proof with feelings and exaggeration. As always, his expression is as entertaining as ever.

“Now then, with all that evidence, how can you still refute?!” Ibin asked after he showed his evidence with a chivalric expression on his face.

I shrug. “I’ll let my defense team handle that. I don’t see any reason for wasting my time explaining. Especially to you.”

“You…- “

“We are Faceless Auction House’s defense team. Here are the documents pertaining to the accusations against our master. Just as master wants to…” It’s Eufema, she started explaining their defense while the nobles and judges’ listened. Her explanations are logical and strong because of the written evidence and witnesses. “That would be all. We are willing to entertain questions.”

The judges talked among themselves with the sound cancellation around them which made the others outside the circle unable to hear what they are talking.

Afterward, the judges canceled the sound cancellation circle before the one in the middle spoke. He is the one with the highest authority among the five judges.

“The evidence is all authentic, the witnesses’ statements are also accurate. However, these pieces of evidence are addressed with the charges of smuggling, extortion, forced labor, and k********g. How about the use of dark magic? What about your defense on that matter?” With that statement from the Head Judge, the trial hall is then filled with murmurs from the nobles.

Eufema glanced her way, through their masks, she nodded her head. It’s time. “Master would be the one to explain such accusation.” And, Eufema returned to her seat. Like a piece of art in a museum, all eyes diverted in her direction.

“Well, about that, yeah? We do use dark magic.” That statement became the door for Ibin to start yelling.

“An abomination! You’re a witch!! Spawn of evil!!!”

What the f**k? Why does Ibin look like a kid bullying an even little kid? She looked away from Ibin. “So, what if I am?” She added. She raised her hands and started checking her nails. “I’m rather disappointed, you know. The Kingdom of Magia known for its knowledge, vast knowledge about magic. Numerous mages and scholars trying to decipher the secrets of this world and the depth of magic.” Then the mask on her eyes disappeared showing her eyes. She looked at them all. “But why is that a simple knowledge about ‘dark magic’ is still unknown to all of you? How ignorant. Right, Ibin?” She smirked. She ignored Ibin and continued. “Dark magic is ancient magic, something that some people seem to deliberately hide from the public. I wonder why?”

“LIES!!! DARK MAGIC IS THE CAUSE OF CHAOS AND WARS!!! WHAT SHE’S SAYING IS BLASPHEMY!!!” Ibin screamed at the top of his lungs.

“Rather than yelling at me with your saliva scattered around, why not ask your assistant?”

He stilled, “…what?”

She faked a gasped. “Oh my god, don’t tell me you don’t know?”

Ibin frantically glanced at Tebras who remained impassive.

“You there…” she pointed to Ibin’s assistant. “Why is that… you are corroded with evil? Death is looming over you,” she said. “You… you’re not human. You’re an evil magic user.” Then, she smiled and started casting. “؋₰៛௹૱₡﷼₾”

All of a sudden, Tebras stood straight before he smirked. His eyes glinted as they changed color from his usual brown eyes to slanted purple ones.

“Ah.. it seems I was found out?” Tebras’ normal voice changed into a deep demonic one. It echoed around the room and rendered the people unable to move in fear. Even Ibin. Tebras' purple eyes looked down on Ibin before he sighs. “You are now useless.” They witnessed how Tebras’ former hands are now sharp claws buried on Ibin’s chest.

“Keuk…!”

THUMP THUMP THUMP THUM…

The sound of Ibin’s pulsating heart is interrupted when Tebras mercilessly crushed his heart like a watermelon, blood splattered in Ibin’s face and chest, his body fell limp and lifeless.

“Hehehehe… how tasty human blood is!” Tebras laughed evilly while licking the blood on his body.

“Ah…” the noble lady then whimpered and, “AAAHHHHHHHH!!!” Her scream alone became the trigger. The trial hall turned into a huge chaos while the nobles tried to exit from the room disregarding who and what they’re stepping into.

Pathetic. Tebras thought while watching them. They are no longer entertaining. From his back, seven black slithering tentacles grew with sharp edges at the end able to cut anything.

“Hehehehehe!!!”

Tebras’ tentacles started wriggling violently cutting through the trial hall.

Tebras killing Ibin is not part of the plan, but, what’s done is done.

Knights came running in different directions along with mages. They surrounded Tebras... If Tebras was really his name.

The mages started casting magic when she shouted. “STOP! DON’T USE YOUR MAGIC AGAINST THAT… THING!” she looks around the room and caught sight of Blake blended in the surrounding. She nodded her head. “ONLY DARK MAGIC IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST THAT!!!” But mages from Konseho did not listen, they attacked him with several spells of other elements but…

“Ha… ahhhh!!!”

Fuck! She cast a protective barrier on the mages but just as she expected, Tebras can negate other elements. Her light magic is ineffective against him!

She saw Blake started casting. She smiled to herself. “Good,”

Slowly… a surge of magic power is gathering in a single place. It’s behind Tebras. Behind Tebras, a black being is standing proudly.

“NOW!!!”

As Tebras’ and Blake’s magic collided, the trial hall exploded.

To be continued...