The Genius Villain Dies Tomorrow

"It was me who defeated Leviathan and sent it back to the Spiritual World," Nadine suddenly rose up from her seat with a smug grin on her face.

"Do you dare to question that? Mr. Noble?"

The noble who had challenged Rian faltered.

"But witnesses reported seeing a figure surrounded by green wind—"

"A magical construct."

Nadine answered without the slightest hesitation.

"One created using a spirit relic I have spent several years researching. Surely you don’t expect a 7-Star Mage to explain the principles behind her magic to every minor noble who raises his hand?"

’She’s...strong-arming him...’

Nadine then pointed toward Alicia. "The maid helped by entering the creature’s body under my direction and destroyed Felix Rosenheim, severing Leviathan’s connection to the Mortal World."

Alicia glanced toward Rian. Her expression did not change, but he could tell she understood exactly what Nadine was doing.

"As for Rian," the witch continued, "I found him inside the mine after Leviathan’s ritual destabilized the Ley Line. He survived because the spirits residing there protected him until I arrived."

The High Judge studied Nadine for several moments, before sighing softly. "Lady Glatteis, are you formally claiming responsibility for Leviathan’s banishment?"

"I am."

Rian nearly sighed out loud. Nadine managed to protect one of his most important secrets. Unfortunately, she had also volunteered for the spotlight and all the hassles that came along with it.

"Then all is correct," the High Judge slammed his gavel once more. "Lord Felix Rosenheim is hereby found guilty of all charges brought before this court."

BANG—!

"His personal holdings shall be seized and used to compensate the victims of the Eisenbran disaster. All officials, soldiers, and nobles suspected of assisting his operation shall be investigated individually and tried according to the extent of their involvement."

Several members of Felix’s faction visibly paled.

"The judgment against Felix Rosenheim is concluded."

The High Judge flipped into the next section of his binder, before directing all attention to Adrian, who had been sitting quietly the entire time.

"Now... we shall address the future of the Eisenbran Crystal Mines, as well as ownership rights and management rights as decided by Duke Adrian Rosenheim."

The atmosphere inside the hall changed immediately. Now with such a huge amount of property damage, whoever controlled those mines effectively controlled the city of Eisenbran.

Rosalia placed both hands upon the table while the rest of her merchants waited with anticipated eyes.

Rian glanced at the stack of documents Charlotte had brought with them, all probably filled with whatever claims and arguments that would keep proceedings going until nightfall.

Possibly until tomorrow morning even.

Adrian rose from his seat and spoke casually. "The Eisenbran Crystal Mine was discovered inside land belonging to House Rosenheim. "Therefore, both the land and all resources contained beneath it currently fall under the authority of the Rosenheim Duchy."

"However, recent findings have established that the mine cannot be managed as an ordinary mineral deposit. It contains a Ley Line, serves as a habitat for numerous spirits, and remains directly connected to the continued stability of Eisenbran."

Nadine nodded approvingly.

"Therefore, its owner must possess an understanding of the spirits, the circumstances behind the mine’s formation, and the dangers involved in exploiting it."

Rian leaned slightly toward Charlotte.

"How long do you think this will take?"

"At least several hours," she whispered. "Rosalia prepared three separate proposals, and the representatives from Eisenbran requested a permanent share of all extracted crystals."

"Great."

"There are also environmental restrictions proposed by Nadine," Adrian continued. "So after reviewing the testimony, circumstances, and future requirements of the mine..."

"I have reached my decision."

Several officials froze with documents spilling halfway out of their folders. Even the High Judge looked surprised he was able to come to one so quickly.

"Effective immediately, full legal ownership of the Eisenbran Crystal Mine shall be transferred to Rian Rosenheim."

...

...

...

Adrian looked directly toward Rian. "All decisions concerning its operation, extraction rights, distribution, and internal administration shall fall under his authority."

Rian stared back at him.

’What?’

"House Rosenheim will retain the right to intervene should the mine threaten the safety of Eisenbran or the surrounding territory. All operations must also respect the authority of the Ley Line’s guardian."

Nadine raised one hand. "That would be me."

Adrian looked mildly annoyed but continued on. "Beyond those restrictions, the mine and all resources produced within it belong to Rian Rosenheim."

"That is my judgment."

Rosalia abruptly stood.

"Wait!"

"What?"

"What do you mean, what?!" Rosalia gestured toward the mountains of documents surrounding her faction. "We haven’t even presented our proposal!"

"It is no longer relevant."

The High Judge cleared his throat. "Duke Adrian, for the royal record, you told me you would be transferring management rights..."

"I changed my mind," the Duke spoke with ease. "Give him full ownership."

The man nodded, scribbling something onto the paper in front of him before turning to Rian. "Does the recipient agree to these terms?"

Rian really thought he would have to fight a lengthy legal battle to acquire this, but somehow, it was just handed to him on a silver platter?

’Free things are usually never free, there has to be some kind of catch.’

Yet, the Duke didn’t even bother hearing Rian’s answer. The man simply turned around and walked toward the back door.

Rosalia stared at him in disbelief.

"Where are you going?"

"The matter has been decided."

With that, Adrian left with the rest of the Rosenheim officials following right behind him, leaving the entire chamber in a stunned silence.

Rian turned his head toward the ownership documents that had been given to him, resting upon the dais with a blank stare. But out of the corner of his eye, he managed to catch Alicia’s expression.

She was the only person in the room who did not appear surprised in the slightest. Their eyes met, only for her to look away immediately.

Rian narrowed his remaining eye.

’What the hell did she do?’

But regardless, all he had to do now was provide a signature, and the entire thing would become his. And well, obviously...

"I accept."

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