Asdrof city, one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Rich in culture and history that is the pride of every resident. Many city buildings look very, very beautiful, such as–
The houses of the rich, adorned with white marble, are a beautiful sight among the ordinary houses made of only concrete and stone. However, the place is neatly arranged so that the diversity of buildings becomes like a very beautiful mosaic.
Some wealthy houses are even decorated with royal flags hanging on their outer walls, possibly as a sign that they are involved in the government. This indicates a fairly advanced architecture but still cares about the aesthetic and cultural values of the city.
Places of worship for the gods are also scattered and stand firmly in every corner of the city. Built magnificently like a palace and supported by white marble pillars. Places of worship also have a similarity, namely being higher than the surrounding buildings, implying that the position of the gods is considered important and sacred to the city's residents.
A stone road stretches across the city, known as Meivion. Built hundreds of years ago by tireless workers. This road holds many stories and stands as a silent witness to the city's journey from a very small one to the most magnificent in all of Ekhno.
Along the road is filled with local residents going about their activities.
Merchants offer their exotic goods, most of which are imported from other nations. The clinking sound of coins changing hands, and the pungent aroma of spices surround the merchants.
Troops guard almost every corner of the city with swords and armor, ensuring the safety of all citizens remains secure.
Politicians spread their influence. They give speeches in front of crowds with passionate voices. The beautiful clothes they wear are very striking, accompanied by long clothes sewn right above their shoulders. This cloth is lifted every time the politicians point in a direction, creating an impression of valor and courage. Every word that comes out of their mouths hypnotizes everyone in the place.
Some philosophers seem to be arguing fiercely to defend their arguments. With large books in hand and loud but clear voices, they dismiss any opinions that contradict their views.
Elf slaves do the work their masters give them unwillingly. With thin bodies and legs bound by chains, they lift heavy burdens and the fate they are forced to endure. Humans seem to revel in the suffering of the elf race. They count money and enjoy a good life in front of the slaves, as if mocking them.
In the midst of the city's hustle and bustle, Kagayama walked with his hands bound, while the two guards escorted him from behind.
People's gazes were fixed on him as they noticed Kagayama's unfamiliar attire. A short-sleeved, bluish-white shirt paired with black dress pants and formal shoes. He was still wearing his work outfit, now stained with dust. Kagayama's attire appeared strikingly different and unfamiliar to the locals of Asdrof.
Their interest grew even greater when some people who had been following Kagayama from the start reported what had happened.
The news spread quickly and some people began to talk to each other. Their voices, which seemed to be arguing, reached Kagayama's ears.
"Look, that strange looking person who is bound and escorted by the guards is a criminal and will be executed."
"Do you have any proof of his actions and his death sentence?"
"Of course! Look at how roughly the guards are handling him. That alone proves he must have committed a serious crime"
"You're not lying, are you?"
"Of course not, just look at his head and ears, which are wrapped in bandages."
"I believe he's a criminal, but is it certain he will be executed?"
"We'll find out soon enough at the execution site."
Their voices carried an air of authority, as if each word was a testament to their knowledge and wisdom.
In the midst of a bustling world, Kagayama allowed the guards to escort him to the court. His wrists bore scratches from his previous attempts to resist.
His steps were weak and slow, prompting the guard holding him to push his body forward. He quickened his pace after being pushed but soon began to slow down again.
Despair was destroying him from within, turning Kagayama into an expressionless puppet. Emptiness filled his mind. Once, he had thought tirelessly about how to escape, but now, there was nothing left in his mind except the thought of walking properly.
Kagayama, who had once tried everything to free himself, had now given up. He lowered his head with a face that appeared resigned. His gaze was empty, showing no interest even as he walked through the beautiful city of Asdrof. Fear still pierced his heart as he heard the words of the people around him, but his body no longer trembled as it had before.
He stumbled several times on the stone pavement, having to correct his steps again. A gentle breeze and the music of the poets drifted through the air, as if trying to soothe his troubled heart. Yet, none of it made Kagayama feel any better. His spirit remained bleak and lifeless.
After a tiring journey, he finally arrived in front of the courthouse. The building's doors were massive and made of wood. The courthouse had a terrace supported by white marble pillars, looking grand and magnificent, but unfortunately, such a place would always appear grim in the eyes of criminals.
Inside, the courtroom was filled with various arguments from multiple parties.
A man dressed in ancient Roman attire stood on a platform in front of the judges, holding a book in his hands, while the witnesses sat at the sides, watching attentively.
"Your honor. I do not doubt your intuition, but I believe that he simply does not know about Asdrof, considering his strange and foreign clothing."
"It is possible that he dresses strangely because he was performing some sort of ritual or something similar."
"No, in my opinion, he is from a foreign nation and he even does not understand our language at all."
"Does he truly not understand our language?"
"I can be certain of it."
"Very well, then bring him in!"
The doors to the courtroom opened, and Kagayama entered, escorted by one of the two guards from before. His empty gaze flickered toward the judge sitting in front of him. He indeed wore foreign clothing, just as they had said, and he looked more exhausted than afraid, which piqued the judge's curiosity.
Kagayama stopped in the center of the courtroom, and everyone present observed him in astonishment. None of them had expected the foreign clothing mentioned to be this vastly different from their assumptions.
The courtroom was filled with noise. The attending senators began whispering among themselves. The invited nobles watched intently, trying to guess what would happen next. The high judge murmured with his colleagues before directing a question at Kagayama.
"O traveler from a foreign land, do you understand the words I am speaking now?"
Kagayama turned toward the judge and answered while lowering his head.
"I understand."
The room fell silent, and all eyes focused on Kagayama before the room erupted into chatter again.
The man standing on the platform trembled so much that he dropped the book he was holding. He took several steps back in fear, his eyes wide open, and his mouth agape.
Kagayama noticed the sudden shift in atmosphere and observed his surroundings to figure out what was happening. He heard several people begin murmuring, repeating the word "witch" while pointing at him. This reminded him of the reaction from the two guards who had approached him the night before.
Everything was clear now—Kagayama finally realized that he had been accused of being a witch all along.
He lifted his head and stood tall. Once again, hope filled him as he attempted to defend himself. Kagayama gathered all his strength to think and speak loudly in the courtroom.
"I am not a witch."
His voice was clear and firm, making everyone in the room eager to hear what would happen next.
"I am just from a foreign nation."
It was the same defense as the man standing on the platform.
The scribes recorded every word they heard onto sheets of paper. The sound of their pens scratching echoed through the silent hall.
The high judge pondered for a moment while glancing at the large book before him. His grand purple robe made his figure appear intimidating, further enhanced by the grim atmosphere around him, capable of striking fear into any criminal. However, that did not apply to Kagayama.
After flipping through a few pages, the judge turned to Kagayama and spoke.
"According to the charges, you spoke words that sounded like incantations last night at an inn."
"That is because I was using the language of my people."
"Then why did you not speak in our language when questioned last night?"
"I-I did not—"
Kagayama was trapped by the judge's question. He was unsure how to respond, and he realized that his choices led to only two possibilities:
He could claim that he did not understand their language last night, or he could reveal that a bird named Adersl had granted him the ability to comprehend their speech.
To Kagayama, both answers would lead to disaster. If he chose the first option, the judge would question why he could speak their language now. If he chose the second, Kagayama feared that he would truly be labeled a witch.
Realizing that both choices were equally dire, Kagayama decided to lie.
"I was unconscious when I spoke last night."
Ting...— A machine chimed after Kagayama spoke his lie. The courtroom erupted in chaos, with people shouting at one another. Some began throwing pebbles at Kagayama, repeatedly saying, "Witch! Witch!"
The judge slammed his hand against the table, restoring some order in the courtroom. He stared straight at Kagayama and asked again.
"Why did you not speak our language last night?"
"Because I did not understand your language last night."
Without hesitation, the judge raised both hands and declared Kagayama's sentence.
"With this, you are found guilty of the charge of witchcraft and are sentenced to death."
Kagayama's body grew weak upon hearing his sentence. His eyes widened and trembled violently. His mouth gaped open as if wanting to speak. His eyes welled with tears, and one by one, they began to fall.
The guard escorting Kagayama yanked his arm roughly, nearly causing him to stumble. He dragged the accused witch out of the courtroom with brute force.
In his desperation, Kagayama still tried to fix the situation, turning toward the judge and pleading.
"Wait! You haven't heard everything yet. Give me one more chance!"
After being shoved outside the courtroom, the heavy doors slammed shut, sealing away Kagayama's last hope.