Chapter 105

Chapter 105

As the trial concluded, the interstellar internet immediately plunged into chaotic paralysis. The masses noticed the event, and discussions erupted across online forums and public spaces—virtually every corner was abuzz with conversation.

"How could the last seat (a position in the Senate) be a suicide? He wasn’t guilty! If it wasn’t for the Senate pushing him to his death, I wouldn’t believe it!"

"Stop generalizing, what does this have to do with General Lin Pei? General Lin Pei even helped him, you crazy…"

"They’re all enablers of tyranny! If you ask me, only the Pope, who has never shown up from start to finish, is clean. He has never meddled in these political matters!"

"Fanatics are out again. The fact that your Pope hasn’t participated in politics is the biggest joke in the world, are you clueless?"

…

Various suspicions arose one after another, and the true cause of Dr. Anderson’s death became the biggest mystery in the entire case.

Suicide? It’s impossible to believe.

If he had evidence to prove his innocence, why would he hand it over to a student of the Imperial Honor Military Academy and then turn around to kill himself? No matter how you speculate, it makes no logical sense.

"What about that student of the Imperial Honor Military Academy? Won’t he just mysteriously die in a few days?"

"...He’s on his own."

"No way! With so many people watching the live broadcast, and it’s still unclear whether that student is the new Twelve Seats (a high-ranking position in the Senate), how could the Senate dare to let him die?"

"Isn’t the strangest thing why the Imperial Court suddenly decided to broadcast live? They usually only do that for high-profile civil cases."

That comment was a wake-up call.

Indeed, why did the Imperial Court suddenly broadcast live, letting the entire empire know about this? This is a losing battle for the Senate!

*

Inside the Senate.

"Alynya!!" A roar shook the candle flames on the chandelier, and Duke Jedd slammed his hand on the table, "Explain yourself clearly, what’s with the live broadcast?!"

Just as they stepped out of the Imperial Court, they were suddenly surrounded by a large crowd of reporters and citizens, only then realizing that the entire trial had been broadcast live. Jedd was furious, provoked by the reporters’ sarcastic questions to the point of nearly fuming. He immediately summoned everyone back to the Senate.

As soon as he sat down, he turned to Alynya, "Now the entire empire knows Dr. Anderson is dead, and the farce of the treason charge is common knowledge. As the Chief Justice of the empire, you bear full responsibility!"

Alynya had already changed out of his judge’s robe, wearing a light brown suit and thin-rimmed glasses, calmly glancing at Duke Jedd, whose nose was bandaged, "I was performing my duty, and the final verdict was fair and clear. I don’t believe I need to take responsibility for this. I will investigate the live broadcast matter, but it’s not your place to interrogate me, Duke."

The Twelve Seats are distinct in their respective fields. Even if he had any misconduct in law enforcement, it’s not for a stubborn old man to lecture him. He tapped the table somewhat boredly, "Everyone, the court has the authority to broadcast trials live. Although I don’t usually prefer it, after today’s unexpected turn of events, I don’t think it’s entirely bad. At least we don’t need to go through the trouble of issuing a public explanation about Dr. Anderson’s treason."

It’s downright ironic!

Indeed, there’s no need to waste time explaining the details, but now everyone will think the Round Table’s Twelve Seats are heartless, despicable villains!

—Although for most, public opinion doesn’t matter much. But they care deeply about their pristine image, how could they allow a case to tarnish their reputation?

"Delete all discussions and information related to the live broadcast," General Moxi sat across from Alynya, his gaze threatening, "Matters within the Senate are not for public commentary."

"Is the General trying to suppress public discourse?"

General Moxi coldly said, "Dr. Anderson’s incident must not become a topic of entertainment news."

"Is it to prevent Dr. Anderson from becoming a talking point, or to whitewash the situation?" Alynya sat up straight, with a mocking sternness, "The Central Army has always been good at playing dumb. Wasn’t it the same when Finnian died a few years ago? Bury all related information, and after a while, everyone will forget, and no one will remember the child who died for no reason in Blue Flower Star (a distant planet)."

Moxi furrowed his brow.

"Enough! Is this the time for you to bring up old grudges?!"

Duke Jedd cut in loudly: "Alynya, the negative impact of the live broadcast on the Senate and the Empire, you and the Public Information Department need to handle it together!"

"..."

Alynya leaned back in her seat, nodding perfunctorily.

"And that student from the Imperial Honor Military Academy, he must die!" Jedd continued to roar.

"I object."

Ling Pei, who had not participated in the discussion, suddenly spoke up.

He occupied the first seat to the chief's left, with the seat opposite vacant, signifying that within the entire Senate, in the absence of the chief, he held the highest seat.

But in the Round Table meetings, Ling Pei rarely voiced his opinions or ideas. He was the quintessential pragmatist, believing that actual power was far more useful than engaging in theoretical debates with a group of nobles who had mostly never held a gun. Therefore, decisions were often made by Duke Jedd. Of course, as the Emperor's tutor, Duke Jedd was indeed well-suited for such tasks.

But this did not mean Ling Pei would let him act recklessly.

"Yiye Langley cannot die. He is the one personally chosen by Dr. Anderson for the Twelve Seats. Dr. Anderson's name has been cleared, and he has every right to legitimately take the seat."

"Personally? Ling Pei, did you witness the entire process of Dr. Anderson handing him the ring? A mere child, driven by fame, could do things beyond your imagination. Who can prove he didn’t steal the ring from Dr. Anderson? Who can truly confirm he is the one chosen by Dr. Anderson? What if he killed the real new member of the Twelve Seats and took his place?"

Duke Jedd’s voice was shrill and cutting, "I've seen such things many times. Dr. Anderson never mentioned this student to us, and suddenly he gives him the seat? Who believes that? Who can believe that?"

The elder, who had previously been filled with disdain for Dr. Anderson, quickly changed his tone, now filled with emotion and determination: "I’ve known Dr. Anderson for years. I won't allow an outsider thief to take what is his!"

"Pfft—"

A crisp laugh broke the serious atmosphere.

"Ninth Seat! Don't go too far today!"

The Duchess of Wenz covered her mouth, her heavily made-up eyes crinkling, "I’m truly sorry, I usually don’t laugh easily, but what you said, old Duke, was too amusing, I couldn't help but laugh. In all these years, this is the first time I've seen a 'thief' voluntarily go to court for the victim."

"You—"

"But I also think handing the seat over to Yiye Langley, the student, is a bit hasty. At least, we should hold a grand handover ceremony. That student is quite handsome, he might become the new face of the Empire. Although Ling Pei and General Moxi are indeed handsome, they are too cold and rigid. We need a gentle and beautiful youth to enhance the Senate's credibility~"

"Who's discussing this with you! He broke into the court and publicly attacked the Fourth Seat. If he lives, where is the dignity of the Senate!"

The Round Table was embroiled in endless debate, each with their own agenda. Some wished for Yiye Langley's death, some wanted him to hand over the Twelve Seats honestly, and others wanted to protect him and let him leave unscathed.

Amidst the incessant clamor, someone suddenly knocked and entered.

"My apologies! But Principal Howard of the Imperial Honor Military Academy is on the line, and he wishes to address you all."

...

On the other side. The Imperial Prison.

The crisp sound of chains echoed through the dark, cold corridor. Two-thirds of the Imperial Prison’s structure lay underground, where light was scarce, and the air was damp and eerie. Due to its highly sophisticated and sensitive security system, it was the second most dangerous prison in the entire Empire. It held the most heinous criminals from across the Empire’s planets, with a capacity of up to one hundred thousand.

"Move it! Stop dawdling, you think you're strolling in your own home?!"

The black-haired youth, shackled, was constantly shoved by the prison guard, urging him impatiently.

The youth stayed silent.

This floor houses the most dangerous death row inmates, with the tightest security, and is also the least visited area. So when the black-haired youth passed through the corridor, the inmates all started jeering and taunting sharply.

Death row inmates aren’t uncommon, but a good-looking guy with black hair like him is extremely rare in prison.

"Shut it!" the prison guard warned, glaring at the group, then turned his gaze back to the guy’s face. The youth slightly lowered his head, his cheeks under the black hair showing a stunningly pale complexion, as if glowing, but his lips were tightly pursed, devoid of color.

No matter how good-looking, once you’re here, your fate’s worse than the others.

"Stay there!"

Pushing the youth into the cell, the prison guard locked the door and left.

The cell was damp and dark, with no light due to its underground location, the only light coming from a wall lamp. Yi Ye glanced at the narrow iron bed, sat down, then slid into the corner, leaning tiredly against the wall.

The joints still had the swelling from punching Duke Jed, the force of that punch was so great that it still caused a slight tremor. But he could barely feel the pain anymore, just felt kind of lost.

He thought that clearing Anderson’s name would wrap things up, but a voice told him, no, this is just the start.

With open eyes, he stared at the moss-covered ceiling, then sighed deeply after a while.

Honestly, I should’ve just taken the puzzle and run.

Damn old man, what kind of trouble did you drag me into?

...

He lost track of time, during which the prison announced a curfew once, so it was probably already evening. The soundproofing of the prison was decent, but he could still hear the neighbor’s thunderous snoring.

The bed was too hard, Yi Ye tossed and turned, unable to sleep, nor did he think it was a time to sleep soundly, so he simply fiddled with the ring, turning it over and over.

Suddenly, he stopped.

Someone was coming.

Immediately putting away the ring, Yi Ye looked warily towards the door, soon seeing the visitor, to his surprise.

"Judge Ai Linya?"

The prison guard opened the door, and Ai Linya pushed the wheelchair in alone. After the footsteps faded away, he turned to look at Yi Ye, who was handcuffed.

"Your brother and Kaiser of the Audria Family are outside, frantic for hours, refusing to leave, yet you seem quite adapted."

Yi Ye sat up abruptly: "Are they okay!"

"No one dares to do anything to them, but I heard that the cadet award ceremony was canceled due to an accident today. Looks like they bought you some time?"

"..."

Yi Ye slowly leaned back: "Do you think I still have a shot at His Majesty’s ceremony?"

Ai Linya didn’t speak, directly skipping the topic: "I’ve seen people of your age before, sentenced to death for committing serious crimes. On their first day in the Imperial Prison, eighty percent of them were bawling."

He forced a laugh: "Haha... so I’m the remaining twenty percent?"

"The remaining twenty percent were all preparing to commit suicide."

Yi Ye sighed without much sincerity, "You didn’t come here just to talk me into killing myself, did you?"

Ai Linya raised an eyebrow noncommittally, pushing the wheelchair closer to the bed, touching the dust on the bed rail. He looked disgusted for a moment, taking out a handkerchief to wipe it clean, then using both hands to support himself from the wheelchair to sit on the bed.

Yi Ye stood by and watched, not lifting a finger to help.

"Looks like you've cooled off a bit."

"Your Honor, if I’d really lost it back then, I would’ve snatched General Lin Pei’s gun and blown Duke Jedd’s brains out on the spot."

"So you think you were in the right?"

Yi Ye smiled somewhat wickedly, "Punching a guy who had it coming is never a bad call."

"...You’re still a kid, but I’ll give you that."

"If you’re just here to waste time with this nonsense, you might as well get going," he propped his chin on his hand, letting out a long yawn, "No point wasting both our time—"

"Anderson killed himself."

Yi Ye froze, then slowly raised his head.

Alynya’s face was half-shadowed in the dim light: "I saw it happen myself, and there’s the coroner’s report to back it up. He’d stashed a dagger in his mechanical arm, and when I wasn’t looking, he drove it straight into his heart and died instantly."

"...Why? I don’t get it."

Alynya twisted the ring on his thumb, speaking slowly: "Because someone wanted him gone. Everyone in the Senate’s got secrets—me, Lin Pei, Anderson, all of us. Someone didn’t want him around to spill those secrets, so they pushed him to take his own life... It was out of our hands. But I can’t tell you who it was—hell, I’m not even sure myself."

"Not many in the Empire could push one of the Twelve Seats to their death."

Alynya nodded: "You’re about to join the Twelve Seats. With your skills from the Imperial Honor Military Academy, digging into this shouldn’t be a problem—unless you’re planning to bail already?"

"No way—" he snapped his gaze to Alynya, "A seat on the Twelve?"

Alynya wiped the dust off his knees, speaking calmly: "Thank your principal. He put the entire Imperial Honor Military Academy—and his own life—on the line to get you this shot. But you’ll have to sit tight in prison a bit longer until the paperwork’s done. If you want to thank him, do it face-to-face once you’re out."

"How’d he know about the trial?"

"Someone streamed the whole trial live, of course."

Alynya filled him in on the livestream. Yi Ye couldn’t wrap his head around it—who’d have the guts and the means to take a top-secret trial and blast it out to the public? Technically, it’d be nearly impossible to pull off, unless...

He suddenly looked at Alynya.

Alynya calmly folded his cuffs, pulling his wheelchair closer, clearly unimpressed with the rusted, bare-bones iron bed and eager to return to his plush, high-end wheelchair.

"Mr. Alynya?"

Alynya tried twice, struggling with the height difference between the iron bed and the wheelchair as he tried to get back in. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, then just stood up and sat back down.

Stood up.

Sat back down.

Yi Ye almost choked on his own saliva.

"You’re not actually disabled?!"

Meeting his astonished gaze, Alynya casually lifted his pant leg: "Both my legs are mechanical, I just don’t usually use them. Didn’t Bush tell you?"

"Why would he tell me about this?"

Alynya narrowed his eyes.

It seems Bush Meihua failed to observe even the most basic courtesy in social interactions. He needs to be taught a lesson when he gets back.

"The injury happened a few years ago, nothing worth dwelling on," he said, lightly touching the mechanical leg, his expression somewhat nostalgic. "But these two legs were designed for me by Dr. Anderson."

As if recalling something heavy from the past, Alynya's breathing became heavier. But soon he shook off the past and returned to his calm and composed demeanor.

"Coming to see you today is the last thing I promised Dr. Anderson," he said seriously. "Yiye Langley, student of the Imperial Honor Military Academy, the one who’s really putting you behind bars is not me, but the former owner of this cell—"

"Ake Anderson."

"And before his death, he asked me to pass on a message to you."

At that moment, Yiye seemed to see that odd old man, Anderson, standing before him, his gray hair curly and messy, his features aged but still discernible as the handsome and arrogant youth he once was.

They faced each other, cutting through time, space, life, and death.

He heard Anderson say to him:

"This is where our fates finally meet, Yiye Langley. Now, look behind you, the final piece of the puzzle I left for you is right there."