Was the current situation truly part of the original plot of The Legend of the Seven Heroes? Or had a different story begun to unfold because of Ren’s very existence?
Ren didn't have the answer. Regardless of the cause, his only focus was finding a way to break through this deadlock. Coincidentally, his thoughts were racing at the exact same moment Viscount Given arrived in Clausel.
Let’s organize this. It’s obvious that Viscount Given is trying to frame Baron Clausel.
Ren had just woken up and was starting a fire as he pondered their predicament.
Realistically, the high-ranking nobles of the Neutral Faction can’t be relied upon.
There was no point in belonging to a faction if its leaders wouldn't protect their own. Even if their opponent belonged to one of the Two Great Factions, Ren wished the Neutral leaders would show a bit more backbone. Then again, they had their own lives and interests to protect; dismissing them as merely pathetic was perhaps too simplistic.
But the cold, hard fact remained: no help was coming.
At this rate, Baron Clausel will be framed for some crime and ousted.
It was a blatant power play, but in this world, the influence of titles and factions made such absurdity possible. Even so, Ren wanted to change the outcome. Previously, he’d told himself to keep his distance from Licia and the House of Clausel, but he had grown attached to them. Even if this was a world where injustice was common, he couldn't stand by and watch it happen before his eyes.
But what can I do? I'm just a child.
He searched for a breakthrough, but no ray of light appeared—until he framed the problem as a game event.
Instead of just "saving" the Baron, if I "defeat" Viscount Given... then...
Changing his perspective opened new possibilities. For instance, if he could find evidence of Given's corruption to add to the proof of the attack on his village, he might be able to turn the tables and hold the Viscount accountable.
No, wait... even if a kid like me finds evidence, would it even matter?
In a world where might made right, a boy’s word held little weight. That was the wall he kept hitting.
But it won't be for nothing. It should at least buy some time.
The Baron wasn't a fool. He was a minor noble with no factional support, but if Ren could buy him time, the Baron might find enough room to maneuver and avoid a false conviction. Therefore, taking action wasn't entirely meaningless.
So, the question is where to get that evidence.
The best option would be to sneak into Given's manor, but the risk of being caught was too high, and they simply didn't have enough time. The situation was already dire enough that they had to hurry at the expense of sleep.
Is this a stalemate?
At the very least, they had to reach Clausel. Once there, they could testify to being kidnapped by Given’s hired thugs. They lacked definitive proof, but it was better than doing nothing. Ren wasn't a politician or an orator, but he knew he had to act.
I have to do whatever I can.
If he failed, Baron Clausel would fall. And then there was Licia, who was currently sleeping against the roots of a tree nearby. Seeing her vulnerability made him desperate to restore the life she had lost. He had to help her recover her strength as quickly as possible.
Having reconfirmed his goals, Ren began preparing breakfast—and the next round of medicinal herbs he would have to force upon her.
Several hours passed, and the morning bustle filled the town of Clausel.
In the Leomel Empire, every city was required to have a temple. Within these temples was a Great Hall used not only for religious rites but also for the trials of influential figures. This was the Ritual of Judgment, conducted under Imperial Law before appointed witnesses. Under the watchful eye of the Main God Elfen, it was supposed to be a sacred, honest proceeding where no one was permitted to lie.
"It's beginning, my Lord," Knight Commander Weiss said.
He sat beside Baron Clausel. The silence inside the temple was a sharp contrast to the shouting of the crowds outside.
"Heh," the Baron chuckled.
"Why are you laughing, sir?"
"It’s just so absurd. Weiss, look at that man’s face across from us."
They sat at the back of the hall near the altar, facing the petitioner’s side. Viscount Given was busy chatting with his knight, acting as if the Baron didn't even exist.
"That man...!" Weiss growled.
"He’s telegraphing that today's debate is a mere formality," the Baron said. "He’s confident he’ll crush me today and win the verdict tomorrow. He wouldn’t be this arrogant if he hadn't prepared a foolproof trap."
Weiss's fists shook. The intensity of his fury rippled through the hall, causing Given to glance over and gasp at the raw rage on the old knight's face.
"Calm down, Weiss," the Baron said.
"But—!"
"I said calm down. If you cannot control yourself, I will have you leave."
Startled by his lord's resolute attitude, Weiss lowered his eyes. It wasn't that he was afraid of the Baron’s displeasure; he was ashamed of his own lack of composure.
"There is something I want to ask you," Baron Clausel said suddenly. "In your eyes, what kind of boy is Ren Ashton?"
"Sir? Why ask that now?"
"Just answer me. It is important to me right now."
Faced with a tone that brooked no argument, Weiss answered plainly. "As I told you before, he is a strong child."
"Even compared to the heirs of the Seven Great Archduke Families you saw in the capital several years ago?"
"Yes. I believe Ren Ashton is not merely on par with a descendant of the Seven Heroes—he is a talent who stands above them."
"Heh. Good. That is all I needed to hear."
Seeing his lord's lips relax into a satisfied smile, Weiss wondered at the source of his composure. They were almost certainly going to be framed and ruined, yet the Baron seemed strangely at ease.
"Just between us, Weiss, I have been in contact with a certain noble."
Weiss’s eyes widened at the unexpected revelation. "A certain noble?"
"Yes. I cannot reveal the details yet, but this person has promised to intercede for me if the situation warrants it. They are higher-ranking than I am—and higher-ranking than Given."
That meant at least a Count. Weiss felt a surge of hope. He had thought they were standing alone, but his lord had secretly secured a powerful ally.
"However," the Baron sighed, "I did not expect Given to move this quickly. Because of his speed, I am forced to rely on Ren Ashton’s potential without any guarantee."
"My Lord, please explain."
The Baron only offered a bitter smile.
"But the boy was taken along with Licia, was he not?" Weiss asked, his voice thick with lingering regret.
"Even so, I must believe in him. If the rumors of his strength are true, he can escape. And if Licia is with him, then maybe this situation could..."
"Everyone, it is time," a civil official from the Ministry of Justice announced.
The official stepped to the center of the hall and looked around. Once he had everyone's attention, he began. "In accordance with the great Imperial Law, these arguments shall commence. First, the Petitioner—"
The trial was a sham. Viscount Given spoke first, and the proceedings unfolded exactly as expected. Baron Clausel did not remain silent; he presented a robust defense, detailing his military efforts and showing that Given's claims of border damage were falsified. His preparation was impressive for such a short timeframe, and it briefly rattled the Viscount's composure.
But it was all in vain. The official from the Ministry of Justice accepted Given's claims with a speed that suggested the outcome had been preordained.
"The Ministry of Justice will scrutinize these arguments. The final verdict will be announced tomorrow morning at this same time. Do not be late."
The verdict was obvious. Baron Clausel looked down with a bitter smile.
"At best, I’ve bought forty-eight hours."
It was custom for a convicted noble to be transferred to the Imperial Capital, but a handover period was allowed so that the territory's administration wouldn't collapse.
"We can still fight this," Weiss urged. "Appeal the ruling, take it to the capital, or demand a Divine Trial—"
"No. They’ll block us before we even reach the court. They will undoubtedly use Licia to keep me silent."
Across the hall, Given was smiling.
"We moved quickly enough to avoid the Imperial Faction's interference," Given whispered to his knight. "It’s finally over."
The next morning, the Ministry of Justice officially declared Baron Clausel guilty. The specific punishment was not yet finalized, as the Emperor’s signature was required to strip a peer of their land and title. The Baron would soon be hauled to the capital, where his fate would be sealed.