BK1 Chapter Forty-Nine END OF BK1

Chapter Forty-Nine

No sooner than the words left my mouth, chaos ensured in the tribunal room. Voices rose over one another as I flinched at the familiar shout directed my way.

“Lynette! What are you doing!” Callan’s outrage overpowered the general’s confused chatter. He gripped the witness stands' railing so tightly his hands were turning white.

Eduard’s body was as still as water, his gaze fixed on me with an emotion I didn’t know he could make. I met his eyes and stiffened as my heart pounded tightly against my chest.

“Lynette!” Callan cried again as I swallowed my anxiety at the blurring boxes above both of their heads.

Vishka’s Guidance System

Eduard Heversham

Likeability:-20% (-10%)

Vishka’s Guidance System

Callan Heversham

Likeability: 8% (-10%)

In the stands, General Saika slapped his hand onto Callan’s shoulder and pulled him back from running to me.

My lips twitched into a strained smile in response to my brothers. I hadn’t wanted it to come to this, but there was no other way. It felt like I was discarding all Cassandra had gifted me, betraying her generosity. Pain thrummed in my heart as I tried to hold back my guilt for my actions.

I had no choice.

“Quiet down!” General Mullins beckoned to the room, his voice forcing a silence to descend. His one good eye narrowed at Callan as he tapped the arm of his chair. Callan shoved off General Saika’s hand before Eduard stepped forward and whispered something to him to calm him down.

“Lady Heversham”, General Drew began, addressing me amid the turmoil. “Are you indeed requesting the annulment of your adoption?” he asked me with a scrunched face of confusion.

“I am, General Drew,” I affirmed, focusing on keeping my voice firm. “I have written a formal request for this and-” I paused, my eyes glancing back towards my brothers. “I have had my request legitimised by a higher-ranking noble.”

“What!?” a voice shouted out in shock that I jumped at its tone. Eduard frowned at me, but his grey eyes were wide with concern and anger.

Vishka’s Guidance System

Eduard Heversham

Likeability:-25% (-5%)

“She has indeed”, General Fleming smirked as he passed my letter towards General Drew. “I suggest we request their attendance at once.”

“I concur. If anyone was mad enough to go along with this, they should speak for themselves.” General Mullins shook his head in disbelief. “In all my years in enforcement, I have never known anyone petition for their adoption annulment.”

“I must say, I am rather shocked myself by this” General Drew took a deep breath as he passed my letter to General Mullins. “Captain, please bring the notary here.”

Captain Stewart, who had been staring at me, blinked out of stupor at the mention of his name. “Right, of course.” he bowed to the Generals before pausing. “Who may that be?”

I saw both my brothers swivel their heads to the Generals as they anticipated the name that had backed in dishonouring the Heversham family.

“Lord Nathaniel Hudson”, General Fleming smiled as he relaxed in his chair. If I had to make a guess, It almost looked like he was enjoying this turn of events.

Captain Stewart raised to do as commanded at once. However, I did not miss the look of realisation on his face. It mirrored my own somewhat. This must be why Nate chose to wait outside the enforcement building. He must have known he would end up attending.

Eduard’s chin jutted at Nate’s name, his attention quickly returning to me. “Why would you do this, Lynette?” he said with a tone littered in disbelief.

I wanted to laugh out loud at his shock, but instead, my lips twisted into an awkward smile as I gazed at the box above his head. I knew this would be a risk; I had to choose my words carefully so it didn’t fall too far. I don’t want to be killed again.

The Generals all watched me expectantly for a response. I wouldn’t usually be able to respond to anyone but them, but it seemed they wanted to ask the same question as Eduard.

“Is this really so much of a surprise, Eduard?” I said coldly as he frowned. “I have told you what I want. Yet you never listened. You never do.”

Eduard’s expression shifted from disbelief to frustration as he tried to grasp my words. “I know you’re headstrong, Lynette, but this...”

Vishka’s Guidance System

Eduard Heversham

Likeability:-30% (-5%)

Callan’s voice broke through, laced with disappointment. “You involved Lord Hudson in this? You went to him behind our backs?”

I sighed, my heart aching at the hurt in his eyes. The effort and progress we had made this past month had been shattered by this. I knew it would. “I told you both that I want to be here. Yet you both told me to do as the Viscount demands. Is it really so hard to see that I trust Lord Hudson more than I do both of you, brothers.”

They both froze in place, their expressions pained. The boxes above their heads blurred fast as the numbers refused to settle into place.

General Mullins cleared his throat, breaking the tense atmosphere. “Lady Heversham, we must hear from Lord Nathaniel Hudson directly before proceeding.

“Of course, General Mullins” I nodded at his request for my silence.

Callan slumped into his seat, gripping his hair with both of his hands in frustration. Eduard refused to remove his grey eyes from me as his chest moved slowly, trying to calm his emotions.

A silence beckoned in the room as we waited. It was deafening.

General Drew shuffled, uncomfortable as he rubbed his shaven head. “You do realise, if we agree to this, you will be stripped of your noble rank?” he probed, attempting to break the atmosphere.

“I am aware, General Drew” I smiled at the man. Of course, I knew that.

“I am, and always will be, a mere commoner.” I tilted my head in acceptance of this fact. I knew this would be a consequence. I would no longer be Lynette Heversham, just Lynette. I will no longer have any power to protect myself with my status. I will be all on my own. If it is a price I must pay to keep my place here, I will pay it. It will be better to face life with nothing than to return to repeat a miserable life I have already lived once.

Besides, being demoted to a commoner will also annul my engagement with Garrett. An incredible bonus.

Perhaps that’s also what’s best if I am to follow Vishka’s will.

The doors to the tribunal room opened as I spoke; Captain Stewart returned with a flushed expression as he quickly ran over to the Generals. As he opened his mouth to speak, the door boomed open with force as clattering footsteps interrupted my trial.

“Why is it I was only informed of this mere moments ago?” a hardened voice made my skin prickle in panic as two figures entered.

Vishka’s Guidance System

Azriel Kamil Elkart

Likeability: -29% (+1%)

What the heck was the young Duke of the frozen south doing here!? My eyes bulged as I watched him march toward the Generals, barely sparing me a glance. I made a face to Nate’ as he casually strolled behind him, his hands behind his back. Nate noticed and winked at me with that cheeky of grin of his.

What was going on!?

“Y-young Duke”, General Drew stuttered as shocked as I was. “This is a trial to determine the continuation of Lady Heversham’s blood contract. You do not take an interest in them usually.”

“Does that mean I do not wish to be informed when it concerns a person of interest to me?” Azriel’s voice was clear despite the metal mask that covered most of his features.

“Consider it our mistake, Young Duke”, General Fleming sighed with a wave of his hand. His attitude toward Azriel was so laid back compared to General Drew. “As I am sure Lord Hudson has informed you, there have been developments that have changed this trial anyway.”

“I have indeed been informed, Duke Fleming” Azriel’s address shocked me again. General Fleming was a Duke!? Wait… Fleming… ah! I widened my eyes as realisation struck me, the Dukedom of the Viridian North was Fleming. He was the Duke that overlooked the nobles in Ingalham and Talbour! How had I not realised….

“Young Duke, respectfully, are you going to put a stop to this farce?” General Saika piped from the witness stands with a smug expression toward General Mullins as he folded his arms. He had patiently been watching with an irked attitude this whole time and seemed to revel in this disruption.

“Saika”, General Mullins chastised with a glare. “Quiet down.”

Eduard and Callan had moved closer to the exit from their stands, itching to intervene if given the opportunity. Callan desperately tried to meet my eyes, but I couldn’t pull away from Azriel Elkart as my heart hammered.

“Lady Heversham has yet to resolve a declaration made to me regarding an ability of hers. Azriel frowned toward me, making me flinch as his purple eyes narrowed. “I understand Lord Hudson has also backed her request for an annulment of adoption?”

“T-that is correct”, General Drew gulped. “We were awaiting Lord Hudson for confirmation of this.”

“Very well.” Azriel nodded as he moved around the podiums to join the Generals directly on their stand. He stood beside General Fleming and expectantly gave him a look I did not comprehend. However, General Fleming seemed to understand as he rolled his eyes, taking out a pouch from his pocket. Opening it, he clicked his fingers, and soil spurted out of the pouch. It expanded at an exceptional rate before forming into a solid earth chair.

Azriel sat down and leaned back into the high-backed earth chair. “Lord Hudson, have you used your seal for this request of Lady Heversham’s?”

Nate smiled ruefully, sauntering to stand beside me as I stood at my podium, still absorbing this new development.

“I have, indeed, agreed to back Lady Heversham in her request.” Nate proudly stated.

“What are your reasons for doing so, Lord Hudson?” General Mullins asked, displeased. “Lady Heversham’s reasons are lacking, to say the least.”

I tightened my hand into a fist at his comment.

Nate’s eyes held a steadiness as he addressed the sceptical general. “General Mullins, I simply believe Lady Heversham would not ask for such a thing if she did have her reasons. I trust her judgement.”

General Mullins’ brow furrowed, his irritation evident as he exchanged a brief glance with the other generals. The room seemed tense as if everyone was awaiting Nate’s explanation.

Eduard and Callan paled slightly, and I couldn’t help but feel a warmth float inside. Nate had agreed to my request on trust of me alone, a woman he did not know very well. It was more than either Eduard or Callan had given me growing up.

“I see.” General Drew nodded slowly, seemingly processing Nate’s response. “Lady Heversham, can you provide further clarity on the matter?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat, aware that Azriel’s unwavering gaze was fixed upon me. The presence of the young Duke and his unexpected involvement had shifted the trial dynamic entirely. I will not put Nate’s trust in me to shame.

“I appreciate your willingness to understand, General Drew,” I began, my voice steady despite the turmoil of nerves growing within me. “To truly grasp my motivations, I believe it’s necessary to delve into the circumstances that surrounded my adoption.”

Callan and Eduard exchanged a tense glance, uncertainty etched on their faces, bracing themselves for what was to come.

“Please proceed,” General Fleming encouraged, his curiosity piqued.

“When I was a child of seven, the late Viscountess Cassandra Heversham rescued me from the brink of starvation in Wayward Town,” I recounted, my voice carrying a mixture of gratitude and pain. “She brought me into her home and treated me with kindness beyond measure. It was an act of generosity that I’ve always been deeply grateful for.”

“Then how can you justify what might be seen as a betrayal of that generosity?” General Mullins’ tone held a note of accusation. “Your father arranged a respectable marriage for you, despite your limited core, and your own safety led to the request for the blood contract’s revocation. Yet, in response, you’re seeking the annulment of your adoption—a drastic step.”

I met General Mullins’ gaze head-on, the conflict within me mirrored in his eyes. “I understand how my actions might be perceived as ungrateful,” I admitted, my voice tinged with a hint of sadness. “And truthfully, there is a part of me that feels as though I’m betraying Cassandra’s memory.”

It sickened me that I was betraying her kindness like this.

“Then why proceed?” General Mullins's voice held a trace of scepticism, a hint of challenge.

“I acknowledge that perspective, General Mullins”, I replied, my gaze unwavering. “But the warmth and kindness I once knew ceased to exist after Cassandra’s passing.”

“Lynette...” Callan’s voice was soft, tinged with regret as he met my eyes. He understood the pain I was referring to, the pain that he had taken part in creating with his lie.

“I fail to see how her passing has any bearing on your request,” General Drew interjected, his expression puzzled.

“The circumstances changed drastically after Cassandra’s death,” I explained, my voice steady despite the memories that threatened to overwhelm me. “The truth is, if my adoption were up to Viscount Heversham today, I believe he would choose not to adopt me.”

General Drew’s brows furrowed in confusion, and I pressed on, determined to lay bare my reasons. “He has never treated me as a daughter, and often, he’s gone out of his way to remind me that I am a burden,” I continued, my voice tinged with bitterness as I recalled the painful moments. “Considering this, I believe that the annulment of my adoption would be in both his interest and mine.”

A heavy silence settled in the room as my words hung in the air, emotions echoing in the space between us. Callan’s expression softened, his regret palpable, while Eduard’s initial apprehension seemed to shift into a mix of confusion and frustration. He desperately wanted to speak but knew he couldn’t.

Azriel’s presence seemed to loom larger than life, his intent scrutiny palpable even through the mask that covered part of his face. He leaned back in the makeshift earth chair, fingers intertwined as he observed the proceedings.

Azriel’s voice broke the silence, his tone measured and authoritative. “I do not believe this can be decided without Viscount Heversham’s input.”

“I agree”, General Fleming sighed, but I caught the small smirk he made. “Perhaps, in the interest of all here, we postpone a decision on revocation of the blood contract and adoption until the spring social?”

“The spring social?” General Drew leaned forward in his chair. “That’s two seasons away?”

“It makes sense.” General Mullins nodded reluctantly. “The Viscount usually travels mid-winter. Despite my opinion that Lady Heversham is being foolish, we can not make such a decision without the Viscount's input.”

“This will also allow you to confirm Lady Heversham’s ability with demonic beasts, Young Duke.” General Fleming's tone was mocking towards Azriel. “It will also allow us to see if Lady Heversham’s claim to have a gathering technique is truthful.”

“Indeed, she can train as a recruit, and we can monitor her results for her safety.” General Drew stroked his beard, nodding.

“Very well, it is decided then. We will reconvene this matter in the spring when Viscount Heversham is here to speak.”

“Do you agree to this, Lady Heversham?”

“I accept this” I nodded as relief poured into every fibre of my being.

It was the best I could have hoped for. Time was all I needed. I will have the entirety of autumn and winter to train, grow my core, learn how to fight and prove that I can survive in the army. If I can become a summoner, they won't be able to revoke my blood contract so easily. It wasn’t going to be easy, I still had to get my body stronger, and I will have to catch up with the other trainees as they trained to become summoners. Until I can join them, I will be the best foot-guard trainee I can be.

I am determined to change my fate.

Vishka's Guidance System

Eduard Heversham

Likeability: -25% (+5%)

Vishka’s Guidance System

Callan Heversham

Likeability: 15% (+7%)

Vishka's Guidance System

Azriel Kamil Elkart

Likeability: -18% (+11%)

END OF BOOK ONE

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Gosh I ended up re-writing this so many times!!! What do you think for this as the ending of book one? Did the conversation flow smoothly? Did you enjoy it? Are you excited for book two the training arc!