Chapter 271: For The Record

Lancet kept his breath steady, trying his best not to let the occasion overwhelm him. But that was a difficult task.

Right in front of him were the most powerful people in the entire world. Not in terms of Grace and abilities, but in control, rulership and authority over everyone including those who were powerful in terms of Grace and abilities.

Lancet had only been prepared to see the Council Members, and even then he had assumed it would just be half of them. He had not expected that the Sovereigns of the world’s kingdom would be present also.

Excitement spread all over his tingly body, recalling lines he’d read in the novel while staying up late at night. He couldn’t believe he was actually seeing these people in 3-fucking-D.

The kingdoms of Earth were the same as continents back in Lancet’s former world. After the Second World attacked, many countries were wiped off the face of the Earth and almost half of the world was consumed by its demonic corruption.

But England was the country that rose above all to the surprise of many. Multiple Awakeners came from that country first, including Astensia and Thor, and pushed the tide against Gehenna.

To unify the fragments of the world that was left, countries dissolved into cities, and continents became the kingdoms ruled by chosen individuals called Sovereigns.

Europe became Aethelgard. North and South America became Falcon Standing. Africa became Ebonia. Humans even immigrated to Antarctica and it became Antarticon. And Asia became Asiris.

The World Organization was renamed the Kingdom Council. Even though the world was made of kingdoms, it was commonly referred to as a kingdom itself. The same way a country is sometimes referred to as a state.

Earth was the Kingdom of Humans.

Gehenna was the Kingdom of Demons.

The Kingdom Council’s sole focus was to make sure that the world was united under one banner. Every kingdom was represented with two Council Members, making sure the problems of their nations were being relayed.

More importantly, the Kingdom Council was the organization agency for the world’s defense against Gehenna. They handled mostly everything although for smaller situations, they let the Kingdom Rangers Board deal with it.

This situation however, was not a small one.

"For the record," Council Lord Obel began, using magic to open a large tome in front of him, "can you please state your names?"

Lancet waited a breath, then he looked at his heroines, giving them a facial message to stay cool and obey what they say. Then, he started the thread of answers.

"I’m Lancet Leogardt," he replied.

"And where are you from, Mr. Leogardt?" Obel asked, looking unimpressed. "Any family?"

"I’m an orphan," Lancet answered. "From the eastern slums."

Obel nodded. King Romsgard’s gaze intensified, watching Lancet like he was impressed, suspicious, guarded and annoyed at the same time.

It was like how a father would look at a son who got in trouble in school, although he wasn’t a hundred percent against what he actually got in trouble for.

The other Sovereigns also watched with very interested gazes. This meant a great deal because as kings and queens of nations, they were very busy people. But all their attention was claimed by the group in the center of the hall.

Obel gestured for the next person to speak.

"I am Astensia Valengard," Astensia declared, chilling the air immediately with the glorious tone of her voice. "I am from the Northern Wastes."

The Council Members gave each other glances. Not full turn of their faces — their heads remained still like the rest of their bodies, but their eyes moved slowly to each other.

Lancet hid his smile when he noticed it. Smart asses thought that no one knew. But he knew that they were talking to each other using mental conduits. It was the same kind of thing Estelle Nightingale and her family used to share secret information.

They were likely fascinated that Astensia Valengard was truly here and just didn’t want to show it.

Thor had a grunt prepared on her face. But when her eyes met Lancet’s, she sighed silently and sent it away. Being subservient was still a difficult trait for her.

"I am Thor Stormchild," she declared, her voice like thunder. "My home is the Crumbling Blue. What you now call Valkyrie Falls."

The Council Members reacted again. So did the Sovereigns.

"Espel Fyrebloom," Espel stated hers plainly, clearly wanting to get this over with and return to her dorm. "I’ve lived in the Institute all my life."

Obel recorded that. Kestrel spoke next. "I am Princess Kestrel Highcastle," she said with her regal poise, chin up. "I hail from Crescent City."

Another reaction from the Members and Sovereigns.

Obel recorded that as well, then waited. But no one spoke. He raised his head and looked at the group of detainees, his gaze resting especially on the one with crimson eyes.

Everyone turned to Spectra including Lancet who gave her something that could be called a scolding glance. Spectra smiled at him, rolled her eyes at the Council Lord then spoke at last.

"Spectra Hexerra, Mother of Demons, born in Ashenrise and reigned in Dakatharit. Pleasure to meet you."

There was definitely no pleasure in her tone.

Obel ignored her sarcasm and recorded that as well. The pages of the giant tome lit up and turned to an empty one.

"Are you aware of the charges brought before you?" he asked. "Obstruction. Violation of an Outer-Political Truce Agreement. Disobeying Direct Orders from a Commanding Officer. Unlawful Detention and Imprisonment of Kingdom Forces. Unauthorized Warfare in a Restricted Zone. Destruction of Kingdom Property. And that’s without mentioning secondary charges."

Obel narrowed his eyes at him. For a man of his appearance, anger didn’t really look good on him. He couldn’t sell the emotion. In fact, the Council Lord looked like he’d rather be watching a magi-sports game and drowning in wine rather than doing any of this.

"But worst of all. Your actions have put the world in grave danger because now Gehenna will plan a retaliation and we have no idea what they will do." He shook his head in disbelief, a more believable reaction. "The punishment for this should be astronomical."

Thor parted her lips to reply but Lancet, knowing her, already glanced in her direction. She gave him a frustrated look but pressed her lips tight after.

King Romsgard noticed this and was utterly stunned by his control and authority over these women who were clearly much more powerful than him.

He leaned in then spoke first. "I am disappointed, Lancet. But do you have anything to say for yourself? Why would you endanger the world like this? For EXP? Just to level up? Or to show off your power? Why?"

Lancet gave the King of Aethelgard a look and raised his shoulders in a motion that resembled a shrug. "Forgive me, your Majesty," he looked down at the Council Members on the table, "Council Members. But I am a bit confused."

"Punishment?" he tilted his head, eyebrows raised. "I came here expecting a reward."

Gasps came all around. This time, the Members were too surprised to remember to use the conduit. Romsgard brows narrowed. The Sovereigns glared at him, Obel as well.

Astensia, used to Lancet’s antics, said nothing. Spectra on the other hand had an amused smile on her face.

"Insolence!" a Council Member sitting to the left of Obel slammed his palm on the table. Lancet turned to him, noticing him for the first time.

The top of his head was bald and his tonsure hairstyle rose like spikes on both sides of his head. His white beard was pointed as well, like porcelain daggers.

Lancet didn’t recognize his face, but the description of his face was very familiar. This man played a major role in the novel, didn’t he?

"Calm down, Verdrak," Obel warned the Member. "This hall is a respectable ground."

"Then the boy should not dishonor it," Verdrak accused.

’Verdrak?!’ Lancet’s mind dinged with recognition. ’I know this fucker!’