The Extra System: Summoner of Shadows

Cedric returned to the camp, where he once again found himself being ostracized. Instead of caring about it, he focused on the food served and the fact that Caroline likely knew he was a summoner. But he couldn't walk up to her and expose himself. 

Therefore, he kept an eye on her Character Sheet, ensuring that she would not obtain the skill. The caravan resumed their journey to the capital of Valoria and managed to reach it before sunset. However, Caroline still did not obtain the skill.

If she planned on going to trial without the skill to lie, then it meant she planned on exposing Cedric as a summoner to get out of this mess. Accusing a prince was no laughing matter, and the entire thing could end the Ravenswood bloodline.

Cedric found himself in a situation similar to the presidents of his past lives. Most of them had weapons of mass destruction, but if anyone dared to use them, the entire world would be destroyed.

Caroline could expose him as a summoner, but even then, her accusations would irreparably damage her family and reputation.

The caravan entered the city without inspection since it carried the Ravenswood banners. No one dared to offend a duke, a person just below a king. Once they reached the palace, Duke Ravenswood appeared before Cedric with Caroline.

Duke Ravenswood was a large man with a big belly, a thin mustache, and sparse blond hair beneath his hat. It was the first time Cedric met him, and he was amazed at how well the duke fit the classic description of a noble.

"Your Highness," said the duke without bowing. Even though Cedric was a prince of a different nation, his status still commanded respect. Ember frowned and stepped forward, but Cedric raised a hand to stop her. "I received word that the king can meet us now, before the trial. This is the last chance to end this matter in private. Please don't be rash in making decisions."

"I believe that the King of Valoria is wise and just," said Cedric with a smile, seeing through their plans. The duke wanted to intimidate him into compensating rather than going to trial. "May the truth prevail."

Duke Ravenswood snorted and walked into the palace, where he was received by the king's right hand. The two men shook hands while Cedric squinted at their friendly demeanor. He then noticed that Caroline was still glaring at him.

Caroline was a beauty, so the previous prince was no fool. He fell for her looks, status, and sweet letters. But in Cedric's eyes, she was uglier than dirt because he knew her true character.

"Let's end this matter before it damages our reputation, Prince Cedric," said Caroline, bowing. "If you confess and ask for forgiveness, we are willing to let this go with meager compensation."

"I will indeed confess everything that happened," said Cedric, stepping forward, his smile dark as he passed her. Then, in a voice only the two of them could hear, he whispered, "I will also mention your meeting in the barn."

Caroline was visibly shaken as Cedric entered the palace. The right hand was not as friendly toward him, but he was respectful enough to bow in the presence of a prince.

Cedric marveled at the palace's interior as he walked inside. Even in his previous life, he had never entered a place this luxurious. The walls could tell stories he did not know, yet they still amazed him. In the novel he read, these details were skimmed over in a few passages, but seeing them in person resolved him to explore this world further.

The herald announced their names and status as they walked inside. Cedric tried to remember the proper etiquette in front of a king and placed a hand over his heart as he bowed his head slightly.

"This humble junior greets King Thalric Ardenthal, Son of Rashana and Dori, Vanquisher of Giants," Cedric said as he bowed.

The man sitting on the throne was tall, with black hair and beard, and wisdom-filled eyes as he examined them. He studied Cedric with intrigue, his silence raising the tension inside the courtroom.

"Rise, Prince Cedric of Aeloria. You honor me with your respect. Yet, in this hall, truth and justice are our greatest allies. We shall see if your actions mirror your words."

"We shall indeed, Your Majesty," said Cedric with a confident smile as he rose. "As Your Majesty knows, I come from afar, carrying intentions of further uniting our kingdoms. But I have been met with baseless accusations and, even worse, threats to my life."

"Is that true, Duke Ravenswood?" asked King Thalric, raising an eyebrow at Cedric's words. The duke rose, flustered, to explain himself, as Cedric implied that the duke had threatened him.

"There have indeed been strange occurrences in the past few days, Your Majesty. But I have never—"

"Answer the question, Ravenswood," commanded the king with a frown. "Has the life of Prince Cedric, while on your estate, been threatened?"

"It has, Your Majesty, but we have yet to know who the culprit is," said the duke, wiping his face. Before he knew it, Cedric had taken the lead in this game of politics. "I will make sure to uncover—"

"This is not a matter of investigation, Duke Ravenswood. You accused the prince of dishonoring your daughter, and that is a different matter. However, in Valoria, a guest cannot be harmed or threatened. You have failed your duties as a host, and my court will take that into consideration during the trial."

"…As His Majesty wishes," said the duke, his head lowered, unable to refute those words. Cedric did not let his smile show, but he thanked the skill Reader Mindset for helping him remember the character of this king.

Unlike the noble that accused him, King Thalric was an honorable man with strong opinions. Valoria was a kingdom built by the strength and courage of its warriors, and hospitality was sacred to them.

"I understand that there are reputations to maintain among nobles, and I will grant you the privilege of resolving this between yourselves now. If you can reach an agreement, I will let this matter rest," said the king again, resting his hand beneath his chin.

"Your Majesty. In order to preserve the reputation of the Ninth Prince and maintain a good relationship with his kingdom, I am willing to relinquish our right to a trial. However, my daughter requires proper compensation for her damaged reputation."

"And what compensation is that?" asked Ember with a frown. The duke seemed to be counting on his fingers, mulling over the proper amount, as if he hadn't given it any thought.

"Ten thousand gold should suffice," said the duke with a fair nod, as if he were being generous. "With that amount, my daughter can reclaim her honor among the nobles."

Ember was furious since that amount was half the budget of Aeloria in a year. Before she could lash out, Cedric raised his hand, stopping her from falling for his provocation.

"I believe that honor has no price," said Cedric with a smile as he advanced toward the king. "I'm sure His Majesty feels the same way. If something can be bought, then it's far from being genuine."

"My personal beliefs are irrelevant to the matter," answered the king with a shake of his head. The king's right hand snorted at Cedric's attempt to flatter. "What is your answer?"

"A compensation is an admission of guilt, and I believe the court will find me innocent. I wish to take this to trial, Your Majesty, and let the truth prevail above all."

King Thalric looked at Cedric for a moment, as if trying to dig into his mind to find the truth. Although he did not voice support for the prince, his eyes held some respect for the stance he took.

"Very well, then. Your trial will be held tomorrow when my court mage returns from his mission. At that time, he will cast the Oath of Truth upon both sides, and let the truth be uncovered."