Chapter 132: In That Case, Let’s Have a Nice Long Talk in the Tribunal!

Translation by: Weebsread👹

​

The arrival of the Retribution Knights slashed through Lin Wei’s thoughts like a cold blade.

​

Setting aside his questions for now, he fixed his gaze on Duke Ous, who stood taut and unmoving beneath his scrutiny.

​

“Vice Commander Guga…”

​

Just moments ago, Duke Ous had radiated fury—his posture overflowing with power, every inch the threatened predator ready to lash out. Now, however, his features twisted into something far uglier: shock and bruised pride warred on his face.

​

He’d taken Lin Wei’s abrupt attack as the reckless outrage of a knight personally aggrieved by an assassination attempt—a passionate vengeance, not the calculated move of an institution. But reality dawned: Lin Wei had come not as a wronged man, but as the Church’s own agent. Was he now weaponizing the Holy See against the Empire itself?

​

The notion felt even more absurd than Lin Wei’s overwhelming strength.

​

“To so brazenly humiliate a Duke of the Empire, and at his own gates, no less.”

​

Duke Ous spoke through clenched teeth, the brittle mask of dignity on his face starting to crack. “What is the Church’s aim here? Do they see the Empire as nothing?”

​

At his rank, even a true crime would have been handled discreetly: quiet negotiations behind closed doors, dignity preserved, and no public shaming. Never, in all his years, had he faced such open insult. He could scarcely comprehend what the Church hoped to achieve by courting public conflict.

​

“I believe I made myself clear enough,” Lin Wei retorted, his voice glacial.

​

So men will cling to their illusions, even at the brink of disaster, he thought. How typical of an Imperial noble.

​

As the full company of Retribution Knights entered the square, Lin Wei gazed down on Duke Ous, his presence vast and unyielding. With the knights’ arrival, the Church’s might saturated the air—its authority indisputable.

​

Behind the force, a radiant holy blade shimmered into being, its silent gleam a chilling symbol of the Holy See’s absolute judgment.

​

An inescapable pressure poured outward, lending Lin Wei’s every word the weight of irrevocable command.

​

“You conspired with the Cult of the Evil Gods and plotted to murder Sir Arfron, Grand Commander of the Retribution Knights. You wielded heretical magic, tried to seduce Her Holiness’ Secretary, and sought to steal secrets from the Holy See.”

​

“And now you deign to speak of the Empire’s dignity? As if you didn’t revel in trampling Her Holiness beneath your heel, again and again, right in this very place! The Pope only endured your insolence to preserve peace between Empire and Church. But now, with your crimes exposed, justice demands satisfaction.”

​

“At this point, what right have you to rage? By what cause do you defy the Holy See? What do you take the Retribution Knights for, you coddled noble? Prepare to scour the manor and detain the Secretary!”

​

“Move out!”

​

His command split the night.

​

Guga raised his arm, the order ringing clear.

​

Nearly a hundred armored Retribution Knights advanced without hesitation, marching upon the manor gates as one.

​

“Should… Should we stop them?”

​

The Imperial guard squad, just arrived at the scene, stood frozen in uncertainty.

​

After the recent attacks by the Cult of the Evil Gods, elite mobile units now patrolled the Noble District. But their orders were to guard against cult infiltrators, not storming contingents from the Holy See itself.

​

Were they to bar the knights? Or stand aside? Either path could mean disaster.

​

While the guards dithered in indecision, a furious roar shattered the impasse: “How dare you!!!”

​

Events had already spiraled well beyond the point where idle observation was possible.

​

Seeing the Retribution Knights prepare to advance, Duke Ous’s voice cut across the square—an order, an accusation both.

​

The authority he radiated pressed on the guards like a physical weight.

​

“What are you waiting for?” he demanded coldly.

​

“Are you sworn to the Holy See, or the Empire?”

​

“A nobleman is humiliated, and you just stand there gawking as if it’s a parade?”

​

Shocked from their reverie, the guards found Duke Ous’s presence even more oppressive than the threatening knights.

​

The squad captain hesitated only a moment before raising his arm—a signal for his men to advance.

​

Swallowing hard, he took position at the front, forming his unit into a shield wall across the manor entrance, and forced his voice firm:

​

“Honored knights, please—for everyone’s sake, curb your anger.”

​

“By Imperial law, no noble may be detained or tried without a verdict from the Supreme Council. Any arrest lacking due evidence is unlawful. As Imperial guards, we cannot simply stand aside and let someone be seized at whim. We would be derelict in our duty.”

​

Who would willingly pit themselves against the Holy See’s Retribution Knights unless pressed to the limit?

​

But with so many nobles watching from behind shaded windows, turning a blind eye was not an option. Cowardice here would mean ruin before the Imperial Court Martial—a lifetime’s reputation burned away overnight.

​

“Enough!”

​

In that instant, a clear voice rang across the square, empowered by magic, commanding instant attention from every quarter.

​

The guard captain turned instinctively—and on recognizing the new arrival, his eyes widened.

​

“Lady Yalis?”

​

The Saintess Yalis, daughter of the Griffin Duke.

​

Not just any aristocrat, but a scion of the Gryphon House: the realm’s noblest bloodline, its prestige towering for a millennium. Even without holding a peerage herself, her dual identities—as Saintess and descendant of the Griffin Duke—were enough that even royalty would pause for her.

​

“Yes.”

​

“I am aware of the events here,” Yalis announced.

​

Prompted by the subtle reassurance in Lin Wei’s gaze, Yalis stepped forward immediately.

​

Dozens of eyes swept toward her; she was no stranger to public notice, accustomed to attention from birth, always the center of privilege. But tonight was her first time standing forth in the name of justice, not birthright.

​

A ripple of uncertainty ran through her—quick, chilling, nearly overwhelming.

​

Yet beneath the nerves surged a bold excitement she could not tamp down.

​

She straightened, feigning calm. In the chill moonlight, her delicate features seemed almost luminous.

​

Though she bore no physical token of authority, not a soul present dared dismiss her.

​

“The Holy See’s investigation has confirmed Duke Ous’s dealings with the Cult of the Evil Gods,” she declared, her measured voice cutting through the crowd.

​

“The Retribution Knights exist to defend both the Church and the Empire itself. A search such as this falls fully under our jurisdiction—by decree of the Church, there is no requirement for High Council approval.”

​

Her gaze swept the guards. “All of you: stand down. This is a direct order from Saintess Yalis.”

​

With a few sentences, she pulled the guards back from the brink of disaster.

​

With a noble of her magnitude present, the threat of catastrophe receded.

​

“We understand, Lady Yalis,” the guards replied, relief bright in exhausted voices.

​

Truly, who would risk their lives fighting the clergy—if Alicia herself might damn their souls for such insolence?

​

On the officer’s signal, the wall of guards parted, beginning to disperse. Yet he cast a backward glance at Duke Ous, his face wracked with regret as he spoke in a low voice.

​

“My apologies, Your Grace. The Holy See holds the right to conduct searches of this nature. As mere city guards, and with Lady Yalis now intervening, we are powerless to resist.”

​

He added softly, “Please alert the Imperial Palace so royal guards may be dispatched. We shall remain at our posts and ensure no unauthorized entry or exit.”

​

As if I, Duke Ous, need you lot to keep rabble from my estate, he seethed internally. Useless cowards—the Empire’s coin is wasted on the likes of you.

​

His tone was cold, his anger barely contained. “So the Holy See truly means to force my hand tonight?”

​

The overwhelming aura of a supreme transcendent flared out, thickening the air like thunderclouds.

​

Ous’s face grew ashen as he stared toward the now-unbarred doors of his home.

​

Even his own moat-hardened guards—veterans of war—felt a helpless dread. No ordinary foe could conjure such fear; these were the Holy See’s Retribution Knights.

​

Arrayed in force, there was no lord who could stand alone against them; not even a transcendent would survive such an onslaught.

​

Short on numbers, the manor’s defenders knew any resistance would collapse at the first blow.

​

“Is this really the day you dare defy the Holy See?”

​

Lin Wei was unaffected by Ous’s growing pressure. His eyes glinted with cold amusement as he faced the Duke, mask cast aside. He gave his warning clear and without pretense, projecting it for all to hear.

​

“Repeated slander against the Pope, trampling on the Holy See’s dignity—did you think we would simply tolerate it?”

​

“You have manipulated the Noble Academy, seized resources and personnel meant for the front lines, sabotaging the Holy See’s preparations.”

​

“And let’s not forget last night: hiring the Shadowstream assassin, Fred, to murder me. Did you truly believe I would turn a blind eye? Begin the search!”

​

With a flick of his arm, Lin Wei unleashed the Retribution Knights into motion.

​

Above, the sacred radiance blazed ever brighter, pouring holy light across the stones of the estate.

​

Lin Wei stood over Duke Ous, his every word and presence lending weight like a mountain. He glared down with icy contempt, as if to brush aside a snarling cur.

​

“If you remain unconvinced, then strike. I’m right here. Let’s settle things now—see if I don’t put you down on the spot and have the Retribution Knights execute you where you stand.”

​

“Lin Wei!”

​

The Retribution Knights swept past, boots pounding across the estate grounds as they fanned out to search.

​

From within, the panicked cries of servants rose—a chorus of confusion in the wake of such overwhelming force.

​

Duke Ous bit down hard, eyes ablaze with impotent rage. His voice failed as anger surged through him, choking off speech. Never, in his life, had he suffered such utter humiliation and impotence.

​

But anything more was out of his hands.

​

The man before him seemed entirely capable of unleashing violence at the slightest excuse.

​

This was nothing like the clergy or the Empire’s other nobles. Lin Wei was cut from a different cloth: terrifying in might, bound by no rule or custom.

​

He had no interest in saving face, even for a duke. He trampled dignity as if it were dust, showing no fear of Imperial retribution.

​

Damn Selena—damn the Pope—where had she found such a monster?

​

Just wait. When this is over, I’ll see to it the Emperor knows. You’ll find out what happens when you cross a Duke!

​

“Lord Lin Wei!”

​

“We’ve found the Secretary!”

​

At that moment—

​

The Retribution Knights, having received the exact location, appeared almost instantly, drawing forth the Secretary.

​

When the Holy See’s spy appeared before his eyes—plucked like a rabbit after such elaborate concealment—even Duke Ous could only stare in disbelief.

​

“Impossible.”

​

He had ordered the butler to spirit the Secretary away, enshrouded in every conceivable safeguard.

​

How could they have discovered her so quickly?

​

“She was hidden inside a secret chamber, secured by layered magical arrays,” reported the knight. “Inside, we found a hoard of valuables—many bearing the unique marks of the Northern Countries. What shall we do with them?”

​

“Oh? So many foreign treasures, Duke Ous? Quite a cache for a loyal imperial noble, wouldn’t you say?”

​

The Secretary stood there in an unnatural tableau, her limbs moving stiff and lifeless as a puppet’s.

​

Lin Wei quietly worked a spell, ensuring she remained lost in unconsciousness, impervious to sudden interference.

​

He gestured imperceptibly to Guga, directing that she be sent to the Holy See for immediate healing by the Pope. Only then did Lin Wei return to Ous, steeling himself for the next step.

​

“These are my personal treasures. I fail to see how they concern you,” Duke Ous answered, voice icy.

​

In this Empire, what noble is not wealthy beyond measure? Especially a duke—was it truly so suspicious for his vaults to overflow?

​

Buoyed by affront, he nearly forgot that just moments before, his most damning secret had been dragged into the light.

​

“Personal property, is it?” Lin Wei’s voice throbbed through the hall, righteous fury in every word. “And what of the evidence our Retribution Knights discovered? Your steward’s tracks in the secret chamber? The Secretary’s condition just now—can anyone deny she’s been tainted by an evil god’s power, left in that trance?”

​

He advanced, gaze hardening. “Tell me, do you truly expect us to believe the Holy See corrupted its own Secretary and smuggled her in to entrap you?”

​

He struck before Ous could voice the defense he’d been mustering, catching him in the words.

​

Lin Wei had anticipated his every move—the Duke stammered, his mind in chaos, reeling beneath the assault. He, the grand Duke of the Empire, found himself utterly off-balance.

​

“The origin of your so-called property is highly suspect, Duke Ous. It’s entirely possible these goods are linked to the Cult of the Evil Gods.”

​

Lin Wei’s words landed like coffin nails, step by step boxing Ous into a corner.

​

“By the Holy See’s right to investigate heresy, this estate—along with all related assets—will be sealed subject to a full audit. Your stewards and the Empire’s auditors will be summoned for an inquest. Here. On these grounds.”

​

He paused, eyes never leaving the Duke. “If all is as you claim, your property will be restored. If not—if there’s any connection to evil cults or illicit gains—the Holy See and Empire will confiscate everything. Any objections?”

​

To search a great house, to freeze a Duke’s holdings, to do so under suspicion of heresy—Ous almost laughed from sheer absurdity. These churchmen could wring a man dry and call it principle. The bitter irony struck home.

​

“This is your so-called lawful investigation? It’s nothing but legalized robbery!” Ous spat, quivering. “I’ll report this to the Supreme Council—you’ve crossed every line!”

​

He had heard those words hurled at others. Never imagined, until now, they’d spring from his own lips.

​

For all his title and power, Duke Ous in that moment felt truly powerless. If he must beg his own ‘organization’ for rescue—what chance had he really?

​

He raised a trembling hand—toward the assembled Retribution Knights, at last toward the cold figure of Lin Wei enduring above them all.

​

The Holy See technically held such powers, yes—but never had they dared wield them so openly, for the sake of preserving Imperial goodwill.

​

Yet today, they brandished that authority like a cudgel.

​

Was this the justice of a righteous, radiant Church? How was this different from the work of mere bandits?

​

“We will, of course, notify the Empire and submit everything to joint investigation,” Lin Wei replied, his voice as crisp and unyielding as steel.

​

He let his gaze linger on Duke Ous, a faint, mocking smile playing at his lips. “You seem troubled, Duke. Or is it simply that you’re worried about where you might sleep tonight, with your estate seized?”

​

A cold, humorless chuckle escaped him. “The Tribunal’s guest quarters are clean enough. If you are willing, perhaps you’ll come stay with us for a spell.”

​

His voice dropped to a whisper, deadly calm. “I think the Holy See has… quite a few matters it wishes to discuss with you.”