Facing the ambiguous glances from the High Court Chief Justice and the two Deputy Justices, and their gossipy questions that could rival tabloid reporters, Serena Feng showed not a trace of timidity or unease—she was nothing like a defendant on trial.
No matter how tricky the three judges' questions were, Serena answered each with clarity and flawless logic, never contradicting herself. Even the Director of Bloodcloak Criminal Affairs had to admit: there wasn't a single loophole in her responses.
But having no loopholes is itself the biggest loophole. Serena, a young woman, facing a barrage of rapid-fire questions from three seasoned officials, could answer so perfectly—it was suspicious in itself. Yet the Director of Bloodcloak Criminal Affairs dared not voice this concern, fearing he'd be blasted for it.
"What do you mean? Serena's answers are flawless, and that's a crime? What, you won't be satisfied unless she slips up?"
Serena caught the Director's conflicted expression. She'd never taken part in an interrogation before, but even she knew her performance was too perfect—and to these seasoned interrogators, that in itself was suspicious.
So what if she was suspicious? If they had the skills, let them find a flaw in her words. If not, they'd just have to accept it. Serena Feng wasn't one to be bullied. Besides, she really had spent last night with Ninth Royal Uncle—he just left before she did. As for the details of their time together, she'd say whatever she pleased; who would dare confront Ninth Royal Uncle directly?
Serena remained calm, answering every question with composure, describing every moment with Ninth Royal Uncle in detail. But everyone else present was anything but calm.
Leaving aside the shock of the crowd, when Ninth Royal Uncle was with Serena, he acted just like any ordinary man. It was hard to believe that the cold-faced Prince could have such gentle moments. Though he'd acknowledged Serena publicly, he was always icy toward her in front of others.
As for Tong Yao, who knew the truth, hearing Serena craft such a detailed alibi for herself left her in awe. Her lady could lie so effortlessly—and without leaving a single flaw.
The three judges originally hoped to coax some juicy gossip about Ninth Royal Uncle from Serena—his bedroom skills, how many women he could handle in one night, whether he was really as aloof as rumors claimed. But unfortunately, not a single useful detail slipped out.
Serena's heart sank—she worried these three might expose her lie. But outwardly, she remained calm, giving them only a cool glance, as steady as a mountain, showing no sign of being affected.
As long as she stuck to her story about being at Ninth Prince Manor yesterday, nothing else mattered.
The Director of Bloodcloak Criminal Affairs and the people from Shunning Marquis Manor were visibly delighted, unable to hide their excitement. The atmosphere in the hall grew strange.
The undercurrents in the courtroom didn't escape the Chief Justice's notice, but he remained detached. He calmly asserted his authority: "Who are you in the hall?"
Having finally regained control of the trial, the Chief Justice wouldn't let things get out of hand. After all, if these people caused a scene in court, he couldn't do much about it—and he'd be the one embarrassed.
"I am Ming Dian, a guard of Feng Manor," said the man Serena recognized, kneeling first and stating his name. The other two, both gate soldiers from last night, also knelt.
Upon hearing their identities, Serena's lips curled into a knowing smile. She fanned herself lightly, hiding the mockery and sympathy in her eyes.
Bloodcloak Guard had some skills—to have dug up these three. Serena didn't know why the two soldiers would testify for Bloodcloak, but she was certain they wouldn't live to see tomorrow. The Emperor wouldn't allow last night's events to leak.
Of course, none of this concerned her. All she needed to do now was listen to what these three would say. Ming Dian, the Feng Manor guard, didn't disappoint—he eloquently described everything that happened last night, even showing the wound on his arm.
"Sir, every word I say is true. Last night, Miss Serena led us to raid the Bloodcloak dungeon, told us to fight freely as long as no one was killed, and said she'd take responsibility. If you don't believe me, go check Feng Manor—many guards there are injured."
After the guard finished speaking, the Chief Justice turned to Serena: "Serena Feng, do you have anything to say?"
With that, everyone's eyes turned to Serena, especially those from Bloodcloak and Shunning Marquis Manor, looking smug and self-satisfied.
The lawyer sent by the Wang family was quite talented; as Ming Dian spoke, he'd already spotted a flaw. When the Chief Justice asked his question, the lawyer prepared to step up and defend Serena—otherwise, he'd be useless. But unexpectedly...
He wanted to help, but Serena wasn't interested. She stopped Master Song: "No need to trouble yourself over such a small matter, Mr. Song."
In truth, Serena didn't want Master Song's help because she didn't respect him. He was talented, but not shameless enough—and in this fight, only the shameless could handle Bloodcloak.
Serena bowed to the Chief Justice: "Sir, may I have permission to question the witness myself?"
For today's matter, it was best if she handled it herself...
Bloodcloak Guard had some skills—to have dug up these three. Serena didn't know why the two soldiers would testify for Bloodcloak, but she was certain they wouldn't live to see tomorrow. The Emperor wouldn't allow last night's events to leak.
Of course, none of this concerned her. All she needed to do now was listen to what these three would say. Ming Dian, the Feng Manor guard, didn't disappoint—he eloquently described everything that happened last night, even showing the wound on his arm.
"Sir, every word I say is true. Last night, Miss Serena led us to raid the Bloodcloak dungeon, told us to fight freely as long as no one was killed, and said she'd take responsibility. If you don't believe me, go check Feng Manor—many guards there are injured."
After the guard finished speaking, the Chief Justice turned to Serena: "Serena Feng, do you have anything to say?"
With that, everyone's eyes turned to Serena, especially those from Bloodcloak and Shunning Marquis Manor, looking smug and self-satisfied.
The lawyer sent by the Wang family was quite talented; as Ming Dian spoke, he'd already spotted a flaw. When the Chief Justice asked his question, the lawyer prepared to step up and defend Serena—otherwise, he'd be useless. But unexpectedly...
He wanted to help, but Serena wasn't interested. She stopped Master Song: "No need to trouble yourself over such a small matter, Mr. Song."
In truth, Serena didn't want Master Song's help because she didn't respect him. He was talented, but not shameless enough—and in this fight, only the shameless could handle Bloodcloak.
Serena bowed to the Chief Justice: "Sir, may I have permission to question the witness myself?"
For today's matter, it was best if she handled it herself...