Episode 12
The Kingdom of Merzen, once governed by the Polti Empire, has now overtaken Polti in strength and prestige.
A ceremony had been announced: Jo Yurin, a minor-noble girl, would undergo the magic trial—an honor unthinkable only years ago.
Someone whispered from the back,
“Then… who is Lord Illiard?”
But no one replied.
Jo Yurin couldn’t believe her ears—she, of all people, was to stand in royal court.
Her limbs trembled.
A calm voice announced,
“He is… the legitimate heir,”
but it seemed Polti’s power no longer held sway here.
Across the hall, the chief magistrate rose abruptly from his chair—his spine stiff with authority. He lifted a gloved hand.
“By the decree of Merzen’s Supreme Council, the Court of Magic Judgment is now in session.”
He paused, raising a staff.
“Let the first case be that of Jo Yurin.”
A collective gasp swept through the assembled nobles.
Jo Yurin looked around, searching, only to find Lord Illiard silent and unmoved.
The magistrate spoke clearly into the hush:
“Jo Yurin—step forward.”
Gingerly, Yurin stood.
Behind her, a barrier of light clicked shut.
“Silence!” the magistrate commanded, and the crowd fell mute.
He pointed the staff’s emerald-and-sapphire orb at her.
“Jo Yurin—where is your allegiance?”
Yurin swallowed hard.
“My lord… I pledge myself to Merzen.”
He tapped rhythmically on the floor.
“‘Pledge,’ you say. Why should your pledge be trusted?”
Shaking, Yurin lifted her chin.
“My homeland and family were claimed by Merzen, so too has my life and magic been bound. My loyalty lies here.”
Another murmur rolled through the hall.
“Is this sufficient proof?”
“My magic was born under Polti’s name, yes—but now it is bound by Merzen’s law.”
She looked the magistrate in the eye.
“I vow, Merzen’s magic court: I will never wield my power for Polti’s crown.”
A tense silence fell. Then:
“Accepted.”
A collective breath exhaled.
The glowing seal collapsed. The staff’s aura faded.
Jo Yurin dropped into a deep curtsy.
The magistrate announced,
“Let us reconvene after a short recess.”
Lord Illiard rose as the audience stirred. He draped his cloak and made a silent path toward her.
Jo Yurin’s heart pounded.
“Jo Yurin.”
She lifted her gaze.
He offered no words—only a small nod, then he turned and walked away.
A hush fell in his wake.
Jo Yurin whispered,
“I… am now a Merzen noble.”
As she left the court, she passed by Karius, who bowed low.
“Congratulations, milady.”
She managed a quiet,
“Thank you.”
