A Tense Gamble
Author: Cindy Chen
last update2025-02-25 19:02:35

Judge Alistair exhaled slowly, the weight of the decision pressing upon him like a thousand stones.

His sharp gaze flickered between Calen, Veylen, Evan, and Lila. The room was a battlefield of veiled intentions and clashing wills.

Finally, he spoke.

"If the test is conducted and no traces of the aphrodisiac are found, then—"

"Judge Alistair, with all due respect!"

Evan’s voice cut through the air like a blade, sharp and urgent.

All heads turned toward him.

He stepped forward, a confident smirk playing on his lips, but there was a flicker of unease in his eyes.

"If you insist on conducting this test, you will be wasting valuable time—your time, the court’s time, and most importantly…" He paused dramatically, then lowered his voice, as if revealing a secret. "You will risk invoking the wrath of the Grand Magus."

The murmurs in the court grew louder again.

Someone whispered, "That’s true… the Grand Magus is not one to be summoned lightly."

Another noble muttered, "They say his anger alo
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