SCT-Novel Book 16: Chapter 6: Testimonies
Book 16: Chapter 6: Testimonies
Book 16: Chapter 6: Testimonies
The moment the Silent Witch removed her hood, a stir went through the room.
Few knew the face of the Silent Witch, who rarely appeared in high society and kept her hood on even at ceremonies. In fact, there were likely few who had even heard her voice.
She had always kept a low profile, hunched in corners, shrinking away from attention. But now she stood straight, her back upright, gripping the golden staff permitted only to the Seven Sages.
With traces of youth in her made-up face, her light brown hair was tied up high, adorned with a chaste white rose ornament. Her mystical eyes, appearing brown or green depending on the light, looked straight aheaddirectly at Duke Crockford.
Why had he not realized it until now?
Amidst the confusion, Isaac questioned himself inwardly.
Lady Everett, whom he revered, had been so close by all along.
Thinking back, there had been plenty of hints. And yet, in Isaac's mind, the "revered Lady Everett" and the "timid little Monica Norton" had never connected as one and the same.
Truthfully, even seeing Monica before him now, Isaac could scarcely believe it.
The black dragon in human form watched Isaac with an amused grin.
Ah, but that black dragon at her side alone was the proof that she was the Silent Witch.
"Silent Witch."
Cutting through the commotion, the King spoke.
With those two words, the hall fell as still as if doused with water.
The King, his brow unfurrowed, calmly regarded the Silent Witch.
"You claim that one is the true Second Prince."
"Yes."
Even before the King, the Silent Witch opened her mouth without faltering, her demeanor stately.
"As you may know, Your Majesty, allow me to explain again for those present here. Since last autumn until now, I have been attending Serendia Academy as a student while guarding His Highness the Second Prince."
That the Silent Witch had been secretly guarding the Second Prince in disguise caused another stir.
Even Duke Crockford furrowed his brow, if only momentarily.
Amid this, one of the ministers close to the Duke raised his voice angrily,
"What is the meaning of this?! Serendia Academy is under Duke Crockford's jurisdiction! To sneak in there under false pretenses is a mockery of His Grace!"
Whenever someone yelled at her, Monica Norton would typically flinch, her eyes welling up as she hung her head.
But the Silent Witch merely cast a chilly sidelong glance at the ranting minister and stated,
Despite the situation, Isaac couldn't help but inwardly chuckle.
After reading through several statements, the Silent Witch snapped her fingers again.
Instantly, the thick stack of documents held by her attendant fluttered up as if borne by windchantless magic, no less.
The papers danced as if with a will of their own, arranging themselves in flawless beauty before the King.
The awe-inspiring display of intricate mana control, performed chantlessly by the Silent Witch, drew looks of trepidation.
Yet the one responsible for such a showy performance continued speaking as if it were no great matter,
"These are testimonies gathered from the teachers and students of Serendia Academy. I ask that you read them before passing judgment."
Among those present were Serendia alumni and parents of current students. To them, these testimonies could not simply be dismissed as childish drivel.
Moreover, with such a substantial number, each individual account, no matter how trivial, would warrant verification.
The truth was that Felix and Isaac had swapped places ten years prior. But here, the stated time was "after the New Year's Ceremony", so the students' testimonies did not contradict.
Just how had the reclusive Monica gathered so much evidence?
But what is she thinking?
Monica surely knew the truth that Isaac had caused her father's death, that he was an imposter Second Prince.
"That one has already admitted his guilt."
The speaker was none other than Duke Crockford.
The Duke's expression was unreadableyet an aura as sharp as a drawn blade oppressed all present.
"He has already confessed his crime. What more is there to discuss with this impostor?"
With each word from the Duke, the atmosphere shifted.
His words rang true. The Duke's words were righteous. This aura radiated outward like ripples centering on the Duke's faction.
The Silent Witch cut through that chain with a single declaration:
"Then let me show the truth, so that all may understand."
Saying so, the Silent Witch drew something small from her sleeve.
It appeared to be a small gobletnot gold or silver, but glossy jet-black as if carved from stone itself.
Holding it up for all to see, the Silent Witch proclaimed loudly,
"With this magic tool of my creation, the Black Chalice', I shall prove that the one before us is true of royal blood."