THE 4TH TRIAD

"I don't know how I didn't realize it. That day, when I fell into the Clover kingdom's trap."

"Would you like to testify before us about what happened during the battle? We want to know the truth."

"The truth?"

"That's our duty after all."

"Alright, let's go."

Chapter 2: Reward for victory

Normal POV

"What the heck is this?" Was Asta's initial expression as he was handcuffed the moment he entered the courthouse.

"Who is that?"

"He's so vulgar and rowdy."

"Who knows what he would do if we didn't handcuff him?"

The Nobles and Royals present in the courthouse whispered amongst themselves.

"The pillar of legislation and justice for the Clover kingdom, the Magic Parliament. I am the Chairman, Damnatio Kira and I shall pass judgment upon Asta of the Black Bull." Damnatio Kira declared as he stepped forward to the Judge's stand.

"This isn't what we talked about! You're already treating me like a criminal!" Asta spoke out in shock, not realizing that he fell into a trap.

"My eyes didn't deceive me. I knew that brat was up to no good." The King of Clover, Augustus Kira Clover XIII said while stroking his pointy mustache.

"Precisely! Sekke Bronzzaza, a member of the Green Mantis squad, said while clapping lightly. "I don't know what he's guilty of, but take that bah-ha."

"And after I let you into the Royal knights! You ungrateful wretch!" The King continued to voice out his anger through meaningless rants.

"Asta of the Black Bulls. From the church in Have village that lies in the Forsaken realm. You are a peasant, an orphan, and I cannot feel an ounce of magic from you." The Chairman contained with the trial, listing out true but seemingly painful facts about Asta for all present to hear.

"The Forsaken realm?!"

"Goodness."

"Filthy little peasant."

Again, mindless comments from the top class of Clover resounded actress the room.

"You testify that it was the work of a devil who gained control and used the Magic knights."

"That's right! The Magic Knights were possessed because of that devil!" Asta yelled out, answering the Chairman.

"D-Devil?!" Exclaimed the King.

"Bah... ha? Uh, this is turning into a bigger mess than I expected." Sekke thought while shaking.

"Peasants can't be trusted."

"How uncouth. He may be a Magic knight, but he's from the Black Bulls."

While all these were being said, Asta began to piece the clues together in hopes of figuring out what was about to happen, as well as his next move.

"Hey, listen to me. I'm not lying!" He tried to reason with Damnatio who came down from the stand to his level.

"In this trial, either you were going to be convicted as a devil or the Magic knights were going to pay for their sins. Those were the only two options. And you can't abandon other people. The scale reveals that you're sole, impulsive, and dealt with easily. A single peasant or the cornerstone of the kingdom's defender, the Magic knights. It was obvious which way the scales would tip."

And it was at this moment Asta realized that he was going to be framed for the attack on Clover.

"I wonder where this devil you speak of is."

"I told you! We defeated him." Asta defended.

"Everyone here suspects that you are the one who is truly communicating with the devil."

"No! The one in my grimoire is-" And it was here that reality struck Asta. He just proved the Chairman right. He was completely screwed.

"If there is no devil, we'll just have to pass judgment on everyone in turn."

"Huh?!" At this, Asta became confused.

"Bring her in." Damnatio ordered. Marie then walked in in handcuffs.

"Marie?!"

"Asta!"

"Marie?!"

"Asta!"

"This girl is Marie Adlai. She is the daughter of the House of Adlai, but she is now a ruined noble who lives in a church with orphans." The Chairman began explaining the identity of said girl to the court.

"Her older brother is an ex-convict. We have determined that, during the recent great battle, her eye magic caused indirect harm to Magic knights and the citizenry."

"Quit making things up!" Asta began to lose his cool at this point. "Marie didn't do any of that on purpose!"

"Indeed. If a devil truly exists, there's no doubt she was manipulated. But if there is no proof of that, all that remains are her undeniable crimes."

"Therefore..." He pointed his hands at Marie. "... She must be judged! In the name of justice!" Four parliamentary knights stood in front of Marie, preparing their attacks.

"Stop!" Asta yelled.

"I-I'm..."

"You are evil. Guilty!" The attacks launched...

...and all hell broke loose in the court.

Asta destroyed the attack, while in his black form and held onto Marie. "You've made it loud and clear how you operate."

"Look at him." A noble said.

"There's no way I'll accept this as justice."

"And there's no way we would reach an understanding with a devil."

Asta and Damnatio began a staring down contest, while glaring at each other.

"Stand down and pay for your sins." Damnatio said. "Didn't you hear? I won't accept your stupid excuse for justice."

"Are you daring to go against the Clover kingdom, Asta of the Black Bulls?"

"If that's the case, then I am."

"When I made that declaration, I knew there was no turning back. Right then and there, in that court room, I decided to go against the kingdom I swore to protect. After all I did for Clover, I was framed and betrayed. What should I call this? Perhaps, the reward for victory."

Next time: The Wanderer

And that's a wrap!