SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 59 out, this is Chapter 60 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?

Disclaimers: I own nothing, except for the plot bunny and my OC.

Chapter 60: As Pitch Black as It Gets

"Captain Nozel, Captain Fuegoleon, let's go." Rhiannon instructed the two nobles, securing the Cauldron of Water-Moon bracelet around her wrist.

At the Magic Parliament building after the Black Bull squad crashed the trial...

"Gotcha." Yami was about to attack Damnatio when Nozel and Fuegoleon intervened.

"You're as reckless as ever, foreigner." Nozel chided. "What are you planning to do after this?"

"I just got a little worked up." Yami deathpanned.

"Though it appears you meant to miss." Nozel stated.

"Honestly," Fuegoleon rebuked. "Even if this is for your Squad members, you couldn't make a worse impression. Though, thanks to that, we made it in time."

"Two royal members of the Magic Knights." the assembled royals muttered in surprise. "What's the meaning of this?"

"But what are you going to do now?" Damnatio was unfazed.

"We're just the escort." Fuegoleon corrected, he and Nozel stepped aside to reveal Rhiannon's presence.

"That bracelet..." Damnatio recognized the moon-silver bracelet. "You're... Freyja-sama." he immediately saluted the Goddess.

"By the direct order of Goddess Freyja, the Black Bulls Magic Squad is hereby tasked with locating and investigating the devils." Rhiannon pulled out a scroll. "Prove your innocence with your own hands. While Asta is on this mission, the Wizard King and Magic Knights will take full responsibility for him."

"Apparently, I weighed the trust people have in you too lightly." Damnatio admitted. "But know that you'll be executed immediately if you prove to have no use for the Kingdom. You're still hanging in the balance." he reminded and adjourned the trial.

"Asta, take this." Nozel handed the tracking device to the Anti-Magic user.

"Now, we'll know where you are." Fuegoleon explained, after the bronze bracelet melted into Asta's wrist. "This way, you can't flee."

"Like I'll actually try to flee." Asta argued.

"Putting up a front is necessary at times." Fuegoleon reminded.

"Yami." Rhiannon walked past the Dark Magic user. "It's about time we recalled that guy back."

"Understood." Yami conceded.

Later that evening...

"Come in." Rhiannon allowed her visitor into the Prayer Chamber. "Good evening, Damnatio." she greeted the Scale Magic user.

"So, you're trying to take on everything, despite your age." Damnatio rebuked. "Both what happened to the Magic Knights as well as the boy possessed by the devil. I know that boy is your surrogate sibling, but..."

"Possessed?" Rhiannon quirked a brow. "How do you know that? Where is the evidence?"

"His appearance..." Damnatio voiced.

"Nacht Faust." Rhiannon effectively shut the judge down. "Asta never did anything wrong. I'm sure the Black Bulls will be able to find some clues about the devils. I believe that'll make up for them barging into the trial, yes?"

"Forgiving them means taking responsibility." Damnatio reminded. "The Kingdom can't take that kind of responsibility."

"I didn't forgive them." Rhiannon corrected. "I simply left it in their hands. It's not about responsibility; it's about trusting them. Eventually, I'm sure your scales will tip in favor of Asta and the others." she was certain.

"This distortions in this country." Damnatio made his way out. "The crisis we are facing is not a small one. If the Kingdom is about to fall, I'll have to pass judgment; on that boy, and even you, My Lady."

SailorStar9: Now that's done, read and review.