The heavy doors of the Precourt slammed open, and the entire hall trembled as a retinue of soldiers marched forward. They bore different banners—gold and crimson, blue and silver, deep green and obsidian—all converging toward the side of the hall where the Butcher stood. At the front of the formation, a man draped in flowing, imperial-blue robes, lined with golden embroidery, moved with the grace of an emperor. His presence alone seemed to drain the arrogance from the room.

  Even the Butcher—the feared executioner of countless settlements—lowered his head in a sign of respect.

  Shigen exhaled, a rare smirk touching his lips. "Behold, the Head of Military, Lord Arashi Naran. A just man. Had he been here, the Butcher would have never had his way."

  Sawai blinked in surprise. "Head of Military?"

  Lima leaned closer. "That’s interesting… isn't it, Kofi?"

  But Kofi wasn’t listening. His gaze was locked elsewhere. Lima followed his eyes and sighed. "Kofi, Kofi, do you have a problem?"

  Kofi barely registered his words. His eyes were drawn to someone within Arashi Naran’s retinue. A young woman, the very same one he had seen on the balcony when they first arrived at Shuri. Their eyes met again, and this time, she gasped softly, her lips parting in recognition.

  "Again…?" she whispered under her breath.

  Arashi Naran noticed her reaction and turned his head slightly. "Do you know him?"

  She hesitated for a heartbeat before smiling slightly—an unreadable, mysterious smile—before lowering her eyes.

  The heavy doors of the Precourt swung wide, and the procession moved forward. Kofi turned abruptly to Imei and Lima, gripping their shoulders. "I need to speak with her."

  Lima and Imei gawked at him as if he had just declared he was the King of Tanna.

  "You—what?" Imei sputtered.

  "You need to—? Kofi, are you insane?!" Lima whispered in disbelief.

  Before they could protest further, someone roughly bumped into Kofi.

  It was the Butcher.

  The scar-faced warrior sneered, leaning in close. "Keep dreaming, monkey," he growled. "That girl is mine."

  Kofi clenched his fists, rage bubbling beneath his skin. But before he could react, Shigen’s voice cut through his fury like a blade.

  "Do not show any resentment, Kofi."

  Lima and Sawai exhaled, nodding in agreement. Kofi slowly unclenched his fists.

  The court session began, and an aged eunuch stepped forward, unfurling an ancient scroll. He cleared his throat before reciting, his voice steady and deep.

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  "By the First Edict of Tanna, all disputes between clans, families, and settlements must be judged before the High Court of Shuri."

  "By the Second Edict, the punishment for rebellion, treason, and insubordination shall be carried out under the authority of the King and the Council of Shuri."

  "By the Third Edict, the seven Great Families of Tanna shall serve as the guardians of our Kingdom, their word second only to the King himself."

  The words hung heavy in the air.

  One by one, the generals and nobles took their seats. Amidst the shuffle, Kanou Shogun, a broad-shouldered man with a presence as firm as iron, caught sight of Kofi wandering aimlessly in the confusion. With a firm grip on his shoulder, he guided him toward the defendant’s bench.

  "Stay in your place," Kanou muttered.

  Imei, ever sharp-tongued, snorted. "Kofi, lost already? You’ll end up sitting on the King’s throne if we don’t watch you."

  Sawai chuckled. "That would be a sight to see."

  Kofi smirked but said nothing.

  The room was filled with nobles and powerful figures, but Kofi’s eyes were scanning for only one person.

  She was nowhere to be seen.

  Then, as if hearing his thoughts, she rose from her seat, glancing briefly in his direction. Their eyes met once more, and this time, Kofi mirrored the soft smile she had given him earlier.

  A hush fell over the room.

  A royal guard’s voice rang out.

  "Rise to your feet—the Chancellor of Tanna approaches!"

  Everyone stood as an imposing figure entered—a middle-aged man with crisp brown hair and sharp, calculating eyes. His name was Shao Ao, the head of the Council of Shuri.

  Imei whispered, "A man bound by the law. The most legalistically correct Chancellor in history."

  Tetsujo sat beside Kofi, Lima, and Sawai in the second row. "He has a pure heart, but his hands are tied by the Council’s majority vote."

  Lima raised a brow. "A figurehead, then?"

  Tetsujo nodded.

  Then, the seven Great Families of Tanna made their entrance.

  The first was House Tannagork, the ruling family, their robes embroidered with golden dragons.

  Next was House Renjou, masters of commerce, their garments adorned with silver cranes.

  House Kaizen, the most powerful military family after the King’s, strode in wearing black and red.

  House Meiyu, known for their scholars and advisors, walked in with deep blue robes lined with white.

  House Naratome, the spymasters of Tanna, entered in dark purple.

  House Zhenkai, a family of naval warriors, came with oceanic patterns woven into their robes.

  And lastly, House Orumaga, known for their legendary blacksmiths and armorers, arrived wearing bronze-trimmed garments.

  One by one, various nobles and representatives stepped forward, presenting lavish gifts to the court. Gold, silks, rare spices from the southern isles—each presentation more extravagant than the last.

  Tetsujo muttered, "Advocators… each one trying to buy favor with the King and the Council."

  Lima scoffed. "More drama than a street performance."

  The sound of drums filled the hall.

  Then, at last, the final figure appeared.

  The King of Tanna.

  He was younger than Kofi had expected—not yet in his forties. His presence was not of overwhelming strength, nor of unshakable wisdom, but something else entirely.

  Authority.

  Unquestionable authority.

  Kofi’s breath hitched as he stared at the man.

  Shigen noticed his expression and whispered, "So… this is a King, huh?"

  The entire hall bent the knee. The seven Lords knelt deeply, while the rest of the assembly bowed in unison.

  Kofi nearly forgot—until Tetsujo’s firm hand pressed his head downward.

  The power structure was now clear.

  At the very center—the King.

  To his immediate right—his brother, the King’s shadow.

  Surrounding them—the seven Lords of the Great Families.

  Before them—a wall of royal guards, their silent vigilance unwavering.

  To the left—the defendants.

  To the right—the offenders.

  Tension coiled in the air like a drawn bowstring.

  The trial was about to begin.

  And their fate would be decided.