The banners of Tanna hung heavy in the grand hall, their deep crimson and gold insignias casting long shadows across the stone floor. The scent of incense mixed with the sweat of anxious men filled the air. At the center of the court, the seven great families sat in their respective places, their ranks forming a wall of judgment around the defendants.

  At the Chancellor’s command, the meeting was set to begin. A gong sounded once, twice, then thrice—signifying the start of deliberations.

  From his elevated seat, Chancellor Shao Ao lifted his hand. “By the decree of the King of Tanna, the Second Great Family of Renjou shall moderate today’s court proceedings.” His voice carried weight, silencing the murmurs among the gathered lords and warriors.

  Lord Renjou Genmu, a gaunt but sharp-eyed man, stepped forward. He was known for his cold, calculating nature, and his very presence sent a chill through the hall. “Last year,” he began, his voice slow but deliberate, “strangers were spotted in our lands. A scouting party was dispatched… and what did they find?” He turned towards the heads of the other great families. “This is no matter for debate, gentlemen. The law is clear. Their presence is an infringement on our sovereignty.”

  Gasps filled the hall. Shigen, who had been seated quietly, attempted to rise. But before he could speak, Lord Renjou merely lifted a finger—ordering him to sit. Shigen hesitated but obeyed.

  Renjou Genmu continued, “The scouting mission was led by Yoshiru the Black Tide.” At the mention of the name, several lords spat on the ground in disgust. The hall grew tense.

  “Decorum!” Chancellor Shao Ao commanded.

  Lord Renjou barely concealed a smirk. “Yoshiru was given a mandate to assess the situation. And, as reported, he was met with hostility from these… savages. He acted in self-defense.”

  The moment the words left his lips, Kofi shot to his feet. His voice rang through the hall.

  “Absurd! That never happened!” he shouted, his hands clenched into fists. “I saw it with my own eyes! They slaughtered our women and children, dragged them away like cattle! Shigen showed us the aftermath—bodies floating in the river!”

  The room erupted into chaos. Several lords rose to protest, while others murmured among themselves. The head of the Renjou family narrowed his eyes, clearly displeased.

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  “Enough!” he barked. “Remove him!”

  Before the guards could move, Lord Arashi Naran, a broad-shouldered man with an air of wisdom, raised his hand. “Wait,” he said, his deep voice cutting through the noise. “By the codex of mutual debate, the accused must be allowed to state their case.”

  Kofi took a deep breath, steadying himself. “Many of our men were killed, even those of Shigen’s group,” he declared.

  At this, the advocator of the Butcher stood, his voice dripping with contempt. “And what if your people killed our men first? Isn’t this just a convenient excuse to avoid punishment?” He sneered. “Savages who are not granted consent should not be allowed in Tanna.” He turned to the lords, seeking their agreement.

  Some nodded in approval, while others hesitated. Lord Kenji of the Fujioka family furrowed his brow, appearing uncertain. Lady Ayane of the Kagemura clan whispered to her attendants.

  Kanou Shogun, the seasoned warrior, stepped forward. “I request permission to speak.”

  Chancellor Shao Ao nodded.

  Kanou surveyed the room before speaking. “Their argument is flawed. A lightly defended settlement—how could they have possibly withstood mounted riders?”

  A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall.

  Lord Arashi Naran folded his arms. “In fact, reports have reached me of missing horses and weapons from the town of Kosei. Suspicious, wouldn’t you say?” His eyes locked onto the Butcher, who merely smirked.

  Then, the Butcher stood, raising an arrow high in the air. “This,” he declared, “is what these monkeys are capable of.”

  Kanou Shogun took the arrow and examined it closely. He turned to Kofi. “You made this?”

  Sawai stepped forward. “Kofi and I did. We had no choice but to fight.”

  Lord Arashi Naran took the arrow from Kanou and inspected it. His expression shifted slightly. “This is a fine piece of work… wait. Is this obsidian?”

  The hall grew restless. Soldiers exchanged glances. The arrow was passed to the moderating family.

  Lord Renjou Genmu hesitated. “This material… it could be useful against the Yao,” he muttered.

  Despite the intrigue, he straightened his posture and declared, “Nevertheless, the law is the law.”

  The tension in the room thickened.

  Then, the King of Tanna, Tannagork II, finally spoke. His deep voice silenced all. “Do you have proof of this attack?” His gaze bore into Kofi. “What is your name?”

  Kofi stood tall. “Kofi, my lord.”

  “Your proof?”

  Kofi turned to Lima, who handed him a small bag. He stepped forward and revealed its contents—a flag belonging to the detachment from Kosei.

  A wave of silence swept through the room.

  King Tannagork II slowly rose from his throne. “Here is my ruling,” he announced.

  All held their breath.

  “There will be no punishments.”

  Gasps filled the hall.

  The advocator of the Butcher opened his mouth to protest, but the Butcher silenced him with a sharp glance.

  “They will serve Tanna as foreigners gratiati,” the King continued. “They will pay significant toll taxes in commerce and arrow production.”

  The court was stunned. No one had expected such a decree.

  The King turned, his voice final. “This meeting is adjourned.”

  The doors of the court swung open. The trial was over.

  Nobody could believe what had just happened.