A week later…
In the countryside, Alaric grasped his remote. He turned on the television, leaning on his couch. The device flickered on. He switched to the nation news channel. The television switched to his desired news and the former patriarch leaned forward as the news segment began. A male news reporter tapped his documents on the table and opened his mouth.
"On February 17th, the 1000th Golden Hour tournament attended by his majesty, the emperor Hadrian Pangea the third, Christopher von Ashking, the supreme commander of the AEOC and Dante deus Augustus, the supreme commander of the REOC was attacked at the last moments of its finals by unknown individuals who called themselves – The Anarchy Church."
Alaric frowned and muttered under his breath. "What are people doing now-a-days?"
The reporter continued to talk.
"To the shock of the world, Rome's Prime Minister of four years – Mr. Kedith Octavian has been identified as one of the perpetrators including the finalist of the Armed league, a high school graduate by the name of Cain Rodrick. Both have been thrown into custody."
Alaric's eyes widened. He leaned back, holding the back of his head.
"What the hell…?"
The reporter glanced at the information he had been handed and locked onto the camera.
"Cain Rodrick has pleaded guilty and has been given a fifteen-year sentence by the Kharagen high court. His scholarship to Stratos University and awards has also been stripped due to his crimes. He is currently being held in the Kharagen Reformation Facility as of right now."
Alaric leaned forward once again as the news segment was about to conclude.
"We will know the Prime Ministers fate today as his trial will be held in the supreme court with all justices present. Including chief justice – Dante deus Augutus to decide the punishment for Kedith. That's it for now. We'll meet again at 10:00 am when the trial begins."
The news conclude, switching to another segment. Alaric switched off the TV and leaned on his couch.
"This is going to flip Rome…no the world upside down…"
He spoke, fearing the worst as to what could happen.
***
In the Augustus manor, Dante turned off the TV. He sighed heavily and glanced at the mechanical clock at the entrance.
The time struck half past nine.
He stood up. Marcus, who stood beside him, trialed the patriarch.
"Shall I bring your gown?"
"Yes." Dante replied.
Marcus bowed and left to get his master's gown. Dante lifted his head, placing his hands in the pockets of his green trousers.
"Lilla." He called out.
The maid arrived immediately with a lowered head.
"Yes, my lord."
"Where's Missio?" Dante asked.
"…he's still in his room."
Dante lowered his head, staring at his cream-colored T-shirt. He exhaled heavily. Without another word, Lilla headed upstairs to take care of the patriarch's brother. Missio hadn't left his room ever since he got back from Rush city. It had worried Lilla sick to her stomach but Dante was too busy dealing with the aftermath of the chaos to care. Even then, he still cared for his brother, visiting every so often.
Right then, Marcus brought his black gown. Dante nodded and grabbed it. He exited the manor and headed out the main gates. There, a white car with the symbol of a Golden eagle waited for him. He opened the door and stepped in. His white sneakers grazed the interior as he closed the door. The driver drove off, heading for the Supreme court.
***
He arrived at the court by 9:45. As he opened the door and stepped out, he saw a swarm of journalists standing at the footsteps of the entrance. He held the gown close. The journalists gazed at the Chief justice approaching them. Dante ascended the stairs and halted at the door. Journalists grouped behind him, waiting for the door to open. A panel activated and a robotic voice rang out.
[Identity.]
"Chief Justice – Dante deus Augustus." Dante answered.
The panel flickered and scanned his face. Then, Dante pressed his finger against it. It recognized the finger print. Then, Dante bent down and let it scan his retina.
[Access granted. Supreme court opened.]
The panel recognized him and automatically opened the doors. He treaded forward as the journalists brough their cameras along. He turned a corner and head to the changing room while the others headed straight for the Supreme court. He entered the changing room. He removed his clothes and put a white shirt and black pants Over it he wore the black gown Marcus had ironed. He slid on black loafers and straightened. He looked at himself at the mirror and exhaled heavily.
"I hate politics so much…"
He pinched his nose. He shook his body and exited the room. He moved swiftly, heading for the actual supreme court. Finally, he passed by two giant doors that were open. At first glance, he saw a portrait of a man hanging above the justices. The regal individual had flashy red hair with golden eyes while wearing a uniform with an epaulette woven of a fine silk and laced with gold and gems similar to Hadrian's attire.
He passed by rows of seats filled with journalists and legal experts. Finally, he passed the other justices and sat in the middle seat. On the left, four justices sat and, on the right, the same number also sat. Dante – the chief justice, sat in a slightly elevated seat to indicate his status.
"Looks like everyone is here…" He muttered under his breath.
As the clock struck ten, he grasped the gavel and smashed in down. All in the room, perked up as Dante's gavel resounded.
"The trial shall now begin."
The new outlets quickly turned on their cameras. Dante pulled out a sheet of paper as the news broadcast the trial to the world. Across Novopangea, normal civilians to high-profile individuals watched this trial.
"Bring in the defendant!"
At his word, Steps echoed in the hall. The black ops brought in a dwarf-sized man in handcuffs. Placed atop the stand, he locked eyes with the justices. The officers stood beside him at ease.
"Former Prime Minister and Head of the Board of cross-department coordination – Kedith Octavian." Dante stated. "Are you ready for the trial?"
The former prime minister nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Dante coughed and read out the crimes Kedith was being charged with.
"You are being charged with high treason against the empire and the country of Rome, destruction of imperial property, attempted murder of over two hundred thousand civilians of Rome, Ashland, and Paragonia, attempted assassination of the emperor, King of Rome and King of Ashland, seditious conspiracy, and violation of oath of office."
Then, the chief justice looked at the former prime minister. "How do you plead?"
Kedith – without hesitation, spoke.
"I plead guilty, your honor."