The Sinful Young Master

Chapter 363: Trail of Jolthar

But before the murmurs could grow—

The air shifted.

It was not loud, and it was not visible.

But Jolthar felt it all the same, like a pressure settling in his chest.

He turned and saw a figure entering the hall just like a normal person, except that he was not.

Normal people couldn’t tell, but he could.

The man was like water contained in a dam; his aura was so controlled and so strong that Jolthar felt it. His senses picked up easily.

He walked towards where three of his members sat and went ahead to sit a little away from Raayani.

Raayani’s fingers paused on the armrest. Her breathing slowed as she saw the man sitting beside him.

"Akopa."

The man beside her inclined his head.

He was broad and solid, his skin darkened by sun and years of campaigning. His black hair was tied back neatly, streaked with faint silver. A thick mustache with edges curling up dominated his face, trimmed with military precision, and his eyes were calm—too calm for a mere officer.

Akopa, Great General of the Rajrakshak Army, is one of the Great Arshiks.

His presence carried the quiet authority of someone accustomed to obedience. The room did not notice him, yet the balance within it had changed.

He didn’t reveal himself, as he wore simple clothes and made his presence blend into the atmosphere. That was the level of control he had around his surroundings.

Their eyes met.

Old memories passed between them: long marches, shared battlefields, and nights heavy with smoke and blood. Nothing was said, yet everything was acknowledged.

Both of them fought wars in their prime time.

Jolthar narrowed his gaze.

Does she know him?

Then another figure appeared behind him. And Raayani was surprised.

The older Prince of the empire.

Brother to the Emperor.

He took his seat beside Raayani, his eyes finding Raayani at once.

For a brief moment, neither spoke. Their shared glance was layered with history, desire, ambition, and a past that had not ended cleanly.

Raayani was the first to break the silence.

"You’ve come far for spectators," she said quietly, without looking away from them.

"What brings a general and a prince to a provincial hearing?"

Akopa answered first, his voice low and even.

"Curiosity."

She turned slightly toward him.

"About the law?"

"About the young man," he replied, his gaze shifting briefly toward Jolthar.

The prince chuckled softly.

"And about the title."

Raayani’s eyes sharpened.

"The barony is settled."

"By blood," the prince said lightly.

"And by circumstance. The minister and the duke dislike both."

Akopa folded his arms.

"A young swordsman killing a baron in lawful challenge, then ruling his lands without rebellion—it draws attention."

Raayani frowned.

"Attention is not interest."

The prince smiled at that.

"It becomes interest when stability follows. The throne values order. It fears precedents."

Her gaze drifted back to Jolthar. He stood alone at the center of the hall, calm as a still lake before a storm.

"So," she said slowly, "you’re here to measure him."

Akopa shook his head. "No, just to watch."

The prince leaned back in his seat. "Men like him don’t stay small. The question is who they belong to when they grow."

Raayani’s lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile.

"He doesn’t belong to anyone."

"But us."

Cleora smiled as she watched Jolthar. She was worried about him, but she listened to their talk, and when she said it, she was nodding.

Akopa’s eyes flickered with interest.

"Then this will be worth watching."

Across the hall, Jolthar felt their attention settle on him like an unseen weight.

He met it without flinching.

The prince’s gaze lingered on Jolthar a moment longer than necessary.

Raayani noticed.

She leaned slightly toward him, her voice calm, almost teasing, but sharp beneath the silk.

"What about you, Your Highness," she said, "did you come here because you’re jealous?"

The prince laughed softly, the sound smooth and unhurried.

"Jealous?"

He shook his head.

"No. That is a young man’s weakness."

Akopa glanced at him, unreadable.

The prince continued, lowering his voice.

"Jolthar is impressive, I’ll grant that. A blade that carved his own seat. But I have wars to prepare for, alliances to maintain, and a throne that watches my every breath. I don’t envy men who can afford to be reckless."

Raayani studied his face. There was no bitterness there. No possessiveness. Only calculation.

"And me?" she asked quietly.

"Am I part of that recklessness?"

For a brief moment, the prince’s smile softened. Not with longing but with memory.

"You were never something to own," he said.

"You were a Chapter.

An important one. But the book goes on."

He looked at Raayani again.

"This hearing is not about you. And it is not about my past."

His gaze hardened, fixed now on Jolthar.

"It is about whether the Imperium can afford to let a man like him rise unchecked."

Raayani leaned back, folding her arms, satisfied, for now.

"Then watch carefully," she said.

"He doesn’t fall easily."

Across the hall, Jolthar stood unmoved, unaware of every word, but keenly aware that eyes of consequence had found him.

And that, Raayani knew, was more dangerous than jealousy ever could be.

Halvren struck his gavel against the desk.

"This court is now in session. We are here to examine charges brought against Jolthar Kaezhlar of Tekkora. The charges are twofold: first, the unlawful execution of Baron Rothgard without proper legal authority; second, embezzlement of barony funds during the development of Tekkora."

He looked down at Jolthar.

"How do you answer these charges?"

"Not guilty to both," Jolthar replied, his voice steady and clear.

Richardus stood smoothly, moving to the center of the chamber with practiced ease. He was a skilled orator, and this was his arena.

"Justiciar Halvren, honored magistrates," he began, his tone reasonable and measured, "the facts of this case are straightforward. Baron Rothgard was executed two years ago in Tekkora. This is not disputed. What is disputed is the authority by which this execution was carried out." He turned to face Jolthar.