A week later, the day of Adam's public hearing arrived.
From early morning, people had already begun gathering in Ravenfell's main square.
By midday, the place was packed beyond capacity. Tens of thousands filled every open space, standing shoulder to shoulder as they waited for the event to begin. The sound of conversation rolled across the square like a tide of voices.
The city had thoroughly prepared for this mont.
Raised viewing platforms and structured stands had been built along the edges of the square, reserved for distinguished Magi and influential figures. From these elevated positions, they would have a clear view of the stage where the hearing would take place.
At the far end of the square stood the main platform.
For now, it remained empty.
That was where Adam Constantine would stand and address the gathered crowd.
Security throughout the city had been pushed to the extre. With so many outsiders flooding into Ravenfell, the authorities had spared no effort in maintaining order. Magi patrols moved through the crowd while watchful eyes scanned every rooftop and tower.
Many powerful figures had arrived from across the continent. Representatives of major arcane institutions were present, along with so of the most
influential Magi of the age.
Among them were the Four Pillars.
Behind the scenes, the Lord Marshall worked tirelessly to ensure everything remained under control. Orders moved quietly through the ranks of the city's Magi as layers of protection were placed around the event.
Along the western shores of Ravenfell, ships filled with Magi stood ready, forming an additional line of defense along the coast.
Across every Quarter of the city, people had poured into the streets. Communication artifacts had been set up to broadcast the proceedings, so even those far from the main square could witness what was about to happen. The square itself could hold no more.
In fact, in all the major cities of the Empire, the live broadcast of Adam's public hearing would be broadcast live.
Everyone had co for the sa reason.
Today, the Deceitful One would answer for his cris!
***
Atop one of the viewing platforms, the Magi from the Tower of Daybreak had gathered with solemn expressions.
Among them, opinions were divided.
Many of them had co to believe that Adam Constantine might truly be innocent. Edward's assurances had carried weight within the Tower, and his unwavering confidence had persuaded a good number of them to reconsider what they thought they knew about the Battle of Ravenfell.
But not everyone had been convinced.
A few Magi still had their doubts. They had co to the square not to support Adam, but to see the truth revealed with their own eyes. All of them stood quietly as they watched the empty stage below.
Today, when Adam Constantine spoke before the people of Ravenfell, everything would finally be laid bare.
Edwin Turner gazed at the platform below solemnly.
"Did you inform Adam about our plan?" He asked in a low voice.
Standing beside him, Edward nodded. "Yes, grandfather:"
He paused for a mont, smiling faintly. "Needless to say, he was pleasantly surprised."
"Good." Edwin nodded. "That should help his case."
His gaze swept across the crowd gathered below, and he said, "The citizens of Ravenfell are unlike the others in the Empire. They are a proud people, and could care little about the Imperial Court's propaganda."
He paused for a mont, inhaling slowly.
"Unless they see it for themselves, they will never co to accept Adam."
***
In an underground chamber located directly beneath the viewing platform. Adam sat on a stone bench inside a dimly lit room. He gazed at his hands and found that... they were trembling slightly.
He clenched his fists.
Not even facing the Winter Lord made this nervous, he thought with amusent.
The doors to the room creaked open, and three figures entered.
Adam raised his head and realized that he recognized all of them.
"How are you holding up, Adam?" Nylain Feno asked with a faint smile on his
face. "Are you ready?"
Adam rose to his feet. He then said with a smile. "Always."
"Before we go up, there are a few things I need to tell you," the Headmaster of
Saratoga began.
He raised a hand and gestured toward a tall figure standing beside him. "Presiding over today's public hearing will be Magus Lovelace, Duke of Acryon,"
he said.
Adam turned to the man and nodded. "How do you do?"
Magus Lovelace couldn't help but gulp subconsciously.
The last ti he had faced Adam, the latter appeared to be a feral beast who could devour him at any mont. But now... the youth looked so warm and corteous. He had trouble believing the two were the sa person.
He cleared his throat and nodded. "Magus Constantine, please rest assured, I will serve as the impartial judge of these proceedings. It is my duty to present the facts, examine the evidence, and bring the truth of the Battle of Ravenfell
into the light."
Adam solemnly nodded. "Thank you."
Nylian then gestured toward the other figure.
"Assisting in the proceedings will be Magus Almansour," he continued. "He will
serve as the master of ceremonies for today's hearings."
He paused for a mont as he gazed at Adam.
"It will be his duty to guide the proceedings and ensure that the events of this
hearing unfold in an orderly and transparent manner."
The raven-haired youth turned to the Court Magus of the Acadian Royal Family
and nodded. "Greetings."
Almansour took a step forward and said with a dark frown. "Let's get one thing
clear, Magus Constantine"
He paused, then slowly said, "I do not like you."
Adam's eyes narrowed.
"I was here at the last Grand Magus Tournant, and the infamous battle that followed after, Almansour continued. "I lost many friends that day. More than once, I nearly lost my life as well."
He fell silent for a mont, then inhaled slowly.
"That being said, I still want the truth. Whatever it may be."
Adam deeply looked at the man. At last, he nodded. "I understand."
"Very well, then." Nylian nodded.
He glanced at everyone present, his gaze lingering briefly on Adam.
"Let us head upstairs."
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