Leonardo, having regained his composure, began to read the documents Flynn had left with concentration. Although more than half of the words were unfamiliar and difficult, causing him to stumble at times, he understood their meanings by referring to the 'terminology' chapter in "The History of the Council" during those moments.
They say there's no such thing as useless knowledge. The letters he had read with blurry eyes came together to form a plausible encyclopedia in his mind. Soon after, when he replenished his sugar with the cookies Flynn had brought, he gained considerable speed in his careful reading and memorization.
In the afternoon, he met a lawyer who was said to have been recruited from outside by the Council for a fair trial. The documents he brought bore the seal of the Agrizendro family, and Leonardo immediately noticed that this person was not an "outsider."
The lawyer opened the conversation in a kind and gentle tone, saying he had heard many stories. He explained that focusing on the keyword "sacrificial hero" and appealing to emotions could work advantageously in this trial.
Saying that the injury and medical records from that time would be helpful as evidence, in the evening, they moved to the ward together to compile materials for the defense statement.
While there, he received the scheduled examination and had a blood sample taken for the final blood test by making a small wound on his fingertip under the supervision of medical staff. Perhaps because he had caused a disturbance twice before, the Commander, whose face was hard to see, was also present during the process. After the examination, Leonardo buried his head in Hugo's chest and took rough breaths for a while.
Afterwards, when his mind and body had barely stabilized, the two were able to hear the final test results.
"No toxins were detected in the blood at all. The viscosity, though not perfect, has improved greatly, and if you just consume fluids frequently, there should be no cause for concern."
Although Leonardo had never been particularly concerned about his physical condition, he felt relieved seeing Hugo's relieved expression upon hearing the results. Receiving praise for doing well, though he wasn't sure what he had done well, Leonardo returned to his private room escorted by Hugo.
He made various excuses wanting to stay together a little longer, but the other promised a future meeting as if about to leave soon.
"When you enter the courtroom tomorrow, I'll be there. Get plenty of rest tonight, and focus only on maintaining good condition. And as always, come in with a confident appearance."
He wanted to whine once more, but seeing his smile that hid his fatigue, he simply couldn't hold him back. Leonardo answered reluctantly with a face full of regret, saying he understood.
At least the goodnight kiss he received on his forehead remained like an afterimage, comforting him through the lonely night.
'Sleep well, Leonardo.'
* * *
Intense sunlight draped across the deep blue sky. The midday stillness without a breath of wind felt like the calm before a storm.
Even the Council flags that always fluttered in the breeze were unusually still today. As it was exactly three days since the funeral, the atmosphere of mourning had generally subsided.
They say such a day is perfect for release.
In fact, he didn't like the word 'release.' It was a day to regain freedom.
Leonardo leaned against the window frame, munching on a sandwich wrapped in packaging. On the day of the final battle, one should always fill their stomach.
Until just a few days ago, he had to eat only soft foods, but now he had received the medical officer's opinion that he could consume raw vegetables or grilled bacon. Moreover, although he had a small amount of blood drawn the previous evening and expected nightmares, he unexpectedly had a good night's sleep and felt light and refreshed.
Whether it was a placebo effect or not, after being told his health had improved, he definitely felt his physical condition was better. Perhaps sleeping apart from that person last night had also contributed.
For the past two nights, he hadn't slept properly because he was conscious of that person.
'I wonder if he slept well today too.'
Leonardo blankly stared at the blue sky that resembled the color of the man's eyes. Part of him hoped he hadn't slept well without him by his side, but today was an important day. He hoped that person would greet him with a smile as he entered the courtroom in good condition.
Leonardo, stuffing the last piece of bread into his mouth with his cheeks puffed out, turned to look at the large gift box sprawled on the table. Inside, neatly folded, was a mage robe made of ivory-colored cotton embroidered with gold thread. It seemed the reluctant tailor had managed to meet the deadline.
The mage robe's design was almost identical to the one he had worn when first departing for the peninsula, but the fabric and functionality were incomparably superior to the previous one, to the point where he dared not put a price on it.
Right now, he was wearing prisoner's clothes with a number stamped on them due to the impending trial, but once everything was over, he would immediately change into that outfit and leave this room with dignity. Just as he was curling up the corners of his mouth thinking about that moment, he felt a slight presence by the window.
'Has it come?'
As he turned his head immediately, something fluttering caught his eye. Leonardo, who had been waiting all along, naturally reached out his hand.
The butterfly carrying news alighted gently on his palm. Soon, it moved its wings rhythmically as if in greeting.
"Did you check what I asked about?"
Leonardo asked, cutting to the chase as he brought his outstretched palm closer. The butterfly began to visually convey the information it had brought by fluttering its wings.
His narrowed golden eyes focused on its movements.
Although it took quite a while to decode due to the length of the content, the information it brought was quite valuable.
'So that's what they're planning to use it for.'
He had been constantly worried about why Meterion Clinder had approached him despite the risks. While testing him, he had said not to interfere with his work, which made Leonardo suspect that statement itself was covering up something fishy.
After confirming the mining team's den on the peninsula and escaping, he had spent some time pondering what his intentions might be. Having been silenced, he had the butterfly check just in case, and it conveyed a slightly more detailed answer than he had expected at the time.
And at the end, it added a specific time.
'6 PM...'
Knock knock-
Leonardo glanced sideways and waved his finger to send the butterfly away.
'Blaine, it's about time to go. Have you changed your clothes?'
Flynn's voice was heard from outside the door. Leonardo dusted off his palms and raised the collar of his clothes, zipping and buttoning it up all the way.
Running his hot hand through his hair, he looked back at the window and answered into the air:
"Yeah, I'm coming out—"
He closed all the windows as if he had never opened the door for the last time. Only after the shimmering flutter of wings had completely disappeared from view did he step outside with a deep breath and determination.
'Let's do well.'
* * *
He had heard that the trial would proceed quietly, accommodating only a few judges invited from the check and balance institutions, internal Council personnel, and some jurors, based on the Council's spirit symbolizing justice and fairness.
Of course, that "quietly" meant they wouldn't announce it externally to prevent confusion, not that there would be few attendees or that it would be conducted in a comfortable atmosphere.
Flynn had said that among the Council's deliberation cases held in recent years, this trial would be the largest in scale. Leonardo, who had been boastful saying "What nervousness?" to Flynn who told him not to be nervous, headed towards the waiting area before entering the courtroom, escorted by Flynn and members of the 1st Battalion.
However, the feeling had been ominous since entering the building entrance. By the time they arrived at the waiting room, the atmosphere had changed 180 degrees from before.
"We'll escort you from here. Please follow our instructions."
One of the leading armed members who had come to meet them approached, holding out the mana-restraining handcuffs that had been tormenting his mind all along.
As Leonardo's expression, which had been relaxed until just a moment ago, hardened instantly, Flynn, flustered, hastily added:
"Blaine. It's not because it's you, but everyone who enters as a subject of deliberation has to wear these. I should have told you in advance, but I was too busy. I'm sorry, don't take it badly—"
"I know. It's fine, put them on. You've gotten rid of those strange handcuffs, right?"
Leonardo slightly twisted his lips and obediently held out his clenched fists. Anyway, all those inside were cowards afraid of him. As long as his release depended on them, he was willing to comply with even worse if they would just let him go.
However, as if to say he wouldn't stand for it if these handcuffs had any ulterior motives, Leonardo coldly stared at the members.
"Yeah, of course. Those handcuffs are gone now. Don't worry."
Flynn reassured Leonardo with an even more nervous look, then reluctantly nodded to the escorts.
Two armed members with their faces hidden behind protective gear hesitated before putting the thick mana-restraining handcuffs on Leonardo's wrists. Fortunately, it didn't feel unpleasant. Leonardo relaxed his sharp gaze.
"I'm going."
Just before being led by the members holding both his arms, he turned to Flynn and deliberately smiled brightly. He returned the same smile that the guy had given to reassure him. Though it seemed their positions had reversed, Leonardo showed an even more composed appearance, if only to stand his ground against those holding his arms.
Seeing him pretend to be unfazed even while wearing handcuffs, Flynn felt a pang in his heart for a moment. He also felt an inexplicable anxiety. It was a sense of déjà vu, as if seeing his back entering the examination room again.
But wasn't today an important day? He, the Commander, and Leonardo had all worked hard for this day.
While the person in question was smiling as if composed, he shouldn't show an anxious face. Flynn faced him and forced a bright smile.
"Alright. See you inside."