"Your Majesty, you must uphold justice for your humble servant! I almost couldn't see your noble figure again!"
"In broad daylight, they dared to hire someone to kill me and beat me like this! You must punish them severely!"
As soon as Vesta saw King Gazel seated high on the throne, he dropped to his knees and dramatically pointed at Rimuru.
Hey, hey!
You can eat whatever you like, but you can't just say whatever you want!
Hired someone to kill? Give me a break. They've been sitting in prison this whole time, eating and drinking like kings.
There's no way they could've done something like that!
At that moment, King Gazel opened his eyes and looked down in response to Vesta's wailing.
He saw Vesta—his arm wrapped in bandages, limping on one leg, and his face so swollen and bruised it was hard to recognize him.
Gazel's lips twitched subtly, then he silently closed his eyes again.
Whoever did this clearly held back just enough…
Kaijin and the three dwarf brothers widened their eyes in disbelief, barely able to contain their fury.
This vile snake is twisting the truth again, right in front of the King!
If not for the courtroom's strict rules—speaking without permission during a royal trial was considered contempt and punishable by immediate execution—they likely would've leapt forward, pointed at Vesta's face, and cursed him on the spot.
Yet amid the rising tension, Rimuru remained composed, watching Vesta's performance closely.
Just a moment ago, Rimuru had keenly spotted a faint patch of purple skin peeking from under Vesta's bandages.
No doubt about it… frostbite.
Then, the judge finally spoke, his voice steady and commanding.
"Marquis Vesta, according to your accusation, Kaijin and his companions hired someone to assault a noble."
"However, we have verified that they have been in prison during the entire period in question and have had no contact with the outside world. Therefore, your accusation is baseless."
Vesta's expression darkened instantly. Though unwilling to let it go, he couldn't push for the death penalty without solid evidence.
"But… it's still a fact that Kaijin assaulted a noble!"
The trial continued much like in the original tale. The official who was supposed to defend Rimuru had clearly been bribed by Vesta, and shamelessly exaggerated the charges against Kaijin and the others.
"My King! Did you hear that? Please punish these criminals severely!"
Vesta eagerly turned to King Gazel, already wearing a smug smile as he glanced mockingly at Rimuru's group.
This bastard…
Just as the judge prepared to deliver the verdict, a deep, rough voice echoed through the hall, slicing through the tense atmosphere like a blade.
Everyone turned toward the source—King Gazel was speaking.
The hall fell instantly silent.
"Kaijin," the King said, his voice tinged with familiarity and warmth, "it's been a long time."
"I remember you ran a blacksmith shop in the capital, didn't you? How'd you get caught up in something like this?"
His tone was almost teasing.
Kaijin, still stunned, hadn't yet realized the King was addressing him.
After a moment, he blinked and responded as if waking from a dream.
"Your Majesty… Thank you for your concern. To be honest, I never imagined we'd meet again under these circumstances."
King Gazel, normally a stern and serious man, allowed a rare smile to appear on his face as he continued casually.
"Kaijin, I clearly remember—it's been years since you left my service."
"Back then, you were just a fresh recruit in my army, so young and idealistic. Time really does fly…"
"Yes… it truly has," Kaijin replied, his voice slightly hoarse. "I never thought Your Majesty would still remember those days."
Emotion flickered in Kaijin's eyes. He couldn't help but recall the days when he had stood proudly beside King Gazel.
Tears welled up and slipped quietly down his cheeks.
The courtroom fell into a thoughtful silence. Everyone instinctively gave space to this heartfelt reunion between king and subject.
"You once told me you didn't want to live under the weight of my 'absolute justice,'" Gazel said, his expression softening.
"Do you regret that decision now?"
Kaijin wiped his tears and raised his head, looking straight at the King.
"…To be honest, not being able to remain by your side has been my greatest regret."
Gazel was clearly moved. He stared long and hard at the man kneeling before him.
"Kaijin," he said, his voice solemn now, "I'll give you a chance to return. I can restore your title—Commander of the Legion."
Upon hearing the King's words, all the dwarves present were visibly moved.
"Your Majesty, you can't do that! Kaijin is just a prisoner now!"
Vesta completely lost his composure, his voice rising with disbelief at King Gazel's declaration.
I went to so much trouble to get rid of that eyesore, and now the King wants to act like none of it happened?
Is this a joke? He knew King Gazel had the authority, but this still felt absurd.
King Gazel waved his hand dismissively, ignoring the objections Vesta was about to raise.
But then, Kaijin's next words stunned everyone into silence—and to Vesta's surprise, a wicked smile crept back onto his face.
"My King, even if I had the chance to choose again, I would still leave your service. And this time, I may no longer obey your commands."
Vesta immediately pointed at Kaijin and the others, shouting furiously.
"Insolent! You criminal! After the mercy I showed you, how dare you defy the King? You should be executed!"
King Gazel raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
"Oh, Kaijin? Why? Give me a reason."
With a respectful tone and calm demeanor, Kaijin looked up at the King seated above.
"Because I have already found the master I will serve from now on."
Then, he turned his gaze to Rimuru, who stood quietly beside him.
Rimuru's eyes widened in shock.
"Kaijin, you…"
King Gazel's gaze shifted toward the small slime below. Rimuru met it without hesitation, unwavering.
A long silence followed.
At last, King Gazel exhaled deeply.
"So that's how it is…"
He sighed once more, then a flash of light appeared in his eyes.
"Then let us bring this trial to an end."
"I hereby declare that Kaijin and the others are banished from the Dwarf Kingdom. They are not to return unless granted express permission by royal decree."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The surrounding soldiers knelt and echoed the command in unison.
What?
Vesta's mind reeled in confusion. That's not right…
Following the King's orders, the soldiers escorted Rimuru and his companions out of the palace.
Once the hall had emptied, King Gazel turned his gaze back to Vesta, his tone cold and measured.
"Vesta. Do you have anything you wish to say to me?"
Vesta stood frozen, resentment still etched across his face, but unable to speak a word.