System vs Rebirth - Chapter 1553

Chapter 1553: Letter
“Hero?” The grand judges were confused. They had heard about Laufey Ardagan, so they were so sure that Laufey was a traitor. How could Duke Lorelei call him a hero?

They all thought the same thing. Rather than the facts, the grand judges couldn’t help but ask, “Duke Lorelei. Are you under threat because of this testimony?”

Yes, they might think Noel had pressured Duke Lorelei to give a certain testimony. Then again, even if they knew about this threat, they couldn’t do anything about it.

Who could fight a spirit king? The constitution? Even if Noel became a king, people would definitely welcome him. After all, he was a good lord in his land, and his reputation was without blemish.

Duke Lorelei understood it as well, so he shook his head. “You don’t have to worry about this, Your Honor. I haven’t committed any crimes, including perjury. There is no threat either. What I’m about to present to you is the reason I dare to call him a hero.”

“In that case, please elaborate, Duke Lorelei. We have heard about Laufey Ardagan after all.”

Duke Lorelei nodded. “We have reached the year 1038, correct? And in the year 1039, Laufey Ardagan joined the Demon Banner Army. I believe all of this is recorded both here and in the Demon Banner Army.”

“Indeed.” The grand judge nodded while checking the notes.

“Laufey Ardagan dedicated 10 years of his life to the Demon Banner Army, gradually becoming a spirit grandmaster as well as rising to the position of Demon Logistic Squad Captain.

“In the year 1050, that incident happened. The infamous slaughters. Laufey Ardagan killed a total of 15 people.”

“There is no denying that part.” The grand judge nodded.

Evan nodded. “Because of the return of the Ardagan family and the fact that they were gradually reaching a new peak, the Supreme Devil Organization was worried about them.

“Just like the royal family and the Tower Association, the Supreme Devil Organization was also infiltrating the Demon Banner Army.

“They planned to use him to deal a blow to the Ardagan family. Because of those infamous slaughters, Laufey Ardagan was known as the killer, and all the squad members died, which caused a lot of expeditions to be halted due to the lack of supply from the Demon Logistic Squad.

“Back then, this matter was actually known by three people: His Majesty Oliver, Count Ardagan, and Commander Oscar, who was the Demon Extermination Squad Captain at the time. Please take a look at this.”

Duke Lorelei presented another document to everyone.

“What is this, Duke Lorelei?” The grand judges were confused.

“This is the letter from Commander Oscar back then. I will read it myself.” Duke Lorelei paused for a moment. “The Supreme Devil Organization plans to crush the 3rd squad of the Demon Logistic Squad, which is a vital point that is connected to several ongoing operations.

“You have to check your third squad right away and ensure their safety, but know that there is no noticeable movement from the organization.”

The grand judges couldn’t help but furrow his eyebrows.

“This is… How do we know this is the truth, Duke Lorelei?” The grand judge frowned. “You are attempting to show this to us so that we think that there was an ambush, so when Laufey Ardagan checked it, people would believe it was Laufey Ardagan’s doing, right?”

“Yes. You can ask any experts to check the paper itself if you think it is fabricated. Just tell us when this document was written. I have asked my expert as well, and he claims this document is at least two decades old.”

The grand judge frowned. “We will have a thirty-minute recess.”

…

Thirty minutes later.

An expert had been called.

“What do you think? Please tell us the truth. We will protect your safety regardless of the truth.”

The expert fell silent for a moment before answering, “Judging from the texture and the condition of this document… Although I am not able to determine the exact time, I know this document should be at least a few decades old.”

“!!!” The grand judges widened their eyes. Even if Noel Ardagan threatened the duke, there should have been no preparation for this kind of document, which had been forged decades ago.

At the very least, they knew that the chance of this document being fake was extremely low thanks to this appraisal.

“…” Wendy, who was watching the entire testimony, had a calm expression, recalling the conversation she had with Noel.

“This is my request, which I believe to be enough to compensate the Ardagan family. I want you to testify that the Ardagan family, specifically Laufey Ardagan, is not guilty.”

Wendy smiled before shaking her head. “You don’t have to worry about this, Grand Duke. If you are worried about your esteemed uncle. Actually, I received this from Commander Oscar.”

“Huh?” Noel was confused at that time.

“I received it from Marshal Conrad. It appeared that Commander Oscar had this thing from the beginning. As for the exact details, I’m afraid you have to ask the commander himself.”

“…”

…

In the Demon Banner Army, Oscar was leaning back in his chair while looking up.

A few decades ago.

“Are you insane? You have snatched my brother, Dimitri, from me, and that’s not enough? But you want my other brother to become a traitor as well?” Oscar slammed the table. “Answer me, Luke Ardagan!”

Luke Ardagan looked down. He was also saddened by this outcome. “That’s why I have to ask you to forge a document for me. With Laufey and Dimitri gone, you will definitely become the next commander. So, with this document, we might be able to clear his name… I don’t know when, but that time will come. In the future, you may be able to drink together with your two brothers again.”

“You bastard! Do you think I will agree to this?” Oscar gritted his teeth.

Luke Ardagan couldn’t help but stand up and grab his collar. He glared at him, tears coming out of the corners of his eyes. “Do you think I want to do this as well? Laufey wants to do this. Don’t forget that your brother is also my brother.

“He definitely wants to die in the future after being branded as a traitor and his role is finished. But I won’t let him die! So please… Please help me save my brother in the future.”

Oscar was stunned at that time, but thinking back, he realized that Luke was also in pain.

Just as he said, Laufey planned to die. But he saw the masked man and realized it was Laufey. Instead of killing him, Noel chose to let him live.

Laufey didn’t know of the existence of the letter so that he wouldn’t look suspicious. Only Oscar and Luke knew of the existence of this letter, and he had forged this letter and kept it for decades just for this one moment.

Oscar couldn’t help but smile. “I wonder…. How far ahead Luke Ardagan had seen back then? Had he predicted all this? Or was he betting on whether Noel Ardagan would spare him or not? There was also the fact that he was a demonic human.

“It looked like… Laufey was supposed to die, but Noel Ardagan didn’t let him die.” Oscar closed his eyes. “Thank you, me, from that year… Thank you for accepting the request for that letter.”

In Oscar’s mind, he could picture himself drinking again with Dimitri and Laufey just like old times. He muttered, “Soon, brothers. Let’s have another drink.”