Rise of Tyrus

A deafening silence ensued. The atmosphere was heavy and tense, almost crushing Tyrus.

The people around him, especially the ones who wore fancy clothes and jewelry, looked at him like a bug on the ground, waiting for him to be squashed by the emperor himself.

Tyrus wouldn't mistake those cruel eyes of theirs. He'd seen it many times before, and he was no stranger to it. But now wasn't the time to show weakness in front of so many people, especially with Blue Dawn watching him. Whatever the emperor threw at him, he'd meet it head on.

"I believe an introduction is in order," the emperor announced. "As you already know, I am Emperor Johan, ruler of Lethos. This man beside me is captain of the Royal Knights, Kalavan. Normally he'd be overseeing interrogations or trials in the capital, but because this is a special situation, I will be the one to hold the final decision. They are here to offer their viewpoint on the matter, however."

"And lastly," Emperor Johan said, gesturing toward the beautiful woman with sunflower hair, "this is Empress Emelia, my lovely wife. She was curious what the commotion was about and decided to attend the deliberation. She's usually busy with her work and hardly dips her toes into this sort of thing."

The man pointed at a spot just above Tyrus head. There, painted on the ceiling, was that of a muscular man holding a parcel, posing as if he was reading it. Prostrated before him was a smaller man; his hands were held out, as if begging for mercy.

"In the Thasmian Court, a deity of justice and truth presides over the proceedings. Any lies you spew will be exposed, so choose your words wisely," Emperor Johan explained. "We will not tolerate any dishonesty, especially during a trial as serious as this. Do you understand?"

Tyrus's mouth felt as dry as a desert as he struggled to gulp. "I understand."

"I understand, Your Majesty," said the captain. "Show respect to the one who holds the title of ruler."

Tyrus winced, as he didn't mean to sound rude. He nodded his head and corrected his previous statement. "I understand, Your Majesty."

Emperor Johan nodded, accepting his answer as he shuffled through some papers. "Thank you for your understanding. Let us officially begin the deliberation. You are Tyrus, a black tiger from the Beastfolk Kingdom, correct?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Tyrus replied.

Referring to someone as Your Majesty felt strange on the tongue. Then again, he should've known better when everyone addressed him as such. It must've been a respect thing, so he'd have to get used to it. As long as he didn't have to do something similar to people like Igneal, then it wasn't an issue.

A glare from a nearby window shone over his shoulder. His vision darted to the left, and he noticed it was clear skies outside. Then a thought occurred to him: how did he get here chained up without even realizing it? One moment he was back at the palace, staring outside as thunder rumbled and rain poured. Next, a sudden drowsiness overcame him and he fell asleep on a soft bed. And now here he was, kneeling on an elevated platform, his hands and legs bound by shackles.

Aside from how unusual it was that he was moved from one location to the next without cracking an eye open, it was weird how quickly he fell asleep. Usually, it would take him a while to fall asleep, but for him to have dozed off the moment his head hit the pillow... Something about this situation did not add up.

"I'll cut to the chase, black tiger," Emperor Johan said, bringing Tyrus's attention back to him. "Were you sent to the Lethos Empire under the command of Murus?"

Tyrus frowned. "Murus... You mean King Murus of the Beastfolk Kingdom? I can't remember what happened before I arrived here, but I don't think I was sent here under his orders."

Emperor Johan said nothing as he sat there, only staring at Tyrus with his arms crossed. Even though he was a good distance away, Tyrus could've sworn the pressure in the room was slowly rising.

"No reaction. It's safe to assume you are telling the truth," said the emperor. "Then another question: you claim you possess a faulty memory. Care to elaborate on that?"

Tyrus bit his lower lip, not sure how to answer. His head pounded as his eyebrows furrowed, and he released a sigh. "The memories of before I arrived to Lethos are absent, as if they were locked inside a chest. Sometimes I would remember bits and pieces in random dreams but that's it. All that I remember are the years I spent in Lethos and not beforehand."

The empress rolled her eyes. "What kind of nonsense is that vermin blabbering about? Memory loss? It is clearly trying to confuse the issue. There's no way it could be telling the truth."

"Her Majesty is correct," said a fashionably dressed woman. For whatever reason, she had a wide-brimmed hat with a veil wrapped around her entire head. "How can we trust a mere beast? Who knows what they're plotting. We should extract whatever information it is hiding and jail the savage after he's served his use."

Many people in the crowd, particularly what he assumed were the nobles, mumbled in agreement. Tyrus glanced around, sweat dripping down his brow, as their gazes bore into him. For there to be this many people that wanted him jailed was alarming. It was only then that he realized just how deep the hatred between humans and Beastfolk ran, and he still had little clue as to why.

"That's too extreme, don't you think?" said Sir Geroth. At his voice, Tyrus looked up to see the man staring back at him with an expression full of pity. "He may be a black tiger, but imprisoning an innocent child is inhumane."

"And how do you know its innocent?" said a man considerably bigger than the rest. He retrieved a handkerchief and wiped his face. "Beastfolk are savages with tempers that run as hot as a dragon's flames. If that boy has been traveling on Lethos soil for years, it's bound to have committed numerous crimes to have gotten this far. I agree with jailing the vermin before it causes any more trouble. Just look at the state of his feeble garments!"

"You are only speaking in speculation," Sir Geroth growled. "If we are going to discuss what should happen to the child, I suggest we listen to his story before making any hasty decisions."

"These are not mere speculations," a noble wearing a monocle replied. "Have you seen what has happened to the villages and towns on the outskirts of Lethos? The Beastfolk have been raiding every village or town they can get their filthy paws on! Trade routes have been overtaken, and the capital is receiving more refugees as of late. Confining—or dare I say executing—the black tiger will serve as an example for the other Beastfolk that we are not to be trifled with!"

More people from the crowd cheered at the man's words, yelling in agreement and clapping. Tyrus could hear a few whispering to one another and saw their faces painted with worry and anger.

"I heard the Beastfolk are strong! Are those restraints enough to hold? What if it loses control and attacks us?"

"Their thirst for blood matches it as well. There's no telling what evil thoughts are in that head."

"I don't know... He looks more human than Beastfolk, and imprisoning a kid doesn't sit right with me."

Tyrus watched the scene in front of him unfold, mouth hung open. They weren't serious about all of this, were they? They talked as if they were sure Tyrus was some sort of criminal or fiend when he done nothing to gain their fury. It sounded like the Beastfolk were causing trouble on the outskirts, but so what? It had nothing to do with him, so their anger was misplaced. He was just as blameless as they were!

Out of nowhere, a sharp noise pierced his ears, silencing everyone. The room returned to silence, and Tyrus realized it was the captain's fist striking the table. Once everyone had quieted down for good, the captain grunted and nodded for the emperor to continue.

"Captain Kalavan, I appreciate your interruption," Emperor Johan acknowledged. "It seems we were veering off-topic, and it is crucial that we maintain order during these proceedings. Please bear this in mind."

Emperor Johan peered down at a piece of paper for a few seconds before returning his gaze to Tyrus. "The Imperial Court has done a bit of digging around regarding your past, in which you claim you have no recollection of. It says here that you attended an orphanage for some time. Do you remember the location?"

At first, Tyrus was at a loss for what Emperor Johan was trying to get at until the realization struck him against the chin. Selena warned him that this might happen, and it was finally time to put Fiona's favor to good use.

If he remembered correctly, she mentioned he stayed at Stonepath Orphanage near Valiedge and the owner of that place was Greyson. Saying it out loud would be no trouble, but another problem presented itself: his origins were false, as Selena said. To make matters worse, he'd be telling a lie if he said he stayed there. Lying in the middle of a trial where a deity was watching was not a good idea, especially considering that Emperor Johan was present.

"...Stonepath Orphanage was the name," Tyrus said carefully. "The director of that place is a man named Greyson. It's near Valiedge and Valier Forest."

It'd be best to avoid discussing the place too much. If he was merely repeating what Selena had told him, he wasn't necessarily lying. As far as he was aware, the place was real and hopefully the man was, too.

The plan seemed to have worked as Emperor Johan continued without validating his words. "To be blunt, your existence here is a problem. If you were anything other than a black tiger, then we wouldn't be having this deliberation. Do you know why that is?"

Tyrus sat there for a long while, thinking about his answer. "Because King Murus is a black tiger himself, and I might be related to him..."

Almost immediately, gasps rang out, and the crowd turned into an uproar. Tyrus winced from the volume and shrunk, feeling small as a result. The pressure from their stares was enough to force his head down, and a lump formed in his throat.

"So it is under orders of the King of the Beastfolk!" exclaimed the large man.

The veiled lady pointed a gloved finger at Tyrus. "You heard it confess yourself, Your Majesty. This vermin must be disposed of before it commits a heinous crime! Surely, it must be an assassin!"

"If he's truly related to the ruler of the Beastfolk Kingdom and not someone descended from a no name in the Tiger Tribe, doesn't that confirm he's from the Great Lineages as well?"

The one that spoke this time was a royal knight that was relatively short, the same height as Reo. Her face seemed like it was in a permanent drowsiness, and her eyebrows were as sharp as a blade.

Tyrus glanced around the room, his eyes landing on Blue Dawn. Fiona's mouth was agape, and the others were similarly surprised by the revelation. Igneal looked as if someone had shot him directly in the arm with an arrow. His eye twitched as he eyeballed Tyrus closely.

"So what if he's of the Great Lineages?" said another royal knight, this time with messy black hair and stubble on his chin. "He has ties with the opposition. What difference does it make whether he's the lowest rung or the highest? If he is a threat to His Majesty or the citizens, then the verdict is clear."

"You and Othelia are way too alike," the short woman said with a pout. "Two royal knights with the personality of a rock. No wonder you're always alone..."

Emperor Johan raised his hand, and the royal knight's bodies bolted upward as they went still. "Validating whether the black tiger is a threat is but a simple matter. Royal Knight Othelia, from the report you handed in, you claimed you discovered him in the catacombs alongside others."

Othelia bowed her head. "That is correct, Your Majesty. After I heard word from the Gravekeeper that there was a commotion happening in the catacombs, I took it upon myself to investigate the situation. When I arrived, standing in front of the door toward the second level of the catacombs, were the black tiger and a few others."

"Those others were members of the Explorer Guild," Emperor Johan said, stroking his beard. "They were summoned here, if I am not mistaken. Who are they, exactly?"

Immediately, Fiona raised her hand. "It's us four right here, Your Majesty. My name is Fiona Lockhart, and these three are Reo, Grant, and Igneal Lockhart. We, including Tyrus, are a group called Blue Dawn who seek contracts from the Explorer Guild and complete them together."

"I see." Emperor Johan eyed them closely. "Two Lockharts willingly partnered up with a black tiger. Were you four aware of that fact that this Demi-human possibly has close ties with the King of Beastfolk?"

Fiona spared Tyrus a glance, her face contorting with uneasiness, but her expression steeled a moment later. "We were aware he was of the Beastfolk race, but not his true identity; I assumed he was a black cat and decided not to dwell on it. Not once did Tyrus lie to us or show signs of being a criminal like those pigs back there assumed!"

More gasps and murmurs came, and the nobles in question shot her looks of contempt, but Fiona was undeterred. Before one of them could even shout a retort, Fiona continued, her voice getting louder.

"None of you have gotten to know him, yet you act like he's some monster that should rot in jail. He's a kind and courageous person who has done nothing to earn your ire. Not only has he helped us fend off goblins and a hobgoblin in our first meeting, but he even saved a little girl from a rock spider! Keep in mind he just awakened as a sorcerer and he's brave enough to fight opponents way tougher than he is, all with the goal of helping others. Frankly, Tyrus has done more good than those fat merchants and snobbish—"

With a deft hand, Grant cupped his hand over the red-faced Fiona, who was still yelling despite the obstruction. The room erupted in uproar, and it didn't seem like it was going to die down any time soon.

"What's with this insolence!" said the large man. "How dare you insult us! The Lockharts must've gone mad. Their daughter is even defending an enemy of the empire!"

"You can't speak to the nobles that way, girl," said the veiled woman, her voice cold. "Has your mother not taught you any manners? Or has she abandoned you because she knew her daughter was a lost cause?"

That snide remark seemed to have done the trick as Fiona's eyes flared and she tried to jump forward. Thankfully, Grant's iron-like grip and Reo's hands kept her pinned in her spot. She tried to struggle, but a look from Grant made her settle down.

Captain Kalavan sighed. "Your Majesty, I believe it is time to wrap this up before this court turns into a circus. I warned you something like this might happen."

Emperor Johan didn't reply, instead he raised his arm for peace once more. The court fell quiet, and the emperor's eyes narrowed. "As I mentioned before, lies in the Thasmian Court would be unveiled, yet the Lockhart girl's words appear to have been the truth. I will ask the black tiger this one last question: what do you hope to accomplish?"

For the first time since the interrogation began, Tyrus raised his head and met the emperor's gaze. "To become strong enough where no one can push me around and to live a life free of worries and fear. To secure a safe and bright future for myself and not be content with a life of mediocrity. That's why I became an explorer."

A life where he didn't have to fear the unknown, a life where he wasn't forced to hide from those that hated his race and a life where he could pursue his dreams without being held back. Through the Explorer Guild, earning sil was the easiest and quickest route, and with the help of Blue Dawn, he'd accomplish his goals faster than if he were on his own. As long as he remained with them, he'd not only learn from them, but get stronger as well.

Something shifted in Captain Kalavan's face, in which Tyrus didn't miss. It was quick, but his eyes widened slightly as if he were surprised by what Tyrus had said, but he swiftly reverted to his indifferent look.

Emperor Johan nodded and turned to Sir Geroth. "Royal Knight Geroth, a question I'd like to ask of you. It has been reported that you show considerable favor toward the black tiger. Knowing your position as a protector of the Lethos Empire, what is your take on this?"

"Your Majesty," Sir Geroth spoke respectfully, "A friend of my son is mine as well. I trust my son's judgment of character, and he assures me that this young boy has no malicious intentions. Furthermore, Selena, too, has vouched for his innocence. It would be greatly appreciated if you could consider her perspective. This boy possesses immense potential for a bright future, and it would be a shame to see it wasted. I had the chance to witness his capabilities firsthand during my time as an overseer for the Explorer Guild exam. It would be a grave mistake to sacrifice his life for something he has not done."

"And you, Royal Knight Othelia?" Emperor Johan asked.

She looked over at Tyrus. "I harbor no personal feelings regarding this situation. I only wish to protect the Lethos Empire from harm. If a royal knight and a Lockhart of high caliber backs him, then the decision is clear. I will trust their words, for now."

The short royal knight glanced over at Sir Geroth and Othelia. "My opinion is similar. As a royal knight, I'd do whatever I can to protect the lives of the empire's citizens. I, too, will trust my comrades' judgment. Now I am quite curious what they see in this boy."

Regarding the final royal knight, his response was concise, stating, "There is no necessity for additional input. I shall abide by the decision made by the royal knights."

Emperor Johan acknowledged their statements with a nod. "I appreciate your viewpoints. After careful consideration, I have come to a decision. As Emperor Johan, I hereby decree that the black tiger Tyrus shall be welcomed and treated like any other citizen of the Lethos Empire. There is no reason to perceive him as a threat, and he may continue to reside within our borders. This ruling is definitive. Should anyone have any grievances, kindly address them to Captain Kalavan. The deliberation is now complete."

Emperor Johan rose. "Captain Kalavan, release Tyrus from his restraints and bring him over to the throne room alongside his friends and the royal knights. There's something I've been meaning to talk about."