0 – The Case of the Officer’s Murder (Complete) ★
[#00 – False Accusation]
The arrival of the Guards was just after the end of the recent war.
“Major of the Operations Department, Kenneth Lada. You are under arrest on suspicion of murdering your superior.”
Sagrad called out through the sunlight as the Guards rushed in. Kenneth, who had only managed to wash himself a few days ago, gazed at the soldiers who were once his subordinates. His face was marked by deep fatigue, hardened eyes, and an unrelenting expression. When everyone vouched for the Major’s innocence, news arrived of the mourning for Rodelon, who had been both his immediate superior and a close friend.
After futile justifications and physical resistance, he was thrown into the Guards’ prison a few days later.
Upon hearing that he would be sent south to the capital shortly, Kenneth repeatedly demanded information about Rodelon’s death.
“The Major is the prime suspect in this case.”
There was no further response. As soon as he arrived in the capital, a courtroom was already prepared for him.
─A generous gesture from the military academy.
In his unwavering support for Rodelon, Kenneth had never enjoyed any honor. Concealed in obscurity, the steward of the Count had been reduced to such a state, eliminating any opposition through various malicious schemes. Kenneth pressed on the still-visible mark under his eyes and fell deep into a sea of unanswered questions.
─Who killed him and why?
Three days later, a lawyer appointed by the royal family arrived.
“You must admit guilt unconditionally.”
“I did not commit the crime.”
“The Major’s innocence is something I am aware of as well.”
Saying that he had come to defend him, Lord Oberon extended his hand.
“Moreover, the Lada and Aibar families are related by blood, are they not?”
Indeed, they were. The two families were connected by blood. Kenneth had started as Rodelon’s comrade and had risen to become his chief of staff. He had never entertained other intentions, and even if he had, there was no way to carry them out.
“The situation is dire, so I’ll tell you.”
The Marquis, who had taken on Kenneth’s defense, whispered in hushed tones.
“The Crown Prince is gravely ill.”
A glimmer of hope flickered.
“What happened to the Crown Prince?”
“He passed away a short while ago.”
The Marquis emphasized the need for absolute secrecy, a fact known only to the highest nobility.
─Raven, you finally killed our brother.
Kenneth, who had turned thirty this year, knew little about how imperial succession worked. The tradition and custom of sibling murder in the royal family was well-established. There was no need to reexamine the relationship between Raven, the youngest, and Count Aibar.
─Rodelon, I told you not to involve me in politics!
The Major fell silent. He made a silent vow for the Count, who had been assassinated on the battlefield. He had to stay alive, first and foremost, and uncover the cause of all these events to restore the tarnished honor of his close friend.
“Marquis, I must live.”
“For now, kneel.”
“Can I trust you?”
“What will you do if you don’t trust me?”
Kenneth appeared at the trial. A group that had always been silent suddenly came forward and accused him of perjury. He was sentenced to death. The summary trial confirmed his guilt. Even after that, Oberon came to visit the tower every day, pleading and pleading again.
“You won’t kill the Colonel, so remain silent.”
“I know.”
–But I won’t return to the military.
His unspoken sincerity was evident.
“Please, take care of yourself.”
On the night Oberon left, Kenneth reflected on the days gone by while gazing at the moonlight pouring in through the window. Thinking back to all the efforts made to turn Loteron into a war hero, only one sentence emerged.
“I was a man who deserved to die.”
–Therefore, today, the mistakes of yesterday have accumulated and brought us to tomorrow.
Kenneth condemned himself internally. *The major gave up on defense. Formal appeals continued due to the stubbornness of the defense attorney. Until the closing argument, Kenneth merely responded that he accepted whatever outcome with resignation.
“Current Month 208 – Special – Defendant: Kenneth Lada – Crime: Murder of a superior officer.”
The judgment summarizing the past 14 years of his career was brief.
“The suspect (Kenneth Lada), knowing the danger posed by his direct superior Colonel (Loteron Avar), planned a reckless operation. Despite receiving a report that the victim could die, he proceeded with it and caused the victim’s death, thus acknowledging intentional murder due to unnecessary intent. The seven judges unanimously handed down the death penalty to the defendant at the first trial.”
A pardon was also attached.
“Considering the defendant’s previous contributions, the imperial family hereby orders Kenneth Lada’s honorable discharge and appointment as an Academy instructor in Railand. This will compensate for the crime of causing the death of Count Avar, a war hero. Since the arrival of this pardon, all records and experiences of the major shall be expunged, and the past shall be attached with no consequences.”
A familiar signature was left in the Emperor’s signatory line.
-Raven, was it necessary to go this far?
The next day, upon leaving the prison, the Marquis came forward and comforted him.
“You’ve suffered.”
Now all Kenneth had was a single sword that Loteron once possessed. The only sword given to the Academy instructors was for conquering. Oberon, his defense attorney, handed over a few bundles of promissory notes and pleaded with him.
“Please forget everything.”
-If only I could.
Kenneth Lada was a sacrificial lamb in an unjust war.
“Marquis, someday.”
Unable to continue his sentence, Oberon’s eyes grew hotter than body temperature.
“Yes, Major. From here in Bugstone!”
Leaving behind an unpredictable pact, Kenneth headed towards the western region where his assignment was located. His former glory and desires were all trampled underfoot like a worn-out medal. He indulged in contemplation as he watched the receding scenery of the capital.
“What did I remain loyal to?”
In the distance, the station where carriages used to gather became blurry, just like the past. Among the still-functioning stations, numerous wrestlers were engrossed in activities that would never be recorded in history.
Now, his life at the Rhyland Academy, where he would soon arrive, would be the same.
Kenneth Rada’s life, which should have been recorded, was pushed aside for a meaningless existence.
The colonel who used to instill nightmares in his enemies and the lieutenant colonel who defended the empire from deterioration had now become mere ghosts that could only be confirmed through documents. He climbed onto the carriage and called out his newly given name.
His tongue was stiff and he couldn’t pronounce it properly.