千寻影视

The Archbishop Sin of Lust.

There was surveillance footage of Ben Dover entering the love hotel—additionally, entering the room as well.

But there was no footage of a second party entering that room.

Of course, there could be other variables as to why Ben Dover entered the love hotel.

Like maybe, he was looking for a cheap place to rest.

But as the investigation delved deeper, following Ben Dover's tracks with several street cameras, Ben Dover was caught coming from the mall.

On multiple occasions, he was seen purchasing something from the mall's department store, then heading directly to the love hotel immediately after.

This led Brandon to believe that the items purchased should be gifts for Ben Dover's mysterious lover.

In any case, apparently, it was all thanks to Raven and Claire, for following Ben Dover's traces inside the mall.

After all, the mall was none other than Victoria Supermall.

'Illya is one crazy stalker….'

Her presence was already subtle enough, but empowered by her abilities, she was practically non–existent.

In any case, Brandon's conclusion was that Ben Dover's lover might've been the Archbishop Sin of Lust.

He had been seduced, brainwashed, and manipulated with most probably sexual favors—correlating to the specific sin, which was lust.

It was all speculation on his part, but there was not much to go with.

The Archbishop Sin of Lust had covered up her tracks well, only slipping up due to a witness seeing Ben Dover enter the love hotel.

It was the only plausible theory.

For the Archbishop Sin of Pride, it was already practically confirmed thanks to Yi Jihyeon.

'Did I do well?'

Brandon thought to himself, staring blankly at the ceiling as he leaned back on the chair.

'Miss Evelyn.'

***

Amelia and Belle couldn't help but stare at each other.

The entire trial raised their blood pressure to the highest level.

Especially Belle, who had initially thought Brandon would be sentenced innocent. But the longer the trial went, the more it was unlikely.

But things made sense further down the line.

Most probably, the council had given them false hope, knowing Brandon's connections with the Imperial Army, just so they wouldn't intervene, or snoop around the matter.

Their objective, was most probably, to silence Brandon Locke regarding the matter, and to prove to the world that his claims were false.

But from what everyone had seen so far, it had backfired on them.

No, backfire was an understatement.

The council was totally defeated.

They had been exposed to the world after Brandon antagonized them.

'The hell is wrong with him?'

Seriously.

And furthermore, he had provoked the enemy, boldly claiming he would dispatch all of them.

Amongst the Elders, the Imperial Army Field Marshals, and the Guild–Leaders, Brandon was the weakest in the circle.

Yet he stood up to the Elders with his head held high as if it were nothing.

"Is he gonna be okay?"

Amelia asked, snapping Belle out of her thoughts.

"I'm not sure anymore…."

"He's going to be free, right?"

"....I think so."

Belle had checked the internet from time to time during the trial.

And clearly, Brandon had won the hearts of the people.

If he was still indicted, it would ignite protests and rallies from the people.

Which was a direct contrast to the Elders' objective of avoiding mass panic.

Indeed, if they wanted to save face, they'd have no choice but to set Brandon free.

As the courtroom settled, the air grew tense with anticipation.

The Elder, a woman with silver–hair, who had opposed Brandon the entire time, rose from her seat.

Then, she began, her voice booming amidst the silence.

"After thorough deliberation, the council has reached a decision regarding the charges levied against Brandon Locke."

A hushed murmur swept through the audience, but the Elder continued without pause.

"Therefore, in the interest of justice and maintaining the integrity of the world's law, the council formally declares Brandon Locke innocent of all charges. His actions, while unconventional, were found to be within his rights as a defender of the people."

The finality in the Elder's tone left no room for doubt or contest.

"The court is adjourned."

***

Raven only had one thought during the entire broadcast.

"He's fucking crazy!"

"No, he's batshit crazy!"

Claire, who was seated right beside him, chimed in.

Raven, Claire, and Reinhard, met up inside a cafe to watch the entire broadcast.

Claire wanted to invite Rachel and Amy, but refrained from doing so. After all, their family had just reunited recently.

"I'll do you one better, he's—"

"Shut it, Reinhard!"

Claire shot Reinhard down instantly.

***

While the trial was still ongoing….

Rachel and Amy, along with their parents, Samantha and Rafael, sat on the couch inside the living room, their eyes peeled to the television screen, displaying the trial.

"That's…."

But what was most confusing, was their father, Rafael, who's eyes were practically glued to the screen.

"What's wrong, Dad?"

"Do you know him?"

"Ah, no. Just…. your friend…. he's so young, yet he's already summoned in the Sanctum."

Day after day, Rafael's condition was getting better. While his memories were still jumbled up, he had finally remembered his daughters, and some of the world's important matters.

"I don't get all the details, but I know he's innocent. If they really knew Brandon, they'd see—there's no way he could've killed Miss Evelyn. He's always helped people, never wanting anything in return. I'm really grateful for him. Now, with his name out there, it had to come to this…."

Rachel commented.

"Hm?"

But there was no response. Instead, her family stared at her, looking flabbergasted.

"What?"

"Nothing…. Haha."

Samantha, Rachel's mother, shook her head dismissively and laughed.

"You've never spoken that much whenever you're with us. It's just surprising."

"Ah?"

Realizing that was the case, Rachel stammered, covering her mouth.

Indeed, Rachel was rather reserved in front of her parents, unsure of how to approach them, a full contrast to Amy, who was quite lively around them.

"Is that so?"

"Well…. we're not so close with this…. Brandon Locke. But if my daughter is saying it, then it must be the case."

Rachel nodded her head belatedly. Then turned to look at Amy, who looked back at her with a dumbfounded expression.

"What?"

Rachel frowned.

'No way, she still has feelings for him!?'

Is what Amy wanted to say, but refrained from doing so, afraid of striking the chord.

No, she wasn't afraid.

She was just trying to find the right words.

"You still like him?"

"Huh?"

"Oh, my….."

"...."

Rachel's brows raised, an incredulous expression spreading across her features. Samantha covered her mouth, and Rafael's eyes widened as if realization washed over him.

Samantha couldn't help but ask.

"Is that true, Rachel? Was there some hidden history between you tw—"

"No, no, no. Absolutely no—Ugh!"

Rachel glanced at Amy, who had a mischievous look on her face.

Clenching her fist, Rachel pursed her lips.

"Amy—"

"Rachel."

But before she could scold her younger sister, Rafael grabbed her shoulders all of a sudden.

Rachel's eyes widened, and her pupils darted around. The sheer act had left her flustered, and seeing the serious look on her father's face, Rachel swallowed deeply.

'Right, Dad was always against me finding a boyfriend so soon.'

But on the contrary….

"I approve."

"....Eh?"

"Let's go to the Sanctum, wherever it is, and fight for his innocence."

"What? No—Ugh! I don't like him anymore! And besides, he already has a girlfriend, and she's way prettier than me."

"Oh."

Rafael and Samantha looked down pensively.

Amy, on the other hand, wanted to fuel the fire even more. Her eyes ablaze with intensity, and she leaned forward.

"You can't just give up! Love isn't easy, it's messy and complicated, but it's worth it. If you really care about him, you don't walk away just because things get hard or someone else is in the picture. You fight. You fight with everything you hav—"

"Shut up, Amy!"