Medieval: Kingdom Come: Deliverance

The celebratory atmosphere suddenly turned somber as the second item, "The Trial of Justice," began.

Peter's voice turned cold, like a winter's chill. "The Griffin family motto is: Repay kindness, settle debts. Anyone who opposes me will pay a heavy price!"

Old Semi and Sir Nebakov were brought up. Both men looked ashen, like eggplants that had been wilted by frost.

These two once-glorious knights were publicly stripped of their castles and lands; their former glory and power vanished under Peter's judgment. However, considering their advanced age and lack of prior wrongdoing, they were released after their punishment.

Yaromir Nebakov closed his eyes, as if he had aged ten years in an instant; old Semih also lowered his head and remained silent. He knew that Peter had not asked for a ransom again, which was the best outcome for the defeated.

However, Peter's next words stunned everyone. He turned to young Semioda: "Semioda, your father lost his territory because of his opposition to me. But you have long been loyal to me, and this time you helped me capture Troski Castle without bloodshed, a truly meritorious act. Therefore, I have decided to reclaim Semioda Castle for you!"

This wasn't because Auda's contribution was truly that great, but rather a strategic decision by Peter. It was also to establish a rule for future enemies—nobles who resisted him would be stripped of their lands, while those who submitted would be rewarded with lands.

A dramatic turn of events! Old Semih suddenly opened his eyes, staring at Peter in disbelief, then at his son. Young Semih Oda was even more shaken; he knelt on one knee, his voice choked with emotion, "Lord Peter! I, Oda Semih, will never forget your kindness!"

"However," Peter changed his tone, "I will only allow you to retain ten acres of farmland and a horse breeding farm among the surrounding lands and properties. The rest will be placed under the direct control of Trossky." This was a delicate balance. It rewarded a meritorious official, won over the hearts of the people, and prevented the excessive expansion of new local power.

Sir Nebakov watched this scene, his eyes filled with complex emotions—envy, regret—which ultimately culminated in a long sigh. What could he do? His son was serving in another province, and a group of distant relatives were even eyeing his castle. Perhaps it was for the best; he might as well leave the castle, built over a lifetime, to Peter Griffin. As for those distant relatives causing trouble, let Baron Griffin worry about that!

The matter is not over yet.

Then, the castle steward Ulrich and the landowner Jaxsey were dragged up by the militia. Ulrich, who had suffered greatly during his days of captivity, had long lost his former arrogance; the landowner Jaxsey, his obese body like a puddle of mud, his crotch wet and emitting a foul stench, couldn't understand why he had been dragged onto the stage after hiding for so long.

The audience erupted in chaos upon seeing these two!

"Hang them! Those two vampires!"

"He stole my daughter's last food!"

"He broke my leg just because I didn't pay enough taxes!"

"Jaksi is Ulrich's accomplice; he always takes advantage of years of famine to seize our land."

……

The outcry of anger nearly overturned the platform. Peter raised his hand, signaling the recorder to step forward and take down each villager's accusation.

Half an hour later, Peter coldly pronounced his verdict: "Ulrich, you have abused your power by von Polgao to extort and oppress the common people. Your crimes are numerous and unforgivable! Jacci, as an accomplice, you have extorted and plundered, lent money at exorbitant interest rates, and framed and coerced others... In the name of Griffin, I sentence you both to death! All of Ulrich's property shall be confiscated, and half of Jacci's property shall be confiscated and the other half shall be inherited by his two daughters."

Ulrich, von Porgor's mouthpiece, must die. Jacques, that rich and wicked landowner, is a perfect example. Besides, many in his own camp have grudges against him; he has no chance of survival.

Ulrich lowered his gaze in despair. He had executed countless people in his life, and the countless skeletons in the dungeon, bound by chains, represented his achievements. But when the trial truly descended upon him, facing the frenzied jeers of the crowd below, this cold-blooded old man felt fear… "Having devoted my life to the Borgo family, can I still go to heaven?"

The obese Jaxsey collapsed to the ground, begging incoherently, "My lord... spare me... I was only following orders, my lord..."

Peter ignored their waving, and a figure in a gray cloak silently ascended the platform like a ghost. He removed his hood, revealing a young but gloomy face—it was Jerry, the intelligence chief. Another young man jumped onto the platform; it was Semioda Jr.

"Jerry, Oda," Peter's voice was encouraging, "I appoint you as executioners. Come and put an end to this hatred with your own hands."

Jerry's gaze was fixed on Ulrich, burning with a deep-seated hatred. His father, the old hunter of Takhov village, had been killed by Casper at Ulrich's behest. His brother Tom had killed Casper, and today he would kill Ulrich to avenge his father!

Auda, however, thought of his first love, Amy, who had been handed over to that beast, Yangbolgao, by Jaxie, a scoundrel who favored sons over daughters, and died a tragic death. Today, he would reclaim some interest for innocent Amy!

Ulrich's old face twitched incessantly. Jaxsey, too, seemed to see death itself, and was so terrified that he lost control of his bladder and bowels, the stench filling the air. But the soldiers held him firmly down.

Jerry and Auda slowly drew their longswords from their waists. The blades reflected a cold light in the firelight. They didn't speak, but simply took a deep breath and then brought them down simultaneously—

Swish!

Two perfect silver arcs swept across!

Swift! Accurate! Ruthless! It contained two years of forbearance, two years of pain, and two years of hatred!

Ulrich and Jaxsey's heads, their expressions filled with terror and disbelief, were instantly severed from their bodies. Blood gushed from their necks like a fountain, reaching several feet high! Warm drops of blood, carrying a strong, rusty stench, splattered onto the ground in front of the platform.

The entire square fell silent, save for the crackling of the bonfire and the dripping of blood from the platform. The visual impact and olfactory stimulation caused everyone to hold their breath. Then, a burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted.

"Good riddance!"

"Those damn guys are finally dead."

"The grievances and hatred we've suffered over the years have finally been avenged for us."

Jerry stood rooted to the spot, his chest heaving. He raised his hand to wipe the warm blood from his face, tasting its salty, metallic flavor. Two hot tears finally slid from his tightly closed eyes, mingling with the blood. This wasn't sadness, but the relief after revenge, the release of a torrent of emotions suppressed for too long.

Auda stood tall with his sword in hand, looking south. He knew that Jaxie was just a scoundrel who favored sons over daughters and craved power. The real enemies were the still-living Borgo father and son in the south. One day, he would kill them all!

Henry, witnessing this scene, was deeply moved. He recalled the time he and Hans were publicly humiliated by Ulrich, who had drenched them with excrement, and the promise he had made to Hans. He stepped forward and said to Peter, "Sir, please allow me to hang Ulrich's head on the castle gate as a warning! This will console all the souls he oppressed!"

Peter nodded in agreement.