The grand courthouse is adorned with ornate steampunk decor. The magistrates I'd already seen before, their expressions solemn and serious, fill the room with an air of authority.

I sit beside L, but cannot help but glance towards the accused bench, dressed in a weird creamy gown that feels foreign against my skin, uncomfortable in its elegance.

I don't wanna be here. I wanna be in the Solarium, cradling Papa's grave in me arms.

All this pish-posh bureaucracy is for someone else, fer mighty and learned people who know the ways of werds and were born with the gift of the gab. Me, I'm simple and straightforward. And I want a simple and straightforward punishment fer this eejit.

The Grand Duke, now wearing the attire of a prisoner, sits before us, his face a mask of defiance.

The magistrates turn their attention to the supreme judge, their voices echoing through the chamber.

"Your Honor," one of them begins, "we gather here today to bring forth the trial of the Duke, a former leader of Lighthaven, accused of grave offenses against the realm."

Duke scoffs. "You people down here are all the same. You mistake arrogance for bravery. You think you are standing up for something but we all know there is a crime behind every coin that passes through this place. You are just small men in a little hole the world forgot to bury. And I swear, once I am out of here I'm gonna bury the lot of you. The fact that I do not need a law-man of my own, that I can perfectly defend myself from these improbable and petty accusations, says it all." He puffs his chest. Even though he has spent some days in the Brig before the Trials, the gloomy and lugubrious atmosphere does not seem to have done a number on him.

He even dares threaten them! I grit my teeth. L's hand finds mine but his tender touch does nothing for the whiteness of my knuckles and my fury.

I grr inwardly, and I swear I wanna leap off the chair and rip that man's throat. T'was his machinations that got Pa killed and I want him to pay fer it.

The supreme judge, a figure of wisdom and power, sits at the elevated bench. Her calm voice carries an air of authority as she addresses the court. "Let the proceedings begin,"she declares, her words resounding through the room.

At least she looks like someone fair. Like someone who wouldn't let the stupid Duke off the hook just because he is a Duke.

The prosecution rises. The law-man, Copperfield, is L's friend, as he says.

He appears a bit young to me but he is a striking figure, dressed inna posh tailored black suit, adorned with intricate brass buttons and gears. He removes his top hat and presses it to his chest. Goggles rest atop his forehead. 

His presence commands attention, his voice firm and unwavering. "Your Honor, esteemed magistrates, we present to you our first witness. She is Sophie Takeuchi, a witness who holds crucial evidence regarding the accused's lineage."

Sophie, a woman who saved me life, steps forward.

"Madam Takeuchi, would you mind telling the court about the document you have for us here today on display?"

"Certainly." She clears her throat and casts a glance towards the Duke, who leers at her, but she isn't swayed. "I have obtained a birth certificate from the Fumedge Orphanage," she states, her voice steady. "This document proves that Veda Igglesden, the winner of the Gaslight Trials, is indeed the last remaining member of the House Volta. She was born as Veda Volta, of house of Volta, in the Lighthaven Castle, daughter to Albert and Mileva Volta."

A murmur ripples through the courtroom as the significance of Sophie's words sinks in. The Duke's face contorts with anger and disbelief, his eyes locked on me with a fiery intensity. Guards stand at the ready, prepared to act upon any sign of resistance.

This ain't the heritage I wanna claim. Wasn't planning to. But if this is what will bring this man down, I will gladly do so.

"I see. Would you care telling the court about the airship explosion that killed Albert and Mileva Volta, if you'd be so kind?"

Madam Takeuchi recounts the harrowing tale of the airship explosion that cost her both arms and her right eye, her voice trembling. The gears of her mechanical limbs whir softly as she gestures, a testament to her badarsery inna face of tragedy.

"The explosion," she begins, her gaze fixed on the distant spot somewhere above our heads, "it was no mere accident. It was a meticulously planned act, aimed at silencing Albert and Mileva, those who held the key to a revolutionary discovery."

I listen intently, my heart heavy with empathy for Stella's unimaginable loss. She continues, her words laced with a steely resolve.

The supreme judge leans forth in her seat.

"At that moment of chaos and destruction, I found myself surrounded by flames and debris. But amidst the turmoil, I glimpsed the fragile form of a baby, the heir to a legacy that had been targeted for extinction." Stella's eyes glisten with unshed tears as she undoubtedly recalls the pivotal choice she made, a choice that would forever alter her own existence.

And mine. The heck, I wouldn't be sitting here were it not fer this brave woman.

"I reached out, disregarding my own safety, and snatched the child from the jaws of danger. In that act of selflessness, I also managed to secure the precious electricity schematics, preserving the knowledge that could change the course of our world. See, the child's parents hid the schematics under her rompers." Her voice trembles with a mixture of pain and pride, a testament to the strength that resides within her.

"Who was it that told you that the attack on the Albert and Mileva Volta was planned?" Copperfield insists.

"Why, the Grand Duke's wife, Wilhelmina. She overheard the Grand Duke and Baron Secundus plotting their death. They worried their steam empire would crumble if Albert Volta and..." Her lips are a thin line, and she directs a compassionate gaze at me. "And Otto Igglesden unearthed this revolutionary energy source."

The magistrates murmur and whisper to one another and I am sure they remember that interrogation well: the interrogation where Duke attacked my Pa, calling him a lunatic. The interrogation I overheard while I was hidden behind the window.

"It was the Duchess' idea to hand the surviving babe to the Fumedge Orphanage. Hiding her far from her husband's eyes. We went there together with Veda in our arms." Sophie juts her chin at the Grand Duke.

He scoffs and shakes his head, and I could've sworn that he hisses lies through his gritted teeth.

The supreme judge, her gaze unwavering, now addresses the Duke directly. "You stand accused of heinous crimes against the realm, and now face the weight of these new revelations. How do you plead?"

The Duke's voice booms through the chamber, filled with defiance. "I plead not guilty!" he declares, his words echoing off the walls. "Any other assumption would be absolutely ridiculous. My wife would never do such a thing behind my back. It smells of pre-planned coup and invented confabulations. And that... That document must be a forgery."

L's knuckles whiten, too. He clenches his fists and signals the law-man, Copperfield.

The law-man gets the gist of the gesture. "Thank you, Madame Takeuchi. Your testimony is enough for the moment. I reserve the option to call you to testify once more should the need arise."

Sophie's mom nods and leaps out of the witness seat as if it were on fire.

L takes the stand. His presence commands attention as he adjusts his brass goggles, ready to testify against his own father. The courtroom falls silent, awaiting his words.

I watch as Langdon's gaze meets mine, a mixture of determination and sadness in his eyes, and I already know he will be on my side. On the side of the city of Lighthaven. He raises his hand, holding the birth certificate in question, and speaks with a voice filled with conviction.

"I can confirm that this document is not a forgery," Langdon declares, his words resonating through the chamber. "As a scholar of ancient texts and symbols, I have examined it thoroughly. The intricate engravings and the use of arcane ink are consistent with the time in which it was created. There is a personal signature of the now late headmistress of the Fumedge Orphanage but the governesses employed there at the moment will confirm its originality without hesitation."

The room stirs with whispers, the weight of Langdon's testimony sinking in. The Duke, his face etched with disbelief, watches his own son betray him.

Langdon continues, his voice steady. "Furthermore, the seal upon this document bears the mark of authenticity, a mark known only to those within the highest echelons of House Volta. It is a mark that cannot be replicated."

The magistrates lean forward, their expressions attentive. The supreme judge nods, acknowledging the significance of Langdon's words.

My heart aches for L. I know how torn he must be between loyalty and justice. But the truth must prevail, even if it means witnessing the downfall of his own father.

The Grand Duke's anger boils over, his word laced with venom as he hisses at Langdon. "Ungrateful little whelp!" He sneers. "You dare turn against your own blood?"

In a shocking display of utter disrespect, the Grand Duke spits in Langdon's face. A fecking vile act, that reveals the actual depth of his rage, when the calm and composed gentlemanly mask falls down.

The courtroom gasps in collective disbelief, the tension palpable. Langdon's composure wavers for a moment, his eyes glistening with hurt and indignation, but he remains resolute, refusing to let his father's venomous words shake his resolve.

He stands tall, his voice steady as he responds, "Father, this is not about you, or me, nor does it have anything to do with one's own blood. It's about justice and the truth."

The Duke's eyes blaze with fury, "Justice? Truth? Don't play the righteous card with me, Langdon. These fine gentlemen may not be capable of doing so, but I, oh, I can see perfectly well through your little charade. You've always aspired to take the throne away from me. This is all a set up!"

Langdon's expression hardens, his resolve unyielding. "You're mistaken, father. I seek only to expose the lies and protect what is right. The evidence speaks for itself."

I watch in awe as Langdon's transformation unfolds before me eyes. From a son burdened by loyalty to a man driven by truth and justice, his determination shines through. This lad's bravery is truly a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of his father's tyranny.

The magistrates are swayed and law-man Copperfield knows it. He turns his head towards me and gives me a small, encouraging, almost imperceptible nod.

And I feel so ready. More than ready to bury this mother-effin sonna of a bitch.

I take the stand, my fury and resolve burning within me as I face the Grand Duke. My voice trembles with a mix of anger and sorrow as I begin to speak.

"Your Grace," I say, my tone sharp and unwavering, trying me best to sound cultured. "On the eve of the semifinal battles of the Gaslight Trials, Langdon and I overheard yer conversation with Baron Septimus. We know the truth about the airship accident not only because Madame Sophie told it right here, right now in this courtroom, but also because you yourself have said them. But do you think he has somehow stumbled upon those electricity schematics the five of us were working on two decades ago? How could he have? They were destroyed when we had the Voltas and their newborn child disposed of in that aeroship accident."

The Duke's eyes widen, a flicker of realization crossing his face. But he remains standoffish, refusing to acknowledge his guilt.

"And so now, I must confront ye," I continue, my voice filled with a mix of pain and determination, knowing what this is doin to L. "You single handedly ruined my life, ever since I was a baby. You left me parentless, doomed to spend my childhood in an orphanage."

A bitter laugh escapes my lips as I recount the hardships I endured. But my tone softens as I speak of the silver lining amidst the darkness.

"But despite it all, I am not regretful. For I found the best father and the best friend one could ever hope for," I say, my gaze shifting to Langdon and Mariposa, a silent acknowledgement of our unbreakable bonds.

A heavy silence hangs in the air as I confront the Duke with the weight of his actions. "However," I continue, "I can never forgive you for repeating history. For taking away my adoptive Pa, for putting my best friend Mariposa and myself in danger, and for risking the life of your own son. And for what?"

The Duke's face remains stoic, but I can see a flicker of remorse in his eyes. The truth has been spoken, and the weight of his actions now rests upon his shoulders.

"For what indeed?" says the law-man Copperfield. "Why has the Duke truly organized the Gaslight Trials, madame Igglesden?"

"He said to everyone twas fer some kind of noble cause. Unity between the people of Fumedge and Lighthaven, la-di-da. But the Grand Duke's son Langdon Septimus and I overheard the truth that very same night. Baron Secundus and the Grand Duke stated their goal was to use the blueprints fer all the weapons and armor sent in by the contestants and to launch an attack on the Imperial City. The two were planning a coup!"

"No one will believe a word of some stupid simple Fumedge peasant girl," the Grand Duke scoffs.

"I am Veda, the sole survivor and heir of the house of Volta, and you are offending me, so be careful what you say next. Or have you already forgotten how you blackmailed me before the very last match of the Trials? This man... " I stand up from my witness seat and do a mini back and forth pace.

"Preposterous." He shakes his head.

"You clearly told me not to use my sparks in the Finals. The sparks you and my Pa Otto engineered, alongside Baron Secundus, when you were young. You demanded me not to tell anyone the real reason behind the Gaslight Trials. You wanted me to renounce my heritage, renounce the House of Volta. And I accepted. I should not have, but I have done so for the sake of my Pa. You promised me his release and then went behind our backs and planned to place him in the mental asylum."

"Ah, my dear little girl." His eyes glint with malice. "But in the end, it is all your word against mine."

Fury roils in my stomach at these words, and I can't help but wonder, what if the system fails? What if justice isn't served? The magistrates could easily decide not to imprison the Grand Duke. Then what was all this fo'? Me public humiliation, baring of me soul? Pa's death. It wouldv'e all been fer nothin'.

Copperfield, the law-man, shakes his head lightly at me, as if he is guessing I am pondering some good ole fist poundin against the Grand Duke's skull.

He asks me to trust him, and I know L told me he is his good friend. So I stay my hand.

The law-man steps forward, his voice firm and resolute. He begins to enumerate the long list of crimes committed by the Duke, each word striking like a hammer against the walls of the courtroom. Magistrates and the Supreme Judge lean forth, listening intently.

"Murder of the Voltas," he declares, his gaze piercing through the Duke's facade. "Attempted murder of an innocent baby, that today stands here before us as an adult woman, with the obvious intent to erase the truth. Organization of the Gaslight Trials, a cunning ploy to steal the champions' blueprints and fuel a desire for a coup against the Imperial City. This man, not only is he not worthy of leading our city, but he is not worthy of roaming the streets of Lighthaven freely."

My heart pounds with a mix of anger and satisfaction as I listen to his convincing final words. The truth is laid bare. The weight of the Duke's crimes hangs heavy in the air, a testament to his treachery and disregard for human life.

The judge's voice reverberates through the courtroom, her words carrying a weight of importance. "We need time," she declares, her tone commanding, "both the magistrates and I must now deliberate on this matter, and on the proofs that were presented to us."

A collective murmur fills the air as the judge urges everyone to leave, Langdon and I exchange a glance, a mix of anticipation and anxiety in our eyes. We know that the final verdict will determine the course of our lives.

As we step out of the courtroom, law-man Copperfield joins us, his presence a reassurance in these shity moments. His voice is steady as he speaks, "We have presented a strong case, but now we must wait for the wheels of justice to turn."

I nod, my heart pounding. "Well, we've come this far," I say, my voice filled with determination, "and we ain't gonna ever stop fighting until the

Copperfield's eyes meet mine, a glimmer of respect shining through. "Indeed, young Veda," he replies, his voice filled with conviction, "we shall see this through to the end, no matter what." He smiles at Langdon before he leaves us alone. "This one is a keeper," he says, walking away. L. scratches his nape, his cheeks burning hot red.

"Why, Langdon Septimus, ye were unusually bold in there," I say.

"Ye were unusually non-murderous in there," Langdon teases me right back.

"Oi! Dontcha talk like me." I faux-smack him across the face and he jus stands there with a big goofy smile and intense, dark chestnut gaze that makes me lower me eyes after a while and draw a line on the floor with me toe.

"Veda." His voice is velvety soft. "I am honestly proud of what we did. The impact of our testimonies will reverberate the nation. My father is a tyrant, and he deserved to be on trial for his heinous deeds. I only wish I'd seen it before, instead of so desperately competing for his approval."

"Better late than nevah, that's what Pa used to say." I sniffle.

Deep sadness etched on his face, L takes me to sit on a worn bench, our bodies pressed close together as we wait. I lean my head on his shoulder, finding solace in his presence. The courtroom's heavy atmosphere fades into the background and we share a tender, comforting moment.

My eyes grow heavy, exhaustion washing over me. i drift into an uneasy sleep, the weight of anticipation still lingering in my dreams.

Suddenly, murmurs and footsteps break the silence, pulling me back to reality. The judge has reached a verdict. Langdon gently wakes me, his touch grounding me in the present.

We rise from the bench, our hands intertwined, and make our way inside the courtroom. My heart races, uncertainty mingling with hope. the air crackles with anticipation as we take our seats, waiting for the judge's final decision.

The judge's voice reverberates through the courtroom, her words carrying the weight of justice. "Guilty on all charges," she proclaims, the sound of the gavel echoing in the air. "The Grand Duke shall be arrested until further notice."

A collective gasp fills the room as the truth settles in. Langdon is now the rightful heir!

He seems to comprehend what that means and he steps forward, his gaze steady and resolute. "I accept my duty," he declares. "From this day forth, I shall be known as the Grand Duke Langdon Septimus. And may I serve our town better than my father has ever done.

The courtroom erupts in whispers of a new era, their murmurs spreading like wildfire. The Duke, once a figure of power and fear, now faces the consequences of his actions.

No one is untouchable. And that's what justice is.

I watch as the guards escort the vile man away, his repugnant face still a mask of defiance.

Our eyes meet for a brief moment, and in that glance, I see a flicker of regret.

Justice has been served, but the wounds he inflicted upon us will not easily heal.