"Your Honor, I have returned to claim the promise you made."A man in an army uniform stood before the Imperial Court. His name was Norbert Ashford, the former heir of the Ashford Family, one of the strongest mage families in the Ostalia Empire.Jorah Flint, the Supreme Imperial Judge, looked down at him from his seat. He smiled coldly, showing no respect for the man who had survived the empire's most dangerous battlefield."Norbert Ashford, I never thought you would actually survive," Jorah sneered.Two years ago, the Ashford family was accused of treason. In truth, someone wanted to destroy them because their magical power threatened other powerful families.Jorah sent Norbert to the Abyssal Front, the empire's most dangerous battlefield. If he survived and returned, Jorah had promised to release his family."Your Honor, the Ashford Family are traitors!" a nobleman shouted. "You cannot release them just because of a promise!""That's right!" another man agreed. "They deserve to rema

"Who are you?" Holly asked angrily. "You cannot just walk into the teachers' room! This is school property!"She glanced toward the door, wondering why the security guards had let this man in. The other teachers also looked at Norbert with annoyance."What are you waiting for?" one teacher demanded. "Leave at once!""Are you trying to disturb our investigation?" Holly warned. "If you refuse to leave, we will call the police!"Norbert ignored their threats. His gaze swept the room before settling on the little girl in the corner.The moment he saw Ella's face, he knew she was his niece. Her eyes and features looked just like his younger sister, Eliza, as a child.Norbert walked toward Ella and knelt before her. He gently wiped the tears from her cheeks and stroked her black hair."Are you alright?" he asked softly.Ella blinked in confusion. She had never seen him before, yet his eyes were warm."Ummm, who are you?" she asked timidly.Before Norbert could answer, Marlene stepped forwar

The sarcastic voice came from Patricia, the head caretaker of the orphanage. She had never liked Ella and always blamed her whenever trouble happened."Head Caretaker Patricia, Ella is not at fault this time," Chloe said firmly. "She was bullied at school, and the teachers accused her without checking the evidence.""Stop defending her!" Patricia snapped."But I'm telling the truth. Can you please approve my request to transfer Ella to another school?"Patricia snorted. "Stop asking for so much! Ella is lucky to study at the best school in this city. The orphanage only has one scholarship, and we gave it to her because she was smart."She pointed at Ella, who immediately lowered her head. "But look at her now. All she does is cause trouble!" she yelled.Chloe felt sorry for the little girl. "Please don't be so harsh on her. She's still a child.""That's exactly why she never learns!" Patricia shouted. "And don't you have classes today? Did you skip them again because of Ella?""My col

Holly glared at Ella, signaling her to stand up. Chloe noticed the little girl's nervous expression and helped her rise from her chair.The committee secretary stood up, holding a digital file. She connected her tablet to the large screen and began reading the report."According to the report dated September 12, Ella Brooks is suspected of stealing money belonging to Ruby Turner. The evidence includes statements from classmates and the discovery of Ruby's money inside Ella's bag."After the secretary finished, Frank looked sharply at Ella."Ella Brooks, would you like to make a statement?" he asked coldly.Everyone turned toward the little girl. Ella's hands trembled, and she struggled to speak under the pressure of so many adults staring at her.Chloe rubbed her back. "Remember what we practiced last night, Ella. Tell them what really happened, and don't be afraid."Ella took a deep breath, then spoke."I didn't steal Ruby's money," she explained quietly. "I went to the classroom to

The guards grabbed Marlene's arms and led her to the door. Ruby struggled as well, shouting insults at Ella."It's all your fault!" Ruby screamed. "You're the liar! You're the one who ruined everything!"Ella flinched at the sudden shouting. Norbert moved closer and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't be afraid," he told her gently. "She can't hurt you anymore."Ruby and Marlene were finally escorted out of the room. Their angry voices faded down the hallway until the door closed behind them.For several seconds, nobody spoke. Then Chloe pulled Ella into her arms, and tears rolled down her cheeks."We did it, Ella," she whispered. "You were innocent all along."Ella hugged her tightly and began crying as well. She had spent the past two days being called a thief, and now the truth had finally been proven.Norbert watched them with a small smile. Seeing his niece smile again was more satisfying than anything he had gained during his five years in Blackfall.Preston then tu