Vote

"Yeah I got nothing."

The King looked at Shiro.

The members of the King's court looked at Shiro.

He had been asked to give a defense, he had asked for more time to think. And when Shiro finally spoke, he said he had nothing.

"Are those the words you wish to be your defense?"

"Probably not.... I've already said my case to the others so it's not like I have anything else to add... Not to mention I already died before, so like eh?"

"So you plead that you don't fear death?"

"Not necessarily. I had family and friends back home before Revorgress killed me. And this life is way worse than my old one so far. So I don't want to die, but it's more that I'm not about to plead and beg to keep being in this collar."

Shiro flicked the collar on his neck.

"Honestly the only reason I started helping was because of spite. I wanted revenge on Revorgress. Still do... Eh but I guess I help out now because I have grown fond of some of these guys.

"The votes have yet to be cast, but some of them have shown clear intent to vote for your death. Do you wish to sway their choice with pleas for friendship?"

"Oh you mean like Azura? Yeah no, she's definitely voting for me to get axed. Still, I've spent a lot of time with her, and Geraltavin and Johnaquil. Not as much with the others, but I still rather not see them dead. That's all there is, this jumble of words is my defense."

"Your defense has been heard. The vote shall begin. Master General Azura, what is your vote?"

"He has hidden information from us and betrayed our trust. I.. vote he'd be sentenced to death. Your highness."

That's my girl!

"Grand Chancellor Alamak, what is your vote?"

"I side with the master general. I vote he'd be sentenced to death. Your highness."

I wasn't sure which way he was going to vote considering he's profiting off my light rail cannons, but I do remember he said he held high respect for Azura.

"Treasurer Johnaquil, what is your vote?"

"Shiro's personality is different..."

Oi?!

"But I don't doubt his loyalty. I vote he'd continue to live. Your highness."

First vote for me not to die, I feel kinda bad that you were one of the ones I trusted the least at the start. Note to self, I need to get better at judging people.

"High Justiciar Albinoxia, what is your vote?"

He has no loyalty to the crown or kingdom, claims so himself. Openly states his loyalty is to his friends and loved ones. However I don't believe your court is close enough to him. I vote he'd be sentenced to death. Your highness."

Eh, she's kinda not wrong but it's not like I have any other friends here in this world.

"Spymaster Gris, what is your vote?"

"I would prefer we tighten security on him, but we don't have that luxury with the upcoming invasion. I vote he'd be sentenced to death. Your highness."

That's already the majority. What happens now then? Does Vermelionne hold or do the demons take it. Is the rail cannon enough or change the loop? Either way Revorgress doesn't get what he wants. Guess it's a draw.

"Arcane Magister Geraltavin, what is your vote?"

"Shiro aint good when it comes to words, but I've seen the man's work. I trust him. I vote he'd continue to live. Yer highness."

How are you saying I'm bad at words? Thanks though.

"High Oracle Marcellia, what is your vote?"

"Shiro has personally drawn the hate of Revorgress, more so than all humans due by virtue of being alive. He is strange to say the least, but has done so much for this nation that I don't believe death is a fitting punishment for a lie. I vote he'd continue to live. Yer highness."

Why didn't everyone who voted to keep me alive insult me?

"The council has cast their vote 4-3 in favor of Shiro being sentenced to death..."

"Wait!"

Azura interrupted King.

The whole room was shocked.

"Pardon me, your majesty... I wish to..."

"You may not. No one may interrupt during the voting process. Once all votes are cast you may request to speak."

"Yes, your highness"

Hold up? Who's left to vote? Is he just going to pull the 'i am King card' and keep me alive. I knew it wasn't going to end just like that.

"Before I vote, I would like to ask you one more question, Shiro. About your expression during the vote."

Huh?

"You didn't seem bothered by the events that transpired at all. If you die, do you not fail to get your revenge?"

"I do, but Revorgress doesn't win either. I already told Azura if I would ever get captured and can't be saved, to kill me. I'd prefer to win, but If I can't, I'd be content to force a draw."

Shiro felt Geraltavin's elbow hit him in the gut again.

"Huh? Oh! Your highness!... Still getting the hang of that."

The King took stock of Shiro, one last look before he cast his own vote.

"Many heroes view themselves above the King and the country. They see them as champions of humanity. Choose ones to save the world and defeat the Demon King, regardless of how many of them our world summons. Yet you hold yourself above even that. You choose your fight with one of the dark gods."

He started it.

"It is the pinnacle of arrogance. I'd call you foolish. Gone mad. And yet, to do so I find myself weary. That I may be guilty of the same lack of foresight and precaution a found in my own court today."

Oh damn!

"I shall vote for you to live today. But know that should your loyalty be questioned again. You achievement and potential will mean nothing. The war in heaven pales in consequence to the future of Vermelionne."

The King stood up and began walking out.

"The vote is a draw. We shall continue with Gris' proposal and increase security on the Hero. Be as you were."

The King left the room and for a moment, everyone was silent.

"Azura, were you going to change your vote because you didn't want me to die?!"

"NO!... I.. I was going to ask to execute you myself!"