My Mansion of Gorgeous Maids in Another World-Chapter 83: Interrogation

Eren’s boots echoed on the polished obsidian floor as he was led into the Queen’s Throne Room, wrists bound by iron bracelets that bit into his skin with every shuffle. His chest rose and fell in ragged gasps, breath frosting in the chill air of the vaulted hall. Candlelight danced across towering pillars carved with the Queen’s sigil—an ivory swan in mid-flight—casting twisting shadows that spun across the faces of the assembled nobles. Among them crouched familiar figures: Lord Calder and Lady Isolde exchanged glances, eyes narrowed in suspicion; Baron Harken’s jaw tightened, jawbone glinting beneath the torchlight; even Sir Galen, once counted among Eren’s closest allies, stood motionless, cloak draped like a shroud around his broad shoulders.

At the front of the assembly, Jett stood flanked by Mia, Noctlisa, and Eleonora. His frame was rigid, shoulders squared beneath his midnight-blue cloak, lightning motes still sparkling along the hem. Mia’s emerald eyes shimmered with latent magic, her hands folded calmly before her. Noctlisa’s greatsword rested at her side, its edge shimmering faintly in the gloom. Eleonora’s rapier gleamed like a starbeam, held ready in her delicate, unyielding grasp.

The Queen’s dais loomed above, steps of smooth onyx leading to a chair of living crystal that pulsed with inner light. The Queen herself sat in silent judgment, pale hair braided into a crown of frost-white ribbons. Her eyes, the color of storm-cloud steel, settled on Eren’s bound form with an unreadable expression. Courtiers bowed their heads; the hush was complete.

A hush fell, broken only by the rasp of Eren’s breathing. He straightened his shoulders, meeting the Queen’s gaze with defiance and exhaustion entwined. The iron bracelets glowed faintly with warded runes, stifling any attempt at escape.

"Duke Eren of the Northern Wall," the Queen’s voice rang out, crisp as breaking ice. Her tone carried weight—each word a measured step on the path of justice. "You stand accused of treason, abduction of a princess, and conspiracies against the crown. You shall answer for your crimes before all who bear witness."

A ripple ran through the courtiers; Lady Isolde’s lips pressed into a thin line, Lord Calder’s gavel-like fists flexed at his sides. Eren’s lips curled into a bitter half-smile. "I have my reasons," he rasped, voice strained by the warded bindings.

With a subtle gesture of her hand, the Queen summoned a skein of silver light that draped across the vaulted archways, sealing all exits. Tendrils of shimmering magic coiled around doors and windows, embedding runes into the very stones. A murmur rose, stifled by the Queen’s raised hand.

"You cannot leave," she declared, voice echoing through the sealed chamber. "By my Wall Magic, this room is suffused with truth’s bond. Speak freely, or remain bound by silence until the last spark of your spirit fades."

Murmurs died. Jett stepped forward, folding his arms. "Your Majesty, before you stand a man who would see chaos reign." He inclined his head toward Eren. "His actions threaten the peace we fought to restore."

Eren’s gaze flicked to Jett—lightning danced between the Warden’s fingers before dissipating harmlessly. "You and your storm-branded knights think yourselves saviors. Yet what of blood and broken vows? I sought only to right wrongs that festered beneath gilded courtly smiles."

Eleonora advanced, rapier tip resting just an inch from Eren’s throat. "Start with Barbara." Her voice was velvet, but steel lurked in each syllable. "Why did you abduct the princess?"

Eren drew a ragged breath. "The palace whispered lies. The crown’s ministers schemed against my people. Princess Barbara—she uncovered the council’s corruption and was silenced before she could speak." He coughed, head tilting back to glance at the Queen. "I took her to safety."

Gasps fluttered among the nobles. Lady Isolde’s fan snapped open in shock. Baron Harken’s fist clenched, knuckles whitening. The Queen’s steel gaze did not waver.

Mia stepped forward, vines weaving softly along her steps. "If you speak truth, reveal your proof." Her voice carried clarity, like spring water over pebbles.

Eren’s eyes flickered with exhaustion and desperation. "I have letters—messages between Minister Aldric and the Eastern Regent, plotting to bankrupt the Northern Vaccarii lords. I have witnesses." He lifted his chained wrists, warded bracelets rattling. "But they will die if the palace remains oblivious."

The Queen inclined her head slightly. "Then summon them." Her crystalline scepter glowed; a faint hum pulsed through the air. "Or speak the names of your allies. These walls will hold your words inescapable."

Eren hesitated, pain flickering in his gaze. Silence stretched until Sir Galen shifted, stepping forward. His broad chest heaved; lashes glistened in torchlight. "I stand with him," Galen declared, voice resonant. "His cause is just. The crown’s greed would see the North crushed."

Jett’s eyes narrowed. "Sir Galen—your betrayal is noted." He turned back to Eren. "You expose one witness. Who else stands with you against the queen’s ministers?"

Eren’s jaw clenched. Sweat beaded on his temples. "Lord Calder." He spat the name, hatred bitter on his tongue.

Lord Calder stepped forward, cloak swirling around his legs. His eyes, once cold with ambition, now shimmered with shame. "I... I supported Eren," he admitted, voice low. "I believed the council threatened my lands. But I did not foresee... the abduction." He glanced at the Queen. "Forgive me."

A tense silence settled. The Queen’s eyes swept over Calder and Galen. "Is that all?" she asked softly.

Eren hesitated again, shadow and guilt flickering across his face. "There is... one more." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Baron Harken."

Baron Harken’s cheeks bloomed crimson; his gaunt face twisted. He opened his mouth, then closed it. The torchlight glinted off the pommel of his sword. Silence pressed in.

Jett’s lightning flared in his palm, illuminating the Baron’s trembling form. "Speak."

Harken’s voice came, soft and torn. "I... I sent funds. I believed Eren’s plan would... liberate my people from endless taxes." He bowed his head. "I can provide ledgers."

The Queen rose, crystalline seat humming. "Your confessions suffice for now." She turned to her courtiers. "Baron Harken, you are detained pending trial. Lord Calder and Sir Galen, you too. Warden Jett, escort these suspects to the dungeons." Her gaze swept the hall before settling on Eren. "And you, Duke... remain here."

Murmurs of shock swelled. Eren’s shoulders slumped—relief and dread warping his expression. The Queen raised her scepter; the silver light unbound the outer wards but left Eren trapped in arcs of shimmering barrier.

With a silent nod, Jett signaled Mia and Noctlisa. Mia’s vines glowed softly, guiding Calder, Galen, and Harken toward the great doors, now opened by Jett’s command. Noctlisa stood sentinel by Eren’s barrier, greatsword slung across her back.

As the three nobles were led away, Eleonora stepped to Eren’s side. "Your proof?" she asked quietly. "Show it now."

Eren met her gaze, lifting trembling hands. Mia, her glowing fingers brushing his chains, wove a gentle vine to grip the letters’ pouch. From its folds, parchment slid out—sealed with the crest of Aldric. Eren’s voice was raw: "These are your proof. The queen’s council conspires with foreign powers to shackle us all."

The Queen accepted the letters, silver scepter tapping them to open. Candlelight flickered across scrawled ink, and she read each line. The hall fell silent save for the soft rustle of parchment.

Finally, the Queen lowered the letters. "If these allegations prove true, those responsible will face the Crown’s justice." Her voice held an edge like a drawn blade. "But until then, you remain under my protection—and my custody." She turned to Eren. "Your fate rests on these truths you have revealed."

Eren bowed his head, shoulders sagging. "Thank you."

Jett stepped forward, cloak swirling like stormclouds billowing. "Your Majesty, if I may—"

She’s eyes glimmered, frost and steel entwined. "Speak."

Jett inclined his head. "Let justice be swift. Let every name be called. The North cannot recover while traitors plot within these walls."

The Queen nodded. "So it shall be. This council is dissolved. A new regency will seat those proven loyal to the realm." She gestured to her guards. "See to it."

As armored knights moved to enforce her command, the Queen lowered her voice, addressing only Eren and Jett. "Your storm may be fierce, Warden Jett, but it must serve the crown. And you"—her gaze pierced Eren—"must learn that even the noblest intentions can breed chaos."

Lightning sparked on Jett’s gauntlet; his lips quirked in a wry smile. "I will see justice done."

Eren’s eyes found Jett’s, gratitude and regret swirling in their depths. The barrier shimmered as it faded, and Noctlisa wrapped heavy chains around Eren’s wrists once more—this time binding him only to accountability, not cruelty.

The Queen dismissed the assembly with a wave. Torches dimmed and wax pooled on the stone floor as courtiers filed past. Within the silence that remained, Jett and Eren stood side by side—one bound, the other ready to pass judgment.

In the hush, Mia knelt to gather stray petals from the dais steps. Eleonora sheathed her rapier with a soft click. Noctlisa rested a hand on the hilt of her sword, vigil as unbroken as the Wall itself.

Above them, the living crystal of the throne pulsed softly—an ember of hope in a realm of shifting shadows.

Outside the sealed hall, dawn’s first light cut through the stained glass, painting the floor in shards of ruby and gold. Within, justice had found its throne.