Am I Truly the Villain?

Trials and Tribulations

I made my way across the checkered marbled floors. Hands in shackles, blades pointed towards my neck. How I ended up being the culprit is beyond me. As I made my way to the wooden podium I went through the memories before the incident.

My name is Louis Cromwell. I am 29 years old and work as an alchemist. I have a younger brother, Damien Cromwell, he's about 23 years old and works as a royal Knight. Unlike my parents and my brother, I was born with magic attributes so I decided to pursue them during my school years. I graduated from the magic academy and started a shop in town, just specializing in potions, herbs, and other magical items. I lived alone.

For some reason, I recall meeting a girl. We bumped into each other and I helped her with picking up the contents of our baskets. It was only till we knelt did I catch a better glimpse of the girl. Soft pale skin, vibrant green eyes, luscious brown hair, subtle pink lips, rosy blush, and constellations of freckles were spread on her face. Just like that, I found myself in a trance.

"Ahem? Sir?"

"Hmm?!" I blinked and widened my eyes, a slightly reddish color rose on my face as I snapped out of it. I wanted to speak but it seemed like a frog in my throat. I hastily pick my things up and set them in my basket. Standing up I cleared my throat. "Ahem, Hello. Sorry about just now..." I said.

The young maiden stood up and giggled. "Oh, it's fine mister...?"

"Cromwell, Louis Cromwell." I introduced myself. "Who are you?"

"Audrey Penwood sir. I must get going now, goodbye!" Said the young lady walking past me. I turned around to steal one more glimpse before she disappeared into the crowd. Unfortunately, I wasn't granted that wish.

Flash forward to a few days later. Everything was normal. I was sweeping in my store. Until the door burst down. I was dragged out of my property and was told I was being charged with treason. The reason why was because of an investigation of a possible traitor in the kingdom. Such an act can result in either exile or death.

"The trial is now in session." Replied the old king as he sat upon his throne. "The trial for Mr. Cromwell is now in session.

"May the defendant state their name and occupation?" Asked the prosecution.

"I am Louis Cromwell, I'm mainly an alchemist but I do sell some magical artifacts."

"Cromwell? Does that mean you're related to Sir Damien Cromwell?"

"Yes, he's my younger brother."

The royal court proceeded with the trial. The prosecution brought out a few things that weren't present in my store.

"Now, Mister Cromwell. Do you know what this is?" Asked the prosecutor as he held an odd-looking device. It was a cube that had 4 squares on each side. All different colors.

"A communication cube."

"Correct, now this was present in Mr. Cromwell's store when we searched it. But the contacts here are quite shocking Mr. Cromwell, care to tell all the contacts on this stone?" The man paced around the room before walking towards the defendant.

"My mother, father, brother, and few friends."

"Hmm, by any chance does a demon lord count as your friend?" Asked the prosecution tossing the cube into the air and catching it. The entire room murmured at the question. My eyes widen in shock and my face contorted into confusion.

"What? Demon lord as a friend? When was that in my contacts?" I thought to myself, asking myself questions about that. "What? No of course not!" I raised my voice. I never encountered a demon lord in my life, maybe a few monsters but that was for collecting ingredients for potions, this is a demon lord, a powerful being that strength rival that of the divine.

"Then explain why there's a name that says "Azmodus"?" That felt more like a statement than a question with how he said it.

"I don't know anyone of that name!" I stepped forward til I was reminded of what happens if I do leave the defendant's chair. A sharp sliver of metal met my neck before I stepped back. Slumping in the chair I glared at the man defending me. To me, I don't think he was truly on my side.

"Hmm, defense, you may do your cross-examination."

A man in blue walked up to me, the man defending me. To be honest the man didn't ask me much. It feels like he is also against me. After a few arguments. The final verdict came in, I was guilty.

"And with that this trial is concluded, Sir Cromwell, you are heard by banished from the kingdom of Melodroa!" Announced the king. Hearing this made everything in my world was crumbling. I would be happy to live but I have nowhere to stay. Now with the title of traitor, I don't think that any of the neighboring kingdoms will take me in.

I was at the gate with a few bags. Before I set foot in the wild I was stopped. A man with brown hair, a slightly shorter yet muscular build to fit into shining armor, and blue eyes. It was my brother, Sir Damien. Known to be a great royal knight, excelling at all the roles a knight should follow; chivalry, politeness, bravery, and courage. We weren't on great terms with one another so seeing him is a curious sight. 

"What do you want?" Louis spoke out. "Do you just want to ridicule me? Because I can see you doing that." A hint of anger was heard in my voice.

"Oh, why yes dear brother. After all, you being away is one less nuisance I have to deal with." My younger brother replied, narrowing his eyes on me. He turned around to leave. I guess that's one way to say goodbye. I turned my back to him and set off.