From Trash to Villain Master of Card: With Harem of Evil women-Chapter 66: Divided Voices

Council Hall — Second Day

The hall was more crowded today.

Yesterday it had been only the main representatives from each kingdom. Today, the upper galleries—designed for observers and scribes—were occupied.

Minor diplomats. Chroniclers. Some curious nobles who had paid for access.

Everyone wanted to witness the trial of the King of Villains.

Kaito entered with Naporia, Drake, and Aria. The twenty guards remained outside this time—only direct witnesses were allowed on the second day.

The atmosphere was different.

Yesterday had been the presentation of accusations. Today would be real deliberation.

Testimonies. Evidence. Debate.

And at the end... voting.

Kaito and Naporia took their place at the accused’s podium.

Queen Isolde struck her ceremonial gavel.

BANG.

"Second day of the Council. We will proceed with testimonies from the kingdoms. Each kingdom wishing to speak has ten minutes."

She pointed toward the Avernor section.

"Lord Magistrate. As accuser, you speak first."

The Lord Magistrate stood with a smile that promised blood.

---

Avernor’s Testimony

"Honorable members of the Council."

The Lord Magistrate unfurled documents on the table.

"Yesterday, the accused admitted his crime. He summoned villains. Entities sealed by the gods themselves."

He raised one of the documents.

"But I have not shown you the consequences of those summons."

He signaled. An assistant brought a small chest.

Inside: blood-stained clothing. Broken weapons. A burnt symbol of Avernor.

"This was recovered from the Battle of Iron Gorge. Where Kaito’s villains massacred over one hundred Avernor soldiers."

Naporia clenched her fists but remained silent.

The Lord Magistrate continued.

"But there is more. Testimonies from refugees who fled Neudämmerung."

Another assistant handed over scrolls.

"Testimony of Johann Schmidt, merchant: ’I saw the Empress of the Sword kill ten men in less than a minute. Without provocation. Just because they complained about taxes.’"

Kaito frowned. That was a complete lie.

"Testimony of Maria Volkner, farmer: ’The one they call Lilith used her power on my son. Made him forget who he was. It took weeks for him to recover.’"

More lies.

"Testimony of Klaus Reinhardt, blacksmith: ’Valeria the Butcher destroyed my workshop when I refused to make weapons for free. She said either I worked for the king or I died.’"

Kaito opened his mouth to protest.

Isolde raised her hand.

"Counter-statements will come later. Lord Magistrate, continue."

The Lord Magistrate smiled.

"These are just three examples. I have twenty-seven more testimonies. All from people who fled Kaito’s reign of terror."

He set down the documents.

"The villains are not just dangerous in theory. They are dangerous in practice. They destroy. Kill. Terrorize."

He looked directly at Kaito.

"And this man controls them. Or thinks he controls them. But what happens when he loses that control? How many will die then?"

He paused dramatically.

"We request dissolution of Neudämmerung not out of vengeance. But for continental security. For the protection of innocents."

He sat down.

Murmurs rippled through the hall.

Some nodded—the testimonies sounded convincing, even if they were false.

Isolde spoke.

"Who wishes to speak next?"

---

Stahl’s Testimony

Serafina von Eisenhardt stood.

Her presence commanded attention—silver ceremonial armor, perfect military posture, a scar on her left cheek from an ancient battle.

"Honorable members. I have listened to Avernor’s testimonies with interest."

Her tone made it clear that "interest" meant "total skepticism."

"Interesting that all these supposedly terrified refugees... none came to Stahl. Which shares a border with Neudämmerung."

The Lord Magistrate tensed.

"Where are these refugees now?" Serafina asked. "I would like to interrogate them personally." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"That is not relevant..."

"It is completely relevant. Because I suspect they do not exist."

Gasps in the galleries.

Serafina unfolded her own documents.

"Stahl has monitored Neudämmerung since its founding. We have agents at the borders. Merchants who cross regularly."

She raised a scroll.

"Testimony of Friedrich Müller, Stahl merchant: ’I have traded in Neudämmerung for six months. I never saw unprovoked violence. The soldiers are disciplined. The people seem... content.’"

Another scroll.

"Testimony of Greta Schwarz, healer who visited Neudämmerung: ’I treated wounded soldiers there. I noticed something unusual—they also treated captured enemies. With the same care. That is not the behavior of tyrants.’"

She looked around the hall.

"And I have twelve more testimonies. All from neutral sources who actually visited Neudämmerung."

She pointed at the Lord Magistrate.

"While Avernor’s testimonies come from... where exactly? Refugees no one has seen? Convenient ghosts?"

The Lord Magistrate stood.

"You are accusing us of falsifying evidence!"

"I am questioning evidence that cannot be verified."

Isolde struck the gavel.

"Order. Both of you, sit down."

Serafina continued from her place.

"Honorable members. I do not deny that Kaito summoned villains. He admitted it himself."

"But actions speak louder than labels. And Neudämmerung’s actions have been: defending its territory when attacked, building shelter for the displaced, establishing fair trade with neighbors."

She paused.

"If that is a threat... then I do not understand what the word means."

She sat down.

The murmurs were different now—more divided.

---

Kaltstein’s Testimony

King Aldric stood slowly.

His age was evident—seventy-two years weighed on his movements.

But his voice was clear. Strong.

"I have ruled Kaltstein for forty years. I have seen three wars. Two famines. Countless crises."

He walked before his section of the table, using an ornate cane.

"And I have learned something: power is not inherently good or evil. It is a tool. Judged by how it is used."

He looked at Kaito.

"Kaito Yukimura summoned villains. That is fact. And yes, they are dangerous."

He pointed to his own summoned ones—Leonardo and Boudica.

"I too have summoned ones. Leonardo could design weapons that would destroy cities. Boudica could lead a rebellion that would overthrow governments."

"But they do not. Because I do not order them to. Because controlled power is different from unleashed power."

He turned to the Council.

"The question is not whether Kaito’s villains are dangerous. They are dangerous. The question is: are they controlled? Are they an active threat?"

He paused.

"And based on available evidence... they are not. They defended their territory when Avernor attacked. That is legitimate war, not unprovoked aggression."

Some kingdoms were nodding now.

Aldric continued.

"However."

His tone changed.

"That does not mean we should be naive. The villains are a potential threat. And potential must be monitored."

He looked at Isolde.

"I propose an intermediate position. Not dissolution. Not complete freedom. But conditional existence."

He let the words settle.

"Neudämmerung may exist. But under strict observation for a defined period. Let’s say... one year. If after that year there are no incidents, restrictions are lifted."

Murmurs of consideration rippled through the hall.

It was a compromise. Victory for neither side.

But not total defeat either.

Aldric sat down.

---

Other Kingdoms’ Testimonies

The following kingdoms spoke in rapid succession.

Meridia: Voted with Avernor. "We cannot risk continental security for an experiment."

Kalthor: Also with Avernor. "The villains are abominations. They should be resealed."

Valdoria: With Avernor. "Neudämmerung violates the law by existing in disputed territory."

Calvados: Cautiously neutral. "We need more time to decide."

Norheim: Neutral. "We see no immediate threat but do not fully support either."

Sorenth: Supports Neudämmerung. "Trading neighbors, no problems."

Terravaal: Supports. "We respect the sovereignty of new kingdoms."

Ashmark: Neutral. "We will wait for the majority verdict."

Sundergard: Neutral. "Too much uncertainty."

Isolde counted mentally.

"So far: three in favor of Neudämmerung. Three against. Six neutral or undecided."

She looked at Kaito.

"Lord Kaito. You have the opportunity to respond to testimonies. What do you say to the accusations?"

Kaito stood.

This was the moment to present his counter-evidence.

---

Neudämmerung’s Response

Drake approached with his own chest.

"Honorable members. Avernor’s testimonies are interesting. Especially since I know two of the people mentioned."

He opened the chest.

"Johann Schmidt. Maria Volkner."

He took out documents.

"I checked Neudämmerung’s citizen records. They do not exist."

"I verified with merchants operating in the region. No one knows Johann Schmidt."

"I contacted healers in surrounding areas. There is no record of Maria Volkner or her son."

He placed the documents on the central table.

"These people do not exist. They are convenient inventions."

The Lord Magistrate stood furiously.

"That is because they fled! They changed their names for safety!"

Drake looked at him coldly.

"How convenient that they all changed their names. And that none are available for questioning."

Kaito spoke.

"But I have real testimonies. From real people. Who can be verified."

Aria approached with a stack of letters.

"These are letters from Neudämmerung citizens. Written voluntarily. Without coercion."

She began reading one at random.

"’My name is Hanna Müller. My husband Rolf died in battle defending Neudämmerung. The Empress Naporia came personally to rebuild our house. She worked alongside my children. She showed us compassion when she could have ignored our existence.’"

Another letter.

"’I am Hermann, a baker. I had a dispute with a carpenter over a debt. Grand Councilor Lilith resolved the conflict fairly. Not with power, but with wisdom. Now Wilhelm and I are friends.’"

One more.

"’My name is Gregor, village leader of Grimbach. When Commander Naporia arrived, we feared slavery like under our previous lord. Instead, she offered us paid work. Fair wages. Respect. For the first time in years, we have hope.’"

Aria set down the letters.

"We have forty-seven similar letters. All with names, all verifiable."

Kaito added.

"And I offer this: send neutral investigators to Neudämmerung. Speak with the people. See with your own eyes."

"If you find evidence of tyranny, terror, or abuse... I accept whatever punishment you decide."

"But if you find the opposite... then these accusations from Avernor are exposed as the lies they are."

Silence in the hall.

It was a risky offer—opening his kingdom to complete scrutiny.

But it was also confident.

Isolde considered.

"It is... an unusual offer. But reasonable."

She looked at the Lord Magistrate.

"Does Avernor accept a neutral investigation?"

The Lord Magistrate gritted his teeth.

He couldn’t refuse without seeming to hide something.

"...We accept."

Isolde nodded.

"Then an investigation will be organized. But that takes time. For now, we must vote with the information available."

She struck the gavel.

"Recess for two hours. Then... final voting."

---

Waiting Room — During Recess

Kaito, Naporia, Drake, and Aria were in a small room assigned to them.

Naporia paced like a caged tiger.

"False testimonies. How dare they?"

Drake was calmer but equally annoyed.

"It’s standard Avernor strategy. If they can’t win with facts, they invent facts."

Aria counted votes mentally.

"Three confirmed in favor. Three confirmed against. Six undecided."

She looked at Kaito.

"You need at least two of the undecided to tie. Three for a majority."

Kaito sat, processing everything.

"Aldric’s proposal... conditional existence. Observation for a year."

"What do you think?"

Aria considered.

"It’s a compromise. Not ideal, but not a disaster either."

Drake added.

"Better than dissolution. And after a year with no incidents, restrictions are lifted."

Naporia stopped pacing.

"But it means they watch us constantly. Every move judged."

"Yes," Kaito agreed. "But we continue to exist. That’s what matters."

A knock at the door.

A herald entered.

"Lord Kaito. The Council resumes in five minutes."

Kaito stood.

"Then let’s go. To hear our fate."

---

Council Hall — Final Voting

The hall was in absolute silence.

All eyes on Isolde as she stood.

"The Council will now vote. Three options:

"One: Complete dissolution of Neudämmerung.

"Two: Conditional existence under observation for one year.

"Three: Full existence without restrictions."

She gestured around the table.

"Open voting. Each kingdom declares its vote."

It began with Avernor.

"Avernor votes: Complete dissolution."

Meridia. Kalthor. Valdoria. All voted dissolution.

Four votes to destroy Neudämmerung.

Then Stahl.

"Stahl votes: Full existence without restrictions."

Sorenth and Terravaal as well.

Three votes for complete freedom.

The neutrals began to speak.

Calvados: "Conditional existence."

Norheim: "Conditional existence."

Ashmark: "Abstain."

Sundergard: "Abstain."

Isolde counted.

"Four for dissolution. Three for full existence. Two for conditional existence. Two abstentions."

She looked at Kaltstein—Aldric had not yet voted.

"King Aldric. Your vote decides."

All eyes on the elderly king.

Aldric stood slowly.

"Kaltstein votes... conditional existence."

Three votes for conditional existence.

Isolde calculated.

"Four dissolution. Three full existence. Three conditional existence. Two abstentions."

She looked at Vestria—her own kingdom, which had also not voted.

"As hosts, Vestria normally abstains. But in case of a tie..."

She stood.

"Vestria votes: Conditional existence."

Four votes for conditional existence.

A tie with dissolution: 4-4.

Isolde spoke with authority.

"According to Council law: a tie between dissolution and any form of existence is resolved in favor of existence."

She struck the gavel.

BANG.

"Verdict: Neudämmerung may continue to exist under the following conditions:

"One: Strict observation for one year.

"Two: Prohibition of territorial expansion.

"Three: Monthly reports of military activity to the Council.

"Four: Two neutral observers assigned to the kingdom."

She looked at Kaito.

"Do you accept these terms?"

Kaito took a deep breath.

It wasn’t complete victory.

But they were still alive.

"I accept."

BANG.

"The Council has spoken. Neudämmerung will exist under observation. Session closed."

The hall exploded into conversations.

The Lord Magistrate was furious—he had lost.

Serafina smiled slightly—a small victory.

Aldric nodded with approval—his compromise had worked.

Kaito felt the weight leave his shoulders.

Not perfect.

But enough.

Naporia took his hand.

"We did it."

"Yes. We did it."

But as they left the hall, Kaito noticed the Lord Magistrate’s gaze.

Pure hatred.

And he knew that although they had won today...

The real war was just beginning.

---

Residence — That Night

Kaito was on the balcony, looking at the stars of Vestria.

Processing what had happened.

Conditional existence. Observers. Restrictions.

But existence after all.

Drake approached.

"Commander. We received a message from Aschenfall."

Kaito turned.

"From whom?"

"Adelheid. Via Lilith’s device."

Drake handed him a small stone with engraved symbols.

Kaito touched the symbols in the sequence Lilith had taught him.

The stone vibrated.

Then projected a brief message—not voice, but text forming in the air:

"Kaito. Urgent problem. Spy discovered. Family kidnapped by Avernor. Situation contained but delicate. Return when you can. - A"

The message faded.

Kaito closed his eyes.

"Of course. One crisis ends, another begins."

Drake touched his shoulder.

"We depart tomorrow morning."

"No. We depart tonight. Forced march."

"Commander, the entourage is exhausted..."

"Then they sleep on the horses. My kingdom needs me."

Drake nodded.

"Understood. I’ll organize immediate departure."

When Drake left, Naporia appeared.

"I heard. Problems at home."

"There are always problems."

Naporia stood beside him, looking at the stars.

"We won today."

"Yes."

"But it doesn’t feel like complete victory."

"No. It feels like... a temporary delay."

Naporia took his hand.

"Then let’s enjoy the delay while it lasts."

Kaito looked at her.

Smiled despite everything.

"You’re right. We won today. Tomorrow we’ll worry about what comes next."

"Exactly."

They stayed like that for one more moment.

Before going back inside.

To prepare for an urgent journey home.

And to face the next crisis.

Because there was always a next crisis.

But at least they would face it together.