Prince!RomanoXReader It's a Man's Game Part 12

Prince!RomanoxReader
It’s a Man’s Game
Part 12

"Today's challenge is a mock trial. The victim? Kiku. The suspect is Arthur. The defending, Antonio and Alfred. The accusing, Ludwig and (y/n).  Both will get the chance to look over the evidence we have collected. After 2 hours there will be a trial held. After the trial Arthur will be judged by the jury. Good luck."
"Looks like we're a team (y/n)."  Ludwig held out his hand which (y/n) reluctantly took.
"I guess we are." she said,  a small smile on her face.
They were sat at a large table with scattered evidence and papers.
"What do you want to look at first?" Ludwig asked.
"Why not the files on everyone?" (y/n) asked.
"Good idea" he grabbed the folder

File 1
Kiku - victim
The quiet one who had seemed to stay under everyone's radar and not cause trouble. He had no relationship with anyone in the game.

File 2
Arthur - suspect
He seemed to be a simple man though a bit jealous. He had ties to Alfred, his brother. He attempted to make ties with (b/n) at the beginning of the games. He has agreed that the arrow that pierced Kiku was his, but denied shooting it, despite wearing them in battle.

File 3
Alfred - witness
The loud one everyone seems to love despite his failure in the games. Seems to do anything to protect his brother. His only ties to another is Arthur, his brother.

File 4
Antonio - witness
Seems to space out a lot. He has no ties to anyone else. He reports that he and Alfred were racing at the time of the incident without Arthur.

File 5
Ludwig - witness
One of the top picks for the new king. He is the son of Germania and brother to Gilbert. He saw (y/n) and Kiku at the time of the incident. Claims the arrow came from another place.

File 6
(b/n) - witness
A loner with no ties and no background. He was with Kiku at the time of the incident. Claims the arrow came from another place. Another top pick for the crown.

"Well that didn't tell us much." (y/n) said.
"I bet we'll find a use for that." Ludwig responded. "Why don't we try physical evidence next?"
"Sure"

Evidence 1
Arrows
Theses arrows are the exact same material and style as the one that harmed Kiku Though the curve makes it harder to hit your intended target. They are different than the ones provided for the trial.

Evidence 2
Horse Shoe
Same as the other horses there was the dirt from track on the foot of the horse, but there was also twigs and plants found off track.

They finished inspecting everything then were ushered to the court space. Arthur was sitting on the stand where everyone could see. Alfred and Antonio were at the table to the right and (b/n) and Ludwig were to the left. King Rome sat above everyone else, ready to judge.
"Whoever can convince me of their case wins this round. You may begin defense."
Alfred stood up. "It couldn't have been arthur. We were racing together at the time. That morning he realized he left his arrows in his room, but we were in such a rush we just decided to go. Finally when we made it we had to start looking for a horse. Arthur ended up with a horse with no horse shoes. From there we started racing, Antonio with us. He was with us the entire time. Not to mention he would have no reason to attack Kiku, they were friends before the games." There were gasps and whispers from the audience.
King Rome then looked toward (b/n).
"Sounds like a nice statement but you seem to have a few things askew. First, according to Arthur's statement he did in fact have his arrows, is that correct Arthur?" Arthur sadly nodded. "Next is that you were together the whole time? Because if I remember correctly Antonio said that he he only was with you. Is that correct Antonio?"
Antonio nodded, looking away.
"And finally, I'd like to put out that I don't believe the arrow was intended for Kiku, as I had to dodge it." The whole crowd gasped. "I believe that arrow was for me and there's plenty of reason for him to want to pick me off. I denied his request to become an alliance, and now I'm in tie for first place without him. I could see how he would be upset with me."
Alfred hung his head low. "He couldn’t have done it...."
Ludwig spoke up. "You have been lying this entire time. I believe that your words have no credit left. Obviously if you can't even come up with a real case then there is none."
"Is that all you have to say?" King Rome asked calmly. When everyone nodded, the king hit his gavel on the table. "Arthur is guilty. The case is in (y/n) and Ludwig's favor." The two hugged each other in joy. "I hereby send Arthur to a lifetime in the dungeon." Guards came and grabbed Arthur. The whole stadium froze including the contestants.
"This was..."
"A real trial? Yes. We collected data and decided how the counsel felt then decided to see how you felt about the evidence. You were the final deciding verdict."
(y/n)'s went wide. "If I had known..."
Alfred began to run toward Arthur but was held back by guards. "ARTHUR!" He cried out as if in pain. (y/n) looked away.
"The rest of you will continue onto the next round. The next round will determine who moves on to the final round in a all or nothing round. Get a good night's sleep. You're all dismissed."
"Hello Annabel!" The two met up during dinner, splitting the dish.
"So tomorrow is the second to last competition?"
"Yes, and anyone can win..."
"I know you'll win (b/n)"
(y/n) smiled. "Thanks."
Annabel looked down and went quiet for a bit until she finally broke the silence. "So when the games end and you become king will we still be friends?"
(y/n) looked at her surprised. "Of course." She smiled.
"Good. I love you (b/n)." She got up and hugged her. At first (y/n) was frozen but then she hugged Annabel back.
"Love you too Annabel.... can you keep a secret?"
"Of course!"
She whispered into her her ear. "I'm a (y/n), not a (b/n)."
Annabel smiled. "I'm know." She got up and skipped away.
"Smart little girl..."  She got up and went to go to bed.