Payment

The trial continued for another 15 minutes, and ultimately, neither #2005 nor #2006 emerged as the winner. The fierce battle between them ended in a draw, leaving the crowd gasping in horror at the atrocities committed by both. While the crimes weren't excessively brutal, the perpetrators were still found guilty to some extent.

The nature of bees was generally calm unless provoked, making atrocity of any caliber against them as notable and significant. But thanks to the Kaairvan accords, they were obligated to follow a neutral and unbiased path regardless of the circumstances.

In essence, since the crimes weren't overly brutal, both culprits were free to go. However, there would be a punishment. Queen Golden, hovering in the air, addressed the eager crowd.

"A payment will be made," she declared. "And no one will be left unjudged."

"Khadija and Isra will accompany Qatan on his quest to retrieve the vine for us. I have passed the judgment in accordance with the accords. #Nector1 Squadron will escort them until the end, and if any trouble arises, reinforcements will be sent."

She continued, "For now, both human girls will return to their homes. By tomorrow, they, along with Qatan, the crow, and the entire Nector#1 Squadron, will report to Commander BUZZ by sunset. They will be briefed and equipped with supplies."

"Any questions?"

No one spoke.

Except for Khadija, who sheepishly took a step forward and asked, "How long will this quest take, Your Highness? Our parents can't allow us outside for more than 5 hours, and it's already been 10 hours. They must be extremely worried about us. What should we do?"

Queen Golden looked sympathetically at Khadija and said, "Where you are going, time goes differently. For us, it would feel like only an hour had passed, but for you, it will be one month or more. It's not on this Earth where the vine is located. It is somewhere beyond this realm. We have a gateway here in the hive, and tomorrow you will be transported through it. And don't worry; I'll be in direct contact with the team."

That reassured her but also made her more tense. And so, just like that, the trial was over. The girls were shown outside and escorted back to their home by #212 himself.

When Isra entered the house, she was instantly berated by her mother, who gave her an earful with such spicy words that she was left completely shaken. She tried to protest, but the wrath of her fire-breathing dragon mother was too much.

Mr. Sherjan was just disappointed in her. It was 11 p.m. now, and they had been genuinely scared for the girls. Haniya and Miraaj had gone out looking for them as well and were about to return. All in all, the day wasn't hers. She had lost the battle and the trial, and now somehow she was going on a crazy, otherworldly trip. She felt scared and reserved.