249 The Trial in Hearts

Warning: Uncomfortable description of mutilation and gore.

"Do you think that I will accept the duel from a man like you?"

"A coward wouldn't."

"Hah."

It was only the Joker sighing, but even that was enough of a response to the Lord's challenge to a duel. 

The sword of Lord Albert Lorie dropped to the ground with a terrible clang. His forearm still attached to it. A shriek of pain echoed and rang inside the entire courthall and filled the ears of all the Nobility. Hysterics started as the Lord stared at his amputated arm and he fell down to the ground with a large thump in pure shock.

"Albert!" His mother's voice caught in her throat as she clutched a hand over her chest. The old woman's heart couldn't take it. The numerous attendants beside her tried to calm the woman down, but the display shook the poor woman.

Lord Albert Lorie's brothers tried to stand up, hands on their swords—but the Joker's gaze was paralyzing.