Chapter 140: An affair case [1]
It was a huge task to change two things that the Emperor had created.
It wasn't something particularly disrespectful, but I could still get caught.
For example, he might say something like:
'Do you want to change everything like that? Then why don't you become the emperor?'
'Are you even trying to change the emperor?'
Even though I just summarized it, my head was already spinning.
I looked up with a pale face and saw a twisted smile on his face.
Soon, the emperor's calm words continued.
"Just kidding. It was made 50 years ago, and I wasn't even born then."
"I was shocked because I thought I had made a big mistake."
"That's enough. Do as you wish. But how are you going to change it?"
"I'll show you right away."
I immediately asked Adit for a pen and paper.
Maybe my drawing skills have improved, but even though I just roughly sketched it, it turned out pretty well.
When the shape was finally completed, the emperor nodded.
"Not bad. Let me make mine first."
"Yes. What?"
I was answering absentmindedly when I was startled.
Why does the emperor need robes?
'Does he plan on conducting trials himself often?'
He showed generosity last time, but there was no guarantee he would continue to do so.
This guy's thrown too many wild cards to expect consistency.
Anyway, I had no veto power.
"I'll try to make it neater, but more extravagant than this."
"Okay. Now go."
"...Yes."
After setting an example, I quickly left the room.
Only after I had completely left the palace did I breathe a sigh of relief.
'My heart is pounding, but at least I succeeded.'
Honestly, I never dreamed it would turn out this well.
I built up a lot of favor by giving all the credit to the emperor.
But the opponent is the embodiment of politics.
Wasn't he the person who manipulated all his enemies with his crazy, twisted mind and transcendental speaking skills?
"If I had been able to understand his intentions from the beginning, I wouldn't have had to gamble like this."
I hit my chest with a very angry face.
What was that just now?
Don't worry about it?
"Hey, what are you?"
-That's a bit of a…
"What's the matter?"
-There was a devil in the palace.
"Isn't that you? Or are you talking about the Emperor?"
- Neither. Another demon interfered with my abilities.
"Uh?"
-Besides, he was definitely stronger than me.
"…"
It somehow felt like a demon that the emperor would command.
So, I guess I was sabotaging Shuguri.
"No, wait. What do you mean?"
Doesn't that mean my attempts have been found out?
That demon must have told the emperor everything.
"This is awesome."
* * *
Fortunately, the emperor never said anything after that.
I acted with the utmost caution and changed the court's trial rules.
Since I couldn't just use the Deliat version, I made some modifications to suit the actual circumstances of the empire.
Of course, this does not mean that the judges' work was significantly reduced.
'We were just given time to make a wiser decision.'
There's no need to go to trial, only to end up confused and making strange conclusions.
In any case, things had become easier.
Trial assignments were also actively changed, considering various situations.
That's why I was able to take on difficult cases.
"Shall we go and see what's going on?"
There were ten bundles of documents on the desk in the office.
The one at the very top was probably the most difficult case.
I turned the first page with a solemn look in my eyes.
Swish.
But, from the beginning, there were some really harsh words in it.
"Pa-patriot?"
Honestly, I never imagined I would be handling a case like this. The content was simpler than I thought. The area is the County of Antonio in the north.
It was an incident where the father assaulted his son because he was not managing the estate properly. The defendant is, of course, the son.
In the North, it was a territory of a certain size that was well-known, and there was something that made judgment even more difficult. The vassals were divided into two groups and fought fiercely.
'The same thing happened with the Kuroso Brick Factory incident in Deliat.'
The employees' testimonies were conflicting and thus meaningless. It would probably still be the same now. Both sides will only say things that are beneficial to themselves.
'It's hard to judge. No matter who you raise your hand for, you'll get cursed at.'
But I had a character information window. If possible, i can use Shuguri to see through their inner self. I prepared for trial right away.
"We will now begin the trial of Count Antonio's family's crime of treason. Salute your honor."
It was the first time in a long time that I heard Judge Josep Padilla shout.
But did he really have to use the word 'salute'? Then, somehow, it feels like my son did something wrong. Judges are supposed to always remain neutral, you know.
According to the revised trial rules, procedures such as the examination of evidence could be completed in advance. But since there were so many issues piling up, this time we decided to just do it the way we were.
It's not really a big limitation for me. However, the results of calling up the victim and defendant's personal information windows were somewhat disappointing.
'Oh, I can't tell the difference again.'
It was an incident where it was impossible to determine good and evil, as the positions of both sides were different. As I was sitting there frowning, I suddenly heard Shugul's voice.
-Hey, it works this time.
"Oh! Really? What's going on here then?"
-Yeah. They like a girl?
"…"
"…."
Oh, wait a minute. This wasn't a case of unfilial piety, it was an affair?
I stared at the document in disbelief, my mind racing as I tried to make sense of the revelation. An affair? How did this slip through the cracks?
I glanced around the courtroom, observing the tense faces of the attendees. It seemed no one else had caught onto this yet. The implication was serious—an affair could disrupt everything, from reputations to alliances.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the task ahead. I needed to dig deeper into the matter.