21. trial (1)
After solving the inherent curse, Lucia regained her true form.
The skin, which had been red and bumpy, became smooth like pearls.
Her hair, which had been rough, became fine, and she no longer had any discomfort when moving her body.
All of the lesions on the face, arms, and body disappeared without leaving a single scar.
“Well.”
She looked at the mirror and nodded in satisfaction.
“It is pretty.”
“… … .”
Ian, who had come to check on her, pretended not to see her and tried to leave.
“Why are you just leaving? Do you know how pretty I am?”
“… I didn’t say anything, so why are you saying that?”
Anyway.
It’s time to leave the elven forest.
Eight elves followed and joined Ian’s group.
“hello!”
“Take good care of me!”
“Princess! What kind of place is human society!”
Everyone, including Mercy, looked at Ian as if wondering.
Ian explained briefly.
“They say there are many things they want to learn from the outside world.”
Last night, a total of 8 elves came to Ian.
They were elves who were greatly shocked and enlightened by this dungeon incident.
I was surprised that the elven forest, which I thought was unconditionally safe, could not be.
I was surprised once more to see Ian and the humans handle it casually.
In the end, they decided to learn even for their hometown.
Even if it is an entry into human society where it is taboo.
“Ahh… .”
Those who listened to Ian’s explanation expressed their emotions in different ways.
Mercy even seemed to sympathize with them.
But Ian wasn’t worried.
It was because he would write a pass and a credit guarantee in the name of his ‘Philip’ and give them one each.
‘I couldn’t receive support for portal research, but… It was something I had given up on in the first place. Surprisingly, I benefited from it.’
Ian left the elven forest, calculating where to send them.
‘… The number of people who can handle it is gradually increasing. I’ll have to ask for the land sooner or later.’
Standing in front of the returning portal, Mercy briefly looked back.
Miseri did not come out to see her off.
Knowing that it was Miseri’s own effort, Mercy was not disappointed either.
I just promised to come back someday.
“Princess! Look out!”
“Come visit us next time!”
“Hello humans! Thanks for your help!”
Receiving a send-off from countless elves, Ian and his party left the forest of elves.
***
There was only one wagon, but fortunately it could carry 8 elves.
It’s because everyone has turned into fairies and become smaller.
The problem was, the inside of the wagon with 8 elves added was not only noisy, but also caused noise pollution.
I was sitting in the driver’s seat, so I didn’t have to get caught up in the fuss.
Fortunately, the other party didn’t seem to be uncomfortable with the noisy atmosphere.
He seems to be enjoying his chatter.
Except for one, Kati.
“Nyaang.”
Kati came out of the wagon and transformed into a cat and sat on my lap.
After stroking it here and there as usual, I keep stopping without realizing it.
… I honestly can’t help it.
“Miyaang!”
“Hey, don’t be angry and listen. I told you to treat me the same way as before, but your anger is worse than before.”
“Nyan?”
It pricks up its ears like a real cat that doesn’t understand human speech.
“Looking at you with those innocent eyes makes me feel like a weirdo.”
“Nyaung.”
“Did you just say that?”
“Nyan?”
Katie blinked her wide eyes again and pretended not to know, then grabbed my hand with its cotton-tipped forepaw and began to pull it.
More than that, it’s too nasty to deliberately beckon while being able to communicate telepathically with the Ring of Subordination… .
I had no choice but to stroke her stomach or back or head or chin as before.
“… Okay, let me call it weird.”
“Nyaung.”
*
Galatea and Malion, who were left behind in the middle, also joined.
Fortunately, it seemed that the two of them got along well without any problems or dangers.
First of all, I stopped at a nearby city and prepared to send the elves to another place.
The elves were divided into two groups of four.
Team 1 goes to Galway, a trading city near the sea on the west side of the continent.
This is the place where sea dragons appear in autumn.
It is one of the biggest dangers before the war begins, so you need to keep an eye on it.
Team 2 is sent to the Margrave of Friedrich.
It is the closest country to the front line, and therefore one of the safest.
It is a place where safety and security are more important than anything else as it is close to dangerous places.
The king there, Friedrich, doesn’t like me very much, but he knows that respect is separate from personal likes and dislikes, so there shouldn’t be a problem.
They will periodically report any outliers to me in both places.
Apart from that, there will be a lot to see and learn.
Marginal Countries, because of their location, will be able to learn a lot about the rules and order of human society, and the act of ‘fighting’ they most desire.
Galway is a trading city, so you can learn about human commercial activities and exchanges.
“The escort will be provided by these people… .”
Hired a mercenary group for security duties.
The fees are high, but the skills and trust are certain.
At least until we reach the city, there will be no danger.
“Once you arrive in the city, show this document to the gate guard.”
It is an official letter of cooperation written in his own handwriting and stamped with Philip’s seal.
Since it had an effect comparable to that of the emperor, there would be no inconvenience to them in the city.
The elves, who were unfamiliar with all of this, simply accepted it and said thank you over and over again.
… I’m a bit uneasy, but are you okay?
“thank you! We will try to help too!”
“See you next time princess!”
That’s how I broke up with the elves early.
*
Return to Supervia and complete Kati and Lucia’s registration as heroes.
Incidentally, Galatea instructed not to come out of the inn after entering with her head and arms tightly wrapped.
I had to endure it here until I found a place to save it.
It seemed like an inconvenience to both of them.
Lucia and Kati’s temporary hero promotion test passed easily.
It was expected.
Lucia had already cleared the F-class dungeon alone in the Elf Forest.
What is Kati… .
“Um… .”
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Umm… .”
Lucia looked at me strangely.
I’m on my way back after taking the temporary hero test.
Shortly after I found out that Kati can transform into a kitten, and that the kitten I hold and pet is Kati.
“… I’m complicated too, so please don’t despise me like that.”
“Yeah, what… . Only if you two are happy… .”
“Nyaung.”
Lucia, who had been looking at her shyly, quietly approached and met Kati at eye level.
Kati, cradled in my arms, looked up at her blankly.
Lucia gently grabbed Kati’s paw, and Kati stayed still, then slowly pulled it out and hid it under her body.
The act was repeated several times.
“Hehe, that’s cute.”
“Don’t talk like you understand everything.”
Around that time, a letter arrived.
[Announcement of trial date for the 1st warrior party]
[You may participate in the trial as a jury member.]
The date for the trial of the 1st warrior party has arrived.
*
Right after Lucia took the test, Vivian and Helena solved a dungeon together.
As expected, the skills of the two were not the same and improved further.
Now, all that remains is for the three to guess their cooperation.
Before that, I had to participate in the trial as a juror.
I came to the central court in Supebia.
In fact, if he didn’t want to come, he might not have come.
It’s not the trial I have to be.
I just do my best to fulfill the role expected of me in the imperial family.
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Just like they do their best in what I want.
“You may see a bad side.”
I told the people who followed me.
Lucia may not know the first party, but to Vivian and Helena, they were idols.
I said it because sometimes it’s better for an idol to remain an idol.
“I will see it anyway.”
“I’m fine too.”
There was no wavering in their decision.
“good. Then let’s go.”
Enter through the back door, which only officials can enter.
While the military police and Lazuli were strictly guarded, the Wolf Gang came out to meet them.
… And with Grace next to him.
“Oh, Ian. To meet again in a place like this. The frequency of reunion is increasing, it must be fate… .”
I couldn’t ignore it, so I said hello after listening to the end.
“… Yes, it’s an honor. Degrading the princess.”
Grace held her chin high as if satisfied with that, and was proud.
“Wolf Gang. Where can I wait?”
“Come this way.”
“My party wants to attend the trial. Is that possible?”
“This is a request from someone, and of course it is possible.”
The place where Wolfgang arrived was the VIP waiting room on the second floor.
“The trial is scheduled to begin as soon as the judges and jurors arrive.”
“It looks like the accused has already arrived.”
“Yes.”
Eventually, Wolfgang’s explanation continued.
On the Empire side, it is said that Emperor Julian himself acted as a judge.
There are three imperial judges, including the emperor, the supreme judge, and the magistrate.
On the Seonghwagyo side, 3 randomly chosen out of 7 cardinals will appear.
In this way, large trials involving both the Empire and the Seonghwa Church have judges from both sides.
The host who reports the crime is also composed of Wolf Gang, the captain of the military police, and the leader of Lazri.
Then I told the list of jurors excluding me.
Crown Prince Oedipus, Aegis leader Leon, parish head Esther, etc… .
It wasn’t very important, but I listened to the end because I had something to do.
Vivian and Helena seemed a little daunted by the names that were prominent even if they were just lined up.
Even Lucia, who was relaxed under any circumstances, was surprised at the moment.
“… That is all.”
“All right.”
“My older brother is here, but he asked me to tell him that he is sorry that he was unable to visit because he was concerned about other matters.”
The Grace just now was quite elegant and formal unlike usual.
“You’re going to apologize for something like that.”
“Then rest in peace until the trial begins. If you need anything, just ask the crew outside.”
“All right.”
“by the way… .”
Wolfgang hesitated before speaking.
“Since you are here as a jury member, the accused may request an interview.”
“… Aha. There were rules like that.”
“Yes. But if Ian doesn’t want it… .”
“Hmm.”
The worry didn’t last long.
“no. That’s my role, and I can’t make exceptions.”
“… thank you.”
“As expected, it’s Ian-nim! The way he shouldered all his duties, he deserved to be an example to many nobles… .”
… Grace again became raucous as usual.
Eventually, Wolfgang and Grace left, leaving only the party and me in the room.
Vivian and Helena were stiff as if they were nervous.
Lucia, on the other hand, quickly relaxed when Grace left.
“I heard it was great.”
Lucia sat down beside her and spoke succinctly.
“Are you a much greater person than I heard?”
“Well, sometimes I am surprised too.”
I likewise deftly returned it as a joke.
Lucia laughed bitterly.
“It was the warrior party that Ian was in charge of, right? those on trial today. And they said they were very famous and strong people.”
“It was.”
“Why were you kicked out? To such great characters.”
Lucia, who was talking, turned her head and looked at me.
“Are you such a great person?”
Come to think of it, I didn’t tell Lucia about the reason for being kicked out.
In the first place, she didn’t seem interested in the first party.
“If I’m going to tell you what I heard when I was kicked out, I’m no longer needed.”
“… do you need it?”
Lucia pondered the word ‘need’ for quite some time.
Even if it wasn’t because of this trial, Lucia now knew quite a bit about the 1st Hero Party.
It was because none other than Vivian and Helena enthusiastically explained.
If it was like the old days, their praise and praise would have been one color.
Recently, the main content was about how I raised the 1st warrior party.
After thinking about it, Lucia raised only one corner of her mouth.
It was an obvious laugh.
“You are arrogant.”
“Oman?”
“Well, let’s say that human relationships can be made according to need. But kicking out the person who took care of him like that just because he no longer needs it, isn’t it arrogant? Is that what happens when you reach a high position? Lorenzo is similar.”
Lucia erased the sneer.
“Do not worry. Because I will never do that.”
The smile that floated instead of a mockery was overflowing with confidence.
“Me too… !”
“I agree! I can promise you!”
Vivian and Helena, who had been still, reacted in a flash.
I looked at the three in turn and burst out laughing.
“This is such an honor.”
Mercy, who was a step away, could also be seen smiling.
Kati, who was sitting at the desk, was also wagging her tail in satisfaction.
at that time.
-smart.
Someone knocked on the door.
Since I am the main person in charge here, I stepped in.
The one who came was a member of the military police.
“Juror Ian. This is the defendant’s request for an interview.”
“… All right.”
Now it’s time to work.
***
When you asked for a meeting with a juror and said you could talk about the trial in advance.
Four of the first warriors and Penny were indifferent.
But when I found out Ian was on the jury list.
They had no choice but to get up from their seats.
Except for Beatrice, who has a crippled leg.
They called for an interview right away.
However, Sylvia was left alone in the defendant’s waiting room.
She wasn’t the only one who asked for it.
‘Not yet… .’
I miss you.
too many.
It’s hard to be sure, but more than anyone else here, he must have had the most intense desire to meet Ian.
I endured it though.
‘It’s not yet, it’s not the time… .’
I couldn’t face him as a suspect, having only bothered the subject who dared to banish Ian.
Even to talk about the trial?
Even if there is no shame, there is a degree.
‘I miss you so much… . still… .’
Sylvia raised her head and looked at the ceiling.
I tried to feel Ian’s presence somewhere here, but it didn’t work out.
Tears kept welling up, so she did not lower her head.
‘I’ll have to watch it later when I’m on trial, but… . have to be patient… . Because I don’t deserve it… .’
In the end, Sylvia had to shut her lips tightly and bury her head in her lap.
‘miss you so much… .’
Longing became anguish and gnawed at my heart.
*
Ian was sitting in the interview room, and Kati was standing in the back in case of an emergency.
One member of the military police participated, but I couldn’t be relieved because the opponent was the opponent.
There were three people sitting across from me.
Kylie, Beatrice, and Aria.
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Jury and accused.
The desk facing each other was blocked by a glass wall, but it was enough to have a conversation.
Ian looked at them bluntly.
The first to speak was Beatrice.
She held out her right arm.
“Look at this.”
The prosthetic hand hanging below the elbow wobbled and fell.
“I guess this is the price I paid for kicking you out. how is it? Are you feeling better?”
Beatrice grumbled with unfocused eyes.
“Beatrice. If that’s the case, shut up and leave.”
When Kylie noticed, Beatrice looked at Kylie with dead eyes and smiled helplessly.
“… okay. It’s all my fault. right. Sorry.”
It was a soulless voice.
After that, Beatrice lowered her chin as if she were dead and was quiet.
Kylie cautiously opened her mouth.
“Ian. Well. I never thought I’d see you again like this. He must have been surprised last time. I understand. I would have done the same.”
Ian calmly listened to the words that were being repeated.
Kylie’s conclusion at the end was one.
“… sorry. Really, I know that saying sorry isn’t enough, but… .”
Kylie lowered her head as if to slam her forehead into the desk.
“I am really sorry… . Actually, I should have said thank you first… .”
She shut her mouth because of the guilt she felt.
This time it was Arya’s turn.
“Ian, are you not sick anywhere? well, how are you? Oh, well, in case you got hurt… . How are the new warriors? By any chance, my heart will come back to us… .”
“stop.”
Ian cut off his words.
All three of them looked at Ian at that cold reaction.
He brushed his bangs up and said annoyed.
“I am not here to listen to your private affairs. As a juror in this trial, I came to see the accused.”
It was a very public annoyance.
“It has been decided what you will tell me here. what are your charges How much should I know and how should I interpret it. What do you hope for in this trial, guilt or innocence? how to convince me about it If I had to convince the judge, what would you like me to say? What is the basis for that?”
After he finished speaking, Ian exhaled and finished.
“If you’re going to waste time with useless talk, then leave.”
“… … .”
No one could answer that.
However, Beatrice suddenly burst into laughter.
“Phu, Phuh! Oh no, why am I doing this… . Whoops, whoops! Ah, huh… ! Pug… . Ugh, black, ah… .”
She flinched and laughed, then burst into tears and giggled.
She herself did not understand why.
Ian said to the military police.
“They don’t seem to have anything to say to me. Please let me out.”
In the end, the three had to leave without any results.
Mercy, Vivian, and Helena, who were waiting outside, stared at them.
Instead of staring, Lucia lifted her chin and looked down, laughing and pathetic.
“… … .”
They just silently received those humiliating glances.
Mercy spoke to them as they left.
“You have no more humanity than the tail of a cave lizard. When you kick them out because you don’t need them… Now that you need it, do you want to find it again?”
“… … .”
“I am curious about one thing. If Ian had kicked you out first because you were useless, how would you have reacted?”
“… … .”
Mercy gained one certainty from the last incident.
Even if Ian’s needs are met, Mercy herself will not leave Ian’s side.
I won’t even knock him out.
Even though it was not shared with words, it was the same heart for everyone present.
The 3 members of the 1st party walked away helplessly without being able to refute anything.
*
Penny came in next.
Penny didn’t even sit across from her, she stood and politely bowed her head.
“Philip… . It is an honor to meet you in person like this… .”
“Clarify the main point.”
Penny continued to stand and talk.
How much he pursued Ian and how much he longed for him.
And what kind of work should Ian, who came to this land, do?
It was a story that catches the clouds as if reciting the narrative of the Bible.
Ian listened intently.
“So Philip, no, Ian. You must help your heroes. They honor your… .”
“stop.”
Ian couldn’t help but laugh.
Because her bullshit was so novel.
‘This is a mental illness.’
Penny looked at Ian blankly.
It was the angle of looking down from standing, but it was as if looking up.
“penny.”
Facing her, Ian said firmly.
“I am not your god.”
Penny had never mentioned the word ‘God’ directly to Ian.
“… Yes?”
However, Ian could see how she viewed him.
“Don’t force me to justify your failures. I am not one to follow you, and I am not one to achieve a cause like your delusion.”
“No, no… . you are my… .”
“Though imagination is free.”
Ian rubbed his forehead as if he was annoyed, then spat out.
“Don’t arbitrarily fit my reality into your delusional play. Because it makes me feel dirty.”
“… … .”
Penny was denied her life by the person she admired so much.
*
All the defendants did not see any gains in their interview with the jury.
“The judge enters. Everyone please take a seat.”
The clerk slowly announced the start of the trial.
Left side of the judge’s seat.
Three figures of the Empire sat down.
Supreme Court Justice, Emperor, and Chief Executive in that order.
On the right, the three cardinals of the Seonghwagyo were seated.
In the middle of the courtroom facing the judge’s seat, there was a podium where the five accused stood and each could come forward and testify.
and the right side of the defendant’s seat.
The jurors, including Ian, sat close together in a row.
Thousands of citizens in the audience filled the seats.
In the solemn atmosphere, so many people made a fuss just by exhaling.
Vivian, Helena, Lucia, Kati, and Mercy sat side by side in the best row of the audience seats.
They also watched the defendant’s seat and the jury’s seat in silence.
Among the jury seats, Ian, who sat next to the crown prince, looked down at the courtroom with his arms crossed and a sad face.
“I will start the trial now. Due to the nature of the case and the defendants, we ask for the understanding of the guests who attended that the proceedings were conducted all at once.”
The imperial side of the Supreme Court was in charge of the proceedings.
“Two people who will verbally plead the facts of the crime, please come forward.”
The trial began in earnest.