21. trial (3)
“I am Philip.”
Ian declared.
The courtroom was quiet.
It seemed like it was before the storm.
It seemed like it was after a storm had swept through it.
An awkward, heavy silence passed as if all creatures held their breath.
Those who knew Ian’s identity were silent as they acknowledged his decision or thought about his intentions.
Those who didn’t know, it was just hard to accept.
Even so, the reason for not refuting and remaining silent is because there is no possibility that Ian is Philip.
Ian didn’t let anyone speak first.
“You are free to believe, but it is a definite fact. Just as the sun rises and the moon rises regardless of your beliefs or will. If you ask for evidence, I will. There are a lot of my witnesses here as well.”
Ian poured out calmly and looked back at those who could be said to be the most important in this court.
Emperor Julian.
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Johannes Prosperity.
Emperor Oedipus.
Gendarmerie Captain Wolfgang.
Aegis leader Leon.
Leader of Lazri.
Other Cardinals, Central Southern Diocesan Esther, and so on.
Those who are the pillars of the empire and the roof of the continent that it is too much to mention even one person.
All of them were Ian’s witnesses.
“So, let me tell you right here. Philip, I, exactly ‘Ian’, have nothing to do with the alleged mutiny.”
I burned all the documents from when Ian was there, so it would be difficult to prove it physically, but there was nothing I couldn’t do.
Above all, the first warrior party, the party involved, would know best.
However, they did not know what Ian’s identification as ‘Philip’ meant.
They were the only ones in this place who were curious about the silence.
“That is all.”
As if he had swept the hall and said a simple greeting, he sat down.
as he sits down.
“—!”
An explosion of cheers erupted from the audience.
It was difficult to understand what was being said because many people were so loud.
However, Ian read a few voices there.
“Is it true that you were expelled from the 1st Hero Party?! Why!”
Quite a few people were asking similar questions.
He didn’t know that this would happen, but the aftermath was greater than Ian expected.
Ian raised his hand and it fell silent again.
“The reason for my deportation is a confidential matter that cannot be disclosed to the public.”
It wasn’t really like that, but Ian said it as if there was a great reason.
“So, from now on, I will not be taking any questions unrelated to the trial.”
“… … .”
People couldn’t raise their voices anymore, they just muttered.
Well, Philip, no, Ian was curious about things that had nothing to do with this trial.
“Ian… .”
Sylvia blankly looked up at him and muttered the name.
Even a strange halo seemed to shine on him, who sat in a higher jury seat than them.
“You really… .”
Even this moment.
Even after being so badly hurt.
you give for us
Sylvia thought so.
Ian was always like that.
It was clear what it was and what it was not.
The trial of the 1st party of warriors here should only be limited to the crimes actually committed.
Moral responsibility for betraying oneself should not enter into it.
Sylvia accepted it that way.
“What… .”
Beatrice muttered weakly.
Even when people asked about it, she knew Ian would confess in detail.
to humiliate themselves.
However, Ian did not do that.
Beatrice couldn’t raise her head due to a sense of collapsed defeat and a sense of contempt for her lowly self.
I remembered the interview with Ian earlier.
As soon as Beatrice saw him, she waved her prosthetic arm and made a sarcastic remark.
As if it was Ian’s fault that his arm became like this.
But Ian, on the contrary, protected them.
“What the hell… .”
An awkward feeling welled up in my heart.
From his own common sense, Ian’s reaction was difficult to understand.
Resolutely and subtly, they defended themselves.
Since they are the accused, criticizing and biting them would have been infinitely advantageous to Ian.
“under… .”
Beatrice let out a breath that was difficult to tell whether it was a sigh or a laugh.
Now, for the first time, I felt grateful.
This situation with myself was so awkward.
“… her.”
Kylie clearly burst out laughing.
Why the hell, why do they care so much about themselves?
Even in this situation, how can I do that?
It was even wonderful.
It reminded me of the day I first saw Ian.
His unique skill, which easily trampled himself on an infinitely weak subject, was unappreciated at the time, but later it was only to be regarded as wonderful.
Even now.
While in a position where they could criticize them, Ian rather protected them.
I was grateful for that grace, unbearably miserable.
“Ahh… .”
Arya looked up at Ian and groaned.
She believes in God, but never relied on it.
God’s mercy, mercy, I’ve never realized anything like that.
To her, even the name of God was just an object to use.
However, now I am feeling that holy benevolence from Ian.
“Hmm.”
On the other hand, the reason Ian did not reveal the truth was extremely personal and simple.
because it’s annoying
If you give me a reason, I’ll ask another topic for that reason.
If another answer comes, it is obvious that another answer will be demanded.
There will be a cycle in which answers continue to spawn questions.
So, it’s easier to just bluff that you won’t say anything at all.
It was natural to tell the party you were going to travel with, but not to these people.
He looked at his group and sighed lightly.
‘You must be tired in the future… .’
I was just worried about that.
*
After Ian’s remarks, the trial proceeded quickly.
It is because even those who defended the 1st party were fascinated by Ian.
However, it did not go smoothly.
Wolfgang wholeheartedly proceeded with the complaint based on the facts.
He also answered people’s questions as best he could.
Eventually, after all the arguments and defenses were over.
The jury’s vote took place first.
The jury has three choices.
guilty, not guilty, abstained.
Ian made the choice without thinking for long.
After all the jurors’ ballots had been collected, the judge said.
“I will take a break for a judgment.”
After the judges confirmed the jury’s decision, it was time to discuss the final verdict.
– Right! right! right!
Three members each from the imperial family and Seonghwagyo, who acted as judges, came out.
Ian sat in his seat, feeling burdened by everyone’s awe-inspiring stares.
“What are you going to do next?”
the prince asked.
“I do not know. I want to get a piece of land soon.”
“… earth? suddenly what… . Did you really say that you want to get a piece of land?”
“There is no reason for that, but… .”
He didn’t just say that he was Ian to defend himself.
After pounding the calculator in my head, the result came out that it would be better to reveal it.
For the time being, you and your companions will be tired.
“huh. Is this the end of that proud hero play?”
An old man approached and laughed at Ian.
He was an elderly gentleman with white gray hair neatly brushed aside and a mustache that was neatly grown.
On the outside, he was so neat and aristocratic, but inside, he was a tougher and tougher soldier than anyone else.
The neatly dressed uniform and numerous medals on his chest prove him.
Nicholas von Friedrich.
It was Margrave Friedrich, one of the persons who sued the First Champions Party and the representative of the accusers.
Ian laughed at his sarcasm.
“Old man. What else do you not like?”
It was familiar to the two of them to exchange greetings in harsh language.
“I said it long ago. Packing them wouldn’t last long either. Shouldn’t you have listened when I warned you?”
Friedrich hated Ian.
He was a soldier to the core, a fierce patriot who thought service to his country required minimal fame or rewards.
While the gendarmerie was dedicated to order within the empire, Margrave Frederick and his soldiers gave their lives to threats outside the empire.
He didn’t like the hero system Ian created.
Also, from an early age, he despised the first warrior party, which was not honorable and monopolized all kinds of honor.
“… I mean.”
This time, Ian had nothing to refute.
“Tsk. A young bastard like this, live your life with a little impression. As you get older, there are more things to impress.”
However, apart from hating Ian, he was a man who respected him.
It just doesn’t fit his beliefs.
Because thanks to Ian, it is true that the empire has become much safer than before from the threat of demons.
I don’t like what the 1st Hero Party is doing either.
Recognized for their skills and achievements.
“I didn’t know you were warm enough to worry about the wrinkles on my face.”
“Anyway, talking nonsense… . What though.”
Friedrich looked at Ian’s group gathered below.
“From what I’ve heard, the new ones seem to be much better than before.”
“thank you. I didn’t know you would pay so much attention to it.”
“… Oh, it’s the size of this drop!”
He seemed to have made the name of veteran veteran into a person, and he was a much better-looking man than Ian, who had a large physique.
On the battlefield, he was as cold-hearted and cruel as a ghost, but he also had a very pleasant and youthful side.
Especially in front of Ian.
The two had that kind of unique bond.
“Still alive and guarding the front. I am truly grateful.”
“Don’t say nasty things.”
“Yes. It was the last thing I just did.”
“… You are a really annoying person.”
“thank you. Oh yea, I’ve sent my new scouting party to the count’s country. Please take care of me.”
“Are you notifying me now?”
“It’s all for the sake of the empire. We need to prepare for war in earnest.”
“… Whether it’s a pretty thing or an ugly thing, just do one thing.”
Ian chuckled at the obvious reaction.
This is why Friedrich cannot hate Ian.
Ian’s actions, regardless of his intentions and purpose, ultimately keep the empire safe.
“They are elves who don’t know the world, so take good care of them.”
“… Elf? Did you say elf?”
“Yes.”
Ian explained why he was an elf, and even Friedrich, who was condescending at first, soon understood.
“The voice of the forest… . You use it like that… . Huh, you really… .”
“Don’t like it too much.”
“Really unlucky.”
Both laughed out loud.
Friedrich quickly returned to his seat.
Other than that, there were many people who came.
Of course, the audience without a one-sided expression.
There were a lot of people who came from a newsletter or media company.
Some of them were familiar.
“Amos?”
It was him from the monthly manager of Supebia.
“Ah, ahaha! It’s an honor that you remember me. I hope you… .”
“Well, that’s how it happened.”
“Then all the articles I have written so far… .”
“There was an article about the second Philip, probably.”
“Ah, aha, ahaha… .”
“I wish you all the best in the future. Amos.”
“I will know it with the honor of a lifetime.”
Amos exaggeratedly bowed his head.
It wasn’t a playful exaggeration, it was a movement as if he couldn’t stand it otherwise.
In this way, Ian ignored those he did not know at all, and dealt with only those he knew in moderation.
“… Ian.”
“number of animals… . Big hum. I’m a little embarrassed.”
“ha… . What the hell is this… .”
“… Voila. surprise?”
“What a surprise!”
Marie screamed and tousled her curly brown hair.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her, but Ian still remembers her temper.
Apart from her power, she is a scary woman.
Marie straightened her tousled hair, looked down at Ian, and grinned.
“Hey, then I was like that Philip and that’s how I got along?”
“And what is that?”
“Ah, that’s what it is!”
Although it was sudden, Marie accepted the situation easily.
She patted Ian’s arm and even shook his hand.
“You have to get along well with me from now on. OK?”
“… You should keep that in mind.”
“Ah, I passed our temporary hero promotion test… . I was trying to brag about that… .”
“… Congratulations.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Ugh, I meant to buy you something. Ian’s advice really helped me a lot… . But if Ian is Philip, what would it mean?”
“Is the meaning of a gift important? The heart doesn’t matter.”
“Aren’t you saying you won’t accept it?”
“Because I’m not the type to refuse giving.”
Marie laughed out loud.
“How amazing. The name Philip sounds very distant, but Ian is just Ian, right?”
“Then what else would you be?”
“So I feel somewhat relieved. Anyway, good luck in the future! See you next time!”
Marie shook hands once more and went back to her seat.
“You are very popular. It’s to the point where the crown prince’s position becomes shabby.”
After a while, the prince intervened.
“That’s right. I wonder if I just made it clear.”
“Come now? It’s too late at least.”
“It was just a story.”
“How do you think the trial will go?”
“I do not know. Innocence didn’t seem to matter… .”
“You saw it correctly.”
“Wouldn’t you like to take care of yourself?”
Around that time, the party approached with Kati at the head.
On the other hand, Kati, Mercy, and Lucia are proud.
Vivian and Helena hesitated for some reason.
“Uh, was it great?”
Lucia, who greeted the prince first, fanned her hands as if she was hot.
“I honestly didn’t expect it to be like this.”
“Ummm, really? You seem so indifferent to that.”
“If I make a fuss, that’s weird too.”
“Hehe, that’s also true. I’ve only heard that it’s great, but I’m surprised every time I realize it.”
Vivian and Helena cautiously stood by Lucia’s side.
“If I’m having such a hard time, what are you going to do in the future? Even though the two of you knew about it.”
“Enough… .”
“You are right, but… .”
It wasn’t that I didn’t understand them either.
It’s not like it’s not, and Ian’s interest in them, the new warriors, couldn’t be ignored.
That’s why they came late to Ian.
Because those who couldn’t talk to Ian clung to them.
“I’m sorry that I did this without consulting you.”
“Oh no! Why am I sorry for this?”
“you’re right! No need to be sorry!”
“When I think about my future work, I think this would be better. I’m a little tired from looking at you for a while, but please understand. I’ll do something to make you less tired.”
“yes… .”
“Yes!”
“It’s cool, it’s cool.”
Unlike the other two, Lucia, who had no illusions of the first party, remained calm.
That was pretty funny to Ian.
“Are you okay?”
“master.”
Mercy asked, and Kati seemed a bit worried.
Especially because of Ian’s true identity, there was a commotion on the front line once.
Ian shrugged his eyebrows and spoke leisurely.
“This is something worth taking, so don’t worry.”
While Ian was dealing with many people, the 1st warrior party had no choice but to watch him in a daze.
They even felt a sense of alienation.
‘Ian went this far… Was he a great person?’
He even looked tall.
It wasn’t simply because of the topographic height difference.
On the other hand, Sylvia was very resentful of the reality that she couldn’t go there.
Since it was something he had brought on himself, the destination of that resentment was himself.
‘still… It’s been a while since I’ve seen you this long.’
Even Ian’s expression looked good.
Contrary to his usual nonchalant face, he is quite emotionally expressive and candid.
I often laugh and laugh.
When you’re annoyed, you reveal it without filtering.
I know how to smile like that when you are gentle.
Sylvia was happy to be able to watch Ian’s various emotions, even from afar, for the first time in a long time.
‘… thank god.’
Even though it wasn’t himself who made him laugh, nor where his laughter was headed.
Although it tore my heart apart.
Still, I was satisfied.
‘Next time, when will I see you again… .’
after quite a while.
Six judges came in one after another and took their seats.
The noisy hall became quiet in an instant.
– Right! right!
said the Supreme Court Justice after tapping the gavel.
“The court has completed its verdict.”
The final verdict was in his hand as he proceeded.
After skimming through the verdict with one glance, he shouted to the audience in a solemn and serious voice.
“Sylvia, Aria, Kylie, Beatrice. and their manager, Penny. I will declare the verdict on each of them.”
The end of the trial is near.