Chapter 2: I'm A Judge? [2]
The crowd was engulfed in silence at my words.
Everyone wore a shocked expression. Although they were extremely surprised, no one dared to even breathe. This was because the authority of the emperor had suddenly been mentioned.
The farm owner's face was so pale that he looked as if he were dying.
"M-M-My, how can I!"
He stammered.
"If you don't have such dirty intentions, how can you give false testimony?" I challenged.
"No! I had no intention of doing that!" he protested, his eyes darting wildly. He seemed to be desperately searching for an excuse, but what came out of his mouth was a surprisingly plausible story.
"I went to the temple and received treatment. But I was wearing a bandage because of the aftereffects!"
People's heads nodded. If so, it was understandable, they thought. But my doubts were not resolved at all.
"Surely, you couldn't pay wages because you didn't have money, yet you received that expensive divine treatment? With what money?"
"It was emergency money!" he replied.
"Great. Then when did you go to the temple?" I pressed.
"That is… it was two days ago," he answered.
"Call the priests—the one who treated the injury, the one who managed the offerings, and the one in charge of the temple. That's three people."
The prosecutor froze at the harsh command. It seemed he hadn't anticipated that I would give such an order. As a result, he couldn't act for a moment.
I shouted again. "Move now!"
Bang!
When the gavel was struck hard, a loud noise erupted, startling the courtroom.
Immediately, one of the prosecutors hurriedly left the room. I sent the farm owner back to his seat and crossed my arms.
"How about taking a break while we wait?" Josef suggested in a soft voice. It seemed that was the norm in my old world's courts too—because you can't just sit back and wait.
But I shook my head.
"No. I will wait like this. If the prosecutor is sloppy, he will be punished first."
From the treacherous Josef to the farm owner and even the prosecutor, these guys were all in the same boat.
There was absolutely no interest in discovering the substantive truth.
Whether Paul, a wage worker, felt wronged or not, they were busy serving only their own interests. I didn't know why they acted this way, but one thing was certain.
'I will establish justice.'
Time passed slowly. Soon after, the prosecutor returned with three priests.
Eventually, the truth was revealed to the world.
"Baron Parviant has never received divine healing. He will submit one week's donation records as proof."
It was a trial in which even the authority of the emperor had been mentioned.
Even corrupt priests had no choice but to withdraw.
Of course, I wasn't implying that particular person was corrupt.
The probability of that happening was low. Not only had I submitted evidence, but I felt like I had done my best to provide answers.
"The evidence was accepted, and the testimony was confirmed to be consistent."
The audience murmured in unison. "What do you mean, he received false treatment?"
"They said he didn't even receive it in the first place."
Bang, pound, pound!
"Please be quiet."
As the gavel struck, the courtroom fell silent. I called the farm owner in a solemn voice.
"How dare you try to disparage His Majesty's court, the noble emperor, and go so far as to blaspheme?"
"He, he, he… that's not it. No! This is not true!"
Sweat dripped from Baron Parviant's forehead.
I glared at him with cold eyes.
"Are you still lying?"
"No."
Baron Parviant lowered his head helplessly. It seemed like there was nothing more to say.
I looked around at the audience.
Their eyes were filled with anticipation. However, even in this moment, some people were frowning.
Those in expensive, flashy clothes.
They seemed anxious about an unfavorable ruling, as it would ultimately affect their interests.
'Whatever. I will rule as I see fit.'
I gripped the gavel tightly. But just then, the judge sitting on my right, Josef, spoke again in his syrupy voice.
"Your Honor, Baron Parviant is a member of the Sierre noble faction. If excessive punishment is given..."
"So?" I interrupted.
"I am concerned that the court may face repercussions."
A grin threatened to spread across my face.
The faction he belongs to is so powerful—should I just let it slide? Isn't this just a ploy?
In human society, classes always exist, and high-ranking people enjoy privileges.
However, in principle, everyone is supposed to be equal before the law.
'After hearing this guy, I don't want to even look at him anymore.'
That thought brought me to a conclusion.
"I will sentence you. Due to insufficient evidence, the defendant, Paul, is acquitted. In addition, we will launch an investigation into the farm owner."
People were shocked but didn't dare speak. I wasn't finished yet.
"The charges are non-payment of wages, causing bodily harm, and insulting the emperor's authority."
Bang, bang, bang!
As the gavel struck, the courtroom descended into chaos.
The voices of the protesting nobles rose first. However, the shouts of the wage workers who had come to observe drowned out everything.
"Wow!"
"Finally! I'm saved!"
"Your Highness Carriers! Thank you!"
They repeatedly bowed as I left the courtroom. It was as if some divine figure had descended.
In fact, it was safe to say it bordered on fanaticism. Right now, there was an atmosphere in which no matter what I said, they would believe it.
'Does this mean that no correct ruling has ever been made?'
It was a bitter reality.
Then, suddenly, my eyes met a group of people dressed in luxurious clothes.
They seemed to be aristocrats from the same political faction as Sierre.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone