Chapter 56: Loyal Candidate

Needless to say, my gavel didn't hit Skyler in the head. All it did was destroy the neat steps at the entrance to the correctional headquarters.

One effect was clear.

"Huh!"

"Ugh!"

Skyler was startled and fell over, and people poured out of the building. The stairs, made of solid rock, were reduced to ruins, leaving everyone breathless. It was quite satisfying to see them all curled up together with that guy.

"Ugh! What kind of guy is that…? Huh! Y-Your Highness the Duke of Carriers?"

I grabbed Holt Almeida by the collar as he ran out of the room.

The face that had been twisted so ominously straightened out as if it had been ironed. It must have been a long and windy day because the mere head of the correctional headquarters went against the ruling of the highest judge.

However, he didn't look terrified.

The emperor was indifferent to this matter, and the two noble factions joined forces to push it forward.

Holt Almeida was probably promised a corresponding price for this decision. Sierra, the protection of Duke Giovanni will also continue.

So, even though it may be rough, it won't be scary. Even though I have great authority and popularity with the public, I am alone.

"You wait and see. You can charge our family for the repairs to the stairs."

"Haha! As you live, you may break things. I won't necessarily hold you responsible for something like that."

"Are you going to fix that with your money?"

"No, that's not it."

"Stop making a fuss about taxes. It's disgusting."

I roughly pushed Holt Almeida aside and looked up the stairs. There were two middle-aged men standing there, dressed nicely.

'Sierra, Giovanni.'

Two dukes who support the empire.

Why did they march all the way to the correctional headquarters? It must be to get Skyler out.

Soon the two dukes turned around and split into two. There was a sneer on their lips.

"I hate to say it, but you guys are not going to make it."

It seemed like we had to tie up Skyler, Holt Almeida, and show them true justice. Because then this world will become a more beautiful place.

Of course, that wasn't possible right away. The Emperor's orders take precedence.

'Oh, if I were the emperor…'

Oh my! How can one have such an impious mind? I'll be sent to the guillotine for blurting out what was on my mind without thinking.

Even my thoughts must be careful.

* * *

With the Western dispatch delayed for several days, I have been trying to expand my intelligence in various directions.

As a result, I was able to figure out several facts. The price the Duke of Sierra paid for this incident was considerable.

'That's why even Duke Giovanni took action and the Emperor remained silent.'

The amount of money poured into saving one golden child was truly astronomical.

No, in fact, it was a value that could not be bought with money. Because he gave up the rights he would never have sold. For example, gold mining rights and southern canal rights. It would take a goose that lays golden eggs to avoid a 20-year sentence.

"By the way, didn't they say that Skyler's main activity area was the West?"

The western part of the empire was an unstable region. Not long after the subjugation, guerrilla warfare broke out from time to time. There are still quite a few remnants of the fallen Kingdom of Deliat left.

Don't they say that times of trouble are opportunities? Skyler would have gone along with that trend too. Because society was so chaotic, it would have been easy to hide crimes.

'I can go and find out other charges.'

The wealth of the Duke of Sierra must have been several times greater than mine. But will it be possible to do it like this next time?

You can't produce dozens or hundreds of geese that lay golden eggs. One day the funds will run out and Geumjok will be thrown in jail.

"I feel a little better when I think about it that way."

It seemed like the anger that had been building up to the tip of my head was finally letting up.

Before leaving for the West, I went to work at the courthouse for the last time. Then, Judge Emir immediately shoved the settlement documents at me.

"What is this? It looks really urgent."

"The head of the corrections department has resigned. He hasn't come to work yet, even before the repairs are done. I can't even contact him."

"Wow! That person is also an artist when he leaves…Ah, isn't that what you say in such a situation? Anyway, you're saying that we need to select the person quickly?"

"Yes."

"But isn't that something His Majesty should do?"

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"The recommendation of the Supreme Court Justice takes precedence."

Are you saying that I made the choice to give to the Emperor?

It was a procedure I really liked. If we can just bring in good candidates, we can put friendly people in place.

By the way, Viscount Holt Almeida wasn't recommended by Abel.

Since he didn't owe them anything, he would have quickly accepted the dukes' request.

'Skyler, you're next.'

I signed roughly, internally cursing the former head of the corrections department. With this, the resignation has been completely accepted.

Those who are going to leave should leave quickly. Immediately afterward, Judge Emir handed over another document.

"This is a personnel position that can be registered as a candidate."

"Is there a standard?"

"I only selected people who do not belong to the aristocratic political party."

As expected, you are trustworthy.

This guy knows how to do things well and is very good at it. He's a really good person, except that he hates going far.

I just pretended to go through the list.

"Please send all the letters of intent and bring in anyone who is willing to do it. We will decide through an interview."

Just looking at the documents, it was impossible to know who the right person was.

I need to check the person's information in person.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Emir bowed his head obediently and left the office.

I'd like to take him along this time, but then there would be no one to preside over the case.

It would be a bit much to ask Joseph, who is known to be biased, to do something…

'Can't that guy be replaced too?'

I wish we could take this opportunity to completely replace the judges.

Anyway, there's no one I can trust.

While I was passing the time thinking about this and that, Emir Colund returned.

"Someone has come running right now. Your Majesty."

"This quickly?"

"Because he happen to be staying in the capital."

"Then let them in first."

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The first person to finally step into the office.

I raised my head without much expectation.

However, the opponent was a slightly unexpected person.