Chapter 132: Ten years of community service [2]

"I see. Does the lawyer have anything else to say?""No. I just wanted to say that it was a mistake made in the heat of youth, and I hope you'll be lenient."

"Then the story becomes simple. I will pass sentence right away."

Even if the trial procedures of the Empire of Enfer were very simple, isn't this too fast? It won't even take five minutes until the sentencing.

In any case, the defendant admitted to all charges. Probably, the verdict wouldn't be unfavorable to me.

"No, there was no need to be nervous. I was the one avoiding it in the first place."

But something felt really uneasy. There must be a reason for installing it like that.

Suddenly, as I was looking at the stage, the Emperor made a mysterious expression.

Should I say it's a feeling that's a bit like smiling or not?

"Usually, it's just a cold stare or a mocking face, as if they're going to freeze the person to death."

I shuddered as I recalled that man's usual behavior. Finally, the Emperor spoke in a solemn voice.

"Defendant Trevor Warren attacked Duke Abel Carriers while on vacation. However, the victim emerged victorious and was not injured at all."

As the Emperor paused for a moment, there was a slight commotion among the audience. I can't speak loudly like I do when I'm judging, but I can speak in a whisper.

"The divinity of the Empire was subdued without even being able to exert its power?"

"No, then how strong is His Highness the Duke of Carriers?"

"Should I consider him to be on the same level as people like Geomseong or Changhyul?"

"You mean he is same level as those two Grand Master?"

"He have pioneered such a feat at such a young age. It is no wonder that the Divine of the Empire is proud."

Geomseong and Changhyul were the representative Grand Masters of the Empire. Monsters who have built a realm that no one can match.

Am I on the same level as those people?

"Oh my! Isn't that too much of an overstatement?"

Even though the people were making a lot of noise, the Emperor didn't say anything.

Normally, it would be normal for someone to interrupt you and spew out harsh words.

Now that I think about it, somehow that person…

'I feel like he's enjoying this situation".'

The Emperor's lips were curled upward. The appearance of intentionally avoiding eye contact with me. Then, he waved his right hand roughly. Surprisingly, the audience's voices suddenly died down.

Is that what they call charisma?

But it was at that very moment.

"Ah, Your Majesty! All of this is my fault for not raising my children well. Please punish me instead!"

A middle-aged man suddenly barged in, knelt down, and shouted at the top of his lungs. It was Trevor's father, Count Earl Warren.

There were people from all walks of life here watching. But it is so sad that someone who could be called the highest-ranking noble would even throw away his pride and beg. It was a rather rare scene.

"It had to come out like that." Your next chapter awaits on M V L

Didn't countless people die every time the Iron Emperor Charon held a trial?

It was the his nature to tame anything that got in the way. If Earl want to save his favorite son, he have no choice but to get on his knees.

Count Earl Warren's appeal was desperate.

So much so that even unrelated people look at it with pity. But no emotion appeared on the Emperor's face.

"Hey, you loser. Look at me. I'm the victim, and I'm okay."

I shouted that in my head, but I couldn't get the words out. If I'm not careful, I might get involved too.

Finally, Emperor Charon opened his mouth. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the terrible sentence that was about to be handed down.

"First, I will remove Trevor Warren from his position for violating military discipline."

This was a natural course of action. Even if he had been tried by a military court, the result would probably have been the same. Then, I'll quietly bring it back later.

Aren't all armies like that? Because the arms are supposed to bend inward.

"The second is to be stripped of his knighthood and ordered to perform community service."

For a moment, the audience became agitated. Count Earl Warren, who had been resting his forehead on the floor, also raised his head.

If the sentence ends here, it would truly be the greatest mercy.

At least he won't have to go through hellish prison life. Community service? Wouldn't it be possible to do something like that?

But the Emperor's subsequent sentence shocked everyone.

"Community service is to be done for ten years in the Carriers Duchy. The person in charge is the owner of the area, so don't cause trouble and be well. That's all."

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No, Why the hell that empror sending this crazy basterd at my place?

The courtroom was frozen in shock, disbelief spreading like wildfire. Ten years of community service? In my territory? I almost stood up in protest, but the cold realization struck me—this wasn't an act of mercy; it was a sentence designed to annoy me.

Trevor, the same idiot who attacked me out of sheer arrogance, would now be my problem. The Emperor's expression, sly and unreadable, told me everything. He was enjoying this spectacle, this twisted show of power.

It wasn't just a sentence for Trevor. It was a subtle warning for me. No matter how strong you are, no matter what title you hold, you're still under my thumb. The Emperor had turned a simple military punishment into a complex game, forcing me to play along.

I glanced at Trevor, whose face was a mix of relief and humiliation. His father, Count Earl Warren, looked like he had been given a second chance at life. For them, this was salvation. For me, it was nothing but a nuisance.