Chapter 209
『Translator: RainTL』
༺ Autumn Harvest Festival (6) ༻
I was a fan of small animals just like many others and liked the images and videos of dogs and cats being uploaded on Youxube and Instargram.
So when Navi came to me, I screamed, “At last! I was finally chosen as a butler!”
And yet… that…
“That was you, Hua…?”
“W, wait… Like, it’s… this is not… like…”
As if she wasn’t expecting this in the slightest, Hua mumbled and couldn’t properly finish her sentence.
“How did you… do it?”
“At M, Mag Mell… Oengus…”
Deeply embarrassed, her head was drooping low as she quietly mumbled her response.
Basically, it went like this.
In the Treasure Island of Mag Mell, Marie, Alicia, and Hua Ran were each introduced to a goddess by Oengus.
They were the Morrigans - the three goddesses of war: Badb, Macha, and Nemain.
The three goddesses of war, who supported the God of the Sun Nuada, each gave them a present. Alicia was given the red warhorse from Nemain; Marie the Curse of Macha and Hua Ran…
“The Shapeshift of Morrigans, huh…?”
“...Yeah.”
The Shapeshift of Morrigans was a unique skill that also appeared in the game. It was fairly useful in open fields and life skills because one was able to change into all sorts of animals.
However, it was a skill that would have others questioning, “But why this instead of all the other treasures from Mag Mell?” because of how it fell short compared to other treasures, and was, therefore, a skill that was only occasionally picked by the game-enjoyers.
“So you shapeshifted into Navi and… for all this time…”
I was quite shocked. No wonder there was a cat that was following me so well. It was all an act, huh…?
“S, sorry… That wasn’t… my plan.”
Hua was very fidgety, not knowing what to do. She looked quite adorable which made me want to pull a prank.
“Can you do me a favor then?”
“What… is it?”
“Let me scratch your belly.”
“...!”
“Puhup…!”
She responded immediately after realizing that I was teasing her. At a speed too fast for me to react, she swung her fist filled with demonic aura.
“Wait—!”
The punch that I couldn’t even react to in time stopped right before my nose. She then said with a rare pout on her face.
“Don’t tease me.”
“Sorry. My bad.”
Her face immediately returned to being indifferent as she flopped down onto the sofa. She seemed quite depressed so I sat next to her.
“Cheer up. Embarrassment is only temporary.”
- Bam!
“Uhk…”
“I told you not to tease me.”
“This is such a precious opportunity so how can I… W, wait. I understand! I won’t tease you! Let me just hear the reason behind it though!”
“...I’m not like Ran.”
Hua wrapped her arms around her knees and quietly muttered.
“Ran is adorable. She’s cute and social. It’s natural for her to be loved.
“But I’m different. I don’t talk. My face doesn’t change much, and I have a terrible personality.
“That’s why… I thought it would be difficult for me to be loved by you.”
She honestly revealed what she had been feeling while comparing herself to Ran. I had no idea she had been having such concerns.
“It’s the same for me,” I confessed.
“What?”
“You, Ran, Senior Marie, Alicia, and even Saintess Estelle. They all like me, but am I worthy of all that? I’m a nobody. Who am I to receive all that love from everyone?”
“...That’s not true.”
Hua Ran said calmly, as though none of her words were made up.
“You are nice, kind and cool. You deserve all the love.”
“Same goes for you.”
“Me…?”
“Yeah. You’re cute, adorable, and kind.”
“...Really?”
She tilted her head in disbelief, so I gave her a hug and reaffirmed it for her.
“...Yeah.”
I patted her head with a smile. She was a very cute and lovable girl – a girl that I saved myself; a girl who loved someone like me.
“Can I… actually ask you for a favor though?”
“...What is it?”
“O, once in a while… Can you turn into Navi and…”
- Bam!
“Kuhum…! If you don’t want to, I don’t mind dogs either!”
“No.”
That can’t be! Was I unable to see Navi anymore?
I was depressed beyond belief when Hua put her hands on my cheeks and forced my eyes to turn towards and remain looking at her.
“You have… me.”
“Huh?”
“You said… I’m adorable. Just… touch me instead.”
“Umm…”
It might be nothing new but… Hua was a very straightforward girl.
“Can I scratch your belly?”
- Nod.
Recently, I was starting to notice that I was becoming more and more shameless.
***
[Trials of Linton] was a small event that wasn’t even introduced in the game.
Aspiring students of Justice of the Peace were able to attend the contest and by having them partake in actual court cases from the past, they were assessed on whether their decisions were closer or even better than the precedent cases.
It was basically a Mock Trial.
A Justice of the Peace was essentially a judge with the power to enforce their orders.
Mountain sides, islands, or villages close to borders without courts were like small closed-off societies. In those areas, the village chiefs or the nobles were the judges and the prosecutors.
What would happen if an outside judge were to show up and give them a sentence they didn’t like? They wouldn’t give a crap about the decision and proceed to crash the head of the judge.
That was why a Justice of the Peace had to be powerful, hence why most of them were guardians that thugs or normal soldiers couldn’t dare contend against.
A Justice of the Peace was like a walking courthouse.
They had to take the role of the prosecutor, the scribe, and the judge all by themselves. Knowledge was something that could be enhanced and strength was generally not a problem for superhumans, but the biggest issue was in their ability to make sound judgments as a judge. It was very difficult to learn that.
That was why Professor Edgar, a former-JP, occasionally opened mock trials to teach students how to make impartial and informed judgments.
“Are you confident, Boss?” Ren voiced her concern. “Didn’t you like, get your license in an underhanded manner?”
“That I cannot help but admit.”
I was able to become a Grade 1 JP thanks to Marie’s help, and I was able to make use of that very effectively when it mattered the most.
However, that one experience during the Mound incident was my only experience as a Justice of the Peace, and fundamentally, I wasn’t much different from the other peers of the course.
“I had terrible marks for the written section, but I was still among the top students, you know?”
“...How is that even possible?”
“Well, I had full marks for the prac exams.”
“Prac exams?”
As I said, Professor Edgar liked hosting mock trials to teach students on how to effectively make decisions, and the results of those mock trials were also reflected in the final mark.
“13 wins out of 13 trials. I have a 100% win rate.”
“...How is that possible? Didn’t you say you were bad at theory?”
“Fufu. You see, the legal knowledge doesn’t really matter as long as you know the fundamentals.”
Leaving aside her skepticism, we went to the venue for the Mock Trial where Professor Edgar found me and said with a sigh.
“Student Korin.”
“Professor Edgar.”
I must be a strange student for him, considering how I failed the written exam and yet I was strong at mock trials. Plus, there was also how I suddenly became a Grade 1 Justice of the Peace in the middle of the semester.
He appeared slightly hesitant after seeing me.
“To be frank,” he said, “I was considering stopping your entry because you are a Grade 1 JP, but that wouldn’t be fair in an event that is supposed to be for every student.”
“I’m pretty much just a Grade 1 JP in name only, so please let it slide.”
“Others won’t be thinking the same thing.”
Professor Edgar adjusted his glasses with a frown.
“A more difficult set of court cases will be assigned for you, Student Korin. You won all the mock trials during the course anyway, so that should set the balance.”
“Uhm… Are they very difficult?”
“We have only taken actual cases that were personally dealt with by myself and my peers. There will be a way out in all of them.”
Somehow, I was starting to get some bad vibes about this.
“I guess there’s no other choice. But please, don’t be too strict on me. I do need that golden ribbon.”
“Ah~. I heard it from others. Marrying into the Dunareff does have its hardships, I assume.”
“Uhk… It breaks my heart that even a professor like you is saying that.”
“Anyway, Student Korin. You are a great fit for the position of a Justice of the Peace. I wish you all the best.”
Leaving those words behind (it was hard to tell whether he was trying to console or reprimand me), Professor Edgar returned to his seat. The small auditorium, where the Auction Contest was held, was once again the venue for this Mock Trial but this time, the host was Professor Edgar himself.
- Thank you very much for attending the 9th [Trials of Linton] today.
- I would, first off, like to convey my words of gratitude to former Justice of the Peace, Sir Claud, and Justice of the Peace, Madame Samantha for providing us with various court cases today. Please give them a round of applause.
Clap clap clap clap!
Although it wasn’t a big event with a large number of contestants, this contest was still a very legitimate one. It was because a lot of important figures in the industry would come visit to build a connection with former Grade 1 JP, Professor Edgar, and the future JPs.
They would mostly just be officers of the Public Security Department or some former JPs, but it was still a great opportunity to see seniors in the field.
- Today, we are joined by the Deputy Minister of the Public Security Department, Mr. Ronan, Superintendent Sir Barohk, Minister of Public Security Sir Dorman, Deputy Minister Gerald, and Minister Magar of the Department of Justice.
- Wow! That’s all the big shots of the Public Security and the Department of Justice!
- But like, why?
Uhh… This was weird. I heard the guests two years ago were just some former JPs and a team leader of the Public Security Department…
Looking around the small auditorium, I couldn’t help but feel even more skeptical. It was because most of the people here appeared to be officers of Public Security and the Department of Justice.
The big shots on the stage must have been the ones that brought them here.
Even though it might be a fairly important event to meet potential JPs of the future, for them it shouldn’t be anything more than a playhouse of little kids, so why were these guys here?
- Well then… Before we begin, let me invite Minister Dorman of Public Security to have a word for us.
Professor Edgar also seemed to be finding it odd but handed the microphone over to the minister, as he couldn’t ignore the current powerhouses.
- Hello. I am Dorman, Minister of the Public Security Department. Haha, there’s no need to be nervous, everyone. I’m just an old man and a human like everyone else.
The middle-aged man with graying hair introduced himself like a gentleman. This guy… he didn’t even show up much during the game so why was he here?
- Using this opportunity, I would love to send praises to one specific Justice of the Peace. Grade 1 JP Korin Lork! The hero of the kingdom and a treasure to the legal industry!
“Ehk?”
Me? Why me?
Before I could say anything, the minister walked down the stage towards where I was sitting and gave me a hug as if we were close.
“Everyone!” he then shouted at the crowd. “Please remember this amazing Justice of the Peace! He is a legendary JP who has caught numerous heinous wanted criminals!”
Umm… Sorry? Did I?
I didn’t catch anyone though…
After finishing his shout, Minister Dorman whispered in a voice that no one else could hear.
“Please convey my greetings to Lady Marie Dunareff, Sir Baron.”
Hoh…
I see. Now I understand why all these big shots are here.
They were trying to make connections with Marie through me, and that's why they were giving me empty praises.
At this point… I couldn’t even deny the rumors that I was a playboy marrying into Marie’s family…
The big shots of the industry took turns giving me praises to no end. Only when it became excessively long did Professor Edgar chime in to put a stop. Finally, the event went on and I was the first to go.
- Good luck, Sir Lork!
- So coooool!
- I love you! Korin Lork!
The officers, who must have been told to do that by their superiors, cheered out loud in voices that didn’t sound very genuine.
Is this… the sweet taste of authority?
Normally, I would have joked around to enliven up the mood but I was afraid of the excessive reaction they might make so I decided to refrain for today. Thankfully, Professor Edgar also sensed the mood and quickly proceeded with the event.
“Well then, here comes the first trial. Student Muller, you will be the Justice of the Peace this time and Student Korin will be the defendant.”
A trial held by a Justice of the Peace was very special.
The JP took the role of the prosecutor and the judge, and the defendant didn’t have a lawyer.
That was normal considering how difficult it was to find lawyers in countryside towns and villages. Besides, time was of the essence in most cases so the defendants had to defend themselves.
This was also why JPs were unproportionally overpowered. They were the judge and the prosecutor and yet the defendant didn’t even have access to a lawyer.
Systematically, it was heavily unfavorable for the defendant.
In mock trials that took the form of Best of 3, what mattered the most was thus how you responded as a defendant. If one could win in a situation that should be unfavorable for yourself, it was highly likely that would lead to your overall victory in the mock trial.
That’s why the case is important. I need to at least find a way to prove my innocence.
Naturally, most of the cases here would be examples of the JP winning the trial. However, that didn’t mean the judge had a definitive chance of winning in the mock trial between students.
Both the judge and the defendant in this case were newbies of the same level. As long as I could dig in through the logical gaps, I could flip the case as easily as a coin!
“Defendant Korin Lork. You were prosecuted for allegations of immorality.”
Easy. Sexual crimes don’t have much evidence. As unfortunate as it is, it is going to be favorable for the defendant.
There weren’t any DNA tests in this world. As long as I could find where the gap was in logic—
“Defend yourself for the wicked act of bestiality you have committed by raping a goat.”
“...Dafuq did you say?!”