TRIAL [3]

Regressor's Instruction Manual Chapter 944

Trial (3)

"We have to step on this bastard so that he can never crawl back up."

"You know you need to do it moderately, right? General Jin has more on his plate than you might think. If you just dig indiscriminately without discretion, it'll make things difficult only for us. Don't bring personal emotions into public affairs. Oppa. It's thanks to General Jin that we can even make these moves..."

"....."

"If we overthrow General Jin, the Dragon Mother will provoke a crisis in the situation."

"...."

Diarugia might end up a little pitiable. That's true.

"It's highly preventative. Who does this damn Special Prosecutor think he is? What does a Republic guy know about the Holy See? What does he know? Is he going to seek asylum in the Church? Does he know the Church's laws so well?"

"He seems to be provoking on purpose."

"Rather than conducting a trial, we should make sure this bastard can't even set foot on the stage. Did you look into the clauses and cases related to the Special Prosecutor?"

"Everything you asked for is already on the desk. But if we tangle with the Special Prosecutor, it'll make things harder for you, oppa."

That's true.

But how do I deal with that bastard?

Considering his objections on the continent's judicial stage, the trial might get twisted from the start.

"Just leaving it alone might be the best course of action. That's more advantageous for you, oppa."

I was the best at dragging someone down from their pedestal with qualifications.

After all, that bastard was originally a citizen of the Republic. If I wanted to find fault, I wouldn't find it hard either.

The problem was what came after dragging him down from the pedestal.

I might be satisfied for now, but it was obvious that I would have to make a choice later.

'We'll bring him to the continental court.'

Although Kim Hyun-sung was the one who practically destroyed the Republic's city, Templar Zen also contributed to turning the city into ruins.

While the content of the trial might differ slightly, it would essentially be a dogfight.

The direct victim was the Republic, the place where the crime occurred was the Republic, and securing the criminal's new recruits was also done by the Republic.

Handing the criminal over to the Church was merely out of consideration for their ally.

Expanding the fight within the Holy See to the continent was no different from starting an unfavorable battle.

Chanting Church laws and feeding him shit here was a deceptive act.

'I need to stay calm. But I can't stay calm.'

Various pieces of evidence were within the Republic. Right now, the Inquisition, in the form of the Apostolic Interrogators from the Holy See and the Rangers from the Republic, were conducting investigations, but... when the continental court comes into play... the cabin containing the memories of me and Templar Zen, it will be ruthlessly trampled by the bastards of the Republic.

It's unlikely that there will be evidence fabrication, but words can be interpreted in various ways. Depending on how you interpret them, there could be room for a change.

"It's definitely better to finish this within the Holy See."

"That's right. Leaving Jincheong as he is would be the best. It's better to deal with him in the Church because the part where you can use your strength is limited. There are limits to the subordinates you can assign, and of course, you're receiving support from the Church, so there's no problem, but... it's just... you can't work with your own people."

"Don't you want to help? Won't you assist?"

"I'm helping right now."

"...."

"You're not doing it properly."

"What should I do then? I have my own work to do. Frankly, this is just a fight over kids' pride. Honestly, from your perspective, whether it's a trial or whatever, it doesn't matter, right? Whether he's Templar Zen or Templar Simon, just say what you know and die quickly."

'That's true. It wouldn't matter if that jerk just disappeared.'

Although he seems to have some use if he sticks around… but he hasn't contributed much.

Still, I don't want to see that cocky guy smirking.

'Look, even my nuna is damn audacious. She's not on my side.'

She might be proclaiming neutrality without getting involved, but the very fact that she's neutral is evidence that she's not on my side.

Rummaging through documents half-heartedly didn't feel like Ji Hye. While she won't push, she won't be of much help either.

'We're short on personnel.'

The problem was that I realized too late that that bastard would get involved.

"Vice guild master?"

"Ah... Yes. Welcome, Team Leader Kim Mi-young."

Excluding Team Leader Kim Mi-yeong, a proper defense team has not yet been assembled. Thinking it would be easy and breezy, that coward from the Republic blocked off any escape routes while we were busy with our healing and activities.

"I have organized all the materials requested by Vice guild master. Because this case is quite unique, it was hard to find similar cases... but it's not like there have been no instances where the victim forgave the suspect. In fact, in the case of the Saint Abduction incident 111 years ago, the Saint herself did not wish for the punishment of the Holy Knight Vark."

'Torn to shreds.'

A document indicates that Holy Knight Vark was torn to shreds, now considered an offense for daring to covet a member of the Holy See. Was it because they judged it right to handle with extreme measures?

"About 54 years ago, relatively recent, Princess Sharfelia of the Empire was also abducted by the Royal Chancellor..."

That guy was torn to shreds too.

"In cases like these in the past..."

"Yes, of course, these past cases occurred during the Imperial era, not during the Holy See Kingdom era. If they argue that these cases lack relevance, they won't have much to grasp onto on their side either."

"Aren't there any successful cases?"

"No."

Past cases don't matter anyway; the law has changed.

What can be somewhat fortunate is that the jurisdiction for the trial isn't under the Holy See.

While these inquisitors preside over the trial, the day when Templar Zen becomes an etosouta (target for apprehension) is just a matter of time.

One might consider that the Holy See had shown a bit of leniency, but that's not the case.

They just don't want to receive my grudge. The Holy See and the Republic are both like that.

"Since both the Holy See and the Republic will jointly operate the court, a jury system will be adopted."

Neither side wants to be hated. It's not just Kim Hyun-sung who welcomes Jincheong. Pope Basel, and likely Oscar too, would do the same.

"The jury will consist of 10 members from the Holy See and 11 citizens from the Republic, selected randomly."

"Will the sentencing be determined by the Supreme Court?"

"The Supreme Court and the Prosecutor General will both..."

They really don't want to take responsibility.

They probably view the 'obsession' of the Honorary Cardinal towards Zen with suspicion as well.

In the end, it's up to the jury to decide guilt or innocence, while sentencing will be determined by two individuals.

'In fact, a jury trial is more favorable for me.'

The experts aren't the ones deciding guilt or innocence. In countries that adopt a jury system, it's a recurring point of contention that regular individuals without specialized knowledge make judgments.

'Because they can be swayed.'

They can be swayed by the sympathies and affections of the jurors. Even sob stories work.

Of course, the Supreme Court or the opposing side could impose sanctions, but emotional appeals that bring tears often hit the mark.

It's not something Jincheong is accustomed to. That guy probably thinks that everything will end if he just says what he wants.

If they can persuade the jury using evidence... they'll probably consider it as the whole truth. But humans are creatures swayed by emotions.

"By any chance..."

Looking at Team Leader Kim Mi-yeong with eyes filled with desire.

"If you have the list of jurors..."

'It's confidential.'

"I have it."

Indeed, she's competent.

If the trial is being conducted as a jury trial, it's right to target this aspect. Trials conducted in the Republic's style make me uneasy due to Jincheong's interference, and handling religious trials like we do presents too many variables to account for.

Both groups have adopted a jury system begrudgingly, but it's to our advantage.

"Juror No. 1, George..."

"A self-proclaimed third-rate gambler."

Probably easily persuaded with a little money.

"Kanon."

"Referred to as a ringleader of Lindel's outlaws. Both of them have participated in major wars... or rather, they can be considered to have participated in almost every war."

"Both of them?"

"They were active as party members."

While the likelihood of getting struck by lightning is there, it's not bad.

Participating in major wars means being closer to being a Honorary Cardinal or Saint, in terms of rapport.

"Elven, Eledian."

"Not good."

"Yes."

Most elves are principled. They tend to side with reason over emotions.

The probability is high.

If General Jin asks for proper evidence... even if it means shedding tears alongside the Saint's tears, they will cast their votes of guilt.

"Gisele Garrick of Castlerock, who migrated from the Republic. Currently a citizen of the Vatican."

Suddenly a Republic guy pops up?

Was this list really drawn at random?

Looking at the overall list, it seems quite certain that it was randomly chosen.

If you were to ask which side it favors slightly, it feels like it's been somewhat tilted in our direction.

Variables always exist, but they're not unbearable. It's not me who needs to worry about the jury.

"That bastard's side."

"Yes?"

"No, it's nothing. Team Leader Kim Mi-young. As for the Supreme Court, it's undecided, and for the Assistant Judge..."

"For the Supreme Court, it's undecided, and for the Assistant Judge overseeing the trial, it's Assistant Judge Jain."

"Assistant Judge Jain?"

"Assistant Judge Jain, who has taken the position of Assistant Judge in place of Assistant Judge Yohan."

"Yes, thank you. Team Leader Kim Mi-young."

Kim Mi-young slightly nods her head and then...

"Well, since the defense team isn't complete yet..."

"Yes."

They're probably going to be composed of capable individuals.

"Did you hear that? Nuna, are you really not going to join the defense team?"

"I won't. I'm really busy. Jincheong is absorbed in the trial. I also have work to do for the country. And I've said it multiple times, but don't be stubborn for no reason. You can just extract the information and kill him..."

It's a matter of pride, Nuna.

"Then, please create a seat for Assistant Judge Jain."

"Oppa, that's nonsensical. It's illegal."

"If you do this for me, I won't bother you about forming a defense team. I... I really want this, that's all."

It's an absurd request to have a meeting between the Assistant Judge preparing for the trial and the defense attorney.

Originally, it's an unreasonable and impossible request, but if it's Nuna, it might be possible.

She feels guilty for not helping, so she might be willing to create a seat for us.

"Oppa, aren't you being too desperate?"

In real battles, it's the desperate and cunning ones who win.

If I lose here against Jin, I won't be able to sleep. Nuna, I'll be exposed at home, how frustrating would that be?

Every time I see that bastard, I'd clench my fists. How should I view that? I have to make him realize how recklessly he stepped into this fight.

I'm the Church and the church is me. Since we're all one nation, it's not desperation. Originally, the loser is the fool in this world.

And...

"...."

"Well then... Witness from the prosecution's side, please continue your testimony. Is it true that you stayed at the same inn as Honorary Cardinal?"

"Yes. Yes, it is. Every night... I heard the screams of Honorary Cardinal and sounds of agony. Along with the sounds of hard blows... I tried to close my ears, but I couldn't ignore those agonized screams..."

"Benigore..."

"Sob... Sob... Son of Light..."

Jin Cheong comes into view, with a sickening smile on his face.

'This bastard...'

I suddenly feel foolish for trying to approach the trial with dignity.

This cowardly bastard, in this sacred court... was concocting lies with false witnesses.

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OMG, LMAO JIN CHEONG LEARNED FROM THE BEST JAHAHAHAHA