TRIAL [6]

Regressor's Instructions Manual Episode 947Trial (6)

'I want to kill him, fuck.'

I want to beat him to death.

'Devil summoner bastard.'

Bastard child.

'Jincheong is a son of a bitch.'

I have no one on my side.

'Damn it, you live your life alone.'

It feels like Jihye Nuna, Park Deok-gu, and Kim Hyun-seong turned their backs on me.

Jung Ha-Yan and Han So-ra are nowhere to be seen, enjoying sweet times with new guild members.

The atmosphere among the jurors is uneasy, as if they've been bribed or something.

Was it the problem that I built everything up perfectly?

The series of events that were set up to turn Zen into a criminal are choking me.

What if I hadn't done at least one of those things?

If I hadn't left a note when I was kidnapped, if I hadn't been stuck at home, if I hadn't gotten involved in weird things in the city, what would have been different?

Although I regret it, I know better than anyone that it's pointless.

'It was too perfect, Damn it. It was too perfect.'

Looking at Jincheong, who arrogantly shakes his head, it's getting on my nerves. His attitude, believing that he will always win no matter what he does, feels frustrating.

An attitude that seems to say, "Give it a try." A face that acknowledges that you're under my control no matter what you do. It seems that the ten years of pent-up frustration might finally be released.

'Ah, it's so infuriating, fuck.'

I had no choice but to speak up. I couldn't afford to mess up the second trial.

"It all stemmed from his distorted faith. If there's culpability, it should be directed at his sentiments toward Benigore. Templar Simon and Cardinal Johann exploited his faith, manipulating him. They exploited his fervent desire to remain by Benigore's side, molding Templar Zen into a mere puppet. Should we indict him for that sin? Must we hold him accountable for his intense desire to serve Benigore?"

"The undeniable fact is that he committed a criminal act."

Where does this rascal get the audacity to use informal language?

"It was but a misstep. Although he bears responsibility for his wrongdoing, he isn't the one who perpetrated the crime."

He may have indulged in alcohol, but fuck, he never engaged in drunk driving.

"He is paying the price for the wrongs he committed, and that price is the finger of Cardinal John and Templar Simon. The Templars, a group with autonomous authority, are the ones who created the current events. And the suspect is nothing more than a small cog used by them."

"....."

"I would like to ask if all you need is a sacrificial lamb. I would like to ask if you're looking for a target to vent your anger. Let's think about the mistake that Mage William made two years ago. Let's recall the incident where he accidentally released magic into a civilian village due to an error in the observation spell in this courtroom... William merely chanted the spell to the designated location. No one, not a single person, blamed him at that time."

This is the only bill I've got. Accusing Templar Simon and Cardinal Johann. It's been built up since the first trial. There were even appropriate cases...

"I object, Your Honor. The case mentioned by the Honorary Cardinal is unrelated to the current event..."

"Let's continue."

"The one who faced retribution was the communications soldier who disregarded the observation and verification protocols of Magic Tower. Nobody pointed fingers at William, ladies and gentlemen. Nobody uttered a word. Instead, they offered solace and empathized with his suffering. What differentiates Templar Zen? He merely carried out his duties as usual. He believed in it as his faith, the path for Benigore, and dutifully fulfilled his sacred task." The quandary lies in the vulnerability of this statement."

The problem is that this statement also has a loophole.

Naturally, I glanced at his expression, subtly. Sure enough, the image of him stretching his arms out excessively began to appear in my eyes.

Rather than being surprised, I found myself biting my lips at the sight, as if I had been waiting for this.

'You knew, you jerk.'

"Honorary Cardinal's words contradict themselves. Respected Chief Justice."

"...."

"Hahaha. Is selling Benigore's Rosario in the black market an act of faith?"

'This bastard.'

"He betrayed Benigore. Honorary Cardinal. Attempting to cloak the sale of the Rosario in the black market as an act of faith. Honorary Cardinal. Isn't he too naive, even for innocence?"

"Is there evidence, any evidence?"

"The suspect possesses records of selling the Rosario in the black market. I will submit the evidence, Your Honor."

"These are the ledgers used in the black market. They contain unreliable information and are not admissible as evidence."

-That's ugly. Lee Kiyoung.

-You can't use that kind of evidence, Jin-Cheong. Got it? What are you trying to concoct?

"Templar Zen exchanged the Rosario for 350 gold coins and some provisions to launder his identity. Aren't the front and back inconsistent? To discard the symbol of faith, like discarding a dedication to the divine, all in the name of duty. If you understand the significance of the Rosario within the Holy See, you wouldn't claim that he committed these acts in service of his faith."

"Where is this Rosario? We need more solid evidence. Even if that ledger is proven authentic, it lacks persuasiveness to definitively link it to the transactions of Templar Zen."

-Is that all the bill you've got Lee Ki-young? You thought that by harping on the Rosario, you could buy some time.

-General, it's not over yet. Don't be so complacent.

-Stop the senseless bickering. Don't think I can't see through your bluff.

Shit, you're the one who's senseless.

-General, you're truly shameful. If you couldn't bring proper evidence, you should've just admitted it. Your attempt with this incomplete evidence is quite pathetic. Were you only capable of this much?

-The jurors might not see it that way.

It would be a bit embarrassing to overtly gauge the jurors' reactions. But the courtroom suddenly buzzed as if enveloped in shock.

The religious jurors, in particular, seemed perturbed.

Naturally, it couldn't be helped. The buildup that had been portrayed as actions for the divine culminated in the sale of the Rosario...

'Fuck. Seriously.'

-At least focusing on the religious jurors might offer some hope... It's unfortunate.

-It's not over yet,General . You shouldn't let your guard down too much. Remember, you were outsmarted last time too. Maybe your memory faded after your resurrection from defeat.

-It's natural for a frightened dog to bark loudly.

- I've heard that even a defeated dog barks well. What's with the attitude, huh? shit. What kind of reaction is that?

-Anyway, let's see if things are truly going in the direction you desire. Shall we?

-I don't care what kind of show you put on. The evidence is clear, and there's no escape.

Exactly. Fuck. It seems there's no escape.

The evidence is clear, and all the gears are turning correctly. Similar to the first trial, the second trial hasn't achieved any notable results.

Despair has settled even among the defense team for quite some time. The suggestion of leaning toward leniency was even brought up; there's no need for further discussion.

'No, it can't happen. Shit. I must win no matter what.'

As I start to win, you can tell by the way he opens his mouth... I can already envision what will happen when I lose this trial.

He'll likely put on a show of misery with a face full of arrogance. Despite murmuring that it was easier than he thought, he'll undoubtedly provoke.

"The defense's argument has validity. It falls short of being admitted as evidence..."

'Nice.'

-See, General Jin. Where does that feeble excuse of evidence even resemble proof? Hey, Jin Cheong. Is this a courtroom or a playground for you? Did you think the nation's courtroom was your playground?

-It's a matter of time. It's a minor happening that doesn't affect the main trend.

Although I'm pretending to be composed, I know he won't accept this as a minor happening. He was a perfectionist, after all.

. Although he might appear nonchalant, I understand that he won't take this as a minor incident. While the overall situation might not be affected, this Rosario case is the one flaw concealed within his argument.

If he knows we're trying to bring the focus onto Templar Simon and Johann through this Rosario, I can't just let it slide.

While he's pretending to be composed...

'Ultimately, he's worried.'

"Today, we will conclude the trial here. The next trial will be scheduled for two days from now."

-That will likely be your last chance, Lee Ki-young. You probably misspoke about your final chance.

-It's uncertain how much time this issue will buy us... Nonetheless, I suppose I can accommodate your wishes for once.

Don't talk nonsense. You're obviously concerned. Don't pretend otherwise; you're clearly anxious.

Having taken a blow to the back of the head once, you should know. Not just accommodating; it's as if you're determined to light up your eyes and find the Rosario.

Although I won't say it directly...

'I have to make the first move from our side.'

'If we can find Rosario first, that's the best course of action. No, actually, there's a real best option.'

'Anyway, we've lost.'

It's a story that anyone can understand.

The jurors don't pay attention to my words. The citizens of the nation and even the religious figures in the Holy See are all sending their anger towards the Templars.

The sequence of events is too perfectly aligned, and despite the frustration, there's no opening for this rascal.

Even if there were, time would be tight.

Damn it, it seems this is the end.

"Vice guild Master."

"Yes, Team Leader Kim Mi-young."

"I apologize for saying this... but regarding the previous suggestion..."

"No, we won't touch leniency. Find a direction for an unconditional victory."

"I apologize for my lack of ability."

"No, you've been doing well enough."

You're doing too well, that's why. Our Kim Team Leader is blameless.

It's a miracle we've come this far... Look how pale you've become.

"For now, please focus on finding Rosario first. You have to move one step faster than the beasts of the Republic. Head to the Black market right away... As for the personnel to send..Kim Chang-ryul and Valerie."

"Understood."

"Additionally, prepare the defense team for the next trial. You don't need to report to me individually. Team Leader, use your discretion."

"But..."

"We're not giving up on the trial. We have to find a way to win."

More accurately, it's about flipping this around. It's not about reversing victory and defeat, but about flipping the board.

I've thought about it several times, and this method seems to be the most rational one.

If I can't win, I must ensure this rascal can't win either. I must absolutely make sure he can't win.

"Fuck."

An audacious vision of not feeling guilty even after causing reckless actions.

It's 2:33 AM.

I come to realize there's only one method.

That's how I ended up having to resort to visiting our present reality.

"Just to make it clear Hyun-seong."

"Yes?"

"Please help Templar Zen escape from here."

You know what I mean by 'escape,' right? Make him escape from here. You're capable of it.

"I won't meet Templar Zen again."

If you grant my request, I won't play with him anymore. I'll only play with you. [[That sounds...er...]]

"Help him live freely. That's my request."

I'll break ties with him. You'll become my brother again. Best friends who bonded through a sense of camaraderie.

If you just grant my request, I'll be yours again. I'll give me back to you. Have you been a bit jealous of me all this time? I'll undo everything for you. [[Haha....This sounds misleading...]]

Even elementary school students would reject such a childish deal.

However, I noticed a subtle twitch on Kim Hyun-seong's lips.

----

This took longer than I thought.