Chapter 13: Xio Derecha

Hobert remembered that Fors Wall, a future member of the Tarot Club, had indeed sought Audrey's help to rescue Xio Derecha.

Audrey continued, "As far as I know, my friend is very willing to help the weak seek justice, and the person she injured is a thug from the East Borough. So, I want to help this friend avoid conviction."

She added, "Mr. Hobert, I believe you will also stand on the side of justice and give me the most reasonable advice."

Hobert thought for a moment before responding, "Miss Hall, what I'm about to say might make you uncomfortable, but it's my understanding of justice."

He unconsciously emphasized the word "justice" before pointing to a gardener in the distance. "Miss Hall, I assume your expectation of the gardener is that he knows how to cultivate various plants and understands how to fertilize them."

Then, he pointed to the maid following them, "I imagine your requirement for your servants is that they are clever, cautious, and can assist you in your daily life."

Audrey wasn't entirely sure what Hobert was trying to convey, but she nodded in agreement.

Hobert continued, "But you don't expect all their actions to be just, or for them to always stand on the side of justice."

Audrey was taken aback, realizing Hobert had a point. One only needed basic moral standards for gardeners and servants; no one hires a gardener expecting him to be a paragon of justice.

"So you don't need to expect me to always be just either, because being a lawyer is a job for me, just like gardening or serving is for them. Whether your request is just or not, I will provide you with the best possible advice and help," Hobert said.

"Because absolute justice may not exist in this world. What you consider just might be seen as evil or distasteful by others.

"I haven't been in the legal profession for long, but I've already given up hope on absolute justice. If you ever hear that I'm defending someone for free, it will be out of conscience, not because of justice."

This was a realization Hobert had come to the night before. While it didn't help him form a "lawyer's code," it seemed to help in becoming a better lawyer.

Perhaps it was his trust in fellow Tarot Club members or his desire to impress, but Hobert felt compelled to share his understanding of justice with "Justice" Audrey.

Audrey was greatly surprised by his words. "You are a gentleman of insight."

By now, they had reached a secluded spot in the garden where a round table and two chairs had been set up, with some drinks and snacks laid out.

Audrey invited Hobert to sit, and her maid asked him, "Would you like coffee or tea?"

"Tea, please," Hobert replied before beginning to analyze the case for Audrey. "There are two ways to help your friend avoid conviction. One way is for your friend to obtain a certificate proving she's mentally ill. The other way is to get the injured party to drop the charges.

"Although the first method is simple, I prefer the latter because having a mental illness certificate could create many inconveniences for your friend in the future."

While speaking, Hobert couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him. After finishing, he glanced behind him, but there was no one there—only a golden retriever.

Wait! Could that be Susie?

Hobert activated his spiritual vision and discovered that the dog's weak spot was its eyes. He was even more certain it was Susie because, for a "Spectator," the eyes are the most crucial part; losing sight would mean losing most of their abilities.

Audrey noticed Hobert's momentary distraction and quickly asked, "What exactly should be done?"

Hobert pretended to refocus and said, "I need to meet your friend in person, then speak with the injured party. Ideally, we can pay them to drop the charges."

He added, "Miss Hall, you can entrust this matter to me. I'll meet with them tomorrow, and if we're lucky, the matter could be resolved in a day or two."

Through their conversation, Audrey had begun to trust Hobert. "I would be happy to entrust you with handling this."

"Thank you for your trust. How much are you willing to spend to resolve this issue?"

"600 pounds, no more, because the injured party is really a scoundrel," Audrey said.

Hobert smiled, "No problem. You can assign someone you trust to assist me in resolving this matter."

By "assist," he meant having someone report the entire process of resolving the issue back to Audrey.

Audrey nodded, "Alright."

After discussing the case, they began chatting casually. Hobert shared some amusing stories from his university days, making Audrey, who had been educated at home, feel a strong desire to experience university life.

It wasn't until nearly noon that Barton and Earl Hall finished their discussions.

On the carriage ride back, Barton asked about Hobert's conversation with Audrey and concluded, "You handled it very well. This could be a significant opportunity for you.

"Remember, Earl Hall dotes on his daughter and will likely give her no less than 300,000 pounds as her dowry when she marries in the future. If you gain her trust, you'll have a steady stream of business."

300,000 pounds! Hobert thought of his own 15 pounds allowance and suddenly felt like giving up. He wondered if Earl Hall would consider him as a live-in son-in-law.

But he quickly shook his head. Nobles highly value social standing and dignity. Even if he became a son-in-law, he wouldn't have much of a chance. Better to abandon that idea.

The next morning, Audrey sent a steward's assistant to "assist" Hobert in dealing with Xio's problem.

Generally, a steward's assistant in a noble household is a promising career. For example, in Earl Hall's household, there were several steward's assistants, three of whom were responsible for caring for Earl Hall's three children and assisting them in managing their respective businesses or estates.

After Earl Hall's death or after his children married, these three steward's assistants would likely become the official stewards for Audrey and her two brothers.

The person Audrey sent was a woman in her thirties named Lisa. She was dressed appropriately and had a serious demeanor.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Hobert invited Lisa to join him in the firm's two-wheeled carriage, and they headed straight to Minsk Prison.

Backlund had three prisons—two on the outskirts of the city and one within the city. Since it was located on Minsk Street, everyone called it Minsk Prison.

In Hobert's understanding, Minsk Prison was more like a detention center, where prisoners awaited interrogation or trial.

Hobert had prepared the necessary documents the day before, and after presenting them to the guards, he quickly gained permission to visit Xio.

After waiting in the visitation room for a while, the door opened again, and a short girl with a slightly chubby face was led in. Her delicate features were soft, but her eyes hadn't fully matured, giving her a somewhat youthful appearance.

Given her height of less than 1.5 meters, Hobert was sure this was Xio Derecha.

Thank you to [Island Dweller] for the 100-point reward and for the consecutive four-day rewards.

(End of Chapter)

50 power stones = Extra Chapter