TRIAL [5]
Regressor's Instruction Manual Episode 946
Trial (5)
"He is a victim created by the Church, by the Holy See."
"....."
"You said that. I understand perfectly well why you said that. According to what Honorary Cardinal said, it seems that Zen, that bastard, also lived a manipulated life. Raised in an orphanage operated by theChurch, he was drafted as a templar without even knowing the alphabet. He went through harsh training during his childhood and adolescence... Life wasn't smooth for him. Actually, he didn't have his own will. The Templars, as a group, created the monster named Zen. Even the Holy See, which did nothing, can be considered an accomplice."
"How he grew up can't justify his crimes, Cannon. "
"I'm supposed to not know that? I just understand. Perhaps you didn't see Honorary Cardinal appealing with tears. Alex. The shaken one is not only me... In fact, those who controlled Templar Zen were Templar Simon and Cardinal John."
"Templar Simon? Cardinal John?"
"That's right. Those bastards were controlling Templar Zen. It's not wrong to say that Templar Zen was also a victim."
"Do you have evidence that Templar Simon and Cardinal John manipulated Templar Zen? Moreover, didn't Honorary Cardinal mention in the note left behind when he was kidnapped that he might be wrong? The note that the Shadow Hero submitted as evidence. The evidence is too clear. Canon. There's no need to think about it. No matter what conspiracy was in the Templars... no matter what back story there was, I, of course, can't tell the jury, who were dispatched as on-site verification officers, this and that, but at least I think I'll make a rational judgment."
The whole story of this incident is that Honorary Cardinal, who had struggled to uncover the Templars' conspiracy, was kidnapped.
As the gaze turns, the room where Honorary Cardinal was preserved comes into view, and the chaotic room full of debris comes into view.
Most of the jury members are swallowing their saliva at the gruesome scene. It's probably like the events that took place in this scene are being vividly replayed.
Perhaps due to the prolonged silence, one of the junior members of the Verification Committee spoke up.
"This is the place where Honorary Cardinal was last before being kidnapped. The jury members should consider the scene preservation carefully."
"How are the investigators making their judgments?"
"The on-site investigators have judged that Honorary Cardinal didn't offer significant resistance. There was a brief physical struggle after a verbal dispute, and through the window you are currently observing..."
"Where were the Holy Knights and guards of the temple?"
"It was confirmed that Holy Knights who were bought by Cardinal John were on duty."
"Can we assume that the kidnapping was planned in advance?"
"Judgment is up to you. Our verification officers are here only to guide the jury members in making the right judgment."
That's true. In that sense, his actions right now probably don't fit the role of an on-site verification officer. Canon resumed speaking.
"Your junior colleague seems to be saying something different."
"...."
"By the way, you'll see a lot during your long time in the world. Who could have known that you would end up working for the Continent Protection Management Committee, Alex?"
"It's all because of him that I changed my mind. Canon. I entered with the thought that even a trash-like impression might be of some help to Honorary Cardinal... But now that this has happened, can I just sit still? A trial is a luxury for that bastard. Even if I tear him apart and kill him right now, it wouldn't be enough."
"Lower your voice, Alex. You're getting excited. You know you can't say such things in front of the jury members."
"You're the ones, so that's why I'm saying this. I'm staying quiet everywhere else. Don't worry."
"...."
"You should brace yourself for the next scene."
"...."
"Jung Soo-a?"
"Yes, Senior Alex."
"I think it's best if we prepare ourselves for the next scene."
"Yes, Senior. Um... Should we go to that place right away?"
"Yes. Alex. You and the jury members lead the way to the Warp Gate and announce that we will head straight to Laois Forest. We'll depart in 10 minutes."
"Yes, Senior."
"It looks like someone from the Management Committee, Alex."
"Shut up, Canon."
"What's the relationship with Jung Soo a?"
"It's none of your business."
"Well, it's hard to believe there's no relationship when you two were exchanging some meaningful glances. Is it okay to have an office romance in the Management Committee?"
"Shut up, Canon. I have no intention of playing along with your nonsense."
Whether he had a plan or not, he was probably trying to handle this situation in his own way, but I wasn't particularly pleased.
Continuing to stick around and annoy me, Canon didn't take long to close his mouth.
A shocking sight was waiting for him.
"The second scene is a location where the Honorary Cardinal stayed for about 18 days. As the space is narrow, we will allow two people to enter at a time."
It would probably be fitting to say that I was left speechless.
A cabin halfway submerged underground, with the floor covered in mud and filth.
It's questionable whether the air is properly ventilated. Not only is it difficult to breathe, but the stench also naturally furrows one's brow.
It's hard to believe that anyone could survive in such a place. It's even more unbelievable that the Honorary Cardinal endured 18 days here. If an ordinary person were in this situation, not to mention the Honorary Cardinal
Although I had been here once before, it still remained a place that left me speechless.
'The Son of Light'... lived in a place like this?' [[Tsk,Tsk, dear Zen, you're screwed]]
It's not unreasonable for him to be speechless either.
The proceedings began with the religious jurors.
"Huff....huff...Benigore....."
"Honorary Cardinal..."
Sounds of sobbing and voices seeking divine intervention echoed all around.
Tears spread easily. The collapsing house seemed like it could fall apart any moment, and thinking about him enduring suffering in such a place only intensified my emotions.
"The Rangers estimate that the Honorary Cardinal went outside about twice after entering this location."
"Other than those two outings, did he stay in this cramped space the whole time?"
"Yes. During his two-week stay here, his nutritional status and health deteriorated significantly. The physical aftereffects were also due to his time here. Although a lot of time has passed, and above all, due to continuous rainwater coming in, there isn't much evidence left in the room, but during his time here, the Honorary Cardinal... Yes, there were various forms of assault..."
"The evidence submitted by the Republic's military was found here, right?"
"Yes."
"While I can't say for certain, it's likely that various forms of abuse occurred in this place. Physical assault, of course... Probably a mentally agonizing time as well. What's unusual is that he visited a nearby conflict village not far from this place. Evidence showed that after directly treating leather, he engaged in barter, exchanging leather and daily necessities."
Subsequently, murmuring sounds were heard.
"Why didn't he inform the villagers?"
"Probably because he was concerned. He might have been afraid that his anger could affect them. If it were Templar Zen, he would have killed them all and still have remained."
"In reality, it's been confirmed that he left this place shortly after. And traces of divine magic use were found, shortly afterward as well."
"It's likely that he suffered retaliatory abuse from the conflict village for his visit."
"That's also my opinion."
"The number of times he used divine magic..."
"We can't confirm the exact number, but it was numerous..."
"If a person with that level of divine power used multiple instances of divine magic... we can assume the situation was dire."
"Yes."
"Since he mentioned that he narrowly escaped death..."
"Regarding the exchanged daily necessities..."
"The Honorary Cardinal made meals for Templar Zen..."
"Why..."
"How can we know his intentions? But... I would venture to guess that he might have sympathized with him. Perhaps, during the more than two weeks of hiding in this small space... there might have been many conversations exchanged. It's possible that it took time for the Honorary Cardinal to understand, sympathize, and empathize with him. Even though he's a criminal who harmed himself, inflicted wounds, dishonored, and disgraced, the Son of Light still loved him. Because he's that kind of person."
"....."
"Oh, Son of Light..."
"Ugh..."
"Currently, the reason the Son of Light hesitates is likely for the same reason. The Son of Light has forgiven him. No, is trying to forgive him. He's so foolishly... innocent and kind-hearted, isn't he? Even in the midst of such brutal violence..."
"....."
"What do you think? Alex? It seems the jurors are leaning in that direction."
"It's not an incorrect assumption, Canon."
"....."
"In fact, after returning from the next scene... I mean, entering the Republic, there's evidence of devoted actions on behalf of that wretched criminal. Despite enduring a life stained with violence every night... the Honorary Cardinal sympathized with him. Rising early like dawn to prepare meals for that criminal bastard..."
"That damn bastard."
"However, what he brought back was nothing but violence."
"....."
"The cost of that devotion was indiscriminate violence. Every single day, without exception, that damn bastard treated the Son of Light like a slave in the black market. He trampled on the Son of Light who couldn't even move properly. Whether he was manipulated by Templar Simon or deceived by Cardinal John, that's no longer important. He's evil, Canon. Deceiving people, making himself look sympathetic, responding to kindness with violence... he's like a demon. Even if the Honorary Cardinal forgives him, we can't forgive that bastard."
"This was only the end of the first trial..."
"I'm not sure if further trials hold any meaning. So... what about you, George?"
"Well, actually..."
"Yeah."
"There's a group that came forward, pleading for his innocence."
"What?"
"To be honest, Alex, I was curious about their identity and looked into it, but it was futile. It could have caused unnecessary turmoil, so I kept my mouth shut. However, the sum of money was substantial enough to catch my attention. Perhaps there's a high chance it's related to the Templars or John. We couldn't determine what they wanted, but..."
"You. So you accepted that money..."
"I didn't accept it. I might have in the past, but... how could I betray him? He deserves proper treatment and respect. He's a person of value. I don't believe the Son of Light's sacrifice for the continent should result in him being subjected to such harsh treatment in this crumbling ruin. He's received help from him countless times."
"...."
"We've always been together during the continent's crises, witnessing his deeds and narrative."
"....."
"Remember the voice shouting as the Blue Shield was being taken away? He's right. We must do what we can. That demon will have to pay for his sins."
Though George was usually thoughtless, he occasionally threw out such remarks. They were words that naturally made one nod in agreement.
In front of the gruesome scene, most of the jurors nodded their heads.
"Kill the bastard..."
"Beat the bastard to death."
"A demon-like child."
It was exactly as they said.
----
Here we go, I honestly didn't like the sudden change of POV, But let me re-read this properly and then Judge.
This chapter is where most mtl's stopped. But I will persist and upload the remaining chapters of this arc later.
NOTE: I will be using 2-3 days to translate an entire arc then upload it once the next day, then I'll rest for two days, I hope that's okay with you [If it's not, please let it be], I also have a job, so I need resting time too.
[[NOTE: Vatican can be the, Church, Holy See, or Castlerock.]]