episode_0000

Thud!

“Defendant Rudy Pafnir! Do you admit to disregarding the empire’s laws prohibiting polygamy and sending numerous marriage proposals to the noble heirs of the four major families?”

“…I admit.”

“If you have any objections to the unfavorable facts, you may present them now.”

Objections? Of course, there are plenty.

Am I really being held accountable for a mistake I didn’t even commit?

“….”

But I couldn’t say anything.

There was no way to explain.

I was supposed to be Kang Baekho from South Korea, not Rudy Pafnir.

But even if I told the truth, no one would believe me.

“Well then… let us proceed to determine the punishment for Rudy Pafnir’s violation of the empire’s laws.”

The imperial judge adjusted his glasses and passed a serious look as he handed over the documents.

“May the appropriate punishment be given for his wrongdoing.”

“I concur.”

“Ugh, made eye contact. Feeling bad.”

Those crazy people…

Even though I’ve been diligently sending apology letters to the four princesses to clear up their misunderstanding.

Apologizing. Admitting there was a misunderstanding.

Accompanied by gifts, consistently.

But they still didn’t believe a word and pushed me to this point just because they were upset about receiving simultaneous marriage proposals.

Are they even human?

Is it right to ruin someone’s life over a few pieces of paper?

“The descendant of the Pafnir family, responsible for upholding the empire’s prestige, committing such an act…”

“Soliciting multiple marriage proposals from the noble heirs at once, what a playboy.”

“Mom, what’s a playboy?”

“You don’t need to know. Don’t look at that guy.”

“….”

The audience’s criticism was starting to take a toll on my mental state.

I didn’t do it… damn.

It was a time of silent agony.

[Warning. Threat detected.]

[For the safety of the holder, the system is automatically activated.]

[Converting some lewd stats to charm…]

“…Is this a system that activates even when facing social threats?”

A bitter smile escaped my lips.

But how does it protect me?

I might be sentenced to imprisonment right now, so what good does an increase in charm do?

“Defendant Rudy Pafnir.”

The imperial judge called my name as he handed over the documents.

“It seems you are exercising your right to remain silent, so I assume there are no objections.”

“….”

Thud!

“I hereby sentence defendant Rudy Pafnir to 40 years in underground prison!”

“….!”

40 years…?

This can’t be happening.

Spending the prime years of my youth, from teens to twenties, and even into my thirties, rotting away in prison!

As I stared at the judge with a dumbfounded expression.

“Tsk, speaking like a criminal.”

“This ridiculous trial is finally over.”

“…Isn’t 40 years too short?”

“Ines, you’re an elf, that’s why. For humans, 40 years is considered long.”

The annoying chatter of the four princesses echoed in my ears.

It felt like my blood was boiling in reverse.

Then, dozens of imperial knights waiting nearby approached me.

“Don’t move, criminal.”

Oh no.

Is this the end for me?

“….! Whoa, hey!”

“Stop moving.”

At that moment, a woman grabbed the arm of the knight who was about to apprehend me.

Her cold voice echoed through the courtroom.

She was none other than the Grand Spirit Master of the Lien Spirit Kingdom.

As a spectator, she had no right to intervene in the trial.

But everyone was taken aback by her unexpected actions.

The imperial judge cautiously inquired, “Lady Rose? Is there a problem?”

“My disciple is about to serve time for a misunderstanding, should I just stand by and watch?”

“Y-Your disciple…?”

Including the judge.

The swordsmanship prodigy Charlotte Claret, the magic prodigy Zion Frezia, the Elundir Elven Princess Ines, and even the Cathedral Saint Aria.

All four princesses of the empire.

The imperial high priest, a figure of authority in the nation, had come to observe the imperial trial, leaving everyone puzzled as to why.

I was taken aback when he referred to me as his “disciple.”

– A disciple? Me?

– What’s going on?

– Th-this must be a mistake!

Amidst the confusion, the judge clarified the situation.

Changing my title, he said, “It is indeed regrettable that Rose’s disciple is facing punishment, but it is a fact that the disciple has sent simultaneous marriage proposals to the heirs of the four major noble families, a clear violation of imperial law, regardless of Rose’s intentions…”

“Then I will present my objection.”

“No, not again… Oh! Second Prince?!”

Everyone was dumbfounded, gaping like fools.

This time, it was Agnis Empire’s second in line to the throne.

Second Prince Yulian, crossing his legs and raising his hand as he sat among the spectators, was raising an objection.

‘Nice! I don’t know why he’s helping, but lie down more! This won’t do like this-!’

I silently cheered him on.