episode_0096

“I am Philip.”

Ian declared.

The courtroom became quiet.

It felt like it was before the storm arrived.

It seemed like it was after a storm had swept through.

There was an awkward and heavy silence, as if all living things were holding their breath.

Those who knew Ian’s identity either acknowledged his decision or remained silent as they thought about his intentions.

For those who didn’t know, it was just hard to accept.

Nevertheless, the reason he remains silent and does not refute it is because there is a possibility that Ian is Philip.

Ian didn’t let anyone speak first.

“You are free to believe it or not, but it is a clear fact. Just as the sun and moon rise regardless of your beliefs or will. If you ask me to provide evidence, I will provide it. Coincidentally, there are many witnesses here.”

Ian poured out calmly and looked back at the most important people in this court.

Emperor Julianus.

Johannes prosperous.

Emperor Edipus.

Wolfgang, commander of the military police.

Leon, the leader of Aigis.

The leader of Lazuli.

Other cardinals, Esther, bishop of the South Central Diocese, etc.

Those who are the pillars of the empire and the roof of the continent are too many to mention just one.

All of them were Ian’s witnesses.

“So, let me say it here. Philip, I, ‘Ian’ to be exact, have nothing to do with the charges of mutiny.”

Since all the documents from Ian’s time were burned, it would be difficult to physically prove it, but there was nothing that could not be done.

Above all, the first party of warriors involved would know that fact best.

However, they did not know the meaning of Ian identifying himself as ‘Philip’.

They were the only ones here who were puzzled by silence.

This is “ or more.”

He swept the room and sat down as if he had said a simple greeting.

As soon as he sits down.

“─!”

There was an explosion of cries from the audience.

So many people were raising their voices that it was difficult to understand what was being said.

However, Ian read some voices there.

“Is it true that you were kicked out of the first hero party?! Why?”

Quite a few people were asking similar questions.

I didn’t know this would happen, but the impact was bigger than Ian expected.

When Ian raised his hand, it became quiet again.

“The reason why I was expelled is confidential and cannot be disclosed to the public.”

It wasn’t anything in particular, but Ian said it as if there was some great reason.

“So, from now on, I will not be answering questions that are unrelated to the trial proceedings.”

“… … .”

People could no longer raise their voices, but only muttered.

Well, the things Philip, or rather Ian, were curious about were things that had nothing to do with this trial.

“Ian… .”

Sylvia looked up at him blankly and muttered the name.

Even a strange halo seemed to shine from him as he sat in the jury box higher than them.

“You really… .”

Even moments like this.

Even after being treated so cruelly.

You give it for us.

Sylvia thought so.

Ian has always been like that.

There was a clear distinction between what was not and what was not.

The trial of the first hero party here should be limited to the crimes they actually committed.

The moral responsibility for betraying oneself should not be included in that.

Sylvia accepted it that way.

“What is it… .”

Beatrice muttered helplessly.

Even when people asked her about it, she thought Ian would confess it in detail.

To humiliate themselves.

However, Ian didn’t do that.

Beatrice was unable to raise her head due to a sense of defeat and contempt for herself.

I remembered my interview with Ian earlier.

As soon as Beatrice saw him, she shook her prosthetic hand and sneered.

As if it was all Ian’s fault that his arm looked like this.

But Ian actually protected them.

“What on earth… .”

An awkward feeling arose in my heart.

Ian’s reaction just now was difficult to understand based on his common sense.

They defended themselves firmly and subtly.

Since they are the defendants, criticizing and biting them would only benefit Ian infinitely.

“Ha… .”

Beatrice let out a breath that was difficult to tell whether it was a sigh or a laugh.

Now, for the first time, I feel grateful.

I felt so awkward between myself and this situation.

“… Huh.”

Kylie clearly burst out laughing.

Why, why do they care so much about themselves?

Even in this situation, how can that be done?

It was even amazing.

For some reason, I remembered the day I first saw Ian.

I couldn’t admit it at the time, but later I couldn’t help but think it was amazing.

It still is.

Although they were in a position to criticize themselves, Ian actually protected them.

I was thankful for that majesty even though it was unbearably miserable.

“Ah… .”

Aria looked up at Ian and groaned.

She believes in God, but has never relied on him.

God’s mercy and lovingkindness, I have never felt such a thing.

To her, even the name of God was just something to be used.

But now, I am feeling that holy lovingkindness from Ian.

“Hmm.”

On the other hand, Ian’s reason for not revealing the truth was extremely personal and simple.

Because it’s annoying.

If you give a reason, they will ask about another topic about the reason.

If a different answer is given, it is obvious that another answer will be requested.

There will be a cycle in which answers continue to generate questions.

So, it’s easier to just threaten not to say anything at all.

It was natural to share one’s thoughts with the group I would be traveling with, but not with these people.

He looked at his companions and sighed lightly.

‘You’re going to get tired from now on…’ .’

I was just worried about that.

*

After Ian’s remarks, the trial proceeded quickly.

This is because even those who supported the first party were fascinated by Ian.

However, it did not proceed haphazardly.

Wolfgang filed the complaint with all sincerity, focusing on the facts.

He answered people’s questions as best he could.

Eventually, after all the arguments and defenses were over.

The jury’s vote took place first.

The jury has a total of three options.

Guilty, not guilty, abstaining.

Ian made his choice without thinking for long.

After all the jurors’ ballots were collected, the judge said:

“We will take a short break for the ruling.”

After the judges confirmed the jury’s decision, it was time to discuss the final verdict.

– Perfect! Perfect! Perfect!

Three people each from the imperial family and the Seonghwa Church served as judges.

Ian sat in his seat, feeling burdened by everyone’s awed gaze.

“What do you plan to do next?”

the prince asked.

“Well. First of all, I would like to get some land.”

“… earth? Suddenly what… . Did he really say he wanted to get a piece of land?”

“There is no reason for that… .”

I didn’t reveal that I was Ian simply to defend myself.

After running the calculator in my head, the result came out that it would be better to reveal it.

Although you and your companions will be tired for a while.

“Hmph. Is this the end of that great hero game?”

An old man approached and laughed at Ian.

He was an old gentleman with white hair neatly slicked back and a neatly grown mustache.

He looked so neat and noble on the outside, but inside he was a rougher and tougher soldier than anyone else.

His neatly tailored uniform and numerous medals hanging on his chest prove him.

Nicholas von Friedrich.

One of the people who sued the first warrior party and the representative of the accuser group, was Margrave Frederick.

Ian laughed at his sarcasm.

“Old man’s house. What else don’t you like?”

Exchanging greetings in harsh language was something they were used to.

“I told you already. Packaging those won’t last long. Didn’t you listen when I warned you?”

Friedrich hated Ian.

He was a soldier to his core and a fierce patriot who believed that serving his country required minimal fame or reward.

If the gendarmerie was devoted to order within the empire, Margrave Frederick and his soldiers were those who sacrificed their lives to threats from outside the empire.

He hated the hero system created by Ian.

Also, from an early age, I despised the 1st Hero Party, which monopolized all kinds of honor without being honorable.

“… That’s right.”

This time, Ian had nothing to say in response.

“Tsk. You little brat, make a face and get on with your life. As you get older, there are more things to impress.”

However, apart from hating Ian, he was a man I respected.

It just doesn’t fit his beliefs.

It is true that thanks to Ian, the empire has become significantly safer than before from the threat of demons.

The first hero party also doesn’t like what they’re doing.

Their skills and achievements were acknowledged.

“I didn’t know that you were such a warm person that you even worried about the wrinkles on my face.”

“Anyway, after all this talk… . Still, whatever.”

Friedrich looked at Ian’s group gathered below.

“After listening to it, the new ones seem to be much better than before.”

“Thank you. I had no idea there would be this much interest.”

“… Oh, something as big as this drop!”

He was a man with a much better appearance than Ian, who had a large physique.

On the battlefield, he was cool-headed and cruel like a ghost, but he also had a quite cheerful and youthful side.

Especially in front of Ian.

The two had that kind of unique bond.

“But you are still alive and protecting the front line. I am truly grateful.”

“Don’t say gross things.”

“Yes. Anyway, what I just did was the last time.”

“… You are such an annoying person.”

“Thank you. Oh, by the way, I’ve already sent my new scout team to the Count’s country. Please take care of me.”

“Now they’re giving notice at all?”

“It’s all for the empire. We need to prepare for war in earnest.”

“… Whether it’s something pretty or something ugly, just do one thing.”

Ian laughed at that obvious reaction.

This is why Friedrich cannot hate Ian.

Whatever the intention and purpose of Ian’s actions, they ultimately keep the empire safe.

“They are elves who don’t know anything about the world, so please take good care of them.”

“… Elf? Did you just say elf?”

“Yes.”

Ian explained why he was an elf, and Friedrich, who was skeptical at first, soon understood.

“Voice of the forest… . That’s how you use it… . Huh, you really… .”

“Don’t like it too much.”

“You’re really unlucky.”

They both burst out laughing.

Friedrich quickly returned to his seat.

There were many other people who came.

Of course, there are audience members who have never met each other.

There were a lot of people who came from news magazines, media outlets, etc.

Among them were some familiar people.

“Amos?”

It was him from the monthly Supevia Manager magazine.

“Ah, ahaha! I am honored that you remember me. Could it be that you… .”

“Well, that’s how it happened.”

“Then all the articles I have written so far… .”

“There was an article called the second Philip, I guess.”

“Ah, aha, ahaha… .”

“Thank you for your continued support. Amos.”

“I will accept it as the honor of a lifetime.”

Amos bowed his head exaggeratedly.

It wasn’t a joking exaggeration, but a movement that seemed like he couldn’t bear it without doing so.

In this way, Ian ignored people he didn’t know and only dealt with people he knew.

“… Ian.”

“Mari… . Huh. It’s a bit embarrassing.”

“Ha… . What kind of situation is this… .”

“… Voila. Surprise?”

“What a surprise!”

Marie exclaimed and ruffled her curly brown hair.

Although it’s been a while since he last saw her, Ian still remembers her temper.

Aside from her power, she is a scary woman.

Marie straightened her tangled hair, looked down at Ian, and grinned.

“ So, that’s how I was with that Philip?”

“So what is that?”

“Oh, something like that!”

Although it was sudden, Marie easily accepted the situation.

She patted Ian’s arm and even shook his hand on her own.

“You have to get along well with me from now on. Got it?”

“… I have to keep that in mind.”

“Ah, I made my kids pass the temporary hero promotion test… . I was going to brag about that… .”

“… Congratulations.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Ugh, I was trying to buy you something. The advice Ian gave me was really helpful… . But I wonder what it all means if Ian is Philip.”

“Is the meaning of a gift important? The heart is important.”

“You’re not saying you won’t accept it?”

“Because I’m not the type of person to shy away from giving.”

Marie burst out laughing.

“It’s fascinating. The name Philip seems very distant, but Ian is just Ian, right?”

“Then who else would it be?”

“So somehow I feel reassured. Anyway, take care in the future! See you next time!”

Marie shook hands again and returned to her seat.

“You’re so popular. The crown prince’s position is so shabby.”

While there was a moment of leisure, the prince intervened.

“That’s right. I wonder if I revealed it for no reason.”

“Now? It’s too late at least.”

“Just saying.”

“How do you think the trial will turn out?”

“Well. Guilt or innocence didn’t seem important… .”

“You saw it correctly.”

“Why don’t you take care of it yourself?”

At that time, a group of people approached, led by Kati.

While Katy, Mercy, and Lucia are proud.

Vivian and Helena were somewhat hesitant.

“Wow, wasn’t it amazing?”

Lucia, who greeted the prince first, said while fanning her hands as if it was hot.

“Honestly, I didn’t know it would be this bad.”

“Umm, really? Despite that, you seem calm.”

“It’s also strange if I make a fuss.”

“Huh, that’s true too. I’ve only heard that it’s amazing, but I’m surprised every time I realize it.”

Vivian and Helena carefully stood next to Lucia.

“If you are having such a hard time, what are you going to do from now on? The two of you knew about it.”

“But… .”

“You are correct… .”

It wasn’t that I couldn’t understand them.

Not only that, but Ian’s interest in them, the new warriors, was not negligible.

That’s why they came to Ian late.

Because those who couldn’t talk to Ian stuck to them.

“I am sorry for doing this without consulting you.”

“Oh, no! Why is this a sorry thing?”

“That’s right! No need to be sorry!”

“Thinking about the future, I think this would be better. I may be a bit tired from all the attention for a while, but please understand. I will do my best to make you less tired.”

“Yes… .”

“Yes!”

“Cool, cool.”

Unlike the other two, Lucia, who had no illusions about being in the first party, was calm.

That was quite funny to Ian.

“Is it okay?”

“Master.”

Mercy asked, and Katy seemed a bit worried as well.

Especially because of Ian’s identity, there was once an uproar on the front line.

Ian shrugged his eyebrows and spoke leisurely.

“This is something you can handle, so don’t worry.”

While Ian dealt with many people, the first warrior party could only watch him blankly.

They even felt a sense of separation.

‘Ian is like this… Was he a great person?’

He even seemed high.

It was not simply due to the topographic elevation difference.

Meanwhile, Sylvia was very resentful of the reality that she could not go there.

Since this was something he brought on himself, the target of his resentment was himself.

‘still… ‘It’s been a while since I’ve seen you like this for so long.’

Ian even looked good.

Unlike his usual indifferent face, he is a very expressive and honest person.

I laugh a lot and often.

When I’m annoyed, I show it without filtering.

I know how to smile like that when I’m gentle.

Sylvia was happy that, after a long time, she could watch Ian’s various emotions, even from afar.

‘… thank god.’

Even though it wasn’t him who was making him laugh or where his laughter was directed, it wasn’t him.

Although it broke my heart.

Still, I was satisfied.

‘Next time, when can I see you again? .’

After quite some time has passed.

The six judges came in one after another and took their seats.

The noisy hall suddenly became quiet.

– Perfect! Perfect!

The Supreme Court Justice spoke after striking the gavel.

“The court has concluded its ruling.”

The man in charge of proceedings held the final verdict in his hands.

After scanning the verdict with his eyes, he shouted to the audience in a solemn and serious voice.

“Silvia, Aria, Kylie, Beatrice. and their manager Penny. We will declare our verdict on each of them.”

The end of the trial has arrived.