episode_0194

I can’t help but be shocked by the great shock.

“Sister, then what will happen to Lucius?”

I don’t know much about the relevant laws, so I’ll give my nod to Savinelli.

“Forgery of official documents by high-ranking public officials is quite serious. In addition, platinum smuggling is included, so it is a crime that can lead to 35 years in prison and, if you are unlucky, the death penalty.”

“Hi! Death… capital punishment?”

Joey is startled and trembles.

Previously, when I dragged Joey to the study room and made him study.

I heard that Joy, who knew nothing, was given tutoring from time to time, and that if she didn’t know anything, she was given know-how to memorize it.

That’s why Lucius is someone Joey feels close to.

It may be because of the habit of only seeing the good sides of people in the first place.

“Yes, that’s why I came to see His Majesty regarding that matter.”

Savinelli’s meaningful words.

“Yes, the minister I chose. Please speak comfortably.”

Savinelli cautiously opens his mouth at my words.

“There is one method I thought of. It is your Majesty’s privilege to release Lucius.”

At those words, Joey grabs my arm.

“Sister? Can’t we do that? I… I don’t want people around me to die or suffer again.”

When I was lost in thought for a moment after hearing Joy’s words.

“Of course, there may be negative effects. The people of the empire, who are currently His Majesty’s biggest supporters, may change their minds. Since there is clearly enough evidence, we will not be able to avoid criticism for releasing a corrupt official.”

I frown at those words.

The people of the empire are my strong supporters.

The moment they withdraw their support, it will be difficult to suppress the neutral faction as reliably as it is now.

While I was thinking about this, Savinelli continued.

“We have a valuable clue to the various plans the Archduke is currently working on, so if we make him one of our people, we will be able to find out the inside story of the mysterious work he has been doing. Especially his plan to catch the demon worshipers mentioned in the Vatican.”

When Savinelli visited the former Vatican.

He said he heard something from the Pope.

It was an attempt to accuse Devian, who was like a saint, of being a demon worshiper or something.

It seems that he is trying to deal with the demon worshipers alone.

But that is too dangerous.

Unlike ordinary wizards, they know how to handle dangerous magic and curses.

If… he gets seriously injured by a demon worshiper…

It’s scary just to imagine.

Therefore, I tried to find information about the demon worshiper he was dealing with, but I was unable to obtain the relevant information because he hid it so well.

“But Lucius might know the details. Of course, I can offer advice on this matter, but the choice will be up to you. From a practical point of view, it is advisable not to use the pardon power. There is too much to lose politically.”

At those words, Joy tightens her grip on my arm.

“Uh… sister?”

“First, I will do as you say.”

“Yes. Then, my conviction will go away.”

I nod my head at those words.

Joy, seeing Savinelli retreating like that, asks.

“Sister, are you really going to let Lucius-oppa die?”

I sigh at those words.

“You heard it too, right? Lucius already has evidence and has admitted his guilt. If such a person is released with the right of pardon, there is bound to be a huge backlash.”

Joey says with anxious eyes.

“But…”

It’s been a while since I wanted to talk to my sisters. Rather, I feel uneasy because something like this has happened.

“I’ll take care of this.”

Joey reluctantly nods his head at my words.

“Ugh…”

***

“Hey! Lucius… what… is this happening?”

Mueller rushed to the Ministry of Justice as soon as he got off work after hearing the news that Lucius had been arrested.

Of course, it will be difficult to meet him when he is already off work, but a single prosecutor cannot refuse the request of a high-ranking public official like Mueller.

In addition, Müller was also a talented person who was directly selected by the Archduke and achieved diplomatic results…

The prosecutor had no choice but to allow it.

“Brother… are you here?”

“You idiot! Don’t you know how big a crime it is to falsify official documents?”

Lucius smiles awkwardly at Müller’s angry words.

“I knew… but I didn’t know I would get it.”

“Hey! You crazy guy! Do you call that a horse?”

Müller doesn’t think Lucius is this stupid.

There must have been something going on.

I swallow the anger boiling up inside me due to my frustrating younger brother’s crazy behavior and try to stay calm.

“Tell me. Why did you do that?”

Lucius scratches his cheek as if he is embarrassed by my words.

“If the trial opens anyway, I will also attend. So, it’s obvious that you’ll find out there. Just tell me, don’t make me frustrated.”

Lucius sighs at Müller’s words and explains the situation.

Müller quietly listens to Lucius during the explanation.

Looking at him, Lucius continues speaking.

But even though the conversation is over, Müller doesn’t say anything.

“That’s how it happened.”

“So? Did you do such a stupid thing?”

“Yes. Sorry… I didn’t know my brother would be this angry.”

As Lucius spoke in a weak voice, Müller sighed.

“So, did you get a lawyer?”

Lucius shakes his head at Müller’s words.

“I haven’t found it yet.”

Müller nods.

“Good. I will defend you.”

There are no separate qualification restrictions for lawyers here.

Anyone can become a lawyer as long as they do not have a criminal record.

However, Lucius looks surprised by Müller’s words.

“Really?”

Müller nods his head and says what Lucius said.

“Who am I? You’ve been called a genius since you attended the Academy, right? It’s easy for me to do something like this.”

“No… that’s not what I meant… Have you ever been a lawyer?”

“Yes. I’ve worked part-time a few times in the past. To be honest, I only took on dirty work that made me curse, so I quit right away.”

In fact, Mueller has excellent verbal skills and is skilled at capturing the hearts of jurors.

In the past, he often attended the speeches and debates of Pompey, a famous Roman orator, and studied his oratory skills…

He has excellent speaking skills.

How could it be that Debian would also appreciate his speaking skills and insight?

Although Pompey uses harsh words, he is less educated and takes advantage of his ability to approach the poor in a friendly way. Pompey may be more like Müller and be a better fit.

“First, apply for the jury system. The jury system is because the Ministry of Justice has an obligation to listen to the defendant’s request.”

And… he begins to give legal advice to Lucius.

***

Once the Ministry of Foreign Affairs finished reviewing the documents.

“Lucius, take this…”

My body stiffens as I habitually call Lucius.

“Ha…”

Lucius… is… in the Ministry of Justice right now, right?

Although I can hold the trial of Lucius through my imperial privileges,

That would inevitably be applied too unfavorably to Lucius.

Because he is close to me… I have no choice but to give him the maximum punishment.

Therefore, it was transferred to the Ministry of Justice.

Although he may fall into Savinelli’s hands, Savinelli will want to recruit him.

Therefore, torture will not be used.

Rather than torture, I would suggest something else. For example… use Theodora’s right of pardon as bait to stick to yourself…

That is not what I want, but I will warn Theodora that if she uses her pardon power, she will put political pressure on her.

All I hope is that Lucius receives a fair trial according to imperial law without external pressure from anyone.

Sorry… Lucius, there’s nothing I can do for you except this much.

It bothers me that they reported Lucius, who had suffered so much in the Archduchy.

Of course, it can be said that it is the duty of public officials to handle matters according to the law, but that does not mean that they are completely emotionless.

I think someone will betray me, but if that actually happens, I don’t feel comfortable either.

And perhaps because of the stress, I felt like my left eye was looking more blurry, so I put some eye drops and got up.

“Phew… I guess that’s enough for today.”

With that in mind, he puts a few cigars from the cigar box into his inner pocket and heads to the newlyweds’ room.

Today, it’s been a while since I’ve had a drink.

Because it’s a day when I want to get a little drunk.

Personally, I feel a little sorry.

It’s something I can ask for, but I can’t look at him just because he’s close to me, as I need to be fairer than anyone else.

Because that is the duty of the person who holds all the power in the empire.

Because although the people of the empire do not like me, I like the people of the world.

-Squeak.

“came out.”

When we open the newlywed door and enter, Theodora speaks while lying on the bed.

“Are you here?”

“Yes.”

After answering roughly like that, he opens the liquor storage cabinet and takes out whiskey and a glass.

“What’s wrong with you?”

As I take out the drink, Theodora gets up from the bed and says:

“I just… don’t feel good.”

Saying that, he sits down on the sofa and opens a bottle of alcohol.

“Why… Is it because of Lucius?”

-I flinch.

Theodora sat down next to me while saying that.

She pours a drink into a whiskey glass.

-Suddenly!

To relieve my frustration, I empty my glass and speak after a while.

“Just in case… Don’t even think about using the pardon on Lucius. At that time, I really won’t leave the Emperor faction alone.”

It may be difficult, but if he is easily released, there is a high possibility that greater corruption will occur in the Ministry of Education in the future.

There is a need to prevent that in some way and warn high-ranking officials.

That is why I reported this incident to Lucius with a bitter feeling.

This is to warn anyone, regardless of their position, from betraying the empire and its people just because they are close to me.

However, if the emperor’s pardon power is used, greater corruption will occur in the future.

Lucius has no choice but to be tried.

The court has no choice but to punish you more leniently than I do.

That’s the most I can do for Lucius.

However, when I gave a harsh warning to Theodora to prevent her from using this politically, Theodora nodded slightly.

“Okay. But… I feel uneasy seeing you struggling like this.”

I pour her a drink without saying anything.

“Aren’t you… drinking too much?”

– Jump… Jump.

You feel the hot alcohol warming your esophagus and stomach.

“It’s okay, this much.”

To be honest, it’s frustrating.

It feels so frustrating to think that I can never do what I want to rule the empire.

I have no choice but to report Lucius in return for his contribution to the empire overnight for over a year.

As I got up from my seat, my self-loathing deepened…

“Where are you going?”

“Smoke a cigarette.”

Saying that, he opens the window and goes out to the balcony.

A cigar I carried in my arms.

Tear off the end of the cigar with your mouth and light it.

“Whoa… fuck.”

It’s really hard…

Because what you do with your head and what you feel with your emotions are different.

To be honest, Lucius’ betrayal is a big shock to me.

Even though I didn’t completely trust him, I still had a long-term relationship with him.

Because we often stayed up all night and worked together.

-Squeak.

“Are you really okay?”

I flinched at the sound of Theodora’s voice.

“Yeah… It’s okay. Because I’m used to being betrayed.”

Is it because I was betrayed that my heart hurts now? Or is it because of the situation where Lucius cannot be saved?

I don’t know what is what.

“Chi… lie.”

As she said that, Theodora stood next to me and crossed her arms.

“It will be fine. I’m sure it will work out just as you hope.”

As I listen to her, I exhale cigarette smoke and get lost in thought.

Does she say those things because she knows what I want?

That can’t be possible. Because she doesn’t know anything about me.

Maybe she sees me as a monster just like I see her as a monster.

Because we are completely different people.

With that in mind, I continue to burn my cigar.