Chapter 85: A Corrupt City (3)

The day of destiny had arrived.

Raymond’s trial would be held as a public hearing, right in the central plaza of the city. The intention was to show all the citizens the moment the sentence was handed down.

Yuri’s group arrived early and took their place in the square.

“There’s a lot of people.”

“Yeah… Is Genard not going to show up?”

“I have a feeling he will.”

It seemed Raymond had a good reputation, as more people than expected had gathered. Soon, workers arrived and set up the court facilities. They even placed a guillotine behind the podium.

Jared clicked his tongue.

“What’s the guillotine for?”

“To apply pressure.”

Unless an immediate execution was declared, it served no purpose today. It was brought purely to intimidate.

Yuri’s group positioned themselves at the back row of the spectators’ area. The knights of Yuzes surrounded the trial zone.

“Today’s proceedings will be presided over by Yuzes’ Chief Judge, the honorable Diker. As a sign of respect for the judicial authority, we ask everyone to rise.”

What Jared feared didn’t happen. In fact, the exact opposite did. Yuri leapt up and began applauding the judge.

The rest of the crowd, caught up in the atmosphere, followed his lead and began clapping as well.

Diker raised an eyebrow. He seemed puzzled by such a warm reception. He banged the gavel to calm the noise.

“Order, please…”

It was as if they were welcoming a respected judge. Yuri murmured:

“In the East, there was a legendary magistrate named Bao Zheng. This day reminds me of him.”

“You know the strangest things.”

“If you lived as long as I have, you’d know them too.”

“Ha…”

Of course, Diker was nowhere near impartial. In fact, he was Genard’s most loyal lapdog.

And from the murmurs among the citizens, it seemed everyone knew that.

“With that guy in charge, we already know how this ends.”

“What a mess…”

“Hope Sir Raymond makes it out okay.”

Soon, Raymond was brought to the stand, tied with ropes. Although a sentence hadn’t been declared yet, he was already dressed in a convict’s uniform.

Yuri’s eyes flared with anger at the sight. But what came out of his mouth was in stark contrast to his expression.

“Let’s stay calm and observe. Let’s see if justice still exists in Briol.”

“Right…”

The prosecutor and the defense attorney entered. As if following a scripted play, the trial proceeded rapidly.

The charges against Raymond included tax evasion, accepting bribes, obstruction of public duty, embezzling illicit income, fraud, and the list kept growing with crimes no one had even heard of before.

Raymond remained unfazed.

“Jared, look at that serene expression. If it were you, you’d already be crying, pleading your innocence.”

“What are you talking about? Of course not!”

“Only someone that calm can lead an organization.”

“Are you planning to entrust him with something, sir?”

“You haven’t figured it out yet? You’re so slow.”

Then Laurent quietly hinted:

“The Alliance Comrades Association…”

“Oh, really?”

Those whispering in the back row thought no one could see them, but from the front, it was clear.

Diker banged the gavel.

“Silence in the court!”

The three of them straightened up like scolded schoolboys.

“Defense attorney, proceed with your statement.”

Raymond’s defender stood up. He scratched the back of his head, flipped through a few documents, and simply shrugged.

“Sorry. I can’t defend him.”

A murmur swept through the entire court. Not just from those seated—citizens standing around the plaza due to lack of space also showed their indignation.

But the knights of Yuzes shot threatening looks, and everyone fell silent at once.

“The crime is too evident. Even I, his defender, cannot justify it. Who would’ve thought that Raymond, known for his integrity, would fall so low? I hope an exemplary punishment is imposed to ensure this doesn’t happen again. That is my sincere request as a lawyer of Yuzes and a responsible citizen.”

The mood began to shift. Though no one expressed it openly out of fear, a burning anger was growing in the hearts of the citizens.

“Goodness…”

Yuri recognized the voice and turned his head. It was the fruit vendor he’d spoken with the day before. She was shaking her head repeatedly.

The lawyer continued.

“I know the citizens of Yuzes here today feel the same. With one voice, we desire that justice be served.”

The more he spoke, the worse the atmosphere became. Yuri noticed how Diker’s brow furrowed.

It seemed the lawyer was overdoing it in his attempt to win Genard’s favor.

“Dear citizens of Yuzes…”

Diker interrupted, banging the gavel.

“That’s enough.”

The defender shut his mouth immediately and bowed his head.

“Yes, sir.”

Diker straightened and swept his haughty gaze over the crowd.

“I don’t believe this trial needs to proceed any further. Before delivering the verdict…”

Diker gave a signal with his eyes toward a certain point.

“Let us hear a few words from the Lord of Yuzes himself, the man who witnesses justice firsthand: the Honorable Justiciar, Genard Jetheri.”

So Genard was indeed attending the trial.

But what truly shocked Yuri wasn’t that.

“‘Justiciar’? Where the hell did that ridiculous title come from?”

“No idea…”

“First time hearing it?”

Then, a spectator sitting in the front row, who had remained silent until now, turned slightly and whispered.

“He gave it to himself. Just recently.”

“That moron’s insane.”

“Yeah, no kidding… ah, shhh, careful what you say.”

In short, Genard had dubbed himself “the Justiciar.”

Yuri already knew the man had no conscience, but… had he also lost all sense of shame? Then what the hell was inside that massive skull?

As Yuri’s thoughts shifted from doubt to amazement, Genard appeared before the crowd. He still had a large, pudgy body from living the high life.

Stroking his double chin, he wore a self-satisfied smile.

“How delightful to see so many citizens interested in this trial. That can only mean one thing—you all thirst for justice.”

With arms crossed, Yuri observed him to see just how far this farce would go.

Had he simply made Raymond disappear in secret, it might have been understandable. But to treat everyone like fools in public—he was so blatant that Yuri even began to doubt whether Raymond was really innocent.

“Very well, let us show that justice in Yuzes still breathes. As the lord of these lands, I want all of us to pronounce the sentence for the criminal Raymond together. On the count of three, we’ll all shout: Guilty! Isn’t that wonderful?”

Raymond’s lawyer replied enthusiastically.

“Wonderful indeed!”

A man who had sold his soul for a promotion. Raymond, meanwhile, simply closed his eyes.

“Before that, I’ll ask one final question.”

Genard loved presenting himself as fair, so much so that he’d declared himself “The Justiciar.” That’s why he staged these over-the-top spectacles.

“Not just to the lawyer, but to everyone here.”

Spreading his fur cloak to reveal his enormous belly, Genard shouted:

“If there is anyone who believes Raymond is innocent, come forward and say so! Even if there’s only one! This is your last chance!”

Who would dare speak up when the lord himself stepped forward, flanked by knights? Genard smiled confidently.

“This silence only proves that justice in Yuzes is alive. Now, I’ll count to three. All together—let’s shout: Guilty!”

He signaled.

The knights around him began to count loudly and menacingly.

“One!”

Genard shrugged.

“Two!”

Genard pointed at Raymond.

“Thr—…”

Just as “three” was about to be shouted…

“You bastard!”

A roar erupted like thunder, followed by a banana peel flying through the air.

The peel landed like a beret on Genard’s carefully styled hair.

“……”

A deadly silence fell. The knights, who were about to shout “three,” froze in place, holding their breath. But the scene was so surreal they couldn’t hold it in.

“Pfft…”

“Khgh….”

“Kukuh…”

The knights struggled not to burst into laughter. So did the citizens.

Genard, stunned, reached up to his head. When he felt the squishy banana peel, his face turned from red to purple.

“W-who… who did this…?”

He stammered, totally confused. Yuri stood up in a flash.

“It was me, you bastard.”

Yuri strode forward. Genard didn’t recognize him at first due to the hair color, but as he got closer, his features became clear.

“Oh…”

As shocked as he was when the banana hit him, Genard staggered back. The knights behind him moved to surround Yuri, but Laurent and Jared stepped up beside him.

Genard was so confused, he said nothing.

“Well? Aren’t you going to tell them to stand down?”

“How did you get here…?”

“Not going to call them off?”

“I-I…”

Before Genard could speak, Yuri kicked two knights out of the way. Their bodies flew aside and landed next to Genard.

The rest of the squad drew their swords. Laurent and Jared did the same.

The clash of metal rang through the court. The spectators fled in terror.

Yuri advanced calmly, eyes fixed on Genard.

“You’ve drawn swords. This counts as treason, right?”

Genard shouted hastily:

“P-put those swords away now!”

The knights looked confused, glancing between Yuri and Genard. The squad captain spoke up:

“My lord, please withdraw. It’s dangerous. Let us handle these men first—”

“He is the prince!”

“What?”

Yuri removed the magic artifact from his neck. His hair and eyes turned jet black.

It was a dazzling transformation. His previously subdued presence now felt overwhelming.

When the captain saw Yuri’s pitch-black eyes, he understood everything. His fingers loosened, and he dropped his sword.

The rest of the knights followed. It was as if everyone had surrendered.

Yuri smiled and greeted Raymond.

“Sorry for the wait, Your Highness.”

“Why are you apologizing? The one who should be sorry is that bastard.”

Yuri turned to Genard. The man seemed to be trying to piece things together. After a moment of silence, he spoke:

“Your Highness. Even if you are a prince, this trial is under my jurisdiction. The governance of Yuzes is a right and duty delegated to me by His Majesty.”

“Then govern properly. You’re jailing an innocent knight as you please? Are you the king now? Idiot!”

“Now, Your Highness… you witnessed the trial, didn’t you?”

Genard reverted to his usual smug grin. He seemed to be planning something. He pointed to the judge, prosecutor, and lawyer in turn.

“All the jurists of Yuzes have determined Raymond guilty.”

“Because they’re all your lackeys, moron.”

“If you keep insulting me like this—”

“Sorry, moron.”

The citizens watched with a mix of fear and delight. The oppressor was being humiliated by someone of higher rank.

“Do you have any proof?”

“Do I look like you? If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here, dumbass.”

Yuri jabbed a finger into Genard’s cheek. Genard trembled with fury.

“If… if you really have proof…”

“Genard.”

Yuri stepped closer. Taller, he had to lean down to whisper into Genard’s ear.

“Keep this up, and the one who’ll fall for treason is you.”

Briol was unique compared to other kingdoms. The king was so powerful that no noble dared challenge him.

And now, with even the third prince showing that kind of power, it was a nightmare for nobles.

“Your Highness.”

But Genard didn’t give up.

“If you have proof, present it properly. Otherwise, this is an abuse of power.”

Yuri grinned.

“Fine. Here’s your proof.”

Yuri gave a signal. From among the crowd, a man stepped forward.

He wore too many jewels, but somehow looked natural doing so. It was hard to tell whether he was nouveau riche or just had terrible taste.

He bowed respectfully.

“I am Guillermo, vice president of the Elaine Chamber of Commerce. This is the seal confirming my position.”

Winking at Yuri, he raised a document.

“The compensation funds of the Alliance Comrades Association that you confiscated were private property of the prince from the start. That is, they were a gift from the royal family.”

Genard stood speechless, not fully understanding. Guillermo explained again calmly.

“In short, what you’ve done is forcibly seize private property from the royal family of Briol.”