Chapter 190: The Trial Doesn't Matter
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 190: The Trial Doesn't Matter
“In Barbat, two main factions—the Jorge Faction and the Seni Faction—hold political power. The Jorge Faction is…”
“Oho, I see, I see.”
The social affairs reporter I met through Monica’s help told me a great deal about Barbat.
Being able to meet a reporter even while held as a suspect—the influence of the Graham family really is something else.
“Um, so, now…”
The reporter, who had been giving me a lecture on Barbat, glanced at me tentatively before requesting an interview.
Since we had agreed to meet for the purpose of an interview in the first place, I intended to answer diligently.
“Yes, of course. What are you curious about?”
“What the public wants to know is…”
I answered his questions as they came, but since I had already achieved my goal, the content didn't really register.
I hadn't called a reporter just to prove my innocence.
First, I needed to know what kind of place Barbat was—its political situation, history, and the kind of power religion held here.
Fortunately, Barbat is a very "people-friendly," good country.
It’s such a kind nation, incomparable to our dictatorial government that resorts to information control and oppression whenever necessary.
To think such an easy-to-exploit country exists—isn't this a gift from God for someone like me, who has been falsely accused?
My team leader, whose political skills are at max level, once compared politics to a trade.
Actually, "trade" is a word that fits almost anywhere, so at first, I just thought, Ah, he’s pretending to be sophisticated again. But the explanation he gave afterward, which caught me off guard, is still engraved in my mind.
A trade where you profit by selling what you have.
However, the team leader said that selling your own things to buy allies is for idiots.
‘It doesn't matter if you have more allies or if the other guy has more. The neighborhood we’re struggling in is just a small world in the grand scheme of things. There’s always someone above you, and someone even stronger above them. What happens when you reach the top and there’s no one stronger? You’ll find plenty of people around who are annoying but too troublesome to touch.’
What I need to buy is the "situation." I need to buy the bait that will catch the eye of the bigger fish and pique the interest of those even higher up.
Once the stage is set, the bastards who were just testing the waters will come sniffing around on their own, and my allies will naturally increase.
In that sense, quite by chance, I had obtained some decent bait just before I was caught.
I wonder how much the mages will crave this? And I wonder if Barbat, which gets steamrolled by Yggdrasil alone, has the power to protect it.
As I sat there with a smirk, the next person I had requested through Monica entered.
“Yoo-hoo~ What do they feed you in prison?”
Park Yu-jeong walked in with a bright smile.
Seeing me in a pathetic state with mana restraint devices on my wrists, she sat down in front of the iron bars, looking completely unconcerned.
“How’s the situation outside?”
“It’s fun~ The people in hoods are making a fuss about how you should be burned at the stake, while the Barbat high-ranking officials are just walking on eggshells around Yggdrasil. It’s such a mess, there’s never a dull moment.”
I heard they were continuously protesting to Yggdrasil, but as expected, that was just for show to the public.
They have to watch the powerful ones and the public at the same time; it must be tough being stuck in the middle.
Park Yu-jeong chuckled and then dropped her pen as if by mistake.
Even though the pen fell right next to her, she didn't pay it any mind. The guard glanced over this way.
I couldn't feel any mana because of the restraints, so I didn't know exactly what happened, but she probably used a silence spell on the surroundings, right?
“Did you tell them about the ruins?”
“No. I had a hard time stopping those idiots who wanted to go public with it, saying they had to clear your name.”
Kuuu— I knew I could trust her.
Park Yu-jeong had realized why I stayed quiet even though revealing the ruins could prove my alibi, and she had stopped the others.
If I revealed the ruins just to prove my innocence, I’d have to hand them over to Barbat without getting a fair price.
“So. Are you going to use that to prove your alibi? Or a plea bargain?”
“If I did that, wouldn't you kill me?”
“Yeah, probably. I haven't even finished hoarding the materials yet, and although my stake is small, I still have rights to it. Hmm~ It’s all thanks to Yeon-woo, but a waste is still a waste. If you get in the way, I’ll have to claim damages from you.”
What is she, a yakuza?
She talks about "damages" when she hasn't actually lost anything.
And a plea bargain? She’s talking as if I actually stole that Taehwan Jewel or whatever.
“I didn't steal it.”
“Well, I didn't see it myself. But they didn't catch you while risking Yggdrasil’s displeasure for nothing, right? They must have had clear evidence. And if it’s Yeon-woo… I did think, Maybe it’s worth a try?”
“What do you take me for? I’m a diligent and wonderful man.”
“Ahahaha! A diligently mean man. That’s why I like you.”
Park Yu-jeong smirked as she looked down at me.
Her long, flowing sky-blue hair maximized her cuteness, but the murderous smile didn't suit her cute face at all.
“So, what do you need me to do?”
“What is there to do? I just called you to see your face—”
“Our Yeon-woo~ you’re dragging this out too much~ Do you hate being in my debt that much? Just say it. This big sister will do anything you ask.”
Seriously, this woman is too smart.
Park Yu-jeong giggled, slightly fluttering her short skirt to reveal her snow-white thighs.
“Should I give you something to look at while you masturbate in prison? I didn't wear panties on purpose.”
“No, I’m good on that. Anyway, can you clear my name without revealing the ruins?”
“Taking off my skirt is easy, but that might be a bit hard. I’m not saying I can’t do it, but the debt will be quite large. How about being my slave for about three years? It’s better than being executed or getting life in prison, right?”
“Fine, forget that too. Just do me this one favor.”
I explained a bit of my plan and what I needed Park Yu-jeong to do on the outside.
At first, she looked uninterested, but as I spoke, the corners of her mouth curled up. She said it sounded fun and that she’d join in.
She even said she didn't need the debt repaid as long as she could be part of something fun.
It seems I’ve piqued her interest immensely.
* * *
‘Sister, you don’t need to do anything.’
Monica recalled what Erin had said before they came to Barbat.
It was a strange request—to suddenly call her, explain the situation, and ask her to go to Barbat, only to tell her to do nothing.
As the head of the Graham family, she knew very well what kind of influence she exerted just by being present.
But did it make sense that she didn't need to help the perverted brat who harassed her daughter?
‘No, it’s not like I want to help him.’
For Monica, it would be more peaceful if Yeon-woo were sentenced to life in Barbat.
But that was her perspective.
It wasn't something Erin, who cherished Yggdrasil and her students, would say.
He might be showing excellent results lately, but even so, how much could a greenhorn with no social experience handle a legal issue?
Monica expressed her concern, but Erin simply smiled and shook her head.
‘Yeon-woo is more underhanded than you think, Sister. He’ll handle it on his own.’
By nature, Erin never associated with despicable people.
However, Monica had seen how much she normally cherished and liked Yeon-woo.
It was annoying enough having Frey pestering her, but having Erin take his side as well had made Monica’s blood boil more than once or twice.
Though she used the word "underhanded," Erin trusted Yeon-woo.
Deep trust.
The deep trust that Yeon-woo could solve it himself was so immense it was hard to believe it was directed at a mere student, leaving Monica in deep thought.
‘Come to think of it, even Frey trusted that guy, even if she didn't say it much.’
Since she was told to just sit still, Monica had no intention of stepping forward.
That damn brat had requested a little help, but it was only to meet a few people. For the head of the Graham family, that was almost embarrassing to call "help."
- Deepening Rift Between Alfheim and Barbat… Escalating into Diplomatic War.
- Alfheim Takes Hardline Stance Against Barbat… Are Diplomatic Relations Heading for a ‘Catastrophe’?
- Alfheim ‘Strongly Protests’ Barbat’s Measures… Becoming an International Issue.
Monica frowned as she looked at the articles floating on the internet.
Nothing had been properly revealed yet, but the fuss was excessive.
These were the kind of articles that should come out after the trial results or the response, but they were too early.
‘Did he call the social affairs reporter just to do this…?’
Using the media wasn't a bad idea.
However, he had started a media war before the trial had even taken place.
Barbat wanted to handle this as quietly as possible because they were wary of Yggdrasil, but if the opponent acted like this, they would be displeased.
‘Is he a typical fool who thinks he’s the only smart one…?’
What you can think of, others can think of too, and the opponent is the entire nation of Barbat.
Did he think the politicians of Barbat wouldn't notice such a trick?
They would realize who was waging the media war.
And they would tighten the noose around his neck. After all, Barbat currently held the power to decide his fate.
Monica looked closely at the articles, then shrugged and lost interest.
Since she was told she didn't need to do anything, she would stay still.
‘If he were just that kind of guy, Erin wouldn't trust him.’
The trial took place the next day.
The trial, held shortly after his capture, was a trial in form only; in reality, it was a ploy to announce his crimes to everyone and gain legitimacy.
In the center of the amphitheater-like courtroom, Seo Yeon-woo stood alone without a lawyer or a prosecutor, and the judges entered.
‘Quite a crowd.’
Monica looked around and smirked.
It seemed every diplomat stationed in Barbat was gathered here.
Not just diplomats, but several important figures from other countries were visible, and some had come from Alfheim as well.
Since the media had been making a fuss about wars breaking out and whatnot, they couldn't help but take an interest in the trial.
‘…But why are those people here?’
Leading a family meant Monica knew and had met many influential people in politics, economy, and academia.
Even if she hadn't met them personally, she knew many of their faces because they were necessary for business, and Monica spotted some familiar ones.
‘Moai Technology, SA Group, Letoa, Kyungwoon Industry, even Merhen…?’
It wasn't strange for government officials to be there, but it was clearly odd for figures from the economic world to be among the crowd.
‘Connections…? Why? Does their presence affect the trial outcome?’
If it was connections, it was impressive, but there was nothing they could do to help here.
Curious about the intent, Monica looked at Park Yu-jeong, the chairman of SA Group, who seemed close to Yeon-woo.
However, she seemed busy, not caring about the trial at all.
She was constantly sending texts with one hand, and from her voice as she quietly spoke on the phone with the other, she was continuously giving orders to buy something.
While Monica was lost in doubt, the trial began. As she expected, an infuriated Barbat proceeded with the trial, having already determined him to be the criminal who stole the holy relic.
They didn't give Yeon-woo a proper chance to defend himself; it was a trial closer to an interrogation, citing numerous pieces of evidence.
What looked strange to Monica was that Yeon-woo didn't answer properly during the trial.
Since they couldn't openly railroad him, Barbat pretended to give him a chance, but Yeon-woo didn't even take it. He only gave strange answers like, “Maybe~” or “Could be~.”
At his insolent attitude, the judge’s patience reached its limit, and anger was visible on his face.
“Defendant, do you have any final words?”
“Yes, I have something to say.”
With exaggerated gestures as if performing a play, Yeon-woo turned away from the judge to face the gathered crowd.
“I am innocent. If I have a crime, it’s only the crime of being too handsome.”
‘Is he insane?’
As Monica stared blankly at the unthinkable words, someone slammed their desk and shouted.
“There is clear footage of the scene, and you’re lying?!”
“That wasn't me! Why? Because there was no halo. Everyone, look at me. Can you feel the aura and the halo emanating from my appearance? The guy who imitated me in that video doesn't have it! This is definitive proof that it wasn't me!”
‘He really is insane.’
Just as Monica’s mental image of Yeon-woo was changing from "the bastard who harassed my daughter" to "the lunatic who harassed my daughter," he shouted an internet address in the noisy courtroom.
“What are you doing?! Talk that is unrelated to the trial—”
“I found an ancient ruin in Barbat!”
“… …”
“A ruin that purifies a mage’s mana and strengthens their supernatural abilities, regardless of their skill level. For detailed effects, look it up on the website…”
At the shocking news, the courtroom fell silent. Yeon-woo gave a satisfied smirk.
“It’s for sale. Ancient ruin. Never used… well, used once.”
“… …”
“If you’re interested, please contact me.”
He’s a madman.
This guy didn't care about the trial from the start.
Even waging the media war was a ploy to gather people.
Yeon-woo, who made eye contact with the blankly staring Monica, smiled brightly before being suppressed by the staff and dragged away.