Chapter 22: Dreams Always Reflect Reality
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 22: Dreams Always Reflect Reality
Flash!
A spotlight suddenly flared to life, pinning Muen in its glare.
The light was so bright it was hard to keep his eyes open, but unfortunately, Muen couldn't raise a hand to shield them—his arms were lashed firmly to a chair.
The surrounding area was noisy. Countless pitch-black shadows sat in tiered rows of seating, whispering among themselves and pointing fingers at Muen.
Bang.
At the source of the light, a majestic judge slammed a sacred gavel!
"Silence!"
"The court is now in session regarding the case of Muen Campbell’s disrespect toward Her Highness, Princess Celicia!"
"We will now hear the opening statement from the legal proxy for the plaintiff, Princess Celicia!"
Flash!
A new spotlight clicked on, illuminating a wooden desk with a sign that read Plaintiff’s Representative. Ariel Bugard stood up, pushed her large, black-rimmed glasses up the bridge of her nose, and began a scathing indictment of the defendant, Muen Campbell!
"Your Honor, please allow me to represent the plaintiff and read aloud the crimes of Muen Campbell to this court!"
"Proceed."
"First of all, Muen Campbell is an absolute beast! Exploiting his status as her fiancé, he actually had the audacity to invite Her Highness Celicia to dance with him. He even dared to wantonly stroke Her Highness’s fair, tender little hands! It’s just too enviable—I mean, it’s a total stain on Her Highness’s reputation!"
"Secondly, Muen Campbell is an absolute beast! He actually dared to invite Her Highness Celicia to a private room to be alone with him! It’s just too enviable—I mean, it’s far too disturbing!"
"Finally, Muen Campbell is an absolute beast! While alone with Her Highness, not only was he satisfied breathing the same air as her, but he actually drugged her black tea and did that to Her Highness! It’s just too enviable—I mean, it’s utterly loathsome!"
"In summary, Muen Campbell is an absolute beast! On behalf of the plaintiff, I sincerely hope Your Honor will sentence Muen Campbell to death!"
"Hmm, I see."
The judge nodded expressionlessly.
"I have received the plaintiff’s request. Now, what does the defense have to say?"
"I object!"
Muen struggled violently.
"The plaintiff’s lawyer is clearly biased! She’s using this for a personal vendetta! This is a personal vendetta!"
Bang!
The judge slammed the gavel down hard.
"Muen Campbell, now is not the time for you to speak. I am addressing your defense attorney!"
Flash!
The spotlight shifted again, landing on Muen’s defense attorney.
"Ribbit!"
As the legal representative for the defendant, Mr. Frog stared with bulging eyes and delivered a rigorous opinion!
"Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit! Ribbit! Ribbit!"
"Hmm. Yes, I see. Quite right."
The judge nodded repeatedly. "I see! So you, the defense attorney, also believe that Muen Campbell is a beast?"
"I object! Why is my lawyer a frog?! And Your Honor, you can't possibly understand a word he's saying!"
Bang!
"Muen Campbell! If you dare disrupt this sacred court again, I shall pronounce your sentence immediately!"
Muen shut his mouth in frustration. He could only watch as his defense attorney let out a few more nonsensical croaks before hopping away.
Fine. Now he didn't even have a lawyer!
"Now, we shall hear from the witnesses."
Witness Number One: Muen Campbell’s personal maid, An.
"Yes, Young Master Muen is indeed a beast. He looks at my body with wicked eyes every single day. He gets very excited whenever I put on my maid uniform, and he often hides my used stockings. In fact, as his personal maid, I believe this is undoubtedly a very serious case of workplace harassment!"
Witness Number Two: Muen Campbell’s biological father, Grand Duke Lorne Campbell.
"Sigh... I never imagined such a beast would be my son. As a father, I have truly failed. But please, rest assured, I will no longer acknowledge him as my son. Moving forward, the Madam and I will dedicate ourselves to a new baby-making mission! As for Muen... hmph, do with him as you wish. I couldn't care less about the life or death of a beast!"
Witness Number Three: A certain classmate of Muen Campbell.
"Muen Campbell is a beast! Muen Campbell is a beast! Muen Campbell is a beast! Important things must be said three times! Celicia belongs to me!"
"I see."
After hearing the witnesses, the judge nodded knowingly.
"Now, Muen Campbell, do you have anything else to say?"
"I object! The witnesses are clearly lying! And I’m pretty sure I saw one of those witnesses sitting in the plaintiff’s seats earlier—she’s just here to vent her personal emotions and desires!"
"Hmm. In other words, you are admitting that you are a beast?"
"I am not, you bastard! And isn't this supposed to be a trial for my crimes? Is 'Beast Crime' even a real thing in this world?!"
Bang!
The judge struck his gavel one last time and read the verdict solemnly:
"I hereby declare Muen Campbell guilty of the Beast Crime! Sentence: Death, to be carried out immediately!"
"It really exists?!"
Before Muen could protest again, the shadows in the audience stood up and surged forward like a tide.
They hoisted Muen up, carrying him toward the execution ground while chanting in unison:
"Beast! Beast! Muen Campbell is a beast!"
Flash!
A spotlight fell.
On the cold execution platform, a noose was already prepared!
The scene shifted, and Muen Campbell was already standing on the trapdoor!
"No! I don't want to die! I'm still young! I haven't even had a girlfriend yet! I only got to the second-to-last episode of Magical Girl Ma—! At least tell me if Kyubey died or not!"
Seeing the cold noose draw closer, Muen Campbell began to struggle frantically.
"Muen Campbell, do you really think you aren't a beast?"
Suddenly, a cool, distant voice drifted over.
Muen looked up and saw Celicia standing not far away.
The judge, the lawyers, the witnesses, and the audience had all vanished. Only Celicia stood under the light, asking coldly:
"Muen Campbell, do you really believe you aren't a beast?"
"I..."
Am I not?
No. When it came to Celicia, he couldn't give that answer.
After all, he really had done those things.
"I am..."
Tears of regret leaked from the corners of Muen's eyes. He took a step forward, voluntarily placing his neck into the noose!
"That's right, I am a beast!"
"I, Muen Campbell, am an absolute beast!"
...
"I am a beast!"
With a loud shout, Muen bolted upright in bed.
He happened to lock eyes with An, who was holding a bowl of medicine.
"..."
"..."
An stared at Muen in silence for a moment, then set the bowl down.
"I see. Has Young Master Muen’s brain also been damaged? Please wait a moment; I shall go fetch the doctor to examine the Young Master again."
"I'm fine!"