Chapter 23
Trials in the Kinsteria Empire are rare, and since religion takes precedence over law, there is no separate courthouse. This is why the trial was held at the National Theatre. In the royal box on the second floor sat representatives of the Imperial Family and the Myaria Temple, while on the stage were the presiding priest, the clerk, and the litigants.
Everyone participating in the trial wore masks. Officially, the masks were worn to ensure a fair trial by keeping identities unknown, but in reality, in the Empire, it was merely a formality. By the time permission for a trial is granted, everyone already knows who’s involved. It’s more of a “blindfolded game” than anything meaningful. Perhaps the original intent was followed in the early days, but now it’s entirely disregarded.
Viscount Graine, wearing his mask, stood to the left, his arrogance was barely hidden. While Cordelia, visibly trembling, was on the right. In the center stood the priest conducting the trial.
“Everyone, please be silent. We will now begin case number twenty-two, an alimony lawsuit.”
As the trial began, I felt my heartbeat quicken with tension. I glanced around, noting the noblewomen on the right led by Madame Hyacinth, and the shopkeepers gathered on the left who were organized by Nancy. They all looked at me with reassuring expressions.
These were my hidden cards, assembled to create the perfect atmosphere. Using my broadcast experience from my previous life as Lee Chan-mi, I had trained them over the past three days on how to react.
When feeling sad, they were to sigh with a “Oh↘,” for indignation, a disapproving “Boo—,” for sympathy, a collective “Ahhh,” and for joy, a round of applause with a “Wow!”
Though they had never rehearsed together, the ensemble of nobles and commoners executed the reactions flawlessly. This was such a unique atmosphere that even the priest overseeing the trial seemed visibly taken aback.
Viscount Graine, confident he would win, had an air of indifference throughout the trial and maintained a remarkably defiant attitude about his affair, acting as if he were some kind of war hero.
‘Shameless,’ I thought.
But even he couldn’t help but flinch at the reactions coming from the gallery, where he was subjected to direct criticism for the first time in his life. Meanwhile, Cordelia not only delivered every line I had prepared for her but also infused them with heartfelt sincerity, winning the empathy of many people in the gallery.
After over ten hours of arguments, the trial was nearing its conclusion.
“The two litigants, please prepare your final statements.”
Viscount Grain confidently strode to the center of the stage, fixing his gaze on the royal box on the second floor as he opened his unsightly mouth.
“Is it a crime to fall in love? Why should I have to divide my property with that woman just because I fell in love with someone else? She didn’t help me in the slightest with my relationships with other women. Instead of being grateful for what I’ve done for her so far, she’s repaying me with betrayal. I ask that you punish this ungrateful woman.”
“Boo—!”
“Shameless!”
“Petty!”
“Bang, bang, bang!’’
As the booing echoed endlessly, the officiating priest struck the gavel.
“Silence, please. If this disturbance continues, we will proceed with removals.”
At this, the courtroom quieted down. Cordelia rose from her seat and stood at the center of the stage, her posture respectful. She looked gratefully at the spectators who supported her, then turned her gaze to the Imperial and temple representatives in the royal box.
“Respected judges of the Imperial and temple sides, thank you for granting this trial. The misfortune of my life began with my marriage. On the very night of our wedding, my former husband ran off to a courtesan, and only recently, his mistress stormed into my salon, causing a scene that led to my divorce. My marriage to him has been miserable and wretched from beginning to end. However, I managed our household, handled the estate, and increased his wealth through investments in the arts, while my former husband contributed nothing. In truth, it was I who cared for him, not the other way around. Yet, with this sudden divorce, I have nowhere to go and am currently staying with a friend. As you know, in this Empire, a divorced woman without support from her family is left destitute, and I am no different, struck by calamity. Respected judges, I ask not only for myself but for humanity, to grant me a fair judgment.”
Cordelia held her dress as she gracefully knelt, having a resolute yet sorrowful expression.
Applause erupted from the spectators, who sympathized with and encouraged her. All that was left was the verdict.
I glanced toward the royal box, but all I could see was the Imperial Guard protecting the prince and the Paladin Guard surrounding the cardinal. I wasn’t worried about the Imperial Family—they had already reached a consensus through Zion. My only concern was whether today’s trial might sway the cardinal’s opinion.
I had considered bribing him, but Priest Chris assured me that the cardinal presiding today was not one to be influenced by such things and would make a just decision, so I shouldn’t worry.
‘If only he was someone who liked bribes; that would be easier to handle. Then I wouldn’t be feeling this anxious.’ My clasped hands grew damp with sweat.
After about twenty minutes, the officiating priest returned to the center with the verdict in hand. I’d expected it to take at least a few hours, so this rapid timing made me even more nervous.
“I will now read the trial verdict. The male party is ordered to pay 80% of his assets to the female party. The process of asset division will be overseen by representatives from both parties and a royal secretary to ensure its proper execution. This concludes the alimony lawsuit.”
“What? What is this supposed to mean?!”
Viscount Graine leapt up, furious, hurling his mask aside.
“Are you out of your mind? How could you reach this decision? This is wrong!!”
As he began destroying property and approached Cordelia with a raised hand, a guard stepped forward to block him. Graine hesitated, dropping his hand upon seeing the taller, stronger guard. At that moment, both an Imperial Guard and a Paladin Guard whispered to the officiating priest. The priest nodded, then quickly stepped to the center and shouted,
“Additional charges of insulting the Empire and the Temple have been added. He is to be detained immediately.”
Cheers and applause exploded from the spectators.
—
A celebration party was held in Madame Hyacinth’s greenhouse garden. Cordelia took my hand and spoke with tears in her eyes.
“Thank you, thank you so much, Adeline. If it weren’t for you…”
She expressed her gratitude so profusely it felt almost embarrassing.
“Cordelia, I was merely an ally. You’re the one who made the decision to divorce and took action. I want you to feel a little more pride in yourself. And from now on, there will be even greater challenges ahead. I hope you can continue to face them with the same determination as you did today.”
She nodded tearfully. Since her divorce, we’d become comfortable enough to call each other friends.
“Let’s keep supporting each other, Adeline.”
Madame Hyacinth, in high spirits, brought out delicious food and fine wine. We enjoyed our victory party late into the night.
“Winning truly is the best!”
With the big issue resolved, I felt light and carefree, and I drank as though there was no tomorrow, getting drunk for the first time in a long while. I felt a happiness beyond words.
—
*Myaria Central Temple.*
Christian sipped his tea with a relaxed expression. His long, elegant fingers tapped the table lightly, as if playing piano.
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
“I have returned, Cardinal Christian.”
Christian looked at the middle-aged cardinal standing before him, making no gesture for him to sit. Though Christian said nothing, his mere presence was enough to make the other man swallow nervously.
Even though they held the same title of cardinal—and in fact, he had been elevated to the rank before Christian—he always felt small and insignificant in his presence. Christian had a strange power that compelled others to submit.
“As you requested… or rather, as you commanded, I handled the matter accordingly.”
Christian nodded slightly. As his expression softened, the cardinal standing before him summoned up the courage to speak.
“Um, but… is this truly alright? Viscount Graine has been a devoted supporter of our church.”
“We have no need for the devotion of a man like him. I have bigger plans. Are you questioning my decision?”
Christian crossed his right leg over his left, his gaze sharp and piercing.
Meeting his fierce stare head-on, the cardinal broke into a cold sweat.
“N-no, of course not. Forgive me; my thoughts were short-sighted and disrespectful. Please, forgive my rudeness.”
It was disgusting and humiliating, but Christian was a man destined to become pope soon. In fact, even the current pope was nothing more than a puppet under his control. The Myaria Church currently moved entirely according to his will. And, most frighteningly, those who had once opposed him had nearly all left the church or had been found dead.
“I’ll take my leave now.”
The cardinal bowed low and exited the room. Once outside, he breathed a sigh of relief, his hand pressed to his chest. Left alone, Christian gazed at the incense sticks Adeline had gifted him. His previously impassive face softened and took on a gentle expression.
—
Late at night, after the party had ended, I was on my way home in the carriage Madam Hyacinth had provided. Already very drunk, I fell asleep as soon as I climbed inside.
Crash!
As I lay stretched out on the seat, I was jolted awake by a violent impact that threw me forward. If it hadn’t been for Madam Hyacinth’s high-quality carriage, the crash would have surely left me with broken bones. My head throbbed painfully, and my whole body ached as though bruised all over.
If I felt this much pain from inside, what about the coachman, Tommy?
“Tommy! Tommy!”
I called out loudly, but there was no response from outside.
