Chapter 157: Hugo Yeats [2]
Chapter 157: Hugo Yeats [2]
The trial date approached in an instant.
Because this was a case with so much evidence and so many witnesses, there was no need to conduct a lengthy investigation. Besides, Hugo Yates had also admitted everything—with an arrogant expression.
"Man, I really am a crazy person."
It's as if he's saying, *"If I admit it, what's the point?"* I guess he believes in his position and strong support. Naturally, the investigation went back to the drawing board, and the Marquis of Yeats became more and more elated.
During that time, I received a visit from someone.
"It's been a while, Your Highness the Duke of Carriers."
"Nice to meet you, Marquis Gilmore."
I stood up and greeted him politely. Marquis Gilmore was the Prime Minister, who supervised all the officials of the empire. In fact, I should have considered him to be one step higher than me if we look at it by position, not by status.
"But, what brought you here?" I asked with a puzzled expression.
The Gilmores were also one of the most renowned families in the Empire. Of course, it wasn't unrelated to the Duke of Carriers. I guess we'd have to go a bit further back to explain it all.
"I would like to talk about this trial."
"Oh, you mean the Marquis of Yeats?"
"Yes."
"Judges are not permitted to accept any requests."
Of course, this was a theoretical discussion.
Even though it is written in the law, how many people actually follow it? When pressure from outside comes into play, judges are bound to collapse because there are always greater powers.
But that story didn't apply to me at all.
"Your Highness the Duke of Carriers is famous for being fair and just. However, when judging a case, shouldn't we also consider the context?"
"I guess you're saying that we should be a little more considerate since we're from the same royal family."
"Not only that. He played a major role in helping His Majesty the Emperor ascend to the throne. He also devotes all his energy to the defense of the Empire."
There's a saying: *A fool who has no hope of success.* If you have no lips, your teeth will be sensitive.
That must mean that the Empire needs the power of the Marquis Yeats.
But is he really a great person who should be tolerated despite such embarrassment? If he continues this in the future, won't it only tarnish the Emperor's honor?
I stared at Marquis Gilmore. "What does that have to do with this case?"
"I am telling you that this is a matter of consideration."
"Sigh."
A long sigh escaped me. Isn't this a request from an older adult of considerable status? It was burdensome to refuse outright.
Then what should I do?
"I understand. I will refer to the Marquis of Yeats's contributions."
"Haha! You have such a broad mind. Don't you think people will praise you?"
For a moment, I almost laughed out loud. If the Marquis of Yeats were to be spared, the reputation I'd built up until now would be shattered. *Am I crazy to make such a choice?*
When even the prime minister came to try to change the result, I felt even more resentful.
Should I say that it only sharpened my resolve? After Marquis Gilmore left, I prepared for the trial with a heavy heart. But then, someone knocked on the office door.
"Knock, knock."
"Your Honor, I am Emir Colund."
"Come in."
"Yes."
Judge Emir entered, breathing somewhat heavily. He had a troubled expression, and the atmosphere felt ominous.
"What's going on?"
"The Marquis Yeats…."
"What about that guy?"
"He is kneeling in front of the palace."
No, what the hell is going on here? This isn't the Joseon Dynasty; why is he doing this?
'This guy is really smart.'
* * *
"Phew, phew! Please kill this poor bastard!"
A middle-aged man was crying loudly, tears streaming down his face. Though he was apologizing, his voice was filled with resentment. The man charged with drunken disorderly conduct was none other than Marquis Hugo Yeats.
Of course, he couldn't have been sincere when he asked to be killed. 'No way. He's doing this to survive.'
I felt like I came for nothing. It was a very ugly sight, truly amazing that facial skin could be that thick.
"As a public official, I can't even maintain my dignity. I deserve to be punished!"
If he came here to apologize for his mistake, why would he talk about public officials? It must be a plea for leniency since he has done this much.
I looked around and snorted. I was curious to see what other people's expressions were. But then, a group of people came rushing in and took their places behind Marquis Yeats.
"Your Majesty, please have mercy."
"It is true that the Marquis of Yeats did wrong, but he is very important. It would be a national loss to imprison him!"
"Yes, please listen to the voices of our officials!"
It was becoming more and more theatrical. Come to think of it, aren't all those people imperialist nobles? *I really want to hit them all in the face.*
I suddenly felt I understood the emperor's struggles, having to do politics with men like them. Oh, wait. Who am I even sympathizing with right now?
"Hello, Your Highness the Duke of Carriers."
I was laughing bitterly, thinking of nothing, when someone came up to greet me. It was Corbin Sears, the prosecutor at the DA's office. But why was I meeting this person? Well, the defendant who was supposed to appear in court was in the wrong place.
We must go and catch him quickly.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes!"
Inspector Sears had a determined look on his face. Well, when else would I get to do something like this? It's not every day a marquis gets forcibly arrested.
"Execute it."
"All right."
Soon, large men began to swarm in, investigators brought from the Capital Police Force. If it were them, they'd finish the job neatly.