Damn, I recarneted As A Judge in Fantasy World

Chapter 160: The Emperor's Command

It was quite surprising news that Marquis Hugo Yates had been sentenced to 15 years in prison. This trial caused a great uproar throughout the empire.

Naturally, all kinds of stories leaked out from the royal family. Most people responded that it was a good decision, but some also thought it was an excessive ruling.

"Your Highness, I think you should go to the palace."

"Did His Majesty issue an edict?"

"…Yes."

Butler Miller Xavier nodded with a heavy expression. In fact, it was a reaction I had already expected. The first-class contributor had been arrested, so there was no way the emperor would remain idle.

I thought they would call me, but I didn't expect it to happen this quickly. The order had been issued the day after the trial ended.

'What can I do? Now all that's left is to face it head-on.'

Isn't this the result of setting justice straight? I was fully prepared for that. I got into the carriage with a solemn expression on my face.

"How on earth did he know?" asked the groom, Uncle Brandon, with a worried look.

"Your Highness, just say the word. I will devote myself entirely to running until we cross the imperial border."

It seemed like he didn't know I wasn't going to die.

'Actually, it's a somewhat similar situation.'

Ominous rumors were already circulating that the emperor was angry.

"Why are you saying such things? Since His Majesty has summoned me, I must naturally respond. Please, head to the palace."

"Ugh! Your Majesty..."

Uncle Brandon drove the carriage with tears in his eyes. I wanted to clear up the misunderstanding quickly, but it seemed like I wouldn't be able to.

No matter what I said now, it wouldn't work. Soon, the carriage slowly stopped in front of the palace. I was afraid that if I kept muttering, I might burst into tears, so I hurriedly got out of the carriage.

"I'll be back soon, so please wait."

"Yes, I understand, Your Majesty. Sob!"

"Hey! I told you it's okay."

As I was about to turn around with an awkward smile, the reddened faces of the knights came into view.

No, why is it like this here? From the looks of things, it seemed like they had heard the rumors too. I'm going to pay the price for this trial now.

'That's true, but not to that extent.'

Of course, there would be some consequences. However, it would be impossible to impose such a harsh punishment. My reputation was too high, and I had a good reason for my actions.

"From here on out, you'll have to go alone."

"Thank you for your effort."

"…I hope there's good news."

"Oh, yes. Thank you."

Usually, the knights of the guard didn't speak about personal matters.

They were trained to be faithful to their duties like machines. But now, one immediately offered words of encouragement. It was a world where you had to live by seeing things the right way.

"Ha!"

I opened the door to the inner chamber of the palace with a deep breath.

Then, the face of Emperor Charon, leaning sideways on the throne, came into view.

His cold gaze seemed to freeze everything, his expression indifferent. It looked no different than usual, but today it felt more ominous for some reason.

"Your Majesty."

"Alright. We see each other often, so what's the need for formalities?"

The emperor waved his hand dismissively. Still, I finished my greeting exactly according to palace etiquette, ensuring no one could find fault with it.

'I'm not the type to mince words, so let's get straight to the point.'

I was ready to explain why I had destroyed Hugo Yates. I was determined to pour everything out and calmly accept the results. But the emperor's next words were completely unexpected.

"Cousin."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Go east and take care of the Marquisate of Yates."

"I have the honor of serving the public... Wait, what?"

I looked up at the emperor, bewildered. I couldn't grasp his hidden intention. My cousin's poker face was just incredible.

'I came here to explain the cause, didn't I?'

Wasn't this the same man who had been hailed as a first-class contributor?

Yet, whenever he got drunk, he'd start wielding a sword. And do you know what's truly cunning?

Not all his victims were nobles, even though people of various social statuses were always nearby. What did that mean?

'It wasn't that he was too drunk to remember.'

Clearly, the Marquis of Yates swung his sword with careful intent, targeting only those who wouldn't cause too much trouble if harmed.

How could a man like that continue acting like the empire's greatest contributor?

In the end, it would only tarnish the emperor's honor. I came here to talk about this, and now I'm being told to take over the Marquisate of Yates?

"Your Majesty, I'm a bit dull. I find it difficult to understand what you're saying."

"Ah, I forgot to mention the word 'explaination.' Of course, I was going to tell you."

"I am so grateful to you."

"The reason is nothing special. The Marquisate of Yates hasn't sent taxes in several years."

The Empire of Emper was a perfectly centralized state. In the past, under the feudal system, lords handled everything, from passing down titles to collecting taxes.

But now, with imperial power firmly established, the government controlled it all. Titles were maintained only if a portion of the harvest was paid.

'Even for someone living recklessly, isn't this crossing the line too far?'

If you displeased the emperor, you'd lose everything.

Emperor Charon looked at me with an amused expression, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.

"Didn't the public officials exempt him from taxes for several years? I've been lenient for long enough."

"Ah!"

Now I understood. The Marquis of Yates hadn't paid taxes even though it was due.

But what is this? Wouldn't the emperor turn a blind eye to it? It seemed Yates had thought this was a benefit granted to him and continued to delay payments.

But now, it appeared the emperor no longer intended to overlook it.

'Why all of a sudden?'

Wasn't this the man who played the biggest role in placing the emperor on the throne?

The justification for not paying taxes was weak. I looked at the emperor with questioning eyes, and he snorted.

"The hunting season is over."

A pile of sand and gravel. Once the rabbit is caught, the hunting dogs become useless. It was a rare, cold-blooded thought, truly fitting for Emperor Charon.

'No, but why me?'

Wasn't I the one who sent the Marquis of Yates to prison? And now you want me to raid his territory too? It was the perfect move to shape my image.

'Are you trying to use me as a sharp sword rather than a fair and just judge?'

My head was spinning from all the complexities, but one thing was certain: I had no right to refuse. If I wanted to end up like Hugo Yates, I could push back. But who would take such a risk?

"…I will obey the emperor's command."

Of course, there was no way I would do something so reckless. Besides, it wasn't an unreasonable order.

The Marquis of Yates's reputation had already plummeted. His image wouldn't be further damaged if I did what was necessary.

'Then I'll make sure no one can find fault.'

I tried to leave the palace with a solemn expression. But suddenly, I heard the emperor's voice from behind.

"Oh, cousin."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

I turned around and naturally knelt, as if I had no intention of leaving in the first place.

"The movements are sharp."

"Thank you for the compliment. But what brings me back here?"

"The clothes you sent."

"I hope they were to your liking."

"They don't fit."

It was a tailored suit. How could it not fit? Clearly, this was an attempt to nitpick.

I racked my brain, trying to find an excuse. But before I could respond, the emperor spoke again.

"I bulked up recently. Do it again."

What kind of emperor builds muscle? It was absurd, but what choice did I have?

"Yes!"

I answered briskly and left quickly. I didn't want to hear what else he might say if I lingered. As I closed the door and turned away, I heard the emperor's soft laughter.

'Oh my! That joke is a bit harsh.'

***

As Abel stepped out of the throne room, his thoughts were racing.

The sudden shift in responsibilities had caught him off guard, and the conversation with the Emperor left him feeling uneasy.

The moment the heavy palace doors closed behind him, Abel let out a long sigh, trying to gather his composure.

His boots clicked against the marble floors as he walked down the grand hallway, each step feeling heavier than the last.

**Why me?**

The question echoed in his mind. It was one thing to bring the Marquis to justice, but to be tasked with overseeing his territory? That was an entirely different burden.

Abel clenched his jaw. The Emperor had always been unpredictable, but this? This felt like a test—a test of loyalty, a test of resolve, or perhaps something more insidious. **Does he doubt me?**

"Your Highness," a voice interrupted his thoughts. Butler Xavier was waiting near the entrance, his usual stoic expression giving away a hint of concern.

"Is it done?" the butler asked quietly, his eyes flickering with worry as he glanced toward the throne room.

Abel nodded but kept his voice low. "For now. His Majesty has commanded me to oversee the Marquisate of Yates."

The butler's brow furrowed, clearly taken aback by the news. "But, Your Highness, after what happened in court… this seems—"

"A convenient move," Abel finished the sentence for him. "Yes, it's not without its layers. But His Majesty has spoken. There's no room for debate."

Xavier nodded solemnly, knowing full well that once the Emperor gave an order, it was absolute. "Then I shall make the preparations for your departure."

Abel hesitated for a moment, his mind still wrestling with the Emperor's cryptic behavior.

"There's more," he said, his voice slightly strained. "His Majesty made a... request. Apparently, he's bulked up and expects his tailored suit to be redone."

Butler Xavier's eyes widened, barely concealing his surprise. "The Emperor? Bulking up? Your Highness, that..."

"Is absurd, yes. But tell that to His Majesty," Abel muttered. "It's just another layer to whatever game he's playing. Prepare for both the journey and the suit adjustments."

With that, the conversation ended, and Abel moved toward the waiting carriage.