Chapter 158: Hugo Yeats [3]
Soon, large men began to swarm in, investigators brought from the Capital Police Force. If it were them, they'd finish the job neatly.
I've had a lot of trouble because of the Marquis Yeats.
"What is this? Where do you think you are coming in so carelessly?!"
A middle-aged nobleman suddenly stood up and started shouting. It seemed like he was extremely uncomfortable with being interrupted.
Well, is it really possible for such a reaction to come out? They think they're doing something great.
But that was wrong. If you commit a sin, you must be punished. Where are you trying to escape to like a loach?
"Please step aside. You are the Marquis Hugo Yeats, correct?"
"… … ."
Corbin Sears stepped forward and checked the documents. It was an arrest warrant issued in my name. But the Marquis of Yeats neatly ignored it. Then he called out to the Emperor again.
"Is this truly Your Majesty's will? If so, I will gladly accept it. I will remain loyal to the end! Hehe!"
The Marquis of Yeats, crying disgustingly.
I really wanted to give him a hard time, but I couldn't do it. It must be handled according to procedure, no matter what. That guy's definitely going to find fault.
"Marquis Yeats, you are under arrest for aggravated assault."
"The investigation has already been completed, so what's the point of arresting someone?"
"Well, that's because you didn't show up even though we issued a summons several times. We can't proceed with the trial while waiting for the defendant."
"Aren't you now asking for forgiveness from His Majesty? Get out of here, you worthless bastards!"
"Ugh...."
Inspector Sears took a deep breath and nodded to the security guards. Then, an arrest operation was launched immediately.
"Where did these rotten bastards put their hands? Hey, look! The escort knights!"
"Protect His Excellency, the Marquis of Yeats, immediately!"
Eventually, even the knights brought by the imperialist nobles began to move. If this is the case, wouldn't it lead to bloodshed?
'I guess there's nothing I can do.'
Honestly, I just wanted things to go according to plan. So, wouldn't it be better to just stand far away and watch? But when the knights are mobilized, the story changes. The security forces were well-trained, but they were not very skilled at handling Auras. Doesn't that make sense?
When one reaches a certain level, one becomes a knight, not a police officer.
*Shing!* *Woof!*
"Stand back. If you come near, I will cut you down."
"Hmm."
A halo of light appeared on the sword. Judging from the fact that he could materialize an Aura freely, he seemed to have considerable skill. I guess that's the only way. Among the imperialist nobles gathered here, at least one was a viscount. In addition, he was a high-ranking official working for the royal family or government agencies.
Since they were escorts led by such high-ranking officials, it was basic for them to be at least a 'Manifestation Knight.' Here, the term "Manifestation Knight" refers to a state where one can materialize an Aura by drawing one's sword.
'If we continue like this, we'll definitely be pushed back.'
The legitimacy lies with Prosecutor Sears and the police, but the difference in force was too great. Think about it. How can the weak restrain the strong?
"I can't help it."
Since this is an emergency, the big shots in the judiciary have no choice but to step in.
No, but who is that?
'Of course, it will be me.'
Step, step. The solid soles of her shoes made a clear, crunching sound as they struck the marble floor. Soon, people's eyes were focused on me. A tie and suit jacket fluttered in the breeze. It was a fashion rarely seen here.
'If I put a cigarette in my mouth, this would look like a proper noir film. Oh, but there's nothing like that here, right?'
I suddenly appeared and looked around at the people. Then my eyes met with Marquis Hugo Yeats's.
"When will you come to court? Without the defendant, we cannot proceed with the proceedings."
"It is a priority to apologize to His Majesty the Emperor. All power comes from Him."
It was a forced logic, but it hit the nail on the head. No matter what verdict I make, one word from the Emperor changes everything.
Of course, that hasn't happened yet. Emperor Charon hasn't expressed any particular opinion so far. But what if someone like the Marquis Yeats made such a desperate request? There's ample room for the outcome to be different.
But that's only after all the procedures are complete.
"It's up to the court to decide what takes precedence. Stop making a fool of yourself and go back."
"What did you just say? I can't believe you're looking so shameful right now."
If we look closely, the Marquis Yeats was a member of the royal family. So, he's probably talking to me in a tone that's neither good nor bad but rather something in between. Anyway, he's much older than me—maybe my uncle.
'Are you going to keep being difficult until the end?'
If that's the case, there are ways to handle this too.
I approached the Marquis of Yeats and let out a dreary Aura.
"What did you say a little while ago?"
"Haha! Did you eat your ears?"
"I tried to resolve this through conversation, but it seems like that won't work. You're being rude, far too rude."
"… … ."
The other person seemed speechless at the sudden, informal speech. After a while, Marquis Yeats's eyes wavered. It seemed he finally realized who he was dealing with.
But it was already too late to turn back.
"How about this? Unable to bear the insult, I challenge you to a duel."
"Oh, wait a minute… … ."
"Why? Are you more willing to cooperate now?"
Isn't your duel opponent the monster among monsters, the Berserker of the North? Who the hell would want to fight me?
Oh, of course, there's a way out.
"If you don't want to fight, just follow me quietly. Then I'll spare your life."