*****
NOVELASIUS
- TL: the guild
- Discord: https://discord.gg/GBKEa55867
- Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/topasius
Thank you for your continued support of this series. As we’ve recently taken over the translation, there may be minor errors or inconsistencies in this chapter. We’re committed to delivering the best possible experience, so if you spot anything that doesn’t seem right, please let us know on our Discord server. Your feedback helps us improve and ensures the quality of future translations.
ENJOY~ PYUUN~
*****
Autumn Harvest Festival (6)
Like most people, I have a fondness for small animals.
I would often find myself smiling as I watched photos of puppies or kittens on platforms like YouTube or Instagram.
So when Nabi came into my life, I thought to myself, Ah! I’ve been chosen as a cat owner! The tales are true!
But that… that was…
“Hua, it was you…?”
“N-no… I mean… that is… no, it’s not…”
Hua Ran stammered, unable to speak, as if she never expected to be caught.
“How… did you do this?”
“M-Mag Mel… I learned it from Angus…”
Hua hung her head low, mumbling as if deeply embarrassed.
Let’s piece this together.
At Mag Mel, Marie Dunarev, Alicia Arden, and Hua Ran each met with Angus and were introduced to the current goddesses.
The Three Goddesses of War: Morrigan, Neamhan, and Macha.
The three goddesses of war, who served the Sun God Nuada, each bestowed gifts. Neamhan gave Alicia a Red Warhorse, Macha gave Marie her Cursing Art, and to Hua Ran…
“It was Morrigan’s shapeshifting ability…”
“…Yes.”
Morrigan’s shapeshifting ability is a unique skill in the game.
You can transform into various animals, making it quite useful in everyday life or open-field scenarios.
But out of all the hidden pieces in Mag Mel, why choose this one? It’s a skill that only die-hard fans and veterans of the game would occasionally pick.
“So you’ve been transforming into Nabi all this time… just to…”
I was at a loss for words. I had thought the cat following me around was strange, but it was all an act…
“I-I’m sorry… I didn’t mean for it to happen this way…”
Hua Ran was fidgeting, clearly at a loss. Her cuteness sparked a mischievous impulse in me.
“Comfort me.”
“H-how?”
Is she really going to do it?
Hua began to tremble at my request. She was embarrassed—no, mortified—at the thought of doing such a thing in her true form.
“If you purr, I’ll scratch your belly.”
“…!”
“Pfft…!”
Realizing she had been teased, Hua’s retaliation was swift. Her fist, imbued with dark energy, swung toward me!
“Wait, no—!”
I couldn’t react quickly enough, and her fist stopped just short of my face. With a rare pout, she pursed her lips.
“Don’t tease me.”
“Y-yes, ma’am. My apologies.”
She returned to her usual expressionless self and plopped down on the sofa. She looked downcast, so I sat next to her.
“Embarrassment only lasts for a moment.”
Whack!
“Oof…”
“I told you not to tease me.”
“This is too good not to tease… Okay, okay! I won’t tease you anymore! Tell me why you did it!”
“…I’m different from Ran.”
Hua hugged her knees and murmured.
“Ran is lovable. She’s cute and sociable. It’s only natural that she’s loved.”
“**I’m not like that. I don’t talk much. I’m blunt. I have a bad personality.”
“So… I thought it would be hard for you to love me.**”
Hua confessed her honest feelings, comparing herself to Ran. So, this was what she’d been struggling with.
“I feel the same way.”
“What?”
“About you, Ran, Marie, Alicia, even Estelle. You all like me. Why? What have I done to deserve such affection? What’s so special about me?”
“That’s not true.”
Hua Ran spoke honestly.
“You’re kind. You’re good-hearted. You’re admirable. You deserve to be loved.”
“And so do you.”
“Me… too?”
“Yes. You’re cute, lovable, and kind.”
“…Really?”
Hua tilted her head, uncertain. I pulled her into a hug, reaffirming my words.
“…Yes.”
I smiled as I stroked Hua’s hair. She was so endearing, such a lovable child. I had saved her, and she was a woman who loved me.
“Can I… make a request?”
“…What is it?”
“S-sometimes… could you turn into Nabi and be affectionate with me…?”
Whack!
“Agh…! I-I’ll settle for a dog!”
“No.”
How could she do this? Does this mean I’ll never see Nabi again?
As I slumped in disappointment, Hua grabbed my cheeks with both hands and locked my gaze with hers.
“I’m… here, you know.”
“Huh?”
“You said… I’m lovable. So… pet me.”
“Oh…”
Once again, Hua showed she doesn’t shy away.
“Can I scratch your belly?”
She nodded.
Lately, I’ve been realizing something.
I’m becoming quite the shameless person.
The event known as Linton’s Diverse Trials was one of the more obscure, non-mainstream events, even in the game.
It was essentially a mock trial for students taking classes related to magistrates.
The objective was to see how well the students could perform the duties of a magistrate: whether they could deliver a verdict close to the existing precedent or even surpass it.
In short, it was a simulation of a trial.
A magistrate is a judge who combines judicial power with force.
In remote, lawless areas—mountains, isolated regions, borders, archipelagos—the village chief or the local lord often acts as both judge and prosecutor.
What happens when an outsider, a magistrate, comes to deliver a verdict?
If the verdict is unsatisfactory, they might just overturn it and split the magistrate’s head open.
That’s why a magistrate must also wield force. Most magistrates are guardians, capable of dealing with rural thugs or a lord’s private soldiers.
In this sense, a magistrate is a walking courtroom.
They must fulfill the roles of prosecutor, clerk, and judge all by themselves.
Knowledge can be acquired. Force is not an issue, given that they are superhuman.
The challenge lies in the practical skills required to be a judge and prosecutor. These skills are not easily learned.
Professor Edgar, a former magistrate, held mock trial classes to help students develop these practical skills.
“Boss, are you sure about this? Honestly, you kind of coasted your way to becoming a magistrate.”
“I admit that.”
Thanks to Marie, I became a 1st-grade magistrate, and that came in handy at a critical moment.
But my practical experience as a magistrate was limited to a single case: the Mound Subjugation incident. If you think about it, I’m no different from my classmates.
“My written exam scores were terrible, but I was an honor student in practical classes.”
“…Is that even possible?”
“Yes. I got perfect scores in practical classes.”
“Practical classes?”
As I mentioned earlier, Professor Edgar taught practical, real-world lessons in his classes.
“13 wins, 13 losses. I’m undefeated in mock trials.”
“…That’s possible? But boss, didn’t you say you were bad at studying?”
“Heh, as long as you have the minimum knowledge of the law, it’s surprisingly manageable.”
Despite Ren’s skepticism, Professor Edgar greeted me with a resigned sigh as I arrived for today’s mock trial event.
“Korin, my student.”
“Professor Edgar.”
A peculiar student in his class. I flunked the written exams but excelled in practicals. On top of that, I returned mid-semester with the title of 1st-grade magistrate, backed by some formidable connections.
Professor Edgar seemed unsure of how to approach me.
“**I considered disqualifying you since you’re a 1st-grade magistrate, but since you’re still a student, it’s a matter of fairness.”
“I understand. But I imagine the other participants might not see it that way.”
Professor Edgar frowned and adjusted his glasses.
“I’ll assign you more difficult cases. Given your undefeated record in mock trials, it should balance things out.”
“Uh… how difficult are we talking?”
“They’re all real cases that I and my fellow judges have dealt with. There’s always a way.”
I felt uneasy.
“I suppose I have no choice. Still, I’m counting on you. I really need that golden ribbon.”
“Ah, I’ve heard about that. Playing the consort to Marie must not be easy.”
“Ouch… It hurts to hear you say that, Professor.”
“You’re quite the smooth talker. In any case, Korin, you have the makings of a fine magistrate. Keep it up.”
Professor Edgar offered a mix of encouragement and admonishment before returning to his place.
The mock trial was held in the same small auditorium where the auction had taken place. Professor Edgar began the proceedings.
– We’d like to thank you for attending the 9th Linton’s Diverse Trials today.
– We’d like to extend our gratitude to Judge Claude and Judge Samantha, former magistrates, for providing today’s cases. Let’s give them a round of applause.
– Clap, clap, clap!
Though the number of participants was small, this event was surprisingly significant.
As a former 1st-grade magistrate, Professor Edgar had connections, and real legal professionals would attend to establish connections with the next generation of magistrates.
The audience included a few sheriffs and former magistrates, but it was a good opportunity to meet them.
– We’re also honored to have Deputy Chief Ronan of the Guardians Bureau, Chief Commissioner Baroque, Director Dormant of the Guardians Bureau, Deputy Director Gerald of the Ministry of Justice, and Director Major visiting us today.
– Wow, the big shots from the Guardians Bureau and Ministry of Justice are all here?
– Why would they come to this?
Uh… This is weird. I had heard that two years ago, the attendees were mostly former magistrates and heads of the Guardians Bureau.
As I looked around the small auditorium filled with people, I couldn’t help but feel perplexed. Most of the audience was staff from the Guardians Bureau and the Ministry of Justice.
And the ones who brought them were the two big shots at the front.
Even though this is an important event for future magistrates, it’s still like a children’s playdate from their perspective.
Why would such high-ranking officials come to such a small event?
– Before we begin, we’ll have a few words from Director Dormant of the Guardians Bureau.
Even Professor Edgar seemed uneasy about the situation, but he handed the microphone to Director Dormant since he couldn’t ignore such important guests.
– Hello, I’m Dormant, Director of the Guardians Bureau. Haha, no need to feel awkward. I’m just a regular person like you.
The middle-aged man with graying hair introduced himself smoothly. That guy… I’ve only seen him a few times in the game. How did he end up here?
– But I’d like to take this opportunity to commend a certain magistrate. Korin Lork, 1st-grade magistrate! A hero of the kingdom and a treasure of the legal world!
“Huh?”
Me? Why?
Before I could even respond to the Director of the Guardians Bureau’s sudden praise, he walked over and gave me a friendly hug.
“Remember this outstanding magistrate, everyone! He’s a heroic judge who’s captured some of the most notorious criminals!”
Uh… Excuse me? Me?
I didn’t catch those criminals, though…
Director Dormant whispered softly so that no one else could hear.
“Please send my regards to Marie Dunarev, Baron.”
Oh…
Now I understand why these big shots came here.
They want to establish a connection with Marie through me. They’re trying to win favor with her by praising me.
Now I really can’t refute the rumors about being a consort…
The praise from the legal bigwigs continued until Professor Edgar had to intervene to move the event along. I was the first to go.
– Hang in there, Lork magistrate!
– Wow! Amazing!
– We love you, Korin Lork!
It seemed the staff that came with the officials were instructed to cheer enthusiastically, plastering my face with praise.
Is this… the power of authority?
Normally, I would have made a joke to lighten the mood, but I was too scared to do so this time.
Thankfully, Professor Edgar was quick to get the event back on track.
“Let’s begin with the first trial. Muller, you’ll be the magistrate, and Korin, you’ll represent the defendant.”
The court of a magistrate is unique.
The magistrate plays the role of both prosecutor and judge, but the defendant has no lawyer.
After all, where would you find a lawyer in a remote village? And to expedite the process, the defendant has to represent themselves.
This is why magistrates are all-powerful in lawless areas. They are the prosecutor and the judge, and the defendant has to defend themselves without a lawyer.
The defendant is at an absolute disadvantage.
That’s why, in a best-of-three mock trial, the key is when you’re on the defendant’s side.
If you can win from such an unfavorable position, you have a good chance of continuing your winning streak.
‘That’s why the case matters. Even if you can’t get a not-guilty verdict, you need to find some way to mitigate the charges.’
Naturally, all the cases are ones where the magistrate won. But that doesn’t mean the magistrate always wins.
The magistrate is also an inexperienced student. If you can find a logical flaw, you can turn the tables depending on your attack and defense!
“Defendant Korin Lork, you are charged with public indecency.”
‘Easy. In cases of sex crimes, evidence is hard to come by. It’s a dirty case, but it favors the defendant.’
There’s no DNA testing in this era. If I exploit the loophole—
“You’re accused of the heinous crime of bestiality with a goat. How do you plead?”
“HUUUUUUHH…What the hell did you just say?!”
*****
NOVELASIUS
- TL: the guild
- Discord: https://discord.gg/GBKEa55867
- Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/topasius
*****
Comment