Episode 17: Judgment

First, can you tell me what this is all about?

　At the chancellor's words, the man who had been waiting to speak rose to his seat and began to explain.

''The matter began when Lord Silford, the Earl of the Kingdom of Esfort, sitting there, was attacked in the city of Gazar.

　That explanation alone would cause the senators sitting in their seats to make a lot of noise. If a nobleman from another country was attacked in their own country, the information would be spread to all countries. They immediately understood that it was a serious matter, given the fact that it involved the reputation of their country.

'I will continue. Lord Silford was attacked by five C-ranked adventurers registered in the Gazar, but they fought off the attack. We have captured them all.

　This time, a cheer came from the senator's seat. For all intents and purposes, Cain, sitting in his seat, was a boy who hadn't yet come of age. He had fought off an attack by five C-rank adventurers who were considered to be on their own. Gazes of interest were drawn to Cain.

'And when we interrogated the captured adventurers, it was discovered to be the request of Ralph Bandega, the legitimate son of the Gazar councilman sitting over there, Mr. Malf Bandega. He has already admitted to having made the request in the guild.

　A son of a senator's legitimate son attacks the leader of a noble family from another country.
　Anyone who sits on the Senate seat can understand what this means. It's the same as 'waging war'.
　The senators cleared their throats involuntarily.

'Objection!　Mr. Chairman, may I have a statement?

　One of the men sitting on Malf's side of the table raised his hand and stood up.

'Very well, you are permitted to speak.'

　With the chairman's approval, the man opens his mouth.

'Ralph Vandega only asked for a 'little scare'. We have not made a barbaric request for an attack or violence. I would like to explain that it was only the will of the adventurers and that Ralph Bandega had nothing to do with the attack.

'Sir Silford, I'm sorry, but can you explain to me what happened during the attack?

　Cain met Folt's gaze once and nodded, then sat up.

'Yes, Mr. Chairman. Now, let me explain. When I was attacked in the alley, my sword was suddenly drawn out of the alley. I did make a statement that 'I won't kill you', but he said 'I'll take one of your arms'. Fortunately, I'm an adventurer too, so I was able to fight off the attack, but if it had been anyone else, I don't think it would have been ...... a simple injury.

　Cain finished his remarks and took a seat.

　At that moment, a senator raised his hand from his seat. When the chancellor gave his permission, he stood up and opened his mouth.

''Before that, I have a question, but Lord Silford there is supposed to have fought off five C-ranked adventurers. No matter how many times they are registered as the same adventurer, could a student who is still underage be able to fight off five of them?　Maybe there was someone else there?

　I'm sure everyone sitting in the senator's seat felt the same way. Cain looks like a boy of his age. And even the fact that he is the head of a noble family is questionable. I can understand if he is the son of a nobleman.

''I will speak to you about that.

　Folt raised his hand and stood up.

''I'm Folt, the sub-guild master of the Adventurer's Guild Gazar Branch. Lord Silford is registered as an S-ranked adventurer in the Adventurers' Guild of the Kingdom of Esfort. There is no doubt about this as the guild is aware of this.

　Folt's words elicited an unprecedented shout from the senator's seat.

　S-ranked adventurer.
　The meaning of this is understandable to anyone who asks.
　It's an indication that you are close to the strongest in each country, and it also proves that you have the ability to slay dragons alone or with a party.
　And it is said to be the strongest in the Republic of Istin, and has the same ability as Germs.

　The people who attacked him were too bad. It all boils down to this.
　The senator who asked the question took his seat, satisfied.

'Then let me continue with my explanation. After the raid, my client was discovered soon after the raid, and a discussion was held at the Guild. At that time, Senator Malf Bandega did not know that Lord Silford was the noble head of the house and spoke of invoking the privilege of being a senator. Well, since Lord Silford is the Lord of the House, it was overruled. That is all we have to explain.

　There was only a sigh from the senator's seat at the explanation.
　Parliamentary privilege is a special thing. It was a disgrace to be invoked and nullified without looking at the other party.

'Okay, ....... So, on to the ruling. I will compare it to past cases. First, the five adventurers are to be considered criminal slaves. And my client, Ralph Vandega. Since our Lord is still a minor, he is exempt as a criminal slave. However, they will serve as slaves for the first five years of their adult lives. And the guardian shall be responsible for that responsibility, and Malf Bandega shall be deprived of his senatorial duties. As reparations for this occasion, I do hereby pay Lord Silford twenty pieces of white gold, twenty pieces of white gold to the Kingdom of Esfort as a nuisance for being a nobleman of the Kingdom of Esfort, and ten pieces of white gold to the Republic of Ilestin.

　A total fine of fifty white gold coins, or 500 million yen in Japanese yen.
　The price to pay for asking for a small feeling. And the important thing is that the parents are even stripped of their rights as senators.
　Ralph looked down with a pale face.
　Maruf looked like he had bitten down on a bitter worm, but turned his angry gaze to Cain.

'This matter is now closed. You may leave the court.

　Cain and the others rose from their seats and headed for the door they had entered.
　Staring at their backs, Malf only whispered, "Just watch it now," and retreated from the courtroom with Zukazuka.

　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.

　The teachers and students of the Esfort Kingdom who were in the audience were spending the time leading up to the verdict with serious expressions on their faces.
　They were planning to observe what kind of parliamentary session, but it was Cain, who visited the Istin Republic with them, who came to appear in court.
　Cain did not explain the details of this case to the teacher either. The reason for their separate actions was also "the work of the noble head of the family".

'I didn't know Master Cain had been attacked: ......

　As Telestia clasps her hands and shakes her body, Silk gently places a hand on her shoulder.

'Teres, don't worry. It's Cain-kun, right?　Remember when you saved us. I'm sure you'll be fine, no matter what.
...... Yeah, thanks Silk. It makes me feel a little better about ...... and that's why I'm going to .......

　They looked at each other and nodded deeply.

''Plenty of reflection is needed (right?).

　Once again, unbeknownst to Cain, a review meeting had been decided.