Damn, I recarneted As A Judge in Fantasy World

Abel had called both the defendant and the witnesses and completed the examination of the evidence. It hadn't been difficult to piece together the facts.

Even though it was a verbal contract, there were too many witnesses who had heard that the victim would be treated.

Additionally, Father Enrique Giovanni had frequently visited the victim Braisen's house.

What would it mean if a priest visited a place where people had the plague?

'They either didn't treat it on purpose or lacked the ability to do so and couldn't cure it.'

The victim's family claimed that Father Giovanni had demanded an additional 200 gold coins.

He had said that if they didn't give him the money, he couldn't proceed with the treatment. If that were true, they should just be punished electronically.

But there was no need to worry about it.

The latter was also considered murder with intent to commit.

If they signed a contract despite not having the ability to cure the plague, then they probably planned to do nothing. That would give a good chance that the patient might die.

"It's easy. Just punish them, and that's it," Abel thought.

However, even Abel, who only considered the facts, regardless of who the other party was, had his own share of hardships. The first and surprisingly significant one was Duke DeAndre Giovanni.

"I'm sorry to come to you so suddenly," the Duke said.

"It's okay. It doesn't make sense for the dukes of the Empire to not have any contact at all," Abel replied.

"Thank you for saying that."

Abel had had a few minor run-ins with Duke Giovanni.

They hadn't had any direct conflicts, but their relationship was a bit awkward.

By moving the head of the corrections office, Skyler Sierra had not been punished. In the end, it wasn't a huge blow, but...

"I feel bad. I feel bad," Abel thought to himself.

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Of course, he had no intention of revealing his personal feelings. A knife should be kept hidden so it can shine when crucial.

"I understand why you've come here, but whatever you say won't help," Abel drew a clear line from the beginning.

Why would a big shot like Duke Giovanni be so humble? Either he had hidden intentions, or he had something to complain about.

Duke Giovanni's expression hardened slightly as if his true intentions had been revealed. Although it returned to normal in an instant, there was still some discomfort.

"What are you talking about...? I just meant that since we've been so distant, let's try to become closer," the Duke said, his tone full of false sincerity.

At the end of friendship, only things like unfair requests and bribes would remain. Of course, this was just nonsense that made no sense to Abel.

"We've been like this all along, so isn't it strange that we're suddenly becoming close? And right before Enrique Giovanni's trial?" Abel said firmly.

"Ahem!"

Duke Giovanni coughed loudly and shut his eyes tightly. When they reopened, they were filled with sadness, as if he might burst into tears at any moment.

'No, why is this guy like this?' Abel thought.

Since persuasion wasn't working, was he trying to appeal to Abel's sympathy? Either way, Abel decided to hear him out.

"I believe that Duke Carrieus also knows well how inheritance works in the Empire," Duke Giovanni began.

Abel, an only child, had never experienced it firsthand but wasn't entirely unaware of social matters.

Most of the Empire's nobles passed their titles and estates to their eldest sons.

This was because if the inheritance was divided equally among the children, the family's prestige would diminish accordingly. Being an agricultural society, most income had to come from the land.

"So, other than the eldest son, some choose different paths, such as becoming a knight or a priest," Duke Giovanni continued.

"The second son... is a finger that really hurts me a lot," the Duke said, his voice tinged with sorrow.

From what Abel had heard, Enrique Giovanni was the family's outcast.

He lacked the ability to rise to the position of head of the household, and his relationship with his brother was poor.

If Duke Giovanni died and the inheritance began, it was clear that Enrique would be left with nothing. So, they had given bribes to secure priestly positions.

"But it's too much for me to be able to say that out loud," Duke Giovanni added.

How could Abel not take action when his son, who was like an extension of himself, was in trouble?

Duke Giovanni's feelings were completely understandable, but that didn't mean Abel could make judgments based on everyone's position.

"I will consider the circumstances and decide accordingly, but please do not expect too much," Abel said, drawing the conversation to a close.

"...Thank you."

Though Abel acknowledged the Duke's concerns, it wouldn't change how he approached the trial.

Judgments had to be based on evidence and facts, unconditionally.

He quickly sent the sensitive old man away and then put on his robes—a neat purple robe.

Perhaps it was because he wasn't wearing anything overly ornate, but he felt more at ease. Now, it was time to go to court.

But just as he was about to leave, there was a knock at the office door.

'Why are so many people coming here?' Abel wondered, frustrated.

In case it was something important, he decided not to ignore it.

"Who is it?" he called out.

"Oh, it's been a while. This is Bishop Braulio," came the reply.

It seemed like the Aramid Order had sent someone as well. It was the same person who had irritated Abel with talk of prophecy before.

'Surely, he's not going to start spouting nonsense again, is he?' Abel thought as he greeted the guest.

As expected, Bishop Braulio told a similar story to Duke Giovanni's. He spoke about Enrique's faithfulness, but Abel didn't believe it at all.

If Enrique had been so devout, he would have cured the patient right away.

"Alright, go back now," Abel said curtly.

"Yes, then I will trust only you, Your Honor."

The words "Faith is dedicated to the Aramid God" almost escaped Abel's lips, but he held them back. He sent the bishop away with an awkward smile, his mind in turmoil.

'Are these people really incapable of learning? What kind of judgments have I made so far? Have I ever once given in to external pressure?'

He walked briskly toward the courtroom, gritting his teeth in frustration. But the moment he stepped onto the stage, he was confronted with a somewhat shocking sight.

A man resembling Duke Giovanni was walking unsteadily to his seat.

'Wait a minute... Enrique Giovanni... had a disability?'