"I swear to tell the truth, according to my conscience. I have something to say about the claims of the sinner Erita."
Countess Reuben's firm eyes, with her right hand on her chest, shone brightly.
"Everyone, do you know about the Ignites, Frogen's secret armed guard? They are the innocent soldiers the sinners speak of."
The surroundings began to become noisy, as if the word "Ignites" were taboo. I didn't know what it was, but judging by the expressions and reactions of the people, I immediately knew it wasn't good. The Countess began to explain in a quiet voice.
"They are a notorious military organization that annihilated even civilians during the war. In short, they are a criminal organization that participated in Meyer III's mad plan to exterminate all inferior human beings, including the Frogens, by massacring not only prisoners but also civilians and committing all manner of filthy acts against the weak. Count Noah Rotsilt was the one responsible for dismantling the aforementioned military organization. Erita, can you truly say they are innocent?"
Erita's lips, twisted in a grotesquely bizarre way, showed a forced composure as she tried not to waver.
“It’s obvious that Noah Rotsilt was involved in that crazy plan.”
"It was Count Rotsilt who contributed to branding Frogen a criminal state by submitting classified military documents, colloquially known as the 'Plan to Cleanse Inferior Humans', as evidence. Evidence of the massacre and the infamous nature of the Secret SS was made known to the world, and thanks to him, the Esatians were saved from unjust repatriation, and those imprisoned in concentration camps were rescued. Do you still think framing others is acceptable?"
Erita shouted at the Countess, clenching her fist.
“If not, why would that man associate with Mastiff, who was an SS officer!”
“I guess Mastiff told you to use it as a means to sabotage my marriage to my wife.”
It was Noah who calmed her sharp outburst. He sat with his arms crossed, his face expressionless.
"It's true that the Frogen Empire committed genocide in the past, exploiting occupied territories and colonies, and massacring civilians. It's also true that as a soldier, I went to war and killed enemy soldiers. But I never killed, pillaged, or trampled civilians who didn't resist. That goes against my aesthetics and is unbecoming of a gentleman."
"Gentlemanliness? Do you think something like that would be enough evidence?"
"I was the one who branded Frogen a criminal nation by submitting classified military documents, colloquially known as the 'Plan to Cleanse Inferior Humans,' as evidence. My family has been collaborating with the United Kingdom of Medea since before I was born, and my mother was an Esatian who survived the Frogen Massacre. Ultimately, my parents were murdered by the Emperor when I was nine. Revenge aside, I have no reason to cooperate or be loyal. Isn't that right?"
Rather than a criminal who committed all manner of crimes and was in a state of disgrace, the words of a neatly dressed, competent young man worthy of the Queen's approval were more trustworthy. His smooth pronunciation and charming voice were quite persuasive. Adding a tragic story to that, and you'd have sympathy, even more. A conversation between nobles could be heard ahead.
“Well, if the evil deeds of the Frogen Empire were thoroughly exposed and denounced, then it couldn’t be their forces.”
Finally, Erita, who had lost her temper, shouted in a hoarse voice.
“You used to be called the Mad Duke, so why are you acting so good now!”
"I didn't say I was good. It was just a simple statement of fact. Why am I called that? Perhaps because I refuse to submit to the state and listen to the Emperor. For Frogen, Meyer III is the state, and his word is law."
"You're an officer who mercilessly killed our own soldiers under the pretext of military discipline. Do you think I don't know that information? Don't try to get away with it now. You and I are of the same kind. I was the only one who could truly understand you! She'll abandon you in the end! You should have chosen me, even if it meant using me as a puppet!"
Noah tilted his head slowly and tapped his fingers on the knee of his sleek suit pants.
"The ones who annihilated friendly platoons in the garrison with anti-tank weapons? They were shallow, low-level soldiers who took civilians for entertainment. They had no dignity or manners and were more useless than animals. I didn't like them, to be honest."
“There’s no way the Frogen military would just sit by and watch!”
"Frogen has strong militaristic and totalitarian tendencies. Because it ordered the military to engage in random annihilation, commanders were granted the right to summary judgment, and it was even permissible to use that power to rectify military discipline. However, even if the state permitted the freedom to slaughter, carrying it out was a personal choice. To do it, not to do it, and how. I chose to eliminate Frogen."
Noah, who had been laughing with one hand covering his mouth, stared at Erita with narrowed eyes. It was a gentle sneer, born of disgust.
"Same kind of person, that's annoying. You're useless."
"What...? The reason you came to Medea, and the reason you married Diana, was to take over this country. You, Frogen's illegitimate son, planned this plan. I knew that, but I turned a blind eye because I loved you."
"I don't know what the plan was, but you still don't seem to understand that you were fooled by the Frogen forces' lies. And as a result, you're standing before this court."
“How can you lie so casually?”
Erita's voice was trembling slightly. Noah slowly looked at the judge.
"I think I told you before that Medea was cooperating with the victorious nation. Your Honor, it seems the prisoner is delusional about being a judge."
“That’s like setting me up as a puppet and making me like that...”
The judge stopped Erita's protest with a look that said it was no longer worth listening to.
"Defendant, I will not tolerate any more baseless statements. I hereby declare the final verdict. Defendant Erita has committed numerous crimes, including the serial murders of innocent people, colluding with enemy forces while posing as a Princess, and attempted murder of the real Princess, who was later discovered. Despite this, she has inflicted serious harm on the royal family and the nation, yet she shows no remorse. These crimes are extremely grave, and the defendant is hereby sentenced to the maximum penalty permitted by law: death.”
Just as the judge was about to raise the wooden gavel and pronounce the verdict, I stood up, slowly raised one hand with a serious expression, and waited for everyone in the courtroom to focus their attention on me before raising my voice.
“As the Princess of the Medea United Kingdom, I wish to give the sinner a chance.”
Erita's eyes widened as the room rumbled. The judge sat up straight, shaking his upper body, and asked.
“If given the chance, would you use the royal family’s right to immunity from the death penalty?”
"Yes. I would like to excuse her from the death penalty, citing the fact that she had no choice in being switched as a newborn, and that her young age and mental instability made it difficult for her to make sound judgments."
“Do you wish to be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole?”
The judge asked, and the Queen, her cold hand, took mine. I lowered my eyes, briefly met hers, and then let my lips curl into a loose smile. I must have some use for myself in the future. I will throw that child into the gutter under the guise of mercy and virtue. If the person you cherished as your daughter were to live a life more miserable than death, what choice would you make?
"I'd like to send the criminal to a labor camp in the Levani slums. As a criminal, she'd be locked out for life, completely isolated, and barred from even interacting with the outside world, so there's no chance of her reoffending. Still, she'd have at least a modicum of freedom, so I think this is the best option."
The labor camp within the Levani slum, known as Loganfield's "dumpster," is a walled, forced-living area, a horrific and filthy place housing convicts and unidentified homeless people. Erita shook her head violently, her face trembling with despair.
"Mercy? Don't make me laugh. You forced me into that filthy cesspool, and then locked me up like livestock in a concentration camp and forced me to work? No, I'd rather die!"
"No, it's better to live than to die. That's why I forgive you, show mercy, and let you live, Erita. I hope you can realize, even if only a little, the sins you committed in the highest places, and repent in the lowest places."
"Your Majesty, I wonder if there are any objections to the Princess's exercise of her immunity from death. Since one of her three lifetime immunity rights will be forfeited, if you object, the decision will be made by vote."
At the judge's question, the Queen held my hand and stared intently into my eyes, her expression complicated. It seemed as if she was either begging me not to do this or asking what my intentions were. I smiled sadly.
"Mother, no, Your Majesty, I am fine. I have forgiven her for tormenting me countless times and attempting to kill me. It took a great deal of thought to make this decision. However, since I have decided to follow Your Majesty's virtue and the path of truth..."
My words trailed off, and I bowed my head pitifully, covering my eyes with one hand. Erita, who had been standing there staring blankly, furrowed her brows in a fierce frown. It was because she had witnessed my fleeting laughter.
“You are... a devil. Worse than me.”
Erita, her shoulders slumped, muttered in despair. Applause erupted from somewhere.
"As expected of someone born with nobility, you're not only generous, but also possess a high level of intelligence and morality. That insane woman is no longer a Princess or anything, so there's no reason for the enemy to use her as a spy or try to smuggle her out. Besides, if she's in the Levani slum camp, communication with the outside world will be impossible. Isn't this a humane way to make her pay for her crimes without taking her life? You're very wise."
An elderly nobleman with purple eyes began applauding my opinion, and the courtroom erupted in praise and applause. Thanks to him, Erita's exemption from the death penalty will likely be granted with ease. That man is very good at standing in line. I'll have to remember that. The Queen ultimately agreed to my use of immunity.
"I respect the Princess's decision. I commend her kind heart and compassion."
Realizing it was useless, Erita let out a long sigh and looked up at her mother, the Queen. She asked the Queen, who was soothingly wrapping her arms around my shoulders, with a sad expression.
“Your Majesty, did you love me when I was your daughter?”
Queen Grace, with her characteristically cold expression, made no reply. However, her face was so pale it almost seemed blue, making it seem almost impossible to respond. Erita licked her parched lips and spoke in a bitter voice.
"I loved you. I was always a flawed daughter, but that was the best I could do. Even if you didn't love me, even if you ultimately abandoned me, I wouldn't resent you. All I ever wanted was... unconditional love. I wanted you to tell me it was okay if I didn't do well. I wanted to be loved by you."
"Yes."
The Queen answered in a low, hushed voice. Whether it was a belated response to the question of whether she loved her or not, no one knows. Erita, her face pale, smiled faintly. Tears began to flow ceaselessly from her large, blue eyes.
“Please stay healthy, Your Majesty.”
Erita, dressed in shabby attire, clutched the hem of her prison uniform and bowed like an actress standing before a stage with the curtains lowered. Eighteen years of playing the role of Princess had ingrained the etiquette. It was a perfect, elegant farewell. As she turned and left, as if being dragged away, Erita smiled at me with a gentle smile I'd never seen before. Countless emotions were swirling within her.
"Goodbye, Your Highness, the real Princess. Hang in there in this splendid hell with no options. It seems the demon has returned to its rightful place."
Erita's blue eyes, finally looking at Noah, looked like the sky beyond, the setting sun. She said nothing to the man she loved. Noah glanced at Erita with an indifferent gaze, then turned his head back toward me.
“My princess is amazing.”
"I like it," Noah muttered softly, his lips curved in amusement. One could say I had spared her life out of generosity, but that wasn't entirely true. Could she, who had lived a life of luxury as a Princess, be trapped in a slum that was nothing more than a filthy cesspool? She probably couldn't stand it, just like I was when I fled in horror at the admiral's mansion's squalid, pigsty-like attic.
Suddenly, I remembered Ayla, who had tragically passed away. Her final scene left a lasting impression on me, piercing a corner of my heart so deeply that it brought a taste of blood to my mouth. This was my revenge for that loss, my personal feelings for having lost my ordinary life, and a revenge disguised as a good deed.
“As expected, unlike the fake Princess, you have dignity.”
All sorts of hypocritical remarks were flying around. It was so burdensome that I didn't particularly enjoy it, but I gave them a fake smile. Erita must have heard those words her entire life, whether she wanted to or not. It seems that the fact that she was a princess was quickly erased from people's memories.
Countess Reuben stared blankly, her eyes locked in a state of confusion. She seemed to be thinking of her sister, Agnes Harrison, whom she believed to be just and courageous.
I approached her and took her hand.
"I'm sorry."
"What are you talking about? The Princess did nothing wrong. It was my incompetent sister or brother who committed the crime."
"I'm sorry for lying to you and not telling you. For pretending to be your relative. For using family ties to ask for help."
“No, Princess.”
"The Prime Minister's second son, Jeffrey Groenendael, who joined the Alliance, and his eldest son, Jace Groenendael, who resides in the Kappel Federation, are Agnes Harrison's sons. It's said that Prime Minister Damian Groenendael became their father in place of their father, who died in a naval battle. Now, I can finally tell you."
“The man I saw at the wedding that time was Agnes’s...?”
The Countess's blue eyes shook violently. I turned away with a forlorn smile. After the trial, the people lining the corridor outside bowed to me, as if Erita had never existed, saying things like, "May God bless Her Highness," and "You are truly beautiful, Princess."
It sounded like a broken record, its clipped beats creating a strange sense of dissonance. The more I listened, the more disjointed it became, and my spine tingled. Come to think of it, it felt more like a disillusionment, like maggots crawling all over my body.
Countess Reuben's firm eyes, with her right hand on her chest, shone brightly.
"Everyone, do you know about the Ignites, Frogen's secret armed guard? They are the innocent soldiers the sinners speak of."
The surroundings began to become noisy, as if the word "Ignites" were taboo. I didn't know what it was, but judging by the expressions and reactions of the people, I immediately knew it wasn't good. The Countess began to explain in a quiet voice.
"They are a notorious military organization that annihilated even civilians during the war. In short, they are a criminal organization that participated in Meyer III's mad plan to exterminate all inferior human beings, including the Frogens, by massacring not only prisoners but also civilians and committing all manner of filthy acts against the weak. Count Noah Rotsilt was the one responsible for dismantling the aforementioned military organization. Erita, can you truly say they are innocent?"
Erita's lips, twisted in a grotesquely bizarre way, showed a forced composure as she tried not to waver.
“It’s obvious that Noah Rotsilt was involved in that crazy plan.”
"It was Count Rotsilt who contributed to branding Frogen a criminal state by submitting classified military documents, colloquially known as the 'Plan to Cleanse Inferior Humans', as evidence. Evidence of the massacre and the infamous nature of the Secret SS was made known to the world, and thanks to him, the Esatians were saved from unjust repatriation, and those imprisoned in concentration camps were rescued. Do you still think framing others is acceptable?"
Erita shouted at the Countess, clenching her fist.
“If not, why would that man associate with Mastiff, who was an SS officer!”
“I guess Mastiff told you to use it as a means to sabotage my marriage to my wife.”
It was Noah who calmed her sharp outburst. He sat with his arms crossed, his face expressionless.
"It's true that the Frogen Empire committed genocide in the past, exploiting occupied territories and colonies, and massacring civilians. It's also true that as a soldier, I went to war and killed enemy soldiers. But I never killed, pillaged, or trampled civilians who didn't resist. That goes against my aesthetics and is unbecoming of a gentleman."
"Gentlemanliness? Do you think something like that would be enough evidence?"
"I was the one who branded Frogen a criminal nation by submitting classified military documents, colloquially known as the 'Plan to Cleanse Inferior Humans,' as evidence. My family has been collaborating with the United Kingdom of Medea since before I was born, and my mother was an Esatian who survived the Frogen Massacre. Ultimately, my parents were murdered by the Emperor when I was nine. Revenge aside, I have no reason to cooperate or be loyal. Isn't that right?"
Rather than a criminal who committed all manner of crimes and was in a state of disgrace, the words of a neatly dressed, competent young man worthy of the Queen's approval were more trustworthy. His smooth pronunciation and charming voice were quite persuasive. Adding a tragic story to that, and you'd have sympathy, even more. A conversation between nobles could be heard ahead.
“Well, if the evil deeds of the Frogen Empire were thoroughly exposed and denounced, then it couldn’t be their forces.”
Finally, Erita, who had lost her temper, shouted in a hoarse voice.
“You used to be called the Mad Duke, so why are you acting so good now!”
"I didn't say I was good. It was just a simple statement of fact. Why am I called that? Perhaps because I refuse to submit to the state and listen to the Emperor. For Frogen, Meyer III is the state, and his word is law."
"You're an officer who mercilessly killed our own soldiers under the pretext of military discipline. Do you think I don't know that information? Don't try to get away with it now. You and I are of the same kind. I was the only one who could truly understand you! She'll abandon you in the end! You should have chosen me, even if it meant using me as a puppet!"
Noah tilted his head slowly and tapped his fingers on the knee of his sleek suit pants.
"The ones who annihilated friendly platoons in the garrison with anti-tank weapons? They were shallow, low-level soldiers who took civilians for entertainment. They had no dignity or manners and were more useless than animals. I didn't like them, to be honest."
“There’s no way the Frogen military would just sit by and watch!”
"Frogen has strong militaristic and totalitarian tendencies. Because it ordered the military to engage in random annihilation, commanders were granted the right to summary judgment, and it was even permissible to use that power to rectify military discipline. However, even if the state permitted the freedom to slaughter, carrying it out was a personal choice. To do it, not to do it, and how. I chose to eliminate Frogen."
Noah, who had been laughing with one hand covering his mouth, stared at Erita with narrowed eyes. It was a gentle sneer, born of disgust.
"Same kind of person, that's annoying. You're useless."
"What...? The reason you came to Medea, and the reason you married Diana, was to take over this country. You, Frogen's illegitimate son, planned this plan. I knew that, but I turned a blind eye because I loved you."
"I don't know what the plan was, but you still don't seem to understand that you were fooled by the Frogen forces' lies. And as a result, you're standing before this court."
“How can you lie so casually?”
Erita's voice was trembling slightly. Noah slowly looked at the judge.
"I think I told you before that Medea was cooperating with the victorious nation. Your Honor, it seems the prisoner is delusional about being a judge."
“That’s like setting me up as a puppet and making me like that...”
The judge stopped Erita's protest with a look that said it was no longer worth listening to.
"Defendant, I will not tolerate any more baseless statements. I hereby declare the final verdict. Defendant Erita has committed numerous crimes, including the serial murders of innocent people, colluding with enemy forces while posing as a Princess, and attempted murder of the real Princess, who was later discovered. Despite this, she has inflicted serious harm on the royal family and the nation, yet she shows no remorse. These crimes are extremely grave, and the defendant is hereby sentenced to the maximum penalty permitted by law: death.”
Just as the judge was about to raise the wooden gavel and pronounce the verdict, I stood up, slowly raised one hand with a serious expression, and waited for everyone in the courtroom to focus their attention on me before raising my voice.
“As the Princess of the Medea United Kingdom, I wish to give the sinner a chance.”
Erita's eyes widened as the room rumbled. The judge sat up straight, shaking his upper body, and asked.
“If given the chance, would you use the royal family’s right to immunity from the death penalty?”
"Yes. I would like to excuse her from the death penalty, citing the fact that she had no choice in being switched as a newborn, and that her young age and mental instability made it difficult for her to make sound judgments."
“Do you wish to be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole?”
The judge asked, and the Queen, her cold hand, took mine. I lowered my eyes, briefly met hers, and then let my lips curl into a loose smile. I must have some use for myself in the future. I will throw that child into the gutter under the guise of mercy and virtue. If the person you cherished as your daughter were to live a life more miserable than death, what choice would you make?
"I'd like to send the criminal to a labor camp in the Levani slums. As a criminal, she'd be locked out for life, completely isolated, and barred from even interacting with the outside world, so there's no chance of her reoffending. Still, she'd have at least a modicum of freedom, so I think this is the best option."
The labor camp within the Levani slum, known as Loganfield's "dumpster," is a walled, forced-living area, a horrific and filthy place housing convicts and unidentified homeless people. Erita shook her head violently, her face trembling with despair.
"Mercy? Don't make me laugh. You forced me into that filthy cesspool, and then locked me up like livestock in a concentration camp and forced me to work? No, I'd rather die!"
"No, it's better to live than to die. That's why I forgive you, show mercy, and let you live, Erita. I hope you can realize, even if only a little, the sins you committed in the highest places, and repent in the lowest places."
"Your Majesty, I wonder if there are any objections to the Princess's exercise of her immunity from death. Since one of her three lifetime immunity rights will be forfeited, if you object, the decision will be made by vote."
At the judge's question, the Queen held my hand and stared intently into my eyes, her expression complicated. It seemed as if she was either begging me not to do this or asking what my intentions were. I smiled sadly.
"Mother, no, Your Majesty, I am fine. I have forgiven her for tormenting me countless times and attempting to kill me. It took a great deal of thought to make this decision. However, since I have decided to follow Your Majesty's virtue and the path of truth..."
My words trailed off, and I bowed my head pitifully, covering my eyes with one hand. Erita, who had been standing there staring blankly, furrowed her brows in a fierce frown. It was because she had witnessed my fleeting laughter.
“You are... a devil. Worse than me.”
Erita, her shoulders slumped, muttered in despair. Applause erupted from somewhere.
"As expected of someone born with nobility, you're not only generous, but also possess a high level of intelligence and morality. That insane woman is no longer a Princess or anything, so there's no reason for the enemy to use her as a spy or try to smuggle her out. Besides, if she's in the Levani slum camp, communication with the outside world will be impossible. Isn't this a humane way to make her pay for her crimes without taking her life? You're very wise."
An elderly nobleman with purple eyes began applauding my opinion, and the courtroom erupted in praise and applause. Thanks to him, Erita's exemption from the death penalty will likely be granted with ease. That man is very good at standing in line. I'll have to remember that. The Queen ultimately agreed to my use of immunity.
"I respect the Princess's decision. I commend her kind heart and compassion."
Realizing it was useless, Erita let out a long sigh and looked up at her mother, the Queen. She asked the Queen, who was soothingly wrapping her arms around my shoulders, with a sad expression.
“Your Majesty, did you love me when I was your daughter?”
Queen Grace, with her characteristically cold expression, made no reply. However, her face was so pale it almost seemed blue, making it seem almost impossible to respond. Erita licked her parched lips and spoke in a bitter voice.
"I loved you. I was always a flawed daughter, but that was the best I could do. Even if you didn't love me, even if you ultimately abandoned me, I wouldn't resent you. All I ever wanted was... unconditional love. I wanted you to tell me it was okay if I didn't do well. I wanted to be loved by you."
"Yes."
The Queen answered in a low, hushed voice. Whether it was a belated response to the question of whether she loved her or not, no one knows. Erita, her face pale, smiled faintly. Tears began to flow ceaselessly from her large, blue eyes.
“Please stay healthy, Your Majesty.”
Erita, dressed in shabby attire, clutched the hem of her prison uniform and bowed like an actress standing before a stage with the curtains lowered. Eighteen years of playing the role of Princess had ingrained the etiquette. It was a perfect, elegant farewell. As she turned and left, as if being dragged away, Erita smiled at me with a gentle smile I'd never seen before. Countless emotions were swirling within her.
"Goodbye, Your Highness, the real Princess. Hang in there in this splendid hell with no options. It seems the demon has returned to its rightful place."
Erita's blue eyes, finally looking at Noah, looked like the sky beyond, the setting sun. She said nothing to the man she loved. Noah glanced at Erita with an indifferent gaze, then turned his head back toward me.
“My princess is amazing.”
"I like it," Noah muttered softly, his lips curved in amusement. One could say I had spared her life out of generosity, but that wasn't entirely true. Could she, who had lived a life of luxury as a Princess, be trapped in a slum that was nothing more than a filthy cesspool? She probably couldn't stand it, just like I was when I fled in horror at the admiral's mansion's squalid, pigsty-like attic.
Suddenly, I remembered Ayla, who had tragically passed away. Her final scene left a lasting impression on me, piercing a corner of my heart so deeply that it brought a taste of blood to my mouth. This was my revenge for that loss, my personal feelings for having lost my ordinary life, and a revenge disguised as a good deed.
“As expected, unlike the fake Princess, you have dignity.”
All sorts of hypocritical remarks were flying around. It was so burdensome that I didn't particularly enjoy it, but I gave them a fake smile. Erita must have heard those words her entire life, whether she wanted to or not. It seems that the fact that she was a princess was quickly erased from people's memories.
Countess Reuben stared blankly, her eyes locked in a state of confusion. She seemed to be thinking of her sister, Agnes Harrison, whom she believed to be just and courageous.
I approached her and took her hand.
"I'm sorry."
"What are you talking about? The Princess did nothing wrong. It was my incompetent sister or brother who committed the crime."
"I'm sorry for lying to you and not telling you. For pretending to be your relative. For using family ties to ask for help."
“No, Princess.”
"The Prime Minister's second son, Jeffrey Groenendael, who joined the Alliance, and his eldest son, Jace Groenendael, who resides in the Kappel Federation, are Agnes Harrison's sons. It's said that Prime Minister Damian Groenendael became their father in place of their father, who died in a naval battle. Now, I can finally tell you."
“The man I saw at the wedding that time was Agnes’s...?”
The Countess's blue eyes shook violently. I turned away with a forlorn smile. After the trial, the people lining the corridor outside bowed to me, as if Erita had never existed, saying things like, "May God bless Her Highness," and "You are truly beautiful, Princess."
It sounded like a broken record, its clipped beats creating a strange sense of dissonance. The more I listened, the more disjointed it became, and my spine tingled. Come to think of it, it felt more like a disillusionment, like maggots crawling all over my body.
Comments
Post a Comment