N10 In Session Story

N10 In Session

Story

Are the basements of all nobles filled with so much muck!?

- Plot Recap

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The Next Day Navigator: (So it's finally about to begin...) (The trial of Serial Statue Decapitations will be in session soon.) (Leyn, Matthieu, and Tina... Will they be able to expose the truth before the court?) Carleen: Navigator! Navigator: Carleen! And Loewe too! You made it back! Carleen: Of course, i gave everyone my word that i would be here for the trial, didn't i? However, something troubling was brought to my attention... I hear that Tina is the defendant? Loewe: Matthieu, you've really outdone yourself this time. Matthieu: I dare you to say that again...! Navigator: Th-That's right, yeah... Tina was named the prime suspect in the case after some pieces of bizarre evidence came to light. But i'm positive everything will turn out okay! Carleen: What exactly happened in the last two days? Navigator: It's kind of a long story. I'll tell ypu more once we're inside the courtroom. The Hall of Justice, Romance Division, Lumpolis Gardens Schwab: Order, order! First, allow me to apologize to everyone for having to make so many trips to the courthouse for this case. Unfortunately, we were unable to prevent the culprit from committing multiple instances of this heinous crime. It appears that today is the day that villain is finally brought to justice! Now, without further ado- Thud! Schwab: The trial of Serial Statue Decapitations is now in session! Tina: ... Leyn & Matthieu: ... Navigator: You guys... Carleen: believe in them. It's all we can do now. Schwab: First, let us introduce the parties involved in today's litigation! For the prosecution, Mr. Byron. And for the defense, Tina Campbell. It brings us no small measure of shame, to see one of our own Romance Division judges stand trial for such a vile crime. But all are equal in the eyes of the lawm andd all must be held accountable for their sins. Matthieu: Unbelievable... Schwab: I, Schwab Salar, shall preside as the chief judge in today's trial. Judges Matthieu Sawyer and Leyn will join the trial, as well as other respected members of the jury. Judge Jr.: Hmph, you've finaly learned to show some respect to the elders. Our contributions to the investigation are just as important as anyone else's! Judge Jr.: Tell me, what are your thoughts on the case thus far? Jury Member A: ... Jury Member B: ... Judge Jr.: Ah yes, i nearly forget forgot we are to hold our silence for now... Schwab: The basic details of the case are outlined in the documents placed in front of you. Everyone is invited to review them at their own discretion. Thanks in no small part to our through investigative efforts, we have finally established a clear clain of events. Next, i shall deliver a brief statement on the dindings of said invesitigative efforts concerning the case of the Serial Statue Decapitations. Our findings show that the defendant, Tina Campbell. resorted to the destruction of statues to publicize her deep resentment towards the wave of love sweeping all of Lumpolis. In the previous two incidents, she misued her authority as a judge to destroy any evidence pointing to her wrongdoing. But thanks to Mr. Byron and his timely report, Judge LEyn was fully prepared for the third and final incident. And it was at the scene of the crime, that he was able to obtain a piece of vital dvidence from the perpetrator... This glove! Judge Jr.: Splendid! This should be more than enough to incriminate the defendant! Schwab: Indeed. I launched an investigation into the owner of this glove, and my subordinates stumbled upon a startling discovert-the other glove was found in the drawer of a desk belonging to none other than Judge Tina Campbell! Judge Jr.: Why, it's a perfect match! Schwab: And our investigation confirmed just as much. Both gloves were part of a set belonging to a single owner... And for the defense, Tina Campbell. Tina: It's not like that... Judge Jr.: Wow! Chief Judge Schwab is badass beyond his years! Schwab: Based on the irrefutable evidence provided, the court hereby propose that the defendant be charged with the destruction of public property, as well as the subversion of romance! Naturally, you are free to justify your abhorrent behavior however you see fit. Just know that nothing sort of divine intervention will sway the jury into clearing you of all charges. Tina: Why, you... Judge Jr.: I hardly think that's possible! The most important quality us here when presiding over a case is impartiality! Isn't that right, my fellow jurors? Jury Member A: ... Jury Member B: ... Tina: I don't tknow what else to say about that glove... It's true that it belongs to me, but i never took it to the crime scene. I was fighting off Eclipsites at the time, and had no way of going near that statue, much less defacing it. By the time i got to the statue, the damage was already done... Schwab: Are there any witnesses who can attest to that? Tina: I... I'm sorry, but i had gotten separated from everyone at the time, so there were no witnesses... Schwab: Then it seems your testimony is unable to overturn our current conclusion. If you have np pther compelling evidence to offer, then for the crimes of the destruction of public property and subversion of love, we hereby find you- Matthieu: Wait!!! Schwab: ...Yes, Judge Matthieu? Matthieu: I fear i must object to your ruling, Judge Schwab! Tina couldn't possibly be the culprit behind these serial statue decapitations! She has evidence that proves she was never at the scene of the crime! Schwab: Heh, does she, now? Then let us hear what you have to say, Judge Matthieu. And do remember to be as rational and objective as possible in her defense. Otherwise, we may find evidence of accomplices in herr crimes instead. Matthieu: Ahem. Let us go back to the very beginning of the case. Namely, the first incident of a statue being decapitated. Schwab: I have already thoroughly investigated the culprits' actions that day. Unfortunately, the defendant cannot prove that she was not at the crime scene. Matthieu: No, Your Honor... But what matters most is what happened AFTER the crime was committed! That afternoon, Tina and i were at the Hall of Justice, where we worked together for approximately four hours. I can personally attest to this, as can the other members of the Hall who were present that day. Schwab: Very well, so you worked together for four hours. That then? She could have easily perpetrated the crime before returning to work with you in the Hall of Justice. Matthieu: Wrong, Your Honor! Those four hours are proof positive that she was never at the scene of the crime! You see, Tina suffers from a rare form of hypersomnia. Any hospital in Lumpolis can attest to this as well. As a result, the longest she can remain awake during any given day is approximately four hours! Schwab: ... Matthieu: In other words, outside of the four hours that we spent working together, she had to have been asleep the rest of the time! As such, there's no way she could have vandalized the first statue! Judge Jr.: She's even sleeping at work!? Does she have no shame? Can anyone really just get paid to do nothing these days? Tina: That's right! I was asleep at the time! I didn't hear about the statue until after i had woken up. Matthieu: Well, then? Is that proof that she is not to blame for the first statue? Schwab: You call that an argument? Using mere speculation to not only establish an alibi for the defendant, but also pass judgment on her entire trial! If our justice system were so frivolous, we would have no need for things such as eviddence or testimonies! Matthieu: I understand, You Honor! You wish to see evidence, yes? Then allow me to move on to the second instance of statue decapitation. Just as the first incident, there's sufflecient evidence here proving Tina Campbell was not at the crime scene. For this, Judge Leyn and i can both seve as witnesses. Schwab: Hmph! Are you sure you meant to say witnesses and not accomplices, Judge Matthieu? Matthieu: My, my, as respected judges of the Hall of Justice, are we not all on the same side, Your Honor? Ah, but no matter... There is one other person here today why can also serve as a witness. And i believe someone is her position would more than suffice to prove Tina's innocence. Unless, of course, you mean to imply that the Princess of Lumpolis is also an accessory to this crime? Carleen: ... Schwab: ...Her? Matthieu: At the time of the second incident, we were all in Meadow Square of the Lumpolis Courtyard, responding to a crisis. Remember Carleen: I see what you're saying. But we need to restore order first. The Nun: Please, don't ppanic. Follow me! Smash-! Matthieu: (What was that noise!?) End remember Matthieu: I was the first to hear the sound of the statue being destroyed. Shortly afterwards, Judge Tina and i went over to investigate. Upon reaching the crime scene, we both descovered the statue missing its head. At no point in the course of that day's events did Judge Tina ever leave my sight. As such, i can attes, with complete certainty, that she was not at the crime scene when the second statue was decapitated. I believe Lady Carleen and the nun can corroborate this. Carleen: It's true. Prior to the incident, Tina was with us the entire time. She had no way of carrying out the crime. The Nun: Indeed. I, too, can stand as a witness to Judge Tina's lack of involvement in the crime. Matthieu: Well, Your Honor? Are these testimonials sufficient evidence for you? Schwab: Fine, fine. The court respects and acknowledges ant testimony given by Lady Carleem Furthermore, ypir words and passopn have had an effect on me, Judge Matthieu It seems i was wrong to accuse Miss Tina Campbell, after all Navigator: (D-Did we just win?) Schwab: The court retracts its prior judgment! We find that the defendant, Tina Campbell, is not the perpetrator behind the serial statue decapitations. We dom however, find her guilty of the Third instance of a statue's decapitation! Navigator: Eh...? Matthieu: Tch. Schwab: He proud of your efforts. Judge Matthieu! Without them, the defendant's sentence will be reduced greatly Hpwever! So long as the crucial piece of eyidence provided earlier stands uncontested... ...the court will still find Tina Campbell guilty of destroying public property, as well as subverting romance! But you were already aware of that, weren't you, Judge Matthieu? Matthieu: Complete nonsense... Schwab: With that said, you still wish to continue denying the irrefutable evidence brought to the court today? Matthieu: ... Navigator: Hang in there, MAtthieu... Carleen: It's still not enough... Matthieu: No, Your Honor. I've said all that i needed to say. Navigator: What...? Schwab: Heheheh, is that so? Matthieu: Yes, Your Honor. Schwab: In that case, the court hereby- Matthieu: It's your turn, Leyn Navigator: !!! Schwab: Leyn? Matthieu: Go on, then. Newcomers are rately presented with opportunities like this. Leyn: Understood. Chief Judge Schwab, fellow jury members, and all who are gathered here today. I humbly request a few minute of your time. So that we may draw inferences from our understanding of the crime. Judge Jr.: Huh, this jid's kinda crazy Schwab: You would do well to choose your wirds wisely, Judge Leyn. Especially considering your "humble" background Unlike Judge Matthieu, you do not have the support of a noble family should the quality of your work be called into question. Leyn: And unlike you. Chief Judge Schwab, i do not believe that my common background is necessarily a hidrance: At the very least, my actions have no way of reflecting ignobly upon the illustious noble caste. Schwab: You... Leyn: But let's return to the case at hand, shall we? Your Honor seems to be quite insistent on that piece of crucial evidence... I suggest we perform an even more detailde review of this case, and leave no stone unturned By close exammining every detail, i believe we'll find some trace of the true culprit-something that will point us in the direction of the truth! Jusge Jr.: Ohhh! How professional! I like how things are proceeding! Navigator: (Some trace of the true culprit, huh...) (Did you finally discover something< Leyn?) Leyn: Let's recall what happened at the Stairway to the Skies yesterday, just prior to the incident. In order to protect the statue at the top of the stairs, we attempted to stop the parade from proceeding. To our surprise, we found a group of small Eclipsites skulking just behind the procession. I immediately engaged them in battle. Not long afterward, Judge Tina caught up to me...

Leyn:	I kicked the first Eclipsite down the stairs. The second, i impaled with my weapon. The last one, however, was blown to pieces by Tina's fist.
Judge Jr.:	Okay, okay! Are such details really necessary?
Leyn:	With the small band of Eclipsites defeated, Tina and i began to make our way back to the statue and reconvene with the others. But the crowds were thick that day, and cutting through them proved to be a difficult task. As a result, i was separated from Tina in the crowd... It wasn't until after the incident that i finally saw her again.
Tina:	Trying to get through all those people was a nightmare... I could barely move half the time!
Schwab:	That much we can agree on. But this does not prove that Tina Campbell was not at the scene of the crime that day.
Leyn:	Let's set that aside for just a moment, Your HOnor. Instead, let us turn our attention to the moment that the incident occurred. When i finallt reached the statue, i was ambushed by yet another group of Eclipsites. As we were fighting off the Eclipsites, the culprit had a perfect opportunity to strike. taking advantage of the surrounding chaos, they reached out a gloved hand and shattered the statue's head. I managed to grab hold of their hand, but the culprit was hiding among the Eclipsites, which prevented me from getting a clear look at their face or body. In the end, the culprit was able to wriggle out of my grasp and escape, leaving behind a single glove...
Schwab:	The glove that has been provided as key evidence in the case, yes.
Leyn:	Lady Carleen and Judge Matthieu did short work of the Eclipsites soon afterward, but the culprit was nowhere to be seen. Once the dust settlend, Judge Tina finally reappeared and joined us. And that, ladies and gentlemen of court, is the full account of the events surrounding the statue's decapitation.
Schwab:	And a very well-worded account, at that. Thank you for your contribution, Judge Leyn. With this in mind, it stands to reason that the owner of the glove is the perpetration of the crime. That, in turn, was the rationale that led us to arrest the defendant, Tina Campbell.
Leyn:	Forgive me, Your Honor... But you're jumping to conclusions.
Schwab:	I beg your pardon?
Leyn:	Based on the information we gathered at the crime scene regarding the culprit- We know that the culprit managed to smash the statue's head with their bare hand white wearing that glove. The person you apprehended, on the other hand... Is just the young lady who is the rightful owner of the glove. If you compare the two more closely, you'll find more inconsistencies than anything else.
Schwab:	I feel that you are overthinking things, Judge Leyn. Does it not stand to reason that the glove owner is the person most likely to have worn it at the crime scene?
Leyn:	It does, Your Honor... But you're missing the point. Does Judge Tina look like she can pulverize a statue's head with her bare hands?
Judge Jr.:	Oh? A new angle? When you really think about it, how could a little girl break a statue with her bare hands?
Schwab:	It seems you've gotten lost in your own thought processes, Judge Leyn. Have you already forgotten what you said not two minutes ago?
Leyn:	I kicked the first Eclipsite down the stairs. The second, i impaled with my weapon. The last one, however, was blown to pieces by Tina's fist.
Schwab:	Surely, you know your colleague better than that? After all, she is the inheritor of the Campbell Family's Divine Hand. For someone who can completely obliterate an Eclipsite with a single punch, a statue's head should pose no problem at all.
Jusge Jr.:	That's right! She's no ordinatory girl! Young man, you need to put a little more thought into your deductions.
Navigator:	(I guess he fell just short of the mark, huh?) (If only Leyn was able to get just a small step ahead of the enemy, and find something that slipped their notice...)
Leyn:	Ah, yes... Tina inherited the Divine Hand. Then the assumption is that she used it to smash the statue's head, correct?
Schwab:	Correct. It's the only logical conclusion after all. And while i must applaud you for your rigorous method of analysis, Judge Leyn... For future trials, i suggest you share your analyses with me prior to the start of our proceedings instead of wasting the court's valuable time.
Leyn:	I don't think i've wasted anyone's time at all, Your Honor. All of my inferences were for the sole purpose of getting you to arrive at this very conclusion. Namely, Tina used the Divine Hand to smash the statue's head.
Schwab:	... Get to the point, Judge Leyn. What is it you are trying to say? 2:45:25

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