Mob MC 303.1

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Chapter 303.1. Noble Quarrel

-Miu's Dad POV-

Takano Houretsu, the father of Takano Miu, couldn't help but sigh inwardly as he thought, he didn't seem like a noble. 

Currently, Houretsu was attending an impromptu meeting held by His Imperial Majesty. While it was referred to as a "meeting before His Majesty", it was more like a primary school class meeting in substance.

It was a place for those with loud voices used it as an opportunity to raise their grievances and flaunt their sense of justice.

"It is a fact that Lady Takano Birei not only spoke disrespectfully to Duchess Kanna but prompted her guards to inflict serious injuries upon Duchess Kanna because she used basic magic that wouldn't even scratch a child!"

The one passionately making this accusation was Count Something-or-Other from the Kanna faction, not one of the 36 noble houses. 

He's a titular count who used his title to curry favor with Kanna Dukedom. Currently, he was using his title as a count to sue Takano County on behalf of Lady Kanna.

The meeting, held in a panoramic restaurant, was attended by the heads of the 36 noble houses, each watching the proceedings with eager anticipation. There were also Teijou Ouga-san, who had to take a neutral stance as a noble juror to ensure fairness, and Aguni Enraku, among others. The Emperor watched the situation with a calm expression and did not make any comments.

Finally, there were Lady Kanna, Duke Kanna, and many of their entourage members who had brought the complaint while attempting to harm Birei. 

On the other side were me, Houretsu, my wife Birei, my father Kazamichi, and our legal representative, Marquess Kohaku Sasami.

"Acting head of Takano County. Is there no mistake in this complaint?"

It was an extraordinary legal trial for nobles. For commoners, it was an unbelievable form of justice. As the judge of this informal trial for the first time, Houretsu felt the Emperor's gaze upon him.

"No, Your Majesty. I have an objection. Lady Kanna is—"

"Duchess, you should address her properly! How disrespectful!"

One of Duchess Kanna's entourage members shouted, spitting and yelling deliberately.

Despite thinking this person was here just to heckle, I bowed my head and apologized sincerely. 

"My apologies. Lady Kanna. I forgot to use the appropriate honorific because her behavior didn't seem fitting for a duchess."

"N-N-No, how rude!"

"That's right, a commoner with no manners!"

"Indeed, these people who don't know the manners of nobility are quite troublesome."

Someone commented sarcastically, and a brief burst of laughter echoed from somewhere. However, it was immediately drowned out as Duchess Kanna's entourage members collectively heckled.

"You're making too much noise in front of me, you lot."

When the Emperor stared at them, they immediately fell silent, avoiding eye contact, which made me sigh in resignation. I didn't want to realize this during such a situation.

"Please continue, acting head of Takano County."

"Yes, Your Majesty. My wife is an ordinary person without mana, Duchess Kanna knew even basic magic could cause her serious harm. But she still attempted to use magic, and we have recorded the evidence."

Since Matsu-san had recorded the situation, I placed the recording glyph on the table.

"This is a recording sign with capabilities similar to a camera. As you know, it is an ancient sign created to prevent illusions and tampering by magic. People of the past can also use it as evidence in trials."

Recording signs, rarely used, recorded what was in front of them. They could sense mana's light, so they were highly valued in a world with magic.

It's the same kind of magic used as surveillance cameras placed in important locations.

Druid Arch Mage seemed impressed by how convenient they were, but there was a smirk hidden in his smile, so I decided not to ask any further.

The recording glyph showed Lady Kann's actions in the bathroom. 

Some people looked at her with condemning expressions after they were confirming the situation, but others didn't seem to care and laughed it off.

"Hmm, I've confirmed it with the recording sign. So, based on this, there's no doubt that Kanna Noriko acted foolishly with malicious intent, right?"

The Emperor squinted his eyes and addressed Lady Kanna.

"W-Well, I apologize, Your Majesty. I just wanted to try something I often see in TV shows lately, like playing the role of a villainess... I did it as a joke for a new friend."

Lady Kanna, with her head wrapped in bandages, covered her face with a handkerchief and sobbed, giving an obvious performance. 

But, with her petite and charming appearance, she made it seem the previous recording might have been false.

In her younger days, she might have used this act to manipulate many people. However, the 36 noble family heads stared at her coldly, leaving her entourage to console her.

That's why I thought that this absurd trial might end here. 

However...

"Hmm... Indeed, Kanna Noriko acted foolishly. But the magic she used was basic. It seems like she went a bit overboard. You could even call it excessive self-defense, couldn't you?"

"Y-Your Majesty, my wife is in danger even with basic magic. I believe it doesn't qualify as excessive self-defense."

Yoshitake was surprised by the unexpected response, and he couldn't help raising his voice. He couldn't accept that his beloved wife could be accused of excessive self-defense when she was at risk of serious harm.

"Bring the guards who used this magic for Kanna Noriko. I want to confirm their intentions behind using the magic."

"That... Your Majesty, Matsu-san is bedridden due to illness. So it might be impossible."

I hesitated at the Emperor's words. Matsu-san and the others had all fallen ill recently. They had high fevers and were bedridden, barely conscious, but unable to get up. I called a doctor, but the cause was unknown. I suspected it might be magic. So, I turned to the Druid Arch Mage, who explained it with a bitter expression.

[These people had their power drastically boosted, causing them to become ill due to the backlash. It's like soul pain rather than muscle pain. There's no need to worry.]

I had an inexplicable feeling of unease when he said that, but since they were supposedly fine, I didn't inquire further.

However, it was unfortunate that they fell ill at this particular time.