Chapter 56:
Chapter 57 — The Unnecessary Trial II
My New Home
Judge Yamato re-entering the courtroom, his face pale but composed, and looking over at Nanami. 「The prosecution may proceed with its first witness.」Nanami standing up, facing the court with a sickeningly triumphant smirk 「The prosecution calls Shizuko Samuels to the stand.」He pauses, letting the name hang in the air.「Is Shizuko Samuels present?」A low wave of murmuring begins to spread through the gallery.Judge Yamato his patience worn thin, looking pointedly at the defense table.「Defense counsel, please inform the court of the location of the witness.」Joshua maintaining a stone-cold expression.【 I see, so that's what they are planning. 】
The silence is shattered by a small, clear sneeze that echoes oddly through the expansive courtroom. Every head snaps around, trying to locate the source.
JJ: 「Bless you.」Shizuko: 「Thanks, Papa. Shouldn't we go show ourselves now? I think the case has begun.」JJ checking the time on his smartphone.「Oh, yes, you're right.」
The space directly next too the defense table shimmers and distorts, as if a layer of water has been removed. A shimmering, near-invisible force field surrounding JJ and Shizuko deactivates, revealing them sitting perfectly composed right next to Joshua. The entire courtroom is frozen in stunned silence.
Joshua: 「So, this is where—」He catches sight of JJ and Shizuko subtly gathering the ambient energy, a known habit of JJ. 「No, absolutely not. We are not 'aura farming' here.」JJ let's out a low, wheedling chuckle 「C'mon, Josh, let me have this one.」Joshua a stern, non-negotiable tone.「No. The last time you did, you listened to 'Swagness' by FSS for two hours straight and didn't stop until you were forcibly subdued.」JJ smiling innocently.「Alright, fair enough.」
Judge Yamato slams his gavel, the sound loud but hollow in the stunned room.
「Oh, yes. You're up, Mellow.」Shizuko her small figure radiating confidence.「Okay, but wait... Do I tell the complete truth?」JJ: 「Yes, Mellow. We have nothing to hide.」Shizuko: 「Okay.」She walks confidently toward the witness box, climbing onto the large seat. Nanami: 【 This will be child's play. 】「Ms. Samuels, can you confirm for the court that your name is Shizuko Mary Samuels?」Shizuko: 「Yes, I am.」Nanami: 「And is your date of birth the 14th of February?」Shizuko nodding yes. 「That is correct.」Nanami: 「Alright. With regard to your father, are you familiar with his day-to-day conduct?」Shizuko: 【 What exactly is he trying to ascertain? 】「Yes, I am aware of what Papa does.」Nanami: 「I see. So, you are aware that your father is a rapist?」A wave of shocked gasps breaks over the gallery.Joshua leaping to his feet.「Objection! The relevance of that statement is highly questionable!」Judge Yamato: 「The objection is overruled!」Joshua sitting down, a slight, knowing smirk on his face. 【 This is going to backfire spectacularly on them. 】Shizuko with a look of genuine confusion on her face.「A rapist? Papa is not a rapist.」Nanami: 「Ah, it is a common desire for every child to believe their father is a good person, Ms. Samuels. Sadly, that sentiment does not align with the facts of this case.」Shizuko glances innocently at JJ. 「Papa, what is a rapist?」JJ: 「You know that smell of death you sometimes notice around Haruka?」Shizuko's face lighting up with recognition. 「Ohh! That smell!」 She instantly looks at Nanami, her face contorting in repulsion, and clamps her hands over her nose.「Eww! What is that? Papa, he smells dead!」Her eyes widen in sudden, dawning horror > 「No way, Papa, is he—」A weary sigh escaping JJ. 「Yes, Mellow. He is.」
The shock and confusion in the courtroom intensifies.
Judge Yamato banging his gavel repeatedly.「Order in the court! Defense counsel, you will explain the witness’s reaction immediately!」Joshua annoyed by the tone, but standing up to address the bench.「With deference, Your Honor, while a simple 'please' would have been appreciated, I shall comply. Every biological member of the Samuels family possesses the ability to consciously or unconsciously detect the scent unique to those who have committed sexual assault.」He pivots to address the gallery, his voice ringing with certainty. 「It may take the young witness several weeks to months to acclimate, as this is her first exposure to such a scent. But, yes, Mr. Towa, as the defense stated: You tell lies about us, we will tell truths about you.」Nanami's face turns pale, but refusing to show weakness.「I will not be manipulated by the fabricated claims of people like you! I have no further questions for this witness.」He quickly returns to his seat. 【 Damn! Why wasn't I briefed on that?! 】Joshua with a calm, triumphant smugness in his voice. 「Does that indicate that I now have the floor, Your Honor?」Judge Yamato his jaw tight with annoyance 「Proceed, counsel.」Joshua with a slight, mocking edge to his voice.「Thank you.」He stands and walks toward Shizuko.「Now, Ms. Samuel—」 Shizuko cuts him off with a loud protest. Shizuko pouts. 「That's not my title!」Joshua let's a brief, soft chuckle.「My apologies.」He clears his throat, his tone shifting to one of theatrical formality.「First Imperial Princess of Militia, Shizuko Mary Samuels, I have a few questions for you.」
The pronouncement lands like a bomb. Everyone not in the Samuels camp is shocked beyond belief.
Judge Yamato was visibly shaken and frightened. 「Wait, Defense counsel, are you stating that your brother... he is...?」Joshua has a massive grin spreading across his face. 「Oh, yes, Your Honor. I am the true Finance Minister of Militia. My older brother, Devon, is the Prime Minister. And the defendant, JJ Samuels, is the Emperor of Militia, one of the twin demons of the South himself.」
Judge Yamato looks up, noticing every member of the Samuels family present—JJ, Joshua, Devon, Aurora, Esther, Rachel and Jasmine—all staring at him with predatory, synchronized grins.
Judge Yamato: 「Oh, no.」Joshua's grin widening from ear to ear, his voice dangerously soft. 「It is far too late to realize the implication of ‘if you tell lies about me, I'll tell truths about you,’ Your Honor.」Judge Yamato: 【 Damn that Prime Minister Suzuki! Why didn't he inform me of this?! 】Joshua: 「Princess, when you examine the scent of Mrs. Haruka Towa and your father, what do they smell like?」Shizuko looks at the couple, concentrating on their scent. 「They smell like fruits. Sweet fruits.」Joshua: 「Thank you. And is this scent similar to the scent of all the women your father maintains a relationship with?」Shizuko: 「Yes, it is. The house always smells sweet when they are around.」Joshua: 「Hmm... Okay. Could you say the same about Nurse Sayo Gojo?」Shizuko: 「Yes, she smells sweet too.」Joshua: 「And could you clarify for the jury and everyone observing this proceeding what that sweet scent signifies?」Shizuko puffed with boastful pride. 「It means Papa didn't force them to pray with him.」Joshua: 「Pray?」Shizuko nodding yes. 「Yes. That is how babies are made. That's what Papa and Mama Hana said.」Joshua catching the coded family term. 「Ah, yes. It has been a long time since I heard that terminology. You may now return to your Papa.」Shizuko: 「Um, Uncle Joshua, is it alright if I go be with Sky?」Joshua: 「Sky is your younger adopted sister, correct?」Shizuko: 「Yes. I need to tell her we are princesses.」Joshua chuckled lightly. 「Yes, you may. But you must not go alone.」Shizuko: 「It's okay. Gammy and Fen are waiting outside with Skol, so I will be perfectly safe.」Joshua: 「Well, that is true.」Shizuko leaves the courtroom, and Joshua turns to face the jury. 「Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, as you have just witnessed, how can a man with daughters, a man who has witnessed firsthand the most cruel things that can happen to a woman while fighting in global conflicts—how can a man like that even contemplate sexually assaulting a woman? I ask you to ponder that as I submit this: If my client is as uncivilized as the prosecution claims, then why is his daughter not afraid of him?」Jury member 1 clearing his throat. 「Well, she is his daughter, and it is possible she is simply defending her father.」Joshua: 「I understand your point, but Princess Shizuko is keenly aware that the only person my client truly fears is our Grandmother, Aurora Samuels. Since we were made aware of Shizuko's existence, she has been in constant communication with Grandmother. It defies logic that she would not report any harm, considering Grandmother's well-known intolerance for any violence against her great-grandchildren, including my client's adopted daughter, Sora Mori.」Jury member 2 looks directly at Joshua. 「Is this in reference to your grandmother chasing your brother and rendering him unconscious via physical assault?」Joshua: 「Yes, that incident serves as a perfect example. Furthermore, despite Shizuko’s involvement in the death of a reporter, Grandmother placed the blame entirely on my client for allowing the child access to a weapon.」Nanami leaps in, attempting to interrupt. Nanami: 「Counsel, did you just admit that your niece is a murderer like her father?」Joshua with a deadpan expression settling over his face. 「Of course, I did. The whole of Militia knows my client would declare war on any nation on this planet if one of their officials dared to show disrespect to our mother's name. I am therefore not surprised that Princess Shizuko would take similar retaliatory action.」Nanami scoffed. 「So, you are claiming the murder of that reporter is justified?」Joshua maintaining the deadpan stare. 「If it means preventing my client from immediately waging war against the country that reporter represented, then yes, his demise is justified. And before you inquire further, rest assured, my client would execute that war without hesitation.」A flicker of fear in Nanami's eyes. 「What exactly do you mean by that, counsel?」Joshua looking slowly around the courtroom, emphasizing his words. 「We transferred him to Japan because this nation was—past tense—the least likely to push him into a declaration of war. I suppose we miscalculated. Do you have any further questions?」Nanami: 「No.」Joshua: 「Thank you. I would now like to call my client to the stand.」JJ walking to the witness box, sighing dramatically. 「Is this really necessary?」Joshua: 「It is. Now, expose them.」JJ rolling his eyes and sighing again, then addressing the court.「Nanami Towa sexually assaulted his wife repeatedly. She came to my house immediately after one such incident and informed me personally.」Joshua: 「I—Excuse me. Please continue, client.」JJ pointed directly at Akuma.「Mr. Saturo is furious because I prohibited him, his friends, and his employer, Yamamoto Shinji, from harassing my girlfriend, Hana Allen. Therefore, this entire legal proceeding is the result of a group of insecure men with fragile egos.」Joshua: 「Is there anything further you wish to state?」JJ scoffed.「Oh, yes. Nanami Towa's father-in-law is the Prime Minister of Japan. This entire trial is occurring because your current head of state is still resentful that all three of his daughters concluded that I am significantly superior to their husbands in the bedroom.」Joshua visibly stunned, along with the rest of the room. 「Client, what is your basis for that claim?」JJ: 「Well, Hitoshi Suzuki is such an appalling individual that his own daughters provided me with compromising information they had gathered on him since childhood. That's how much they hate him. The only reason I agreed to appear here was because his youngest daughter specifically told me he had bribed the Judge, several jury members, and obviously Mr. Towa, as a publicity stunt to show the world that Militia is a weak nation.」
A truly deafening level of shock reverberates through the courtroom. The once-whispered tones erupt into loud, chaotic shouting.
The silence is shattered by a small, clear sneeze that echoes oddly through the expansive courtroom. Every head snaps around, trying to locate the source.
JJ: 「Bless you.」Shizuko: 「Thanks, Papa. Shouldn't we go show ourselves now? I think the case has begun.」JJ checking the time on his smartphone.「Oh, yes, you're right.」
The space directly next too the defense table shimmers and distorts, as if a layer of water has been removed. A shimmering, near-invisible force field surrounding JJ and Shizuko deactivates, revealing them sitting perfectly composed right next to Joshua. The entire courtroom is frozen in stunned silence.
Joshua: 「So, this is where—」He catches sight of JJ and Shizuko subtly gathering the ambient energy, a known habit of JJ. 「No, absolutely not. We are not 'aura farming' here.」JJ let's out a low, wheedling chuckle 「C'mon, Josh, let me have this one.」Joshua a stern, non-negotiable tone.「No. The last time you did, you listened to 'Swagness' by FSS for two hours straight and didn't stop until you were forcibly subdued.」JJ smiling innocently.「Alright, fair enough.」
Judge Yamato slams his gavel, the sound loud but hollow in the stunned room.
「Oh, yes. You're up, Mellow.」Shizuko her small figure radiating confidence.「Okay, but wait... Do I tell the complete truth?」JJ: 「Yes, Mellow. We have nothing to hide.」Shizuko: 「Okay.」She walks confidently toward the witness box, climbing onto the large seat. Nanami: 【 This will be child's play. 】「Ms. Samuels, can you confirm for the court that your name is Shizuko Mary Samuels?」Shizuko: 「Yes, I am.」Nanami: 「And is your date of birth the 14th of February?」Shizuko nodding yes. 「That is correct.」Nanami: 「Alright. With regard to your father, are you familiar with his day-to-day conduct?」Shizuko: 【 What exactly is he trying to ascertain? 】「Yes, I am aware of what Papa does.」Nanami: 「I see. So, you are aware that your father is a rapist?」A wave of shocked gasps breaks over the gallery.Joshua leaping to his feet.「Objection! The relevance of that statement is highly questionable!」Judge Yamato: 「The objection is overruled!」Joshua sitting down, a slight, knowing smirk on his face. 【 This is going to backfire spectacularly on them. 】Shizuko with a look of genuine confusion on her face.「A rapist? Papa is not a rapist.」Nanami: 「Ah, it is a common desire for every child to believe their father is a good person, Ms. Samuels. Sadly, that sentiment does not align with the facts of this case.」Shizuko glances innocently at JJ. 「Papa, what is a rapist?」JJ: 「You know that smell of death you sometimes notice around Haruka?」Shizuko's face lighting up with recognition. 「Ohh! That smell!」 She instantly looks at Nanami, her face contorting in repulsion, and clamps her hands over her nose.「Eww! What is that? Papa, he smells dead!」Her eyes widen in sudden, dawning horror > 「No way, Papa, is he—」A weary sigh escaping JJ. 「Yes, Mellow. He is.」
The shock and confusion in the courtroom intensifies.
Judge Yamato banging his gavel repeatedly.「Order in the court! Defense counsel, you will explain the witness’s reaction immediately!」Joshua annoyed by the tone, but standing up to address the bench.「With deference, Your Honor, while a simple 'please' would have been appreciated, I shall comply. Every biological member of the Samuels family possesses the ability to consciously or unconsciously detect the scent unique to those who have committed sexual assault.」He pivots to address the gallery, his voice ringing with certainty. 「It may take the young witness several weeks to months to acclimate, as this is her first exposure to such a scent. But, yes, Mr. Towa, as the defense stated: You tell lies about us, we will tell truths about you.」Nanami's face turns pale, but refusing to show weakness.「I will not be manipulated by the fabricated claims of people like you! I have no further questions for this witness.」He quickly returns to his seat. 【 Damn! Why wasn't I briefed on that?! 】Joshua with a calm, triumphant smugness in his voice. 「Does that indicate that I now have the floor, Your Honor?」Judge Yamato his jaw tight with annoyance 「Proceed, counsel.」Joshua with a slight, mocking edge to his voice.「Thank you.」He stands and walks toward Shizuko.「Now, Ms. Samuel—」 Shizuko cuts him off with a loud protest. Shizuko pouts. 「That's not my title!」Joshua let's a brief, soft chuckle.「My apologies.」He clears his throat, his tone shifting to one of theatrical formality.「First Imperial Princess of Militia, Shizuko Mary Samuels, I have a few questions for you.」
The pronouncement lands like a bomb. Everyone not in the Samuels camp is shocked beyond belief.
Judge Yamato was visibly shaken and frightened. 「Wait, Defense counsel, are you stating that your brother... he is...?」Joshua has a massive grin spreading across his face. 「Oh, yes, Your Honor. I am the true Finance Minister of Militia. My older brother, Devon, is the Prime Minister. And the defendant, JJ Samuels, is the Emperor of Militia, one of the twin demons of the South himself.」
Judge Yamato looks up, noticing every member of the Samuels family present—JJ, Joshua, Devon, Aurora, Esther, Rachel and Jasmine—all staring at him with predatory, synchronized grins.
Judge Yamato: 「Oh, no.」Joshua's grin widening from ear to ear, his voice dangerously soft. 「It is far too late to realize the implication of ‘if you tell lies about me, I'll tell truths about you,’ Your Honor.」Judge Yamato: 【 Damn that Prime Minister Suzuki! Why didn't he inform me of this?! 】Joshua: 「Princess, when you examine the scent of Mrs. Haruka Towa and your father, what do they smell like?」Shizuko looks at the couple, concentrating on their scent. 「They smell like fruits. Sweet fruits.」Joshua: 「Thank you. And is this scent similar to the scent of all the women your father maintains a relationship with?」Shizuko: 「Yes, it is. The house always smells sweet when they are around.」Joshua: 「Hmm... Okay. Could you say the same about Nurse Sayo Gojo?」Shizuko: 「Yes, she smells sweet too.」Joshua: 「And could you clarify for the jury and everyone observing this proceeding what that sweet scent signifies?」Shizuko puffed with boastful pride. 「It means Papa didn't force them to pray with him.」Joshua: 「Pray?」Shizuko nodding yes. 「Yes. That is how babies are made. That's what Papa and Mama Hana said.」Joshua catching the coded family term. 「Ah, yes. It has been a long time since I heard that terminology. You may now return to your Papa.」Shizuko: 「Um, Uncle Joshua, is it alright if I go be with Sky?」Joshua: 「Sky is your younger adopted sister, correct?」Shizuko: 「Yes. I need to tell her we are princesses.」Joshua chuckled lightly. 「Yes, you may. But you must not go alone.」Shizuko: 「It's okay. Gammy and Fen are waiting outside with Skol, so I will be perfectly safe.」Joshua: 「Well, that is true.」Shizuko leaves the courtroom, and Joshua turns to face the jury. 「Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, as you have just witnessed, how can a man with daughters, a man who has witnessed firsthand the most cruel things that can happen to a woman while fighting in global conflicts—how can a man like that even contemplate sexually assaulting a woman? I ask you to ponder that as I submit this: If my client is as uncivilized as the prosecution claims, then why is his daughter not afraid of him?」Jury member 1 clearing his throat. 「Well, she is his daughter, and it is possible she is simply defending her father.」Joshua: 「I understand your point, but Princess Shizuko is keenly aware that the only person my client truly fears is our Grandmother, Aurora Samuels. Since we were made aware of Shizuko's existence, she has been in constant communication with Grandmother. It defies logic that she would not report any harm, considering Grandmother's well-known intolerance for any violence against her great-grandchildren, including my client's adopted daughter, Sora Mori.」Jury member 2 looks directly at Joshua. 「Is this in reference to your grandmother chasing your brother and rendering him unconscious via physical assault?」Joshua: 「Yes, that incident serves as a perfect example. Furthermore, despite Shizuko’s involvement in the death of a reporter, Grandmother placed the blame entirely on my client for allowing the child access to a weapon.」Nanami leaps in, attempting to interrupt. Nanami: 「Counsel, did you just admit that your niece is a murderer like her father?」Joshua with a deadpan expression settling over his face. 「Of course, I did. The whole of Militia knows my client would declare war on any nation on this planet if one of their officials dared to show disrespect to our mother's name. I am therefore not surprised that Princess Shizuko would take similar retaliatory action.」Nanami scoffed. 「So, you are claiming the murder of that reporter is justified?」Joshua maintaining the deadpan stare. 「If it means preventing my client from immediately waging war against the country that reporter represented, then yes, his demise is justified. And before you inquire further, rest assured, my client would execute that war without hesitation.」A flicker of fear in Nanami's eyes. 「What exactly do you mean by that, counsel?」Joshua looking slowly around the courtroom, emphasizing his words. 「We transferred him to Japan because this nation was—past tense—the least likely to push him into a declaration of war. I suppose we miscalculated. Do you have any further questions?」Nanami: 「No.」Joshua: 「Thank you. I would now like to call my client to the stand.」JJ walking to the witness box, sighing dramatically. 「Is this really necessary?」Joshua: 「It is. Now, expose them.」JJ rolling his eyes and sighing again, then addressing the court.「Nanami Towa sexually assaulted his wife repeatedly. She came to my house immediately after one such incident and informed me personally.」Joshua: 「I—Excuse me. Please continue, client.」JJ pointed directly at Akuma.「Mr. Saturo is furious because I prohibited him, his friends, and his employer, Yamamoto Shinji, from harassing my girlfriend, Hana Allen. Therefore, this entire legal proceeding is the result of a group of insecure men with fragile egos.」Joshua: 「Is there anything further you wish to state?」JJ scoffed.「Oh, yes. Nanami Towa's father-in-law is the Prime Minister of Japan. This entire trial is occurring because your current head of state is still resentful that all three of his daughters concluded that I am significantly superior to their husbands in the bedroom.」Joshua visibly stunned, along with the rest of the room. 「Client, what is your basis for that claim?」JJ: 「Well, Hitoshi Suzuki is such an appalling individual that his own daughters provided me with compromising information they had gathered on him since childhood. That's how much they hate him. The only reason I agreed to appear here was because his youngest daughter specifically told me he had bribed the Judge, several jury members, and obviously Mr. Towa, as a publicity stunt to show the world that Militia is a weak nation.」
A truly deafening level of shock reverberates through the courtroom. The once-whispered tones erupt into loud, chaotic shouting.
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