Ch. 2: Courtroom Observation
Trials were held in the courtyard of the castle.
Camilo guided me to the public seating area where many people were gathered for the observation.
OO: "Do you hold a trial every day?"
Camilo: "Yes, as this is where those who have committed sin in the Sky Country are judged. Of course it would be better if there were days we didn't have to, but…"
Camilo stroked his chin, suddenly deep in thought.
Camilo: "Ah, no, rather…it would be ideal for people to not commit crimes in the first place."
Camilo's profile as he looked down at the court was full of sorrow.
From the bottom of my heart, I pray for peace in the Sky Country…
I could feel the sincerity of his words and I looked fixedly at his profile.
Noticing my look, Camilo gave a forced cough.
Camilo: "If you're looking at me, you can't observe…look, the defendant is entering."
Within the commotion of murmurs from the spectators, a single, thin man took the defendants stand, followed by a stern-looking man who took the judge's seat.
OO: "You're not the judge Camilo?"
Camilo: "I'm charged with managing and escorting defendants."
I'm sure he's quite suited to that job…
Without thinking, I found myself inspecting his sturdy figure and…
Judge: "Now, we shall commence deliberation immediately."
The judge banged his wooden mallet twice, the noise loud as it rang out.
The room fell completely silent, the murmurs replaced by a feeling of tension in the air.
Camilo: "That man from the Sky Country is a villain charged with multiple counts of thievery. He must be judged, and punished."
Camilo's face was tight and severe as he listed the man's crimes dispassionately.
It was a different tension in his face than when he'd greeted me, and I could feel a tingling in the air.
OO: "Judging someone is like deciding their fate, isn't it."
Camilo: "Yes…"
OO: "It makes me…a little nervous."
Camilo: "That makes sense…this is also part of the job. If you're not prepared for it, you can't carry out your duty."
[CHOICE]
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That's amazing (SUN)
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I want to follow your example (MOON)
Judge: "Now we shall announce the verdict."
Finally, the judgment would be handed down.
Defendant: "Damn!"
Suddenly the defendant broke free of his restraints and made a mad dash into the crowd of onlookers.
Defendant: "Move it!"
Camilo: "! Oh no…!"
Suddenly Camilo climbed over the railing on the edge of the visitor's gallery and swiftly drew his bow.
Camilo's gaze was intense with concentration, like the eyes of a fierce god, and he was shrouded in an aura that kept everyone from getting too close.
Camilo: "That's far enough."
A thrum ripped through the air as an arrow shot straight at the fleeing man.
Defendant: "Hie!"
There was a muffled sound as the arrow pierced the man's long cuff, pinning it to the ground as if the cloth and ground had been stitched together.
The defendant fell with an annoyed groan and the guards immediately had him subdued.
That surprised me…but what amazing accuracy with the bow. Such incredible skill…
In the end, the commotion of the day caused court to be adjourned.
I pressed down on my chest, the sudden events having made my heart pound, as I saw Camilo speaking with the guards.
Camilo: "We'll increase the number of guards on him."
Camilo briskly relayed the instructions with a dignified calm.
I was shocked at how this version of him was completely different from the image I'd had of him when we'd first met.
OO: "I'd like to follow your example."
Camilo: "You would? I see…"
His expression turned from being impressed to delight.
OO: "That's amazing."
Camilo: "It has nothing to do with being amazing. In order to protect the peace…it's something that must be done."
Camilo's already severe expression became even more intense.