Ch. 7: Camilo's Trial (SUN)
After I left the place Camilo was imprisoned, I sought to somehow find proof of his innocence, however…
Camilo's subordinates and the people of the castle were in chaos at the unforeseen event and had no time to listen to me…-.
At this rate, Camilo will…
Camilo: "I have to set an example and follow the rules. I will take responsibility for allowing this to happen. I am prepared to accept my judgment."
I was inspired to help him.
How hard will it be on him…?
I thought of Camilo spending the evening alone in the jail, and I felt unable to endure that thought a second longer.
Then…-.
OO: "Eh, that kid…"
It was a chance passerby within the crowd of people, but I recognized them right away.
That's…the kid who ran into us!
Affirming my conviction, I chased after him.
…
OO: "Wait…!"
I used all my strength to run and get in front of him, blocking his way as I called out.
Boy: "What do you want? Ah, you're the woman that was with Camilo."
He knows about Camilo. It really is the kid from the other night…
I found myself glaring at him, but he didn't flinch.
OO: "Why did you do that?"
Boy: "What are you talking about?"
OO: "Don't play dumb…!"
I stared at him straight on, but the boy put his hands behind his head and straightened up.
Boy: "Cause he caught my older brother. Come to think, you were at his trial too."
Then his brother is the man that tried to run before…?
Boy: "I simply got revenge. Anyhow, I don't have a reason to talk to you about it."
Saying as much, he barged past me.
OO: "Wait. If you think Camilo is bad, will you come to his trial? If you do, you'll see what kind of person he really is."
Boy: "Are you stupid? Why would I go just to get caught?"
OO: "Camilo hasn't said anything about you."
Boy: "Eh…-."
OO: "He says it was his own fault…but…he's wrong…please!"
I continued to desperately plead with my head bowed, and the boy nodded reluctantly.
Boy: "…promise me."
OO: "Eh?"
Boy: "That you won't draw attention to me."
OO: "…"
I'm sure whatever I say now would be the wrong thing to do. But if he learns about Camilo…something might change.
Sending up that prayer, I gave a small nod…-.
Several days later…
Camilo's trial was set to take place on this day, and I sat in the public seating with the boy from before.
Judge: "Now, we will begin the trial for the defendant Camilo."
With the call to start, the judge banged his wooden gavel to commence.
Camilo… he looks like he's gotten thin…
Seeing him like that, I tightly squeezed my hands together.
…
After a short exchange of words…
Judge: "If you have any last words, say them now."
Camilo: "My crime is negligence. Because of that I was captured, and became unable to fulfill my duty to protect the order of this country. That is the thing I regret most now."
Camilo was dignified as he stood there, expressing no ill will and showing no behavior to suggest he had been falsely accused.
He's taking full responsibility…and not blaming anyone…
Boy: "He…didn't blame me."
OO: "That's right. Because his duty is to protect this town, and blaming you wouldn't be in line with that."
Boy: "What the hell…how can he do something like that? I don't get it."
OO: "Camilo wishes for the people of this country to live in peace, with all his heart…he's hard on himself, and kind to others. So I don't think he would blame someone else, and he wouldn't do something like hold a grudge."
Boy: "…"
Suddenly, he stood from his chair.
OO: "Where are…-."
Boy: "Don't worry, I'm not running."
Saying as much, the boy walked up in front of the judge.
Camilo: "You…!"
Boy: "Sorry."
The rumbling of the crowd grew even louder.
Thank goodness. With this I'm sure Camilo will be released…
Then Camilo said something to the boy and looked towards me.