On the eve of the trial, under the full operation of the York family industry, Allen's new invention "the projector" had already been promoted to all parts of the country and became another novel entertainment thing in the eyes of the citizens of the Braden Kingdom.
Almost everyone among the aristocrats and wealthy people, especially the prosperous upstarts of the New Party, has one.
For wealthy people like them, newspapers with only text are obviously too boring, and even bloody gossip news can hardly reach their excitement threshold.
Because of this, the emergence of the magic "projector" has greatly satisfied their audio-visual needs.
For most civilians, "magic" is a word that is out of reach, and the high price of alchemy items makes them even more daunting.
But this time, the York family generously installed more than one public "projector" in every town or village for the use of civilians, regardless of the cost.
There is no doubt that this iron block that can play dynamic pictures has aroused great interest among civilians.
As long as they have time, they will bring the elderly and children to the square to watch the latest events happening all over the country through the "projector".
The Federman family living in the town of Korn is naturally not immune to this.
Since Howard, who lives next door, became the auxiliary bishop of the Church of Light, they have finally heaved a sigh of relief from the heavy tax pressure, especially Uncle Federman, the head of the family. Not long ago, he was thinking of committing suicide to avoid taxes.
By the way, I went to get some pension money.
But it's better now because the new auxiliary bishop Howard has strictly restrained the nearby clergy, so that they don't dare to bully the common people who don't understand the complicated regulations and increase taxes without authorization, as they did before.
Because of this, the Federman family is full of gratitude to Howard and hopes to repay this kindness one day.
It's just that they don't know whether Howard will still value their meager repayment now that he has become a superior auxiliary bishop.
"So, Dad, what program will be played in the square today?"
At this moment, Julian, the youngest child of the Federman family, was sitting on his father's shoulders, pointing to the "projector" not far away in the square, and asked in a clear childish voice.
"I heard it was a trial in the Supreme Court of the capital." Uncle Federman replied.
There were so many people gathered in the square today to watch the excitement that Uncle Federman couldn't see clearly, he could only make a general impression.
"Judgements, I like them," Julian shouted loudly on his father's shoulder, "especially the judges with hammers are so majestic. As long as they tap lightly, the prisoners will not dare to move."
"That's not called a hammer, that's called a gavel." Uncle Federman explained.
"I don't care," the boy Julian shouted stubbornly, "I will be a judge in the future anyway."
"Didn't you say yesterday that you wanted to be a policeman? You also said that the police uniforms are very handsome. Why did you change your mind today?"
"The police are not as handsome as the judges."
"..."
In this way, Uncle Federman and his son had a great quarrel with each other.
Ever since the Church of Light decided to increase church taxes, they had not experienced such a happy atmosphere for a long time. You know, not long ago, the Federmans planned to send their son away quietly in order to avoid taxes.
However, at this moment, Julian suddenly pointed at the light curtain not far away and shouted: "Dad, look! Brother Howard!"
Uncle Federman thought this kid was talking nonsense again.
However, he still raised his head and looked beyond the crowd to the light screen in front of the "projector".
Then he froze on the spot, unable to believe his eyes for a moment
He saw with his own eyes that his former neighbor Howard, who was now the auxiliary bishop of the Church of Light, was wearing a bishop's crown and a plain white robe, sitting on the judge's high seat with his head held high.
In Howard's hand, he held a finely crafted hammer, shining brightly under the gaze of everyone.
"Dad! Look! I said the judge is the coolest!" Julian couldn't help shouting again.
"Yeah..." Uncle Feldman couldn't help but echoed, as if he still hadn't recovered from his emotions.
At the same time, Mrs. Federman next to her asked: "Since it is a trial, who is on trial this time?"
Julian narrowed his eyes slightly: "Hmm... It seems to be a bishop... Well, that's right, it's Archbishop Nerga of the Braden Kingdom..."
People from all directions took a breath of cold air involuntarily.
In their understanding, clergy are the spokespersons of the goddess of light in the world, and the archbishop in charge of a country's diocese is the embodiment of the will of the gods.
How could they commit a crime?
How could anyone dare to judge them?
…………
Capital, Supreme Court.
When the "gavel of judgment" in Howard's hand fell heavily on the table, Judicial Assistant Bennett, as the clerk of the trial, stood up and announced:
"Everyone stands up. The court has officially begun the trial. The jurors are invited to take an oath."
Upon hearing this, twenty-three jurors, including Liz, stood up.
They were Braden citizens randomly recruited by Bennett from all walks of life in the capital, ranging from fat-bellied wealthy businessmen to skinny garbage workers.
At the end of the trial, they will vote to decide whether the criminal is guilty or not.
I only heard them swear: "I swear under the light of the goddess that I will judge the case according to the true situation and will never be affected by any factors outside the court. I will draw conclusions in strict accordance with the evidence given by the court."
The law handles the case. May the goddess witness my oath."
Then Clerk Bennett said: "Everyone, please sit down and keep quiet. May the goddess of light protect us. The plaintiff will make a statement next."
According to the normal procedures stipulated by the laws of the Kingdom, whether it is the statement of the plaintiff or defendant or the subsequent debate, it is generally completed by the plaintiff and defendant's lawyers.
But today's situation is special, because when it comes to clergy, you must abide by the rules of the Church of Light. Only you can defend yourself, and you cannot borrow others' help.
Allen smiled slightly, stood up and said:
"Your Honor, fellow jurors, I am here today to charge Yak Nelga with seven counts of blasphemy.
“First, the defendant Yaconelga, as the Archbishop in charge of the Braden Diocese, despised the authority of the court, the civil rights and laws of the Braden Kingdom, the dignity of the nobility and magicians, and imprisoned the plaintiff in Saint Sophia Palace without authorization.
The church deprived him of his right to personal freedom for several days.
"This is the sin of 'arrogance'."
…………
ps: Thank you for the 1,000 reward for reading and paying off debts, and the 200 reward for Xueyu Feiyang! There will be another chapter later.