NOVEL NEXT Chapter 269: Rebuttal and Evidence (1)
"Duke, I didn't expect this man to be so blatant," Aston sneered coldly.
Rick's words were straightforward, as if he had no intention of hiding anything. Yet, considering his hidden connection with Louis, it was not entirely surprising.
Alvaron nodded in agreement. "You're right. But don't worry—it won't be that easy to grant his request."
The rise and fall of a noble family in the eastern region was never simple. Many factors were intertwined, such as approval from the palace or the regional rulers, like his own family, the Austins.
Besides, Rick's accusations weren't strong enough to strip a noble family of its status.
Louis gave a slight nod, glanced at Nolan, and asked, "How do you plan to handle this lawsuit, attorney for the Castellan family?"
His gaze carried both intrigue and mockery. Rovert's actions had clearly harmed the Castellan family, and Rick's charges were undeniably serious—the outcome seemed inevitable.
Yet Nolan remained calm, placing his right hand over his left chest before replying casually, "Thank you for the opportunity, Your Honor. But to me, the punishment demanded by the Red Obsidian Trading House is truly strange—and a little… stupid."
His words left everyone stunned—especially Rick. His face turned red, and he glared at Nolan as if he wanted to kill him on the spot.
Nolan, of course, noticed, but he didn't care in the slightest.
With his usual calm expression, he continued, "Our family head, Rovert, did commit an unforgivable crime. But that doesn't mean the Castellan family should also be punished for his actions."
At those words, everyone frowned. Rick stared at him like he was an idiot and mocked, "So you mean Rovert's crime has nothing to do with the Castellan family? Isn't that absurd? He's the head of the family—every action he takes is clearly tied to the Castellan family."
If a family head committed a crime, the entire family would naturally bear the consequences. That was why nobles had to be extremely careful not to drag their families into ruin.
"Logically, that's true. But don't forget, this is a trial. Judgments here aren't made on logic, but on the law," Nolan said firmly, instantly silencing Rick.
Don't tell me there's actually such a rule, Rick muttered inwardly. If that were true, it would be very dangerous!
"Imperial Rule number 4800 states that a noble family head is fully responsible for his family. All his actions directly affect the family's fate," Nolan continued casually. "But there's an exception: if the family head acted in secret, without the knowledge of his wife, children, relatives, or even servants, then his family can be exempt from punishment."
A small chuckle escaped his lips as he looked at Rick playfully.
"With that rule, wouldn't the Castellan family fall under the exception?"
Rick froze, lost for words. If asked whether he knew about this, the answer was clearly no. The empire's rules were far too numerous and complicated—probably tens of thousands in total.
There were also the regional rules, which differed from one region to another.
With a pale face, Rick glanced at Louis, silently pleading for help. Louis caught the look and gave a subtle wink, signaling him to stay calm.
Rick exhaled softly and regained his composure.
"Your statement is correct, attorney for the Castellan family. However, there is one important condition—the rule applies only if there is evidence. Do you have any?" Louis asked indifferently.
Everyone turned their eyes back to Nolan, waiting to see how he would respond.
Nolan smiled and said, "Of course, Your Honor. How could I refute without evidence?"
With that, he pulled a document from beneath his robe and handed it to one of the guards.
The guard received it and walked over to Louis, presenting the document.
Louis read it carefully. Slowly, his expression shifted to one of confusion. He glanced at Nolan and asked, "What is this supposed to mean, attorney for the Castellan family?"
The document contained a list of names with signatures beside them. He couldn't quite understand its significance.
"As you can see, this is the roster of guards at the Castellan family mansion. They are Castellans themselves, and their signatures prove that neither they nor the Castellan family knew anything about Rovert Castellan's actions," Nolan explained casually.
Louis's brows furrowed slightly as he shook his head.
"Your evidence isn't strong enough. After all, they're directly from the Castellan family. Who can guarantee you didn't coerce them? If that's the case, the evidence is false—and the punishment for that is very severe, you know?"
His gaze sharpened, carrying a clear threat.
"You're right, but there's one thing you're forgetting, Your Honor," Nolan replied indifferently. "Look closely—at the bottom of the document is the seal of the Organization of Lunar Mages."
Louis was startled and hurriedly checked again. Sure enough, in the lower right corner was a blue moon symbol.
It was the emblem of the Organization of Lunar Mages—the most renowned mage group in the empire, known for providing all kinds of services, from battlefield support to handling matters that required magic.
"Before I gathered this evidence, I hired a Great Mage from that organization to bind every member of the Castellan family with an oath. So the signatures you see here have been verified through powerful magic," Nolan explained playfully. "Now, can this evidence still be called fake, Your Honor?"
Louis was left speechless, his hand trembling slightly as he held the document.
He hadn't expected Nolan to be so thorough as to involve the Organization of Lunar Mages.
It should be noted that in most trials, evidence was notoriously difficult to obtain. That was why the services of mages were often employed—whether to enforce oaths or to pressure the guilty.
Indeed, some mages could be bribed with money. But that was not the case for those from the Organization of Lunar Mages. Its members were bound by an oath of professionalism, so their credibility was always assured.
This man is truly sharp and calculating, Louis whispered, narrowing his eyes.
With this evidence, it would be nearly impossible for him to pressure the Castellan family or strip them of their Marquis status.
"Duke, this is remarkable!" Aston burst out laughing. "I never expected Prince Nolan to send someone this talented. How did he even find him?"
The empire had countless attorneys, ranging from mediocre to outstanding. Yet Aston had never seen this masked young man before.
Was he a newcomer, or perhaps a great figure whose name had simply never spread?
Alvaron shook his head. "I don't know, Marquis Valmire. But we can always ask His Highness later."
As he spoke, his gaze lingered on Nolan, as if trying to see through the mask he wore.