251 Sir Mouse and Lady May - Attorneys At Law 1

As the moment approached for the tribunal to formally begin, two individuals were evidently missing from the proceedings. The defendants and plaintiffs, May and Taf. All wondered why was it that the two had yet to show.

"Is it that they have decided against contesting the charges?" Inquired Luke whose eyes lingered on the hall's two entrances.

Niesha responded with a bit of concern, "I'm sure they are on their way. Perhaps they were busy making their cases and lost track of time. Let me give them a call to ensure everything is alright?" 

Quickly, she pressed on the transmitter within her ear but even when ringing both Taf and May, none of the two answered. Soon they all started to hear mumblings in the halls, especially from the elders.

"This is what I have been preaching, my fellow elders. These two have a complete lack of respect for anyone in an authoritative position. They must be curbed, our sect is built on a structure of discipline, and if we were to let this continue, its walls will crumble all around us."

A disgruntled Zanders made his voice heard, speaking outrightly against May and Taf's conduct. He ensured his voice was not too loud but enough so all twelve judges heard, thus planting a seed. Through this means, their first impression of the couple would be unfavorable. At this moment they were the legal figures in charges, so the two's actions were outright defiance against their positions.

Zander was indeed successful in his plans. As all twelve judges from the city lords, to the already disgruntled elders and the representatives of the clans, wore unamused expressions. Seeing his successful act, when looking at Mu, Zander saw the same glint in his eyes. They knew their plans were going quite successful, perhaps even better than expected.

Until they both heard the sudden hush in the hall when the doors became ajar. Their jaws nearly fell to the floor when seeing the two who entered. Especially Mu who was quite familiar with the defendants. A more pitiful sight he has never seen.

May was innocently dressed in her sect uniform of purple and black, neatly pressed. Her hair which previously cascaded down to her shoulders was now woven into a bun. What made all gasp was the neck brace which she wore and her pale face, matched with droopy eyes as though she had the plague.

As for Taf, he was even in a more deplorable state.

Similar to May he wore his sect uniform and unlike his usual unique touch, with Sir Mouse boldly written on its back, now it was the most basic of uniforms immaculately pressed. His hair also was tastefully groomed and a more saintly figure was never seen. He limped towards the center of the hall being helped by May due to the two cast on his body. One fully covering his right arm, and another on his left leg where not even his toes could be seen.

How could such innocent souls be cast as villains? Even adjudicator Baro was caught off-guard. He did not expect the two to retreat to such tactics, this was the classic sympathetic card being employed.

With the two still at an age where their innocence could be seen in their young faces, it was even more effective. It seems whoever was representing the two was quite tactical, Yet he composed himself, a challenge has never daunted him before and this will remain the case.

As for those who knew the couple quite well, they could not help but look away in second-hand embarrassment. Did their shamelessness know no bounds?

"Dear seniors our apologies for what appears to be tardiness. in the past, normally we pride ourselves on being quite punctual. With the rough terrains in order to arrive at these majestic halls. Unfortunately, stops had to be made on the way as my companion, though his heart was willing. His body simply could not take the toll."

May sighed as she spoke, all attention then shifted to Taf, a more deflated and defeated figure would be hard to come by.

While May spoke, Taf eyes swiftly scanned the faces of the twelve judges. The main goal of the trial was to get the majority to vote in their favor. Therefore he needed to get a grasp on how difficult of a task they had before them.

Of the twelve, the four Senior Elders, he knew even before entering would be hard to manipulate. Having butt heads with Alders and Mu, there was preparation for the worst-case scenario in that regard.

As for the four representatives from the Zaro and Arosa clan, they seemed neutral which was what he had hoped would be the case. His attention then turned to the four City Lords. Of the four, from the subtle nuances of their faces, only two showed neutral appearance while the others seemed to have already found them guilty.

Why was that? This was the first he had ever laid eyes on the old man and middle-aged female. He knew the reason behind the Senior Elders' reactions, but this they didn't quite factor into their planning. Is it possible that the adjudicator had by some means persuaded the two to vote in his favor? 

Seems this would not go as smoothly as previously thought. Nevertheless, plans were made to be adjusted. He and May would simply have to play the hand they were dealt. 

It goes without saying that Taf's analysis all unfolded within seconds, as he still donned the wretched look on his face. He then hurriedly took a seat in his defendant's booth, fearing he might collapse on the ground.

"Will you spare us the melodramatics? This a tribunal, not a drama highlighting your horrific journey from one part of the sect to the next." Seeing how successful the two had been with their act, Baro had simply had enough. If he were to let them, he was certain the two would milk this for all it was worth.

With politeness in her voice, May responded visibly feigning ignorance with an innocent smile, "Of course senior, our apologies again." Even when apologizing, Baro knew this was another means for the two to cash in on some more sympathy. Basically having reprimanded them, he was seen as a bully and them even more pure by the second.

When all the relevant parties became seated there still was an empty chair yet to be filled. It was one of the three seats for the defendant. Taf and May had taken their seating, yet the chair next to them remained empty.

"Are we going to be joined by your attorney, or is he/she facing your same plight and unable to traverse the rugged terrains of the sect?" City Lord Fen questioned as he took a jab at the two which garnered some chuckles throughout the hall.

"Yes, please let us know if there is a need to send an escort to fetch them?" Adjudicator Fen too joined in the fun to the delight of those opposing Taf and May.

Taf seemingly unflustered by the jeers gingerly stood addressing the audience, "It seems there has been a misunderstanding, so I'll do my part in settling the matter. There will be no third party joining us, as things currently stand, May is my client while she is my attorney."

His words caused Adjudicator Baro to nearly choke on some water he previously sipped. Were these two clinical insane? Did they dare to test whits against a trained professional with decades of experience under his belt? The share gall and unmitigated audacity, he has known arrogant persons in his life, but a more egotistic pair he has never met.

Unedited Version

To be continued...