Jann, whose interruption had left him thoroughly displeased, immediately summoned someone to ask what had happened.
An assistant magistrate hurried over from the outer fortress and informed him that there had been trouble in the Court of Justice: a duly enfeoffed hereditary baron, dissatisfied with the verdict, was staging a "violent protest."
"Empty Palace isn't the place for him to play the rogue." Perhaps Tales's gaze had put Jann in a foul mood. The Duke of South Bank, usually gentle in front of outsiders, gave a cold snort. "Much less the Court of Justice."
The assistant magistrate, however, awkwardly explained that the baron had invoked the "Rodri Edict" from the era of the King of Revival, demanding that a noble of sufficiently high rank attend as a juror—or even an arbitrator—to overturn the previous verdict.
"How bold."
Jann gave a cold laugh.
"This is blatant contempt for the court, and at such a critical time as Queen's Day."
"What happened?" Although Emerald City's internal affairs were not something he should meddle in, Tales could not help asking, "Is it related to what we discussed earlier?"
Jann glanced at him, his meaning profound, then issued an order:
"Then do as he asks. Invite an honorary noble to attend. It's rare, but it is his right."
The assistant magistrate still looked troubled.
"Lord Jann, the nearest person would have been Count Pinto, but he..."
The assistant glanced at Tales, his expression complicated.
"The count is still recovering at home and can't appear."
Tales felt deeply uncomfortable under his gaze.
Huh? Count Pinto?
Why did that name sound so familiar?
Jann also glanced at Tales and said contemptuously, "Perhaps he's too embarrassed after losing face recently and doesn't want to show himself. Who else is there?"
"For various reasons, several other lords are