The Mafia Empire

"If the losing party is dissatisfied with the city court's ruling, they can appeal to a higher court, referred to as the state high court. The court system progresses from city courts to state high courts, and finally to the Empire's Supreme Court."

Julian listed to Kevin carefully and poured him a glass of water. As the most luxurious hotel in Ternell, they had everything you could want, but Kevin mtioned he never drank alcohol because it dulled the mind. For a lawyer, a dull mind meant the countdown to the d of their career had begun.

After taking a sip of water, Kevin continued, "The state high court will consider the suggestions from both lawyers and hold at least three trials, with a jury of no fewer than twty citizs making the final decision on whether the charges hold. If the case itself holds no special significance, the state high court's decision will be final.

But if the case garners public atttion or causes a series of other issues, it will be handed to the Empire's Supreme Court for a final ruling."

"A small case of excessive self defse, and the deceased was a notorious gang member? Ev the state high court doesn't want to be bothered with such cases. Ev if someone appeals, it will likely be rejected," Kevin said with a gleeful glint in his eyes, clearly satisfied with how easily he earned his fee.

If it wer't for his mother's poor health and the fact that he hadn't yet saved ough money to buy a house in the big city, he would have left Ternell two years ago. After successfully overturning a case involving a teacher accused of assaulting an underage girl, he had gained a solid reputation and status within the legal industry.

He was frequtly invited to participate in lawsuits and defses, earning him a considerable amount of money.

However, of his cases had brought in more profit than this one with Julian.

A total of one thousand dollars. Ev if the victims families said, "he sold his soul to the devil," what differce did it make? If someone were truly righteous, they wouldn't choose to be a lawyer. The momt someone decides to become a lawyer, their innocce is already lost.

Kevin took another sip of water and suddly asked, "Mr. Julian, have you studied law or religious law?"

This question had be on Kevin's mind for three days. Wh Julian used terms like "surrder" and "minor," which had specific legal meanings, Kevin got the impression that Julian wasn't as simple as he appeared. Without some backg in law, it would be difficult to use such critical legal terminology in a murder case discussion.

A significant portion of the Empire's law was directly copied from religious law, which every lawyer knew. After the royal family overthrew the theocracy, nobles with no legal knowledge were appointed to the judicial system. Faced with a blank slate, they struggled to draft a legal code for the nation.

Someone had a bright idea and oped the book of religious law, borrowing many of its interpretations, and some sections are still used to this day.

For instance, the licy granted to minors comes from religious law, which states, "Childr are still ignorant; God has not yet bestowed wisdom upon them." The nobles may have thought it inappropriate to copy this directly, but they couldn't think of a better phrasing, so on page thirte, line one, they wrote: "Crimes committed by minors should be treated with licy, educating and admonishing them on proper conduct toward others, with light punishmt."

Despite Kevin's probing gaze, Julian didn't show the slightest reaction. He toyed with his glass and shook his head. "As much as I hate to admit it, until a few days ago, I had only mastered writing about fifty words."

Kevin was shocked. Over the past few days, he had spt most of his time discussing plans with Julian and had always assumed that Julian was well educated. After all, Julian's manners and demeanor were far superior to those of an ordinary Guar. It wasn't until now that he realized Julian had be illiterate just days ago.

Kevin couldn't believe what he was hearing. Illiterate?

How could that be?

"I finally believe what the preachers say—God is indeed omnipott!"

Faced with Kevin's sigh, Julian could only shrug. He couldn't exactly explain that he had dreamed of another world, watching a newborn grow into a great man, only to be killed in a twist of fate, shot down by a bullet. So, he kept silt.

After a while, there was a rhythmic knock at the door, causing both Julian and Kevin to pause. They walked to the floor to ceiling window and looked down at a car that had just stopped in front of the hotel trance.

Morris was supporting Nasha, his hand under her arm, practically carrying her weight. Gold Label was called a classic for a reason—its high alcohol contt could easily knock out first time drinkers, leaving them unconscious.

"Do you need help?" Nasha's "classmate" staggered over, clearly drunk. Morris had a good impression of the guy. If it wer't for him, this girl named Nasha might have refused to drink. It was his persuasion, along with the couragemt of his two female frids, that piqued Nasha's curiosity and led her to take a sip.

The higher the alcohol contt, the less it initially feels like anything. But after Morris oped another bottle of Gold Label, it was clear Nasha had had too much. Perhaps she thought her frids would take care of her, or maybe it was the allure of such a high d drink, but she couldn't resist and drank more than she should have.

Now, this was the result.

"I've already booked a room for you. Have a pleasant eving," Morris patted the boy's arm with a knowing smile, th helped Nasha into the hotel.

He was a regular here. A standard room for the night only cost three dollars and ninety cts, not a significant amount for him.

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