In the late morning, Thaddeus, Owen, Sabrina, and Lillian sat down to breakfast. The conversation turned to last night's award ceremony and Thaddeus' hidden lineage. Unlike most nobles, they were not bigots. After the family lost nobility, Owen became a successful adventurer before joining Lillian and becoming wealthy merchants. They were used to the array of Traveler races and half races.
Despite the good food and delightful conversation, Thaddeus' mind reeled at the audacity of some NPC strangers threatening to sue him. He had never met his fictional family, and he didn't care to. Who were they to demand living expenses or threaten him?
His only family was his deceased parents in the real world, not this VRMMORPG. How dare those AI constructs claim to be his family? He had a mind to kill them on the spot.
Then he had another thought. He wondered why he was upset. This was just a game. Why should he care what some AI shells said? And soon, he realized the answer. Treating this game like it was real also meant dealing with NPCs as if they were real. This was all getting to be too much, and he logged out.
...
Raising the lid, he stepped back into reality. He took a shower. Rubbing cold water over his face felt good. It seemed that whether real or virtual, his parents were a trigger for him, and he needed to take some time to ground himself.
Even though it was a sunny Sunday afternoon, Thaddeus lay in bed. He enjoyed the comfy feel of his duvet and the embrace of the mattress. Turning over, he looked at the only picture he had of his family. His mom and dad were smiling. He remembered when the picture was taken.
His parents were anxious to get to the photographer, but he was grumpy. He had to miss his favorite television show to dress up and wear a tie to get some pictures. Looking back now, he regretted those emotions. He thought about his family as he yawned and began to fall asleep.
When he awoke from his nap, the stars were out, and Sabrina was calling his phone. Looking at his phone, he saw he had 11 missed calls from her.
"Oh hey, how are things in-game?" he answered.
"What happened to you? A minute ago, we were eating breakfast, and then suddenly you disappeared. I was worried because I couldn't get ahold of you. I tried to call Dustin, but he said he was with a customer and couldn't talk. Are you mad at me? If I hurt you in some way, I apologize," Sabrina expressed worriedly.
"You didn't do anything wrong. I'm sorry I worried you. I just needed to log out and spend some time away from the game," Thaddeus explained.
"I understand. I just want to make sure we're good?"
"Very good. What's been happening in-game?"
"Well…a soldier came and dropped off the deed to the Brown family manor and property. Then your uncle also came over, demanding we return everything and pay the bill for their inn."
"Did you tell them to go fuck themselves?" Thaddeus asked, lying down in the game pod.
"Not in those words per se," Sabrina laughed.
"See you soon."
...
When Thaddeus opened his eyes, he was back at the dining table. This time, Owen, Lillian, and Sabrina were eating dinner.
"It seems like I missed a lot?" Thaddeus chuckled.
"Welcome back," Owen said, trying to sound sophisticated.
"What happened to him?" Thaddeus wondered.
"I'm trying to sound more refined, like a well-mannered noble," Owen clarified.
"You should give up and just transfer the nobility to your sister. She's full of social grace," Sabrina suggested.
"I would agree with you, but if I were to marry, my children would take my husband's last name, and then the Oak family would truly die," Lillian advised.
"Your last name's Oak, like the trees?" Sabrina asked curiously.
"All the imperial founding families were named after trees. Deciduous was the founding imperial family, and eventually, through marriage, the throne was passed to the Conifers. If you visit our ancestral county, all the towns and villages are named in honor of deciduous trees. Our county seat is Oakdale," Owen explained.
"That explains so much," Sabrina said, relieved.
"I can't tell if you sound like a nerd or a corporate drone," Sabrina teased.
Their banter was interrupted when the butler walked in with a letter.
"My lord and mistress, I have a letter for Baron Brown," the old man bowed and handed him the letter.
When Thaddeus opened the letter, he saw it was a summons. The letter read: On this day, August 25, you are hereby summoned to the Imperial Magistrate's Office. A lawsuit was filed against you charging A) your failure to assign a dowry for your nieces; B) neglect of a widow; C) misappropriation of family funds.
"How dare they make a mockery of the emperor's edict!" Owen said angrily, slamming his fist on the table.
Thaddeus knew his refusal to negotiate with the fallen Brown family would escalate, just not this quickly.
"You should get a barrister. Unfortunately, all the ones I know are in Pinewood," Lillian suggested.
"It's fine," Thaddeus said, calling Huey.
"Just the man I wanted to talk with. Your meeting with Odin is scheduled for tomorrow. He plans to meet with several people one on one during the ball. I'll be sent to get you and lead you to his office. Also, there is no need to prepare any gifts, your attendance is the only thing required," Huey described.
"I actually called for a separate matter, but thanks for the information. I'm being sued by the Brown family. Do you know any good lawyers?"
"You have a way of finding trouble, don't you? Send me the information, and I'll pass it along to our guild lawyers. Make sure you pay the bill on time, we hate to put a lean again your settlements," Huey chuckled maniacally before hanging up.
Thaddeus thought he was certainly improving as a villain. But, not nearly as villainous as the Browns. That family was a bunch of desperate good diggers. They managed to threaten, sue, and subpoena him in less than a day.
True to Huey's words, a Mythical Guild lawyer reach out to him within the hour. According to her, the lawsuit was complex, filled with legal intricacies, emotional appeals, and historical grievances. As the heir, barring his missing father's return, he was now responsible for his unwed nieces and widow grandmother, as well as paying the salaries of the servants and staff.
The way the suit was written, his family wanted both their seized possession and gold from Woodhaerst and Ironwood.
It was a ludicrous request, but after checking with the Browns, the lawyer explained their true intention was a large settlement and monthly allowance. The Browns demanded that Thaddeus provide them with profitable businesses and shelter or sell some of the properties now under his control to pay for their living expenses.
Despite the comical request, the Browns were a formattable opponent. They held long-standing relationships with imperial administrators and clerks. And it was clear, former Earl von Brown had a relationship with some in the Magistrates Office. Despite their best efforts, Thaddeus and his lawyers could not get the case dismissed.
The petition was a scandalous affair, drawing the attention of nobles, courtiers, and commoners alike. Rumors swirled through the imperial capital, painting both Thaddeus and the Brown family in various lights. Some saw Thaddeus's refusal as just and his newly acquired title as well-deserved. Others saw the Browns as victims of a vengeful Emperor, their pleas for assistance a natural response to their sudden and dramatic fall from grace.
Everyone anxiously awaited the proxy battle to play out in court. Based emperor's speeches from the coronation and award ceremony, players and NPCs alike knew the emperor's watchful eye was on the matter, and his recent actions had demonstrated a ruthless approach to those who opposed him.
On the 25th of August, Thaddeus and his lawyer filed into the courtroom. Due to the interest, the trial was moved to a larger courtroom twice. The courtroom was large and reflected the gravitas of the imperial legal system.
High vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes depicted scenes of justice and imperial history. Heavy velvet drapes framed tall, arched windows that allowed beams of sunlight to cast a dignified glow over the chamber. The walls were lined with dark, polished oak paneling, giving the room a stately appearance. A large emblem of the imperial crest was prominently displayed behind the judges' bench.
Seating for the spectators was arranged in orderly rows, divided into sections for nobles, commoners, and special guests. A gallery for the HGTV was situated above, offering a clear view of the proceedings below.
Three judges were seated at an elevated bench, a symbol of their authority and impartiality. Each judge wore a traditional black robe, accented with gold and red trim to signify their status within the judiciary. Around their necks, they wore a chain bearing the imperial seal, representing their allegiance to the law and the empire.
The Chief Judge was A stern, middle-aged woman with a reputation for fairness and strict adherence to the letter of the law. To her right, sat a wise, older woman known for her compassionate understanding of human nature. To her left sat a player, a young man with black hair and eyes. Unlike the other two, he wore a pin with the Mythical Guild symbol.
The significance was obvious for all to see, Mythical Guild's power in the Akkadian empire was expanding across every ministry and department. They already control the city, the city guard, and now the Hall of Justice. People wondered what else they might control.
"This is outrageous, what's a Traveler doing presiding as a judge?" screamed Earl von Brown.
"You don't think it right for a Traveler to judge a Traveler," asked the old judge.
"Ah, I apologize. I was merely under the impression Judge Banyan to preside as the third judge," the earl clarified.
"It was a last-minute decision, to add Judge Cereno. Going forward, cases involving Travelers must include at least one Traveler judge," the chief justice explained.
Hearing that the Traveler in the audience clapped and cheered approval.
"Settle down. This is a court of law. Counselor if your client is finished questioning the court may we get started," the chief justice said sternly. "We are here today to address the charges brought against Baron Thaddeus Brown. Will the plaintiffs please state their case?"
"Your Honors, my clients seek restitution for their losses and claim their lawful rights, as set forth in the Akkadian Imperial Law. Baron Brown has denied his family their rightful inheritance, neglected his duties towards his nieces and widow grandmother, and misappropriated family funds. We seek justice and reparations," said the Brown family's lawyer.
"These are serious allegations. Counselor, on what grounds do you claim these duties were neglected and how do you substantiate the charge of misappropriation?" asked Justice Cereno.
Thaddeus looked across the floor and could see beads of sweat growing on his uncle's forehead. Then he looked at his lawyer who looked cool and focused. Thaddeus had a good feeling about this trial.
The barrister, representing Thaddeus, stood at a lectern to the right of the courtroom, near a table where his legal documents were arranged. He wore formal attire in keeping with the traditional dress code of legal professionals, with a white wig symbolizing his legal expertise. Behind him sat Sabrina, Owen, Lillian, and Huey. He smiled at Sabrina who gave me a quick thumbs up.
The Brown family was seated on the left side of the courtroom, behind their own legal representation. Their faces were a mix of anger, desperation, and determination. His grandmother sat at the forefront, dressed in somber clothing, fanning herself, while she looked like she die at any moment.
The rest of the family members were arranged by rank and age. Their attire was elegant but noticeably less extravagant than what they would have worn in their former status as nobles. Their eyes were fixed intently on Thaddeus, and the tension between the two parties was palpable.
"Your Honor, as per the ancient laws governing nobility, it is the duty of the family head to ensure the welfare of all members. The documents here reveal that the defendant has failed to provide a dowry, neglected the family's widow, and has seized assets without proper justification," explained the Brown family's lawyer.
"Your Honors, I object to these claims. The defendant has acted within his rights, given the Emperor's decree that has stripped the plaintiffs of their nobility and transferred their assets. Furthermore, the demands made by the Browns are extortionate and in violation of the Emperor's judgment," interrupted Thaddeus' attorney.
"What of the dowry for the nieces and the support of the widow, Counselor? How do you respond to those charges?" asked the old judge.
"Your Honor, my client has just recently acquired his title and was unaware of these obligations. We ask the court to consider the circumstances and the fact that the plaintiff's demands exceed reason. It's important to recognize that their losses were due to their own transgressions, not the actions of my client," Thaddeus' lawyer argued.
"The court will carefully consider all arguments and evidence presented. Counselor, representing the Brown family, how do you justify the sum requested in the settlement?" the Chief Justice advise.
"Your Honors, the sum represents the rightful inheritance, dowry, compensation for the emotional distress caused, and ongoing maintenance for the family members. It is not simply a figure concocted, but a carefully calculated amount based on the law," retorted the Brown family's lawyer.
"Interesting, considering the Emperor's decree explicitly stripped the family of such rights. The court must weigh the legal traditions against the explicit command of the ruling sovereign," Judge Cereno answered.
"With all due respect, Your Honor, the decree did not negate the personal and familial obligations of the defendant towards his kin," the Brown family's lawyer disagreed.
"It did, however, signal a clear break from the past and a denunciation of the Brown family's actions. My client owes them nothing beyond the dictates of the law and the Emperor's will," Thaddeus' lawyer interjected.
"Thank you, Counselors. This court will review all the evidence and arguments presented here today. We will reconvene tomorrow for final statements. This court is adjourned," announced the Chief Justice.
As the room emptied, the weight of the arguments lingered in the air, a testament to the complex interplay of law, tradition, and power. The outcome of this trial would set a precedent not only for Thaddeus but for the entire empire, signaling a shift in the balance of authority and the recognition of Travelers within the judicial system. The eyes of the empire were indeed fixed on this courtroom, and the judgment would echo far beyond its walls.
Finally, after hours of deliberation, the judges called everyone back into the courtroom to render their decision. The room fell into a hushed silence as the chief justice read the verdict. The courtroom was charged with tension.
Thaddeus, stood tall, feeling optimistic about the judges' verdict. On the other hand, the fallen Brown family's faces were lined with anxiety and desperation, clung to the hope that the court would rule in their favor.
The judge, a stern and seasoned arbiter of the law, finally spoke, "The ruling was unanimous, the court ruled in favor of Baron Brown in all accounts. The charges against him a henceforth and forever dismissed."
The decision was clear and decisive, upholding the Emperor's edict and dismissing the Browns' claims. Thaddeus had won, but the ruling was more than a personal victory; it was a statement about the changing order within the empire, the balance of power, and the role of Travelers in shaping the future.
But the judges' rulings were not simply a legal decision. They went on to castigate the Brown family, their words laced with moral indignation. They condemned them for their actions years ago, forcing their daughter to give up her biracial child, Thaddeus, all because they did not want mixed-blood relatives. The room fell into stunned silence as the judge's words sank in.
Unfortunately for the Brown family, the Emperor's wrath was not so easily assuaged. He seized hidden funds and investments, a harsh punishment that left them no options but to starve on the streets as beggars. They were faced with the choice of working the fields themselves, like common peasants, or attempting to make a living in the capital.
Despite his victory, Thaddeus's face did not show triumph but rather a complex mixture of relief, sadness, and determination.