Chapter 16: Guilty or not

Tuesday, October 5th, Billetfield Court.

Runo sat nervously behind the defendant's desk, flanked by the lawyers from the Stormdeath Guild. His mother occupied the prosecutor's desk, accompanied by her own legal team, yet she didn't spare a glance in Runo's direction. His very presence seemed inconsequential to her. The courtroom was a chaotic frenzy of cameras capturing every moment, broadcasting the trial on television.

"Court is now in session!" the judge announced, bringing his gavel hammer down firmly. "Will the prosecution come forward and state their case?" the judge demanded. The lawyer representing Runo's mother rose and approached the stand.

"Your honour, my client, Lola Devrin, is suing the defendant, Runo Devrin, for theft and emotional distress," declared the lawyer.

"Thank you, and may the defence come forward and state their case," the judge commanded.

Runo's lawyer stood, anxiety coursing through him. Runo couldn't help but tremble as he faced the impending ordeal.

"Your honour, we will be defending my client, Runo Devrin, against these accusations. My client pleads not guilty," the lawyer asserted.

"May the prosecution present their evidence," the judge inquired.

"Your honour, we would like to present test results," the lawyer began, displaying the documents. "A few months ago, Mrs. Devrin tested positive for a 'gift.' However, now, her test results are undeniably negative. We believe the dark energy was stolen through the defendant's 'gift,' which explains why he now possesses the traits of my client's former 'gift.' We argue that this is no different from kidney trafficking; we view 'gifts' as valuable as kidneys," the lawyer argued before returning to his seat.

"May the defence provide their case," the judge ordered.

"Your honour, we all recognise the importance of 'gifts.' However, it's worth noting that scientific studies have shown that nearly ninety percent of 'gift' awakenings result in a lack of control over the power. In this case, we propose that my client, Runo Devrin, had no control over his 'gift,' which led to the transfer of the 'gift,'" Runo's lawyer explained.

"Thank you. We now have Enan Rein as a witness to testify about Mrs. Devrin's mental state," the judge announced.

The young man who appeared as a witness was a familiar face to Runo. He had served as his mother's therapist at the Bellington Therapeutic Center, and his piercing eyes had a way of delving deep into one's soul. Seated behind the witness stand, Enan Rein awaited questioning.

"May the prosecution begin," the judge instructed.

"Mr. Rein, can you confirm that you work at the Bellington Therapeutic Center?" the lawyer asked.

"Yes, I do indeed work at the Bellington Therapeutic Center," Enan affirmed.

"What can you tell us about the current mental state of my client, Mr. Rein?" the lawyer inquired.

"She is in a very sorrowful state, and I'd say that her emotions are destroying her. However, there is a hint of hatred in her eyes," Enan said, staring intently at Runo's mother.

"Mr. Rein, please refrain from making speculative comments," the judge demanded. "Please continue."

"Mr. Rein, would you agree that my client's mental state warrants us to charge for emotional distress?" the lawyer pressed.

"Yes, I believe it does," Enan Rein replied.

The prosecution concluded their questioning, and now it was the defense's turn.

"Mr. Rein, when did you first meet Mrs. Devrin?" the lawyer inquired.

"She was a client whom I believed needed extensive assistance."

"Mr. Rein, are you suggesting that she required 'extensive help' even before the events related to the transfer of the 'gift'?"

"Yes," Enan stated firmly.

"And would you say that Mrs. Devrin's current state is any better than before?" the lawyer probed.

"I would say that it hasn't changed much," responded Enan Rein.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Rein!" the judge acknowledged. "Now, we will take a break while the jury make their decision."

After a tense few moments, the judge began to address the courtroom. "After thorough discussion by the jury, we find Runo Devrin not guilty of emotional distress. However, he is guilty of theft!" the judge declared.

"Runo Devrin is ordered to pay 90,000 Kunas to the country and 70,000 Kunas to Mrs. Devrin." The judge's final words marked the conclusion of the first prosecution related to 'gifts.'