Lord of Mysteries: The New Black Emperor

Chapter 81: Hobert the Lawyer Who Walks an Unusual Path

The judge, whose face was lined with wrinkles, shook his head, indicating his disapproval of Hobert's absurd request.

In the audience, Bob's colleagues were all worried for him. They knew Mr. Arnold would never accept a compensation of 1,000 pounds and assumed this might be Hobert's way of negotiating.

Fors, meanwhile, watched the expressionless Hobert, lost in thought. She felt as though she was meeting him properly for the first time today.

However, Hobert on the courtroom floor was unfazed by the opposing lawyer mocking him as a clown. He responded seriously, "Defendant's lawyer, you don't understand clowns at all. Every comedy hides a core of tragedy."

The defendant's lawyer was visibly taken aback. Sitting in the defendant's seat was Arnold's secretary, who coldly reminded Hobert, "Don't be too greedy. If your demands exceed the relevant laws, you won't get even a penny."

Hobert replied, "Our demands are not unreasonable. It's just that, in this world, only reasonable demands seem excessive."

The defendant's lawyer chuckled, "We don't have time to discuss philosophy with you. Judge, please announce the verdict."

The judge turned to Hobert and asked, "Plaintiff's lawyer, are you maintaining your current demand?"

"No change."

The judge sighed helplessly, cleared his throat, and was about to announce the verdict when Hobert interjected, "Your honor, please wait."

The judge smiled, "It seems you've changed your mind?"

"No, we are withdrawing this compensation claim."

This statement immediately drew several gasps from the courtroom.

Both the judge and the defendant's lawyer were baffled by Hobert's move.

Then, Hobert continued, "We are instead accusing Arnold of negligence that resulted in my client's disability. Yes, you heard correctly. We are accusing Arnold of intentional harm!"

A wave of astonishment rippled through the courtroom as the defendant's lawyer, his face turning pale, retorted, "Your accusation is baseless! Mr. Arnold did not directly harm your client!"

"My client was injured while working for Arnold. The causal relationship is clear. Arnold bears undeniable responsibility!"

"Yes, he was injured at work, but Mr. Arnold didn't cause the injury! There's no causality!"

"Knowing full well that the machines in the workshop were dangerous, Arnold, as the person in charge of the factory, failed to issue effective warnings, leading to my client's injury. This is a consequence of Arnold's inaction, and he cannot escape responsibility!"

The defendant's lawyer leaned back in his chair with a sour expression, clearly needing time to organize his thoughts before launching a new rebuttal.

Applause broke out from the audience. Although they didn't fully understand Hobert's strategy, they knew he had won this round.

Fors also joined in the applause, already planning to include this brilliant debate in her next book!

Only then did the judge belatedly bang his gavel. "Gentlemen, your defense has crossed into the realm of criminal law, and this court does not accept criminal cases."

Hobert responded, "Your Honor, I will prepare the necessary documents to transfer this case to the proper court."

The judge nodded, "Very well. Good luck, young man. Your argument is quite brilliant. Court dismissed!"

Hobert could feel the signs of his potion digesting, and it was happening faster than he had expected. He estimated that even without any other cases, by the time Bob's lawsuit was over, his potion would be fully digested.

After the judge left, Bob's colleagues came over, laughing and chatting with Bob.

Bob turned to Hobert sincerely, "Thank you, Mr. Hobert."

Hobert smiled, "This is only the first step. The real difficulty in this case lies ahead."

"No, no, Mr. Hobert," Bob said with a smile. "Just seeing Beck, that dog of Arnold's, turn pale and helpless today made this whole lawsuit worth it."

His colleagues burst into raucous laughter, all agreeing that it had been a worthwhile day.

As the group walked out of the magistrates' court, Bob's colleagues waved goodbye before heading back to work.

Hobert watched them walk away. "It's rare to see such camaraderie among workers in Backlund."

"That's because we are all believers in the God of Steam and Machinery!" Bob smiled. "We often go to church together to discuss the glory of the God of Steam and Machinery."

Hobert nodded. Faith indeed had such an effect. "Where do you live? I'll send you a letter with the court date, though it'll probably be next week or the week after."

Bob smiled bitterly, "I don't have a fixed place to stay, but I can wait at your law firm for you every day after work."

Hobert thought for a moment, "I'll send you to a poorhouse."

Bob's bitter smile deepened. "The poorhouse doesn't accept disabled people."

"What kind of poorhouse is that, then?" Hobert scoffed. "I have a plan, but if anyone asks about your faith, you'll have to say it's the Evernight Goddess."

Bob hesitated, "Sorry, sir, but I don't want to change my faith."

"I'm not asking you to change it. This is just a survival strategy, nothing more. You can still believe in the God of Steam and Machinery in your heart, though these gods don't seem to care much about the lives of their followers."

Bob looked uneasy, "S-Sir…"

Hobert waved a hand, "It's settled. Otherwise, the case won't be over, and my client will starve to death. That would be my disgrace."

Just as he was about to hail a cab, a simple four-wheeled carriage stopped in front of them.

The door opened, and the defendant's lawyer, who had been sitting inside, looked down at Hobert. "Mr. Hobert, I believe we should discuss today's case further."

Hobert, however, continued walking along the roadside. "I don't think that's necessary."

The defendant's lawyer urged the coachman to follow slowly. "It is necessary! Please stop. Please."

Hobert ignored him and kept walking. "Is it your idea of courtesy to ask someone for help while acting superior?"

The defendant's lawyer had no choice but to get out of the carriage awkwardly. "Please get in. There's still room for negotiation."

"Alright." Hobert helped Bob into the carriage.

"Uh, I think it's fine if you come alone."

Hobert shook his head. "I won't negotiate without my client present."

The defendant's lawyer relented, "Fine, fine. But Bob, leave your cane outside. It might damage the carpet!"

Inside the carriage, Beck, sitting on the other side, frowned at Bob's entrance and shifted uncomfortably away from him.

The defendant's lawyer took out a checkbook. "How about 150 pounds? That's the most Mr. Arnold can offer."

Hobert shook his head, "Arnold's mercy is laughable. Gentlemen, a hunting dog costs 50 pounds. Don't you think this amount is an insult?"