Section 48: Events Before the Great Debate (Part II)

The miller could not help but cheer aloud in the courtroom. Upon hearing the verdict, Warren Heights did not show any anger; instead, he stepped forward to apologize once more to the miller.

“No, no, sir Prime Minister, please don’t be like that. I truly respect you, but your order has cost me the mill that is my livelihood.”

“No, no, please accept my sincere apologies. It was our oversight that led to this outcome.” Warren Heights expressed his regret again.

“What’s the point of this? Is it to show he cares for the people like a father? Or is it a ploy to win hearts?” Linden sneered dismissively. At this moment, he believed he had discerned Warren Heights’ true intent—perhaps to pull this trick again before the grand debate in parliament. But since he admitted fault in the case, even if it led to such a result, it was effectively a slap in the face. Whether the gains outweighed the losses remained uncertain.

Child did not respond, but Warren Heights’ next move answered Linden.

Raising his hand to signal silence in the courtroom, he knew that after the verdict, free discussion would follow. Many people did not fully understand; they supported Warren Heights, believing his mistake was unintentional and unavoidable. Warren Heights’ reputation was simply too lofty.

But Warren Heights immediately spoke loudly: “Ladies and gentlemen, please hear me. Whether representing the government or myself personally, including Mr. Voltaire, we all fully support this court’s ruling. We are not gods. Even gods, when they err, must correct their mistakes immediately. I fully support this judgment, even if it may harm my reputation, because the law is just and because private property is sacred and inviolable! Remember, even the poorest man dares to defy any authority in his humble home. That mill may be old, even on the brink of collapse; wind may blow through it, rain may seep in, but without the owner’s permission, no one may step inside!”

The audience was deeply moved by Warren Heights’ words. Like Linden, they believed they understood his purpose—the honorable Prime Minister had come specifically to uphold the dignity of the law. Through his actions, he demonstrated that the law reigns supreme, protecting the people of Landia from criminals and evil.

This scene in the first trial chamber quickly spread from inside to the doorway, then out into the streets and alleys, reaching every corner.

Child suddenly stood up. Linden was startled. The archbishop’s face twisted grotesquely like a strange insect. His hands clenched into fists, turning pale from anger and tension. Instead of pushing through the crowded doorway, he quietly slipped out through the small door used by the judges and clerks.

———

“They have left,” Raven whispered to Warren Heights. Under the protection of him and several other guards who arrived, Warren Heights exited the first trial chamber. The crowd around, far from despising him because of today’s verdict, looked upon him with even deeper reverence.

Warren Heights had once seemed infallible, an embodiment of authority as one of the last five core members of the Revolutionary Committee. Now, having made a mistake, he gained even more supporters, for he had become more relatable in the eyes of the people. He had stepped down from his pedestal, yet they felt closer to him. They saw a leader who could admit and correct errors. His reputation had not suffered but rather gained a new kind of praise. People regarded him as a benevolent father, a respected mentor, a brother.

“You may invite them on my behalf to come immediately to Capitol Hill,” Warren Heights said with a faint smile.

But Raven did not move, sighing, “Will they come? Under these circumstances?”

Warren Heights was confident: “If they refuse, it means they voluntarily sever the last diplomatic chance. Though Child and I both know war is inevitable, how I justify preparing Landia’s people for it will profoundly affect the outcome.”

Raven nodded. “If they refuse to come to Capitol Hill, they have lost the initiative. But why did you refuse to stand in the defendant’s seat at first, instead having me appear as your agent?”

“Because of public psychology,” Warren Heights explained. “When something is too easily obtained, people often fail to value it. Had I appeared in the defendant’s chair from the start, I would have been suspect, immediately labeled as the culprit by my opponents. Whatever I did afterward would be seen as expected. By sending you first, a stranger, people were unsettled and thought the matter might not be serious since I only dispatched an unknown agent.”

“And then, when you suddenly appeared in court, the public’s mindset followed the rhythm you had set,” Raven marveled.

“Yes, exactly. When I spoke my words, the effect would be amplified to its fullest,” Warren Heights said seriously, locking eyes with Raven. “I have told you all this not only because Spielberg recommended you. Mr. Raven, do you know? The government I represent is undertaking a great, unprecedented project. We walk a perilous path alone, surrounded by enemies. Yet it is profoundly meaningful. Each day I am proud of myself, because I firmly believe every step I take will bring happiness to the people of Landia. Therefore, I fear no danger, not even the wrath of gods. Join us, won’t you? Look around—the people here take pride in this nation because their lives improve, their safety is secured, and the rot will gradually be purged.”

Raven was quietly moved. He clearly saw that the government Warren Heights represented was locked in a complex struggle with the Church and several allied northern powers. Using tactics was understandable. What was rare was Warren Heights’ candidness in sharing some of these truths with him. It was clear Warren Heights hoped Raven would truly stand with him, not merely serve as a mercenary hired by Spielberg.

Warren Heights’ gaze was earnest. “You are talented and should not merely work for money. You should strive for grand ideals. Just as a farmer dreams not only of tending a thousand or ten thousand acres of vegetables to feed his family forever, but also looks beyond today to tomorrow, next year, decades, even centuries ahead. Our youth and time are precious; they should be invested in more meaningful pursuits.”

Raven had to admit Warren Heights’ words were stirring, especially just after leaving the courtroom, where the exhilarating atmosphere still lingered. His sincere speech touched him deeply. Indeed, shouldn’t one’s life be dedicated to more meaningful endeavors?

He glanced around at the people still excitedly discussing the courtroom’s inspiring words. Landia’s laws were not new, but perhaps the true spirit of law was only now gaining recognition.

His mind involuntarily drifted back to childhood, to another continent where he and his elder brother had lost their parents early. The two children were forced into the adult miners’ ranks, digging for magical crystal ores that mine owners sold to alchemists, who refined them for personal use and sale to magicians.

Their young bodies could hardly endure such intense labor, dangerous and fraught with cave-ins that could bury them alive. Sometimes they tunneled near nests of magical beasts or subterranean races and met untimely deaths. Eventually, his brother led him to escape to the sea, where they became the youngest pirates. He still remembered a slightly older pirate shaking his fist and declaring, “Just watch, one day I will change this world, this cannibalistic world, so everyone has enough to eat and wear.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Warren Heights. I have unfinished business I must face. So I cannot join your cause. But rest assured, I deeply respect you, and I promised Mr. Spielberg I would help you to the utmost of my ability,” Raven said politely, suppressing the memories of those days.

“That’s quite all right. If so, you should fulfill your mission first. But my door is always open,” Warren Heights replied without a hint of displeasure, as if nothing had transpired, ending their conversation.