Empire of Shadows

The lead attorney watched the apprentice take the stand. They had rehearsed what to say and how to frame the narrative to gain leniency.  

The apprentice spoke honestly, describing how Johnny had exploited his labor, extorted his money, and humiliated both him and his mother.  

The details might have been tragic, but for a judge who had seen far worse cases, they were unlikely to stir much sympathy. Early in his career, the judge might have been more empathetic, but years of exposure to human failings had dulled his anger and compassion for such stories.  

“That does sound unpleasant,” the judge remarked, turning to Johnny. “Without a defense attorney, you’ll need to speak for yourself. Remember, you are accountable for every word you say. Your statements will shape the outcome of this case.”  

“Now tell me, is what he said true?”  

Johnny fumbled, unsure how to respond, before stammering, “But he wanted to learn my recipe. Working for me for free and paying me monthly was the price for that.”  

He seemed to find his footing and added, “Everyone knows my bread is the best, so I don’t think that’s unreasonable.”  

The judge raised a brow. “And his mother?”  

“That was voluntary!”  Anthony, the defense lawyer, raised his hand to request permission to question Johnny.  

The judge nodded. “Proceed.”  

“Mr. Johnny, you claim the payments were for teaching him your recipe. Did you actually teach him anything?”  

Johnny hesitated, knowing he hadn’t taught the apprentice anything, but finally said, “I showed him how to knead dough.”  

Anthony smirked. “Everyone knows how to knead dough. That’s not what makes your bread special. So, in effect, you taught him nothing despite him paying the price you demanded.”  

Johnny fell silent. Lying was not an option in front of the apprentice.  

“Mr. Johnny, did you deliberately use malicious words to provoke and humiliate my client?”  

“Did you intentionally leave your bedroom door ajar and ensure the woman inside was… audibly distressed?”  

“Were your actions designed to humiliate him further and more intensely?”  

Anthony continued, “Before answering, consider carefully. Don’t lie to the court or the judge. If necessary, we can summon his mother as a witness. We’ve refrained out of respect and consideration, but should you lie or attempt to deceive, we won’t hesitate to call her to testify.”  

Johnny’s heart pounded, and sweat dripped down his face. He had indeed acted that way, seeking some twisted thrill from tormenting the apprentice. But he couldn’t admit it.  

His prolonged silence spoke volumes to both the judge and Anthony.  

“Your Honor, I have no further questions,” Anthony said.  

The judge scribbled something on a piece of paper, visible to no one else, before looking up. “This case is both simple and complicated. Initially, it seemed like a straightforward robbery with assault, but it has revealed unexpected nuances.”   𝐫άＮỗ𐌱ÊṠ

“Do either party have additional questions or evidence to present?”  

“None, Your Honor,” Anthony replied.  

Johnny, now visibly confused, shook his head. “I have nothing to add, Your Honor.”  

Johnny had entered the courtroom confident he was the clear victim. Yet, Anthony’s argument had turned the narrative on its head, leaving Johnny feeling like the villain.  

The judge exhaled slowly. “Closing statements, please.”  

Johnny, bewildered, stayed silent, while Anthony delivered a well-prepared argument.  

He reframed the case as one of a desperate, oppressed young man, humiliated and exploited, who sought justice with the help of friends. While their actions were rash and immature, they were willing to return the stolen money and face consequences.  

Anthony emphasized their remorse, pointing out their clean records, community contributions, and readiness to make amends. He argued that the apprentice deserved understanding and a chance to reform.  

Finally, the judge turned to Johnny. “What are your thoughts? What do you want from this case?”  

Johnny raised his voice, shouting, “I want them locked up for as long as possible!”  

The judge’s expression remained neutral, but Anthony smiled. He knew Johnny had just cemented his downfall.  

In the Federation’s legal system, judges wielded significant power, and successful lawyers understood how to sway their emotions. Anthony had painted a picture of youthful, misguided revenge against a bitter, petty man. If Johnny had shown even a shred of magnanimity, the judge might have leaned toward harsher sentences. Instead, Johnny’s outburst reinforced the defense’s narrative of him as a vindictive oppressor.  

“Court is adjourned for ten minutes. I will return with a verdict,” the judge declared.  

Anthony’s composure reassured the young defendants and their families, though Johnny sulked, realizing he might have been outplayed. He cursed himself for not hiring a lawyer, sensing the judge’s subtle disapproval.  

The verdict was swift.  

The six youths, all first-time offenders, received varied sentences:  

- The two who had broken Johnny’s arms with sticks were sentenced to nine months (for the second arm) and one year (for the first arm), along with 60 hours of community service each.  

- Three others received over 100 hours of community service.  

- All were ordered to return the stolen money and pay additional compensation for medical expenses and emotional distress.  

Because Johnny hadn’t hired a lawyer or presented specific claims, the court awarded only standard damages.  

The apprentice, as the case’s central figure, received a lenient sentence. Taking into account his circumstances and the humiliation he endured, the judge sentenced him to 3.5 years in prison with 200 hours of community service upon release.  

Anthony celebrated the outcome with his clients and their families, who expressed gratitude. “Frankly,” he admitted, “we owe this to Mr. Johnny’s decision not to hire a lawyer. If he had, these sentences could have been much harsher.”  

One parent asked, “By how much?”  

Anthony smiled knowingly. “At least two years more. But the case is closed now. What you do next is your choice.”  

As Anthony left, Johnny stormed after the judge, demanding an explanation for the “light” sentences. He was promptly removed from the courtroom.  

Meanwhile, the apprentice mulled over his next steps. During their discussions, Anthony had revealed evidence of Johnny’s likely tax evasion—a potential leverage point for negotiation. However, Johnny’s refusal to settle had left the matter unresolved.  

In a final act before serving his sentence, the apprentice wrote a letter to the Federation Tax Authority:  

“Dear Federation Tax Authority, I work at a bakery and suspect my boss…”  

Though his handwriting was poor, the letter was legible. After passing court scrutiny, it was sealed and dropped into the courthouse’s mailbox, destined for the tax office.  

Such tips required no postage; the tax bureau had arrangements with the postal service to cover the costs.  

As the apprentice prepared for his sentence, he learned his mother had left Jingang City. They might never meet again.  

For the first time in a long while, he felt a strange sense of relief.