More than ten years ago, one day I suddenly realized that I wasn’t a person from this world.
When I was still just a ten-year-old child, memories of my past life returned to me, and I became aware that I had reincarnated.
It was a game called *The Reconquista of the Spirits*.
I had been reborn into that world.
When I realized this, I was overjoyed.
Of course, right?
In my previous life, I was just an average salaryman who couldn’t get ahead in life, but now I’m someone who has reincarnated into another world.
I was certain that a happy future, like that of a story’s protagonist, awaited me.
…But then, as soon as I remembered *who* I was, I fell into despair.
**Phil Couerich.**
That’s my name in this world.
Phil Couerich is what you’d call a “villainous noble.”
As a count, Phil squeezes every last coin out of his people through taxes, then spends that money on wine, jewels, and women—a typical villainous character.
To put it simply, he’s a despicable man despised by players like a venomous snake or a plague.
The biggest reason for his hatred stems from the fact that he forcefully married Lena Savoy, the childhood friend of the original protagonist, Rynus Becker, using his wealth and power.
The sudden NTR (Netorare) element caused an uproar among players. Complaints flooded in, and it’s said that the scenario writer even suffered a mental breakdown because of it.
And because of that NTR incident, the protagonist punishes Phil, exiling him from the country.
Afterward, Lena inherits Phil’s earldom, and the protagonist, after marrying Lena, becomes the leading knight of the territory, commanding troops and overcoming various events while saving the nation from an impending empire.
Yes, that’s right!
If I don’t get punished and hand over the territory to the protagonist, Rynus, this country won’t be saved—it will fall.
In other words, my punishment is absolutely necessary.
And that’s why, when I realized this, I fell into despair.
—
“Phil, we’ll arrive at the capital soon.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Are you okay? Are you nervous?”
“Well, just a little.”
“Pull yourself together! Your entire future depends on this!”
“Yeah.”
Lena, sitting next to me in the carriage, stares intently at me.
Right now, I’m heading to the courthouse in the capital to face the trial brought against me by Rynus.
No, “face” isn’t quite accurate.
I’m heading there *to be judged*.
After realizing I had reincarnated, I desperately thought about how I could avoid being punished while still saving the world.
But one day, I realized something.
Why go through all that trouble? My punishment is only exile, not death.
If that’s the case, I can just join a guild, become a hunter, or work as a mercenary in the outside world.
If I do that, the country will be saved automatically, and I can live happily in this new world.
Fortunately, Phil was reasonably strong in the original story.
Though, in the original, he didn’t train much, so there were limits…
But if that’s the case, I just need to train harder.
That way, I’ll grow stronger and be able to survive on my own.
With that in mind, I trained my body from childhood, and after becoming an adult, I continued honing my skills on the battlefield.
Now, I’m confident in my abilities.
At the very least, I’ll easily make a fortune if I become a hunter.
At the same time, I forced Lena to marry me according to the original plot, provoking the protagonist’s anger.
Sure enough, Rynus, enraged, summoned me here.
Yeah, perfect.
Let the protagonist save the country, and I’ll enjoy a carefree life in this other world.
Heh, I’m looking forward to it.
Honestly, noble life was too boring—I was already tired of it.
Hanging out with those snobby nobles wasn’t fun at all.
I considered buying women, but in this world where STD management is practically nonexistent, buying prostitutes seemed too risky.
And spending money on luxuries like jewels wouldn’t make sense since I knew I’d be exiled anyway.
So, there really wasn’t much to look forward to.
Out of boredom, I built an orphanage and ended up enjoying playing the role of a philanthropist more than expected. But even that was about the extent of my entertainment.
On the other hand, hunters are different!
Exchanging blows with monsters is thrilling, and drinking with comrades afterward must be incredibly fun.
Everything about it will surely feel fresh and exciting.
My plan is perfect—there’s no flaw in it.
Yes, absolutely perfect.
—
“Here, I’ll hold your hand.”
“Eh, no, it’s fine…”
“No, I insist! I’m your wife, aren’t I? It’s only natural for me to support you in times like these.”
“Ahh, thank you…”
Lena grabs my hand and rests her head on my shoulder.
I vaguely remember her being much more repulsed in the original story…
Well, maybe it’s just my imagination.
Today, I’ll be judged, and Lena will finally be free to marry her childhood friend, Rynus.
Then the world will be at peace.
Perfect.
“Phil… We’ve arrived.”
The carriage stops, and the driver opens the door.
She has tanned skin and an expressionless face. For a brief moment, she narrows her eyes at the sight of us.
“Oh, sorry, Rize.”
“…No problem.”
I don’t quite understand what Lena is apologizing for, but it seems we’ve finally arrived at the courthouse.
Rize scans the area cautiously.
She’s my guard and a former orphan.
She’s also one of the main heroines of *The Reconquista of the Spirits*.
In the original story, she was an incredibly powerful character, and naturally, she’s strong in this world too, which is why I hired her as my guard.
Even if I disappear and she loses her job, I’m sure she’ll have no trouble living on her own.
We step out of the carriage and look at the building before us.
A medieval European-style stone structure stands imposingly amidst the cityscape.
As the center of law in this country, its design exudes an overwhelming sense of authority.
I swallow hard and steel myself.
“Alright, let’s go.”
And with that, I stepped into the grand stage where I would be judged.
—
—
—
—
Upon entering the courthouse, we’re immediately led to a waiting room.
It’s a simple stone chamber.
“Please wait here for a moment.”
“Understood.”
A soldier-like man bows and retreats.
Even though I’m rotting away, I’m still a count, so they treat me politely.
“Well, it’s finally here.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve made sure neither of our positions will worsen, no matter the verdict.”
“That’s not the issue… Sigh, never mind.”
Lena starts to flare up but quickly calms down.
Fighting here wouldn’t be wise, so I appreciate her restraint.
“If it comes to it, I’ll protect you, okay?”
“Thank you, but I’ll be fine. I’m prepared to accept whatever happens.”
If Rize were to go berserk and try to escape after the verdict, it would cause problems.
I need to set things straight now.
“Hmm…”
“Rize, for now—”
“I know…already…”
They exchange glances.
What’s going on?
Ah, well, never mind.
“Excuse me!”
A soldier wearing a helmet enters, visibly tense.
This time, it’s a woman.
“Time…?”
“Yes, everything is ready. Please proceed to the courtroom!”
Rize asks, and the soldier responds.
Her mention of “as planned” feels suspicious, but preparations seem complete.
Let’s go.
“Alright, let’s go.”
With that, we head toward the courtroom.
—
—
—
—
As we enter the courtroom, everyone seated around turns to look at us.
The circular venue has seats arranged facing each other, forming a kind of battlefield for the two parties involved in this trial.
Before me stands a man glaring with hatred, accompanied by several companions.
Rynus Becker.
The protagonist of this trial—and of this entire world.
In this case, he’s also acting as the prosecutor.
The legal system in this country is a bit unusual. There are no prosecutors or lawyers.
The accuser gathers evidence, confronts the accused in court, and the defendant defends themselves.
It’s a strange system, to say the least.
By the way, Rynus has already solved numerous problems in this country, just as in the original story, and is now hailed as a hero.
Given that such a man has filed this lawsuit, public attention is high.
Come on, stop glaring at me like that.
I’m going to lose, so relax.
“Lena! Are you hurt? Have you suffered any unpleasantness, hardship, or pain?!”
“Not at all.”
“I-I see…”
Rynus looks relieved but also slightly disappointed.
He probably expected her to beg for help desperately.
I thought so too—it was like that in the original story.
“Let’s finish this trial quickly, shall we?”
“Y-yes, you’re right! Judge, the defendant has arrived! Start the trial already!”
Rynus urges impatiently.
This is odd—he wasn’t this rushed in the original story…
“Are both sides ready?”
The judge seated in the center of the venue asks us.
Everyone nods, and the trial begins.
“Then, first, Rynus, please present the accusations.”
The judge gestures, and Rynus stands up, holding a long scroll.
Eh, what?
Is all that about me??
Did I really do that many bad things…?
“There are so many crimes that it’s hard to list them all, but let’s start with the first one. This man abused his position as a count to prey on countless young girls!”
Rynus shouts dramatically, inciting the audience.
The spectators surrounding the venue murmur in response.
Oh, from the outside, he really looks like a protagonist—cool.
Though, I’m the one directly involved.
“He runs an orphanage, which is indeed commendable. However, it was merely a cover to satisfy his desires!”
Desires…
Well, yes, receiving heartfelt gratitude from unfortunate children felt amazing.
I did it partly for that thrill, but still…
“What kind of desires?”
“Sexual desire.”
At that single word, screams erupt from the audience.
Even in this medieval-style other world, being a lolicon is apparently a crime.
The principle of “Yes Lolita, No Touch” seems universal.
“This man, Phil, has been confirmed to summon orphans he likes from the orphanage to his mansion at night. According to rumors, it’s called a ‘reward’ and has become a major event at the orphanage.”
…Ah, that’s right.
Yes, we do have such events…
Whatever they say, it doesn’t matter to me anymore…
I’ll put up a little resistance, though.
“Do you have evidence?”
“I’ve prepared a witness—one highly credible.”
Rynus says this while staring not at me but at the person standing beside me.
…Yes, he’s looking at Rize.
“Rize, come here.”
“…Yes.”
Seriously…
I thought Rize had grown fond of me…
Even though I was prepared for exile, this hits hard.
“You can only speak the truth here. Remember, the witness stand is under a ‘truth curse.'”
Rize nods as she steps onto the witness stand.
“Too bad, Phil. Betrayed even by your guard.”
“…Just continue the trial.”
I’m honestly shaken.
I thought Rize and I were comrades who shared hardships and joys.
Was I hated all along…?
“It’s okay.”
“Lena…”
Lena whispers encouragement beside me.
Damn it, I have no choice but to accept it.
Today was always going to be our farewell…
“First question: Have you witnessed the ‘reward’ scene?”
“…Yes.”
Rize answers without hesitation.
“Have you experienced it yourself?”
“…Many times.”
The vivid testimony heats up the venue.
“How did you feel when you witnessed the ‘reward’ scene?”
“…I felt regret and pain.”
After Rize’s statement, Rynus surveys the venue, gauging the audience’s reaction.
His confidence solidifies as he looks at me triumphantly.
“Did you hear that, everyone?! That man is the lowest scum! He should be executed immediately—or rather, exiled! Right, Your Honor?”
“U-uh…”
As expected, Rynus demands exile, the harshest punishment for nobles in this country.
Thanks to the noble privilege system, it’s a blessing for me.
I’m grateful to this country.
“One final question: Do you hate Phil?”
As Rynus asks this, his expression radiates victory.
If a trusted guard testifies to hating the accused, the audience will fully grasp the extent of his crimes.
In a society that values discipline and honor, there’s no way they wouldn’t punish such a “villainous noble.”
With Rize’s next words, I’ll surely be condemned.
Rize takes a deep breath, hesitating slightly, then opens her eyes wide.
She’s ready.
She stares straight at me.
Sorry, Rize.
I never thought you hated me.
“No, I…love him.”
“…Huh?”
With those words, the atmosphere in the courtroom shifts entirely.
