IJDLB 06

Chapter 06

“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner, lawyer? You have witnesses and evidence to prove the abuse?”

“I wanted the divorce to end quickly. What I want to discuss at length is the alimony. Your Honor, please review these documents carefully. You’ll see that Iz’s married life was never smooth, and it’s entirely because of the defendant, her husband. The responsibility for this divorce lies completely with him.”

“No, this is all a misunderstanding! I didn’t hit her. She only got hurt because she fell on her own… How could I hit someone so weak…?”

But the judge’s eyes quickly scanned through the documents I submitted.

“The medical report clearly states the injuries were caused by violence.”

“Iz has always been careless. She just went around getting herself hurt. I couldn’t have hit her!”

At that moment, Baron Stoke, sitting in the audience, suddenly stood up.

“Damn it!”

He rarely raised his voice, but in the courtroom, his anger was unmistakable. His thunderous voice made Devon Reddick shrink back like a frightened puppy.

“Quiet. Quiet.”

Only after the judge banged the gavel did Baron Stoke sit down, though his gaze remained sharp and deadly toward Devon. The judge, having finished reviewing the documents, shook his head.

“It’s clear there was ongoing abuse.”

“Violence can never be justified. No matter the reason. The empire’s laws have long forbidden such acts, yet there are still those who exploit the name of ‘family’ to control others. Your Honor, with your wise judgment, please uphold the law. Make sure no one suffers like this again. Be their hope.”

The first trial is always the most important. Setting a precedent makes future cases easier.

‘This is the first step,’ I thought.

If I set the precedent, my name would spread. Of course, my father might come looking, but even so, the name of Rabiel, divorce-specialist lawyer, must rise high.

‘If I charge the fee and ask Khan to hire mercenaries, my father won’t be able to take me immediately.’

I looked up at the judge with that thought in mind.

“So be it. To make it clear that family violence will not be tolerated under imperial law, Devon Reddick is ordered to pay 80% of his assets as alimony to his former wife, Iz Stoke.”

“…What? Why should I pay alimony? I don’t have that money!”

I approached the judge and handed over another document.

‘Unlike the world I lived in before, here alimony is divided like property. There’s no upper or lower limit. As a divorce-specialist lawyer, my share is even more guaranteed.’

“This is property under Devon Reddick’s name. I prepared it for inclusion in the verdict.”

“I like how fast and sharp this new lawyer is. If only he were a man, he would have been a great success.”

I resisted the urge to comment on gender and focused on my goal.

‘Now I must secure the maximum alimony.’

Iz would handle my fee, but Baron Stoke promised her half of the alimony anyway. Just ensuring his daughter’s well-being was enough for him.

“Wait, Your Honor. This is impossible!”

“Don’t whine like a child. Submit your evidence like Iz Stoke did.”

“I… I didn’t expect this… And I don’t even have money to hire a lawyer! Lawyers are just in it for money…!”

“I am also a former lawyer, Devon Reddick.”

While Devon despaired over his own words, the judge gathered the documents together.

“Then the verdict shall be delivered.”

“Wait…!”

But his protests were ignored. The judge warned that any further disturbance would get him ejected.

Finally, the verdict was announced.

Devon Reddick was held responsible for the divorce and ordered to give 80% of his entire wealth to Iz.

Only then did Devon stare blankly at the ceiling, utterly defeated. I smiled brightly at him.

“This is why you need a divorce-specialist lawyer.”

“…So… so I have to pay? You said divorce comes with money. Why wasn’t that mentioned?”

“That was only a hypothetical scenario. I never said I’d actually give it.”

“What?!”

“You’ve held a sword your whole life, haven’t you? Maybe your ears hardened too. Or maybe it’s just weight gain—can’t understand simple words now.”

As Iz and I stood, he tried to rush us like an angry bull, but Baron Stoke’s knights quickly blocked him.

“I stayed silent because my daughter chose, but never again… Devon, don’t harm her or anyone around her.”

“Damn it! Iz, I’ll get revenge. You made me lose everything, and I’ll make you pay the same way.”

I worried that Iz might be hurt by his words, but she surprisingly smiled.

“Yes. I’ll be waiting, Devon.”

“R…Rabiel…”

“Let’s go, father. We should leave now.”

That was it. Confident as ever, Iz led the way, and we walked out, leaving Devon behind. His angry shouts echoed from the courtroom, but no one paid him any mind.

Outside the courthouse, Baron Stoke and his son, Iz’s brother, bowed politely to me.

“Thank you for handling our daughter’s divorce, and for taking away that crazy man’s assets.”

I nodded respectfully.

“Baron Stoke. Young Master Youngshik.”

“Yes.”

“Just one request. Please don’t speak too harshly of Devon Reddick because of this.”

“Why?”

“Once, he was a man Iz loved and chose. If you insult him, you risk blaming the Iz of the past. Leave the past behind and look forward.”

They nodded at my words.

“The past doesn’t matter. You’ve returned to us.”

“Father…”

“No blame. People make mistakes. And I apologize for ignoring the choices you made before.”

“No, it’s all my fault.”

I envied that moment—how a family could forgive and accept.

Iz then looked at me.

“Rabiel, thank you. I’ll never forget this favor.”

“You made the choice, Iz.”

If Rabiel had such a family, she would have been happier than anyone. But my father? He would only come to kill me.

“Anyway, we’ll transfer your fee to the account you opened at the mercenary office. Take care of it.”

“You shouldn’t come looking for me anymore. I’m a divorce lawyer now.”

“Understood.”

I nodded to the slightly disappointed Iz.

“Thank you for entrusting me with this case.”

Iz, no longer timid, now shone like a free woman. The first case was finally over.

Of course, it wasn’t truly the end.

The next day, Iz came straight back.