Mock Trial · Chapter 1
Mock Trial
After taking care of the paperwork that had piled up from one thing after another...
I finally made it back to my room and lay down on the bed.
*Sigh...* I can finally get some rest.
Maybe I pushed myself too hard, because the moment my head hit the pillow, sleep rushed in.
Just as I was about to drift off...
Lisa
Captain, are you inside?
...Oh well. I'll rest later.
Lisa
Oh! Captain! There you are!
...Were you resting? Did I interrupt you?
...No, it's fine.
What's up?
Lisa
Well...
I came to deliver this to you!
Lisa handed me a single sheet of paper.
It looked somewhere between a proposal and a formal notice.
Written neatly by hand, the title at the top read...
Mock Trial Notice...?
Asherah
...It's scheduled to proceed according to the dates listed below...
Participants: Captain Your Name and the Voyager Savior Party...
Further details will be announced on-site...
...Voyager Savior Party's exclusive la belle liaison, Lisa.
Luna
Oh... so she's our la belle liaison.
Lisa
Have you finished reading, Asherah?
Asherah
Yes. But what exactly is this?
I've never heard of a mock trial.
Lisa
Then allow me to explain.
Before we talk about the mock trial...
The Observation Council, Polaris...
Has approved a special support fund for us!
A special support fund...
From Polaris?
Lisa
Haha, no need to look so shocked.
While you were all working hard, I haven't exactly been idle.
Luna
Seriously? Wow, look at our talent Lisa doing all the heavy lifting!
Lisa
Ahem! Of course!
However, in order to use the funds, we must submit a clear purpose.
For example... by planning something like this mock trial...
And reporting that we successfully completed the program and distributed rewards!
...That's how we secure the funding.
Luna
So we're dressing it up to get free money?
Lisa
"Free money"? Do you have any idea how much work this takes?!
Deciding the program, the rewards, how they'll be distributed...
The venue, the date, the participants...
Everything must be organized and submitted in a flawless proposal—
It's incredibly tedious! And exhausting!
I hope you all appreciate that!
O-okay. I get it.
Asherah
So this isn't a real trial?
Lisa
Correct. It's a training program in the form of sparring between Saviors.
Even if you lose, the Journey won't end. So there's no need to worry.
Smile
Question. What's the reward?
Lisa
Excellent question!
A famous eastern chef has opened a restaurant branch in downtown NOA. Have you heard?
Luna
*Gasp!* That place...?
Lisa
If you successfully complete this mock trial...
We'll hold the Savior Party dinner there!
Luna
Reaaaally?!
Omega
Yay! Omega likes good food!
Smile
I heard the rumors of that place.
Opening day reservation queue lasted 7 hours and 48 minutes.
Lisa
Well? Tempted?
Luna
Let's start immediately!
Smile
Ooh. Luna's eyes are glinting.
Asherah
If only she showed that much enthusiasm all the time...
Luna
So who's our opponent? Who do we have to beat?
Lisa
Well... they're people you're familiar with...
People we know?
Lisa
I don't believe there's much chance of us losing...
A-anyway... Why not go see for yourselves?
They're already waiting.
Asherah
Mm... All right. Looks like we're ready.
Lisa
Okay then! Everyone, follow me!
Muriel
So...
There's some little-known Savior Party, and if we help with their sparring training...
They'll assist us in finding a sacred relic?
Elisa
Yes... That's what I heard...
I didn't hear it directly... But they contacted the Order that way...
Muriel
But why do we have to be their training partners?
Elisa
Perhaps because of what happened recently...?
After removing a sacred relic without the Order's permission then losing it...
And causing friction with the Journey Captain as well...
Muriel
D-didn't we recover our standing by awakening the Star Piercer's spirit?
Elisa
...Perhaps the efforts you made afterward to make up for it did not go very well, Saintess Muriel?
Muriel
Q-quiet! What was I supposed to do?! If I just sit still, I'll fall below rank 116!
...Tch. Still, sparring training...?
Mm. Though... it may not be entirely bad.
They did promise to help us find a sacred relic. So it's not a loss for us...
And if they're truly unknown, their skills can't be that impressive.
I guess... acting as training partners should be more than manageable.
Elisa
As expected of the 116th Saintess Muriel! Saying that it's more than manageable... even your stamina is remarkable!
Muriel
Do you know when this training is scheduled?
Elisa
Huh? Ah, well...
Muriel
...Wait. Don't tell me it's right now!
Elisa
I-I'm so sorry, 116th Saintess Muriel! I failed to inform you...
I shall repay this sin in the fires of hell!
Muriel
...They must be a rather diligent Savior Party...
Fine! I was getting bored anyway.
Let's at least see what kind of Savior Party they are.
Ahem. Greetings. The Monolith Order welcomes—
Asherah
...Hmm?
Luna
...Huh?
Muriel
...Oh?
...Muriel?
Muriel
Huh? Why are you here?
Lisa
Everyone! The ones assisting us in this mock trial are...
The two saintesses of the Monolith Order!
Muriel
...What?
Luna
Oh, it's them? I thought it'd be someone impressive.
Muriel
What—
Wait, hold on.
You're the ones who contacted the Order directly?
Lisa
Yes!
Muriel
And promised to help us find a sacred relic?
Lisa
Yup!
Muriel
You scammers!!
You should've said it was you from the start! Little-known Savior Party my foot!
Lisa
Mhmm... Compared to other Savior Parties with long histories and traditions...
We are still rather unknown, aren't we?
Muriel
Ugh... You and your wordplay...!
A-anyway! You even have the Star Piercer's spirit!
You're not planning to launch us with that mass... or whatever that thing is, are you?!
Omega
Omega is Omega! Not a spirit!
And Mass Driver only works when it goes zap-zap...
Muriel
Besides! There are only two of us, and five of you! That's completely unfair!
Fair point.
Though I won't be participating directly.
Muriel
Hngh! I don't care! I won't do it! I refuse!
We didn't agree to this! The Order forced us!
Lisa
Then we'll even the numbers.
Muriel
What...?
Lisa
We'll send out only two members as well.
Asherah
Oh? So that's how it's going to be?
Luna
Whaaat? I mean... Yeah, four against two would've been a bit much, but...
Lisa
Don't worry! I'm certain you'll win!
Asherah
I do intend to.
Luna
As long as dinner's on the line, I'm not losing.
Muriel
E-eek?! A-are you seriously agreeing to this...?
H-hold it! I still feel like this is unfair somehow...!
Elisa
It's two against two, but why does it feel like something's still wrong...?
Muriel
Errgh! I don't know! But I still don't want to fight you lot!
Lisa
You can't say that now! It's too late to back out!
Muriel
Of course I can! Or at least put that sword on the line—
Lisa
All right!
Muriel
...What?!
WHAT?!
Lisa
You mean the Captain's sword, correct?
If you win, we'll hand over the sword!
W-wait! I never agreed to—
Lisa
Captain... you're not doubting your own team, are you?
And please don't worry about what happens if we lose.
Your talented liaison has already planned ahead!
...Lisa, a word...
I pulled Lisa aside, away from the others.
I do think we'll win, but...
Staking this feels like a bit much...
Lisa
B-but if they refuse to fight, that's a problem.
This is training meant to prepare for real combat.
If our team has dinner on the line, shouldn't the other side have a comparable offer?
And even though it's unlikely...
Don't worry if they somehow win!
Lisa pulled out a document and showed it to me.
Lisa
It's the Monolith Order's cooperation approval form.
It clearly states that no physical goods or currency will be awarded to Order members participating in training.
So even if they win, we can simply point to this and decline.
...Her thoroughness was almost frightening!
Lisa
Besides, the outcome itself isn't important.
All that matters is that we can report the training was conducted.
I figured you'd say that.
Lisa
But if I said that outright, no one would feel motivated, would they?
If we're going to do this, it's better if everyone gives it their all.
...She's always been like this, but Lisa is getting scarier by the day.
We moved to the venue for the mock trial.
Asherah and Luna will represent us.
Asherah
Looking forward to it!
Luna
I'm getting hungry. Perfect warm-up before dinner.
Omega
Omega will cheer with Smile!
Smile
...Go team.
Muriel
...All right! Ready, Elisa?
If we win, demotion won't matter! It's a straight path to the High Saintesshood!
Elisa
As expected of the 116th Saintess Muriel! Securing advantage through cunning and underhanded means!
Even if you are burned by the flames of hell, I shall remain by your side forever...!
Muriel
Sh-shut it! Anyway... this is a fight we can win!
Bite, scratch—whatever it takes, we have to win!
Elisa
H-huh...? B-bite them...?
Muriel
Yeah! Even if we have to throw sand in their eyes, we're taking the Star Piercer!
Elisa
U-understood!
117th Saintess Elisa... Ready...!
Lisa
Very well. From this moment...
We begin the Voyager Savior Party's mock trial!
The opponents are Monolith Order's Saintess Muriel and Elisa.
Lisa
If both sides are ready...
Battle, commence!
Muriel
W-wait! Stop! I surrender! We lost! We lost!!
I'm sorry for mouthing off!
We were wrong... Please... stop... *Sniffle...*
Elisa! Q-quick, you should kneel too!
Elisa
I-I'm sorry!
116th Saintess Muriel deeply regrets her actions as well! We beg for your forgiveness...!
Muriel
Whose side are you on?!
Lisa
It appears the outcome has been decided.
As the Monolith Order has formally surrendered...
The winner of this mock trial is the Voyager Savior Party!
Luna
Yes! Next stop, the restaurant!
Omega
Omega cheered super hard! Omega deserves a pat in the back!
Luna
Aww, our little champ! I'll give you a praise sticker!
Good work, everyone.
Asherah
...Mm...
Asherah? Is something wrong?
Asherah
It felt easier than the last time we fought them.
Luna
Mm? It wasn't exactly tiring...
Hmhmm. Maybe they were just weak to begin with?
Muriel
No, you've just gotten ridiculously stronger!
Smile
Estimated average combat performance increased by approximately 23.17%.
Muriel. Elisa.
Thanks for helping us today.
Muriel
What good is gratitude? At least let me hold that sword!
Mm... That's not happening.
Muriel
Then what about your promise to help us find a sacred relic...?!
W-what... happens... to that?
Lisa
Don't worry. We never intended to deceive you.
During the Journey, we're bound to hear information that may interest the Order.
Maybe...?
...No. Certainly!
If we learn anything, we'll inform you immediately.
Muriel
R-really...? We did help you, so you won't forget... right?
Lisa
Of course! And today, both saintesses assisted sincerely in the training.
I fully intend to report that to the Order.
Muriel
R-really? You'll make it official?
Elisa
That's wonderful, 116th Saintess Muriel! Once the report is submitted, we'll be reevaluated...
And safe from demotion for a while!
Muriel
What are you talking about?! After all that effort, you think avoiding demotion is enough?!
We're going back and submitting our own report!
You're better at writing those, so... you handle it.
Elisa
Yes, 116th Saintess Muriel!
Muriel
And don't just write about yourself! Focus on the overwhelming display of my faith and strength!
Elisa
Of course! I'll describe your glorious performance exactly as it was!
Ah. Should I also include the part where you insulted the high priest during the fight?
Muriel
D-don't you dare put that in!
Asherah
Wow... They recover surprisingly fast.
Luna
I'd call it... simple-minded resilience.
Smile
Rapid energy recovery is a significant survival advantage.
Omega
Mister... Omega's hungry...
Luna
Looks like we need some energy recovery too.
Perfect timing. It's about time for dinner.
Lisa, are we heading to the restaurant now?
Lisa
Mm... Yes, of course!
It's reserved under Voyager Savior Party.
It's in central NOA, so you'll find it easily.
...Wait. What about you, Lisa?
Lisa
Oh! I just need to gather a few documents first...!
Go ahead. I'll catch up shortly...!
Asherah
Something feels off. Why would dinner require paperwork?
Luna
She's our liaison, so I guess there's something we don't know about.
Come on, let's go ahead without her!
Smile
Luna's excitement level approximately 4.78 times baseline.
Luna
Of course! Expensive food tastes best when it's free!
Omega
Omega will eat a lot! Maybe the plates too!
Luna
No. Plates are not food.
We arrived at the restaurant ahead of Lisa.
At the mention of the Voyager Savior Party, we were escorted to a round table covered in lavish dishes.
The bold spices and intense aromas were overwhelming in the best way.
Soon after, Lisa joined us, and we all enjoyed a lively meal together.
Luna
Ugh... I'm stuffed... I can't eat another bite...!
Omega
Omega's full... And sleepy... Good night...
Smile
The 7-hour 48-minute legend confirmed. Exceptional cuisine.
Lisa
Haha. Did everyone enjoy the meal?
Then may I have your attention for a moment?
She stood there, smiling brightly, and in her hands...
Were several unfamiliar sheets of paper.
Luna
...What's that? Pens and forms?
Lisa
Oh, it's nothing serious.
Just... a tiny bit of homework for me.
Asherah
Voyager Savior Party Liaison Performance Evaluation...?
Smile
A periodic survey conducted by the Observation Council, Polaris.
Journey members evaluate the performance of their assigned liaison.
Lisa
Now, everyone? You'll be marking every category as Excellent, won't you?
Surely you wouldn't leave a poor evaluation after such an expensive meal.
Right?
...A-ha. So that's what all that effort was for.
Lisa
Captain! That hurts my feelings!
You're making me sound like I only worked hard for a good evaluation!
Luna
...That's not entirely wrong.
Y-yeah... True...
A short while later.
Lisa swiftly collected the forms from our hands...
Then she began inspecting them closely.
Lisa
Oh my. Thank you. I barely did anything, yet you marked everything as Excellent!
Thanks to you all, this evaluation should go smoothly!
Omega
Omega is scared of Lisa now...
Luna
...Asherah. Maybe that's how you survive in this world.
Asherah
Ahaha... Well, at least the meal was worth it.
Some time later.
We heard that the Outstanding Liaison commendation awarded by Polaris went to Lisa.
Through the mock trial, everyone had found a happy ending.
Either way... It might be impossible to deny that Lisa is truly capable.
Story and illustrations © Studio B-Side. An unofficial reading archive — for questions or requests, see the About page.