Damn, I recarneted As A Judge in Fantasy World

As the full story of the incident became clear, numerous people were arrested.

From underworld bosses running private gambling dens to con artists who posed as players, there were as many as 55 defendants. Among them, Abel was assigned only to the trial of Count Eplin.

It had been his responsibility from the beginning and carried a significant symbolic meaning.

Because up until now, the sentences for fraud have been very light.

This case was also the first instance in which embezzled funds were fully recovered. Depending on how the verdict was reached here, it would set a future benchmark.

We cannot allow this world to be ruled by fraud. I will show you what true education is.

Abel stood on the podium with a solemn expression.

"I will sentence you. The defendant has defrauded numerous people with his fraudulent gambling techniques, and his relationship with private gambling houses has also been confirmed. Randy Eplin is charged with fraud and sentenced to 20 years in prison. In addition, the defendant's assets will be temporarily seized to provide relief to the victims."

"Huh? Th-that… just a moment!"

Count Eplin jumped up from his seat and hurriedly stepped forward, his resentful expression and glaring eyes full of disbelief.

Like it or not, Abel gave him a blank stare.

"Isn't this too much? Twenty years in prison for mere fraud!"

"Why do you make such a claim?"

"Up until now, the maximum sentence was two years in prison with a four-year suspended sentence. But why are you doing this to me? Are you harboring ill feelings because you lost the game?"

In some ways, it could be considered a fairly effective attack since it implied Abel was using his power to persecute others after losing money gambling.

But such an argument only worked when the situation was ambiguous. With evidence and witnesses so clear, it was just a fabrication.

"The defendant was caught using gambling techniques in front of me and Prosecutor Sears. If the cards had been reversed, I would have won. But these processes are meaningless."

"Why?"

"I have not benefited in any way from helping with the investigation. The private gambling house in question should pay a fair price."

Count Eplin pursed his lips, then clenched his teeth, his eyes filled with stubborn defiance.

"How do you differentiate between fraud and legitimate gaming?"

"There is no need for that."

"Yes?"

"If there are rotten apples in the box, the rest of the apples will rot in no time. It's just a matter of time. Didn't they plan to rip off all the people who come and go through gambling anyway?"

The "rotten apple" theory wasn't meant to be used in this situation. It referred to the phenomenon where a negative person influences others and worsens an entire organization. But Abel figured it was enough to get the general idea across.

As soon as he gave a simple answer to Count Eplin's outburst, the gallery began to stir.

"How can you be so confident when you live off other people's backs?"

"Last time, there was a merchant who ran away after stealing money. He ended up getting released on probation."

"How much was the damage?"

"It was 200 gold. Because of that, I couldn't pay the transaction amount on time, so my debt piled up. I had to pay 400 gold more in interest alone."

"It's not a small amount of money, but you think it's only that much? You're taking fraud too lightly."

"In that sense, this ruling is very refreshing."

"Haha! Who would have been in charge of this trial, and would those scum of the earth get away with it so easily?"

"You are a true lawyer, with so much passion that you even go into the den of criminals yourself."

"By the way, when is that guy going to be taken away?"

Only after the people's cries did the court reporters move, as though waiting for the verbal clash to end.

Count Eplin began flailing like a fish out of water and shouting.

"This, this can't be happening…"

Purbuck!

The price of resistance was dire. After being struck several times by the court knights, Count Eplin slumped down. People watched the scene with relieved expressions.

Abel left the courtroom, hiding the smile that naturally spread across his face.

---

Beginning with Count Eplin, the private gambling organization "Kuras" was completely dismantled. Although it was a somewhat well-known underworld syndicate, it was no different from a neighborhood thug operation in the face of public authorities.

They were swept away in an instant, and for a while, all private gambling houses shut down. Just in case any sparks flew his way, Abel remained vigilant.

"By the way, there's a bit of a problem with this."

Abel looked through the papers with a serious expression.

This was the result of a random survey conducted throughout Perias. Surprisingly, more than 80% of the nobles had visited a private gambling house at least once. Among freedmen, the figure reached 70%, and even among serfs, about half had been.

There are quite a few addicts.

If left unchecked, society would become seriously ill. For the aristocracy, moderate luxury and gambling were essential social activities.

In that sense, Abel was a rather dull person, but it didn't matter. Not only did he avoid spending on personal luxuries, but he also used funds for more meaningful pursuits.

Oh, of course, it's different in Mrs. Sears' case.

Luxury was a virtue for high-ranking nobles who had separate estates. For officials and freedmen, it was essential to match their spending to their income.

In any case, people of lower status couldn't help but admire aristocratic culture.

So I did take action on my land…

In Midias' gaming halls, only one Ceylon was allowed to be bet per day. The limits ensured it became a game rather than gambling. While it might feel dull, employee satisfaction was high.

"But it's only a stopgap."

The root of the problem was clear. Although higher wages gave people extra money, there wasn't much to spend it on. The most accessible dopamine fix was gambling.

"If you start playing even one round, you'll fall into an endless swamp."

"First of all, we need to get rid of all the private gambling establishments."

Originally, such a goal would have been unthinkable.

What if Abel were merely the governor of Deliat? Here, however, he held the dual roles of supreme judge and mayor.

The emperor had granted him authority to exercise administrative power to regulate private gambling establishments.

We're in the middle of a war against crime, so there's ample justification for it.

But simply installing game rooms across Midias wasn't enough. Blocking access outright wasn't a complete solution. Human greed was endless, and mistakes would be repeated.

So, what should we do?

"We need to create a lot of things to enjoy in a healthy way."

"What are you going to do?"

Abel muttered to himself at his desk when Shuguri, his companion, approached with curiosity. The creature, uninterested until now, perked up at the word "fun."

Abel shrugged slightly.

"I'll think about that from now on. Should I introduce something like soccer?"

"Soccer? What is that?"

"Yes. Kicking the ball… huh?"

Shuguri stood upright like a meerkat, while Peltron, sprawled out on the desk, stirred from its slumber.

As Abel watched the two, a plausible idea occurred to him. Sports were offline games that could be enjoyed healthily.

Even nobles participate in jousting competitions.

A complex and exciting soccer game would likely become more popular than simpler activities.

"Should we start with the multi-platform group?"

"No, explain to me properly what soccer is," Shuguri demanded.

"Before that, there's something you need to do."

"What is it?"

The lively exchange drew Peltron's attention as well. Slowly raising its head, it joined the conversation.

Abel looked down at the two with a big smile.

Abel leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin forming on his face.

"I'm going to create a team that symbolizes you guys. Maybe something like Team Shuguri or Team Paltron."

-Oh? Us?

"Yeah. We'll put your pictures on the team logo. What do you think?"

-Is it good?
Experience tales with empire

Abel gave a brief overview of the soccer match idea, sparking excitement in the room.

Shuguri and Peltron exchanged intense glares, as if an actual competition had already begun. The atmosphere became charged, as though a brawl might break out at any moment.

"Why are you opening your eyes like that?" Shuguri snapped.

"Is there a law that says you can't look at me because I'm your senior?" Peltron retorted, leaning forward aggressively.

Abel sighed, stepping in to diffuse the tension before it escalated. After all, his goal was to form a soccer team, not host a boxing match.

"Alright, enough of that. Now we need to pick the players. Bring me someone with good physical abilities and solid footwork," Abel instructed firmly.

"We?" Shuguri asked, tilting his head.

"Of course. You two are the team captains."

-Oh...

Although there was a hint of uncertainty, Shuguri and Peltron soon nodded, the excitement of having their own team evident in their expressions.

"Okay, then let's get to it!" Abel declared with enthusiasm.

-Let's go!

"Get out of the way, you little junior!" Shuguri barked, pushing Peltron aside.

"Ugh! That disgusting senior's attitude!" Peltron shot back, his voice dripping with irritation.

The two left the office in a flurry of bickering and competitiveness. Abel watched their antics with an amused smirk, snapping his fingers once they disappeared from view.

"Sir McNeill?"

A man clad in formal armor appeared almost instantly, looking slightly apprehensive.

"Why are you calling me all of a sudden?" Sir Cordell McNeill asked, his tone cautious.

It was clear from his expression that he feared being assigned a tedious task. Abel chuckled inwardly.

'You're so quick-witted,' Abel thought, though he would never say it aloud.

But, of course, why would he summon a secret escort knight unless it was important? Abel's grin widened as he prepared to outline the next phase of his plan.