Twisted Love's

Episode 37's

"As a jurist, I'll explain the words of the Impartial Officer to you, and then you'll answer. That's how we're gonna conduct this trial." Nolan explained to me politely.

"... All right, Mr. Zarek. Thank you." Thank you."

Sorry, Nolan... And thanks, I can calm myself down again.

I let out a breath.

Ike attacked me with questions, trying to get me to admit that I ruined Professor Wright's good name.

But Nolan helped me, and somehow it seems like I got through this situation.

"Do you intend to continue to state that you have never personally slandered Professor Wright?" Ike just kept running me over with that question.

"Yes, that's right." Reply firmly.

"Miss Darwin, you are a skilled researcher." Nolan slowly began to speak, as if trying to unravel a series of tense questions and answers between me and Ike.

"Is such a case common to you as a researcher? For example, is it natural that previous research has never been refuted?" Nolan asked to direct my opinion.

Suddenly I realized something.

*I tried to stay calm in the face of this, but I forgot the most important part.

Even though this kind of thing is natural for a researcher, I should explain it so that people from other professions would understand*.

I shook my head a little, as if to get rid of my fear.

"No, previous research will be constantly checked and reevaluated. So-" I looked around the courtroom. The last time I met Nolan's gaze, he slightly nodded.

*Nolan keeps making eye contact with me, to cover up the fact that we can't talk freely in the courtroom.

He tried to convince me, to remind me that I'm not alone*.

I gathered up my courage and spoke, "I'm just focused on doing my research. I have absolutely no intention of slandering Professor Wright personally."

*K*u please, make them understand.

I hope with all my heart. Maybe for people who are not researchers will not be able to understand, but--

"Your article certainly refers to Professor Wright's work." Nolan made a statement.

"Rubber." I said.

"You've shown that there's been a mistake in his research, but what do you think of the Professor himself?" Looks like Nolan wants to make me talk about what I think of Professor Wright.

"As a researcher, I view him as a senior. Through the vast amount of data he had collected in his previous work, I could feel how excited he would be for his research." After hearing me, the judges nodded deeply.

Just because I denied the results of his research doesn't mean I attacked the man myself. It seems they have understood a little bit of what I mean now.

*Even if I lose this case, this is what I have to say.

I will never waver again will my attitude*.

Thanks to Nolan, I can calm down again.

And being able to remember the most important thing to emphasize as a researcher.

"Following my conscience as a researcher, I analyze a data. And the conclusion I took was based on a fair judgment. "

"All I did for the sake of the animals that were also the subject of my research, I will never reach an unfair conclusion!"

"so. This research is obviously important to you. I completely understand that you want to emphasize that." My silhouette examination ended, and Ike sneered.

"However, declaring yourself a wise researcher does not prove that you do not defile Professor Wright's character." Ike declared confidently.

Nolan scowled a little. Although that sullen expression was only a moment on his face-

The jury looked surprised at Ike's words.

Suddenly, I started to get nervous. And unfounded anxiety began to creep into me.

In the end, we lost the first hearing, largely due to Ike's fluency in his opinion. But I've said what I have to say. I won't regret it, and I have no intention of giving up.

* * *

The night after we returned from the first trial ...

Nolan and I tried to avoid the press, and somehow managed to return to Lilac Court safely.

"Welcome back. You two must have had a hard day today. I'm gonna make you some good coffee, so try to get some rest, and sleep well tonight. Tomorrow will be a new day." Josh greeted us as we walked into the Lounge.

"Thank you, Josh."

He probably already knew about the outcome of the trial, but he didn't mention it for our sake.

I am grateful for his attention.

Nolan threw himself on the couch, and I brought him a cup of freshly brewed coffee Josh.

"Barnes Island... He's much more troublesome than rumored." Nolan muttered, not trying to hide his frustration and frustration.

It is rare to see Nolan openly show his frustration. He is usually very confident.

"Nolan, I'm sorry for getting you involved in this. I was so nervous, so I didn't handle it well." I said after putting Nolan's coffee on the table, I slowly sat down next to Nolan.

"Don't worry about it. Ike was able to manipulate the outcome of the trial by appealing to the judge and the jury's emotions. That's how he operates. "

"This is very different from my method of hoarding evidence and logically not creating a way out for my opponent."

"He beat me this time, but next time, we'll see. I'll definitely win." Nolan took a sip of coffee and regained his composure.

He looked at me with a gentle look in his eyes. Nolan "So, there's nothing to be afraid of."

"Yes. As long as I'm with you, Nolan, I'll be fine, even in court. But..."

"Tell me if there's anything that worries you." Nolan.

"Since you're defending me who's your boyfriend, it can easily turn into a scandal, whether you win or lose. I'm afraid this will jeopardize your career, and I feel very uncomfortable about it." I struggled to express my heart.

*And if I end up found guilty of defaming Professor Wright ...

... I'm sure everyone will think I'm not cut out to be Nolan's girlfriend.

Perhaps even Nolan himself would also think like that*.

"My career won't be brought down so easily, not even by something as trivial as the scandal." Nolan scowled.

"I'm sorry. Of course, I'm sure your position is very stable, but .."

*I asked if I would just hold you back, if I continued to be by your side ...

I'm really worried about that*.

Unable to express my uneasiness in words, I tried hard to try to push these bad thoughts out of my head.

"You don't have to apologize." Nolan's voice sounded quite hurt by my words. I took a breath in surprise.

Nolan seemed to be watching my behavior. His expression softened, and he looked me in the eye. "Let's stop staring at something that's been in the past.  Instead-" He took a deep breath to improve his mood, and began to speak more lightly. "Julia, we have to turn around this bad day. Let's go on a date."

"What?" I was surprised by his sudden invitation.