A blaring voice reverberates through the hall, bouncing off the walls with grand paintings of angels. The ceiling stretches high above, reaching the clouds, while opulent chandeliers cast a warm glow across the room. Countless rows of wooden benches line up, their polished surfaces reflecting the elegant atmosphere.

     All eyes glance at the presence of the judge and attorney. They stand tall behind their desks at the front of the lavish room. Their demeanour exudes power, capturing the attention of everyone gathered in the vast space.

"And I beseech you, honourable members of the jury, to give due consideration to the dire consequences of these slanderous advertisements that besmirch the good name of Sir Oliver Podeshire," the attorney asserted as his voice roared. "Yet, I must inquire as to the veracity of these claims. Where is the irrefutable evidence that this illustration depicts Sir Podeshire's private affairs? Is there a solitary shred of proof linking him to acts of sodomy and fornication?" He then raised a pamphlet, ensuring that all could behold its contents. "Take a moment, gentlemen, to examine this piece closely. I invite you to peruse this discreetly provided under your seats, affording you a clearer view of the alleged content."

     The jury and witnesses stood from their seats. They glanced beneath their chairs and spotted the pamphlets lying underneath. As they grabbed every piece, they returned to their respective benches, staring at the drawings. A hushed silence fell over the room as everyone examined the pamphlets, their collective gaze locked on the illustrations.

"I present before you, ladies and gentlemen of the court, the initial pamphlets that allege Sir Oliver Podeshire's involvement in acts of fornication with numerous women," the attorney addressed the jury. "Yet, I ask you, is there any tangible evidence to substantiate these claims? Regrettably, none has come forth. However, we have artists that surrendered themselves to us," the attorney spoke as he looked at the artists. "Gentlemen, enlighten us about the contents of these pamphlets that supposedly depict Sir Oliver Podeshire engaging in intimate relationships with multiple ladies," the attorney commanded.

A timid artist seated at a grouped desk gathered the courage to rise and respond. "Sir, a gentleman commissioned a series of artworks from us, depicting Sir Podeshire engaging in intimate relationships with various women..."

"And who was that man?" the attorney inquired.

A man rose from his seat. "It is I, sir," he admitted, addressing the attorney directly. "I confess that I am guilty of commissioning those drawings."

The judge's voice reverberated through the courtroom as he slammed his gavel on the sound block. "Order! I find Mr Campfield... guilty of the charge of libel, a grave offence against one's reputation and honour. It is my solemn duty to impose upon him the penalty befitting such transgressions," the judge stated. "Mr Campfield, by the power vested in me, I hereby sentence you to a term of imprisonment for six months. May this sentence serve as a reminder of the consequences that befall those who seek to tarnish the good name of others through false accusations and malicious intent."

     The watchful guards immediately apprehended the convicted man. Taking him firmly into custody, they led him away from the courtroom as their footsteps thud against the polished floors. The atmosphere in the room remained quiet as the consequences of his actions became loud and apparent.

The attorney then cleared his throat and ventured. "...Now, let us turn our attention to the subsequent pamphlets that allege Sir Oliver Podeshire's engagement in the abhorrent act of sodomy with Sir Hidesine," the attorney said. "But I ask you, members of the court, where is the evidence to substantiate such grave accusations against Sir Podeshire? Well... none has been presented thus far," the attorney continued to build his argument. "Allow me to draw your attention to an article recently published, shedding light on the intimate life of the Defender of Asbranne. In this publication, Sir Oliver Podeshire explicitly denies involvement in such sinful acts, stating that he has never committed them in the past and will never engage in them in the future," he stated as he snatched a journal from his coat's pocket, presenting it to the court. "Now! I call upon the individual responsible for the dissemination of these scandalous pamphlets, which have come to be known as the so-called 'Molly-ver,' to stand and identify themselves before this court," the attorney declared.

A middle-aged lady with an extravagant hairstyle and thick makeup bravely rose to her feet. "Attorney," she uttered. "I can explain! The pamphlets were created as a joke, merely meant to amuse and entertain. There was no malicious intent behind them!"

"Nevertheless, madame," the judge declared. "Your actions have resulted in the severe tarnishing of Sir Oliver Podeshire's reputation. Therefore, you must be held accountable for the consequences of your ill-conceived jest."

"But, your honour!" the lady pleaded.

The judge's authoritative voice boomed as he firmly struck the sound block. "Order! Order in the court! It is evident that you, madame, stand accused and have been found guilty of the heinous crimes of libel and slander!"

The guards approached the lady and escorted her out of the hall.

"No! No! I beg of you! Please! I beseech your mercy!" the lady pleaded, her voice laced with desperation yet met with silence as the guards firmly but respectfully led her away.

The attorney continued. "...Allow me to elucidate the reasons why we must take swift action against these libels by advocating for the banishment of these pamphlets from circulation. First, I appeal to the court to consider the undeniable fact that every single context presented within these pamphlets is a fabrication of falsehoods. None of these accusations holds any truth, but rather... they merely serve as baseless lies. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that these libellous pamphlets are causing irreparable harm to the reputation and private life of an innocent individual. Such actions must not go unchecked, for they violate the very fabric of our laws and principles. We must protect the sanctity of one's character and privacy, and thus, these pamphlets must be seized as they flagrantly infringe upon the law. And furthermore! Let us not forget that Sir Oliver Podeshire, a noble defender of our city, saved us from the clutches of the Pyrovoidians a few months ago. Yet, this is how he is repaid? By subjecting him to forced marriages, false allegations, and unwarranted criticism from the very people he has dedicated himself to protect?" The attorney then lowered his voice as he smirked. "Therefore, I humbly ask this court to not only respect Sir Oliver Podeshire's relationship but to uphold the sanctity of all relationships. It is incumbent upon us to put an end to the production and dissemination of these pamphlets, which falsely portray Sir Oliver Podeshire engaging in acts he has never committed. Such slanderous publications only serve to tarnish his good name and reputation..."

"The court hereby rules in favour of the defendant," the judge proclaimed. "This court is dismissed," he announced and slammed his gavel on the sound block, concluding the trial.

     The attorney clutched the pamphlet with both hands. Then, he raised his arms high, presenting the incriminating publication for all to witness. The jury members and witnesses followed suit, mirroring his actions by holding their pamphlets aloft.

     Then, the attorney tore the pamphlet into two pieces. Likewise, the jury members and witnesses tore their pamphlets apart. The sound of ripping paper echoed through the hall, carrying with it the weight of defiance against falsehoods. Standing from their seats, everyone threw the torn pamphlets into the air.

     A cascade of shredded paper descended like a gentle snowfall. Each torn fragment gracefully fell to the ground, landing one by one. And the atmosphere within the hall grew hushed.