Paul remained silent. Not just today. Ever since he was imprisoned, he had not spoken a single word. The boy paralyzed with fear retreated into his shell.

“I expect the prosecutor, Hindenburg, to at least maintain basic courtesy towards the defendant.”

At Christoph’s words, Michael subtly furrowed his brow. Then, he relaxed and turned up the corner of his mouth.

“Very well. I’ll ask again. Defendant, where did you dispose of the weapon used to kill Nina Keller?”

“……”

Paul only trembled, again providing no response. Michael gathered momentum and cast his gaze toward the judge. His voice overflowed with confidence.

“Killing a family member is an extreme crime that undermines social order. Even if the perpetrator is less intelligent compared to his peers, he must have known that his actions constituted a heinous crime. Your Honor, human life is a precious value that cannot be traded for anything. Paul Keller’s actions are an antisocial crime that cannot be tolerated under any circumstance, and he should be isolated from society forever.”

The courtroom felt as if cold water had been poured over it. People couldn’t hide their horror as they looked at the young boy’s pale face, as though they were staring at a devil wearing a human mask.

Today’s newspaper headline floated into their minds.

“True Identity of the Ruthless Killer: Twelve-year-old Paul Keller. Who on Earth is He?”

“The defense may proceed.”

At the judge’s words, Christoph slowly stood up. The courtroom, already quiet, fell into deeper silence.

He was a man who always had a strong presence, and he knew how to focus the attention of those around him.

Christoph made no hasty moves. Standing upright, he waited until people’s attention had peaked. Only then did he turn toward the judge.

“Your Honor.”

His voice was deep and resonant, also conveying a sense of reliability. People leaned in to listen.

“I would like to call Paul’s mother, Mary Keller, as a witness.”

“Granted.”
The judge nodded, and she came to the witness stand following the court clerk’s guidance. Christoph looked at her until she finished taking the oath.

Having lost her daughter and at risk of losing her son as well, Mary barely held back her tears. She didn’t look at Paul. Seeing her young son now would have made her crumble.

“Mrs. Mary Keller. I have a few questions to ask you. Is that alright?”

“Yes.”

Mrs. Keller stared at him with steadfast eyes. Her gaze was filled with trust and determination towards Christoph.

Christoph looked back at her with a relaxed demeanor. To anyone watching, the situation was clearly against him, but there was no sign of impatience. People tuned their ears to what he would say next.

“Can you talk about what you witnessed that day?”

Swallowing hard, Mary clenched her fists under the table.

“Tell it as you saw it.”

“Yes.”

Mary opened her mouth slowly, fixing her gaze at a point in the air.

“When I returned home from going out, the house was quiet. I shouted for Nina and Paul. But no one answered. It was strange. Usually, the two kids should have come running… Then I found Nina’s, her body, in the living room.”

Although she was in a tight spot, Mary barely finished her sentence. People couldn’t take their eyes off her face.

“Paul was standing next to Nina, staring silently at her body. At that moment… I realized something was wrong. I asked Paul what had happened, but he didn’t answer any of my questions. As you know… Paul is a little different from other children. So, he might not have known what he’d done.”

The gallery stirred. Even so, murmurs indicated that murder could not be justified. Mary hastily continued speaking.

“It was probably an accident. Although Paul is different from other children, he is not so bad as to kill someone. No, he’s a kinder and purer child than anyone. But even if it was a mistake, the officer would not believe him, and Paul would end up in prison. I couldn’t afford to lose Paul as well after losing Nina. So, I… moved the carpet from the living room under the stairs. I made it look like an accident.”

Someone let out a held breath. She admitted to tampering with the crime scene. The audience smirked at Christoph. Her testimony made things even more unfavorable for him.
Why had he called her as a witness?

Those who didn’t know Christoph’s intentions dryly swallowed. The scribbling of journalists grew increasingly faster.

Only one person was not surprised.

Michael Hindenburg.

What’s the plan, Christoph?

Michael stared sharply at Christoph, as if trying to dissect his motives.

“Very well. Let’s talk more about what happened that day.”

Christoph continued his questioning with Mary. It was not a question that could turn the situation around. It was merely a repetition of a story everyone knew.

Is he stalling for time? Why?

Michael’s brows narrowed. Christoph’s intentions were still unclear.

Then, the sound of the courtroom doors opening was heard. Christoph casually continued his questioning while shifting only his pupils. Marianne and Nicholas were entering the courtroom.