Spoiled by Eight Uncles (Lily)

As Alban lay lifeless, a chilling sensation enveloped his body, as though he had descended into a frozen cellar.

The words echoed in his ears: Are you worthy... Are you worthy...

He wanted to respond, but the words eluded him.

The vast population consisted of billions of individuals.

If he were in their position, he wouldn't trade the entire Strings of Fate for the sake of one insignificant person.

Realizing this, he discovered that his defiance of fate and belief in his uniqueness among all the people on Earth were nothing but delusions! He was no different from anyone else! He was just one insignificant individual among billions of lives! In that moment, Albany's faith crumbled to nothingness.

His face drained of color as he staggered backward. "How could this be..." He had considered himself the protagonist of the story, but in reality, he was nothing more than a minor character.

Lilly flipped through the golden light booklet. Her voice was cold and detached as she spoke, "Now that you understand your situation, let's discuss your so-called law-abiding behavior. Alban Knox, when you were merely seven or eight years old, you possessed endless wealth. It is stated that you and your siblings had to rely on each other as you lived in a small two-bedroom apartment. However, you were an orphan without any special background or support. You definitely weren't engaged in business or work... So, where did you acquire hundreds of thousands, even millions, to your name?" When Alban attempted to purchase ice pond water from Lilly, his starting price was a million.

How did a child with no support or source of income come into possession of such a large sum of money? Alban's lips twitched as he said, "I..." Lilly interrupted bluntly, "You stole other people's money, didn't you?" Alban furrowed his brow as he refuted, "You make it sound so terrible. | merely took money from corrupt officials. It was ill-gotten wealth. It can be said that | was redistributing wealth from the rich to the poor.” How could it be considered stealing if he took money that they shouldn't have had in the first place? Didn't they deserve to lose it? Lilly sneered, "Is that so? You truly believe you've done nothing wrong?" Alban spoke with conviction, "lI am not wrong! | also help others by exorcising evil spirits and solving their problems in my spare time. | do earn my keep!" Lilly laughed mirthlessly as she said, "Let me give you an example, then. There was a corrupt official in Xignas City named Mr.

Leroy who accepted substantial bribes and hid the money in his walls and under his mattress. The special task force had ample evidence and planned to catch him red-handed by raiding his home late at night." She could barely contain the vexation in her tone as she continued, "However, the task force came up empty-handed due to your theft. It was unbelievable because they had more than enough evidence that suggested otherwise. Unfortunately, they had no choice but to let the corrupt official go due to lack of evidence. Why did that happen?" Alban interrupted, "That's not my problem... Besides, the corrupt official would be more cautious after that. Doesn't this count as me doing a good deed?" Lilly retorted, "Really? This corrupt official continued to hold his position without facing the punishment he deserved. It's easy to transition from frugality to extravagance. However, it is very challenging to reverse the process. I'm sorry to say that losing a large sum of money didn't make him restrain himself. If anything, it made him more aggressive and secretive. Your unintended assistance to the tyrant caused numerous hardworking individuals to lose everything. They suffered injustice under his hands.

Some unlucky souls even lost their lives because he didn't face any prosecution from the law. Yet, you still believe you're like Robin Hood? Is this what you mean by robbing the rich to aid the poor?!" Alban was left speechless.

She continued relentlessly, "There are numerous similar examples listed here. Therefore, it is evident that your actions have negatively impacted countless individuals. Do you now understand why your defiance of fate only lasted until you turned 18?" Alban's face turned pale. Although he desperately wanted to defend himself, he couldn't come up with anything that would make him appear innocent.

The main thoughts running through his mind were, How is this my fault? | was orphaned as a child. | was just a kid but had to take care of my sister. | had to raise her as if she were my own child at the tender age of six! Weren't his circumstances difficult too? All he wanted was to become stronger so that no one could bully them. With enough power, they could live a life free from worries and unhappiness.

How could he be in the wrong? Lilly's eyelids lifted slightly as she glanced at him, as if she could understand his thoughts.

She said, "You have protected and loved your sister with all your heart. There is nothing wrong with that. In that aspect, you are indeed a responsible and exceptional brother. However, your kindness towards your sister is built upon the suffering of others.

Answer me, do you remember Jamie?" It took Alban @ moment to compose himself before replying in a low murmur, "I remember, but..." Jamie had feelings for him. Even though he didn't feel the same way, he treated her with patience and kindness.

Wasn't it a mutually beneficial arrangement? He asked her to take care of his sister. In return, he would treat her as his girlfriend and fulfill all her desires.

Where did he go wrong? Lilly had come to realize that selfish individuals would never consider themselves selfish. They would constantly justify their actions under the guise of "equivalent exchange," finding comfort in the belief that everything was fair for both parties.

"Yes, she loves you, but what did you do? Her love for you doesn't give you the right to control her life," Lilly sneered. "You plotted against her. Yet, you dare claim that this is a fair trade? Did you ever ask her if she was willing to be controlled by a malignant spirit? Did you ever consider whether she was willing to be manipulated by you? Would she be willing to risk her life for your sister?" Did he? No! Alban knew that if he had asked, she would have undoubtedly refused him right then and there.

He carefully orchestrated chance encounters and nurtured her growing feelings, trapping Jamie without her slightest suspicion.

"There must be at least four out of five cases here, right?" Lilly remarked disdainfully. "The only difference is whether they have seen through you." Lilly closed the booklet with a snap, knowing that Alban's trial had come to an end.

"You claim not to be a bully and have never acted recklessly. However, there is more than enough evidence to suggest otherwise. You have always acted according to your whims. You claim to abide by the law. Yet, you have committed numerous atrocities that violate the rules of the Human Realm. Defying fate... Hah. You have done nothing of the sort for yourself. What you have done is alter the course of other people's lives for the worse. What you take from others, you must eventually return.

Do you understand your situation now?" Lilly grasped her pen and pronounced her judgment, "Hypocrisy is the most heinous sin, and pretending to be good is an even graver offense. Due to your disruption of the rules of the Human Realm during your 18 years of existence, you shall be subjected to the severe punishment of the 10th level of hell. Should you manage to endure your punishment to its completion... Well, your next life shall be one of complete powerlessness, devoid of any autonomy.” Alban's face turned pale upon receiving the verdict.