Manifesto

𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

I was having a pleasant nap in my room in my office, leaning on my table. I decided to take a nap for awhile because I worked on a lot of paperwork that I needed to manage. Criminal cases and refugees' forms. Those were the paper that I was working on, and my schedule has been hectic these days. Sleepless and restless. It's stressing and tiring at the same time, but I can't help it. That's part of being a worker, so better strive for achieving good things than nothing. Besides, the day after tomorrow is the start of our 1-week and 3-day vacation. I need to finish 150 documents, I finished 100 earlier. I even managed some of them at home. 50 documents more to go. I should wrap these up before the day of vacation, otherwise, I won't be able enjoy the day off. Hopefully I'd be able to complete all of them

"Esq. Castlein!"

Meanwhile, a colleague of mine yelled my name and rushed into my room. I was about to wake up, but he suddenly came. He's wearing tucked in long-sleeve white polo with a black necktie, with thin grey stripes, lining diagonally. Black pants and black leather shoes. His skin tone is average. His hairstyle is somehow a military haircut. His eyes are round and color brown. That's all I can describe about him. The rest, they're all average. His name is Quentin Güzsch. He's one of the messengers of the office. He gives information, legal documents and evidences between a lawyer and the court or between law offices regarding cases, proposals, announcements, and so on and so forth.

"Jesus, Güzsch, I was about to wake up." I leaned on my black office chair, lay my head on its headrest and put my arms on the arm pads. Though my eyes are a little bit drowsy. "Oh, well, thanks to you. I might oversleep if you didn't wake me up."

"Pardon me, esquire." He faked a smile, scratching his head.

He has a pile of documents with him. Like I've said earlier, our schedules are hectic these days. We better settle everything before the day off. More likely, the deadline is tomorrow. As I look at the documents that Güszch's carrying, it seem to be forms, records and letters. I wonder why? Is he going to give me a certain paper?

"By the way, esquire, I was told by the proprietor to give this letter to you." He took the letter from a pile of paperworks he's carrying.

"A letter from the proprietor?" I was fully awaked by what he said. I wonder what's the plan of the proprietor?

Güszch gave me the letter. It's inside the brown envelope with black and brown outline. It says "To: Esq. Aerith Castlein, From: Propr. Cadwill Hogwood" The envelope has Libra sticker on it, I can say that this is something substantial. I opened the envelope then read the letter.

St. Thomas More Law Firm

April 4, 2004

Greetings, Esq. Castlein

I was impressed by your legal writing skills. I've been reading all of them especially the article that you wrote about Death Penalty. It was stated there that you're in favor of implementing execution to criminals who commit cruel illegal acts such as murder and rape. Your mindset just captivated me. Other than that, your persuasive posts in social media, including your debating capabilities, there are something behind them that I'm expecting from you. You're brave, aggressive and you really justify for what is right.

Because of that, I am inviting you to be a participant for the debate regarding Death Penalty, which will be held later at 1:30 PM at Shanksfield Auditorium. You'll be debating against Atty. Heinkel Weiss who's against Death Penalty. I know you know him. He's from a different office of St. Thomas More Law Firm. He has a good debating and legal writing skills, as well, that's why he was chosen as the opposing participant for the debate.

I have high hopes for you, Esq. Castlein. Looking forward to your reply.

Sincerely,
Propr. Cadwill Hogwood

So, the proprietor is inviting me to be a participant for the debate to defend why Death Penalty should be implemented. I'm almost done with my paperwork, why not? Though, I was overwhelmed when he said that he's been reading my legal writings. Even my persuasive social media posts and debates. He's been seeing those. I'm so glad to hear that from him. I have to thank him for inviting me. I then kept the letter inside the envelope, put it on the right side of my table.

"What did the proprietor said, esquire?" Güszch asked. "You looked happy while reading the letter."

"Yes. The proprietor's inviting me to a debate. He was impressed by my skills as a lawyer."

I'm indeed happy because I didn't see the plan of the proprietor coming. Yes, I've been debating for so many times, but whenever people compliment my skills, it's always unexpected to me, although I'm not expecting those kind of stuff that much. I'm just happy with it. Expecting too much hits like an avalanche.

"What's your reply then?"

"I accept."

"For real? That's good, esquire!" He looked more excited than me. I accepted the invitation because I love debate. The only thing that made me happy in the letter was the appreciation of the proprietor to my capabilities.

"Yes." I looked at the time and it's 11:30 AM. I stood up to get back on managing my paperwork before lunch.

"By the way, Güszch, thank your for delivering the letter. Now, get back to work. It's almost lunch."

"Yes, esquire! Pardon!" He then rushed outside of my room.

Before I forget, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm a 21-year-old woman working as a lawyer for 7 years. My hair is short, it reaches the bottom of my neck. My eyes are slanted. Eye color is violet. My nose is pointed. My lips are pale. My skin tone is light. My weight is slim. I wear earrings every time I go outside, but I often wear my black circle earrings. I find it simple and comfortable.

I'm Aerith Castlein. My first name was inspired by the Final Fantasy character Aerith, meaning "Earth", as per my surname, Castlein means "castle", which I depicted that myself is a castle. I should be wise, strong and shouldn't let anyone drag me down. And yes, I'm an attorney, although my colleagues call me esquire. Our society's still in need of remedy, with the chaos, it won't be able to refresh.

I'm not saying that I want to change the world totally, I just want to make a wake-up call just in case someone will wake up from reality because that's the only hope.