The boy called Jon
Father Wainwright had an matter to attend to, and rode in the morning to the High Courts of New Lannisport. So, as he put his special glasses, he prepared to receive the private tutors hired by Father Wainwright.
- And as you know, the entrance exam to Saint Baelor's is extremely difficult, even for a young boy like you, but it's a good step if someone wants to enter one of the Imperial Universities
Jon heard the words of his teacher, but he was more distracted in the view from the room they were in, overseeing the busy streets of New Lannisport, busy with people at this time of the day
- Young Wainwright, I know you're distracted, but both your Valyrian and classical literature are in need of improvement
- But I don't want to be a lawyer, I'd rather be a General!
- Well, sadly, the Military Academy is restricted to those of noble birth, and dedicating to the law can be as meritorious as any military commander.
- But why? – asked the young Jon, still in the naivety of his youth – Father is a Ser.
- Well – answered his professor, searching for the right words – Ser Wainwright is a Knight by the mantle, ennobled due to his position as High Prefect. Due to this, he couldn't even pass the title to legitimate children.
The professor realized that the words he said were incredibly hurtful, so tried to change the topic
- However, there's always other positions available for someone as you, young Wainwright.
- Like which – asked Jon, curious now.
-Well, your father is training you for a law career, probably intending for you to establish a practice of your own, or even be his successor as High Prefect
- And what does a High Prefect do?
- A high prefect- begins the teacher, feeling in his element- heads his Imperial Majesty's High Court. His Imperial Majesty has magistrates and tribunals all over his realm, with the highest courts in New Westerlands being the Small Court and the High Court.
-Uh huh- said Jon, Intrigued-
- The Small Court is the biggest tribunal most people will ever get, being the highest court of law for the Smallfolk. The High Court is, on the other hand, the place for nobles to seek justice
- But the old chivalry books said nobles could just call a fight to the death to solve their matters!
- A trial by combat. They were abolished during the War of the 5 Kings by King Tommen the young, and instead Courts of Law were established in later years to impart lawful justice, as the Lord of Light would've wanted.
-So, does father judges over nobles and the like?
- In a way- said his teacher – Ser Wainwright hardly presides noble trials since there's not many Westerosi nobles in New Westerlands. But due to his position, he does help the Governor in ruling this Commonwealth.
- And what about the Viceroy- asked Jon, perplexed
-The Viceroy is all the way in Preyatts, so he leaves the Governor and the Colonial Assembly here in New Westerlands alone
Jon pondered after all the information he took, and made a question born out of curiosity that would made prophetic
-Then why do we need the Viceroy then?