Although everyone vaguely suspected the truth, they tacitly agreed to remain silent.
Firstly, they lacked concrete evidence. Secondly, they were genuinely intimidated by the Spina di Rosula's recent actions.
Initially, they had underestimated the young girl, believing she could never manage the Spina di Rosula as effectively as Callas had. Now, they realized they couldn't have been more wrong.
She was truly audacious!
To capture the culprit who had framed her father, she had boldly rounded up all suspects and planned to investigate them methodically.
But look at who she had arrested! She had essentially alienated every noble faction in Poisson, from top to bottom.
Yet dared they voice their displeasure? Not a chance!
What if she decided to stage another operation someday, this time with deadly intent?
Moreover, no one had suspected that President Marcel of the Confrerie of Cabriere was the perpetrator of the Serial Disappearance Case—and that he possessed a substance capable of dissolving people into water.
The thought of such a ruthless, silent killer having lurked in their town for so long, even conducting business with them, sent shivers down their spines.
Mixed feelings toward the Spina di Rosula now swirled among the group, fueled by a variety of conflicting reasons.
Regardless of how the situation might ultimately unfold, Navia remained unfazed. Her sole focus was to completely clear her father's name and restore his honor.
The matter, however, was far from over. The following day, Navia sought out Lofan, shared her suspicions with him, and quickly received his confirmation.
"Miss Navia, your instincts are correct. Marcel was likely just a pawn of a larger power."
"First, the most crucial point: we now know the liquid is called Primordial Sea Water."
"And Sinthe is precisely that—Primordial Sea Water, diluted and refined."
"Now, the question arises: Did Marcel name this substance himself, or did someone tell him its proper name?"
As she spoke, Navia's expression grew grave.
Lofan paused, recalling the memories of the body he had inhabited as Marcel's butler, before continuing.
"Moreover, how did Marcel secretly establish an underwater laboratory? Could he truly have accomplished such a feat alone?"
"Besides, Dean's death was far too suspicious. If Marcel truly had the means to kill Dean, he would have used them long ago."
"And if his target was all of us, he wouldn't have acted at that moment."
"But Dean couldn't have committed suicide, could he?"
Lofan smiled at Navia, who was taken aback that he could joke at such a time, and she couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated.
"Monsieur Henry, this isn't the time for jokes, is it?"
"Heh, well, Dean's death must have another cause."
"Since Marcel wasn't responsible, it's highly likely that the shadowy organization took the initiative to silence him."
Upon hearing Lofan's words, Navia's expression turned thoughtful, but then she seemed to remember something and asked, "If, as you say, Monsieur Henry, the organization silenced him, why didn't they deal with Marcel too?"
"Because Marcel isn't Fontainian, Miss Navia," Lofan explained directly, without speaking in riddles.
"If I'm not mistaken, the Primordial Sea Water only affects Fontainians."
"Hmm, that's not quite accurate. It should be said that it only dissolves Fontainians. Its effects on people from other nations are unknown."
"It's precisely for this reason that the people from that faction couldn't silence Marcel directly with Primordial Sea Water."
"If my hunch is correct, assuming this faction truly exists, they'll likely make their move while we're transporting Marcel to the Opera Epiclese."
Navia took a deep breath and nodded firmly at Lofan.
"Let them come. I'll ensure Marcel reaches the Opera Epiclese to face legal Judgment."
"And as for that faction, I won't let them off the hook either!"
"If Marcel is the mastermind who framed my father, they're his accomplices—none of them will get away with it!"
Navia's tone was fierce and resolute. Anyone who witnessed her brilliance the previous night knew she meant every word.
In the forest, a clearing spanning several hundred square meters now existed—a testament to Navia's work the previous night.
Rumor had it that the Environmental Protection Association had already taken notice of the forest's condition and vowed to send the forest's vandals to the Fortress of Meropide for a few years!
Fortunately, Navia possessed a Geo Vision, so no one suspected her involvement.
"I trust in Miss Navia's capabilities, but please remain vigilant. After all, we still know nothing about them."
"Marcel's lips are sealed tight—like they've been zippered shut."
"Last night, when I was interrogating him, he was yelling too loudly, so I stuffed a sock in his mouth."
"He didn't confess a single thing all night. Turns out he's a real tough nut to crack!"
Navia nodded slightly, surprised by Marcel's resilience.
Perhaps Lofan's interrogation methods were too gentle, she thought. But it doesn't matter. With the overwhelming evidence against him, Marcel will never be able to evade justice, no matter how he tries to weasel out of it.
Still, something about the man's words seemed off...
Just then, Vinani entered the room and instantly frowned when she saw Lofan sitting up.
"Monsieur Henry, didn't I tell you to rest properly?!"
Without waiting for a response, Vinani firmly pressed Lofan back down onto the sofa.
"I actually feel fine," Lofan protested. "It's just a few scrapes."
"Nonsense! Your injuries are far more serious than that!"
"Monsieur Henry, you really don't take care of yourself!"
Vinani refused to listen to Lofan's excuses and turned to Navia.
"Miss Navia, the doctor examined Monsieur Henry last night and found multiple bruises and a minor bone fracture. Look at him, still acting so recklessly! You should talk some sense into him too."
Navia visibly paused, surprised by the severity of Lofan's injuries. During their earlier conversation, he had acted as if nothing was amiss, giving no indication that he was enduring such pain while discussing business matters.
A wave of guilt washed over Navia as she turned to Lofan. "Monsieur Henry, I sincerely apologize for not noticing your injuries," she said. "I think you should follow Vinani's advice and get some proper rest. Leave everything else to me."
"I won't disturb your rest any longer. I'll take my leave now."
Without waiting for Lofan's response, Navia rose and departed.
"See? Even Miss Navia agrees that rest is what Monsieur Henry needs most!" Vinani declared smugly. Lofan could only feign helplessness as he reclined on the sofa, pretending to relax.
Satisfied that Lofan was no longer causing trouble, Vinani retrieved a lunchbox from a nearby table. "Eat up," she said. "I made this myself. It'll help your injuries heal, and you're not allowed to leave a single bite!"
Lofan accepted the lunchbox, his expression betraying surprise. "I never expected Miss Vinani to be such a skilled cook."
"This is going too far! To ask such a question... I'm dying to know what kind of impression Monsieur Henry has of me!"
"A mascot?"
"Monsieur Henry!"
Vinani bristled, and Lofan struggled to smooth her ruffled feathers. With a mix of apprehension and anticipation, he opened the heart-shaped bento box.
Lofan's pupils constricted sharply as he stared at the bizarre food inside. His hand trembled slightly.
"Miss Vinani, did you make this?"
"Yes. Is there a problem?"
Is there a problem? Where isn't there a problem?!
Lofan stared at the Cthulhu-esque meat chunks in the bento box, his lips twitching involuntarily. If I eat this, won't I just drop dead on the spot?!
"What are you waiting for? Eat it while it's hot."
"I put a lot of effort into making this. If you dare waste it, I'll accuse you of 'harming a Melusine's feelings and causing her depression'!"
Is this your idea of revenge?!
Lofan figured Vinani's culinary skills were on par with those of that shut-in otaku girl who wielded electricity.
Remembering his ability to suppress his sense of taste, Lofan decided to go all in. He swiftly devoured the unidentifiable contents of the bento box in a few bites, then collapsed onto the sofa, his eyes devoid of their usual gleam.
Vinani, meanwhile, cheerfully tidied up the bento box, even humming a cheerful tune.
Thankfully, no news of a young Maison Gardiennage officer dying prematurely surfaced in Poisson that afternoon. Lofan was probably, possibly, maybe alright.
The news of the serial young girl kidnapping case's perpetrator being apprehended sent shockwaves through Fontaine.
This was a major case spanning nearly eighteen years, and the culprit's capture brought a collective sigh of relief, particularly to families with young daughters.
The Maison Gardiennage officers were ecstatic, feeling a surge of vindication.
The unsolved case had weighed heavily on them, the pressure immense.
Now, they could finally celebrate their triumph!
After all, it was their Maison Gardiennage that had ultimately brought the criminal to justice. Who could possibly dispute that now?
Wait... it wasn't the Poisson branch of the Maison Gardiennage that made the arrest?
President Navia of the Spina di Rosula led the operation?
Never mind. Time to go back to lying down...
Upon receiving the news, Neuvillette immediately began making arrangements. He scheduled the Judgment for the following day at the Opera Epiclese, personally presiding over the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Neuvillette dispatched a team from the Marechaussee Phantom to Poisson, assisting the Spina di Rosula in safely transporting the prisoners to the Opera Epiclese.
Despite days of investigation, the massive human dissolution incidents that had plagued Fontaine remained unsolved, weighing heavily on Neuvillette's mind. As if reflecting his mood, Fontaine had recently been plagued by frequent rainfall.
Finally, some good news arrived. Neuvillette took a deep breath, then recalled the young girl who had barged into his office about half a year ago, pleading with him to cancel the duel.
Previously, the possibility of an innocent person dying had been mere speculation. Now, with the truth staring him in the face, Neuvillette was deeply conflicted.
Had his unwavering adherence to rules and laws, his dedication to upholding justice, truly been beyond reproach?
If he had intervened to stop the duel back then, would the outcome have been even slightly different?
Neuvillette gazed out the window, noticing the fine, persistent rain that had begun to fall again.
"Damn it! I just hung my laundry out to dry!"
Hearing the roar outside the window, Neuvillette's expression momentarily faltered, a hint of apology in his eyes. But the rain outside only intensified.
Lyney and Lynette had also received the news. However, convinced that the recent events in Fontaine were linked to the Prophecy, they were conducting a detailed investigation. They instructed others to monitor the Opera Epiclese while they remained behind.
Soon, the trial was about to begin. Under the joint escort of personnel from the Marechaussee Phantom and the Spina di Rosula, Marcel boarded the Aquabus bound for the Opera Epiclese.
Facing his impending Judgment, Marcel showed no signs of fear. Instead, he exuded an air of tranquil resignation and acceptance.
Yet no one sympathized with him. He deserved none.
Marcel endured the crowd's jeers in silence.
Despite this, vigilance remained high. Navia had previously warned them of a potential attack on the prisoner transport convoy.
Now that everyone was aboard the Aquabus, they naturally felt more relaxed than they had on the road. After all, the Aquabus was fast and generally quite safe.
"Look! It seems someone up ahead is trying to board too," someone suddenly noticed a figure in the distance.
This wasn't uncommon. The Aquabus traveled at high speed and never stopped until it reached its destination. Many thrill-seekers who tried to sneak aboard ended up falling off and had to wait for the next one.
Since it was just one person, no one paid much attention. The person who had spotted the figure cupped their hands around their mouth and shouted across the distance, "Sorry, this Aquabus isn't taking any more passengers! You'll have to wait for the next one!"
The figure seemed to hear the shout and waved in response.
At that moment, Navia, who was cradling her claymore, suddenly snapped open her sharp eyes. "Enemy attack! Everyone, be on your guard!"
"Enemy attack?" The others paused, startled by Navia's warning.
Where was the enemy? Could it be that person up ahead, the one who looked like they were waiting for the Aquabus?
But it's just one person!
Yet, in the next moment, that figure proved beyond doubt that one was more than enough.
A transparent water dragon erupted from the Aquabus's waterways, surging forward to collide with the vessel.
Such masterful control over Elemental Power immediately turned the crowd's expressions grave.