As Neuvillette watched Ron's retreating figure, he felt a profound admiration for the young man.
This task was not one that ordinary people could undertake. On one hand, it required considering whether Ron would hold past grievances against him; on the other, it demanded bearing the immense pressure from the people.
Although Neuvillette's repeated missteps had eroded his public trust in Fontaine, a significant portion of the population still supported him.
Thus, after tomorrow's proceedings, Ron would face unimaginable pressure from all sides. Yet, before then, he had shown no sign of emotional strain, acting as composed as ever.
In truth, Neuvillette knew Ron's heart was far from calm. He had learned that Vinani, who had always gotten along well with Ron, had had a bitter falling-out with him over this very matter.
Sighing softly, Neuvillette recalled his initial plan to shield everyone from this burden, intending for the Court of Justice to file the charges against him.
However, this approach presented a problem: the Court of Justice, as his subordinate law enforcement agency, prosecuting him would inevitably undermine public trust. The Fontainians would likely view it as a mere show.
At this moment, Ron volunteered to serve as the prosecutor.
Neuvillette hesitated for a long time. Ron was indeed the ideal candidate in every respect. His recently established legal lectures had already attracted a massive following, and his humorous and engaging persona—along with his constant references to that infamous "Outlaw"—had deeply resonated with the public.
Moreover, Ron belonged to the Legal Code Department, an institution nominally independent of the Court of Justice.
Yet, as previously mentioned, the pressure involved was immense. Despite this, Ron insisted, and Neuvillette ultimately relented.
By tomorrow, Ron's name would likely be known to everyone in Fontaine, and his fame would extend far beyond the nation's borders. After all, he was prosecuting a national-level administrator.
Neuvillette couldn't help but wonder whether this event would ultimately benefit or harm Ron. He had long intended to groom Ron for greater responsibilities, but he couldn't help but worry about the profound psychological impact this ordeal might have on him.
Neuvillette shook his head. Even if he regretted it now, it was too late. The news had already spread, and replacing the person at this point would cause him even greater harm.
I should meet with him before the Judgment arrives.
After quickly wrapping up some urgent matters, Neuvillette immediately headed to the New Fortress of Meropide.
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Wriothesley, Neuvillette went straight to Dottore No. 6's quarters.
The Divine Dragon had been located using the Radar Dottore No. 6 had created. Although Neuvillette had instructed it to pinpoint the Dottore Variant's location, the Radar had instead led him here.
Coupled with the Dottore Variant's unsettling final words, Neuvillette felt compelled to investigate whether Dottore No. 6 was involved.
It wasn't unreasonable for Neuvillette to suspect Dottore No. 6. After all, the man's notorious reputation and the fact that he had created the device left Neuvillette no choice but to be wary.
"Monsieur Neuvillette, you're here today. It seems you've found another Segment."
When Neuvillette knocked on the door, Dottore No. 6 opened it promptly and greeted him warmly.
Neuvillette carefully scrutinized Dottore No. 6's expression, trying to gauge whether he genuinely knew nothing about the events unfolding outside.
"What's wrong, Monsieur Neuvillette?" Dottore No. 6 asked, noticing Neuvillette's prolonged silence and unwavering gaze.
Only then did Neuvillette finally break eye contact, shaking his head.
"Nothing. I came merely to inform you that the Segment is dead. Moreover, it vanished into thin air, as if it never existed in this world. Do you have any thoughts on this?"
Upon hearing Neuvillette's words, a flicker of surprise crossed Dottore No. 6's face before he fell into contemplation.
"Such an outcome could have been orchestrated by the Prime," he mused, pausing before continuing. "However, the Prime has shown no signs of involvement, indicating his ignorance of this matter. Therefore, there must be another mastermind at play."
Hearing Dottore No. 6's candid analysis, suggesting the existence of a hidden mastermind, Neuvillette's suspicion toward him waned considerably.
"Who do you think this person might be?"
"Monsieur Neuvillette, that's a difficult question for me to answer."
Dottore No. 6 smiled.
"I receive almost no news from the outside world within the Fortress of Meropide, so I'm unaware of the current situation in Fontaine. Giving you an answer is proving exceedingly difficult."
Neuvillette nodded, understanding his position, then shifted the topic.
"The last radar marker you provided still failed to pinpoint the location of that 'Segment.' I require a reasonable explanation for this."
"Every single marker was wrong?!"
Dottore No. 6 frowned, feigning surprise before composing himself and offering a sincere apology to Neuvillette.
"I apologize, Monsieur Neuvillette. It seems I was overconfident. I believed I had captured his aura, but it appears he outmaneuvered me."
Seeing Dottore No. 6 readily admit his mistake, Neuvillette found himself at a loss for words. It seemed his suspicions had been misplaced; the other man was clearly evolving for the better. Perhaps he had genuinely repented after all.
Yet this transformation was so rapid that it felt almost unreal.
It was possible that this individual was the only unique Segment among all of Dottore's "slices."
A mental image formed in Neuvillette's mind: Dottore No. 6, despite his kind heart, had been forced to obey Dottore's orders and carry out actions he abhorred, simply to survive.
That explained why he had immediately exposed Dottore and his Segments' myriad misdeeds—he simply couldn't endure that life any longer.
Neuvillette pondered. Perhaps he could show Dottore No. 6 some of the unfinished projects still stored at the Fontaine Research Institute.
On one hand, these projects weren't particularly important, so allowing Dottore No. 6 to study them wouldn't have significant repercussions. On the other hand, since they were incomplete, they only offered conceptual frameworks. If Dottore No. 6 could successfully complete them, it would be a tremendous boon for Fontaine.
The idea stirred Neuvillette's interest. Given the Segment's fervent dedication to research, this approach could foster a stronger sense of belonging to Fontaine.
Once Neuvillette finally held Dottore accountable for his crimes, this Segment could truly be considered reborn.
Having witnessed the ever-advancing state of technology, Neuvillette no longer arrogantly believed that mortals would never possess the power to rival the gods. Perhaps, with further technological progress, even he would need to avoid its cutting edge.
This realization filled Neuvillette with a sense of wonder. Humans, he mused, were truly a race capable of creating miracles.
It had been true millennia ago, and it remained true today, millennia later.
Afterward, Neuvillette shared his plans with Dottore No. 6, who expressed sincere gratitude. He also briefly explained the situation outside.
When Dottore No. 6 learned about the Shadow Dragons, his face lit up with astonishment. He immediately requested samples of their remains for research.
However, the Shadow Dragons had completely disintegrated upon their defeat. Even if Neuvillette wished to comply, there were no remains to provide. He had no choice but to decline the request.
As dusk began to settle, Neuvillette bid farewell to Dottore No. 6 and prepared to return to Fontaine.
As for the other Dottore Segments, Neuvillette no longer saw any value in interacting with them.
Regarding Dottore No. 6's speculation about the mastermind behind the scenes, Neuvillette already harbored some suspicions of his own.
Stepping out of the New Fortress of Meropide, Neuvillette gazed up at the finally clear and azure sky, a strong premonition settling in his heart.
Tomorrow might not be peaceful.
The next morning, people rushed to the Opera Epiclese early.
In fact, many had wanted to come the previous night, but the Maison Gardiennage had sealed off the Opera Epiclese by evening, prohibiting entry for unknown reasons.
Today, however, people were finally permitted to access the island where the Opera Epiclese stood. Upon arrival, they were stunned. The main road leading to the entrance had been completely transformed into a tunnel-like structure.
The entire path was enclosed by a semicircular tunnel, its interior cultivated with a dazzling array of fresh flowers and adorned with numerous beautiful paintings.
The entire passageway was opaque, featuring regular, undulating waves. At its narrowest points, only two or three people could pass side-by-side. Combined with the azure-blue inner walls, being inside the passageway gave one the feeling of being submerged in the sea.
"Monsieur Neuvillette really knows how to set the mood," someone in the crowd couldn't resist muttering. But as soon as the words were out, he clapped a hand over his mouth, glanced warily around, and relaxed only after confirming no Maison Gardiennage officers were in sight.
"You scared me half to death! I almost thought they'd drag you inside," another person interjected. "Keep your wits about you, will you? Don't go spouting nonsense later."
"Today's the opening of Monsieur Neuvillette's Judgment," the second person continued. "He's probably not in the best mood, so don't give him any pretext to target you."
"Surely not. Monsieur Neuvillette is usually so mild-tempered."
"Who knows? Better safe than sorry. Even the decorations today are strange—completely out of character for him."
Hearing this, the first man glanced again at the scene, which resembled an art exhibition more than a courtroom, and nodded in agreement.
"Indeed."
Just like these two, no one else could figure out what had gotten into Neuvillette today. The Judgment was supposed to be a solemn and dignified affair, yet Neuvillette had somehow turned it into this bizarre spectacle.
Could it be that being accused himself, as the Chief Justice, has driven him mad?
Though they couldn't fathom Neuvillette's motives, that didn't stop people from flocking to witness the spectacle.
This was the first time in Fontaine's history that the Chief Justice had been formally accused!
Countless thrill-seekers poured into the Opera Epiclese, though there were also those genuinely concerned about the outcome. Regardless of their motives, they all traversed the long corridor leading to the Opera House.
There were no checkpoints along the way, only a thorough inspection by Maison Gardiennage officers at the exit.
People had initially expected the Opera Epiclese itself to be transformed, but to their surprise, the only alteration was the corridor they had just traversed.
This sparked renewed grumbling among the crowd: "If you're going to do something, do it properly! This half-baked attempt feels utterly pointless."
No matter how much they grumbled, today's main event wasn't about admiring the scenery outside the Opera Epiclese, but witnessing Neuvillette's trial.
The mere thought of Neuvillette standing on the Defendant's Stand, awaiting the final verdict from the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale, sent shivers of excitement down their spines.
By now, they were practically bursting with impatience to witness history firsthand, eager to rush into the Opera Epiclese and take their seats.
This time, seating was determined by a lottery, which explained the absence of congestion along the approach roads.
Those who didn't draw a seat inside could still watch a clearer, larger broadcast on temporary screens erected outside the Opera House, ensuring no one went home empty-handed.
The lottery results were announced swiftly. Those who secured seats inside the Opera House erupted in cheers, while those who missed out felt crushing disappointment.
The chance to witness the Chief Justice facing trial at such close range was an opportunity they might never encounter again, not in this lifetime or the next.
Meanwhile, in the Opera Epiclese's backstage lounge, Furina watched Neuvillette with growing concern.
"Neuvillette, this whole situation really isn't your fault. Don't blame yourself."
"Besides, you've handled things perfectly since then. No one wants to see you punished for this."
Hearing Furina's comforting words, Neuvillette shook his head.
"Lady Furina, as the Chief Justice of Fontaine for centuries, I have always followed the dictates of my conscience, striving for fairness and justice in every case."
"Precisely for this reason, I cannot ignore the mistakes I have made."
"The souls of the departed still await my answer, and this Judgment is the best response I can offer."
Neuvillette paused, then looked earnestly at Furina.
"Let the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale deliver the final verdict on my guilt."
"Lady Furina, the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale is Fontaine's most esteemed adjudicatory body, is it not?"
Furina was left speechless by these words.
Neuvillette turned and walked slowly toward the lounge door, his steps firm and heavy.
"The Judgment is about to begin. It's time for us to take our places."