Lumine, Chu Xi, and Paimon arrived late. Before their arrival, the Opera House had been conducting a trial concerning the "Serial Disappearance Case," with Tartaglia as the suspect.
Tartaglia's trial had reached a deadlock, and the judge was about to call for a recess when Lumine arrived with Chu Xi.
Thus, the trial—which had been delayed pending Chu Xi's testimony—officially commenced!
-
Inside the Opera House, Chu Xi revealed everything the Doctor had done to her, drawing the attention of most of the audience to Tartaglia and the Lyney siblings in the audience seats.
Although the Doctor was solely responsible for these atrocities, to most Fontainians, the Fatui were simply the Fatui—a monolithic entity for which distinctions were irrelevant.
In the audience, Tartaglia's face darkened, not because of the gazes directed at him, but because of Chu Xi.
During their time in the Sumeru Desert, Chu Xi had consistently stayed by Lumine and Paimon's side, making her familiar to Tartaglia.
Though Chu Xi was reserved, her close friendships with Lumine and Angie had led Tartaglia to consider her a friend. Yet the Doctor had conducted human experimentation on her?!
"What a madman!"
Tartaglia now understood why his younger sister always opposed the Doctor, no matter the cost. He felt the same burning rage now!
-
On the high platform, Neuvillette summarized the case and delivered his verdict.
"Based on the evidence, Chu Xi's actions stemmed from her body's self-preservation mechanism. Setting aside the veracity of this claim for now, her killing of eleven people, including Nevick, was purely an act of self-defense."
"Our investigation revealed that all eleven victims had violated Fontaine Law. Had they lived, they would have spent the remainder of their lives in the Fortress of Meropide."
"Therefore, Chu Xi... should be found not guilty... Now, let the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale render its final judgment."
As Neuvillette's voice faded, the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale began to whir and click, ultimately revealing its verdict.
"Hmm..."
Neuvillette studied the result, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He glanced at the crowd awaiting the verdict and announced:
"According to the judgment rendered by the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale, I hereby declare Chu Xi... guilty..."
"What?!" Paimon exclaimed, disbelief etched across her face. Lumine's expression turned grim.
Chu Xi staggered backward several steps, caught from behind by Navia.
Navia leaned close to Chu Xi's ear and whispered, "Don't be afraid. We're here for you."
The audience buzzed with speculation:
"How can this be? I've never seen the Chief Justice's Judgment differ from the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale's verdict before!"
"She claimed it was a self-preservation mechanism, but there's no evidence to support that. Could that be why?"
"Even if it was self-defense, the method of killing was far too brutal..."
Furina was equally stunned. She believed Chu Xi should have been acquitted. How could the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale... Could it have detected something she hadn't?
Chu Xi feigned fear, but inwardly she found the situation quite amusing.
The Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale likely hadn't seen through her Doctor persona. Yet, she was playing Chu Xi on top of that Doctor persona, this time relying solely on her Doctor's abilities without any cheats. So...
As expected of Focalors, the Hydro Archon, she mused. I've deceived so many, yet she sees through me?
For now, she had no intention of revealing her true self. Lumine showed no signs of backing down either. How will Focalors resolve this impasse? Will she force Neuvillette and Lumine to fight each other?
Chu Xi wasn't just guessing—she had her reasons.
The Traveler Lumine now stood before her, her face grim and determined. It was clear she intended to protect Chu Xi at all costs.
From the highest seat, Neuvillette pondered for a moment before acknowledging the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale's verdict:
"We shall abide by the Oratrice's judgment and accept the verdict of 'Guilty.' Maison Gardiennage, proceed with the pre-established protocols."
The Maison Gardiennage moved swiftly, closing in on the platform where Chu Xi stood.
"Hmph, absurd!" Lumine summoned her longsword, Elemental Energy surging around her. The guards hesitated, unwilling to advance further.
The Traveler's reputation had spread throughout Fontaine over the past month. As the champion of the Liyue Summit, her strength was undeniable.
Lumine grabbed Chu Xi's hand and leaped off the platform, Paimon following closely behind.
The suspect's resistance triggered a mass deployment of Security Agency automata, which flooded into the Opera House, converging on Lumine.
A golden aura enveloped Lumine's sword as she swung it in a single arc, cleaving all the automata in half.
This was not the Lumine of old. Having recovered a portion of her power, she had become the Complete Lumine!
"I'm taking her away today! Let's see who dares to stop me!"
-
In the Player World, the players were going wild with excitement.
Our protagonist had finally stood up! No longer a camera that fainted at the slightest provocation, relying on others to solve problems!
Chen Xiyao jumped up and down excitedly, shouting:
"Ahhh, she's so cool! Lumine's so cool! I'm in love! We Lumine fans are eating good!"
"I'm taking her with me today, and I dare anyone to try and stop me! Freaking badass, overflowing with girlfriend energy!"
[ I used Aether! When I played this part late at night, I was so hyped I almost got punched by my neighbor for my excited monkey noises! ]
[ Exactly! This is how it should be! No more hiding in the shadows! Chu Xi has suffered enough—she absolutely can't be thrown back into the tower! ]
[ Waaah, so moving... but it looks like we're wanted again... ]
-
Opera Epiclese.
Navia was about to jump when Melus and Silver urgently pulled her back.
In this situation, a jump would land her in the Fortress of Meropide, but despite their combined efforts, they couldn't hold Navia back—she leaped anyway.
Melus and Silver exchanged glances and followed suit.
Seeing this, Fidelle and Clorinde, who had been standing behind Furina, jumped down without needing instructions from Neuvillette. They positioned themselves in front of Lumine.
Fidelle: "Traveler, the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale never makes mistakes. Please trust us. If there's been a miscarriage of justice, we'll investigate thoroughly and ensure Chu Xi isn't sent to the Fortress of Meropide."
Lumine glanced down at Chu Xi, whom she was holding. The girl's eyes were filled with terror.
Lumine turned back, her voice resolute: "I told you, I'm taking her with me today, no matter who comes!"
Having lost so many friends, Lumine cherished friendship deeply. She refused to let Chu Xi suffer any longer.
Handing Chu Xi to Navia behind her, Lumine sheathed the Harbinger of Dawn and drew Unrelenting Will. A pair of wings materialized behind her...
"Sigh..."
Fidelle sighed, her weapon instantly transforming into a massive battleaxe.
Fidelle and Clorinde exchanged a look, both seeing the worry in each other's eyes.
This... wasn't a suitable place for combat...
On the high platform, Neuvillette understood this as well. Seeing no room for negotiation, he slowly rose to his feet.