The morning's trial proceeded exceptionally smoothly, just as usual. The sinner, burdened by their transgressions, ultimately could not endure on this symbol of justice and confessed their wrongdoings.
With Neuvillette's declaration of 'recess', the trial concluded. At the same time, Furina, supported by Liu Yuan, left the viewing platform, preparing to have lunch.
From his position as the Chief Justice, Neuvillette frowned slightly, watching Furina and Liu Yuan walk away in the distance.
After a long while, he retracted his gaze and walked downstairs. However, just as he reached the bottom, Neuvillette saw a familiar figure leaning against the wall at the corner, waiting for him.
"Clorinde."
"Mm, Neuvillette."
Clorinde looked up at Neuvillette, then spoke:
"What exactly is going on with that relative?"
Indeed, Clorinde was here to ask this question. Previously, Clorinde could ignore the existence of that consort, but today, Lady Furina seemed to be injured?!
This situation forced her to reconsider the existence of this female 'consort'.
Was Lady Furina injured because of that young woman? Or perhaps this young woman approached Furina with unknown motives? These were questions she had to ponder.
And according to recent newspapers and public opinion, Neuvillette must be planning something. Thus, Clorinde, who didn't want to beat around the bush too much, decided to confront Neuvillette directly for answers.
Upon hearing Clorinde's question, Neuvillette fell silent.
Clorinde frowned slightly and said:
"Is it something I shouldn't know?"
"No, it's not, it's just... I don't know either."
"You also... don't know?"
"I don't know."
Neuvillette shook his head gently, then said:
"Let's talk in the office, and I'll show you some things."
Neuvillette offered no explanation, leaving only this cryptic remark. Clorinde was slightly taken aback, then nodded gently.
A short while later, the two returned to Neuvillette's office in Palais Mermonia.
Neuvillette sat back in his chair, while Clorinde stood directly opposite the desk, not sitting down.
Neuvillette opened the drawer in front of him, then took out a stack of documents from it and placed them on the desk.
Clorinde didn't speak, but directly took the documents and began reading from the top.
Neuvillette didn't disturb her, sitting aside and starting to handle his affairs.
After a long while, Clorinde stopped reading. She then put the documents back down, tossing them onto the desk. At the same time, Neuvillette stopped his work and looked at Clorinde.
"Is everything in here... true?"
Clorinde asked with a complicated expression.
"I don't know. These were sent by The Knave, the Fatui Harbinger. However, I've cross-referenced them, and there are essentially no problems; the credibility is very high."
Neuvillette said calmly, while Clorinde frowned slightly. After a long pause, she spoke:
"This already counts as an infringement on national sovereignty. Isn't she afraid you'll directly confront Snezhnaya because of this?"
The documents Clorinde held contained a detailed record of everything Furina did and her whereabouts over the past year, meticulously documented every single day.
The most recent date was the last day of last month.
Clearly, without anyone noticing, the Fatui had been closely monitoring Furina for at least a full year! And they had recorded everything Furina did within that year!
One must remember, Furina is the Hydro Archon of Fontaine, the symbol of Fontaine! Such behavior by the Fatui could almost be considered a provocation to all of Fontaine!
But... the problem was, the documents also clearly recorded the process of Furina's gradual changes starting several months ago, revealing a completely different behavioral pattern than before.
The documents included various analyses and cited various examples as evidence, all very detailed.
And precisely because of this, Clorinde found it strange.
Why, despite the Fatui's actions, even directly handing the documents to Neuvillette, did Neuvillette make no move, effectively acquiescing? Could it be...?
"Naturally, it's because Mr. Neuvillette and I have already reached an agreement."
A voice suddenly came from the doorway. Clorinde instantly turned around, only to see the 4th of the Fatui Harbinger, The Knave, had already opened the door and walked in.
The Knave looked at Neuvillette, saying with a slight smile:
"I'm not late, am I?"
"No, Miss Arlecchino."
"I apologize for eavesdropping on a bit of your conversation, but I think Miss Clorinde is also very suitable to join our plan. What do you think, Mr. Neuvillette?"
Arlecchino spoke with a smile, but Neuvillette was somewhat silent. The Knave smiled slightly, then looked at Clorinde, whose eyes held a hint of wariness, and said softly:
"Hello, Miss Clorinde. This should be our first conversation, shouldn't it? I apologize for discussing with you in this manner. If there's an opportunity, I'll definitely invite you to my office for a cup of black tea."
Clorinde didn't speak. After a long while, she lowered her guard and then softly said:
"Hello, Miss Arlecchino. Can you tell me the purpose of the Fatui monitoring Lady Furina, and the plan you and Neuvillette have agreed upon?"
Arlecchino nodded gently and said:
"Of course, Miss Clorinde. However, before answering your question, I have a few questions I'd like you to answer."
"You may."
Clorinde nodded gently.
"May I ask... do you think the relationship between Miss Yuan and Lady Furina is truly... just a so-called a 'consort' relationship?"
Arlecchino's lips held a somewhat formal smile, but the fleeting glint in her eyes revealed her true thoughts.
~•— ❦ —•~
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