Furina sat gracefully beside Rei's hospital bed. Golden sunlight came through the window and wrapped her in a warm glow.
"Rei… actually, you didn't have to risk your life like this," she said softly.
Rei shook his head a little. "Lady Furina, if I didn't do this, I'm afraid I would never have been able to get justice for Flora."
Guilt rose in Furina's chest. "It's all my fault. If only I could…"
Before she could finish, Rei interrupted her. "Lady Furina, you are the sun of Fontaine. But even if the sun is bright, it cannot shine on every single place."
Hearing that, Furina felt calmer.
Then she took a deep breath and asked seriously, "Rei, if I were not the God of Fontaine, would you still respect me like this?"
After asking, Furina stared at Rei, nervous and hopeful, waiting for his answer.
After a short silence, Rei gave a light chuckle. "Are you saying you plan to step down one day? Even if you were no longer the God of Fontaine, you would still be the eternal sun in my heart—the one I will protect with my whole life!"
Furina opened her mouth slightly. She wanted to speak from the heart, but reason stopped her.
For the sake of Fontaine's countless citizens, she could not take any risks.
With that thought, she returned to her "goddess" manner and spoke in an exaggerated tone. "This Goddess is very satisfied with your answer. Next, on Fontaine's marvelous stage, make your shining moment bloom as soon as possible!"
The corner of Rei's mouth twitched. He forced down the embarrassment in his heart, played along, and said loudly, "Great Lady Furina, I will definitely give the magnificent performance you expect!"
After saying that line, his toes were almost digging out a three-bedroom apartment under the bedsheet.
Furina was extremely satisfied.
For five hundred years, countless people had worshiped her, but no one could match her "performances" like Rei. He always followed her perfectly and gave the exact emotional reaction she wanted.
"By the way, Rei, why haven't you touched the Duck Liver Soup?"
"..."
The next day, the newest issue of The Steambird published that interview with Rei, and it caused a huge stir.
After reading it, the citizens felt deep respect for Rei.
Many young people even treated him as an idol and used that famous quote as their life motto.
In a very short time, Rei's name spread to every corner of Fontaine. He became a household name.
At the same time, many citizens picked up their pens and wrote letters to the Palais Mermonia, strongly demanding two things: Rei's position should be restored immediately, and the person behind the assassination should be punished severely.
Facing public pressure, the Palais Mermonia reacted quickly. It released an announcement stating that Rei's dismissal process had been ended, and his position as Vice Captain of the Gardes was restored effective immediately.
The announcement also promised, in a serious tone, that they would spare no effort to investigate who planned the assassination.
In fact, during this turmoil, not only the Marechaussee Phantom investigated—the Cappet family also investigated with all their strength.
Ever since the assassination attempt, the Cappet family had been under heavy pressure from every side.
They understood clearly: if they could not find the real mastermind in time, the family would soon face a harsh reckoning.
After all, publicly trying to assassinate a Vice Captain of the Gardes—someone known for upholding justice—had crossed everyone's bottom line.
Not long after, through a ruthless investigation, the Cappet family found something new.
On a quiet evening, Ske, with a dark and cold expression, burst into Captain Charles's office with several family disciples.
"Officer Ske, do you have business with me?"
After a moment of surprise, Charles quickly forced a smile, stepped forward, and asked respectfully.
Ske stared at Charles. Anger burned in his eyes. He ground his teeth and cursed, "You disgusting, shameless dog! You actually dared to use the Cappet family as your scapegoat!"
Charles's smile froze. He tried to stay calm, but his voice trembled. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Ske snorted. He pulled a stack of photos from his pocket and flicked his arm. The photos fell onto Charles like snow.
"Hmph. If Rei can find it, our Cappet family can find it too." His voice was cold, full of open mockery.
Charles's face turned paper-white. It was as if all strength left his body. He collapsed onto the floor.
"Now, I'll give you one chance." Ske stepped forward and looked down at him. "Turn yourself in immediately. If you cooperate, the Cappet family can guarantee your son won't suffer because of your crimes."
Hearing that, Charles understood he had no other path. He said weakly, "I understand…"
Supported by two Cappet disciples, he walked into the Marechaussee Phantom and confessed that he had hired the killer.
When he explained his motive, the Melusine taking the statement couldn't help looking up at him, her eyes full of clear disgust.
In her view, it was impossible for the honorable and upright Rei to threaten Charles just to keep his position.
This was obviously slander against a hero.
When the statement was finished, the Melusine closed her notebook and said seriously, "We will investigate everything you confessed, fully and carefully. If we discover you hid anything or lied, you will be held responsible under the law."
After that, the Marechaussee Phantom quickly began a detailed investigation based on Charles's confession.
As the investigation moved forward, it became almost certain that Charles was the mastermind who hired the killer.
When they learned this, the Cappet family finally let out a sigh of relief.
But very soon, they realized their thinking had been too simple.
----
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