Dawn broke faintly, the sharp morning wind cutting through the air.
A young man walked slowly toward the solemn Palais Mermonia, his steps heavy.
His face was pale as paper, numbness and despair tangled across it.
Just as he neared the entrance, a cold voice sounded ahead.
"Marot, you'd better think this through. Your sister's future depends entirely on your decision."
Marot looked up.
Schick stood there with his arms crossed, chin lifted, gazing down at him with arrogant superiority.
Suppressing the anger and humiliation boiling in his chest, Marot forced an ugly smile.
"I know what to do."
Schick let out a derisive snort. "Good. And if you try anything clever… hmph."
Marot's fists clenched tightly at his sides—then slowly loosened.
Lowering his head, he stepped into the Palais.
At the staircase, he glanced toward the office of the Chief Justice, gave a bitter chuckle, shook his head, and continued on.
Before long, he arrived in the lobby of the Special Investigation Court.
He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. His voice still trembled as he spoke to the receptionist.
"My name is Marot. I'm here to confess. I killed Flora."
The moment the words left his mouth, the entire hall fell silent.
Every gaze turned toward him.
Some were angry. Some were regretful. Some were pleased.
The receptionist's expression turned stern.
"Marot, think carefully. Once you confess, there's almost no turning back."
Marot hesitated.
But when he thought of his sister, he gritted his teeth.
"I've thought it through."
After speaking, he seemed to lose all vitality, like a walking corpse.
At that moment, a calm, magnetic voice rang out.
"No. You haven't."
Marot turned.
Lucien Valois stood there tall and straight. Beside him was Furina, a trace of fatigue still lingering on her face.
"Marot," Lucien Valois declared, spreading his arms with fervent devotion, "when you stand at the darkest abyss of despair, do not grieve—do not lose hope.
Lift your head, and you will see the great Lady Furina. Like a blazing sun, she will illuminate your path forward!"
Furina lifted her chin and struck what she believed to be a dignified pose, radiating divine authority.
"Lady Furina's light shines across Fontaine. Her grace is a debt we can never repay in a lifetime…"
Lucien Valois continued praising her with passionate fervor, the very image of a devout and zealous believer.
Even Furina began to feel embarrassed, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.
She tugged discreetly at his sleeve and whispered so only he could hear, "Lucien Valois… that's enough."
Only then did he reluctantly conclude his grand "grace" performance.
Clearing his throat, he looked seriously at the stunned Marot.
"Marot, Lady Furina is already aware of your sister's situation.
She will not only restore her innocence, but also severely punish those who maliciously framed her."
Though Furina had no idea what had happened, she followed along dramatically.
"Indeed! This goddess has already seen through everything. Await my magnificent performance!"
Hearing this, Marot's final hesitation dissolved.
"I'm not the killer," he blurted out. "Someone threatened me with my sister's case and forced me to confess."
Not far away, Schick 's face turned ugly.
"Who?" Lucien Valois pressed.
But Marot lowered his head again, lips sealed in silence.
In that instant, Lucien Valois understood.
He had the overwhelming urge to punch this fool.
Suppressing his anger, he forced his tone to remain calm.
"Don't worry. Your sister's matter will be resolved soon."
With that, he couldn't even bear to look at Marot any longer. He reached out and took Furina's hand, turning away.
The moment their hands touched, Furina felt as if an electric current surged from his palm to her heart. Her mind went light, her feet moving unconsciously with his.
Only when they reached the elevator did Lucien Valois realize what he had done in his anger.
He quietly released her hand, pretending nothing had happened.
Furina lowered her head, silent, her thoughts unreadable.
They entered the elevator together. In the confined space, a subtle tension lingered in the air.
When they reached the top floor, they walked toward her suite.
Just before arriving, Furina suddenly stopped.
"Lucien Valois," she asked softly, "why were you so angry just now?"
He exhaled sharply.
"That idiot Marot wants us to solve his sister's case first before he names who threatened him."
The more he spoke, the angrier he grew.
If not for the need to send Olivier to the Fortress of Meropide, he wouldn't bother with such a foolish and malicious wretch.
"Oh." Furina nodded softly and opened her door.
Lucien Valois hesitated, then decided not to follow her inside.
"Lady Furina, I'll take my leave."
She did not respond.
He gently closed the door behind her and turned away.
Inside the room, Furina sat before her vanity mirror.
When she looked up, she saw her reflection—cheeks flushed crimson like the glow of an autumn sunset.
She touched her face.
It was burning hot.
A feeling of unfamiliar shyness and flustered confusion surged through her.
…
After leaving the Palais, Lucien Valois stopped by the Gardes and instructed Old Luke to handle Marina's case.
As a former ace investigator of the Special Investigation Court, Luke could manage such a minor case with ease.
The only obstacle would be the forces backing it.
And that was beyond either Luke or Lucien Valois's control.
On his way out, Lucien Valois ran into Captain Charles.
It had been some time, yet the man was as nauseating as ever.
"Lucien Valois! You know, when they discussed your dismissal, I fiercely opposed it! I even strongly urged my superiors to reinstate you as soon as possible!"
Charles beamed, his tone dripping with oily sincerity, as if he had exhausted himself on Lucien Valois's behalf.
Lucien Valois raised a brow, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"So by your account, I won't be dismissed, correct?"
Charles stiffened awkwardly.
"Well… you see… I'm only a captain. Personnel decisions are ultimately made by higher authorities."
Lucien Valois had no patience for further nonsense.
"I only care about the final result. The process doesn't interest me."
Without another word, he walked away.
Charles stood there, a vicious glint flashing in his eyes.
"Lucien Valois… I intended to leave you a way out. But you insist on courting death."