On the high platform, Neuvillette asked:
"Mr. Lyney, do you waive your right to defend yourself? If so, the trial will proceed to the next phase."
Lyney: "I have nothing further to add. Though motivated by the prophecy, I did indeed enter the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale Core. I am prepared to accept the judgment."
Neuvillette turned to Furina. "Lady Furina, do you have any additional remarks?"
Furina: "None."
Neuvillette: "Very well, I shall summarize the Lyney siblings' crimes."
"After Lyney entered the Magic Box, he accessed a pre-prepared tunnel beneath it. Without pausing, he infiltrated the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale Core through a ventilation shaft, remaining inside for approximately half a minute before exiting... Lyney has confessed to these actions without reservation."
"The Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale is a crucial judicial institution in Fontaine. Laws governing the Fontaine citizens' conduct toward the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale have long been in place. The Lyney siblings' actions violated Fontaine Law and thus warrant conviction."
"Next, this case will be submitted to the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale for final judgment."
The Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale began to whir. Arlecchino scrutinized its movements, but ultimately failed to discern any hidden patterns.
Neuvillette announced the final verdict:
"Based on the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale's final judgment, I hereby declare Lyney and Lynette guilty."
Phew~
Furina exhaled deeply.
Finally, no more surprises. What an eventful day this has been.
Hmm?
Furina noticed "The Knave" Arlecchino glancing her way. She glanced slightly to the side and saw Fidelle. Furina glared back sharply.
As Neuvillette announced the siblings' sentences from his elevated position, Fidelle noticed Furina craning her neck. She slowly approached and began gently massaging the back of Furina's neck.
"Lady Furina, the trial is over. We can return now. Thank you for your hard work today. I'll prepare one and a half servings of cake for you to enjoy when we get back. Please rest well."
Furina closed her eyes, savoring the moment. The turmoil in her heart, stirred by "The Knave" Arlecchino's words, began to settle.
-
Meanwhile, Lumine and Paimon were whispering to each other.
"Lumine, Lyney and the others are still locked up..."
"There's nothing we can do to help them with this."
"Hey, Lumine, Fontaine has so many Gardemeks. What do they use for maintenance? Should we prepare some for when Chu Xi wakes up? She hasn't eaten anything since turning into a robot. Maybe she needs something else?"
"Let's go!"
As soon as the Trial ended, Lumine and Paimon left the Opera House to find personnel from the Maison Gardiennage. They tracked down Chevreuse, the Captain of the Special Task Force, whom they had met earlier.
After explaining their purpose, they successfully obtained several large bottles of black liquid from Chevreuse.
Soon after, they ran into Navia, who had come to personally thank them.
-
On a mountain near White Pine Town, Lumine and Paimon accompanied Navia to pay respects to her father, Callas.
Upon arriving, they were surprised to find Neuvillette already there.
Navia approached Neuvillette to converse, while Lumine and Paimon moved a short distance away, giving the two some space.
Seeing Callas's grave reminded Lumine that it had been a while since she had visited Rola and Qingge.
Seeing Paimon's downcast expression, she suspected the little companion was thinking the same thing.
"Paimon," Lumine said, "let's buy some things in Fontaine and head back to see Rola, Qingge, and Yuna tomorrow. What do you think?"
"Mm-hmm!" Paimon agreed eagerly. "We'll get the best cakes from Hotel Debord and those little tiramisu ones too! Yuna will be so happy to know we bought them especially for her!"
Lumine nodded in agreement. "And we'll get Sunsettias for Rola and those big meat pies Qingge loves. Plus... S**...""
Paimon turned to Lumine, puzzled. "What was that you just said?"
Lumine pressed a hand to her head, slowly recovering.
"Are you talking about Sumeru's Pure Soul?" Paimon asked. "Even though Paimon forgot, let's go check out Sumeru too!"
Lumine's thoughts drifted to Chu Xi, still asleep in the Serenitea Pot. As far as Lumine knew, Chu Xi was one of only two people in the world who knew of Silaya's existence. The Doctor had also mentioned Chu Xi's unique nature, hinting at secrets Lumine had yet to uncover.
Bringing Chu Xi along when visiting Silaya was essential. After saying goodbye to Navia, they should head straight to find Chu Xi.
-
[ Player World. ]
After their final conversation with Neuvillette, the players completed the version update quest series, [ As Light Rain Falls Without Reason ].
This quest line revealed many secrets and introduced several new characters.
Furina, the Hydro Archon, performed far below player expectations during the trial. Even as the Opera House nearly erupted into chaos, she remained passive.
Ultimately, it was Chief Justice Neuvillette who subdued Tartaglia.
Throughout the ordeal, the Hydro Archon acted... well, nothing like a god.
Could it be that Furina isn't actually a god, and Chief Justice Neuvillette is the true deity?
The appearance of Arlecchino, Fourth Seat of the Fatui Harbingers, sparked intense debate.
Many players became instant fans of her.
-
Inside the Serenitea Pot, Chu Xi had already awakened. She left her room, exited the house, and sat down on the steps.
About half an hour later, Lumine and Paimon entered the Serenitea Pot and found Chu Xi sitting on the steps, gazing at her hands.
"Chu Xi, you're awake!" Paimon exclaimed, flying towards her excitedly. But she abruptly stopped mid-air.
"Paimon, Lumine, don't worry. It's me. That Doctor guy is gone."
"Chu Xi, you remembered everything all along?" Lumine asked.
Chu Xi forced a smile. "I wasn't actually asleep. When the Doctor took over my body, I did lose consciousness for a while, but I woke up again afterward. I tried to fight him for control, but I couldn't win."
"I remember everything that happened after we came to Fontaine... those people..."
The thought of the Doctor's victims made Chu Xi feel nauseous.
"I'm so sorry, Lumine. I'm so sorry, Paimon. I've caused you so much trouble again. I'm truly sorry."
Chu Xi apologized sincerely. Paimon flew over and gently patted her head with her tiny hand. "It's all that awful Doctor's fault! It's not your fault, Chu Xi! You're a victim too!"
Lumine moved closer and sat beside Chu Xi. "Can you tell me what happened after you left?"
Chu Xi remained silent for so long that Lumine began to think she wouldn't answer and was about to change the subject. But then Chu Xi spoke:
"After I left..."