"Lucien Valois, you didn't look like yourself today."
Chiori placed a steaming cup of tea on the table before him.
Lucien Valois replied calmly, "I don't enjoy acting ruthless.
But the moment I show weakness, countless people eager to curry favor with the Kappe family will come after us.
I can endure it. I just don't want you dragged into it."
At his final sentence, a faint sweetness stirred in Chiori's heart.
Yet her expression remained indifferent as she snorted lightly. "I'm not afraid of trouble. I don't need you worrying about me."
"True." Lucien Valois nodded solemnly. "A fierce woman like you certainly isn't afraid of trouble."
A flash of cold light cut through the air.
In an instant, a sharp katana appeared in Chiori's hand.
She stared at him coldly. "Am I fierce?"
Without hesitation, Lucien Valois answered, "Not at all. You are the gentlest woman I've ever met."
Satisfied, Chiori sheathed her blade.
Lucien Valois shook his head inwardly, finished his tea, and rose to leave.
…
The next morning, dressed in dark civilian clothes, Lucien Valois stepped into the grand hall of the Palais Mermonia.
The moment he appeared, countless gazes turned toward him—filled with awe and admiration.
Clearly, yesterday's events outside Chiori's Boutique had already spread.
Lucien Valois noticed their looks and smiled faintly.
Crossing the hall, he headed straight to the third floor—to the Court.
Fontaine's administrative structure consisted of the Executive Court, the Court of Justice, the Court of Appeals, the Council Court, and the Special Investigation Court.
Among them, the Court of Justice held the greatest authority. Under it operated the Prosecutorial Office, responsible for upholding Fontaine's laws.
Aside from major cases personally presided over by the Chief Justice, Neuvillette, most cases were handled by judges of the Court.
As Lucien Valois reached the entrance, he saw Ophiel waiting.
Compared to yesterday, the man looked visibly haggard.
"Lucien Valois, are you really going to take this to the end? Do you understand the consequences?" Ophiel asked hoarsely.
Lucien Valois looked up at him and chuckled.
"A wretch like me only has one worthless life. If I can drag down a noble like you from your pedestal, it's worth it."
Ophiel exploded. "Madman! How can someone like you even exist?!"
After venting in frustration, he forced his tone to soften.
"Lucien Valois, if you withdraw the complaint and stop pursuing the case, the Kappe family will guarantee your promotion to Captain of the Gardes within three years."
Lucien Valois asked lightly, "Are you planning to swear upon the Luo River that the Kappe family will keep its word?"
"The Luo River?" Ophiel quickly searched his memory. There was no such river in Fontaine.
But desperate to persuade him, he rushed on, "Fine! I swear upon the Luo River that if you comply, the Kappe family will honor its promise!"
Lucien Valois snorted dismissively and continued walking.
"Is the offer not attractive enough?" Ophiel hurried after him. "I'll give you another one million mora—no, ten million mora!"
His voice even carried a trace of pleading.
Lucien Valois stopped and stared coldly at him.
"You're far more generous than Schick. But I doubt I'd live long enough to spend ten million."
He shoved Ophiel aside and strode into the Court.
Soon, Lucien Valois stood before the reception desk and briefly explained the situation.
The staff quickly reported it to their superiors.
Moments later, Judge Roman approached with an expression of deep reluctance.
He had no desire to handle this case.
Due to conflict-of-interest rules, most judges in the Court were barred from involvement. The hot potato had landed squarely in his lap.
"Captain Lin, please come to my office and give a full account," Roman said, sounding weary.
Lucien Valois nodded and prepared to follow him.
At that moment, a rough voice rang out.
"Captain Lin, I'm coming with you! Roman's a crafty old fox. Blink once and he'll twist things around!"
Lucien Valois turned—and was surprised to see Captain Donatello of the Special Patrol.
After a brief pause, he asked, "Captain Donatello, are you truly willing to help me? Do you know who I'm up against?"
"Of course I do! The Kappe family bunch of scoundrels. I've been sick of them for ages!" Donatello replied loudly, heedless of the surrounding stares.
Roman rubbed his forehead. "You two… honestly…"
He shook his head and walked toward his office.
Lucien Valois and Donatello followed.
Inside, Roman carefully recorded Lucien Valois's testimony.
Afterward, he handed over the written statement.
Lucien Valois reviewed it, found no issues, and signed.
Roman put the document away and spoke seriously.
"Captain Lin, I will immediately assign investigators from the Special Investigation Court to examine this matter.
During the investigation, Ophiel will be suspended.
Given that this involves a public official discharging a firearm at a colleague in the street, the case will most likely be personally presided over by Lord Neuvillette."
Lucien Valois felt deeply satisfied.
"Judge Roman, thank you very much."
Roman sighed. "I have only half a year until retirement. And now I've been dragged into this mess."
"Roman, how can you say something so spineless?" Donatello grumbled.
Roman shot him a glare. "My retirement benefits are determined by Audeman, not by courage."
Donatello was about to retort when Lucien Valois stopped him.
"Judge Roman, I apologize for putting you in a difficult position. If you suffer any loss because of this, I will compensate you fully."
Roman studied Lucien Valois for a long moment. A trace of appreciation flickered in his eyes.
"Captain Lin, you're far steadier than this hothead. I hope you go far."
Lucien Valois smiled confidently.
"Don't worry. I intend to go very, very far."