After Neuvillette carefully reviewed the experimental log and Vignier's notebook, he took a deep breath and then said:
"Marcel's original name was Vasher, and he was an adventurer partner with his lover, Vignier."
"During an underwater exploration, Vignier accidentally came into contact with the primordial sea water and dissolved in front of Vasher."
"Vasher, with the help of others, learned about the existence of the primordial sea water and began kidnapping young women for research, hoping to restore Vignier."
"To hide his identity as 'Vasher,' he used the alias Marcel and started a business in Beryl Region."
"Later, in his research, Vasher discovered that diluted primordial sea water could cause excitement, so he began selling 'lesse' to make huge profits."
After speaking, Neuvillette shifted his gaze from the two notebooks in his hand to Lumine, remaining silent for a moment before continuing:
"But in the process of accumulating research funds and continuing his research, he came into conflict with the Spina di Rosula."
"After a long period of overt and covert struggles, he wanted to use a banquet as an opportunity to kill Cares, the head of the Spina di Rosula."
"Although an accident occurred during the final execution, by dissolving the perpetrator, he made Cares a suspect in the murder."
"And not long ago, Vasher tried to use similar methods to frame Lyney for the Serial Disappearance of Young Girls."
"Ultimately, with the help of the accuser in this case, Ms. Navia, and the Traveler Lumine, the framing plan failed, revealing a flaw and leading to this Judgment."
At this point, Neuvillette looked at Navia and Yuto, nodding as if in approval.
"Thus, the truth behind the mysterious 'Serial Disappearance of Young Girls' has come to light."
As soon as his voice fell, the audience in the Opera House erupted in applause and cheers.
In their eyes, today's Judgment not only solved a cold case that had lasted for decades but also cleared the name of a great man who deserved recognition.
"It's hard to imagine how Miss Navia... managed to persevere until today..."
"Indeed, Father had so many unspeakable difficulties, coupled with the environment at the time... it was already very difficult for Miss Navia to endure."
"And Lord Yuto, this Judgment... reversed almost every minute. If the Traveler hadn't arrived in time... he would have been implicated in this case too, right?"
"It seems... our Assistant Administrator really has a good relationship with the head of the Spina di Rosula."
"How does that Ritou saying go? Something like 'birds of a feather flock together.' Anyone Mr. Yuto approves of certainly isn't a bad guy. And look at this Vasher... tsk tsk tsk."
Neuvillette listened to the noisy audience below and, for the first time, did not intervene to stop them.
He knew very well that these praises were deserved by Mr. Cares and by Navia.
One sacrificed his life to protect everyone in the Spina di Rosula, protected his daughter, and handed a long sword for cleansing evil to his daughter.
The other risked everything, just to prove her Father's innocence, just to expose the demon in human skin, and to bring true justice.
They deserve these praises.
...
Once the cheers gradually subsided, Neuvillette continued with the Judgment process.
He symbolically tapped the ground with his staff and then continued:
"Now, the accusation against Mr. Vasher will be handed over to the Oratrice for a final decision."
As Neuvillette's voice rang out, the two massive energy conduits behind the Oratrice once again shimmered with water element-blue light, and a powerful yet pure water element energy instantly spread out.
Click—click—click—
With a series of gear sounds, an ornate envelope popped out from the groove in front of Neuvillette.
After opening the envelope and reading it briefly, a slight curve appeared at the corner of Neuvillette's mouth, which usually resembled a perpetual iceberg.
He slowly raised his head and calmly announced the result that everyone had anticipated.
"According to the Judgment result given by the Oratrice, Mr. 'Vasher'—"
"Is guilty."
Hearing Neuvillette's words, Furina immediately stood up and pointed at the unforgivable criminal, shouting:
"Security! Take this scumbag criminal away!"
As the security team led the dejected fellow away, the audience, who had just calmed down, erupted in cheers once again.
"Today was truly worth it! This Judgment was so exciting to watch!"
"Witnessing history!"
"Now... my daughter should be safe, right? She won't have to live in fear because of this anymore."
"Sigh... who would have thought? The murderer of one's Father was actually the elder who treated them best... This is truly..."
Meanwhile, Lumine and Paimon waved at Navia and Yuto, who were standing on the high platform, with smiles on their faces.
Although they didn't participate in the final, crushing part of the process, they had helped; they had not let down Yuto and Navia's trust.
That was enough.
Yuto, on the other hand, looked at Navia, who was somewhat emotionally agitated beside him, with a hint of worry on his face.
He first nodded in greeting to his two "partners" and then gently patted Navia's head, who was sobbing.
"Navia, you did very well. Mr. Cares's efforts were not in vain. From now on... you can finally breathe a sigh of relief, can't you?"
Feeling the warmth from above her head, Navia paused slightly, then gently wiped the corners of her eyes and nodded.
"Mmm... yes, I can finally relax a little."
"Thank you, Mr. Yuto, and Miles and Silver. Thanks to your support, and of course..."
Navia said, turning to look at the young woman standing below the stage with a smile on her face, and loudly declared:
"And of course, my partners! Thank you all!"
Listening to the cheers and excitement from behind, Tartaglia symbolically brushed dust off his shoulder, then looked at Neuvillette and said:
"Alright, that was quite a show. The true culprit is caught, the innocent are vindicated, and everyone is happy..."
"Since I got to enjoy such a good show, I won't blame you for arresting the wrong person. I have things to do. May I leave now, Judge?"
Neuvillette gently shook his head, calling out to Tartaglia, who was about to leave.
"Please wait a moment, Mr. Tartaglia."
"According to the Judgment procedure, this Judgment began because of you, and a final verdict on your guilt is also required."
Tartaglia raised an eyebrow in surprise upon hearing this, shaking his head somewhat helplessly and saying:
"Hey, hey, hey... is that still necessary? Hasn't the true culprit already been caught? Shouldn't a supporting character like me be making his exit now?"
Listening to Tartaglia's somewhat impatient tone, Neuvillette did not rush but continued to speak calmly:
"Please respect the laws of Fontaine. This has always been the rule."
Hearing this, Tartaglia fell into a brief silence. After a moment, he raised his eyes to look at Yuto, who was standing on the high platform, and a smile appeared on his lips.
"Alright, alright, I can cooperate. Standing on that platform is enough, right? But..."
"Hey! Assistant Administrator over there, could I please... fight you after all this is over?"
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