Genshin Impact, all those behind-the-scenes big shots are me

But his confidant told him that the other party should be the director of the orphanage, a young girl who single-handedly supported more than twenty children in the orphanage.

Six years have passed, and he had almost forgotten about it.

"You are the Ghost of the Gray River... I surrender! Don't kill me, I have repented, I accept this duel..."

puff~

The sword sliced ​​across Melos's throat, silencing his scream abruptly, leaving only the sound of blood dripping from the blade, like the only moving hand in the still theater, ticking, ticking, ticking...

Looking at Melos's corpse, Aina murmured, "Your repentance means nothing to me."

...

Because of Melos's death, the trial was forced to pause for a short time. For those present, the duel, both in its beginning and end, was completely beyond their expectations.

How long has it been since anyone died in the courtroom?

Even those who tried to prove their innocence through duels only suffered defeat and were imprisoned in Mero Petersburg at worst.

“The laws of Fontainebleau do not include the death penalty.”

This rule was established many years ago and has now become common knowledge.

So when the crimson blood stained the stage, it caused quite a bit of panic.

Fortunately, Villette decisively ordered a recess, and after everything was sorted out, everyone returned to the courtroom.

“Lord Navelette, the duel is over. Before my actions are judged, I will, as the plaintiff in this trial, request that these people be given the judgment they deserve,” Aina said to Navelette.

"can."

The latter nodded slightly. In fact, he had already sensed Aina's killing intent during the duel.

When Melos lost his fighting ability, the outcome was already decided. Melos himself even expressed his intention to concede defeat. Although it was only for a short while, if Navelette wanted to stop him, she could still do so.

but.

Should he stop it or not?

He hesitated for a moment on this issue, which is why he missed the chance to save Melos. Now, Vilette still doesn't understand. According to the rules of the duel, he should make a move, but logically speaking, it seems he shouldn't.

For Navigette now, the distinction between law and human sentiment is not so easy.

Let go of these distracting thoughts.

Navelette looked at Rost and the others in the dock.

Do you still want to challenge me to a duel?

“No, no need, we accept the trial.” Rost quickly shook his head.

Having witnessed Aina's strength, only a fool would choose to duel.

"Then, the trial begins."

Navelette looked at Aina, "Miss Aina, please state the crime you wish to accuse."

"Let me do the trial," Su Chen said with a smile. "As Miss Aina's lawyer, may I preside over the proceedings on her behalf?"

“Of course,” Navelette replied.

Although he could tell that Su Chen had orchestrated the trial from beginning to end, the latter had indeed remained uninvolved the entire time.

Besides the attack they encountered with the water god in the Grey River.

It must be said that Su Chen's identity as a lawyer gave him a good reason to act, as he did not need to go to court as a plaintiff or defendant, but the course of the trial was just as he had predicted.

However, Navelette didn't care; for him, getting the case to a final trial was his duty.

"Although Melos is dead, his crimes remain, and those who committed crimes with him are still alive... I will now release some information as valid evidence for Miss Aina's accusations against Rost and others."

Su Chen showed the information in his hand to Vilette and everyone present.

Most of this information was collected by Aina after gaining the trust of Melos and others. There was only one thing: the atrocities that occurred six years ago in the Gray River—the theft and even kidnapping of a large number of children.

Even though it happened in the lower districts, the incident still caused a huge sensation, making people in the upper districts take it seriously.

No one wants their child to suddenly disappear one day, suffering unimaginable torment in some unknown place.

However, with the cessation of the heinous acts, and because the matter did not affect the upper echelons, it was ultimately left unresolved.

Although the evil has disappeared, its lasting effects remain.

Rumor has it that a gray ghost killed a large number of raiders and once led the killings to the upper district in pursuit of the truth, but disappeared after a fierce battle with the special patrol team.

But in reality, the ghost didn't disappear; it simply changed its identity and, through years of tracking, finally uncovered the evil hidden behind it.

In fact, many children go missing every year, but very few are ever found.

These missing children have become playthings for certain nobles with special fantasies, 'consumables' that bring them pleasure.

The noble group led by Melos had been engaged in the business of selling children for many years. Six years ago, due to the increased demand for children and driven by huge profits, Melos extended his reach to the Gray River.

As the deputy commander of the navy, he was able to transport 'goods' quickly and conveniently via waterways, which became the main basis for his plan.

If it weren't for the appearance of the Grey Ghost, the whole incident might have only erupted within the Grey River.

"No one cares what's really happening in the lower districts, or how many children are suffering inhumane treatment, so we can only rely on our own strength to judge the evil," Aina said calmly. "Now, most of the people in this 'industry chain' are standing in the courtroom. As for the other crimes, let Lord Ryder state them."

Su Chen nodded slightly: "Captain Rost participated in the plan to attack the Water God, smuggled goods using his position, and accepted bribes. Administrator Kells participated in the plan to attack the Water God, trafficked children, and evaded taxes..."

One by one, the pieces of evidence were listed.

These people almost all share the same charge—participating in the plan to attack the Water God.

Of course, it was Aina who prompted them to make this foolish plan.

Using the information that 'the water goddess Funina is fake' to lure the nobles like Melos, even knowing that there are many risks involved, once Funina's identity is successfully exposed, everyone who opposes the noble forces, including Su Chen, will be eliminated.

This is an irresistible temptation.

Because so far, Funina's actions have been contrary to the interests of the noble groups, and as time goes on, this unfavorable situation will only get worse. One day, Funina will wield justice in one hand and evil in the other, and crush the evil nobles in the courtroom.

Of course, this was partly due to Ryder's instigation. Melos and the others, having seen through this, used the purge of the Grey River as a cover, while their real target was actually Furnessa.

When the truth was revealed, the audience gasped in amazement.

"So that's it."

"No wonder Lady Funina was attacked."

"Damn it, these guys should have been put on trial long ago."

Whether it was an attack on the water god or some other crime, it was enough to send these nobles in the dock to live in Mero Petersburg for the rest of their lives.

Rost and his group had no intention of denying the evidence. The evidence was irrefutable. Just regarding the attack on Funina, Aina herself was a witness, and the physical evidence they submitted had already been reviewed by Vilette.

Therefore, sophistry is pointless.

The only consolation they can offer themselves now is that at least they won't end up like Melos, without even a chance to survive.

“Then, this court pronounces its verdict.” Navelette’s voice drew everyone’s attention back, and the judge’s gaze fell upon them. “Rost, Gunn, Kells, and others are found guilty and sentenced to death according to the law.”

Everyone was shocked.

"death penalty?"

Rost exclaimed in anger: "Lord Vilette, Fontaine has no death penalty, how could we be sentenced to death?!"

“Who said Fontaine doesn’t have the death penalty?” Su Chen said with a smile. “As a professional lawyer, I can tell you with certainty that the death penalty does exist, and the crimes you have committed fully meet the conditions for sentencing.”

Navelette nodded calmly: "Yes, according to the latest laws passed by the Legislative Ministry, the death penalty has been incorporated into the Fontaine Law and included in the execution plan of the Enforcement Court. According to Article 1343 of the law, any serious offense against the Water God, including but not limited to assassination, defamation, etc., shall be punished with the death penalty."

"Not only that, but the combined charges of child trafficking, smuggling, and huge-scale tax evasion mean that your sentence is only lenient, not severe."

"The latest announcement? It's about Aina?!" Rost gritted his teeth. "Then, then she was also one of the people involved in the attack on the Water God, and even the mastermind. Shouldn't she also be sentenced to death?!"

"Yes." Unexpectedly, Aina was unusually calm, with a relieved smile on her face.

She looked up at the spotlight falling from the roof, and in the blinding light, she seemed to see the familiar smiles of the children.

Death was not frightening to her; it was merely the inevitable end on this path. When she chose to become a ghost, she also became a sinner in the eyes of others. And this trial was a waltz that was completed with Su Chen's help, a waltz that belonged only to her.

Spin to the music and let sin be judged.

But when the dance ends, the sinner should remove his mask and face the inevitable end.

Snap, snap, snap.

Applause erupted from the most prominent spot in the audience.

"Haha~ What a wonderful trial." Funina nodded in satisfaction. "The usurper deserves the punishment he deserves, but if the judgment is simply carried out according to the rigid law, it would be too boring. A trial needs the execution of justice, but a drama also needs unexpected twists and turns, which is worthy of my personal participation in the trial... What do you think, my people?"

The people in the audience looked at each other, wondering what this 'interesting' water god was going to do next.

“Hmm, it seems you’re all looking forward to it too, very good.” Furna continued performing her role, one hand on her hip and the other pointing at Navelette, “I have no objection to the judgments of others, but I, the God of Justice, Furcalos, will bestow upon Aina the justice she deserves alone.”

"I declare, Aina, innocent!"

"This is not fair!"

Rost and the others were furious.

"Why are we the only ones sentenced to death?!"

“Ms. Furna,” Navelette began, “the just execution of judgments is the very purpose of the Tribunal, to punish the guilty, and this process cannot be altered. Since Ms. Aina has committed a crime, she deserves to be punished.”

"Oh? Not bad, not bad."

Furina nodded, seemingly unperturbed by Navelette's questioning. "I'm glad you raised your concerns. Upholding the fairness of the trial is a quality every judge should possess... But the purpose of the trial is to administer justice, yet for whom does justice exist? If justice is for justice itself, then shouldn't I, the God of Justice, Furcalos, have the right to bestow this justice upon my chosen one?"

"If not, then should Aina receive justice in this trial?"

A seemingly reasonable yet rule-breaking statement, suggesting she enjoys the process more than the outcome. What does the goddess of justice, Fukaros, intend to do?

Navelette was somewhat puzzled. In his view, the God of Justice should value the outcome of the trial more than anyone else, so why would he take the initiative to make such a request?

Is the intention to give Aina justice, or is it simply to enjoy the dramatic twist?

As the judge, he should obey the commands of the water god.

But it was precisely because he was a judge that the responsibility bestowed upon him by this position did not allow Violet to back down... even if he felt that Aina's behavior should be forgiven.

He raised his gaze to look at Funina.

The latter stood with his hands on his hips, a smile on his face, exuding confidence and composure.

Well, that's how it seems, at least.