Furina stopped moving when she heard that.
After thinking for a moment, she nodded.
“Yes, it’s possible.” “Your charge of attempting to assassinate me could theoretically be dropped as long as I choose not to pursue it.” “But the impact of what happened was simply too great.” “We needed an explanation for both the public and the court.” “So you had to be imprisoned first while the proper procedures were carried out.” She paused before adding, “If we arrange a retrial, I can speak with Neuvillette.” “Then I’ll explain the circumstances during the trial.
At worst…
you’d probably be convicted of disturbing the peace instead.” “Your sentence would probably be reduced to somewhere between six months and a year.” “I’d still have to stay locked up for that long?” Toki frowned, his expression immediately darkening.
By the time six months or a year passed, Fontaine might already have been completely flooded and the entire main storyline would be over!
There was no way he could afford to waste that much time!
Just then, Toki suddenly remembered something he had previously learned about Fontaine’s laws.
His eyes immediately lit up.
“Wait!
Doesn’t Fontaine’s legal system allow for a Judicial Duel?” “If a defendant is standing trial before Fontaine’s court, has been accused of a crime, and is about to receive a verdict, they can request a duel to prove their innocence instead of proceeding with the normal judgment!” “As long as they defeat an official Champion Duelist—which in my case would be Clorinde— the court immediately dismisses all charges, acquits them on the spot, restores their honor, and they don’t have to serve a sentence.” “That’s an explicit part of Fontaine’s law—the principle that victory vindicates the accused, right?” “That system does exist…” Furina nodded, but concern immediately appeared on her face.
She frowned and tried to dissuade him.
“But are you absolutely sure you want to challenge Clorinde?” “You don’t understand.
She’s never lost a single official duel as a Champion Duelist!” “I’ve watched her fight.” “Her Electro swordsmanship is incredibly fast and ruthless!” “And her marksmanship is unbelievably precise!” “Even you might not be able to defeat her!” “Clorinde has never lost?” The corner of Toki’s lips curled upward.
Confidence and sharp determination flashed through his eyes.
“Then it looks like I’ll be the one to hand her the first defeat of her career.” With his current Extraordinary-Level physique, he was already physically stronger than Clorinde.
Combined with his Enhanced Flowing Counter Fist, which incorporated Hydro and allowed him to both redirect attacks and strike back, he was fully confident that he could contend with Clorinde’s Electro swordsmanship!
More importantly, he still had Bolstering Bubblebalm.
He could continuously heal himself throughout the battle!
As Captain America once put it, he could do this all day!
Even if Toki couldn’t defeat Clorinde easily, he could simply keep going until she was completely exhausted!
The absolute confidence and determination in Toki’s voice caused Furina to swallow the words of protest that had already reached her lips.
Looking at the undisguised confidence in his eyes, she knew that he had already made up his mind.
Trying to persuade him any further would accomplish nothing.
Furina could only sigh softly before her expression gradually became serious.
“If you’ve already decided, then I’ll help you submit the request.” “But I’ll have to speak with Neuvillette first.” “He’s the Chief Justice, after all.
Your request for a retrial needs his approval.” “He’ll also have to personally authorize the procedure for the Judicial Duel.” “Thanks.” Toki nodded, his tone softening slightly.
“The sooner, the better.
I don’t want to spend another day in the Fortress of Meropide.” “I’ll handle it as quickly as possible!” Furina confidently patted her chest.
“I’ll go contact Neuvillette right now.
You should return to your Prison Cell and wait for news.” “I’ll come back within two hours to take you to the court.” “And remember—you’d better prepare yourself.
Clorinde is far stronger than you imagine!” “I know.” Toki responded calmly.
He had already made every preparation he could think of.
After the two separated, Furina hurriedly left the Fortress of Meropide and headed straight for the Opera Epiclese.
It wasn’t merely a place of entertainment for the people of Fontaine.
It was also where Fontaine’s trials were held.
Chief Justice Neuvillette should currently be there, handling various cases.
Toki, meanwhile, returned to his Prison Cell.
There wasn’t the slightest hint of nervousness on his face.
Instead, he calmed his mind, closed his eyes, and concentrated.
Within his mind, he began rehearsing the techniques of the Enhanced Flowing Counter Fist.
Guiding Sweep.
Single Arc.
Flowing Hands.
Every technique flowed smoothly into the next.
Hydro infused each movement, almost allowing him to feel the water twisting and flowing alongside his strength.
He continuously refined his force-redirection techniques and the timing of his attacks inside his mind.
He wanted to ensure that every technique displayed its maximum effectiveness during the duel.
Furina was equally efficient.
Less than two hours later, the door to Toki’s Prison Cell opened.
A guard respectfully announced, “Toki, Lady Furina has finished discussing the matter with Chief Justice Neuvillette.” “Your request for a retrial has been approved.
Please follow me to the court.” Toki opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them.
He stood, straightened his prison uniform, and followed the guard out of his cell.
This time, there were no heavy shackles.
Nor was he surrounded by strict security.
The guards merely followed from a distance, their expressions respectful.
Clearly, Furina had given them instructions beforehand.
As Toki stepped out of the Fortress of Meropide, warm, brilliant sunlight fell across his body.
It was completely different from the cold, damp atmosphere of the underground prison.
“So this is what it feels like to see daylight again.” Toki narrowed his eyes slightly and took a moment to adjust.
Then he noticed an elegant carriage waiting nearby.
Furina stood beside it.
She had already changed into a clean and immaculate Hydro Archon ceremonial outfit.
Her ocean-blue hair had been carefully arranged without a single strand out of place.
She had once again regained her usual elegance and composure, although traces of concern still remained between her brows.
“Come on.
Everything is ready at the Opera Epiclese.
Neuvillette is already waiting for us.” Seeing Toki, Furina quickly walked toward him.
“I told Neuvillette that you object to your previous judgment and are requesting a retrial, and that you intend to prove your innocence through a Judicial Duel.” “He was somewhat surprised, but he still approved it.” “After all, the procedure is explicitly permitted under Fontaine’s laws.” “Thanks for going through all that trouble.” Toki nodded and followed Furina into the carriage.
The carriage slowly began moving toward the Opera Epiclese.
The interior was quiet.
After a while, Furina couldn’t resist warning him once more.
“Toki, are you really sure you don’t want to reconsider?” “Clorinde has genuinely never lost an official duel.” “Many extremely powerful opponents have fallen to her blade!” Toki looked at Furina’s worried expression.
The corner of his lips lifted slightly as he answered with absolute confidence.
“Don’t worry.” “I won’t lose.” (End of Chapter)