The Fontaine Research Institute's declaration of independence sent shockwaves through Fontaine once again. Many felt that the great ship of Fontaine was now adrift in stormy seas.
Fortunately, the Fontaine Research Institute did not declare allegiance to Dark Furina, otherwise, many more cities might have defected to her side.
The Fontaine Research Institute issued a statement reaffirming its friendly cooperative relationship with Fontaine, and simultaneously released a video recording of the events that had transpired aboard the Noah's Ark.
When the Fontainians witnessed Alva battling Dark Furina on equal terms using the Noah's Ark, their regret and resentment intensified.
Fontaine had finally developed technology comparable to Liyue's Jade Chamber, capable of directly confronting Archons—even surpassing the Jade Chamber in capability—only to have it destroyed by a group of traitors.
The people spontaneously organized again, demanding that Neuvillette immediately bring Duke Jared and the other treasonous nobles to trial.
However, at that very moment, Neuvillette suddenly announced his decision to transfer the nobles to the Fontaine Research Institute for disposition.
This news sent shockwaves through the Fontainian populace. They couldn't understand why Neuvillette would take such an action. It was as if the most impartial and righteous Chief Justice had personally declared that he would resort to extrajudicial punishment instead of relying on the final verdict of the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale.
Though everyone knew the Fontaine Research Institute would show no mercy in dealing with the nobles, making their fate even more satisfying, no one could be sure whether Neuvillette's recent changes were for better or worse.
The old Neuvillette had been more principled, while the current one seemed more humane.
Even if the direction of Neuvillette's transformation remained uncertain, the Fontainians felt an overwhelming sense of catharsis in this moment.
No one wanted the arch-villain, Duke Jared, and his band of nobles to simply end their lives with such ease. Their crimes could never be atoned for in such a way!
As the Fontaine Research Institute, the organization most deeply harmed by these criminals, they were certain to impose the most gratifying punishment imaginable.
While public discussion raged outside, within Neuvillette's office at Palais Mermonia, Neuvillette was holding a momentous meeting with the few remaining nobles who had steadfastly maintained their integrity.
"Since no one objects, I will now inform the Fontainians," Neuvillette announced slowly.
"From this day forward, no new noble titles will be established in Fontaine."
"The new governing body will recruit the most capable administrators from within Fontaine, serving five-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms based on their contributions."
The nobles nodded in response to Neuvillette's words.
In truth, whether they agreed or not, Neuvillette would proceed as planned. They understood this implicitly and dared not voice any objections.
Previously, they had feared Neuvillette might hold them accountable for their past actions. Yet he had proven far more magnanimous than they imagined, preserving their noble titles until death and leaving their existing rights untouched.
This outcome struck them as the best possible scenario, and they felt immense relief at not having foolishly followed Duke Jared's departure.
"We have no objections, Monsieur Neuvillette," Duke Hubert said with a smile, continuing, "Proceed as you've outlined."
"However, please revoke my noble title. I've decided to retire."
Neuvillette was taken aback by this reply and asked for clarification.
"It's not that I'm dissatisfied with this decision," Duke Hubert explained. "It's just that after desperately breaking through the information blockade to contact Fontaine, I suddenly gained a clearer perspective."
"Rights and privileges seem insignificant to me now. At my age, I'd rather spend my remaining years doing something that makes life more exciting than clinging to those trivial rights."
Duke Hubert paused, then continued, "I've already registered as an adventurer with the Adventurer's Guild. After this meeting, I plan to explore some mysterious and exotic places."
"???"
Upon hearing Duke Hubert's words, both Neuvillette and the other nobles were utterly dumbfounded.
Wait, this is too drastic a change!
Why is Duke Hubert's dream to become an adventurer? We've never heard anything about this before!
Sensing their confusion, Duke Hubert explained further, "Actually, I've always longed for the life of an adventurer. But strict family discipline and heavy responsibilities forced me to suppress that desire. But after that incident, I suddenly realized I could do it!"
As he spoke, Duke Hubert's face beamed with genuine joy.
"You might not believe it, but Bit and I faced countless obstacles on our journey. It was only through our unwavering teamwork and mutual support that we ultimately completed the mission."
"Oh, by the way, Bit was the Clockwork Hound who accompanied me back then. I've already purchased him from the Maison Gardiennage; he's family now."
"I heard his performance has dropped by about thirty percent due to severe damage, but as long as his core chip is intact, that's all that matters. The memories of our shared battles are what truly matter to me."
"I plan to spend my remaining time exploring more fascinating places with Bit, so I simply don't have the time to deal with matters in Fontaine anymore."
After hearing this, Neuvillette sighed softly, a complex mix of emotions swirling within him.
"Heh, it's the era of the young now. It's time for us old-timers to step off the world stage."
"Those youngsters at the Academy have been quietly causing such a stir. It's a pity their hearts are too pure; they don't understand the wickedness of human nature."
"If they had reported these matters sooner, the outcome would have been completely different. Alas..."
Duke Hubert's words struck a chord with many nobles present, especially the older ones. Remembering Duke Jared and his faction's utter obsession with power, they sighed softly and declared,
"Monsieur Neuvillette, we humbly request that you revoke our titles as well."
"After much reflection, we realize we're no longer young. Though we ultimately held true to our principles and resisted Duke Jared's manipulations this time, we fear that power could still corrupt us beyond recognition in the future."
Hearing the elder nobles speak, the younger ones finally made up their minds.
"We feel the same way."
These younger nobles had been the most vulnerable, their ambition to climb higher making it especially difficult to stay true to their values. They were also the most shaken by their near miss; one wrong step would have sealed their fate alongside Duke Jared and his faction.
Under Neuvillette's judgment, their end might have been a public hanging before all Fontainians. But had they fallen into the clutches of the Fontaine Research Institute, even death would likely have been a luxury they could not afford.
"Let the nobility system end completely in our time," Neuvillette said slowly after a long silence, gazing at the assembled nobles who, despite their shared status, had made such divergent choices.
"Thank you."
Neuvillette seemed to see something radiant shimmering on these people, dazzlingly bright.
Humans are truly incredibly complex beings...
Soon, news of the remaining nobles' abdication spread like wildfire through the streets and alleys of Fontaine, leaving its citizens utterly stunned.
The nobility had actually been abolished!
From this day forward, all would be equal—no distinction between high and low, noble and commoner. Every resident of Fontaine would be a Fontaine citizen, entitled to the same rights and privileges!
Countless citizens wept with joy. The most reviled problem in Fontaine had finally been eradicated in their generation. They would no longer be scorned for their birth, and their children would inherit a brighter future.
When word spread that the remaining nobles had voluntarily relinquished their titles, the citizens were deeply moved. They could scarcely believe these nobles would willingly relinquish their power. Each one deserved to be forever praised in song and legend.
Neuvillette, for his part, did not slight these nobles, granting them various privileges and considerations.
Meanwhile, Fontaine's Law enforcement agencies began to take action.
Teacher Luo's Law Lecture Hall, addressing recent events, criticized Neuvillette's decisions. When he concluded with, "Monsieur Neuvillette's actions clearly violate the law," the audience was stunned by his audacity, many jokingly asking when he would have Neuvillette arrested.
To everyone's surprise, shortly after, the Fontaine Law Department filed charges against Neuvillette's actions, with Ron, the Law Department's youngest and most distinguished attorney, representing the prosecution. The trial was scheduled for one week later.
When the Fontaine citizens heard the news, they were dumbfounded.
Good grief! We were just kidding around, and you're actually taking it seriously?!
Many of Ron's former fans immediately turned against him, unleashing a torrent of angry criticism.
Yet others, initially indifferent, became devoted supporters, admiring Ron's courage and pledging their allegiance.
Still others eagerly awaited Neuvillette's reaction. To their disappointment, however, Neuvillette remained remarkably composed, as if he hadn't even heard the news.
This attitude inevitably reminded everyone of Neuvillette's previous self-condemnation document, leading them to faintly grasp the underlying truth.
Amidst this turmoil, Neuvillette received word from the New Fortress of Meropide: Dottore No. 6 had apparently pinpointed the location of the Dottore Variant and sent word to him.
Neuvillette swiftly reappeared at the New Fortress of Meropide, where Wriothesley had been waiting at the entrance since dawn.
"Things have been quite eventful on your end lately," Wriothesley remarked teasingly.
Neuvillette shook his head and took a deep breath. "It's all my fault."
"You're not really going to accept the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale's final judgment in front of everyone, are you?" Wriothesley asked, shaking his head. "You carry too much weight on your shoulders, and you're far too hard on yourself."
"In my style, I'd make the rules adapt to me, not the other way around," Wriothesley declared, waving his hand dismissively. "But I know arguing with you is futile. Once you've made up your mind, no one can easily sway you."
"But you must also consider the impact this will have on Fontaine. Your significance to Fontaine is far from ordinary now."
"Mm, I will carefully consider your words."
Neuvillette nodded at Wriothesley and then said, "I hope you won't resent me for stripping you of your title."
"Oh, that?" Wriothesley said nonchalantly. "It's fine. I never cared much for titles anyway. Whether I have that status or not makes little difference to me."
"In fact, I admire your boldness this time. If you don't cut away the rotting flesh when a wound festers, it will only worsen."
Wriothesley paused before continuing, "Let's go. I know why you're here today. That person is already waiting in the room."
Hearing this, Neuvillette nodded and followed behind Wriothesley.
The pair made their way to the door of Dottore No. 6's room. As they arrived, Wriothesley turned to Neuvillette and said...
"Then I won't interrupt your discussion. I'll get back to work."
With that, Wriothesley turned and left.
After watching his figure disappear into the distance, Neuvillette turned back to the door and gave two light knocks.
Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Dottore No. 6's face, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Monsieur Neuvillette, you've finally arrived."
"I heard you've obtained results here?" Neuvillette asked.
Dottore No. 6 smiled slightly in response. "Indeed, I've pinpointed the target's coordinates. Now it's up to you, Monsieur Neuvillette, to decide how to handle him."
As he spoke, Dottore No. 6 produced a circular object resembling a pocket watch from seemingly nowhere.
"I've provisionally named this device 'Radar.' By observing the flashing dot and comparing it to your current position, you can determine the distance between you. The scale here can be adjusted for magnification and reduction..."
Neuvillette quickly grasped the basics of using the radar. However, he was puzzled by the eight glowing points on the display—seven in addition to his own position.
When Neuvillette inquired about this, Dottore No. 6 chuckled and explained, "There's nothing wrong with the radar. I've simply captured that many targets."
"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what's going on myself. You'll have to investigate further yourself, Monsieur Neuvillette."
Neuvillette nodded, accepted the radar from Dottore No. 6, and checked the nearest location. Upon realizing it wasn't far, he immediately set out to investigate.
Shortly after Neuvillette's departure, Dottore No. 6 arrived at the facility where the other Dottore Segments were imprisoned and pushed open the heavy door...