Saleret had no allegiance towards Liszt, merely choosing the lesser of two evils between him and Doringger.

The massacre of my family was pinned on me back then because I didn't know how to play the game.

But Liszt could play, and he played to win.

Whether Liszt's Rashomon proves useful or not, I can only accompany him to the end, down a path of no return.

With a playful expression on his face, Xiao Long thought it was a pity that Quan Jiu wasn't present to witness such an interesting scene.

Gedre still wore a grim expression.

No affinity whatsoever to the Heaven Port pirates.

Mika had no choice but to explain how to deceive and cross the sea, but now he could only gamble on the Royal Court, as he had established a connection with the Holy Spirit Church, and the Eternal Sect was an enemy.

"The Eternal Sect sent people to slay the dragon in Mulong, intending to transport its magic-material-rich carcass home and present it to the Continent Martial Arts Competition champion, but they failed.

We killed the fugitive Zote at Mulong, taking advantage of the situation by using a spell to control a few clergy members of the Eternal Sect, who then provided cover. Meanwhile, I pretended to be a surviving officer from the dragon slaying battle, disguising Zote's body as a dragon, and escorted it here.

For fear of inspection along the way, we timed everything precisely, arriving at the arena at the last moment.

The final inspection by the Eternal Sect's Holy Knight Order was also deceived by an arcane disguise magic that my companion cast."

Mika spoke truthfully but knew how to weigh matters without mentioning the Eternal Sect's sheltering of the Witch Hunting Secret Department's remnants. Not only was Zote involved, but whether Marcus, who might now be considered a comrade, also counted as a remnant.

Otherwise, offending everyone would be unavoidable. This wouldn't just be a matter of humiliation; it would trigger civil war, and Liszt's head would be the first to roll—not to mention mine would go first.

His speech left everyone present buzzing with confusion. What was the point of this act? To prove that the Heaven Port pirates are the bravest group in the world? No need... Brothers, that's long been established; they are a bunch of uncivilized lunatics wielding knives and guns, besides bravery, what else do they have?

Liszt rose to fame aggressively both last winter and this spring, now becoming the ultimate Netherworld hero in the spotlight.

Could anyone outshine you?

Killing Zote and reporting it, then sending a coffin to the Continent Martial Arts Competition—that's an act meant for the history books.

The one who dared send the coffin would be heralded as a valorous figure, akin to unsung heroes from eighteen hundred years ago.

Ben turned pale with fright. Brother Li's move was too ruthless—if they crowned these guys national heroes, wouldn't I be severely doomed? He glanced toward Wesker, seeking salvation.

However, Wesker paid no attention to the fool, listening instead to how Cicero intended to handle the situation.

Saleret's eyes sharpened.

Indeed, Cicero wanted to hear the truth, and so far hadn't sensed any threat, genuinely trying to play both the carrot and stick, giving Mika a way out with the Aran Military Government.

Phoenix was still inexperienced and could do nothing.

Cicero pondered for a moment.

Contrary to Liszt's expectation, Cicero not only didn't fall for the carrot-and-stick play but actually took the matter seriously, acknowledging Liszt as a significant figure rather than a minor character—a mishap in the play.

East Sea Brother One, a true hero.

Not unexpectedly, as the Eastern Sea Warlord favored by and supported by Lostra, he proved complex.

No cold treatment would work now; pretending to be ignorant was no longer an option, and any stance needed to be expressed, even if it's merely a stance of non-stance.

"Indeed, since the sixteenth Continent Martial Arts Competition... the most interesting side performance. As the National Religion of Aran, and to not diminish the Dragon Lord's prestige, the Eternal Sect must also inspect itself and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future."

But Cicero still wanted to force a cold resolution, adding, "Which country are you a citizen of?"

Having heard Ben say this guy was an Aran person, Cicero asked, now providing Mika a way out. Otherwise, an immediate execution would be highly inappropriate.

He personally faced Zote and understood how significant his influence was, recognizing the magnitude of eliminating him.

If some reactionaries were alive, their impact would be a hundred percent, but if some were dead, the impact would be a thousand times greater.

This Eastern Sea Bandit dying here was the most challenging situation to deal with.

It would give domestic anti-imperialists something to write about, and tonight was meant to boost the Second Prince's influence while diminishing the Eldest Prince's.

The relationships between the princes were complex.

Technically, the Eldest Prince was the legitimate son, since the current Astalia Family's Queen became the legal wife after the death of the Eldest Prince's mother.

And the Eldest Prince himself inherited more of the Emperor's valor than Phoenix and was the first in line of succession, making this affair highly challenging.

On hearing this question, Mika felt a mountain of burden lifted from his heart.

"I am an Aran person, native of Chenxi Port, once served as a forensic doctor and hangman in Chenxi Port's Judicial Hall."

Mika never imagined that it would ultimately be his identity as an Aran that saved him.

Truly, destiny mocks.

An Aran person responsible for ruin, also leading to salvation.

Thus, Mika finally provided the Royal Court an exit strategy, allowing Cicero to conclude proceedings.

Cicero gave a performative smile, "Since an Aran citizen, no wonder so valiant. Detain him according to judicial procedures, and hold a trial in adherence to national laws. Lastly, return the spotlight to tonight's protagonist, the Continent Martial Arts Competition Champion."

After Cicero finished speaking, Mika was escorted from the venue, taking a long, relieved sigh; whether success was achieved, only Liszt knew with his resources.

Qili, leaning on the railing, wore a complicated expression, making eye contact with the departing Mika, whose eyes also held a never-before-seen fervor.

Qili became somewhat entranced.

The most magnificent... moment?

Cicero's resolution of the matter left foreign guests somewhat displeased, truly handling it as if it were a mere side show, scarcely mentioning Zote, though the Royal Court's dignity was preserved with minimal loss.

Saleret found it hard to believe, so, did Rashomon work or falter? Has the Royal Court's attitude towards Heaven Port softened?

But none of that mattered anymore.

The spectacle had ended, and the spotlight was returned to tonight's definitive protagonist, the Continent Martial Arts Competition Champion Gedre.

Due to this farce.

The field now adorned with flowers and gold leaf was filled with soldiers and clergy, Lockhart, Qiande, Royal Knights, Holy Knights...

At Cicero's signal, the ceremonial and orchestral bands resumed.

The scene was more grand and solemn than ever.

"The Pope has already presented the champion with a priceless gift, mainland's warrior, strongest hero, Gedre, what do you wish for?"

Phoenix stood up.

Ready to conclude the sixteenth Continent Martial Arts Competition.

After fulfilling Gedre's wish, the long day would finally end.

Everyone held their breath; despite the terrifying interlude, it was finally time for the much-anticipated annual moment.

With a face as grim as water, Gedre's hand was pressed against the lining of his clothes.

The most explosive thought had already sprouted; being discovered as connected to Rodrigo the Eleventh was only a matter of time, and today, no matter how mad the act, it had to be done.

Gedre stepped forward, "My wish, I wish to meet the Emperor today..."

The unrest rose once more.

The champion's wish was this?

The audience felt their scalps tingle, unable to believe their ears.

Cicero's eyes narrowed.

All the military government personnel felt as though they were living a dream; what was happening tonight?

Even Augustus, who seemed unaffected by the earlier Rashomon, raised his head, revealing terrifying eyes beneath the brim.

Today... meet the Emperor?

Does that mean the Emperor must come see him?

Lockhart, having already received Cicero's signal, had already identified Gedre as a Beima Duchy person, possibly harboring ill-intent, and immediately approached him, cautioning, "Mind your words."

But Gedre ignored him entirely.

Why discuss hatred now, along with all those resounding kindling fuels?

"More than a decade ago, to eliminate the repercussions of the 'Lord's Bill', the Emperor proposed something."

Gedre's expression remained as grim as water.

Augustus's eyes were bloodshot; did he dare to speak those four words?

"I demand a Duel of Succession."