Time.

April 10th.

The weather was as good as always.

It seemed as if the heavens wanted to pierce through all the darkness and filth in this world with this brilliant sunshine.

At least, that's what many people thought.

Those who thought this naturally believed that Ethan was innocent, just like in the Four Ships case back then.

At 9 a.m., people had spontaneously come out of their homes.

Today was a special day, many factories and companies simply gave the day off, and shops also closed.

The main reason was that everyone was eager to see how this unprecedented public trial would proceed and how it would conclude.

The venue for the public trial was set at the Isis Shore, outside Beihai Avenue.

Because this was the starting place of Wenster and also the most important core of the city, it's even said that there was once a temple of the Sea God here.

Holding the public trial in this place was in line with everyone's thoughts.

It was truly sacred.

9:30 a.m.

Ethan got dressed at home, wearing a pure white suit today, as if saying he was pure and innocent, and everything was someone else's fabrication.

As soon as he left the house, journalists who had been waiting swarmed up, and if it weren't for the Kingdom Statistical Bureau's people holding them back, Ethan might not have been able to leave his home.

So, it seemed like a scene from yesterday.

The people who were supposed to escort Ethan now seemed like guards clearing the way for him.

Unlike last time, this time, many people shouted at his car along the way, "Ethan, we believe you are innocent!"

"Stay safe!"

This showed Ethan's current public support.

There was quite a distance from Ethan's home to Isis Shore, and with the congestion on the way, it took until past 10:30 for Ethan's car to barely reach the vicinity of Beihai Avenue.

Beihai Avenue had long been occupied, not only along the road but also on the high buildings were filled with people.

To say this was the most grand event in Wenster in recent years was indeed accurate.

After a series of intensive flashes from the cameras, Ethan finally made his way through the crowd and arrived at the final destination.

The sea greeted him face-to-face, the sunlight sprinkled on the sea surface, creating shimmering waves.

Coming to meet him was, of course, Joseph who had been waiting here for a long time.

Joseph wasn't wearing a military uniform today; he donned a brown suit that fit him well, with some delicate stripes, and wore a kind smile, appearing quite amiable yet noble, even waving slightly to Ethan upon seeing him.

It seemed like he wasn't here to judge Ethan but to invite him to a meal.

In truth, the entire setup did not resemble a trial scene, with no high and mighty chief judge, and no distinctly divided opposing parties.

There were only two opposing long tables.

Today, Joseph naturally wasn't appearing alone; besides himself, there was a group of somewhat unfamiliar people standing by him.

These people didn't appear to be members of the military; they lacked the cold, iron-blood aura of soldiers, wearing navy blue suits, with some even wearing glasses, and there was a faint sense of wisdom on each of their faces, making them look profound and mysterious overall.

But Ethan knew these were the financial audit team Joseph had specifically brought from the Royal Capital, coming from the Kingdom Treasury, all top-level experts who had dealt with countless financial and tax-related incidents, accidents, and cases.

This meant Joseph had brought out his strongest weapon today.

Although Ethan was merely a local Mafia leader in Wenster, Joseph adhered to the principle.

A lion uses all its strength even when catching a rabbit.

On Ethan's side, he only brought one person, and that was Bob.

Bob Older.

In the Wenster area, Bob certainly wasn't an unknown figure anymore; after the Four Ships case, he had quickly become the most famous lawyer in Wenster, standing alongside Duval.

But compared to the other side, it felt like going back to the original situation.

Because, on the other side, the renowned lawyer Duval, once the golden name in Wenster's legal field, was merely in the last seat as a consultant in Joseph's lineup.

Of course, Ethan wasn't really getting only Bob's assistance; Ned was also present today, though he couldn't fulfill the role and authority of the chief judge today, being merely an observer.

Even if he could speak up for Ethan, the effect would be limited.

"Ethan, Ethan, you look absolutely perfect today, very photogenic. Come, before everything starts, let's take a photo together. I'm afraid you won't even be able to stand later."

Joseph walked over quickly, speaking in a gentle tone but with wholly provocative words.

"Who knows who might not be able to stand, Director Joseph." Ethan smiled and shook his hand.

Both of them smiled with great amusement.

Then, before the atmosphere could completely freeze, they both turned to look at the journalists behind them.

Naturally, those standing in the front were journalists valued by Joseph, many of whom came from the Royal Capital.

One of the journalists, after taking a group photo, immediately asked a sharp question: "Mr. Ethan, I really admire your paintings, whether it be 'The Orphans of Saint Kuanti' or 'The Persistence of Memory,' they make people either empathize or ponder deeply. Your compassion and philosophy fascinate me and many across the Kingdom, but now you are deeply involved in such a crime. Does this mean those works weren't from your heart?"

Ethan looked at him and didn't speak for quite awhile.

The atmosphere was somewhat cold.

Instead of feeling awkward, the journalist laughed and said, "Did I hit a nerve?"

"No." Ethan finally spoke, "I was just observing your features. Actually, I've already thought of the title for my next painting, it will be called 'The Final Justice,' and you will be in it. As for whether it's from my heart, please be sure to appreciate it carefully then."

"..." Ethan's words left the journalist silent, at a loss for what to say.

Especially as Ethan asked, "Oh, would you mind telling me your name and which newspaper you belong to?"

The journalist couldn't help but step back, fearing that if Ethan indeed won this case and created such a painting...

Given Ethan's influence, he would be infamous throughout history.

"Alright, Ethan, don't scare people. Let's get started quickly, 'The Final Justice,' huh? I like that title, make sure to create it, and I will frame it and hang it in the most conspicuous place."

Joseph interrupted their confrontation.

The sunlight remained bright and warm.

But the sea breeze gradually picked up, fluttering the corners of everyone's clothes.

The real showdown was about to begin.

Whose side will the final justice stand on?

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