In the Western Kingdom, cowboys often choose a day with blistering sunshine for a duel.

This way, when the sun reaches its peak, the light is equally fair to everyone.

High noon has become synonymous with justice in the Western Kingdom.

Now, it's Ethan's turn to retaliate justly.

"Oh? What evidence?"

For the first time, Joseph seriously looked at Bob, the only ally Ethan had brought in.

"We also have a recording to present."

Bob said as he took out a silver box, aimed it at the speaker, and seemed to press play.

"...while I was stationed at the northern fortress, I was researching ways to fool you. I noticed you didn't have a bank, so I gave you one."

"Ethan, I truly admire you; I'm a soft-hearted person as well. I can't stand seeing talent like yours squandered. How about this, serve a few decades in prison, hand over your assets to the Evans family, and I promise your family will be fine."

"Ethan, you're now a famous painter, philanthropist, businessman, a renowned figure in Winsted, even your reputation has spread to the Royal Capital. If I just straight-up killed you, what merit would I have? Rest assured, I will give you an explanation in the most just and transparent place."

These words were recorded from the clearest angle, and people could unmistakably hear the speaker's voice.

There was no need to identify.

Because this voice had been speaking continuously just now.

Joseph.

Joseph Evans, Kingdom Army Major.

The fire that Joseph had ignited was now thoroughly ablaze.

The crowd was in an uproar.

Could all of this really be Joseph's conspiracy?

Did he frame Ethan?

"Fake! It's all fake! You're fabricating!" Joseph shouted angrily, losing his composure.

Because he never expected that while he was eavesdropping on Ethan, Ethan was also recording what he said.

What's more important, he released the content unedited, while Ethan shamelessly altered his words.

Indeed, those were the words he had said, but many of them were clearly spliced together.

These words, when spoken separately, might not mean much, but in this edited version, it completely depicts him as scheming, abusing his power for personal gain, and using Ethan's crimes to gain fame for himself.

"Just now, Lord Ned suspected that Mr. Joseph's evidence might be fabricated. Mr. Joseph vouched for it with his surname and reputation. So, at this moment, I, Ethan Polleta, also swear on my honor, my surname, and everything I have, that the evidence we provided is absolutely true and has not been tampered with even slightly."

Ethan almost perfectly repeated what Joseph had said moments ago.

Joseph's eyes twitched fiercely.

He had never imagined that his seemingly unbeatable move would turn into a counterattack against him, especially since the words he had spoken then were now being used as Ethan's endorsement.

It could only be blamed on the fact that Joseph was still too naïve, his understanding couldn't compare to someone like Ethan, who had experienced the information explosion and knew how to use information for battle.

That was wisdom beyond its time.

"That's exactly the feeling."

From a distant high-rise, watching and listening to this, Marvin couldn't help but sigh, recalling everything that had happened previously in the Judicial Hall.

When he thought he had surely won, had everything in control, suddenly, all the illicit booze turned into water, leaving him feeling helpless and frustrated.

So, Joseph, where is your arrogance now?

Now, you've tasted this feeling too, haven't you?

Marvin initially thought Ethan's chances of winning today were very slim, but with this turn of events with the recording, he suddenly sensed that Ethan was going to win.

A very strong feeling.

"Alright, actually, recordings like these have never been precedent as evidence, right? There's really no need to dwell on it. Let's get back to the main issue. Aren't we here today to trial Ethan Polleta for money laundering, tax evasion, and fraud?"

When the situation was at a stalemate, Oswaldo spoke up.

After all, having governed Winsted for some time, he still had a certain level of prestige, and the once turbulent crowd gradually quieted down.

But still, the seeds of doubt had been sown.

Joseph quickly calmed himself, coughed, and said, "Indeed, let's continue with the money laundering discussion. Kevin, explain the specifics."

Originally, Kevin's testimony had been blocked by Ned, but due to the recording, Ned could no longer speak out.

So Kevin spoke up: "Here's the thing, I'm just an ordinary diligent employee, I only want to do legal work and earn legal money, but after Mr. Eugene came, he started having us engage in some highly suspicious business, the accounts became suspicious too, and then he suddenly gave us hefty bonuses. I was terrified, so I cautiously investigated, and indeed, something was wrong!"

After speaking, Joseph's people brought out a giant machine, and with their operation, a light screen displayed behind Joseph and them, over the boundless sea under the blazing sun.

Miraculously, under this intense sunlight, the text on the screen was exceptionally clear.

It was a contract.

At this point, Kevin could retreat, and replacing him were the audit teams brought by Joseph from the Royal Capital's Ministry of Finance.

At Joseph's gesture, they stepped to the forefront, and before formally speaking, they all slowly donned delicate navy-blue gloves matching their suits.

This is also how they got their nickname, the Kingdom Blue Gloves.

"Everyone, before we officially begin, we must introduce ourselves. We are the Kingdom Treasury's Audit Group Three, and I am the leader, Thomas Jorgen. We hereby swear on the supreme scales and the Kingdom's Codex that every calculation, notarization, and verification done today is based solely on numbers and data, without any personal emotions or biases."

With these words, an indescribable, invisible wind seemed to sweep across everyone as if some contract had been achieved.

Then, this man named Thomas pushed his glasses up and began the formal work, raising the contract in his hand.

Of course, copies of this contract were distributed to the five hundred nearest people present.

Even Ethan received a copy.

Joseph looked at Ethan, who was also holding the contract, and lightly raised it, just like a cowboy with a drawn gun at high noon.

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