Time.

12:40 p.m.

It's almost one o'clock.

One o'clock in the Royal Capital.

Virel once again stepped into Jackson's home.

As Ethan's most important partner in the Royal Capital, Jackson did not refuse to meet with Virel.

However, this famous art dealer seemed unwilling to muddy the waters for future masterpieces.

Though he always met Virel, he provided no substantial help.

Everything seemed like pleasantries and perfunctory gestures.

And Virel was like a mythical figure punished by the gods to roll a stone up a mountain, knowing it would always roll back down but continuing to try, hoping one time it might succeed.

"Truly a persistent fellow."

The Kingdom Statistical Bureau employees who were surveilling Virel were worn out; they watched as Virel entered Jackson's house, unable to stifle their yawns.

"Honestly, isn't it okay if we retreat now? Over at Wenster, young master Joseph should almost be done, right? Keeping an eye on this guy seems pointless."

That employee who liked to be contrary spoke up again.

"Do your job." The captain's anger still hadn't subsided.

"I'm just speaking frankly, Captain. These days we've investigated Jackson's accounts, even his overseas accounts haven't changed. He's a smart man, he definitely won't help Ethan, might as well clock out early."

"Shut up."

——————————

Time.

One o'clock.

At the same time.

Wenster.

Different from Beihai Avenue, Isis Shore was crowded, bustling.

In the North District, at the Governor's estate, it was eerily quiet.

Today, even the few servants originally there were off work, having gone to Beihai Avenue to watch the commotion.

So, in the vast estate, there was only Morgan, that is Herlosh.

He was recuperating, having caught a heavy cold from the rain two days ago.

Of course, this was his public explanation.

In reality, he was naturally waiting for an opportunity.

This opportunity he had awaited for a long time.

Today he planned to infiltrate Oswaldo's study.

He'd been observing for days, convinced Oswaldo's secrets were hidden within the study.

His core criminal evidence might well be in the study's safe, or hidden in a false compartment.

Regardless, it didn't matter, he'd find it.

Anyway, today he had enough time.

The only concern was whether Ethan could make it through today.

If not, everything he'd done seemed meaningless.

Taking a deep breath, Herlosh chose not to dwell on it.

He exited his room, cautiously observing his surroundings.

To most people, Herlosh might seem harmless, even weak, cowardly, and incompetent.

This impression made them overlook the most important thing about Herlosh—that he was a True Name bearer.

Eyes of Truth First True Name, the Stern Observer.

He too had True Name Ability.

His ability was: observation.

Observing himself, and everything around him.

He moved silently, leaving almost no trace, approaching Oswaldo's study door.

The study was locked.

But it didn't matter, he had brought unlocking tools.

The tools, naturally provided by Ethan, alchemical creations capable of easily opening any ordinary door.

Of course, while unlocking, Herlosh continued observing.

Objects were wedged in the door gap.

Clearly, it was Oswaldo's first line of defense against unauthorized entry.

Upon opening, there were mechanisms behind the door too.

All were circumvented by Herlosh.

He observed the study.

This was his first time entering.

Previously he had subtly proposed interviewing Oswaldo in the study, but was refused.

That's when he sensed something was amiss.

Later, after moving in, he discovered no one but Oswaldo could enter.

So he longed to infiltrate the room.

The study was large, filled with books.

But Herlosh could keenly discern which areas Oswaldo typically interacted with, and which were just decoration.

Most books, Oswaldo never moved; they were merely ornaments.

The area he actively used was near the desk.

Herlosh slowly approached the desk.

There, he saw a safe with obvious marks, some newly added.

This indicated the items he sought likely lay within the safe.

Just like that?

Just like that.

Herlosh's heart raced as he slowly opened the safe.

Of course, using that set of alchemical tools.

Inside the safe was a trove of documents.

He carefully extracted the documents, ensuring not a trace was disturbed as he perused them.

The more he examined, the more alarmed he became.

This indeed was his dream, and Ethan's ultimate purpose for sending him here.

If he handed these over to Ethan, Oswaldo was done for.

He gazed at the documents, then out the window.

Ethan, can I really get these to you?

————————————

The sky had gradually darkened, clouds drifted in, shrouding the once sunny Isis Shore.

Thomas's evidence presentation neared its end.

One could say he had thoroughly, leaving no corner unchecked, proven Ethan's guilt.

As he finished his last words, he slowly removed his glasses, silently pronouncing Ethan's life sentence.

"Alright everyone, as you've heard, and seen, I have not wronged Ethan. His crimes are numerous. According to his offenses, he shouldn't be able to leave prison in this lifetime. Seems like he'll just have to paint for folks in jail," Joseph said, shaking his head.

Ned could no longer speak, clenching his teeth as he looked at Ethan.

It seemed only one option was left.

"Ethan, Mr. Ethan Polleta, have you anything to say? If not, accept your judgment, witnessed by all Wenster citizens!"

Joseph stood tall.

Ethan remained silent.

Until Joseph was truly ready to read his verdict.

Ethan suddenly tapped his wristwatch, reactivating the speaker, and said, "The time is right. It's time to end this farce, Joseph. I will, in everyone's presence, expose your true colors, revealing how you deceived the public, colleagues, the law, and even... numbers."

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