LP Beach

Unlike most AA games, in Investigations most of the game takes place from a third person perspective, and every character you can talk to(plus Edgeworth) has a sprite on the overworld.

This plus the usual talking sprites means that a lot of animations happen. So many that this LP would take forever if I made gifs of all of them. Instead I'll be focusing on the interesting ones.

For those completely out of the loop, this is Edgeworth. He became a prosecutor at the age of 20 and was famed for having a perfect record until some nobody named Phoenix Wright defeated him in a trial. He has a reputation for being ruthless & humorless but effective, although he's softened over the years.

There's a lot more to say about him, but I'll sprinkle it in as needed instead of giving you a paragraph infodump straight out of the gate.

(I hope Detective Gumshoe has been keeping an eye on my office. And keeping it clean.)

(Hm? What’s this smell...? It’s very familiar...Blood?)

Suspense

................Shut up.

Hmph. You’ve got some nerve, committing murder in a prosecutor’s office.

Is that a threat?

...

What?

No one gets away with committing murder in my office. No one.

............

And I work as a prosecutor in my local district. Little did I know that upon my return home after a month abroad, I would be thrust into a multitude of cases, and some very frantic and busy days.

I hope you like this room, because we're going to be here for quite a while. Future cases involve more locations, but the first case keeps it simple.

Investigation ~ Opening 2009

Very well. Please continue your investigation.

Forensics: Yes, sir!

For longer gifs that have dialogue in them, I'll transcribe the text below for your convenience.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Mr. Edgeworth, sir!! Are you OK, sir!?

Keep it down, Detective. This is a crime scene.

You'll learn everything you need to know about Gumshoe quickly enough. All you need to know right now is that he's one of the best characters in the franchise.

No, I'm perfectly fine. However...

Get used to this. This game really loves switching between portait dialogue mode and overworld mode at the drop of a hat. Incidentally, some of the animations from the large portraits carry over to the smaller sprites. I'll be using those to approximate what the dialogue portraits should be, since the tiny sprites would look awful for that purpose.

I'll say. The culprit sullied my floor with dirt rather well. No one gets away with tracking mud into my office.

Whoa! Sounds like you're getting really burned up over this whole thing!

Ho ho! That's just like you, Mr. Edgeworth! OK! Time to do some investigating!

Agreed. Our first course of action is to gather relevant facts and leads.

(So I'll keep any leads or information we find etched in the forefront of my mind.) Speaking of things that pique my curiosity...Why of all places did the murder occur in my office?

(Hmm... I get the nagging feeling that this is something important to keep in mind.)

I mean, you can't really say it's just a coincidence, can you?

"The office key" also goes into the mysterious Logic button.

What do you mean, sir?

If you think about it carefully and use Logic, it should become clear to you.

Logic...?

By finding the connection between two pieces of information and connecting them, new information is born. That is the end result of using Logic.

So how do you use it?

First, I recall information through the Logic Button, and then Connect them together.

Ace Attorney protagonists have had all sorts of ridiculous mystical superpowers over the years. Even Phoenix gets the superpower of being able to see into people's souls and unlock the secrets within.

Edgeworth's superpower is logic.

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

Logic mode is relatively simple. The information Edgeworth has noticed is on the bottom screen. Select two pieces of information to connect them together, and if you're right, Edgeworth will realize something new. In this case we only have two things to work with, so...

Which means it would have been hard for the murderer and the victim to get in here. Ergo, it's impossible to dismiss the location of this crime as a mere coincidence.

Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking, sir!

You're really on the ball today, Mr. Edgeworth! That's some beautiful Logic, sir!

Yes, well... When you follow leads to their conclusion, only the truth remains.

Yes, we have a life bar. Get enough wrong and you lose.

(But if I think carefully before piercing leads together, the Logic should flow.) Well, let's get started with our investigation, shall we?

Yes, sir!

Investigation ~ Core 2009

The basis of any good investigation is to examine everything, sir!

I know that. And when I want to examine something, I simply touch the Examine Button.

Oh, if you ever feel lost and want to talk, just touch the Partner Button, OK!? I'll give you great, precise advice as an Ace Investigator, sir!

(*sigh* Something to try later if I have free time, I suppose.)

There's quite a bit to look at here, but let's start with the UI. You can move around freely on the map, and need to do that to investigate things and talk to people.

The Organizer button lets us see the physical evidence we've gathered. Note that this is different from the information used in Logic, and is used for different purposes.

Right now the only 'evidence' we have is our trusty prosecutor's badge. Don't leave home without it!

The organizer also lets us see the profiles of everyone involved in the current case. Right now that's limited to the murder victim and Gumshoe.

For tidiness' sake I'll mostly be showing these off at the end of each update whenever something changes.

And these are the options after hitting the Partner button. This lets us talk to Gumshoe, which is mostly helpful if we forget what we're doing.

Notice anything?

Is there anything you noticed that you'd like to share, Detective Gumshoe?

Just that I rushed over here as soon as I heard there was a murder in your office, sir! The investigation's just gotten started, so I guess there's not much else to say. So, uh, were you the one that found the body, Mr. Edgeworth?

Unfortunately. Upon my return, I found my office door to be unlocked. And what awaited me inside was this whole messy affair.

Ouch, that's rough...

Even though I left the security of this room to a "certain detective"...

S-Sorry, sir...

About investigating

I assume you understand how to conduct investigations, Detective Gumshoe?

Of course, sir! Examine things by tapping them or by touching the Examine Button! By checking various things out, we gather evidence and information. You can see the evidence we've collected by touching the Organizer Button.

For information... information... um...

For information and leads, it's the Logic Button.

That's it! Great job, sir! Deductive reasonable is the way to go!

(It's called "Deductive Reasoning", Detective... Clearly, something you lack.)

We can also present evidence to our investigation partner. And by that I mean "everyone gets to see our prosecutor badge."

Oh! But, um......It's really cool, sir! Much, much cooler than my badge could ever be!

...There's no need to suck up to me, Detective.

..................

Onward to the actual investigation.

I think I've seen one of these before... Hmm...

Care to enlighten me as to where?

Oh! I know! I was issued the exact same model! .........I think.

*sigh* Detective...

I don't really like guns all that much. I mean, they're really dangerous! But now that I think about it, you do see this model around the precinct a lot, sir. I don't use mine much, except in emergencies, so that's why I didn't recognize it...

And if we check the revolver again...

So the detectives of this precinct all use this same model of revolver?

I guess. I don't really like guns, but at least I do know the different types out there!

(At least he knows SOMETHING related to his job.)

Officer: And yet, there's something out of the ordinary right in front of my eyes.

Talk about a contradiction!

(Something out of the ordinary, huh... I should look around a bit more.)

I had it all set up, ready for when you got back. I figured we could play a few games.

I had no idea you were interested in chess.

I'm actually pretty good at checkers, so I thought I'd give chess a try.

Hmm... In that case, I suppose I can set some time aside after we solve this case. (Though I don't expect the games to tax my mental acuity much.)

This mode ought to be familiar to AA veterans. Poke thing on touchscreen to examine it. I start with the body.

Let's see here...Hmm, there's blood all over his lower abdominal area.

It looks like the bullet passed clean through his stomach area, sir...

In other words, he was shot.

Yup. And until the autopsy's done, I don't think we'll know much more than that.

Please have the body sent to the morgue once they're done processing the crime scene.

This is our first piece of evidence that goes into the Organizer instead of Logic. The game gives a brief explanation of what the Organizer does, but I went over that already.

Next are the files all over the floor.

Aww, and I tried so hard to keep this place spotless while you were away... I mean, this just rendered all the time and effort I put in pointless!

I don't recall ever asking you to clean my room!

Well, I watered the flowers every day, just like you requested, sir. I just added cleaning to the list as a weekend special! For about half a day every Saturday, I'd come in and clean this place until it sparkled!

(Does he have a life...?)

And now the black rectangle near the victim's hand.

Hey, I think I've seen one of these before...

It's a police badge, Detective...

Oh, hey! I have the exact same thing, actually! What a coinkidink!

......... Let's take a look inside.

We could do that, or I could keep looking at the crime scene. Guess which one I pick.

Let's take a gander at that shelf.

...that not even an earthquake could make them fall off, but just look at them! At this rate, the rest of the files won't be able to withstand an earthquake at all!

...A-A problem to be sure. Well, once the investigation is over, we'll put them back up on the shelf.

And that's everything near the body. Let's keep going counterclockwise around the room.

......Nnngh...That killer is going to pay! This tea set...!

Yikes! You're really mad over this!

This tea set is very dear to my heart and can only be bought in England. It cost more than your whole month's paycheck.

Wh...Whaaaaaaaat!? Now I feel like the killer's wasted one of my monthly paychecks!

...King. King of Prosecutors. And it's not a trophy; it's a shield.

They only send this to the winning prosecutor, right!?

...Yes, but I have no real interest in the perceived worth of other people. As for my own worth, that is something only I can determine for myself.

Th-that's so slick, sir! I'm gonna have to try saying that sometime!

(Unfortunately for him, his monetary worth is tied directly to his worth to me.)

...Hm? It's so tidy that it looks newer than when I first bought it.

Ho ho, yeah! That thing's so polished that it makes mirrors jealous!

Don't tell me you had no other work the entire time I was away, Detective...

My job is to protect your office, sir!

...And you did such a good job protecting it that a murder occurred in it.

..........That's harsh, sir...

(I have to admit the desk has never looked better, so I guess I can't dock his pay.)

Speaking of which, I still haven't actually sat down and watched any of that show. What's it about again?

Well, I don't know much about it myself, but...the hero of "The Steel Samurai: Warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo" is the Steel Samurai...

...and his goal is to defeat the Evil Magistrate. It's a show geared towards kids...

...however its high production values and riveting plot draws in a number of adults as well.

Spin-offs like "Pink Princess: Warrior of Little Olde Tokyo" and "The Nickel Samurai"...

...along with the deluge of merchandise, and even a new stage show, gives it presence.

You...sure know a lot. Are you sure you're not some sort of rabid fanboy?

...! O-Of course not! Anyone that keeps up with society know at least this much! And that conversation lasted longer than expected. Let us return to the investigation!

The ones that come with a card attached every month like clockwork for you? Yup. Speaking of that! Let's see what's on the card this month, sir! "All will be resolved. --Wendy"

(Oh, Ms. Irony... How painful are thy thorns.)

Wendy... Isn't that the name of that old lady with the whiny voice that's stalk--

That's enough, Detective. You need not remind me further. *shudder*

Forensics: Please, I need absolute silence. Fingerprint lifting is a delicate art!

(...Well, I never!)

That thing looks a billion times softer than my mattress at home! C-Can I sit on it, too? Just for a little while, sir?

Detective Gumshoe. You know I can't allow that. Until this case is solved, neither of us has time to spare, let alone rest.

...! You're right, sir! I'm gonna work hard and be a real trooper to the end!

(Even once this case is over, I don't think he can afford to take any time off...)

And now there's nothing left to do but logic our way closer to the truth. But I'm going to end the update here before it gets overly long.

This is all the information we have to work with. Which two go together shouldn't be particularly hard to figure out.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:27 pm

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

Welcome back. Before moving on, here's what happens if you Logic wrong.

And then you take damage. You don't even get a hilarious damage animation. :rip:

As you've probably figured out, these are the two that go together.

Could it have belonged to our recently departed? Detective Gumshoe, could you please thoroughly check the victim's body one more time?

Yes, sir! On it now, sir!

Tricks And Gimmicks

Hmm, so it appears that our killer somehow managed to take the victim's gun from him.

You can use the scroll wheels to rotate an object. There's no such thing as a bad angle! Use the Slide Bar or the X and Y Arrows to zoom in and out to get at the nitty gritty!

In this mode, we can examine evidence in 3D! It's not available for everything we pick up, and it's usually pretty simple to find the points of interest, but hey, gotta show off what the DS can do, right?

This is a relatively simple one where you don't even have to rotate the gun at all, and there's only two things to look at. I start with the trigger.

You know, I can't ever see myself really liking guns. Oh! But I love the ones they use at track and field meets to start races! If you take off before it's fired, everybody always ends up following your lead!

...To chase you down for a false start, Detective.

Now that you mention it, even when I finish first, I always wind up in last place...

Next is the chamber with the bullets.

Wow, so the killer killed the vic with just one shot after wrestling the gun from him? Sounds like the guy knew how to handle a gun, huh, Mr. Edgeworth.

We have no proof for now, but that is a distinct possibility...

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

And with that we've discovered everything we can about the gun.

Silence

Why, oh why!? How could this have happened to a guy like you!?

.........Are you alright?

Don't touch me! Leave me alone! Just let me be!

Sorry, but I can't do that. The investigation is still ongoing, so please refrain from touching the body.

The "body"? The "BODY"!? Don't talk about him like he's just some lump of flesh! Look at him... Jim looks like he's just turned in for the night.

Um, sure. Just in a blood-stained suit, pal.

Investigation ~ Opening 2009

Jim here was my partner in crime busting...

I'm Miles Edgeworth, and like you, I am also a prosecutor.

Detective Dick Gumshoe, sir.

So you're Miles Edgeworth...I guess this is your office?

Yes, that is correct.

Hey, don't go around jumping to conclusions, pal! Just calm down, OK!?

I will not! I know how things work around here! High prosecutors' office doors all have locks built into them. And only the owner of the office has the key to his or her own office door!

Suspense

That is correct. However, I was not the one who killed your partner.

Yeah! Mr. Edgeworth has been overseas on a business trip this whole time, pal.

And the key to the door was with me the entire time, OK!? So the only one who could get in here was me! Ho ho ho ho.

So it was you, then! You're Jim's killer!!

No way, pal! You've got it all wrong!!

...!

Investigation ~ Opening 2009

Mr. Portsman, correct? If you are a real prosecutor, you should know to stay collected. The investigation has only just begun. Isn't it too early to be drawing conclusions?

...Alright, I get the point. You're right, my mistake. I tend to get a little too hot-headed sometimes. You sure are one cool customer, though, Mr. Edgeworth.

.........

I've heard all the rumors about you. You're the great "Genius Prosecutor". You're something of a legend, you know. Anyway! Let's call a truce and work together, OK?

............ A pleasure to work with you.

You guys were conducting your investigation, right? Sorry for barging in like that. Carry on, then. It's your room, after all.

Thank you, I intend to.

I just want a little more time to say good-bye to Jim...You there!

My final farewell to my partner Jim...

............ (I should probably give them some space...)

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

And we're free to investigate again. Only three things have changed with Portsman's entrance. Let's start with the obvious one.

You wait and see. It'll be for the both of us! Now then! You wanted to talk to me about something?

...Um, no. That's alright. (I feel like I'm interrupting their... conversation.)

Next is the forensics guy.

Forensics: Please, I need absolute silence. This picture is too important to mess up.

(I'll leave the man to his art.)

The way forward is in this framed jacket, which we can access now that forensics guy isn't blocking it.

It must have fallen off the wall when the killer tried to threaten me by firing a round.

So the killer not only shot the victim, but they shot your jacket as well!? They dared to shoot the ultra-special jacket that you made your prosecutorial debut in!? What if they had shot through it!? It would've been a disaster!

It's not worth getting worked up over, Detective. Not when there's something more here.

Huh? Like what?

I take it you haven't noticed it yet, Detective. There is a giant contradiction right here in front of us.

Really!?

I'm 99% sure Phoenix is never mentioned by name in AAI, but we all know who's being talked about.

(But I have my own methods and I will conduct this investigation my way. When the scene before me contradicts a piece of evidence or seems off that's when my deductive skills come into play. First, I have to find the spot that holds the contradiction.)

This plays out similarly the body scene investigation earlier, except now we're moving crosshairs to pinpoint what Edgeworth's looking for. Since we're still in tutorial land, simply moving them over the point in question(or using the touch screen to poke it) triggers a response.

(When I spot something that's off, I should touch the Deduce Button with conviction! And when I have found sufficient proof to prove the contradiction, I Present it! This is how I do things.)

Again, the contradiction should be obvious. If the gun only fired once, how did it shoot the victim and the jacket?

Click the bubble to get the accompanying vocals. I won't do this for every interjection bubble, but I feel like this one's special.

Tricks and Baroque

This bullet hole is the contradiction!

Wh-What do you mean, sir!?

It's elementary. Two shots were fired in this room.

However, this gun was only fired once.

Hey, that's true, too...

Which means that one of these two bullets was fired from a different gun.

By the way, I noticed something, sir...

Yes?

What's that thing sticking out from behind the frame?

Ah, that. It's a secret safe.

A s-secret safe?! Oh, I smell money!

I'll spare us the trouble and just say it. Nothing like what you're imagining is inside. Now, if you could kindly move this frame out of the way.

Roger that!

Investigation ~ Opening 2009

I suppose that's what happens when I'm not here to dust it once in a while.

I had no idea there was a safe here, or I'd have kept it clean for you, sir! So when did you put this thing in?

Really!? I had no idea!

Well, only prosecutors are supposed to have knowledge of their existence.

So... what's inside, Mr. Edgeworth!?

Right now? Nothing. We only use them to store especially important evidence when a trial is in session.

That's it...? Talk about squashing my hopes and dreams...

First in the inspection list is just...the safe. Itself. Accomplished by looking at any part of the safe that isn't the Not Suspicious Keypad.

Well, if detectives knew about them, then they wouldn't be "secret" now would they?

Are there any other secret, hidden things in this room?

Even if there were, it would defeat the purpose of them being "hidden" if I told you. So don't bother looking for them.

S-So there's no, like, hidden camera around, right?

Hm? And what if there was...?

A-Ah! No, it's nothing! Forget I said anything!

(Do I even want to ask what he's been doing in my office while I've been away!?)

Let's just move on to the keypad.

You found something, sir?

This keypad... Don't you find it to be a bit too clean?

Yeah! There's a thick layer of dust all around it, but not on the keypad itself.

Forensics: Yes, sir!

Could you please dust this area for fingerprints?
Forensics: You got it, sir!

............

As I thought... (It appears that Logic is the only way around this setback. Time to rationally and calmly play connect the dots with the information we have.)

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

Four pieces of information we can connect again, and to progress we need to use three of the four - this is the first instance where using Logic produces new information that we need to immediately use for more Logic.

For the first set, we're using 'information' that's really just a question in search of an answer by connecting The Killer's Goal with the Wiped Fingerprints.

The fact that the safe was wiped clean of fingerprints suggests that the criminal had at least attempted to open my safe.

Edgeworth: So dedicated to logic that he insists on keeping a question mark in whether or not this was theft.

(I wonder if knowing that the motive behind this break-in was theft changes what the other pieces of information can tell me about this crime?)

Next, we connect the new Motive: Theft(?) with Signs Of A Struggle.

Oh! You mean like it could be from when the killer tried to find something, sir!?

Precisely. We need to figure out if any of the files have been stolen.

Yes, sir! I'm gonna shelve files like you've never seen before, even at a library!

Um, sure... Let's give that a try...

Surely you must ponder that every once in a while, Mr. Edgeworth.

......... No matter how much we lament, the dead will not come back to life. All we can do is search for the truth.

......... And? So what are we supposed to do? How do we go about finding the truth?

First, we calmly restore the files to their rightful place.

You got it! Here, let me help!

Um, so this file goes here, and that book goes there...

You sure know a lot about where things go, despite it being Mr. Edgeworth's office.

Because I'm the one who keeps it tidy, pal! OK! Done!

Investigation ~ Core 2009

Unnngh... The bloodstains on the bookshelf are still fresh...

I suspect that the victim was killed in a standing position, hence the prints on the shelf.

And then the guy fell onto the floor, right? The blood on the floor's kinda grossing me out!

Detective, I don't have the time to deal with your weak stomach right now.

Nnngh... But you know I'm no good with blood, sir...

(I'm certain there's something wrong with this picture...)

Time for another scene investigation. We'll start with the bloody handprints.

He must have tried to support himself with his hands here after being shot.

There are prints on the floor, too.

Those must have been made when, unable to stay standing, he dropped to the floor.

Next is the files.

Although, it does look like the killer moved the body to flip through my shelves. (I wonder if they found what they were looking for...?)

And the bloodstain on the floor...

Oh! So that's why the seat of the victim's pants has blood on it!

That would be the logical conclusion.

And the body.

The blood on this guy's pants proves that pretty well!

In a sense, I suppose.

See! I'm not completely useless, Mr. Edgeworth!

And last but not least, the bullet hole.

For the bullet to be lodged so squarely in a file spine indicates that the files were ransacked after the shooting had occurred.

Then I guess the victim was moved because he was in the killer's way...

The problem here should be obvious: How is the bullet hole all the way down there when the victim was shot in the abdomen while apparently standing up?

Wh-What do you mean, sir!?

Tricks and Baroque

Quite simply, the bullet hole is too low. If the victim was shot in the stomach, the hole should be much higher up.

But what if the guy was shot while he was sitting or lying down, sir!?

That would be illogical. The victim leaned against this shelf here after being shot. Which suggests that he was standing when he was shot.

Then that means...! ............Wait, what does that mean, sir?

It means you need to use your brain every once in a while instead of mine, Detective.

In any case, it means someone made a faulty assumption. And it was from this mistake that our current contradiction was born!

Only one of these is right, but I'll show off the wrong answers because why not.

The position of the body

If the victim was shot while he was lying down...

Wait... Didn't you just say that line of reasoning is illogical, sir? You said, "The victim leaned against this shelf here after being shot."

...I was trying to be nice and explain my complex logic in an easier way for you, Detective.

Oh, really!? Thanks for thinking of me, sir!

(...Good, I don't think he noticed my mistake.)

You still take damage even if nobody notices you made a mistake. Edgeworth has standards.

The position of the handprints

The position of the handprints is what's causing this problem. We wouldn't be in this dilemma if the handprints were closer to the ground!

But the handprints are where they are... Up top.

...Yes, you are quite perceptive! Which is why this is not a viable hypothesis.

Oh, so it was just a "what if"? Then what's the right answer?

Hmph...You still can't figure it out? Then allow me to explain.

Yes, please, sir!

(Guess he didn't notice the slip-up. Although, at this point, I shouldn't be surprised.)

And the correct answer is...

The order of the files

I believe the order of the files is a bit off.

You mean I put them back in the wrong order just now?

Oh?

Yeah! You see here how the files that were shot begin with the number 0? What are those doing all the way down there after 1, 2, and 3!? That's really weird!!

They are exactly as I see them in my mind's eye.

But the numbers are all out of order.

Those white binders are special, so they are arranged a little differently. But from this, we know that the files were not in this order when the crime occurred.

(Aha! So that's it!) I believe the killer made the same incorrect assumption as you just did, Detective. Let's re-arrange the files in numerical order and see what we find out.

Do you think it'd be OK to prop the body back up to how it was before it was moved?

They've finished processing the crime scene, so I don't see why it wouldn't be. If you please, Detective Gumshoe!

Investigation ~ Core 2009

The killer went through my files first before shooting Mr. Faith.

And then put the files back in numerical order, I guess.

Exactly. And then proceeded to shoot the victim.

But why would someone kill a man and then look through your files one more time?

Puzzling indeed.

Examination time.

The body:

But there is no time to ponder that now. Let us continue with our investigation, Detective.

Roger that, sir! I'm raring to go!

The bullet hole:

And we figured out that the killer went through your bookshelf twice.

Indeed... There are many things the killer did that don't make sense. But to figure out the whys, we need more information.

The handprints:

Yes, he must have left them when he was trying to support himself after he was shot. (However, the final position of the body shows that it was moved... I need to go over this crime scene with a fine-toothed comb one more time.)

The bloody writing I've been pointedly ignoring:

Silence

Why does it say "Gumshoe" on there in blood!?

I'd say it's some incredibly incriminating evidence...

Yes, indicative of criminal activity, indeed.

No! Wait! There's gotta be some mistake! Mr. Edgeworth, sir! Help me! Say something, sir!

......... It appears that one of my files was stolen.

Is that all, sir!? What about me and my situation!?

(Is this what the killer was really after?)

Completing an investigation restores your health. Not that Edgeworth ever makes mistakes, of course.

And this most important message managed to reach us.

I'm telling you! It wasn't me!!!

You can't be terribly pleased to hear that your partner is the guilty party.

If you are going to accuse Detective Gumshoe of being the culprit I sincerely hope you have some proof to back it up.

Jim's words... They're more than enough, wouldn't you say?

If that's how you want to play it, then at least allow me to understand your reasoning.

You got it!

(And there must be some sort of flaw to his logic waiting for me to dig out.)

Mr. Edgeworth! Wh-What are you going to do?

What I always do in court; I'm going to cross-examine him. One way or another, I'll expose the flaw in his logic with this technique.

Sure, why not.

If I find a flaw in the testimony, something that contradicts the evidence...

I open the Organizer and Present the piece of contradictory evidence! (To Present something, I simply touch the Present Button, but that's old news.)

But it's not like there's gonna be a flaw in their testimony every time, right!?

Correct, and at those times, I need to Press the witness by touching the Press Button. Sometimes by pressing, I can draw out new information, and new or modified testimony.

I think I get it, sir! I'll be sure to try this technique out during investigations, too!

Very well. I'll even show you how it's done. Now watch carefully.

And you will watch carefully. Next time.

Evidence dump:

And profiles:

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:29 pm

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

Further, you messed up the files to make it look like you had committed theft instead.

That's when you moved Jim's body that was sitting in front of the bookshelf!

But thanks to that, you didn't notice the bloody letters his body was hiding.

And it will be by his final words that you will be brought to justice.

Hmph. Are you sure you're not mishearing his words, Mr. Portsman?

(There is no way Detective Gumshoe is the culprit here. I will find the flaw in this man's logic and expose it with credible evidence!)

So as you've probably noticed, these are identical to the cross-examinations in regular AA games. Just...not in a courtroom.

As is tradition, we start by pressing every statement.

You know, there's something I've been meaning to ask...

Hm? What is it?

Why do you call the victim "Jim" when clearly, his name is "Buddy Faith"...?

Isn't it obvious? "Jim" is the perfect name for my companion. "Jacques and Jim". Don't those two names go together like peanut butter and jam?

But "Jim" isn't even close to the guy's real name...

Well, "Jacques and Buddy" just sounds... off somehow. Besides, he was the third of a bunch of guys I decided to nickname "Jim".

(Hmph. He talks about the victim like he was his pet.)

Do you really think it was necessary to dishevel my shelves twice to do that?

That's true...Ok, then maybe his real intent WAS theft.

Hey! Are you accusing me of stealing something from Mr. Edgeworth!?

It's a possibility. Maybe your salary's been cut so much that life is getting a little too rough to handle...?

I'll have you know that I eat three square meals every day, pal!

...OK, so all three of them happen to be instant noodles, but...

Poor thing. What an evil prosecutor you were paired up with. And what a motive, no?

And why would Detective Gumshoe do such a thing?

Because the body was getting in his way. He had to mess up your bookshelf somehow, right? Anyway...

Why do you think that the killer didn't notice the bloody letters?

The body was covering it quite well, wouldn't you say? That's how he missed it. But judging by what I've seen, it doesn't take much for your detective to miss something.

Who do you think you are!? You know nothing about me, pal!

There's a lot a person can understand about another from first impressions alone.

(I can't say I disagree with him on that point...)

Wh-Why don't you say something, sir!? ...*gasp!* N-Not you, too, Mr. Edgeworth!

(Despite his lack of attention to detail, I don't believe the detective to be the culprit. Nobody could've overlooked the bloody letters, and I can prove it... With evidence.)

I couldn't ask for a better set-up for the game-finishing spike!

Are you saying that those letters were intended for you?

Yup. Jim was an outstanding detective. I would expect no less from my former partner.

(It looks like Mr. Portsman still doesn't understand...He has yet to figure out the true meaning behind the bloody letters.)

(Actually, there's a gigantic flaw in his logic...A gap so wide that even the good detective can spot it. Now to clue Mr. Portsman in by presenting him with some evidence.)

The game gives you a hint here by making this the one statement Edgeworth goes "I have evidence!" for. As for the problem with Jacques' statement, well...

Heh, bringing a bit of the courtroom into this, I see. No problem, I'm game!

I can't help but find it odd...

Excuse me?

Odd that a fellow prosecutor would be brought down by the power of his own office.

Wh-What are you talking about!? ...Oh, you're joking, I get it...! Ha ha ha.

If you have the time to laugh, then you have the time to take another, closer look at this.

Wh-Whaaaaaaat!? That's impossible!!

What's "impossible", Mr. Portsman?

Um, uh, nothing...

The files on that shelf are about a certain case. When the killer went to take the file after murdering your partner, I highly doubt they could've missed the bloody letters written on the spines.

I think it's pretty obvious that the file was stolen after it was written on. The missing letters in the detective's name where the file should be is proof.

Yeah! I mean, the "s" is gone, and there's only half an "h"!

If Detective Gumshoe really was the culprit of this case I highly doubt that even he could overlook his own name written in blood on the files.

Especially as a detective who can't stand the sight of blood!

Which means... what exactly? What does that make this dying message...?

It makes it the work of a criminal intent on tampering with the crime scene.

............

That's so low! I can't believe the criminal tried to pin this whole thing on me, sir! I'm gonna get 'em, sir! You'll see! I'm gonna have them under arrest in no time!

Well, Mr. Portsman?

Silence

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Brilliant! Absolutely splendid! Logic deserving of Olympic gold!

I appreciate the praise, but it doesn't change the fact that your reasoning is flawed.

Meh, you win some and you lose some. That's how life goes.

Glad everyone's so cheery... even though I feel more dead than alive.

Ah, but you know, it really is a shame...I really didn't want to have to bring this up, however...

W-What is it this time!? Are you still after me, pal!?

Humor me for a second. Who has the key to this office?

That would be me! But Mr. Edgeworth just proved that I'm innocent, pal!

That's absolutely right! And I acknowledge your innocence.

Then why do I sense that you still have something to say?

Well, I was thinking. Did you know there is one other person with a key to this office?

(One other person...?)

Investigation ~ Middle 2009

Would you kindly fetch and escort that lovely young lady here for me...?

(A lady...?)

The girl is a member of this building's security. Think of her as a "material witness".

S-security? Did you say, "Security"!? No, stop it, pal! Don't!

(What's wrong with him all of a sudden?)

I believe she needs no introduction. I have called upon Ms. Maggey Byrde, a member of security.

Suspense

Meet Maggie. The tl;dr of her life is a constant stream of misfortune(including being falsely accused of murder twice...well, three times now

), and that continues here. Also Gumshoe's into her and the feeling might be mutual.

Ms. Byrde is the security guard on watch tonight.

I see. And your point is?

My point is that she could very well have used it. And by "it", I mean the master key, which can open all the office doors in this building.

Wh-Wh-Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?

If you are not the guilty party, Detective Gumshoe, then the only other person with access to this room is Ms. Byrde.

How dare you!? I would never sneak into someone's room!

That's right! I refuse to believe that Maggey's the culprit, pal! Um...It was me! That's right, I did it!

Can we take that as a confession, Detective?

Um, well, it wasn't really me... But it definitely wasn't Maggey, pal! So, yeah, it was me! If it was, you'd have no problems with that, right!?

Please refrain from flying off the handle, Detective. There's no need for such theatrics.

Listen to your boss, Detective. He understands what I'm saying here. That girl is the only one who could've committed the crime, and for one simple reason!

It's pretty obvious that Ms. Byrde snuck into your room using the master key.

I mean, if Detective Gumshoe isn't the one who opened the door...

...then that leaves only Ms. Byrde as our prime suspect.

On top of which, she knows our good detective, doesn't she?

Making it all that more probable that she was the one who faked that dying message.

That's what you claimed about the evidence earlier as well...

That was then, this is now. The flow of a good match always changes during a rally. It's all about your reflexes and reaction time, especially for an athlete like me!

(I wonder if there was anyone other than Ms. Byrde who could've used the master key? It seems the only way to get Mr. Portsman to give me more details is to Press him.)

You can safely assume I'm always pressing every statement at first unless stated otherwise.

Are you sure Ms. Byrde is the only member of security who could've used the master key?

There's only one person on staff at this time of night. And tonight, she's it. Isn't that right, Ms. Byrde?

That's, um... true... But...

But I wasn't able to use the master key at the time of the crime, sir!

("Wasn't able to"...? What's that supposed to mean?)

Yes, yes... Moving on. I'd hate to get sidetracked by something unrelated.

Whaddaya mean, "unrelated"!? I wanna hear what she has to say, pal!

But you can't really trust her not to tell lies. Plus, I hate wasting time.

Of course we're going to.

Not so fast. I, too, am interested in hearing what Ms. Byrde has to say.

Didn’t I just say it'd be a waste of time? We don't need to hear her lies.

I'll be the judge of that. Ms. Byrde, if you please.

I discovered that the master key was missing at around 1 AM, sir!

What do you mean by "missing"?

Mr. Portsman, I believe this to be an important piece of testimony. Don't you?

*sigh* I can't believe that someone like you would be taken in by such words.

I'm not lying, sir!

This objection actually comes from Portsman.

If that's the case, then I'd like to know... why do you have the master key now?

I...I don't quite know. It just reappeared all of a sudden, sir.

Hah, a likely story. And where is your proof that the key was stolen to begin with? I bet you just forgot where you put it and then "found" it again.

I never lose things! I can practically guarantee that! With me, if something disappears, it's usually because someone stole it!

Yeah, pal! Trust me, you don't want to test how bad her luck is!

.........Unfortunately, I can't deem this piece of testimony as conclusive.

Glad you agree, Mr. Edgeworth.

Unnnngh... But! But! You still haven't established Maggey's motive for breaking into Mr. Edgeworth's office!

Her motive? Didn't we already establish that it was theft?

I mean, the culprit clearly went through the bookshelves and at least tried the safe.

It is as Mr. Portsman says, Detective.

(I can't ignore the fact that all the evidence points towards a motive of theft. But I'm done taking blows. It's time to counterattack with a few facts of my own.)

This was added thanks to pressing the previous testimony.

I concur that the culprit's motive appears to have been thievery, however...

Glad to hear that the great Miles Edgeworth is in agreement with little ol' me.

However, with regard to the investigation of the bookshelves and safe...

Hey! Good thinking, asking for my opinion on the matter!

.........Would it be too much for you to allow me to complete a full sentence?

I thought we had established Detective Gumshoe's innocence pretty thoroughly.

It was just a theory, one hypothesis among the many possibilities. I mean, I had my doubts about Ms. Byrde from the very beginning.

If that's the case, then why didn't you mention her first?

Now, now. Don't make that face. See! There goes the truth, running the other way! Let's pick up the pace and see if we can't catch up to it!

I don't think you're catching my drift...

Ah, but we are in agreement that the detective isn't the killer, right? If so, then I hope you'll understand when I say that since she is the only one who could've open your office door...

Don’t you think it's a bit early to be jumping to conclusions?

Are you saying there's another way to open the door other than with the master key? Oh, I get it. Perhaps you had a spare made for someone else?

I'll have you know, I have never made a spare, so what are you insinuating?

Nothing. Guess I should've known better than to suggest that someone like you would.

Is there anyone in this district who hasn't at least heard of Detective Gumshoe?

Good point. He's practically a celebrity among us prosecutors.

Really!? I never knew I was so talked about, sir!

We're holding our collective breath, you know. For when you screw up so badly that you're literally chased off the force.

W-Wait, WHAT!? IS THAT TRUE, MR. EDGEWORTH!?

.........O-Of course not. T-That's hogwash!

Phew...Don't scare me like that! I almost had a heart attack there...

Gumshoe.

By "dying message", you mean the bloody letters that spell out "Gumshoe"...?

I figured that whoever wrote his name must have wanted to frame him. And just the act of choosing his name is proof enough that the two knew each other well.

And loop.

I would love to... But first, we should listen a bit more, and digest what he is saying. (And Press him for more information.)

We've already done that, and unlocked the statement we need to object to. But what to object with?

Maggey wasn't a prosecutor last time I checked.

Do you wish to continue insisting that Ms. Byrde was set on stealing something?

Why not? It's the truth, after all. It was also by your logic that we came to the whole thievery conclusion anyway.

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

The existence of which is only privy to prosecutors...

Ah!

I find it a little hard to believe that a hidden safe was a part of her cunning plan.

B-But...! But she could have found it by accident while she was turning everything upside-down!

I highly doubt that. I'd say that the culprit knew exactly what they were looking for. After all, only the bookshelf and the safe were targeted.

Yeah! Even I didn't know about that safe, pal! And that means there's no way Maggey could've known about it either!

Th-Then are you proposing that the killer is a prosecutor...?

Interesting conclusion. That's definitely looking more and more probable.

............

What's wrong, Prosecutor? Do you have a different suspect in mind now?

I... I...

Silence

Wh-What's with the angry face all of a sudden...?

It's...It's all my fault...!

What do you mean?

It's Jim...He knew...about the existence of the secret safes.

Suspense

! What did you just say...!?

We were partners! Like inseparable conjoined twins! That's why I told him. I filled him in on the secret safes.

Then that means...

Yeah, I know. I had only just told him, too... Obviously, it was wrong of me to tell him... I still can't quite believe it, but the thief who broke into your room was probably Jim...

(Now he's claiming that the victim was the thief...?)

And...you were simply trying to stop him, weren't you? Ms. Maggey Byrde...

Excuse me?

.........!

I mean, you ARE a security guard, right? That's your job.

But, killing is going a bit too far, even in your risky profession.

What the--!? You're still accusing Maggey of the murder!?

Yes and no. I mean, she had stumbled upon Jim, who had probably drawn his gun... I get it! It was self defense, wasn't it!?

N-No! I...I couldn't...I could never do something like that, not even as a security guard, sir!

Plus, even if he was the thief, he wouldn't have a key to this office!

Which is precisely why he had to steal it, wouldn't you say?

Pretty impossible for a supposedly "stolen" key to be here with us, unless well, unless you retrieved it from Jim after you killed him.

Mr. Portsman, are you honestly accusing your own partner of being a thief?

I don't want to admit it, but it's the only way for everything to make sense.

(Has he no honor!?)

Would you people be so kind as to see yourselves out?

You can't kick us out! This is Mr. Edgeworth's office!

Ah, but I'm the one who's been assigned to this case. You are all suspects to varying degrees, and therefore, ineligible to run this show.

.........

Listen, pal! How many times do I have to say this!? Maggey CAN'T be the culprit!!

Detective Gumshoe! Calm yourself.

B-But, sir...

We have no choice but to accommodate his request...for now.

Ha ha! Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth. At least ONE of you understands. Now, then, if you could remove yourselves from my crime scene, I'd be most grateful.

Hmph. Mark my words, Mr. Portsman. We will meet again.

If that's a formal request from the legendary prosecutor himself, then I suppose so. Now don't disappoint me, you hear!?

Jingle ~ Slight Break

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:29 pm

What is with that prosecutor!? I can't believe how rude he was! It was...unbelievable!

Please maintain your professionalism, Detective.

I'm gonna find some real solid evidence proving Maggey's innocence! You'll see, sir!

But we've been kicked out of the crime scene, sir!

T-True... So then, what now!?

Looks like my life's fallen into yet another gigantic ditch.

Do not despair, Ms. Byrde. We can overcome this as well. There are many other places and things we should be looking into anyway.

Eh!? Really, sir!?

For example, this hallway. The lynchpin of his argument against Ms. Byrde is related to the master key. In that case, this hallway is the perfect place to look for more information regarding the mystery surrounding my door.

As you'd expect, the game gradually opens up, which means we now have a new place to investigate. Notably, the hallway is slightly bigger than Edgeworth's room, taking up more than the size of the screen.

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

Let's touch base with Gumshoe first.

Anything of interest?

Detective Gumshoe. You look rather intrigued by something. Care to share?

Aw, it's nothing... but I noticed that Mr. Portsman calls his partner "Jim". And the detective in that Sunday night drama, "All My Cops", is named Jim, too! I bet one of them is a big fan of that show.

You seem to know a little something about it yourself. I take it you watch it, too.

Of course! The tight bond of friendship between prosecutor and detective is great, sir! But it's nothing compared to the super strong friendship we have, ho ho ho.

"Friendship", Detective? I think you're mistaking it with "pity".

H-How can you say that, sir!? And after all we've been through, too... *sniffle*

...

.

Talking to witnesses

About Ms. Byrde...

No way she's the killer! Please don't tell me you buy into that accusation, sir!

Rest assured I think she's innocent. However, I need to ask her a few things regarding her security guard position.

Well, if you're only asking, that's OK. Just stand next to her and then touch the Talk Button. Then you two can talk about whatever topic you pick. When you want to ask her about evidence, all you have to do is Present it. After you choose what to show her, touch "Present" again, and off you two go! I recommend showing different people different things. You'd be surprised by what they say!

Thank you for the explanation, though I don't recall asking for one.

Oh, just so you know, sir, you can show ME evidence in the same way, too!

I do believe it's time to get down to business and ask some questions of Ms. Byrde.

Ignored again... *sniffle*

I could do that, or I could shove evidence in Gumshoe's face.

...I'm not sure what I should so with that other than to arrest it!

(Is that the only talent you have...? Oh, wait...)

This is his generic response for evidence. The non-generic responses are for the Prosecutor's Badge, which I already showed off, the revolver:

A tool used to protect lives, yet one than can also take lives away. Those who take a gun in hand wield a great responsibility. I hope you understand that.

I don't really use my gun at all, sir. The only time I would use this baby is...

...when I'm fighting a hot duel with a convict to look ultra cool!

*sigh* You were doing so well until that last bit.

And the secret safe:

I mean, I thought I knew everything there is to know about you, Mr. Edgeworth! I feel like I've caught a glimpse of the hidden side of Miles Edgeworth!

(There's a great deal you don't know about me... At least, I hope so...)

Onward to the actual investigating. First, we'll be talking with Maggey.

I've always been a big fan of the courtroom, but this...

...this is like a dream! A dream where I'm being cross-examined by THE Miles Edgeworth!

(I can't let this chance pass me by. I must remember to ask her about the master key. I should jog her memory by showing my notes to her through the Present Button.)

But first, there's conversation to be had.

The victim

Have you ever met the victim before?

Well, I've seen him a couple of times before when I had to go to Mr. Portsman's office. Mr. Faith was always playing basketball with Mr. Portsman, sir.

That sounds like fun! Just once, I'd have loved to play with them.

It sounds like fun, but the only person ever taking a shot was Mr. Portsman. All Mr. Faith ever did was pass him the ball, sir...

...On second thought, I don't think I'd have fit in all that well with them.

Maggey Byrde

Ms. Maggey Byrde, correct? I take it that you are an acquaintance of the detective?

She was under my supervision back when she was still on the force, sir.

One day, she got caught up in a murder, and things started going downhill, so she quit.

But I owe a lot to Detective Gumshoe for introducing me to my current employer!

Or so I thought until a few hours ago...Right before I was about to clock out for the night...

...You got caught up in this whirlwind of a case, correct?

Don't worry. My whole life has been nothing but a whirlwind of bad luck and failures.

...?

Since I was 6 months old, when I fell from the 9th floor of my apartment building, I've been hit by all sorts of vehicles, gotten sick from all sorts of foods, failed at almost every test I've taken, experienced almost every kind of disaster...And now, I even managed to be named a criminal, just when I've become a security guard.

That's...a lot to go through in one lifetime...

I know! And just when I thought I had finally found my happiness, I wind up getting you and Detective Gumshoe involved in my bad luck.

You don't need to worry about me, Ms. Byrde. Nor do you need to worry about yourself. I will solve this case and prove your innocence. All I ask in return is for your cooperation.

Yes, sir, Mr. Edgeworth! You can count on me! I'll do all I can to help!

It's time to present stuff, starting with the most important thing.

(Interesting... Despite all appearances, she seems to know more than Gumshoe.)

With that badge, even I could be a professional prosecutor...

Sir, may I please try that on? Just for a little bit!?

I don't think that would be a very good idea, do you?

I-I guess not...

(On second thought, they're actually on the same level...)

And now for the generic response:

I'm not sure what I should do with that other than to guard it!

(*sigh* It's like talking to another Gumshoe.)

And the way forward, presenting the master key:

By the time I realized it, I think it was around 1 AM, sir. And I noticed it was back at around 2:30 AM. It was just sitting there on the ledge where the security room's reception window is.

Why is such an important key stored in such an insecure place?

Ah, it's not like that, sir. We always keep the key further inside the room, away from the window.

Always, you say? Except for this time, correct?

Well, I admit that was a bit careless, but I had my reasons! I left it out because I was sorta using it at the time.

(She used the master key?)

And that unlocks a new line of conversation.

What did you mean by you "used the master key"?

Oh, I had to use it to open the door for this prosecutor who had forgotten his key.

I mean, it's my job as a security guard, right?

.........Ah!

Silence

What is it?

That's right! I just remembered! The prosecutor who forgot his key...It was Mr. Portsman, sir!

Investigation ~ Core 2009

What!? Please tell me more, Ms. Byrde. Quickly!

It was around 12 AM. Mr. Portsman had forgotten his office key, so he came down to security, sir.

And that's when you loaned the master key to him?

No way! It's against regulations to loan the master key out to anyone!

(I see...)

And then? What happened after that!?

Well, he called for me to come close up his office as he was leaving to go home. That was around 1:30 AM, I think.

So, in summary, for the sake of one forgetful prosecutor...

Talk about suspicious!!

I doubt you can say that you've never left your keys at home, Detective. (I think this calls for a thorough examination of Mr. Portsman's door.)

But hey, how about this couch? The one that's right here?

This couch has cushions! That's incredibly suspicious!

Sorry, sofa. I apologize for my narrow-minded cultural assumptions. (Is there even a difference between a sofa and a couch? And would this thing qualify as either one? Seems more like a cushioned bench to me.)

Talk about a luxury waiting area. These babies are also great for napping, you know!

You would sleep even out here, Detective? In a hallway?

Whenever I do, I always wind up dreaming about giving testimony on the stand. But it always ends the same way: me getting trounced by a lawyer! Isn't that awful?

(Maybe I should give it a try sometime...to envision myself winning, naturally.)

Also I guess there's the super-obvious case file underneath the ~~bench~~ ~~couch~~ sofa.

Ah! isn't this that missing 0-series file, sir!?

No doubt about it. The bloody letters mark it clear as day.

Our thief took only what was necessary, and left the rest behind.

So what are these 0 files about, sir? I guess they've got something worth stealing in them, huh.

Not particularly. It's just a collection of court case files. However...the cases within these files are not mine.

Huh?

They belonged to the high prosecutor that used to occupy my current office. I have my reasons, but let's just say I was charged with keeping them as they were.

Then that means the thief must've also wanted the file for a specific reason, right?

It would seem so. Only the pages related to that case from 10 years ago are missing.

I wonder why anyone would care about such an old case?

And if it's examined again:

Yeah, and why would you steal something and then leave it behind?

(Didn't I just explain this a few minutes ago?)

And then it loops back to the explanation above.

That's Mr. Portsman's prized possession, sir. I heard he also plays soccer, dodge ball, and even tennis.

And not a single one of those sports is suitable to be played in a hallway.

Oh hey, there's some weirdo over here. What's a faceless NPC like him doing in the first case of an Ace Attorney game?

To be sure, a murder within the walls of the prosecutor's office is no trifling matter. We must find, apprehend, and punish the killer accordingly post-haste.
Prosecutor: Sounds like a messy case you've got on your hands. If you ever feel lost, or need my advice, my door is always open!

How gracious. I will keep your offer in mind. (...Who is this guy again?)

That's Winston Payne, a prosecutor who exists solely to be defeated in tutorial cases. Or in this case, to be a cameo in one.

Officer: Yes, sir! If you must know, I weighed myself this morning, and I'm finally at 154 pounds!

...Congratulations, but I was asking about this hallway and this room.
Officer: Oh! Everything's OK, sir!

A word of advice. Stay focused, or you may start to lose even more weight.

Hey, didn't this used to be just outside next to the building a long time ago?

So when and why was it moved indoors...?

I don't remember exactly, but I saw one of the officers drag it up here recently.

...Drag it!?

I heard that it wouldn't fit in the elevator, so the poor guy had to bring it himself.

(...All the way up to the 12th floor?)

This is the first thing that's a little mean in the 'you didn't do the exact thing the writers wanted you to do' sense, but we'll get to that later.

Whoops! ...Hey! These number plates slide right out, sir!

They have to be able to take the plate off when a room becomes vacant, you know. Although... the idea that it can be so easily removed is kind of...

I know what you're probably thinking, and no, this does not become evidence or a logic point. It's 100% optional to look at.

Also, that was just the dialogue for the number plate. The door itself gets some too:

It's sturdily made, making it near impossible to break in by force.

It's almost...majestic, sir. I wish I could be as stately as this door.

(Only Gumshoe would praise a door as something greater than himself...) Being a detective has its own rewards, and a certain virtuous value... I think. If you live up to your full potential... that's a poignant trait that anyone can admire.

I see! So you're saying, sir, that me being me is the best thing I can do for everyone?

............Right.

...That long pause wasn't exactly reassuring, sir.

And the doorknob.

And according to the guard, no signs that the lock was picked, either, sir.

Meaning that the door really was opened with a key. Hmm...Did you happen to ask if any prints were lifted from the doorknob?

Apparently, the doorknob's clean as a whistle. Wiped, they think.

(Whoever this thief is, they did a good job of not leaving any clues behind.)

Portsman's door, same layout as Edgeworth's door. Shocking, I know.

First, the number plate:

Yeah, you can't mistake it because of that basketball hoop, sir. Oh, that reminds me. Mr. Portsman had actually wanted room 1202 really badly. But since you were already occupying it, Mr. Edgeworth, we put him next door, sir.

So why was Mr. Portsman so particular about getting room 1202?

I'm not sure, but I bet it's because of something like his birthday is December 2nd...?

Yup! That's gotta be it! I can't think of another reason why!

(I can think of at least three...Bah. Why am I even wasting time thinking about this?)

Then the actual door:

It's kinda majestic, too! Fits in really well with the ambiance of the prosecutor's offices! Even Mr. Portsman seems dignified, just because he works behind one of these.

Nonsense. A man doesn't become more or less dignified because of where he works.

Well, he still seems more dignified than Mr. Payne.

(Mr. Payne...? I suppose custodial work can also be dignified.)

And the doorknob:

Heh heh, I bet the ol' credit card trick wouldn't work here, huh Mr. Edgeworth?

This is the office of a high prosecutor, Detective. These doors would be pretty ineffective if the average cat burglar could get through them.

Aha! So I guess only a GREAT cat burglar could get in! That must be who our culprit is!

...Might I advise you to return that conclusion to whatever pawn shop you bought it from?

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

That's everything we can look at for now, which means it's logic time.

The contradiction should be obvious here.

What!? No way, pal! I mean, sir!

You said that you locked up Mr. Portsman's office at around 1:30 AM, correct? However, the master key had already been stolen at that time.

Woooow... Nothing gets by you, Mr. Edgeworth! You saw that contradiction like a pro! I had totally forgot all about that! But thanks to you, I remember it now!

And...?

Well, I'm a security guard, sir! I couldn't just admit to losing the master key, could I? So I...I pretended to lock up his room...sir.

You "pretended"?

So in actuality, you never did re-lock the door, then.

Well, I thought that maybe I could go lock it after I found the key...Come to think of it, I guess the door still hasn't been locked properly...

Investigation ~ Core 2009

The latest evidence. Note that the evidence about the stolen file got updated without the game explicitly telling us.

Presenting Portsman's door to Byrde isn't required, but nets us some dialogue.

I've also had the chance to see the inside of his office on a number of occasions, too. He's got shelves upon shelves of sports memorabilia, trophies, and awards in it to the point where it's almost beyond gaudy, sir. ...But maybe I just feel that way because I'm jealous since I don't even have a single one.

Don't say that, Maggey! I...I'll make a special "Guard of the Month" award, just for you!

...Thanks for trying, but I've already got a mountain of consolation prizes, sir. They're proof of just how unbelievably unlucky my life has been.

Plus, getting an award from you just isn't the same as getting a real award, sir!

N...Nnnnnnnnngh!

And Gumshoe has something new to say that will be relevant in a bit.

Oh, I've been waiting for this! Let a real, seasoned pro teach you how it's done!

(A real seasoned pro? Of instant noodle cuisine, perhaps.)

You know that you can always check out the really important spots in more detail, right?

...Yes...

And if the area is too big, you can always use the Arrow Buttons at the bottom, right? Oh, but don't worry, sir. The Arrows only show up when you need to use them to see more.

I knew that as well.

AND! When you think there's a contradiction or something unusual, try Deduction! First, you line up your cursor with the suspicious-looking area. Then touch "Deduce" and choose your poison, I mean, evidence. When you've settled on a piece, you've gotta Present it!

I'm pretty sure I already knew that as well, Detective.

Well, if you can remember all that, then welcome to the world of pros! I dub you, "Ace Investigator"! Class dismissed!

(And all I wanted was an update about the investigation...)

The way forward is deducing the contradiction in Portsman's doorknob.

Examining the door told us it was locked tight, but if Maggey never got a chance to lock it & she tricked Portsman into thinking she did...

There's a contradiction here between reality and the evidence. If what Ms. Byrde has said is true, then why is this door locked tight?

Huh? You know, you're right!

Ms. Byrde, are you sure you didn't re-lock this door?

I am certain of it, sir. And I don't think Mr. Portsman noticed it himself that I hadn't...

Which means...what, sir?

It either means that he actually DOES have the key to his office...or that the door Ms. Byrde opened wasn't this one at all, but a completely different one.

She opened a different door? But how can you prove that?

There's an easy way to find out. All we need to do is...

Prints on the master key

If we examine the fingerprints on the master key...

Well, if that's what you want to examine, sir, that was the very first thing we did. I can tell you that we didn't find any prints other than Maggey's.

That's so brilliant, Mr. Edgeworth! So what can we deduce from that?

Ah, well...

I'll tell you what I deduced! I think this means that the culprit wiped their prints off!

............Y-Yes, that's exactly it. I'm glad you were able to come to the same conclusion.

However, the more important matter is...

And it loops back to "we need to examine these".

Prints on the number plate

The prints on the number plate, they will tell us all that we need to know.

Everything? Really? ...Like what, sir?

Like...Well, for example...And such as...Well, we know for sure that Detective Gumshoe's dinner will only consist of instant noodles!

Woooooow!!! That was amazing, sir! How did you know!?

Was that supposed to be a joke to cheer me up, Mr. Edgeworth?

Y-Yes, that's it. Now then, we should get back to doing what we need to do and that is...

Yes, I know the easily-removable number plates seem like a really obvious thing to be investigating, but that's not what the game wants us to do. Some Ace Attorney things never change.

Prints on the doorknob

The prints on the doorknob will tell us everything!

Hey, you! Yeah, you, pal! Do us a favor and see what you can lift from this, OK!?

There's no need for such belligerent nostril flaring, Detective.
Forensics: Sir! I have found only Mr. Portsman's and Mr. Faith's prints on this doorknob.

So only two people's prints were found on this, huh? That's pretty decisive...

Huh? I'm lost, sir.

Thinking logically, a certain other person's prints should be on this knob as well.

Don't you find it odd that the prints of the person who unlocked this door are absent?

You mean...?

Yes, the door that Ms. Byrde opened could not have been this one, but a different one.

Investigation ~ Middle 2009

This is on the same screen as Portsman's door, but we couldn't look down here until now. That said, there's actually something I missed at the top...

I can't believe he put something like this in the hallway of a Prosecutor's Office.

But, you know, it's actually pretty useful, sir! I haven't gotten lost trying to get to your office since it's been here!

(How long have I had the same office, and yet you STILL managed to get lost!?)

Alright, back to the bottom, starting with the basketball.

Yes, sir! He's always ready for a match!

Basketball, soccer, dodge ball, tennis... It doesn't matter what sport it is, he's game. Although, I think it'd be a little hard to play tennis with this ball. Ho ho.

That isn't the point you should be focusing on, Detective.

Y-You're right, sir! Now I know what I should be focusing on! Bad Mr. Portsman! Someone should teach him to clean his toys up after he's done playing!

...I think we've reached the end of this conversation.

It's the bottom of the basketball hoop, but something is a little...off.

What are you looking at, sir? Oh, hey! How about a game?

That's OK, Detective...I just found the position of this hoop to be a little off.

Hey, you're right, sir! I guess it shifted when someone made a seriously sweet slam dunk!

(The positioning of the hoop is definitely unnatural...I'd better take note of this.)

Yes, you specifically don't get this evidence until you can examine the hoop here. Which makes sense in some ways, but is kind of dumb in others.

And Gumshoe has something to say if you present the basketball hoop to him:

...Interesting.

You should see me dribbling, faking, and weaving like a pro with my trusty coat on, sir! They call me the "Green Supernova"!

(He wears that tattered rag of a jacket even on his days off?)

Some paper shoved under the door, obviously.

Looks like a scrap of paper. I'll get it, sir! Let's see...Oh, there's something written on it!

It looks like a note from the victim.

Yeah, and it's for Mr. Portsman.

Huh...? H-How so, sir!?

In a variety of different ways...I think it's time we had a little chat with the real culprit of this case.

Y-You know who the real killer is!? Wow, Mr. Edgeworth!!

As long as my logic is sound, then yes...the mastermind behind this murder is none other than Mr. Portsman.

I knew it! That's exactly what my logic senses were telling me, too! I suspected it was him from the instant he accused Maggey of being the killer, sir!

(That is anything but logical.) Lady and gentleman. Prepare yourselves.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:30 pm

Alright! Let me take a gander at it! Pass it here!

OK, looking good! You there! Take good care of this!

End of the line for you, Portsman. We've got you now!

Call off your dog, Mr. Edgeworth. Is this some kind of joke?

It's no joke. We know, Mr. Jacques Portsman, that you are the guilty party in this case.

Suspense

You must be pretty upset, getting chased out of your own room. I'd be mad, too. So I guess you can stay...If you promise to stay out of our way.

You intend to hide your crime under the guise of a prosecutor doing his job? Hmph, I can see right through the unsightly, paper-thin mask you wear upon your cowl.

Ha ha. Who'd have ever thought it would come to this?

!

The legendary prosecutor who never lost a single case for 40 long years. But there was always this...incessant chatter about forged evidence with that guy.

............

Really teaches me that I've got to stay on the lookout for false accusations, you know?

Are you done trying to play mind games with me, because they won't work. The only thing you should be using that mouth of yours for now is explaining yourself.

Although that, too, will only dig your hole deeper. Either way, your game is up.

Well, aren't we full of ourselves? Even though you have yet to prove anything.

I have no idea what sort of hair-brained(sic) idea you have in mind, but...

...there's a mountain of evidence that points away from me being the culprit.

Besides, how, may I ask, do you propose I unlocked your door and got in here?

Look, I feel bad doing this to you, but I've got work to do, so we're done here.

Sorry, but we are not finished, yet.

Boy you're stubborn. I suppose you're basing your accusations on something?

(I'll show you what I'm basing my accusation on...with evidence.)

My accusation is a hair-brained idea, is it?

You tell me. I'd say it is. After all...

Oh? And what, pray tell, kind of evidence are we talking about here?

Jim was my partner, so you can't say I had a motive for killing him!

And...? That's it? That's not even an anthill, let alone a mountain.

But it's more than enough, wouldn't you agree?

...Might I recommend that you review what the word "evidence" means.

It doesn't change the fact that the evidence doesn't point to me as the killer.

Unfortunately, I believe I have already shown how earlier.

Your speculations mean nothing, as I still insist that I could not gain access to your room.

We'll hold off on that for now.

(I need to gather a bit more information.)

What's wrong? Don't tell me all you wanted to do was find fault with my flawless logic?

Hmph, I don't think so.

Oh? And why's that?

Because there is a flaw in your reasoning.

Are you calling me a liar?

The saying, "Evidence is everything" isn't limited to just the courtroom, you know.

Hmph. You need not remind me. I'll show you all the evidence you want in time.

The way forward is presenting evidence on "Besides, how, may I ask, do you propose I unlocked your door and got in here?"...or raising an objection that leads to the same thing:

Ha ha! Alright, I'll humor you. Go ahead, shoot!

Silence

Wait, wait, wait. Hold on for a sec. I never laid a finger on that key, as you already know.

Precisely. You were able to open my door without lifting a single finger. Well, maybe you did, but only to direct.

.........!

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

You had asked Ms. Byrde to open your own office door for you, yes?

Yeah, I kind of forgot my key at home. Happens a bit too often for my taste, you know?

But the room you had Ms. Byrde open at that time was not your own, was it?

!

Wh-What!?

You have quite the imagination. But why don't we ask the girl herself whose door she opened, shall we?

Um...I'm certain that it was Mr. Portsman's door, sir.

See, Ms. Byrde backs up my story.

Yet, what if you had mislead her, to fool her into thinking what you wanted?

Hah! And how do you suppose I did that!?

By switching the number plates on our doors, for example.

That's right! They do slide out pretty easily!

Furthermore, you then used one other thing to give a very strong impression that the door she was opening was yours and not, in fact, mine.

It's quite the peculiar fixture in any hallway, let alone a hallway in this building. Which is why it left an unusually strong impression on you. It's an object perfectly suited to sit just outside the office of a peculiar prosecutor.

Gwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

That's very true, sir! Because there was a basketball hoop sitting there, I thought the door I was opening had to be Mr. Portsman's!

To sit it in front of my office, to be sure.

I...I see. So that's how you throw suspicion on people. Thanks for the tip. But I think your conjecture is a little off the race track.

Now you're just spouting nonsense.

I had the girl open my office door.

After that, I was in my room the entire time.

You don't have a single reason to suspect me!

(So he intends to claim his innocence to the end, does he?)

I'm as pure and innocent as my jacket. And Ms. Byrde is as dirty and guilty as the jacket she wears.

My jacket's not dirty, I'll have you know! I just washed it yesterday!

Please calm down, for I intend to show who is the one truly covered in slime here.

Nonsense, you say?

Yes. Because I'm telling the truth here.

Using the master key, of course...

Sure. You have a problem with that? That IS what the master key is for, right?

(Perhaps we should place it in an elaborate labyrinth of some sort for people like you.)

And what were you doing in your office?

I was doing my usual training regiment.

Training regiment? Were you going through your law books from start to finish?

Mainly batting practice and some weights. Oh, and I jog when I get the chance.

Wow, you must be the buffest prosecutor we have!

...With the weakest legal muscles, it would seem.

I was doing my usual workout so...

I think I've given you quite a few reasons, actually.

B-But none of those would stand up on their own!

Then what about all the evidence!?

It's all circumstantial! No judge would convict on such flimsy evidence!

I hope you don't find all these objections too objectionable.

Silence

That, was a lie.

Wh-What are you talking about!? How was that a lie!?

This is a note that the victim left for you, Mr. Portsman.

A note?

It was left under your door. Or did you not notice? And right here, it says, "but you're out."

............

You were not in your room when the victim came to call on you.

So then, where were you and what were you doing?

Aaaaaaaaah!

Pursuit ~ Lying Coldly

Shall I explain it in full detail for you? You were busy snooping around in my room, the very room you had Ms. Byrde open for you!

Th-That's just nonsense! You have no evidence that I made the girl open your door for me!

Oh, but I do. I have very decisive evidence!

N-No way!!

I had your door dusted for prints.

My door? Hah, what for? Come on, I bet you didn't find anything. You sure are good at wasting time.

You're right. I didn't find anything, and definitely not Ms. Byrde's fingerprints.

Her prints? What do they have to do with anything?

Let's put it this way. If she really was the one who opened your door, then her prints should naturally be on the doorknob she touched!

Aaaack!

Further, all of the prints on my office door's knob have been wiped clean off. I can only assume it's because Ms. Byrde's fingerprints were on it.

Don't you think it's time you gave up your charade? We know you stole into my office with the intent of stealing something from me. And Detective Faith found you out. Possibly he heard sounds coming from a room whose occupant was on leave.

............

As I said when you had the gun to my back, no one gets away with committing murder in my office.

Silence

.........!

Haaaaa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

And just what's so funny, pal!?

Well, that look of stiff seriousness on the face of this office's finest prosecutor as he makes a huge mistake in accusing me is simply too much to bear. There's just nothing else like it in the world!

Suspense

What!?

Mr. Edgeworth just explained it all, and he even backed it up! You're the murderer! Stop trying to be slippery and just admit to the crime already!

And as I said earlier, it's all so circumstantial, so full of conjecture. You say you checked my doorknob for prints? Well, I can readily confess that I had wiped that knob down well.

Eh?

I'm a little obsessive-compulsive, you see. I didn't want to touch a doorknob that you had touched. Which is why I wiped the knob down as soon as I could after you opened the door. After that, it makes perfect sense that only Jim's and my own prints would be on there.

You! You made that up just now, didn't you!

Furthermore, as for the note Jim left for me, do you know exactly when that was? For all we know, he could've left it there before I arrived at the office. Like, early evening, for example.

Are you saying you failed to notice a note in your doorway?

Hey, even geniuses fail at times. I was probably too preoccupied by work-related matters, although that's no excuse.

Now that's just a flat-out lie! There's no way you didn't notice a note that size.

Ah, but you can't prove that, can you?

............

Say something, Mr. Edgeworth! Back me up here, sir!

(Nngh...Portsman makes a good point. I can't prove that he didn't simply overlook it.)

Besides, I already have an airtight alibi.

Airtight, you say?

I only realized that I had one just now as we were talking. I guess it would've been better for all of us if I had told you sooner!

"Pulling a new evidence/alibi out of your ass right when it looked like you were done for" must be part of Japanifornia's prosecutor education curriculum.

Confrontation ~ Allegro 2009

If memory serves, you came back to this office at around 2 AM, correct?

And it was then that you had that unfortunate confrontation at gunpoint with the culprit.

But at exactly that time, I was down in Criminal Affairs!

Ask around. I'm sure the other detectives will corroborate my story. It's the perfect alibi!

Do you really think it's that perfect!?

Like I said, I don't care. Ask around all you like! You'll see for yourself.

.........Detective Gumshoe!

Sir, yes, sir! I'll go check out his alibi, sir! Be right back!

Fade out, fade in.

The guys down in Criminal Affairs said they saw him at around 2 AM!

You see?

............(All of the evidence points to him being the culprit. So there must be a contradictory point in his alibi somewhere!)

You are correct; it was around 2 AM...

Are you sure? It's really important to me that you're spot on with the time.

I remember checking my watch then, and make no mistake, it was 2.

Ooh! Giving testimony like a pro! OK, so you came back to your office at 2...

It is as you say, however...

Yes, however, you are the only one who claims to have bumped into the culprit.

So tell me, did you see the person's face? Was it me who you saw?

...It was pitch black, so I couldn't actually see.

Oh, come now. I'm sure you saw something! Try a little harder why don't you?

(I'm beginning to feel like I'M the one being interrogated here...)

Oh well, it doesn't matter if you remember or not. It only matters that you ran into the culprit.

So you paid the Criminal Affairs Department a visit...

Yup! Right after I left the Prosecutor's Building, I headed straight for the precinct.

Hmm, well, we did go and ask around to confirm your testimony.

And it was just as I said, right?

...Yes, sir. A number of detectives said that they saw you at around that time.

See! I have the perfect alibi! That's the ace I had up my sleeve.

(Argh...!)

Silence

What's wrong? Why the sudden sullen look on your face?

Can't you say anything back, Mr. Edgeworth!?

Heh, I think we've reached the end of the line and it's time to get off this crazy train.

Suspense

Officer: Sir!

Please escort the young lady out. But remember, be gentle.

M-Maggey!!

Detective Gumshoe!!

(I need to calmly think this through one more time, and with Logic!)

There are only three logic pieces to work with, but we'll connect them next time.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:32 pm

Probably not the hardest dots to connect, but it made a convenient stopping point.

However, the murder weapon only shows signs of being fired once. Meaning that it is entirely possible that a second gun was used in my office tonight. But, seeing as how the killer had to steal Mr. Faith's gun...

...I doubt the killer had another gun up their sleeve.

Therefore, the second gun could've been the property of an entirely different person. Which could mean...

And the Logic continues...

...as one deduction pairs nicely with the only other bit of Logic left.

Supposing that there was yet another visitor tonight, that would also resolve the issue of why my shelves were upended twice. We know that the shelves were disturbed once before and once after the murder, so it shouldn't be much of a stretch to think that it was the work of two different people. Once by the person who stole the victim's gun and then killed him with it, and once again after the murder by our second culprit who was the owner of the second gun.

Silence

Mr. Portsman. It seems that I need to amend my assumptions regarding this case.

Great! So you've finally come to your senses.

Mr. Edgeworth!

Sir! What are you saying!?

This has been a big misunderstanding on my part from the start. I had assumed that the person I ran into was the killer, but that may not be the case.

What do you mean?

The person I ran into was just your average thief.

A thief...? but, sir doesn't that cause some sort of contradiction in the facts?

Not at all. It simply means that the killer was someone else. And it means that in actuality, two culprits stole into my office tonight!

Wh-What do you mean TWO!?

It explains both why my shelves were disturbed twice and how there were two guns.

Confrontation ~ Presto 2009

Now you're just leading the argument. You still don't have any actual proof, you know!

If you could please go along with my hypothetical scenario for now, Mr. Portsman. In the end, if you really are innocent, you should have nothing to worry about.

Grr...!

Now then, returning to my scenario, Mr. Portsman was out to steal something from me, which is why he checked my secret safe and ransacked my shelves. This is the first time.

So then...this would be when the files were put back in the wrong order, right?

Correct. And then, just when he was about to look somewhere else...

But why did Mr. Faith come into your room, sir?

He probably had business with Mr. Portsman, which is why he was in the area. But that's when he noticed sounds coming from my office would be my guess.

Oh! Because you were supposed to be away, right!?

And he must've thought it was odd, so he came into this office to check it out!

Correct. And as a detective, that was the right thing to do.

But Mr. Portsman was not so merciful as to let him leave alive. He waited for a chance and stole Mr. Faith's gun from him, and then...!

Following that, Mr. Portsman wiped down the gun and left it behind as he made his exit.

You're such a complicated troublemaker, you know that!?

Well, if things were as simple as that, then all would be solved. However...there was yet another visitor to my room, and this is where it gets complicated.

There was another...?

...Visitor, sir?

Yes, and this other person's objective was also to steal something from me. Now then, even after Mr. Portsman left, the door to my office remained unlocked. However, this new visitor had no way of knowing that, and so they stole the master key from the security guard's room and then entered my room and searched through my shelves. This was the second time they were disturbed, and it seems the thief found their prize.

The stolen 0 file, right, sir!?

Correct. Only, just as the thief was about to leave with the file, I appeared.

So the shelves getting messed up twice and the two bullets...It was all because two different people were doing those things at two different times!

Precisely. So now do you see, Mr. Portsman? The person I met was just a thief, and was not, in fact, Mr. Faith's killer!

Your alibi for the time frame in which I ran into the other person is now irrelevant, because we now know that the murder took place during the first culprit's visit!

Silence

What's so funny, pal!?

Absolutely splendid! Your scenario explains everything!

Of course it does! It's Mr. Edgeworth, after all!

But you know, it still doesn't change the fact that it's all circumstantial.

!

Suspense

Supposing if, and that's a big "if", your theory is right...it would indeed render my alibi, which has withstood scrutiny, mind you, irrelevant.

But there is still one defining point of your argument for which you have no evidence. Your supposition that I was the "first visitor".

Grrrrrrr! Mr. Edgeworth! You can't let him get away with that, sir!

.........But he has a point. I have absolutely no proof at this point.

Don't say that, sir...

I-I don't believe this! Don't worry Maggey, I'll do something if I must!

You know something? I find your attitude to be somewhat peculiar, Mr. Edgeworth. If the person you met really was just a plain ol' thief, then why is that person not your main suspect? That is, if your theory is correct.

That thief you ran into should be your real suspect, wouldn't you say?

We should be out there looking for that thief right now. They might still be nearby.

I hate to repeat myself, but as I've already said, I was training in my room.

And when Jim came to deliver some evidence to me, I was down at Criminal Affairs.

So I can't be expected to know what happened around here after I left.

Of course! Now isn't the time to be wasting time on dead-end discussions!

I don't think it's at all "dead-ended". I find your alibi to be fascinating. Let's continue where we left off, shall we?

............

(I know he's lying. I know he was here, at the scene of the crime. I just have to find a way to prove it.)

Actually, no, I wouldn't.

Wh-Why not?

That's elementary. The dying message, of course. Mr. Faith's killer very clearly left those letters on the spines of those files... And it was after they were on there that the thief stole one of them.

You mean the 0 files, right!?

And that's how we also know the letters themselves were a set-up, and not from Mr. Faith. If the thief was the killer, do you think they would try to undermine themselves?

Aaaah!

Err, maybe the killer just didn't think of that either? Yes, that must be it! Maybe, just maybe...

Once escaped, I highly doubt a thief would linger nearby.

Well, you never know. Maybe they didn't get what they were really after.

Oh? You talk like you know quite a bit about this thief.

Ah, it's nothing like that! I have no idea about anything. After all...

But according to Mr. Faith's note...

Hold on, I thought we already cleared that up. Didn't we say that Jim left that note for me in the early evening? If you have proof that he left it at a different time, say, just before he was murdered...

...I don't have any, no.

You see! So I insist again that I was in my office the entire time...

Why didn't you go there with Ji... Mr. Faith?

Ah, that's because he was tired and was going to take a quick nap. You know those sofas in the hallway? He likes to sleep on those. It's one of his habits.

And what of the evidence he brought?

They were related to yesterday's case. Just two items: a gun and a pendant.

(...Interesting. This piece of testimony seems too crucial to let slip through the cracks.)

This statement is added by the previous Press.

A gun and a pendant...?

And why were you taking them to Criminal Affairs?

There was something in a past case file I wanted to compare these two to. But all this has nothing to do with this case right now. Anyway, I believe you'll find the long paper trail I left to be to your satisfaction.

(Hmm, this is all matching up with what Detective Gumshoe found out...)

I can't expect you to know, can I?

Nope. But I guess you can expect me to take a guess based on logical deductions.

Oh? Then let's see you deduce.

For the purpose of sneaking into your room, of course. And that's when Ms. Byrde caught him red-handed...and the murder occurred. It's all exactly as I had laid out earlier.

And loop.

(I know he's lying. I know he was here, at the scene of the crime. I just have to find a way to prove it.)

Two pieces of evidence, you say?

E-Excuse me?

You fail as a prosecutor, Mr. Portsman, as you intend to keep evidence hidden from me.

Pursuit ~ Lying Coldly

What are you talking about? I-I haven't hidden anything from you...

Well, here's a piece I think you should read. Carefully.

Yes, and this is the victim's real dying message to you, Mr. Portsman.

He...! I can't believe...! To get tripped up by simple arithmetic!

...I...It's...

You have it, don't you? Only the guilty would make such a face. Detective Gumshoe!

This is all part of the investigation, PAL, so don't even think about stopping me!

Solution! ~ Splendid Deduction

Despite what you said, it would appear that you do have something to hide.

But why would he hide something like that!?

Hmph. There's only one reason why anyone would hide evidence of this caliber. Because it would unequivocally point to that person himself as the real killer.

.........Nnngh...

Let's examine this video tape in a little more detail! For the section of the tape that will drive the last nail into his coffin!

There's only two things to examine on this tape, the first of which is the label:

That's a police case number, sir! Does that mean this video is evidence from that case?

Interesting...However, what's recorded on this isn't what's important right now. Let's give the casing a thorough once over.

And more importantly, hidden on the back of the tape...

Yes, and I believe this is what the "good prosecutor" was trying to hide from us!

You mean, this might be Detective Faith's blood!?

...N-N-N-N-No! No! You've got it all wrong!

Hmph, no amount of denial can save you. We have but to run a blood test to find the truth.

Nnngh...

You told us that you had received evidence from the victim earlier. Now you will tell us when and how did the victim's blood find its way onto this video.

Yeah! It's totally suspicious!

Was it at the moment of his death!? Did Detective Faith have this video tape on his personage when you killed him!?

You know very well there's no way to prove that!

Not even if we were to examine this tape for fingerprints?

Gnaagh!

If I had to take a guess...

Mr. Portsman has been placed under arrest for the murder of Detective Buddy Faith, sir!

Very good.

And the results we got back from the lab techs on the tape turned out to be real solid, sir! The bloodwork came back, and it was definitely Mr. Faith's blood on there. And as a bonus, they were able to lift a few of Mr. Faith's fingerprints as well!

Thank you so very much, Mr. Edgeworth! I still can't believe I got to see your cool deduction skills outside the courtroom! I'm impressed beyond words, sir!

It was nothing. I'm just sorry you got caught up in a murder in my office.

Aww, it was nothing. Really. Compared to what I've been through, I mean! I consider myself lucky that it was only a burglary and a murder this time, sir!

If it had been a hold-up, or a hostage situation, I'd have thrown my hands up in the air.

I think I'm finally rising up from a "Goddess of Misfortune" to just an "Unlucky Person"!

(Something tells me we should have hired a different person for security detail...)

And why would you say he was "corrupt"?

Well, I heard that there were a number of suspicious things related to his court cases. There's even rumors about how some of the evidence he uses is forged, sir.

(Forged evidence, huh...)

And they say he even decided not to prosecute a few cases for some really vague reasons.

Oooh! That guy was a complete disgrace to the entire profession!

We never did get around to asking what his reason was for breaking into my office.

Yeah... Whenever we got near that topic, he just clammed up.

(Although, we can be pretty certain that it was to steal something.)

This is just between you and me, sir, but...there's a rumor that some sort of huge organization is involved behind the scenes.

Oh? Well, well...

...It would seem that we haven't heard the last of this.

Silence

Huh?! Then Mr. Portsman isn't the bad guy!?

I didn’t say that. But rather, that there are still many more mysteries for us to solve.

The correct answer is the stolen file, but presenting something wrong gets a tiny bit more dialogue for the same result.

Um, sir... I don't think there's any mystery left to that piece...

You...might be right there...

I think you've solved the case already, Mr. Edgeworth. The only thing left that we still don't know about is maybe this.

The person who stole this file... the other villain of the night...

...Yeah, I wonder who it was?

And what happened to the stolen pages?

Yes?
Forensics: I came across this while I was processing your office earlier, sir.

It's not just any bird...it is the mark of the raven. A three-legged raven.

Oh! It's about that thing, isn't it? That Great Thief everyone's talking about?

Yes, it is the mark of the Great Thief "Yatagarasu"! Under the mark of a legendary bird, the Yatagarasu is noble to the end, a modern Robin Hood.

Yatagarasu ~ The Noble Thief Dancing in the Dark Night

Though we don't know much about this thief's ultimate goal, we do know the targets.

The theft is always performed in silence and always with perfection. Once a target is chosen, no dramatic calling card or announcement is sent forth. Instead, the chosen corporation is infiltrated without even the target noticing. Some days later, the evidence that was found is sent out to the mass media...

Although, it has been a while since the Yatagarasu's last appearance...

Hey, Mr. Edgeworth! Look, something's written on the back!

What? Let me see!

(So the person who stole the contents of the file was the Yatagarasu...?)

...for they were heralded by the incidents that began to occur two days ago.

Jingle ~ Slight Break

You read that right. One of the weirder decisions this game makes is having the cases be severely out of chronological order. Cases 2, 3, and 4 all happen before case 1!

Speaking of case 2...

1: Updates will start coming slightly slower. I found a textdump for case 1, and only case 1. That means I have to type everything up myself from now on.

2:

Some foolish fool put minor spoilers in the chapter image! :monocle:

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:32 pm

Turnabout Airlines

PA Notice: Thank you for flying iFly Airlines. We are currently experiencing some slight turbulence. We are asking all passengers to please return to their seats and fasten their seatbelts.

...why do I feel like I just woke up from a horrible nightmare? (6:13, huh...guess I was out cold for about 10 minutes. Hah, "slight" turbulence indeed.)
PA Notice: Ladies and gentlemen, we are currently experiencing some slight turbulence. For your safety, we ask that you return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts.

(I suppose turbulence is to be expected on a flight. Though admittedly, I'm less than comfortable with anything resembling earthquakes...)

(Hm? What's this? A travel wallet? But it's not mine...how did someone else's travel wallet end up in my pocket?)

(Nnngh! My head...why won't this headache go away...? I'll take care of this travel wallet later. Or hand it off to an attendant...)

Hmph. What am I doing hesitating like this?

(Actually, I know full well why I hesitate. It was when I was still but a young child...)

Understatement of the fucking century. tl;dr: Gregory Edgeworth, Miles' dad, was murdered by Mile's mentor, Manfred von Karma, as revenge for Gregory giving von Karma the first penalty in his (insanely corrupt) career. Miles spent 15 years thinking he accidentally killed his own father.

(But how long am I going to let my past haunt me?)

(It's just an elevator! I'm a grown man now! I need to behave like one!)

Suspense

???: He...He-He-He's DEAD!!!

Please calm down! We mustn't jump to conclusions without all the facts...

And so began Miles Edgeworth's No Good Very Bad Day.

Investigation ~ Opening 2009

I am one of your flight attendants today, Rhoda Teneiro. Unfortunately, we have just had a minor accident on this flight.

Everyone, please calm down. There's no reason to panic. This flight will stay on course and make its scheduled landing. We are still currently in the middle of a rough patch of turbulence. So until we are out of this area of turbulence, I ask that you please remain seated...
Passenger: B-b-but someone was killed, right?! I mean, what about the killer?! Let me off...!

Please, there is no need to feel threatened. We have already apprehended the culprit.

Passenger: What the heck is he talking about?! Why should we remain calm?

My name is Miles Edgeworth. I am a prosecutor and I assure you I am not the killer.
Passenger: Hah! Being a prosecutor doesn't make you incapable of murder, buddy!

Now you listen here! I am not the killer! I simply found the body!

...I am sure that you are the perpetrator of this crime. I swear on my honor as a professional flight attendant.

Oh, is that right?

I know what I saw. And there's even very strong, incriminating evidence to back me up.

Suspense

(What kind of "incriminating evidence" is she talking about...?)

We've already alerted the proper authorities at our destination. Until we land, you will remain in our custody by the powers vested in our captain.

(Your situation? I'm more concerned with mine, and the direction it's going in...I'm not about to just sit idly by while I get accused of murder!)

A chance? To do what?

A chance to plead my case. And a chance to ask what you meant by "incriminating evidence" just now.

To accuse a passenger of such a grave crime without allowing him to give a proper defense...can the professional flight attendant inside of you really call this action "righteous"?

......you have a point. Very well, I'll listen to what you have to say, but be wary of what you reveal. I'm afraid you'll only look even more suspicious if your explanation fails to satisfy. I also do not have the time to deal with you all day, so please make it quick.

......of course. As you wish.

Good. Very well then, let's get started.

(What I don't know is what sort of "evidence" she has up her sleeve, but I'm certain it doesn't fit with how the crime really occurred.)

I swear to tell the whole truth as a professional flight attendant.

Unfortunately for you, Mr. Edgeworth, I am certain you are the killer.

The scene I saw in front of the elevator...

...it was you, standing there, with fresh blood dripping off of the murder weapon.

So, if you would please cooperate, we'll turn you over just as soon as we land.

(That's it? That's her evidence?!)

I don't think you could ask for a more perfect witness testimony. Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Edgeworth?

(Not really. It's hardly perfect when there's a gaping hole in it.)

Tell me, what exactly puts the "pro" in "professional flight attendant" for you?

well, it means we are very professional about how we take care of our passengers. Services like fetching papers and responding to calls are done with speed and accuracy. I can assure you that I give testimonies with the same level of professionalism. But I'm sure you have already realized that by now, right?!

(It's a bit hard to "appreciate" your professionalism when I'm the one under suspicion.)

And there you have it. My professional testimony is accurate and reliable.

You certainly seem sure of yourself.

Of course! A professional flight attendant can't afford to make mistakes, after all.

Perhaps. But you must admit there are few who can look at a murder with a clear mind.

We attendants all go through extensive training and are always calm and collected.

We'll even serve you coffee, if so you wish, as the plane makes a splashdown.

(I fail to see how that would be the calm and rational thing to do in an emergency.)

Even until the bitter end, we are there to serve the passengers.

That is the duty of all professional flight attendants!

You certainly are confident. Anyway, shall we return to your testimony?

Yes...? What did you see in front of the elevator?

That's what I was just about to tell you, Mr. Edgeworth?

Framed by the elevator doors and bathed in the light coming from within...

The murder weapon was dripping with blood...? Really, now.

I swear that was the grisly scene I saw before me. Thank goodness it wasn't a passenger who saw, or there'd be widespread panic by now.

As I recall, you were quite panicked yourself at the time...

.......excuse me?

You were scared enough to misread the situation and accuse me of murder.

Nonsense! Professional flight attendants cannot afford to be that flustered! I witnessed the murder scene and am now listening to your defense, all with a smile.

(Apparently, you also lie with a smile on your face.)

And loop.

I am not the culprit...and yet, you would keep these restraints on me?

Mr. Edgeworth, please try to understand what kind of situation you're in right now.

And what exactly is my situation?

I have the backing of the captain to keep you bound in this way. We are within our legal right to restrain anyone who might threaten our captain mid-flight. In essence, you're in the same situation as someone who has been arrested by the police.

(So am I to stay restrained until I can clear up all of her doubts? At least I'm close. Her mistake shines like the silver lining on a dark rain cloud. And I'm going to capture some of that light with evidence!)

Yes, Edgeworth definitely murdered someone with a wallet.

Ms. Teneiro!

Wh-Wh-What is with the yelling all of a sudden?!

(Argh. Force of habit.)

(Well, it doesn't matter.) Ms Teneiro. You say you saw the murder weapon dripping with blood. Is that correct?

Yes. All that blood...drip, drip, drip...just recalling that scene sends a chill down my spine.

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

I'd like to direct your attention to this!

It's...a travel wallet, right? But it looks a little big and bulky...

The thing you saw me holding when I discovered the dead body in the elevator was this very travel wallet, Ms. Teneiro.

What?! Impossible...!

Now then, do you still think that I am the killer? That I killed him with a travel wallet?

But...but! I...! No, but I...I saw blood dripping from the wallet! I know I did!

As you can see, this wallet is clearly stained. But if you would be so kind as to take a whiff...I think you'd agree that it's only grape juice.

Ah! Then...then...!

That's right. You mistook grape juice for blood! The murder weapon dripping with blood does not, in fact, exist!

N-Nooooooooo!

(There. That should clear up that pesky accusation.)

Silence

W-wait just a sec!

That is...I mean, even a wallet could be deadly if it was wrapped around something heavy! I demand that you show me what's inside...please...

(She's trembling, and the tacked on "please" at the end...sounds like I've got her.) There's no need to look inside. Even you can tell from its appearance that it's light.

No! I can't be sure of anything until I see the contents of that wallet for myself!

(*sigh* She's a persistent one. I suppose we have no choice but to see what's inside.) Ms. Teneiro, if you would be so kind as to open the wallet and check its contents for me.

Alright. I usually don't pry into passengers' belongings, but we have no choice here.

Tricks And Gimmicks

True, it was I who dropped it in the juice, however, I didn't do it out of ill intentions.

This renders your "wallet was the murder weapon" argument moot. Wouldn't you agree?

Please hear me out, Mr. Edgeworth.

What is it now?

Well, I was wondering...whose passport is it, exactly?

.......

Can I take a look...?

Why not? I'm rather curious myself.

Suspense

Just as I thought...this travel wallet belonged to Mr. Akbey Hicks, which makes it the victim's property.

...didn't you...?

H-how dare you?!

You said it yourself. You claimed to be holding this wallet in your hands when I found you.

.......

Perhaps I did misconstrue the wallet for the murder weapon, but it seems that I wasn't wrong about who the culprit is.

As you claimed, the murder weapon is not the travel wallet...

...however, it IS something you stole from Mr. Hicks after you were done with the vile deed.

I find it hard to believe myself, but your motive was very simple...

You were out to steal Mr. Hicks's money, weren't you?

So even though I didn't have the murder weapon on me, you still suspect me, I see...

You stood up at the crime scene with the victim's wallet in your hands. How can I turn a blind eye and not suspect you of foul play?

Shouldn't that be proof enough for you that I did not murder the victim?

Not at all!

Oh, and why not?

Because, that wallet may not be what I thought it was...

You think I stole it...?

Yes! I'm very sorry to say it, and I usually wouldn't be so rude, but it must be said! I never thought I'd see the day, but here I am calling a passenger a thief!

......

Maybe I should put on a serious face and say it more directly.

I believe you removed the wallet from the victim's personage!

...it really doesn't matter how you phrase it. What I'd like to know is why you think I stole Mr. Hicks's wallet!

Hmph, I don't think I have any sort of motive to speak of. I've never met Mr. Hicks before, and our only connection is this one flight.

But that is more than enough of a reason.

How do you figure?

He was sitting in First Class, and I think the implication is quite clear.

You think I was after his money?! Wh-where did that cockamamie idea come from?!

True, you are also a passenger in first class, but...I thought something was off about you and those deeply-etched lines on your forehead.

Th-they're not lines!! They're perfectly normal and a part of my natural face!

I don't think I've ever met someone with such terrible countenance on a flight before.

......

And that's when it hit me. You have the face of someone with money trouble!

Loop.

(She...really is making a fool of herself, pursuing this line of logic. I should spare her and present the piece of evidence that contradicts her testimony.)

This one requires you to go back and look at the evidence you already have, since we didn't get it spoon-fed to us.

Awful lot of money on the floor, wouldn't you say?

Wh-what is it now?!

Ms. Teneiro. I wonder if you noticed the contradiction in your own testimony!

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

Wh-what are you talking about?

It's simply impossible that the motive for this murder was monetary theft. One glance at the crime scene should've told you that!

If I may direct your attention to the things strewn all over the floor...

Ah!

That's right. The floor is covered in bills and coinage. By your rationale, these were the very things the killer was after.

I think we can assume that the wallet fell during the victim's struggle with his killer. And I would think that the killer would've noticed something like money scattering everywhere. Furthermore, as you can see, there was no effort made by the killer to gather the money!

B-but...! The wallet...

Ah yes, the wallet. You will also recall that the only thing in it was Mr. Hick's passport.

Aaah!

If you are really insisting that it was a crime based on greed, then you're claiming that it was all for an empty travel wallet!

I...I...I...

Angry murmuring

Passenger: Are you saying the attendant's wrong?!
Passenger: So that guy isn't the killer?!
Passenger: Hah! Don't believe it, everyone! It's a trick!

Nnnngh.......

Silence

Will you all please be quiet?!

Ms. Teneiro.

Yes?

You lost your cool when you saw the dead body. Plus, the lounge was dark, and looking into the light from the elevator...it's easy to see how you mistook the wallet in my hand for the murder weapon. I take no offense that you thought I was the killer.

Mr. Edgeworth...

Ms. Teneiro, if you could please translate, I'd be much obliged.

I-it sounds like Borginian...but I...I don't understand any of it. There's another attendant on this flight who...

I said that he is giving the runabout!

!

I don't require an interpreter! I speak English just well! See! You, the attendant!

Y-yes, sir!

I want this person to be under arrest until we arrive at the airport!

I'm sorry, sir, but what exactly are you hoping for?

What is it you want? I am finished talking to the likes of you.

Please, I would like to hear why you would like me to be held under arrest until we land!

You! How dare you try to waste my time?!

I wanted to spend even at least one more second with my precious art! I have no time for other things! I know what you are! I see through you! Insolvent! Yes, I am pretty sure that's how you say it in English!

(Well, I'd hope that I don't dissolve in water, but I don't think that's what you meant.) I'm sorry, but I don't think I caught your name.

I am Zinc LaBlanc II. I am a very wealthy man in the Borginia! But I am not an ordinary rich man! I am an art dealer...a rich seller of beauty!

Mr. LaBlanc, what did you mean just now?

Pardon?!

Um, when you said that Mr. Edgeworth was giving me the "runabout"?

I have to explain?! Unbelievable...I will say it once and only once. I do not have even a second to waste! "Time is money" as they say!

(Yes, and yet you continue to blather on...)

I saw it, yes I did. I saw the victim go onto the elevator.

Silence

......

......A-and what's the significance of that time...?

(At 6, he says......)

W-wait, you saw him at 6!?!?

Aaaah! What's the matter, Mr. Edgeworth?!

Ms. Attendant! What time did you discover the body?!

Well, it was a little after that patch of turbulence, so I would say around 6:15...ah!

"Hicks" was his name, was it? Then I say that man Hicks was killed in the 15 minute time span.

Suspense

......

The other passengers have an alibi, so you have no problem with them, I suppose?

......

"No complaint", I see. Not a single word against this, right?!

...I have no way of discounting what you have put forth at this point, but it wasn't me.

Oh?! So you say! But do you have, what you say, the evidence?

Mr. Edgeworth...are you really the culprit after all...?

Mr. LaBlanc. I suppose you are quite certain in what you saw? Enough to give testimony?

Of course! I was looking at that man the whole time! He was playing with that annoying little...um...small "machine" the whole time!

"Machine"...?

Yes, that's what you people call it in English, yes? It was making me crazy with the click, click, click!

(From that description, it sounds like some sort of small computer...)

I have to say that I did see him playing with it quite a bit, myself.

(A simple cell phone? A laptop or organizer I can see, but...that's kind of...low budget.)

Reminder that a)this game's Japanese release was in 2009, and b)Japan was into flip phones longer than the US was.

I hate that noisy little machine in his hand! Not a fragment of beauty! All it produces is ugly sounds! Anyway, I know what I saw!

Ms. Teneiro.

Yes?

I was wondering if I might be granted permission to examine the crime scene.

Miles Edgeworth, doing some sort of...investigation? :thunk:

If you would grant me a little measure of time, I'm sure I can produce the real culprit.

Hmph. I don't like the sound of that. "Fox in the duck pen." Yes, I think that is how you say it in English.

It's "fox guarding the henhouse." And I believe my innocence was proven earlier. And if I'm given the chance, I can clear up all the remaining doubts.

......

Ms. Teneiro! If you wait until we arrive, there is a good chance that some evidence will have been destroyed by then.

Silence

......I understand. Let me see what the captain has to say.

Hah! This should not be approved!

Please, Mr. LaBlanc! In an emergency, all decisions are to be made by the captain alone. Now, please wait here while I go ask the captain what to do. I'll be right back.

Of course not!

Hah, we will see!

Wh-what?! Unbelievable!!!

However...there is one condition. I am to supervise you. Can you agree to that?

Of course, I see no problem with that stipulation. It is only natural as I am still a suspect in this case.

Grrrr...

I take full responsibility and will watch Mr. Edgeworth's every move. I hope this is reassurance enough that there will be no foul play. Now then, Mr. Edgeworth, shall we proceed? If you should need my help with anything, please feel free to touch the Partner Button.

(It's time to head to the scene of the crime...the first floor lounge.)

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:33 pm

Before we start the investigation proper, let's hit that Partner Button and see what Rhoda has to say.

Ms. Teneiro, I'd like to ask you about investigating the lounge...

As long as you have the captain's permission, I can't stop you from looking around.

If you could pass a message along, tell him I'm grateful for his spirit of cooperation.

I will. However, please realize that you are still under suspicion. To be honest, I still have my doubts about you.

Of course, and I take no offense.

Do you really understand what I'm saying?

Yes, verily.

Do you pinky-swear that you do, on your honor as a professional prosecutor?

I-I pinky-swear I do, on my honor as a professional prosecutor.

well! I guess that settles that.

(I...I feel my honor as a man slowly diminishing.)

Presenting evidence to Rhoda is fruitless, because she only has one response for everything:

I'm sorry, but I must admit that I still have my doubts about you.

(Guilty until proven innocent, I see...)

Investigating this section isn't required at all, but might as well before we go down to the lounge.

I don't see the "machine" Mr. Lablanc was talking about...

Perhaps it's in the elevator?

Maybe. We should probably head down to the crime scene now.

He said, "don't get near me, you criminal!"

I am not the killer, and I intend to prove that starting now.
Passenger: B-B-But th-that's c-c-contrary to th-the f-f-facts!

He says, "but that's contrary to the facts!"

...I can understand his English just fine, thank you very much.

Passenger: I-I-I bought it a-at the in-f-f-flight shop just be-beyond the lounge! If-If something sh-should happen, having o-o-one will s-save your life!

(I think this guy would've been better off not taking a plane to begin with.)

Just an observation, but aren't there too many red knights around that lone blue pawn?

...Nonsense. It simply shows that the blue pawn is no match for red knights' might.

Unfortunately, I didn't bring anything particularly useful for an investigation. (It's not as if I'm constantly prepared for such a thing to occur...)

Passenger: This...*munch*...steak...*munch* *munch* so...*munch*...awesome...*munch*

That's great to hear, however, I would like to ask you a few questions...
Passenger: I...*munch*...was...here...*munch* *munch*...whole time...so...*munch* wouldn't know...

Eat or speak. Please pick one.
Passenger: MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH MUNCH

I think he chose to eat...

(Yes, I can hear that.)

That's an iFly Airlines sponsored movie. It's a suspense-hardboiled-action-romantic-horror-comedy movie.

...is that the genre listing for this movie?

Yes. It's a movie that can be enjoyed by anyone because it encompasses all those genres!

...I can't even begin to imagine what the plot of this movie would be like.

But you have to admit it has piqued your curiosity, right? I heard the main strategy with this genre listing was to make people curious.

.......well then, consider the mission a successful one.

Come to think of it, I forgot all about it. I must have been asleep or something.

Oh! I'm terribly sorry! Let me prepare you something right away!

...what are you apologizing for, Ms. Teneiro?

I've failed in my professional duties by letting a passenger go hungry! Please, help yourself! If you find anything to your fancy, feel free!

Ah, I think I'll take my time later, after I've solved this case. Thanks.

???: .........

You there!
???: .........*yawn* ...if you need something, please ask Ms. Rhoda over there, OK?

What the...? Hey! Wake up, you!

I'm terribly sorry that she's being so rude, Mr. Edgeworth.

No need for you to apologize. I just find it hard to believe she's asleep on the job! (If I were her boss, I'd see to it that her salary was cut so low that it was in the red.)

What's the probability that the criminal escaped through here?

A hundred percent.

!

.........oh! Let me finish my thought. I'm 100% certain they didn't.

(When I'm searching for an answer, only complete thoughts need apply.)

To get to the first floor lounge, we should take the stairs.

It is a marvelous vase though, isn't it? Yes, I dare say so as a professional attendant.

I don't think there's any real connection between a piece of art and being an attendant...

But I'm not just any old attendant! I'm a PROFESSIONAL flight attendant.

(As though there were such a thing as an amateur flight attendant.)

"Precious is human time!" is how you say it, I believe.

Excuse me, but I was wondering if you know anything about the murder...
Passenger: ...How about it? How about a glass together?

Um, sorry, but I must decline.
Passenger: I wasn't talking to you! I was asking the cute attendant!

I'm sorry, but I'm on the clock right now. But if you need a refill, I'd be happy to bring you another glass at any time.
Passenger: You got it, toots!

(Th-that's no way to talk to a lady!)

It's a miracle they made it through the turbulence without a scratch...

Actually, we asked the drink vendor to clean up all the ones that did break earlier.

Then you mean to tell me he put all these up here after the turbulence...?

We are simply thrilled to have someone so interested in the variety of drinks available!

(I don't think anyone should drink this much. There is such a thing as over-hydration...)

The stairs down are this way. Just trust the green arrow that popped up.

It was nothing. You should thank the captain for granting you permission. And just so everything is perfectly clear...

I don't want you to think your standing with me has changed.

I see. I will bear that in mind.

I received an order from the captain earlier. He wanted you to know that we reserve the right to stop your investigation if we feel you are not making progress. And when we do, he asks that you please return to your seat at that time.

(So my time runs out at his and his crew's discretion, does it? I have to find a way to discredit Mr. Lablanc's testimony before time's up!)

I understand. By the way, is there any place you can think of where the killer might hide onboard?

I don't think so. After every First Class passenger was accounted for at his or her seat, we made a thorough search of the plane. As for Business and Economy class, no one can move between those two classes and First Class without a staff keycard.

And we found no record of a keycard being used at all.

(Which means that I have a First Class killer on my hands. At least I know that much for sure.)

(No one else has been allowed near this crime scene since the murder was discovered either.)

Tricks And Gimmicks

But where should we start from?

Hmm...let's start with Mr. Lablanc's statements. The crime occured between 6 AM and 6:15 AM. During that interval, the only person in the lounge was myself. Which would make me the prime suspect.

If we are to believe what you say is true, then yes.

Hmm...the first order of business will be to gather information to win your trust.

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

It's been a while since I've seen this big of a mess. It's terribly embarassing, but I thought it was an earthquake for a second, and I frantically started searching for gas valves to shut off.

(I guess the shaking of the plane was bad enough to be mistaken for a real earthquake. Not that I would know, since I was unconcious for most of it...)

But we don't have permission to open them, so I'm afraid I must leave them closed.

(There must still be clues to be found here in this lounge! I must remain ever vigilant.)

This is a statue of our founder, Mr. Hugo Ifly, who was a big fan of grape juice. I'm sure he would be thrilled if he knew so much grape juice was here at his feet.

(Is that a hint of hero worshipping I detect...?)

(I assume it was spilled during the turbulence.)

Oh, we must clean that up or someone might get hurt...

Aha!

? What is it, Mr. Edgeworth?

I've found some very important evidence.

What is it...?

So you think...

Yes, these belong to our killer.

Oh, then maybe we should check the shoe sizes of everyone in First Class!

I don't think that will be of any help to us. Unfortunately, the prints are too smudged, which will make it hard to get a definitive match.

Oh, I see...

Aaaaahhh!! Nooo! Look at all that grape juice staining the back...! It may not look it, but this chair was extremely valuable.

It was?

Yes! It was used when the Rocker Pals came to tour this plane. The Rocker Pals' leader sat in this very chair.

I'm sorry, but what are these "Rocker Pals"?

I can't believe you've never heard of them! They're all the rage! The Rocker Pals are an extremely popular international band. They added the "Pals" part as they became more popular, especially among teens.

Ah, that explains it. I'm not really one for the music of today. (Maybe I should ask Detective Gumshoe about them later...on second thought, I can already see how confusing the conversation would get.)

This is a bronze statue of the founder of iFly Airlines, Mr. Hugo Ifly.

(...did the man actually age in the span of four decades? Maybe I need to squint more.)

Mr. Edgeworth...? You...look like you're talking to the clouds.

Is that so? Then tell me, what do you suppose I said to them?

I don't know, but it looked like a rather one-sided conversation.

(The clouds...they tell me nothing.)

This month's special is an English trivia quiz.

That's not a bad idea. I've heard that the youth of today don't know a particle from a participle.

Now, now. Please don't go around confusing people with made-up words, Mr. Edgeworth. Who's ever heard of such a silly word as "participle"?

(Case in point...)

There is quite a bit of broken glass here. Please be careful when passing through the area.

Thank you very much for the warning, Mr. Edgeworth. However, no matter how kind you are towards me, know that it does not clear up any suspicions I have about you.

I-I wasn't warning you for the sake of clearing my name!!

It can play the music of whatever CD we insert into its CD drive.

That's not a piano! It's more like an overgrown music box.

Ah, but its keys depress along with the music, as though there really is someone playing it.

(Some people have entirely too much money to waste on overly-complex toys.)

But please understand that it's off-limits to unauthorized personnel.

(The room is giving off the scent of women's perfume. One would think that perfume would "smell great", however, to me it simply "smells"...)

(Not that I have any interest in what lies behind this door...)

Perhaps we should return to the investigation, Mr. Edgeworth?

Hm....................................................

Mr. Edgeworth?

Sorry, I spaced out for a second there.

Unfortunately, the delightful smell of grapes is obscured by the unpleasant smell of the crime scene.

This scent in the air...it's the same smell as the smell of my towels after they come out of my home dryer.

I-I never would've expected something like that by looking at you...(I suppose everyone has something unpleasant about them...)

Only the first and second, although, it can also go down to the cargo hold. However, that requires a flight crew keycard.

Let's start with :10bux:.

I would guess it was all in Mr. Hicks's wallet at some point.

Next, the golden thing that's also on the floor.

It's just one of the many pieces of merchandise we sell at our in-flight shop. This bank is a limited edition, and is so popular that we're down to our last one.

You have an in-flight shop...?

Yes. It's just beyond the lounge to the right. The shutter to the store is closed at the moment, but it was open the whole flight up until Mr. Hicks's body was discovered.

Now for Hicks's body itself.

so Mr. Hicks...he's really d-dead?

(She's trembling, although I can't fault her for that when there's a corpse right here.)

Mr. Hicks...if you're really dead, then please answer "yes"...

(I see she's over the trembling now...although a new symptom seems to have appeared...Anyway, I should focus on the victim's body. Let's see...) There's blood on the back of Mr. Hicks's head...could this be the cause of death?

Next, that thing sticking out of his pocket.

(Hope he won't mind if I take a look at what's inside.) .....hm? It's a picture.

Last but not least, Hicks's yellow lanyard.

(Something's missing from this picture...now if I could just put my finger on it...)

We've investigated everything possible, so now it's Logic time.

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

The game's taken the kid gloves off(relatively speaking), as we're already up to six possible Logic points!

We'll be whittling these down quite a bit, starting here. There's an object with blood on it, next to a corpse with a bloody wound suggestive of blunt force trauma. What could it mean??? :thunk:

Oh! Mr. Edgeworth! I think I figured something out!

Y-Yes? What is it?

The way the blood is on this, it looks like it matches up with the wound on his head!

(Well, aren't we deserving of the Master of the Obvious title...)

Well? What do you think, Mr. Edgeworth? Don't you think that's worth investigating?

Hmm...it would appear that this figurine is our murder weapon.

Oh, I just knew it! I mean, I can't think of any other connection!

(Hmm, perhaps Master of the Oblivious would be more fitting...)

Why yes, the game sometimes is needlessly silly with making things Logic points instead of just making them evidence. Why do you ask?

Speaking of, now that the bank is evidence, we can examine it up close and personal.

You know, I've seen it occur a lot recently, and it's been bothering me greatly...but why does nobody know how to properly capitalize and space nouns anymore?!

Could this piggy bank be the murder weapon?

I have to say, for a piggy bank, it's made rather well. So well, in fact, that I'm not sure there is a way to take your money out...

Alright, back to Logic.

(True, there wasn't anyone else in the lounge other than myself right before the turbulence...)

And with that new realization, we can make sense of the footprints. Officially, I mean, it's pretty damn obvious what they were when we found them.

? I'm sorry, but I don't understand, Mr. Edgeworth...

I can prove that someone other than myself was here around the time of the murder.

What?! R-Really?!

Yes. It's rather simple, actually. The proof is in the pudding. Or rather, the grape juice in this case. These footsteps here confess to me this very fact...that someone exited the elevator, alive. Seeing as how the victim is dead, that would mean a second person.

But...couldn't the footprints be from Mr. Hicks himself?

Ah, but if you take a look at the victim's shoes, you can see the soles are spotless.

Which means...

Mr. Hicks wasn't alone in the elevator. In fact, it's quite the opposite.

There was actually one other person inside the elevator!

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

Back to the body to Deduce the final piece of the puzzle(for now):

Mr. Hicks's "machine" is nowhere to be found.

His "machine"...?

Ahem, his cell phone, Mr. Teneiro.

Ah, so I guess because it's not here...

Yes, I think we can safely deduce that the killer took it.

I can't help but think we're forgetting something, or someone...

(Hm? What's going on over there?)

Oh, right, him.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:33 pm

Do you understand what I am saying?! The movie is late! It is the same level of bad as if the plane arrived late!
???: Ummmmm...but the movie...

What?! I will not talk to you anymore! You are just wasting my time!

If there is no emergency, please return to your seat, sir.

Do not tell me what to do! I need not to sit down!

Well, Mr. Prosecutor?! Did you prove you are innocent yet?!

If you would like, I will prove my innocence to you right now.

Are you saying my eye-witness testimony is mistaken?!

Not mistaken, merely that there is room for doubt. I'd be more honored if you could please tell me what you saw in detail once more.

Fine, suit yourself!

I am certain I saw Mr. Hicks enter that elevator!

It was when the needles on my pocket watch pointed to the 6 and the 12!

The body was discovered 15 minutes after that in the lounge, yes?

Then you, the only person in the lounge at the time, must be the criminal!

(Mr. Lablanc's conclusions seem to make logical sense. After all, the only person in the lounge at the supposed time of the murder was me...)

So! My eye-witness testimony! If you think you can destroy it, then come, let me see! Hurry! Do I look like a man who is having the time to wait for you?!

(Why is HE so irritated? I'm the one accused of murder here! Anyway, I must find a way to discredit Mr. Lablanc's account somehow, and fast!)

Mr. Lablanc, were you able to get a good look at the inside of the elevator at that time?

Of course, I saw what was inside.

And you are sure that the victim was in the elevator alone?

Yes! The only person inside was that Mr. Hicks man!

(Hmm, this last outburst is a bit too important to let go...)

Was he really alone?

Of course! I will bet even 1 cent!

(Hmph, a cheap ante...for a cheap testimony. But if that's how you want to play it, I'll happily take your 1 cent!)

I assume the pocket watch in this case is the one you keep checking, correct?

Oh! You noticed! It is a very expensive antique, I will have you know! The feeling is wonderful when I fully wind it up by hand!

Hmm...it does look very well designed, and quite classy.

...I will have to charge you if you want to touch it!

......that's quite alright! Let's continue with your testimony.

Hmph! What a cheap man you are! Now return the time you wasted back to me! And if we must, I saw Mr. Hicks enter the elevator at 6 o'clock!

It's true that I found the victim's body at 6:15.

And that's when I found the two of them as well.

You see! It all matches my testimony!

That is the most mistaken way of thinking I've ever heard of!

No, no, no! Your silly opinion is what is mistaken!

Please calm down, the both of you. In a sense, you are both mistaken.

(Well if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black, I don't know what is.)

And loop.

(Hmph...I spy a little hole in his words. As you wish, Mr. Lablanc, I will now show you proof of my innocence!)

If it was just Hicks and he died before leaving the elevator, where did those footprints come from?

What is it?!

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

There is a very glaring contradiction in your testimony!

What do you mean?!

Please take a look at the area in front of the elevator.

Yes, and?! Will you admit you also spilled it with the blood?!

No, it spilled itself during the turbulence. But the interesting here is the set of grape juice footprints.

F-footprints?!

It's evidence that proves that someone other than Mr. Hicks exited the elevator, alive!

There must have been another person in the elevator with Mr. Hicks!

Now then! I'm done playing games! Why don't you tell us the truth?!

.........

Can you please translate for us?

"No way! That's totally impossible!" I guess is what he said.

No way! That is totally impossible! I know there was no other person in there! I saw with my own eyes!

.........

If you want to know what I think, Mr. Edgeworth...

...I don't think Mr. Lablanc is lying to us.

(...I suppose she's right. He doesn't seem to be lying. But then, what does it mean? What about this contradiction?)

Mr. Lablanc.

Please, just once more, will you recall the details of what you witnessed for me?

Mnnnnnrgh!

Cammy Meele ~ Good Niiight

I was very upset when Mr. Hicks passed by my seat.

I was always checking the time, over and over again.

I happened to follow that man with my eyes when he passed me.

And I saw clearly into the elevator he was entering.

But, I swear there was no on else inside! No one!

Mr. Lablanc, if you would please calm down...

What?! Dare you too have an issue with my eye-witness testimony?!

Aaaah! N-no, not at all! Please forget I said anything!

(Yet again, he doesn't appear to be lying. But I can't let this testimony stand as the truth!)

So, are you still upset now?

I am always upset! The only time I am not is when I have a piece of art in my hands!

(...it's surprisingly easy to believe that about him.)

But I was even more upset when Mr. Hicks walked by me!

Why were you so attentive to the time?

Because! Because something unforgivable was happening!

Hmm, come to think of it, you were yelling about something "unforgivable" earlier...

I was giving a complaint to the attendant about the movie starting time!

Return back to me my time!! In money!! ...you understand the point.

Hint hint.

They were supposed to show "License to Love, Laugh, Maim, and Murder". I cannot see that movie in my country. You can only see it on international flights.

I looked forward greatly to that movie!! I checked my pocket watch whenever possible so I would not miss it!

I even set my pocket watch to the destination time when I came onboard.

So my watch is not wrong! It matched the schedule! But the movie was still late! Very, very late!

Your pocket watch...I'd like to ask you a little more about it, if that's alright.

Yes! I was so looking forward to watching "License to Love, Laugh, Maim, and Murder"!

Ms. Teneiro, was this movie shown on this flight?

Yes, it was shown at the scheduled time...

......isn't it possible you simply slept through it by accident?

N-no! Now stop pointing at me like that!

(Odd. How did he miss a movie that he was clearly hoping to see...?)

I checked my pocket watch a great number of times! That much I know for sure!

You're sure about what you just testified, Mr. Lablanc?

Yes, of course! I'm a very busy man! I am immediately busy when I land! I have many places to go! And no time to waste adjusting my pocket watch!

I see...that was a very valuable statement you just made.

Hmph! Flatter me all you want, but you will not get 1 cent out of me!

Um...that's alright. All I require is this piece of testimony.

Since you only "happened" to see him, it's possible that you missed something in that glance!

Even if I only "happened", I did not miss a thing!

And how can you be so sure?

Just because!

I would appreciate it if you didn't take my life so lightly with a simple, "just because!"

Hmph! Well, then I was only making a joke! I saw Mr. Hicks, alright?

Is it possible that someone was hiding inside?

What?! You dare insult me?! I have belief in my eyesight! When I look for art to sell, I am often told I have "great sight" for the arts.

(I think the phrase you were looking for was "great sense", although that's debatable.) But isn't it possible someone was just outside your line of sight...?

You are persistent! I tell you, I looked clearly!

Why do you insist that you are absolutely not mistaken?!

Because when I say I am not wrong, I am not wrong!

Mr. Lablanc, if I may, I think beyond misconceptions and mistakes lies the truth.

(Funny, that suspiciously mirrors something I told her only a little while ago.)

And loop.

I honestly don't think Mr. Lablanc is lying...

Hmm...I don't think he's lying, either. But...I think he might be mistaken about something.

Mistaken...?

Yes. And I'm going to correct his mistaken recollection with evidence.

And this professional attendant shall witness the prowess of a professional prosecutor!

Mr. Lablanc clearly didn't read the in-flight schedule very closely.

Mr. Lablanc, you said this just now in your testimony:

Confess the Truth 2009

Now, if your watch has been set to our destination's time zone, it would mean your watch is displaying the time of our destination.

Yes, and? The correct time is worth its 6 cents.

I would like you to take a look at this.

...clocks on this flight run in accordance with the time of our departure time zone! Of course, the movie schedule was also created with that in mind.

Well, we made a short stop at a transfer point.

(That's right. It was in that small Asian country, the Republic of Zheng Fa...)

But we didn't re-adjust our in-flight clocks at that time. So right now, we are still running on Borginian time!

What?!

The time difference between Borginia and our destination is 9 hours.

In that case, it's only natural that your watch would be out of sync with the schedule!

Further, with your analog watch set to our destination's time, it would appear to be running 3 hours fast when compared to the flight's onboard clocks. It also changes everything about your testimony. And you can bet 1 million cents on that!

So this basically widens the time frame for the time of death, right...?

Yes. Because Mr. Lablanc saw the victim enter the elevator at 3 AM, it means the time of death could be anywhere from 3 to 6:15 AM. The question now is where was Mr. Hicks during that span of time and what was he doing?

Um, I've got something to say.

I'm Cammy Meele. I'm a flight attendant.

And what is it you wish to say?

Well, I think your story is a little different from how I remember it.

what do you mean, Cammy?

I saw Mr. Hicks sitting in his seat at 5 AM, you know.

What? How can you be so sure of the time?

Oh, that's right! He pushed his call button while we were parked at the transfer point.

Yes, it was from 4 to 5 AM according to our clocks.

No. Not a single person got on or off in Zheng Fa.

What about the flight crew?

The few who were handling the cargo transfer might have temporarily gotten on or off, but eventually everyone, including Cammy and myself, came back on the plane.

(Interesting...I should keep that in mind.)

Yeah, and I answered his call. I can tell you Mr. Akbey Hicks was there in his seat when we took off again at 5 AM.

Alright, then that puts the time of the murder between 5 and 6:15 AM.

OK, now what time did you come down to the lounge, Mr. Edgeworth?

Hm, I remember coming down here almost as soon as we left the Republic of Zheng Fa...

Suspense

Aaah!

You! You were here the whole time from 5, yes? Then you are the only one who could be the killer!

Mr. Edgeworth...were you really here in this lounge the entire time from 5 AM onwards?

Unfortunately, yes.

But then, how do we explain the footprints?

Is that not obvious?!

And then he put the corpse into the elevator! That is when the turbulence happened! My eye-witness testimony may have been mistaken! But what time I saw Mr. Hicks enter the elevator on the second floor does not matter! Because the entire incident concluded here in this lounge!

(Everything happened in this lounge...?) Is that what you really believe, Mr. Lablanc?

Wh...?! Do you have another idea?!

I simply feel that there's something out of place in the scenario you presented.

Tricks And Gimmicks

It is sold there and only there, and is not displayed here in this lounge! How, then, did it find its way here? Don't you find that a tiny bit suspicious?

Hmph! Such a trivial point! It only means you prepared it, taking it from the shop first before coming here. It doesn't prove you are innocent at all!

Nnnrrrgh..........(Is there no way to win with this man?!)

What is it?!

Um...you see...! Well, it's just as Mr. Edgeworth says!

Oh? And why do you know this so well?

well...it's just that...that piggy bank was there in the shop.

I saw it with my own eyes.

And when was this?

It was...maybe around 5:40 AM...?

...Isn't that just before we hit that patch of turbulence?!

Th-that's right...

You were in the shop just before the turbulence?!

Um.........yes, I was.

Suspense

Yes, I did...

And what is beyond that door?

That's the flight attendants' room.

Th-then! You were on the first floor?!

Yes...I had to do something at the shop and in the flight attendants' room. So I went to the shop first, and then to the flight attendants' room.

Are you saying you passed by me at some point?

Yes. You seemed really into the issue of Sky Magazine you were reading at the time. I don't suppose you noticed me walking by...

(Hmm, I vaguely recall someone walking by, but I didn't take notice of who it was.)

Anyway! The piggy bank was definitely at the shop when I went there.

Why did you go to the shop in the first place?

I...went there for a work-related matter.

Work, you say?

Yes...the upkeep of the shop is also one of my responsibilities.

Why did you not say anything about that until now is what I want to know.

.......

In any case, it's clear that the shop needs to be investigated as well.

Shall we head over there, then?

Don't you need the captain's permission to check the shop?

No, I haven't forgotten. But I have already asked him for permission to search the entire plane. So I think we're alright.

Huh...? That's weird...

What is?

Well, I just talked to the captain, see...and he said that he didn't give you permission to do anything like that at all.

!

What is the meaning of this, Ms. Teneiro?!

It means she's lying. Go on, admit that you are. You said you had permission to search all over, but you don't. And yet, here you are!

.......

You, flight attendant! Wh-what are you trying to do?! Pull the sheep over us?!

The captain's calling for you, Ms. Rhoda.

I already got permission to search the shop from the captain. See, unlike you, I do things the right way.

Ms. Teneiro...why would you do such a thing?

...........please excuse me.

Please go back to your seat, Mr. Lablanc. Now then, Mr. Edgeworth...if you would follow me, I will be your guide from now on.

(There's something about Ms. Teneiro that has piqued my curiosity. But right now, investigating the in-flight shop is my top priority.)

This seems like a good spot to pause.

Evidence:

[tIMG]https://lpix.org/3197705/725-capture_72 ... 5-crop.png[/IMG]

Profiles:

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:35 pm

Welcome back. You might notice that Cammy isn't considered a Partner like Rhoda and Gumshoe were. I'm sure that has nothing to do with anything.

We need to be in the gift shop, but as usual, there's optional dialogue first.

If you could just wait a little longer while we look into the shop...

Hmph! Don't number the birds before they are born!

(Don't number the...what...? I have no idea what he's trying to say. "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" perhaps...?)

All I ask of you is your patiences and cooperation.

...........

You're of no use to me asleep! Wake up!

*yawn* Huh? What's up?

I-I need you to come with me so I can search the shop...

Go on ahead without me. *yawn* I'll catch up with you later.

(How has this woman not been fired yet?)

There is quite a bit of broken glass here. Please be careful when passing through the area.

.........huh? Did you say something?

I said that there is glass here, and to be careful...

.........but why?

(Obviously, common sense does not register, even as a blip, on this girl's radar!)

Ah, please excuse me. It was a simple mistake.

You made a mistake, didn't you?! Why don't you just come out and say it?

That's exactly what I just said. I made a small mistake.

.......

Don't nod off while I'm talking!

The special this month is an English trivia quiz. Of course, I have never uttered a single grammatically incorrect sentence in my life.

What is it?! Why are you looking at me for? Hurry and go do your investigating! I do not believe in this "making haste slowly" saying you have in English!

Yes, we should. The shutter is up, so let's go!

(So this is the in-flight shop...) It's quite a mess in here...

You think? Guess I'll have to clean things up then, tee hee.

Hold on! You can't "clean up" a potential crime scene!

Ohhh, thank goodness! I hate cleaning soooo much.

(I mustn't rush things here. I must remain calm, cool, and collected.)

(...there is a very good chance that the killer had paid this place a visit.)

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene
There's a few things to take in here, but let's start by talking to Cammy. She still doesn't have a Partner button option, so we have to go talk to her the regular way.

So what do you think about what has happened regarding this case?

Oh, I don't know. I guess I think you're the killer, though, Mr. Edgeworth.

I can assure you that I'm here in this shop to prove just the opposite...!

Yeah, but it was me that got you the permission to look around, you know.

So don't forget that, OK?

How am I supposed to thank you properly if you insist on falling asleep?!

Well, you know what'd really show your thanks? You see that item for sale over there?

Sorry, but you're going to have to make due with my words of appreciation.

Well that was unhelpful. Let's present important evidence, like our badge.

N-no, you may not! This is a Prosecutor's Badge...

Pooey. Then why did you show it to me?

I wanted to prove to you that I really am a prosecutor. And that it's not possible for a prosecutor like me to commit such a crime as...

.................

(I see that I'm just wasting my time with Cousin Hair here.)

The piggy bank:

Don't you find her a tiiiny bit suspicious?

I don't think I can say either way yet. There's not enough evidence to convince me that she was lying about anything back there.

Are you sure about that...?

And the generic response:

Oh, but I'm not supposed to accept any presents.

...unless they're really worth something.

Onto the investigation proper.

We sell a lot of those when there's some kind of accident or something. But some people buy them even when nothing's going on. How about it, Mr. Edgeworth? Care to buy one?

(I sense that this shop is one shopper away from being sued.)

(They're relatively cheap, which explains why they're displayed so haphazardly...)

How about it, Mr. Edgeworth? You know you want one, too. They're great for when you're stressed.

(Why do I envision stuffed animal abuse when she says that...?)

(I feel cleansed just by looking at them...)

Mr. Edgeworth, you're getting pollen all over.

Oh...excuse me.

Oh, those are our company's completely original line of suitcases! They're practically flying out the door! That's how popular they are! You should buy one and see how you like it! You won't regret it!

Perhaps that's how things work on this flight, but in the real world you try, then buy.

No way! But either way, it doesn't really matter.

(True. Either way, why would anyone buy a suitcase AFTER they've boarded the plane?)

Just look at all the Mr. Ifly heads painted on there! Cute company mascot, isn't he?! They're painted on with a lot of care. Doesn't he look like he's about to jump out at you?

...It is certainly making something jump inside my stomach!

Huh...? Oh, I guess there's no fooling your refined tastes!

?

You looked like you really wanted to get one...and I thought I was finally going to make my first sale, but you saw right through it.

Glad that's done, though. Never make me try to give you a sales pitch ever again, OK?

But I never showed any interest in it to begin with!

Tee hee! It really is pretty horrible, isn't it? You want to know something? This suitcase was designed by Ms. Rhoda!

Ms. Teneiro designed this?

Yeah. It was a company-wide contest.

Um, well...it does have a very sharp design sense.

Ha ha, "sharp"? Like stinky sharp cheddar, maybe.

I really have no idea why the big wigs decided to go with it. It's so...bleh.

(Ms. Teneiro designed this, did she? ...it's definitely not what I would have expected...)

I-I'm fine! Please watch yourself, Ms. Meele!

Here, I'll put it back.

You know what I'd suggest...?

Sorry, but I have no intention of buying souvenirs on this trip.

OK, then how about you buy something for me then? As a present!

I can't think of a single reason why I'd want to buy you anything.

But I've had my eye on that pendant for such a loooong time.

Try paying some attention to me when I ask you something, and then we'll talk.

(And it looks like there's nothing on display inside, either. Hmm? Wait, actually, I think there is something...)

Great Revival ~ Franziska von Karma

That's everything, so now it's Logic time!

This isn't a paticularly hard one.

Honestly every once in a while you get a Logic segment that feels completely frivolous, and this is one of them. They even had to give you the Murder Weapon: Mr. Ifly logic piece back after eliminating it before!

(Does this mean the killer broke the glass to get at it...?)

Don't tell me you don't know what things go where in this shop.

Well, I don't! Ms. Rhoda's in charge of this place.

So, come on, how should I know anything?

(I sense that further inspection of this display case is needed.)

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

Let's start with the figurines on the left. All three of them prompt the same response.

Yeah, that's a paperweight of the founder of iFly airlines, Mr. Hugo Ifly. On the bottom shelf we have the cute one, the middle shelf is the realistic one...and on the top shelf......that's the floral version.

F-floral...? Are you sure about that? Let me guess. You just said the first thing that came to your mind, right?

.............

Edgeworth has never uttered a grammatically incorrect statement in his life, except for when the translators accidentally a word.

Anyway, next is the books on the bottom right.

"The History of iFly Airlines" "The Future of iFly Airlines" "The Seven Wonders of iFly" "Fight On! iFly Airlines" "Working Name: YouGo Airlines" "i(heart emoji)Fly--------ing" The titles make it very clear that they won't be making the top-sellers list anytime soon.

Looking in the center acts as examining the broken glass.

(Perhaps it was the killer who broke it in order to take the piggy bank? But it's a bit odd that the inside of the case is so devoid of glass shards. Plus, the glass broke rather cleanly...)

Aaaaaah!

Wh-what is it?!

I...I touched the glass, and it cut my finger! It hurts, Mr. Edgeworth! It hurts!

...Please tell me you can deal with such a minor cut on your own!

I'd say this contradiction required you to think a little bit, but Edgeworth more or less just explained what the problem is. His superpower isn't basic logic for nothing.

About what?

If the killer had broken the glass to get at the Mr. Ifly bank, there should be shards of glass inside the case itself.

Oooooh, I see! Yeah, I guess it'd be like that!

However, there's not a single piece of glass inside the display case.

Nope! No, there isn't!

Which means that the glass was broken from the inside out.

Tricks And Gimmicks

Yeah, that's for sure. There's so much glass all over the floor.

.........Eh?! .........That's nice.

Which leads me to believe...

........zzz.

But the murder occured before the turbulence, which rules this piggy bank out as the murder weapon.

So you mean the bank's not the real murder weapon? It's a fake?

Yes, at this point, that is a very real possibility.

Umm, but then what if when the killer went to take Mr. Ifly, they broke the glass by accident?

The display case is locked, so that's highly unlikely.

...Yeah, but there's one person who could've.

Oh? And who would that be?

Ms. Rhoda, of course. I mean, she's the one in charge of this place, so she has the keys to everything.

Ms. Rhoda Teneiro, huh...

With all that out of the way, Cammy has something new to talk about.

Don't blame the glass for something you did to yourself. Just be more careful.

Same to you! You're the one walking all over broken glass. You sure you're OK?

I'm fine. Any glass I walk on, I crush...like this!

That's nice. Please be careful around the display case, OK? Wouldn't want you to get hurt.

Compared to the glass around my feet, the inside of the case is nothing to be afraid of. After all, no glass fragments appear to have ended up inside.

Then I guess even you can tidy up the case, right?

Perish the thought!

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

It's that time again.

Wh-what's with the sudden yelling?!

Tell me, Ms. Meele, don't you think there's something strange about these suitcases?

Oh, well, sure...they totally ooze "strange". Like the color and the such...

That's not what I'm talking about! Now pay attention!

Aaaah! You're scaring me, Mr. Edgeworth!

S-sorry...ahem. These suitcases are lined up a bit too prim and proper.

Yeah, they look a bit uptight, don't they?

But I guess they take after their creator, tee hee.

Again, that's not what I meant, Ms. Meele. Don't you find it unusual that these cases are the only things undisturbed by the turbulence?

(...never mind. I'd sooner find an answer by inspecting these suitcases myself.)

Tee hee...I wonder how Ms. Rhoda would've reacted if she'd heard what you just said. What's wrong?

(...she makes a good point. It would be wise of me to watch what I say out loud.)

What's this? I've spotted something that's not quite right...

Tricks And Gimmicks

Spot the Difference puzzles have really gone downhill.

There's something very peculiar about these wheels.

Huh? As in?

As in, there are no stoppers in place on these. Without stoppers, one would think that the turbulence would have sent it flying.

...and?

*sigh* And so, it is very likely that this suitcase was placed here after we hit the turbulence! Let's take a closer look at it, shall we?

It's...something, alright.

The design has a certain...je ne sais quoi about it. Yes...perhaps that is the best way to put it...

...and it's soaked with blood!

Suspense

It appears that this suitcase is very strongly tied to our murder after all!

What does this suitcase have to do with the murder?

I think it's pretty safe to say that the killer used this suitcase in some manner. Such as to move something perhaps?

Ehhhhh...but aren't you just talking about the cloth then?

That alone is too small. A larger item would be needed to move what I'm thinking of.

Something that would fit inside a suitcase that is also covered in blood...

Sounds like a dead body, doesn't it?

But...but...

In light of this, I'd say that Mr. Hicks was moved into the elevator from someplace else. Which means that the murder was committed in an entirely different location!

........So you're saying that after moving the body into the elevator...

...the killer brought the suitcase in here and just left it? ..................

What is it?

Um, nothing...just that...

...I was thinking about what Ms. Rhoda said about coming here for something...

!

...but I'm afraid I wasn't able to convince the captain.

I'm very sorry, Mr. Edgeworth, but the captain feels that he has allowed you ample time. He says that he'd appreciate it if you could wrap it up here and return to your seat.

I understand his sentiments, however, if I'm not allowed to complete my investigation...the crime scene may become contaminated by the time we land. If I must stop, then I insist I be allowed to oversee the preservation of the two sites.

...under your supervision, of course.

If that's your only condition, then I believe we can accomidate your wishes. I'm here to assist you in any way that I can, Mr. Edgeworth.

Sounds like fun! We can camp out and watch over everything together!

(...and I have enough evidence to prove myself to be innocent of any wrongdoing...)

(I can't allow my investigation to end here! The truth must come to light!)

Jingle ~ Slight Break

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:36 pm

(I know that once we had landed I'm supposed to let the local police take over...and thanks to Ms. Teneiro and Ms. Meele, I was able to preserve the crime scene...)

(But I just can't shake it. I wasn't able to talk with Ms. Teneiro in private, so I'm left wondering just what was she up to? Why did she do what she did? There must be a way for me to continue my investigation.)
???: I've been expecting you, Miles Edgeworth.

I go where I am needed. And wherever there are criminals to be caught.

(The daughter of my mentor, Manfred von Karma, she, like myself, is a prosecutor.)

It would be a bit of a relief if you are...

Don't you try to flatter me! Miles Edgeworth...I'm placing you under arrest.

If you're at all familiar with Franziska, you know whipping will happen a lot. So much that I'm not going to bother gif-ing it every time. Sorry. :whip:

I had hoped to exact my revenge on you in a different venue...

...but I'll have to take when I can get. I never thought I'd see the day when a disciple of the house of Von Karma would become a criminal! Have you no shame?! *whip*

Wait! It has all been a big misunderstanding! I didn't kill the victim!

A misunderstanding?! I heard all about the murder over the police radio from the captain himself. You waited for the victim on the first floor, and then beat him to death.

Franziska, do you honestly believe that I killed a man?

..........

I can put your arrest on hold until then.

That's as it should be.

Hah! I don't need a lecture on how to perform my duties from you of all people.

"To be perfect in every way." The fulfillment of that creed alone is all I strive for!

Well, I have my own creed which I must fulfill, so why don't we solve this together?

Don't you dare leave town.

Trust me, I had no intention to.

Detective Gumshoe!

Yes, sir!

Listen up. I'm leaving you in charge of watching this man. Don't mess up, understand?!

M-Mr. Edgeworth?! I'm supposed to guard him?!

A simple yes or no, Detective!

Ack! Yes, sir! Understood, sir! You just leave it to me!

Miles Edgeworth. If you interfere with my investigation, I'll arrest you on the spot. Understand? Now then, if you'll excuse me.

Thank you, Detective.

I believe you in, sir! You can lean on me! I'll get you through this!

(I have to admit I'm a bit curious as to what Franziska is up to. Maybe I should ask the good detective...)

Very well. In that case, I have a few questions for you.

:siren: Dick Gumshoe ~ It's Detective Gumshoe

:siren:

First order of business: Looking at new stuff.

Franziska, the prosecutor from Germanimerica.

And this cloth, which we can examine more closely. There's only one thing to see there, though.

Was the victim wrapped in it at some point? Hmm...there's something very familiar about this fabric pattern...

Fun fact: All this optional dialogue you're about to read will change slightly after we talk to Gumshoe. Details!

Not bad. I guess it's gotten big enough to warrant its own branch shops.
Customer: Hmm...which should I go with?
Vendor: I recommend our airport special, World Flags Lunchboxes! Only available for a limited time! We have a variety of lunchboxes made up to look like different countries' flags!

...I wonder if they're aiming to take Lunchland to the international market?

Lunchland is a reference to a former detective who ended up selling ~~bento~~ lunchboxes after SL-9 Incident stuff happened.

Passenger: OM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM! In Soviet Russia, World Flags Lunchboxes eat j00!

Passenger: Found it! LAWL!!

I'm not typing this and you can't make me.

Passenger: For my next L33T movie, it's gonna be "The Steel Samurai: Warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo"...versus "The World Samurai: Champion of Earth"! It's gonna r0x0rz so many b0x0rz!

So the Steel Samurai is finally getting a movie...

That's Sal Manella. He's terrible and also the director of the Steel Samurai series.

Passenger: *quiver* I...I did it...I made it the whole flight...I'm not scared of turbulence anymore!

He must have been pretty scared. He's repeating the same thing over and over again to himself.

Besides the turbulence, they're really not all that bad as a mode of transportation.

Boy: Wow!!! I'd love to take a run down that runway!

.........Oh, the youth of today. So much potential, yet so misguided.

With that out of the way, time for Gumshoe.

We just shipped the body off to the coroner's office, and we're taking statements now, sir!

That sounds like Franziska. She was always good at quick responses to a case.

I'd say she was, uh...a little too quick, sir.

Oh? How so?

Uh...um...! I rushed on over as soon as I got word of the affair, sir! But somehow, when I got here, Ms. von Karma was already here barking out orders at everyone! It was kinda creepy! As though she knew there had been a murder or something, and had come in advance to await your flight's arrival!

(That is sort of odd. She did show up rather quickly, and out of the blue. Plus, I still don't know why she's here in America...there must be some backstory to all of this.)

And now Gumshoe opens to further questioning, but let's shove evidence at him first. Starting with the most important one, of course.

S-so did something fall out or not? I didn't, um, get a good look, sir!

...it doesn't concern you, so don't worry about it. (My Prosecutor's Badge, of all things! Gumshoe must never know that I dropped it!)

...post-modern, you say?

Yeah, especially this alien-shaped handle here. You can really feel a connection.

...a connection. Right.

Detective, please stop with your horrible impression of an art critic.

But I was only telling you my honest feelings, sir...

It's not a raccoon. It's the mascot of iFly Airlines. His name is Mr. Ifly, and apparently, he's supposed to be a monkey.

Oooooooh! I feel some inspiration coming ooooooon!

I'm going to make a piggy bank out of the police mascot, the Blue Badger! Then, whenever there's any loose change lying around the precinct, it can go in there!

Sure, sounds great. (...as long as it isn't any of my money.)

Initial Investigation just repeats the start of the conversation, so let's see what's up with Franziska.

Ms. von Karma just kinda popped up at the Prosecutor's Office about a week ago, sir. Something about chasing down leads related to a certain incident...

No details?

It's kinda top-secret, so she can't talk about it, even with me, sir.

(Knowing her, the only type of talking she likes to do is with her whip. Plus, I doubt the top-secret part was what stopped her from talking to you, Detective. Although, I wonder if her case has anything to do with mine...?)

Anyway, that's about all the info I have, sir. We should find out more as we investigate.

(Yes, it is high time to resume my investigation. Starting with talking to the people involved in this case afresh.)

But first, talking to all the NPCs in this room again!

I'll spare you full repeat conversation here and just highlight the parts that change. His changes the least, thankfully(?).

So the Steel Samurai is finally getting a movie...

...completely ignoring me, as usual. *whimper*

Passenger: *quiver* I...I did it...I made it the whole flight...I'm not scared of turbulence anymore! *quiver*...this life vest is proof I made it alive. It's now my prized possession.

...how could you just take that from the plane?!

It's OK, Mr. Edgeworth. It's got nothing to do with the murder, at least.

Boy: Do you like planes too, mister? The balance between the main wings and the tail wings is really something, huh?

Hah...it seems that the child derives his pleasure from a different aspect.

Oh, but I've also got a thing for the shape of the wings, too!
Boy: Here, mister! You can stand next to me! So, about that plane's wing...

(Tsk! Thank you, Detective, for leaving me out of this conversation!)

...have you never been to another country before, Detective?

Nope, not yet, sir! I don't even have a passport! But I've been saving up for that eventual "someday"! A penny a day to be precise!

(At that rate, he won't be making any trips until well after retirement!)

Customer: Hmm...which should I go with?
Vendor: I recommend our airport special, World Flags Lunchboxes! Only available for a limited time! We have a variety of lunchboxes made up to look like different countries' flags!

If you really want one that badly, Detective, why don't you go ahead and buy one?

I-is that OK, sir?! Thanks! Alright, then I'm really gonna get one! Here I go! Excuse me, miss! I'll take a Star-Spangled Banner Lunchbox, please!

(...I hope he's aware that's the most expensive one on the menu.)

Alright, moving on.

Cammy Meele ~ Good Niiight

So you must be the captain.
Captain: Why, yes, I am! And who might you be?

I am the Prodigy Prosecutor, Franziska von Karma, and I have a few questions for you.

Ahhh, don't you dare, Captain! Getting friendly with another woman...I'll never forgive you if you do!
Captain: Wh-what are you talking about? I-I only have eyes for you, my dear Cammy!

(I wouldn't bet money on our dear captain to be much of a reputable person.)

Sure you don't want to ask the captain some questions, sir?

He was in the cockpit the entire time. I highly doubt he would know anything of use. Anyway, I like to leave that type of witness to Franziska and her whip.

Now see here!!!

Aaaaaaaaaaack!

How long do you intend to hold me?! It is impossible for me to be the criminal! I told you!

Mr. Lablanc...

Oh, it is you!

Tell this man to stop stopping me from going! Time is money! I don't have even one second of wasteful time to spend!

Zinc LaBlanc ~ Time is Money

Time is money, so let's spend it taking another look around here. Edgeworth's rich, he can afford it.

I'd think you would know better than to randomly touch things at a crime scene, Detective! Besides, I didn't know you knew how to play.

Of course I do! I'm practically proficient!

(Interesting...the things you learn about people on a daily basis.)

I can get Do and Re to come out just right, sir!

Two notes does not a proficient pianist make, Detective.

It says "In honor of Rocker Pals day."

And what exactly is the big deal with these "Rocker Pals"?

They're a seriously sweet Swiss super-star rock band, sir! Ah...makes me wanna listen to one of their songs right now.

Sorry, I got lost in that forest of s's just now...

Do you want me to explain it to you again?

You know, Detective, I think I'll have to take a raincheck on that, regrettably.

Aaaaack! She's looking over here! Quick, sir! Wave at her with me, please!

I refuse to be your wingman on this!

This month's special...oh, it looks like it's an English trivia quiz. Oh, I've got one! What starts with "i" and means "boldy rude" and "disrespectful"?

(The answer is most definitely "insolent".)

Time's up! Sorry sir, but the correct answer is "insolvent"!

Yes, the game specifically pans the camera for this.

I'm Miles Edgeworth. I am one of the prosecutors on this case, so please let me through.
Officer: I'm very sorry, sir. No one is allowed to enter without Ms. von Karma's express permission.

But I'm on the case...
Officer: Yes, I understand that, but...I also have explicit instructions not to let you through from Ms. von Karma.

(Grr...why would you do this to me, Franziska...?)

And now, back upstairs! Because you can look at the stuff there too even though there's zero reason to be up there right now. And as LPer, it's my duty to give you as much Gumshoe as possible.

Cammy Meele ~ Good Niiight

What is it, Detective?! Did you find an important piece of evidence?

A giant parfait on top of bread AND steak?! Paint me jealous, sir! It's a feast!

.........(Maybe I should just let him have the giant parfait so that we can move on...)

You know, right before payday, I do nothing but drink the soup from my instant noodles!

...that much sodium can't be healthy. You might want to go in for a check-up.

Ho ho, did you really think I was serious, Mr. Edgeworth?

And look! All of them have a letter inside, sir. Let's see..."I'll order anything as many times as it takes, just to see your lovely face. My beloved Ms. Teneiro..." is what they all say, sir!

...please put them back in the bottles, Detective.

Yeah...I can't destroy the beautiful love here by ruining the letters by accident!

Detective, that is not for swimming. It's a lifesaver.

So you can't swim with one of these?

No...I mean, I suppose you could, but that's not what they are intended for...

Well then, see, it's the same as a floaty! You shouldn't go around confusing people, sir!

(...why do I feel like I've just kicked a puppy?)

It's just your imagination.

And it looks like that blue pawn is being completely surrounded by the red knights.

Now you're seeing things.

Um, sir...I don't think you're supposed to have lots of the same piece like in checkers...

I know that, Detective! What do you take me for?!

Wow! You read law books even when you're flying, sir?!

Were you expecting anything less? Now come along, we must hurry to the crime scene!

Hm? Hold on a sec...there's a different book stuck in here. "The Steel Samurai's Adv..."

Detective Gumshoe! Am I going to have to charge you with invasion of privacy!?

His jacket's just lying there, and his spilled left-over coffee is still there, too.

(I don't suppose anyone ever expects to die.)

It must be of great value to Mr. Lablanc then.

Yeah, I guess if you don't want to churn your urn, then it's always best to buckle up!

Obviously. But did that have anything to do with the case, Detective?

...nobody gets my jokes.

It's just the food they serve in First Class.

Wow! I am so jealous, sir! I wanna ride in First Class sometime!

(Right...when pigs fly and I own my own private jet.)

(Although...is it just me or do elevators have a long-standing hatred for me?)

No, you may not have a word with me. I don't want to talk to any other man except for the captain right now.
Captain: Me too, Cammy! I...I will never talk to another woma...*WHIP* aaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!!

(This definitely looks like a job for Franziska.)

Miles Edgeworth. Can't you see that I'm in the middle of taking his statement. This man is only captain in title. I'm going to teach him to do his job properly. *WHIP
Captain: Owww!! OK, OK! From now on, I'll keep my focus and take my responsibilities seriously!

He's really trembling there...

If it makes him take his job seriously, it's not just a bad thing, is it?

Wh-why are you looking at me like that, sir?!

Whew. With all that out of the way, next time we can actually progress the plot. I swear most segments in the game don't have this much optional stuff.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:36 pm

Well, we can't avoid the plot forever. Let's get to it.

Yup, all done, sir.

I do not concern if you're not done examining the cargo hold, I want my cargo back!

This is normally where I'd show the questioning options, but in this case it's more efficient to go directly to shoving evidence in his face.

And I'm not just making excuses for the badge, honest.

But from a single glance I can already tell it is mostly worthless.

(Hah. This has much more value as a piece of non-art, I assure you.)

You look like you have something to say! Perhaps you are thinking, "like casting pearls before swine"?

(He actually hit the nail on the head for once!)

He also reacts to the victim's wallet.

Sorry, but there is absolutely nothing inside this wallet.

How dare you! You are wanting to trick me! I will sue for fraud!

Mr. Lablanc. Are you seriously considering a courtroom tango with me?

I hope not, but in case you are, there is a certain lawyer I can introduce you to.

This is his generic response.

You seem not to understand: I have no time to waste! Let me put it another way!

"Le temps, c'est de l'argent!" There! Maybe another language will get through your head!

(I understood you perfectly fine in English.)

But what we're really here for is this, and it shouldn't take a genius to see why.

Hm? Oh! It's a Borginian cloth!

As I suspected. Your hat is made of the same material, I suppose?

Yes, of course! This fabric is so famous, orders come from over the seas for more!

Then this is the cargo you were talking about earlier?

No, no, no. My cargo this time is much, much many gigantic!

You, Detective! When can I have my cargo moved?!

You can get your cargo back when we're done investigating, pal!

The stubbornness of you police, it is no good! And it is no good that attendant refuses to exit the attendants' room, too!

That attendant...? (I wonder if he's talking about Ms. Teneiro?)

"Rhoda Teneiro" was added by talking to him about the cloth. See, efficiency! But let's start by asking him about his cargo.

Art? What sort of art?

Mr. Lablanc is an art dealer, so he's got a bunch of artwork down in the cargo hold, sir. There's practically a mountain of them, large and small.

From folk costumes to stone statues, I sell all kinds of arts!

(Folk costumes? Speaking of which, Mr. Lablanc's hat...it kind of looks like that other piece of cloth...)

And now let's ask about Rhoda.

She was taken into the attendants' room for her interview. And then they still have not come out! They make no sign of coming out either! I was finished with my own interview much earlier, quicker than her!

(Why is Ms. Teneiro's interview the only one that's taking up so much time...?)

Silence

Yes, I was able to obtain the cooperation of the flight attendants. Speaking of attendants, I'd like to speak with Ms. Teneiro. I wonder if you might grant me permission to enter the flight attendants' room?

Hmph. Before I do, you still have to clear up a few issues surrounding your own circumstances.

...I understand.

You may have tricked those attendants with your sophisticated talking, but you can't pull the wool over my eyes, Miles Edgeworth.

Let's not complicate things and go with the most obvious conclusion.

The scene of the crime was here, in the very lounge the body was discovered.

From the time the victim was seen calling for an attendant until his body was found...

...the only person in this lounge the entire time was you, Miles Edgeworth!

This, unmistakably, makes you the likeliest suspect.

Hmph. The "likeliest suspect", Franziska?

Do you have a problem with that?

No, but it's not like you to use such vague wording. You're usually a bit more...absolute.

I'm simply trying to watch out for you. Or is my kindness too hard for you to comprehend?

Thank you, but your leniency is unnecessary, for I will prove my innocence soon enough! (If I want to continue my investigation, I'll have to break her line of logic, fast!)

Don't you think you're being a bit rash by simply declaring me the culprit?

Hmph. I like my affairs to be simple. And perfect. I'll show you the meaning of both when I finish this whole thing within three minutes!

Hey! You say that like you're cooking a pack of instant noodles! Three*WHIP*eeeooooowww!

I won't allow even three seconds of useless testimony to be uttered in my prescence!

(...I see she hasn't changed a bit. But I won't allow her to send me to prison so easily.)

So tell me, Franziska, do you know all there is to know about the crime scene?

I know all that I need to know in order to arrest you.

And nothing more?

........are you saying there is more I need to know?! *WHIP*

Aaaaaaah! Wh-why did you whip me, sir?!

Sorry, Scruffy. My hand must have slipped.

(It would appear that Franziska doesn't have all the facts of this case yet.)

What do you mean by "seen"?

Please stop pretending like you don't know. It's insulting. Obviously, I'm talking about how Mr. Hicks was seen calling for an attendant at 5 AM. And then, from the time after that call until the body was found...

While it's true that I was in the lounge the entire time, that fact alone does not make me a criminal.

Hah, we'll see about that at the conclusion of this investigation. However, there is one thing that even you must admit at this time.

Under the circumstances, I suppose I can agree that I am the most likely suspect.

B-but I believe in you, sir! I don't think you did it!

Good screenshot timing, poor treatment of Gumshoe.

Quiet, Scruffy! Even if we are related by blood, that's no guarantee that he's not a criminal!

..........Franziska...

And loop.

I demand to see some proof that you are not the guilty party!

(The likeliest suspect, huh. What a roundabout euphemism. But it would appear that she doesn't yet know...)

(...about the new evidence that we acquired, and where we acquired it. I'll take care of the gaps in her logic one hole at a time.)

Gee Edgeworth, why not make it even more obvious what piece of evidence you're talking about?

And what does that mean?

I found a nice piece of evidence just before I was forced to stop investigating.

Pursuit ~ Lying Coldly

A piece that proves the body was moved from a different location!

Meaning that the real scene of the crime is not this lounge at all!

Now who's the one rashly jumping to conclusions?

Excuse me?

That doesn't prove that the body was moved. It could be that the killer simply chose that suitcase as a good place to hide the cloth.

I expected you would come to that conclusion. It would seem I can't escape that easily.

You should know better than that. A Von Karma is perfect in every way.

Ah, but did you know that the killer definitely wheeled the suitcase around at some point?

As if there is proof of that!

The spilled grape juice in front of the elevator...

Yes, and I'd like to draw your attention to this area here...

This is definitely not time-wasting padding, given that the description for this evidence specifically mentioned something being dragged.

I suppose.

Further, there is also grape juice residue on the wheels of the suitcase. This means that the suitcase containing the victim's body definitely passed through here.

Where'd that detail come from, you ask? Well, it turns out that it's an optional thing to examine on the suitcase. To be fair this one wasn't hard to figure out even without knowing that.

For completeness' sake:

(This color and this scent...it appears that the substance in question is grape juice. But why would there be juice on the wheel of a suitcase?)

And now back to your regularly scheduled ~~cross-examination~~ argument.

...did move the victim's body from somewhere else.

I'm glad you've come to your senses.

Not so fast! This still doesn't put you in the clear! Not by a long shot!

You prepared yourself and acquired the piggy bank before the plane hit that turbulence.

And then, you waited for the victim in the lounge, where you beat him to death.

Then, while you were in the elevator with the victim's body stuffed into the suitcase...

...the plane hit that patch of turbulence, and out flew the body from within the suitcase!

With no way out, you hastily put the suitcase back where you had taken it from...

And pretended to be the "discoverer" of the body.

Not a bad bit of logic, for something you thought of on the fly.

Just what are you insinuating?

That I will show you exactly how flawed your logic is.

(No matter how strong of a face you put on, not even you can hide your fears from me. I'll expose all the flaws in her logic in one fell swoop!)

And how do you suppose I was able to take the piggy bank out of its display case? As I recall, the case was locked.

That's easy. If the case was locked...you simply had to hit the glass...like this! *WHIP*

Eeeeeooww! Y-you've shattered my heart of glass!

(So she wants to talk about the in-flight shop and the Mr. Ifly bank, does she...?)

That takes care of how you obtained the murder weapon.

I thought there wasn't any of the victim's blood found in the lounge.

Hmph. I thought you'd say that. What? Did you think I wouldn't have noticed? I think you just found a way to cleverly hide the blood splatter in the lounge!

By "accidentally spilling" grape juice on top of it!

Gnrgh! Are you accusing me of tampering with the crime scene now?!

We'll see, won't we? The forensic scientists are hard at work on that as we speak.

...........and? What do you propose I did after that?

So I put the victim's body into the suitcase, and then? Where was I headed, Franziska?

That's pretty obvious. You were bringing it to first class where you could safely keep an eye on it!

Hmph. Annoying brat. Well then, you were intending to leave it inside the elevator. But unfortunately for you, a wrench was thrown into your plans, because...

You've experienced turbulence on a flight before.

Of course. Many times. You get used to it after a while.

The patch we hit was especially rough...and I passed out briefly, but only for a second.

Good thing it was only for a sec, sir! It'd been(sic) bad if you had really blanked out!

Y...yes, indeed.

(Unfortunately, blanking out is exactly what got me into this mess in the first place.)

That's enough of your idle chatter. I'm not through with you yet, Miles Edgeworth!

Hmph...if I really were a criminal, do you really think I would be so easily caught?

You are certainly in the middle of being caught right now! *WHIP*

Gnaaaaargh! (I have to find a contradiction fast, or I won't have much of my own hide left to save!)

I have to say, you are looking rather caught right now. And I'll tell you exactly what you did after that. You loitered around in the lounge...

I didn't pretend to be anything! I really was the first to discover the victim's body!

...I suppose that's true.

Hm...? So then...you are yielding to my statements?

Don't be foolish! I still insist that you are the killer, but...

In that sense, you really were the first to "discover the body to be dead."

And loop.

(...no matter what I say, she seems dead set on making me out to be the killer. Her logic is reasonably sound, and the large majority of it reflects the truth, but there is one point about it that is not quite right.)

We didn't spend more than two sentences going "gee, with the way the glass broke, the bank must have fell out during the turbulence" for nothing.

...is to be commended. Your legal prowess is certainly something to be feared.

Evidence and logic. Essential tools that those who would stand in a courtroom must learn to master.

But what if there was a fake piece of evidence thrown into the mix?

A fake...?

This Mr. Ifly piggy bank is just such a fake! It is NOT the real murder weapon!

WHAT?!

Tricks and Baroque

The timing of when the bank was taken from the shop is important. And it was taken after the turbulence had occured.

But then, what about the blood on the bank?! What do you make of that?!

I assume it was added after the murder when the killer fabricated this weapon. Looking at it this way, the killer did basically three things after the turbulence.

Then, the killer proceeded to pick the bank up from off the floor...

Everything was done so that I would be framed for the murder of Mr. Akbey Hicks!

Officer: Yes, ma'am!

Other than this piggy bank, was anything else resembling a murder weapon found?
Officer: We didn't find anything in the lounge or in the shop that could be used as one, ma'am! Most of the items that could have been used were broken during the turbulence. And the remaining items all tested negative for any trace of blood!

Investigation ~ Core 2009

........I see. Well, Miles Edgeworth, it appears your stall tactics are at an end.

But it's possible that it's just hidden somewhere, sir!

If the criminal had wanted to hide the weapon in a safer place, I'd think the weapon would have been hidden in the same place as the bloody cloth.

Exactly what I was thinking. Because the cloth was hidden inside that suitcase, it signals to me that the killer had not prepared a more secure place to hide the evidence.

Which means that the real murder weapon is either still on the murderer's personage...or is still at the real crime scene.

That the piggy bank is in fact the real weapon.

But didn't we just...

Let me finish! The killer took the bank out from the display case before the turbulence by opening the lock on the display case door. And it was at that time that the glass pane in the door was broken.

I'd say that's a perfectly reasonable line of reasoning, wouldn't you? Let's see...so that means that the killer had the key to the display case...

Suspense

Franziska...the person you're talking about...

She tricked the captain...

...and granted you permission to conduct the investigation! Yes, it is the sin of lying!

...!

Speaking of which, I recall that you also wished to speak with her.

Yes.

Very well, permission granted. But only if I can sit in on your interrogation. Do we understand each other?

I have no intention of interrogating her. But you are welcome to accompany me if you so wish.

Ms. Teneiro is in the flight attendants' room. Let's move.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:36 pm

Welcome back. There are at least three updates left after this one. I hope you're enjoying being stuck on this plane as much as I am!

So you're the one that poked around inside this plane without the captain's permission!

........

Deviating from the flight attendant's manual is very unbecoming, you know. What were you hoping to accomplish by doing that?

...I...I...

Ms. Teneiro...

Ah! Mr. Edgeworth! You're here too?!

Can you please help us and shed some light on why you did what you did?

.....alright.

Doubted People

Naturally, I'll be looking at everything else in the room first.

Officer: But I can't let you through without Ms. von Karma's express permission.

That's not a bad way to handle this situation if it was any old case, but this isn't.

So between you and Ms. von Karma, who's better at their job?

Oh, there is no comparison to be made, Detective. None.

Since Gumshoe piped up, let's keep talking to him.

What are you doing, and why are you fidgeting?

I...I've never been on a plane before. And I've never been in an attendants' room...

Well, even on a normal flight, one would rarely ever need to enter one.

I don't know when I'll ever get to be on a plane again, so I wanna soak it all in now, sir! Let's see...a box full of crowns, and a yellow suitcase, and...oh, what a great trip!

Paging Detective Gumshoe. Kindly return to the situation at hand.

>Franziska's logic

Way to show her who's boss, Mr. Edgeworth! Not even Ms. von Karma's whip is a match for you!

You give me too much credit. She simply didn't have all the information. To be sure, the fights will become tougher and tougher as this investigation progresses.

Spoilers: They really don't. At least none of them are as big of a waste of time as the argument against Franziska last time.

That's alright, Mr. Edgeworth! You've got me watching your back! I'll make sure to keep on supporting you any way I can! You just say the word, sir!

(Really...? Then how about standing out in front and absorbing whip lashes for me?)

(I am almost certain that the well-kept one up top belongs to Ms. Teneiro.)

Ewww...this bottom one is a giant mess.

...you sloven, squalid, scoundrel of a man...you dare to scrutinize a woman's bed and invade her privacy?! *WHIP*

Yeeeeeeeeooooowww!

(*sigh* There are some things in life best kept to yourself, Detective.)

Detective Gumshoe, if you please.

Yes, sir! You just leave the rummaging to me!

*WHIP* Scruffy! How dare you go through a woman's trash without her permission?! Have you no sense of honor?!

Eeeeeek! I'm sorry! I-I'm just doing what Mr. Edgeworth told me to doooooo*WHIP*owww!

(Forgive me, Detective...)

That's our lost and found, Mr. Edgeworth.

Gold crowns, and swords, and necklaces...it's like a treasure trove in here, sir!

(The fact that these were left on the plane implies they were carried onto it to begin with...something tells me it's time for iFly to send its metal detectors out for repairs.)

(You can tell it's hardly ever been used by the lack of even a single scratch on it.)

..........why must men always be so rude?

Besides, who exactly gave you permission to search through the attendants' lockers?

Wait, Detective!

It would be uncouth of us to look in a woman's locker without her permission.

Yeah, I guess so. Plus, I feel this murderous draft and I can sense a whip not far behind.

Ah, that's the emergency control panel for the elevator. We used it to stop the elevator on the first floor and to keep its doors open.

In due time. I do have one thing I'd like to ask you.

...yes?

Do you plan to continue using that whip for the foreseeable future?

Of course! I've wrangled many a testimony out of people thanks to it.

Yeah, and probably a whole lot of yelps to*WHIP*oooooooowww!!

And I'm willing to bet that the majority of them came from you, Detective.

...let's talk to Teneiro so this game stops shitting on Gumshoe for a minute.

Showing her anything at all only produces this response. Including the badge.

I don't know how to answer you. As a professional flight attendant, I'm a failure...

(She must be worn out from the long questioning session she just went through...)

Why did you lie about receiving the captain's permission like that?

...........because I didn't think I would be able to get his permission.

what do you mean?

The captain...he only has ears for Cammy...

I spoke with the captain a little earlier myself. He definitely seems to be rather taken with Ms. Meele.

Yes...and on top of that...I had mistakenly accused Mr. Edgeworth of being the killer.

I wanted to make amends.

In that case, please allow me to thank you for what you did. Thanks to you, I was able to clear myself of all charges.

You were able to prove your innocence?

Oh, thank goodness!

Ms. Teneiro, is it? There is one more thing I'd like to ask you.

You were in the in-flight shop just before the turbulence, weren't you? Please answer honestly.

Yes, I was.

And why were you there?

Well, I...

(Hm? Why the sudden hesitation? Franziska seems to have struck a nerve.)

All I did was go check up on the shop like I always do.

You're saying it was for work, then?

Yes. I'm in charge of the shop, so I have to keep an eye on it. I don't have any reason to go there otherwise.

After your visit to the shop, you paid a visit to this room, correct?

Yes, I came back to freshen up and adjust my makeup. I'm sorry, but there isn't much else to tell...

(Hm...Ms. Teneiro claims to have no reason other than duty to go to the shop. But is that all there is to it? Maybe I should ask her about that thing.)

That thing being her...work of art, of course.

Oh, that suitcase...!

Yes, about this suitcase, you are the one who designed it, correct? And I think I figured out something else about it. This suitcase is the reason you went to the shop, isn't it?

.........there's nothing you won't find out eventually, is there?

Won't you please tell me more about this suitcase?

Yes, um, I...well, I...I was interested in seeing how the suitcases I had designed were selling!

I...I know that as a service professional, I'm not supposed to care...

...but I really wanted to know! And I was glad to see that it was the last one there...!

! ("The last one there"...?)

So you're saying, Ms. Teneiro, that the suitcase in question was the last one?

Yes. They're just so popular, they're practically flying off the shelves!

(That's not exactly the impression I got...)

The one in the shop is most definitely the last one!

Well, we're currently looking at that suitcase.

I didn't say anything about buying it!

Then say you'll buy it!

I...I'm sorry. I can't.

B...but why?!

I think it'd go great with your complexion, Mr. Edgeworth! It really suits you! I guarantee it personally as a service professional!

Um...well...that is...how should I put this...it's hideous.

(Hmm...maybe that was a bit too direct.)

Moving on...my issue with the suitcases isn't the design, it's the number of them remaining.

R-remaining...?!

There were two suitcases in the in-flight shop when I investigated it.

Two...? But that's...impossible! I'm sure there was only one...

Looks like her story has generated quite the contradiction.

When I left the shop...

I'm positive there was only one suitcase left!

(Something is amiss here. What could be the meaning of this inconsistency?)

By the way, Ms. Teneiro...

Um...that's...

I thought you said that there's only one left...?

Th-that one is...um...it's mine. I've used it for a very long time now.

Excuse me?!

I don't believe for even one second that you've used this "for a very long time"!

Tricks And Gimmicks

Tell me, Ms. Teneiro, is it also your habit to keep the price tag pristine on your suitcase?

Ah!

What is the meaning of this? Why would you lie about a suitcase?

........

Ms. Teneiro, I think I understand. I know what you are trying to hide.

The right answer is obvious, so of course I'll pick both wrong answers first. Starting from the top:

This suitcase was originally in this flight attendants' room!

So now you believe what I said about it being my own personal suitcase?

N-no, not at all! It was here, but then it was taken to another location, and...

I refuse to stand by while a villainous man vilifies a woman with such vile tactics!

(I need to rethink this...I have to figure out where that suitcase came from!)

>First Class

It was originally in First Class as part of a sales campaign! But the passengers were so engrossed in the movie that you brought it back...here...

...and? What does that have to do with the case?

We should try to find that out. Isn't it our job to investigate these kinds of connections?

Then investigate it by yourself on your own time!

(Gnnrgh!)

And the correct answer:

>The in-flight shop

Seeing as how the price tag is still on this suitcase, one can only assume it was out on the floor for sale in the shop.

It was you, wasn't it, Ms. Teneiro?

...it hasn't sold very well, has it?

.........

You saw how poorly this design that you poured your heart into was selling...and were deeply hurt. That's why you wanted to make it look like it was selling by buying it yourself.

Isn't that right?

Then...the reason you went to the shop and came back here was...

Doubted People

I-I'm sorry! A-All I really have is my job...I...I was overjoyed when my design was chosen...

I thought that maybe...maybe I had finally accomplished something...

But the suitcases didn't sell.

It's because of the design, isn't it? All because it's as you put it, "hideous".

(I can't say they chose a great place in which to sell them, either...)

We weren't selling a single one, and they were just sitting there collecting dust.

I felt so bad seeing them there, day in and day out.

So I decided to buy one for every flight I worked.

You buy one every single time you work a flight?!

I see. So in order to keep your resolution, you went and bought one today as well.

(Hmm...this receipt is clearly time stamped 5:40 AM.)

The truth is, there's still a bunch of them left unsold. They're planning to scrap the remaining ones at the end of the flight.

Ms. Teneiro, where are these other suitcases?

They should all be down in the cargo hold.

Then the suitcase the killer used...

Could very well have come from the cargo hold.

Um...Mr. Edgeworth...you don't think that the killer used one of my suitcases to...

Yes, I do. The killer used one of your beloved suitcases to move the victim's body.

Aaaah! How could they?!

Those suitcases were meant to be faithful partners to our passengers on their trips.

That's all I ever wished for them to be!

Ms. Teneiro, is there any other way to get to the cargo hold other than the elevator?

The only other way is just through that door there.

And what about security?

That door has no special lock installed, because just to enter this room, you need a special keycard that only crew members have access to.

Which means that the culprit is someone who can enter this room, eliminating the passengers, and leaving only crew members as potential suspects.

I-I can't believe it...

Suspense

Going on these wild goose-chases...you're a disgrace to the Von Karma name!

And what do you mean by that?

The suitcase came from the cargo hold.

That fact alone tells the whole story.

Yes, which is why I said the culprit must be a crew member who used their keycard...

Miles Edgeworth! You're proposing that the killer rode the elevator from the cargo hold, correct?

Yes, that's the only realistic possibility.

That other attendant...Ms. Meele...I asked her earlier, and she had this to say.

(Franziska got information out of Ms. Meele?)

In order to make the elevator go down to the cargo hold, a different keycard is required.

A different one?

Yes, and the only person who holds that particular card...

...is you, Ms. Rhoda Teneiro, and only you!

Aaaaaaaaaaah!

What?! Is this true, Ms. Teneiro?!

Y-yes...I keep that keycard in my locker at all times.

Could you please show us that card right now?

Y-yes, hold on...

The keycard...it's...it's gone!

Ha ha ha. Very clever. Pretending that your card was stolen, when in fact, you're just trying to hide it from us...you've really thought this through.

W-wait! It's not like that!

You can tell us all about what it's like down at the station. Officer! Arrest this woman!
Officer: Yes ma'am!

M-Mr. Edgeworth...

Franziska, I know that you are the lead investigator on this case, however...

Hold it! Don't even think about wasting any more of my time.

!

You know the rules as well as I do. Evidence speaks louder than words. Even if this isn't a courtroom, that basic tenet still applies.

........

I intend to investigate the cargo hold now. What will you do, Miles Edgeworth?

...I intend to do likewise.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:36 pm

Wow, so this is the cargo hold, huh?!

It has both a super-large cargo hold and ultra-luxurious First Class seating.

So is this the real scene of the murder?

There is certainly a high probability of that, which is why we are here, correct?

OK! Let's get investigating, sir!

Let's see what Gumshoe's seen.

This cargo hold is really big! I can't believe they can fit stuff like that in here!

Detective! What're you going on about?! We're in the middle of an investigation here!

Whooooa! Stuff's falling on me!

Ho ho, I can't really get into my work without something like this happening first. Well, let's get this show on the road! So, which item do you wanna start on!?

(In this world, there are those who are masochistic, and then there is Gumshoe.)

>Teneiro's lie

So that flight attendant...Rhoda Teneiro...she's the killer, isn't she?

I don't think we can say for sure yet. But there certainly are a great number of things pointing us in that direction.

You mean like how she didn't tell us about buying her own suitcase?

Yes, however, in regard to the keycard being stolen...I can't seem to find any evidence that she's lying about that.

Officer: No sir! I haven't noticed a thing!

(I'm not sure that he meant to sound so oblivious...)

Here, you should give it a try, sir! Go on, push it!

...the elevator is currently stopped on the first floor, Detective. It can't move.

Oh yeah...I guess nothing would happen if you pushed it now...

Well, nothing would happen normally anyway without the special keycard. (Both the door to the attendants' room and the elevator's control panels require a keycard, which makes it impossible for a passenger to come down here.)

Let's try someone who might actually be useful.

And then you immediately began to direct the investigation.

It seems to me that you were already here at this airport for something besides this murder.

.................yes, I was.

Why is there a single dialogue option? To give me a chance to annoy her with the badge, of course!

:saddowns: I guess we'll just have to talk to her, like normal people.

But it's much too large for one person to take down alone.

Interpol is involved...?

It's a top-secret operation, so I really can't tell you any more than I already have.

And that's it. That's all we're getting out of her this time.

This sure brings back memories of when I worked as a part-time mover, sir!

(By the look in his eyes, he's waiting for me to ask about the rest of the story...but no matter how he pours on the puppy eyes, I have no intention of doing so.)

We can actually see the top of these two pieces of cargo on the screen at the top of the stairwell!

This thing's as tall as two of you on top of each other, sir!

It would probably take 20 of you to cover the entire surface of this monstrosity.

What, really?! Hmm...yeah, I guess that sounds about right!

(There's really no need to take that throwaway estimate seriously, Detective...)

These must be all the leftover ones they couldn't sell. (The ones the company is planning to dispose of after this flight is over...)

This paint job is really cool, don't you think?! It practically screams "ARTSY!"

Oh? Why not purchase one, then? I'm sure it will bring you much happiness.

You think so?! Then maybe I will! Let's see here......TWELVE HUNDRED DOLLARS?!

.........I think I'll pass.

(And Ms. Teneiro wonders why they don't sell. You'd need two jobs just to buy one.)

(...hmm, it definitely looks like one is missing. Hm? What is this brittle substance I'm stepping on?)

This one says "FLAMMABLE", and this one...it says "PHARMACEUTICALS"...this one says "FOR EXORCISM USE ONLY"...

(Just what kind of operation is this airline running?!)

Officer: It's what the victim checked-in, sir!

So this suitcase belonged to Mr. Hicks...I don't think he'd mind if we took a closer look.

Wait. A file?

And there's a photo of Ms. von Karma in it, sir!

Why would Mr. Hicks have had a file on her...?

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

We've got some stuff that pairs together nicely...

...including the broken glasses that have been at the back of Edgeworth's mind all case.

And the victim was wearing a pair of broken glasses!

Exactly what I was thinking. I'm sure that the shards would match up perfectly with the remnants of his glasses' lenses. Ergo, the victim was here, just as I suspected.

So you're saying...that the real scene of the crime was here, sir?!

Isn't that what I've been saying for a while now?!

Oh, is it? I didn't know that!

Perhaps it's a bit early to draw that conclusion...

...however, I believe that the possiblity has just skyrocketed considerably. All that's left is to find the murder weapon...

I know this is about stringing together likely possibilities instead of concrete evidence, but this one seems particularly weak to me. Maybe it would have worked better if they moved the cargo hold glass later in the case, where it'd look less like Edgeworth was going "AHA! A tiny bit of glass in a cargo hold! It's definitely from the victim's glasses and not the dozens of other things it could possibly be from!"

This one makes a lot more sense, at least.

Oh, I know! I bet he's a big fan of Ms. von Karma, sir!

Franziska said she had come to this airport as part of an Interpol investigation.

Oh! Maybe Mr. Hicks had heard she was coming here and he followed her...

Detective, I think it's more likely that Mr. Hicks was, in fact, Interpol Agent Hicks. I think Franziska has some explaining to do.

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

And now we can grill Franziska for more info.

...nonsense! What are you talking about?!

We found a profile detailing information about you in the victim's luggage. I suppose it was prepared for him so that he could recognize you when he landed. Which makes him not Mr. Hicks, but rather, Interpol Agent Hicks. Isn't that correct?

...I should've known you'd figure it out, Miles.

But it looks like they got to him first.

So you really did come here to receive an Interpol agent, then?

Yes...

He went undercover to investigate this crime.

And it was I who put him on this case.

I was supposed to receive a call from him on his cell phone once he had landed.

...I never expected to receive a call about his murder instead.

There's nothing but luggage! Oh, I get it! Maybe he forgot something in his suitcase, and came down to get it!
*WHIP*

Owwwww!

Agent Hicks came here for a work-related reason. Of that I'm sure.

Tricks And Gimmicks

Franziska, do you know exactly how he intended to pursue his investigation?

No. Unfortunately, I was going to find out from him after he landed...

I see...but this raises another question. A normal passenger can't access the cargo hold on their own.

Yes, and then he was murdered here...

...they entered the elevator. But while they were riding it up...

Because of the intense shaking, the suitcase popped open, and Agent Hicks's body flew out. At the same time, his wallet fell out of his pocket, spilling its contents everywhere.

What?! Really, sir?!

......

I know what you're thinking, Miles Edgeworth.

But the killer can be none other than Ms. Rhoda Teneiro!

If it was a crew member, any one of them could've shown Agent Hicks to the cargo hold.

But the point to keep in mind is the keycard that allows the elevator to come down here.

The only person with such high-level access is Ms. Rhoda Teneiro!

I'd say that's a pretty decisive piece of information, wouldn't you?

(I know what she's trying to say, but I'm not certain it's as simple as that.)

That might be true, but then, it could be anyone, including Ms. Meele or even the captain.

Don't be a fool! A plane without a pilot in the cockpit is like...

...a horse without a rider, crop in hand! Much like Scruffy over there!

(I can't disagree with her on that. Detective Gumshoe does always need a guiding hand.) Very well, then what about the other flight attendant, Ms. Meele?

Hah, I thought you might ask about her.

But it's highly likely that the keycard was stolen from Ms. Teneiro!

"It's highly likely"...? Is that "possibility" the best you can come up with? And you call yourself a disciple of my father! *WHIP*

Nnnrgh! Yes, well...while I don't have any evidence, I...

Be quiet! You're a disgrace! There's more evidence pointing to Ms. Rhoda Teneiro, you know! It's not just the keycard that gives her away!

Yes! She is also the only person with a key to open that display case!

........

This statement gets added, but I'm holding off on Pressing it for now.

Why would such important things, like the keycard, be entrusted to only one person?

According to Cammy Meele, Rhoda Teneiro is in charge of most of the "important stuff".

Then exactly what is Ms. Meele in charge of?

Chatting it up with that foolish captain, apparently. She was being so foolishly foolish that I didn't want to ask her what her other duties were! *WHIP*

Gah! I understand how you feel, but whipping me just now was uncalled for!

In the end, the only one who could've let Agent Hicks into the hold was Rhoda Teneiro.

Decisive...? Do you really think it's that strong?

There is no room for doubt! All of the other evidence points to her as well!

Hmm......

No snappy comeback? That's as it should be.

And loop.

(However, there must be something I can work with that I can draw out of her.)

Back to this.

But that is a fake...

Stop right there, Miles Edgeworth! You don't have any proof that this is just a red herring! If you must keep insisting that it's a fake, then what is the real murder weapon and where did it go?

.........

Speechless, I see. That's not a surprise. After all, you know that we've searched the entire cargo hold and came up empty-handed!

(There must be a way...there must be something that can help me rule out the piggy bank as the murder weapon...)

Tricks And Gimmicks

Starting with the wrong answers, as usual.

We should examine the bank itself once more to determine if it is the real murder weapon. If this is the real weapon, it should be damaged or perhaps have a dent on it somewhere.

We've looked into that already and there is no sign of anything on it. But we can't discount it as the murder weapon on that one fact alone. The piggy bank is, after all, made of a stronger material than human flesh.

Nnngh...(If I can't prove it through the piggy bank itself, then I must find another way!)

>Crime Scene

We might turn up the murder weapon if we search all of the cargo and luggage.

Did you think I hadn't thought of that? Even now, we're searching through them. But we haven't found anything that even closely resembles a murder weapon.

Tsk...alright then. I suppose we should examine something else.

And that something is The Body.

Oh, was I?!

Yes. We don't even have the autopsy results yet. How can I not say that you made a snap judgement when you have yet to even see...

...if the wound on Agent Hicks's head is consistent with the "murder weapon"?

........

Scruffy!

Y-yes, sir!

Contact the medical examiner's office at once! I wish to hear the results of Agent Hicks's autopsy! *WHIP*

Eeeek! Yes, siiiir!!!

They're still doing the autopsy, but they said that they already know this one thing for sure!

Report! Now!

The doc said that it's one giant bruise from a beating from his shoulder down to his mid-back!

Investigation ~ Core 2009

From the victim's shoulder to his mid-back? He was beaten over such a wide area?

Well, I'd say maybe it's a sign the killer had a grudge against Agent Hicks!

It wasn't just his head; the killer went all out and hit him multiple times, sir!

Scruffy! What is "had a grudge against Agent Hicks" supposed to mean?!

I...well, that's...um...

Was the wound on the victim's head consistent with the murder weapon, Detective?

Oh, well, they said they were still looking into that, sir!

.........you're completely useless!

Silence

What is all that racket?

Zinc LaBlanc ~ Time is Money

Officer: We're still investigating the cargo hold! Please understand and have a little patience!

...I suppose there is no choice...
Officer: Finally...I think he gav...hey! What are you?!...

Officer: Y-you won't get past me!

Silence

A lot just clicked into place at once, didn't it?

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

(...which is why there is such extensive bruising over such a wide area. But is that really the correct conclusion to draw from the evidence? The bruise from his shoulder to the middle of his back is one continuous mark...which is more suggestive of a single blow to the back. If that's the case, then the piggy bank is much too small to have caused that.)

(But so far, we haven't found anything that resembles a weapon of any sort.)

(Perhaps...just perhaps, it's something we all overlooked from the very beginning...)

(...because normally, it's just too impossibly big to be taken into consideration!)

Next time: Investigating in light of this new murder weapon.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:37 pm

Three more updates and we'll finally be off this plane. It's really not that bad if you're playing normally, but the LP's been here since mid-July. I'm more than ready for a change of scenery.

Franziska!

Wh-what?! What do you want?!

Tricks and Baroque

I found it, Franziska...I found the real murder weapon!

Y-you did?!

Maybe someone should see if Zinc's still alive? Maybe?

We didn't realize it until now, but...

...the answer has been right in front of us this whole time!

He might be hurt! We should go check up on him, sirs!

There's that pompous attitude of yours again. You should learn to drop that habit.

(This coming from a prosecutor with a habit of whipping everyone she comes across...)

Anyway, if you really are a prosecutor, then you'll back yourself up with evidence!

...you two aren't listening at all, are you...?

Edgeworth may have found the murder weapon, but he doesn't have any evidence pointing to it. And he never will.

What do you mean by "I don't have any evidence to show"!?

Perhaps I should've phrased it as "that which caused Agent Hicks's death is incorporeal."

All aboard the wrong answer train.

The victim suffered from a lack of oxygen in the elevator and suffocated!

.........

A-and...the bruising on his back and his broken neck was caused by his sudden fall to the ground.

.........

...you are like a fly buzzing in my ear. Be gone!

Aaaargn!

Aw, that wasn't such a bad guess, Mr. Edgeworth!

(Without a shred of proof, did he just accuse me of making a good "guess"...?!)

(Wait...but he did imply I was on the right track...)

>Strangulation

But there are no marks on his neck because...the killer found a way to hide them somehow. A-and...the bruising on his back and his broken neck was caused by his sudden fall to the ground.

Care to explain how the killer magically erased strangulation marks from around his neck?!

.........

In that case, please allow me to demonstrate. *WHIP*

That's going to leave a mark!

And the correct answer,

>Free fall

In other words, the real cause of death is free-falling to the ground!

He...f...f...

...fell to his death?!

Confess the Truth 2009

(Yes...this is the only plausible possibility!)

The victim has extensive bruising on the back of his head and his back.

And the only rational explanation for these injuries is that he fell to his death!

B-but the murder happened inside this plane!

I know.

Are you claiming that there is someplace in this place from which he could've fallen from?!

As I said earlier, the answer has been right in front of us this entire time!

You...you can't mean?!

Yes, I do. The victim fell from the top of the stairs of this very cargo hold!

Whaaaaaaaat?! Then...then...w-we're in trouble! We may have a second death on our hand, sirs!

! He's alive!

It's not possible that Agent Hicks fell over the railing to his death.

That man is living proof of that.

...........I suppose it's true that it's not possible...given the current circumstances.

The "current" circumstances? What is that supposed to mean?!

Suppose that large piece of cargo wasn't there at the time. What would've happened then?

He would've been a Borginian pancake for sure, sir!

I suppose that man over there wouldn't still be breathing...

But the reality is that the cargo box is there! So there is no point in entertaining your wild hypothetical scenarios!

It may be there now...but there is no proof that it was always there!

Hah! As if there could've been a window of time when that giant box is not there!

Ah, but there was.

What...?

Tricks and Baroque

You refueled in the Republic of Zheng Fa...?!

Yes, this flight had a short layover in Zheng Fa in order to refuel. But that wasn't the only reason for the layover. We also transferred some cargo. What if the box in question was only transferred onto the plane at that time? To further prove my point, let's take a look at what's next to the box in question.

Correct. Meaning it was loaded onto the plane in Zheng Fa.

It would mean that the box was not here in the cargo hold during the Europe - Zheng Fa leg of the flight.

Making a clear drop from which Agent Hicks could've fallen to his death entirely possible!

Ah, but your theory is still very far-fetched.

Then allow me a chance to prove how very likely my scenario is.

(My first order of business will be to examine that piece of cargo in more detail...)

Let's see what Gumshoe's noticed.

This cargo hold is really big! I can't believe they can fit stuff like that in here!

Detective! What are you going on about?! We're in the middle of an investigation here!

Whoaaaa! Stuff's falling on me!

>Cause of death

Man...I can't believe Mr. Hicks fell to his death. I never would have guessed in a million years!

That is still only a hypothesis, however, the investigation should prove it to be true.

Speaking of falling, I'm glad that art guy's OK! He took quite the spill!

Yes, he was lucky to have landed on top of that piece of cargo.

Yeah, I can just see it now. "Passenger Pays Price for Police Foul Up!"

"Did Prosecutor Edgeworth add fuel to the fire of the first murder with a second death?!"

Yup, I'm willing to bet that it'd make the front page!

......! (That's not funny, Detective!)

Back to the investigation proper.

Officer: Roger, sir!

(It's rather unusual for Gumshoe to be so directing. He must outrank this officer.)

If you run into any trouble, just leave it up to me, OK?
Officer: Yes, sir...! Ah! Watch out, Detective Gumshoe!

Scruffy! I think your ego is in need of some deflating.

I-I was following in your footsteps, sir...I wanna try patronizing my subordinates.

(Cruel and unforgiving to the Detective, even in front of his own subordinate...)

That is so cool! I can't believe he was from Interpol! The adventure! The glamour! And the miraculous big escape when you get caught by the enemy!

...except, in this case, there was no big escape.

...and no miracle.

Too bad for Ms. Teneiro, but this design is unmarketable.

I'd buy one if it was cheaper, sir! Do you think they'd sell it to me at a discount? Oh! Or! Why don't they sell them in the airport and have a bargain basement sale?!

"Buy one get one free! If you win the raffle, you get one more for free!" How about those ideas, sir?!

I think if they did that, everyone would lose.

I don't think you have the time for idle chatter. You still need to prove to me that your hypothetical situation is, in fact, reality.

Officer: You can rant at me in Borginian all you want, but no still means no, sir!

What?! You cheap man! You are only waiting for me to give you money, yes?!

This guy is really pushy...I wonder if he really makes any sales this way.

As long as I never have to face him in court, he can be as pushy as he wants.

There's a tag on it, sir...let's see..."Alif Red Statue"...? Never heard of it.

Nor I, but all I care about is if we can prove it wasn't here at the time of the crime.

Then let's get investigating, sir!

Look here! Do not go about touching my possessions without my permission!

Aaack! D-don't rush up on me like that, pal!

(So this belongs to Mr. Lablanc, does it? I should see what else I can find out from him...)

Step one: You know what.

But from a single glance I can already tell it is mostly worthless.

(Hah. This has much more value as a piece of non-art, I assure you.)

You look like you have something to say!

Perhaps you are thinking, "like casting pearls before swine"?

(He actually hit the nail on the head for once!)

Showing him anything else gets you this:

"Show me the bread" first and maybe we will talk!

(Wait, he wants me to pay him before he'll comment on this?)

And now let's ask about Lablanc's Cargo.

Of course it is mine! I shipped this fine piece of art from Europe!

This "Alif Red Statue" is worth 10 million cents! No! Maybe much, much more!

(Hmm...Mr. Lablanc's reason for choosing this plane must've been the large cargo hold.)

Ten million cents...?

I suggest you stop trying to calculate how many packets of noodles that makes, Detective.

Darn...how did you do that?!

I feel like you keep getting better and better at seeing right through me every year!

(Though I grow with each revolution of the planet around the sun...I have the distinct impression he continues to madly spin in place.)

Hey, Mr. Edgeworth...so that 10 million cents...is that in Euros or in Dollars?

.......does it really make a difference to our case?!

Mr. Lablanc, there is a chance that your cargo is related to our murder case. I was wondering if you would allow us to examine it a bit closer.

And that's all we're getting out of him. With nothing else to examine right now, that leaves us with Logic.

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

(Then it's possible this fake statue was brought aboard in Zheng Fa! I think I need to question him a bit further.)

Zinc LaBlanc ~ Time is Money

About your statue, Mr. Lablanc...I wonder if it might be a fake.

Wh-what?! How dare you say my art is fake!

I suspect that your statue...might be the target of an international smuggling ring.

Don't say such fantastical things! Those thieves would not dare! I have the certification of my cargo right here!

Do you mean the Cargo Certification document?

Mr. Zinc Lablanc! Why didn't you say so earlier?! Please show it to us at once!

I can't read this! What does it say?

It says as plain as day "the cargo was put onto the plane in Europe"!

...this statue was brought onboard in Europe, just as it states in this certificate.

No, that's...!

Which means that there never was a window of time in which the statue wasn't sitting there!

.......

I respectfully disagree. We can't discount the theory until I see the statue for myself!

Hmph! Then you can have your wish! Look at it yourself and see I am right!

This is the "Alif Red"?! It gives off such a feeling of ART! I can practically smell it!

This statue has a high amount of historic value! After it was unveiled at a museum in Europe, I brought it to this country to exhibit it!

(I believe a closer look is warranted here...)

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

...I will make you pay 10 million cents!

Isn't that the value of the statue itself?!

Of course! It is the price of my very valuable time and the loaning of my statue! Now you wasted another minute! That will make your bill 11 million cents now!

(Ack! I'm going to have to conduct this investigation with even greater haste!)

What is it, Mr. Edgeworth? Did you find something?

There's something...wrong with this picture. We should examine it in more detail.

Investigation is go, starting with the eyes.

That's a real nice shade of orange! For a sec, I couldn't even tell they were jewels! Oh, but they kinda remind me of the eyes of this stray cat that lives near my house!

(Are the eyes supposed to be this color...? Is it possible this statue...is a fake...?)

The statue itself.

(I swear I've seen this somewhere before...)

No wonder this thing is worth 10 million cents! Look at how it sparkles, sir!

I wouldn't call it "sparkling", Detective...maybe more along the lines of..."dully shining".

And looking further down, there's a problem with some cloth.

The statue looks like it's stepping all over its neighbor's cloth cover. It kinda resembles its owner's attitude in a sense, ho ho!

You! What did you said now?! Further, my clothing's hem is not being stepped on by anyone! It is too expensive for me to allow that to happen!

Please forgive the trespasses of my subordinate.

Why should I forgive if the dress passes?! Unless it is an expensive dress, you keep it!

......

The game's basically been yelling the contradiction at us. If you look at the photo of Hicks, the statue has red eyes. There's also the fact that it's, y'know, named the Alif Red, not the Alif Orange.

Silence

Yeah, and pretty! They remind me of sunsets when I was in grade school, sir!

...I don't think you see what I'm talking about.

No, I do. But it's really like the color of the sun when it's setting, sir! Ah, the memories...I remember standing out in that field, spinning with my arms out until I felt ill...

I don't care about sunsets! Focus, Detective! What color are the eyes in this photo?!

As I thought...this statue is a fake.

Tricks and Baroque

Mr. Lablanc.

What do you want?! Do you not know that I am a busy man?!

I allow you two seconds for your answer!

The Alif Red...I suppose that this is your pride and joy, is it not?

It is the biggest trophy on this European trip! Do you know why I wanted to possess this statue? The trigger started 17 years ago...

Better grab a chair, sir. Sounds like this is gonna be a long story...

Mr. Lablanc, I regret to inform you, and you have my heartfelt sympathy, but...

What is that? Sympathy? For what?

You'll see. I'd like you to compare the eyes.

...that large fellow there has very bright and pretty eyes compared to you.

I wasn't talking about the two of us! I meant the eyes of the statue in front of us and the one in this photo!

Why the sudden yelling?! Now then...ohhh!

................Nnwwwwhaaaaaaaaah!!!

Now do you see, Mr. Lablanc? The statue before us is a fake.

...now that we have confirmed this is indeed a fake. There must be some sort of proof that this was brought aboard in Zheng Fa. And I will present to you evidence that will resolve the remaining contradiction!

Examining the cloth area gives the same dialogue, but now we can point out what's obviously wrong there.

What are you going on about? It's just a simple case of a cargo cover getting stuck under another piece of cargo.

.........Ah! That's not possible...!

But it is...it shouldn't be this way, but the statue is on top of the cloth. Supposing that the neighboring piece of cargo was brought onboard in Zheng Fa...

...there is no way that any part of it should wind up under something from Europe.

Which means that this fake statue was smuggled onboard in Zheng Fa!

But then what about the cargo certificate?!

Let me ask in return, what about Agent Hicks? Why did he come down here in the middle of the flight?

?

There is only one reason why: To secure proof of smuggling activity aboard this flight.

So you say, but I don't believe he had to do that mid-flight. We could've just as easily inspected all of the cargo after the plane landed.

That may be true, however, you have it backwards, Franziska. Sure, Agent Hicks could've waited until after the plane had landed, but he had a reason for coming down to the cargo hold.

Suppose he had found the fake at the airport. It would've been after the swap had occured. At that time, the suspicion would naturally fall onto the statue's owner...

...who would have no way to prove that the statue was switched without his knowledge.

Which means that there is someone involved who is forging or modifying cargo certificates.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:37 pm

...it was in fact taken to be used as a reference document later on.

He came down here to take a picture of the cargo hold, a rather empty one at that, right before the fake statue could be loaded onboard.

A photo of the hold missing a valuable piece of cargo would have been proof enough. After that, all he had to do was hold the Zheng Fa cargo crew and arrest the smuggler.

Exactly. This only goes to prove my theory. If the statue was not in the cargo hold during the Europe - Zheng Fa leg of the trip...

...there would've been enough height from which Agent Hicks could've fallen to his death!

...officer! Move this statue immediately!

I want a thorough examination of the floor underneath. Now!

Go on.
Forensics: After moving the Alif Red statue out of the way, we tested the area under it with Luminol, and there was a reaction!

Confess the Truth 2009

It would seem that my deductions were correct after all.

...I suppose it would appear that way.

The culprit cleaned the blood up well.

And how do you think the killer did that?

The killer used the bloody cloth I found inside the suitcase to clean up the mess.

I see. They had a need to clean up all the blood before the plane landed in Zheng Fa.

Yes, because otherwise, the crew would've discovered it during the layover.

So you guys are saying that the murder happened before the plane landed in Zheng Fa?!

(There is no other conceivable timeline for the events of the murder. But if that is true, then that throws a certain person's testimony into doubt!)

The suspicious testimony is staring us in the face from the Evidence pile. So let's see about those wrong answers, then.

>Ms. Teneiro's testimony

...correct.

Well, that's all well and good. Glad we agree.

.............no, that is not all well and good, Miles Edgeworth! *WHIP*

Arrgnnnh! (I suppose there's no fooling her.)

>Mr. Lablanc's testimony

However, I believe the actual body of his testimony is fairly reliable...

What are you sputtering on about over there?! Hurry up with your answer!

H-Hold on! I'm still collecting my thoughts!

And the correct answer, Ms. Meele's testimony.

She claims Agent Hicks was alive at the time of the service calls, but...

That totally contradicts the facts, sir!

But why would she lie about something like that?

I think the only person who can answer that is Ms. Meele herself!

Investigation ~ Middle 2009

......

Ms. Meele!

Huh?!

Do you recall what you said earlier, about when you answered some service calls as we were departing from Zheng Fa?

.......huh?

You said that Mr. Hicks was sitting in his seat at that time.

However...that is simply not possible! Because Mr. Hicks was dead long before we ever touched down in Zheng Fa!

.......oh?

Ms. Cammy Meele!

.........um...maybe I didn't see what I thought I did?

No one could make a mistake so large, Ms. Meele!

Ummmmm...but I make that kind of boo-boo all the time.

...nnngh!

This is going nowhere. There must be a better way of resolving this contradiction.

Very well. Ms. Meele, if you please, tell me about your alibi during the time span from just before we were about to land at 3 AM and 6 AM when the body was found.

........are you telling me I'm a suspect, Mr. Edgeworth?

..............Mnnngh. Oh, um...yeah...

From 3 to 4, I was, um...in the flight attendants' room all by my lonesome self.

..............Mnnngh. Oh, um...yeah...

And from 5 to 6, I was, um...in the flight attendants' room all by my lonesome self.

Ms. Meele! Wake up!

(*sigh* She fell asleep again. It looks like the only way I'm going to be able to wake her up is by pressing her...)

Ms. Meele! Wake up!

*yawn* I'm awake, I'm awake.

....................zzz.

Miles Edgeworth! I demand that you do something about this flight attendant this instant!

(Why ask me to wake her when you can finally put that whip to an appropriate use?)

If I remember correctly, food was being served in First Class and the Lounge between the hours of 3 and 4 AM.

Yeah, but that kind of stuff's run by Ms. Rhoda.

Then what were you doing in the flight attendants' room at that time?

Eating, and then having a most delicious dream!

You mean you were neglecting your duties!

No way! Sleeping's part of our job too, you know.

Ms. Meele! How many times do I have to repeat myself?! Wake up!

*yawn* I'm awake, I'm awake.

....................zzz.

......!

Ooh, what did I miss?

A poor detective being on the receiving end of a lash in your stead.

Really? Heh, sorry 'bout that.

You can make amends for that by continuing with your testimony.

So you were alone the entire time, were you?

Yeah, no one else even popped their head in to say, "Hi!"

(Oh? Well, I think a contradiction just popped in to say, "Hi!")

We won't get anywhere if we don't, so...

Ms. Meele! There is a clear contradiction embedded in your testimony!

Huh? What are you talking about?

Silence

Huh? A receipt? For what?

It's for the suitcase Ms. Teneiro bought. Now, if I may direct your attention to the timestamp. As you can see, it clearly says 5:40 AM. Ms. Teneiro!

Yes!

Huh? Why is the "killer" here? I thought you'd have her locked up by now...?

I requested that she be present as a witness so that we may straighten out your complex lie.

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

......

Now then, Ms. Teneiro. Between the hours of 5 and 6 AM, you took a trip from First Class down to the first floor in-flight shop, correct?

Yes, I went to the shop to buy a suitcase, after which, I went straight to the attendant's room to drop it off.

And did you see Ms. Meele there at that time?

...um, no.

So, Ms. Meele, where were you really between the hours of 5 and 6 AM?

.......zzz.

Ms. Cammy Meele!

Huh?! Ah, um...the bathroom?

I'll be the one to ask the questions here!

Yeah, maybe that's it. I probably just missed her. Nature calls, you know.

Do you take me for a fool? That's a little too convenient to be true.

Um...but it's the truth! Cross my heart!

(Hmm...I don't have enough conclusive proof to counter-argue her at this stage...)

You don't believe me, do you? But, please, won't you give me a chance and hear me out?

Look, I know you're suspecting me 'cause I'm one of the crew.

But you'd think then maybe you should also suspect Ms. Rhoda, too.

She's the one in charge of the elevator keycard and the shop, you know.

If you ask me, that makes her super-suspicious.

Please leave Ms. Teneiro out of the conversation. Only you are under suspicion for now.

I don't get it. Why are you covering for Ms. Rhoda all of a sudden? Oh! Now I get it! Maybe you've "got your eye" on Ms. Rhoda...

Of course I'm keeping an eye on her! I can't very well let her escape, can I?

Never mind...but you wanna know something? Ms. Rhoda actually kinda li...

I have absolutely no interest in people who can't appreciate my sense of design!

.............

(Now's not the time for this sort of talk!)

No, it's not the only reason I have for suspecting you. Your statements regarding Mr. Hicks also turned out to be a bunch of lies.

Ah, but say I wasn't an attendant. You wouldn't suspect me then, would you?

Hmm, yes...I suppose that's true enough.

She is already being detained for further questioning, or have you already forgotten?

Oh...yeah, I guess I just forgot.

Cammy...don't tell me you suspect me, too...

Sorry, can't help it. I mean, other than you, there's no one else who could've done it.

I can't believe you would think that! I mean, me! A killer...?!

Ms. Meele, what did you mean just now by "no one else who could've done it"?

And what are you in charge of, Ms. Meele?

Um...I take care of the attendants' room.

That doesn't count!

Aww, but I spend so much time in there, it might as well be my responsibility.

Mr. Edgeworth, Cammy is very talented in languages, so she assists passengers who may not speak English. Especially those who speak Borginian. She is the only one on this flight who is fluent.

Oh! You meant that kind of "what am I in charge of"! Why didn't you say so in the first place?

What else could I have meant?!

Yeah, so I'm really good at Borginian.

(She's fluent in Borginian...?) Then I suppose you're in charge of processing documents in Borginian?

Yeah, I take care of anything that has to do with Borginian.

(Hmm...very interesting...)

Actually, your on-the-job behavior makes you "super-supicious" in my eyes.

Huh? But why?

While Ms. Teneiro is busy with the passengers and all of her other duties, you have a lot of free time on your hands.

Thus providing you with ample time to commit the crime!

Miles Edgeworth! I demand that you cease and desist in this line of conjectural questioning. I won't allow you to bluff your way through this like a certain defense lawyer!

Nnngh...but I do not honestly believe Ms. Meele does any actual work aboard this flight.

Oh, that's not true, Mr. Edgeworth. Although...well...

So what exactly do you do as the one in charge of "some Borginian stuff?"

Um, I do stuff like translate things from and into Borginian.

Cammy is the only member of the crew who understand Borginian, Mr. Edgeworth.

Ms. Meele, I take it then that is is your job to process all the Borginian paperwork?

Yeah. See, I toootally pull my weight around here.

So it would appear. (Perhaps I should ask her for a few more details about her work. And...)

...loop.

Ms. Meele, it's very unladylike to push suspicion onto someone else.

That's not what I'm doing at all! I'm just saying that Ms. Rhoda is very sus...

There you go, pushing everything onto her again!

Um...I don't get what you're saying...it must be a really abstract concept, huh?

(Hmph. The only thing abstract here is the landscape inside your head.)

So she's the only one in charge of Borginian stuff, huh?

Silence

Is that correct?

.........

Oh! Yeah, I guess so. I studied aboard in Borginia for a while.

Pursuit ~ Lying Coldly

...belongs to you, doesn't it?

!

This is a falsified piece of documentation with only one purpose. To lead anyone who read it to believe that Mr. Lablanc's statue was loaded in Europe.

The only person who could've either prepared or processed this document in Borginian...is you, Ms. Meele.

.............

............

Silence

Don't sleep while I'm pointing my finger at you!

Suspense

!

It is exactly as you say.

Are you confessing to having participated in the smuggling?

No, far from it. It's true that I was the one who signed off on that document. But you can't use that fact alone to make your allegation of smuggling stick. There is no direct correlation, after all.

Really? All you did was sign it?

I neglected to check if the cargo had been loaded onto the plane properly. So, sorry about that.

Hmm... (It seems that she's finally woken up. This is going to be one tough fight...)

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:38 pm

Suspense

Even if I was involved in the smuggling...you can't throw the charge of murder on me just like that.

If you were involved in the smuggling, you would have a strong motive to kill! Agent Hicks was in the middle of an investigation regarding a smuggling ring. And just when he was about to close in, he's killed by a member of that ring...

Well, did you ever stop to think that maybe Rhoda is the smuggling ring member? After all, unlike me, Rhoda has access to many things on this plane for "work" purposes.

Hmph. So perhaps there is some element of a set-up at play in this case.

What are you talking about?

Don't worry, I wasn't talking about you. I meant the killer. First, it was myself, and now it's Ms. Teneiro who is under the microscope.

Seems to me that our killer is going to great lengths to pin this crime on anyone they can.

You have no proof that Rhoda is being set up, or that she isn't.

Actually, I believe that she was indeed the intended target from the very beginning. I believe that the plan was to push all of the blame for the crime onto her.

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

And this evidence will prove my suspicions!

The killer could have hidden the body anywhere, and yet they chose the suitcase. Why is that? Perhaps it was to move the body up from the lower deck to the first floor. However, why go through the trouble to do so?

The only way all of these actions make sense is if the killer had wanted to frame Ms. Teneiro for the murder.

Ms. Teneiro buys a suitcase on every flight she works without fail. But, should her suitcase be switched with the one containing the victim's body...

...that would put her in a very tight spot.

...hmph.

There wasn't enough time to put the body back into the suitcase. Ergo, they made due with whoever was at hand, adapted their plan...

...and tried to frame me, as I lay unconscious on the floor from the turbulence. The killer then went to hide the suitcase in the in-flight shop...

A lot of work for a fruitless endeavor, wouldn't you agree?

Sounds like the killer had a tough time, too, huh. I mean, why did the killer need to frame someone that badly anyway?

That is because of the special circumstances surrounding this particular case.

Wrong answers first, starting with when the murder took place.

Around that time, almost all of the passengers had returned to their seats. Therefore, the killer had to choose someone who was not at their seat to frame...

Isn't that an explanation for how the killer chose who, and not why they had to?

Well, I thought it best to start from there.

If you're going to talk about completely unrelated matters, do you mind if I take a nap?

H-hold on! I'm just getting to the meat of my argument!

>Who the murder victim was

But, as it just so happened, there were a bunch of empty suitcases nearby. Being a skinny man, the killer thought to put his body in the suitcase and hand it off...

You mean that the whole plan to frame someone was an elaborate coincidence?

No, that's not what I said. You've wrongly deducecd my meaning, Ms. Meele.

The one with the wrong deductions is you! Think before you speak again!

...patience, Franziska! I was about to reveal the truth!

And the correct answer, where the murder took place.

No matter which country, customs is quite strict in this day and age...

...so no matter what you do, the chances that the body will be found are very high. Therefore, there was no choice but to frame either Ms. Teneiro or myself. In other words, the only one who fits within the boundaries of the criminal's movements...

...is not Ms. Teneiro or myself...

...but you, Ms. Cammy Meele! Only you and you alone could be the killer.

Silence

...?

Are you done already? I was about to fall asleep again. Anyway, let's be honest here.

You don't have anything on me but a whole lot of circumstantial evidence!

...nnnghk!

Crisis of Fate

(And isn't there a piece of evidence that's still unaccounted for...?)

I thought not.

But that's because it went missing, and still is.

Missing...? What do you mean by that?

In the complex puzzle that is this case, there was one piece I kept getting stuck on. And that is the victim's cell phone. Franziska. You were waiting at the airport for a phone call from Agent Hicks's cell phone. Or at least, that's what you told me.

That's right!

But Agent Hicks's cell phone could not be found at the crime scene.

You mean, the killer took the phone with them?!

Precisely. I suspect that if we were to find the phone, it would lead us to the killer!

Ha ha ha. Come on. Get serious. If the victim fell to his death from that height, wouldn't his phone break as well?

We won't know that until we try a little experiment, will we?

Franziska, I'd like to ask for your assistance. You know the victim's phone number, do you not?

Of course I do.

A generic beepy ringtone plays. It's not interesting enough for me to record the audio for it.

(I hear it, Detective. Now where is it coming from?)

The in-game audio is no help, since the ringing is the same volume no matter where you are, but talking to Gumshoe makes it obvious where to go.

Indeed. We should move to retrieve it at once!

Ms. Meele! Wake up!

...Sorry, Mr. Edgeworth. I got sleepy all of a sudden because it sounds like a lullaby I used to love as a child.
(

(Nnrgh...! I'd better find that cell phone fast!)

Don't worry, Ms. Teneiro. I will get to the bottom of this and find the truth. So please, wait here until I return.

Alright...thank you for all you're doing, Mr. Edgeworth...

I agree. Please don't hang up just yet. Let me find it first.

That's fine, but let's get one thing straight.

Yes?

Don't you dare answer his phone when you find it, understand?

(...I understand that you don't want to pay for the call...)

Alright, enough loitering.

The same beeping ringtone is playing, only louder.

Leave no stone unturned, Detective Gumshoe! We must find it!

The ringing's coming from the lockers, but the game expects you to specifically examine the right half of the lockers.

But it's not here, sir...

(Why do I have such a bad feeling about where we're going to find the phone...?)

Just whose locker is this, sir?!

...it's Ms. Teneiro's.

Whaaaaat?!

Investigation ~ Middle 2009

Where did you find the phone?

...I found it in the flight attendants' room...in Ms. Teneiro's locker...

Wh-what?! But...!

Rhoda Teneiro!

I don't know anything about the phone!

It wasn't me! It wasn't me...

Ms. von Karma, is it? I suggest you arrest Ms. Rhoda Teneiro right away.

Wait! I have a theory! This is related to the incident with the keycard! When the killer went to steal the keycard, they conveniently stashed the cell phone in Ms. Teneiro's locker at the same time!

Suspense

This is related to the keycard alright.

In the same way that we have zero proof the killer did just that.

Nnngh!

The only voice that sings the truth is evidence. That is the one bird we cannot ignore.

(Alright then, why did the culprit take the cell phone from Agent Hicks? It must have something very incriminating on or in it!)

What now, Miles Edgeworth?!

It's not over yet! We have yet to figure out why the killer took the phone! Inside of this phone lies the final piece of incriminating evidence that will point us to our killer.

Tricks and Baroque

There are exactly two things to look at here.

Without a screen, you can't even place a call with this.

Reminder that this was released back when most, but not all, phones had built-in camera functions.

Come to think of it...I wonder...how exactly was Agent Hicks planning to preserve the crime scene of a smuggling?

Mr. Edgeworth! I can't believe you don't know about this kind of basic stuff, sir!

This looks like a very similar model to my own.

Do you think Agent Hicks could've taken some pictures with this?

Confrontation ~ Presto 2009

In particular, pictures as evidence for his smuggling case?

If so, I'd say there may be some very incriminating photos in here for our killer-smuggler!

But the phone's all busted up, sir!

Even a super-prosecutor can't repair a broken phone.

(Gnnrgk! I'll find a way, don't you worry about that!)

The LCD screens on the inside and outside are broken, that's for sure. But that's also reason enough to believe the killer wasn't able to erase the data.

What do you mean by that, Franziska?!

It looks like our killer isn't very familiar with electronics. This phone still rang when I called it, meaning that only the LCD screens are broken. It's possible that the photos are still there inside, waiting to be accessed.

All we need to do is transfer the data to my phone!

...!

Franziska! Your phone, if you please!

Very well...

Agent Hicks was most certainly trying to obtain some evidence for his smuggling case.

Hey! The Alif Red's nowhere in this pic, sir!

Ouch, she's right. There's not much we can find out from this about Agent Hicks's killer, sir.

(...is this it? ...is this the end...?)

We can examine the photo, but the point of interest is the boxes on the right with the B logo and wingdings on them.

What's all this...?

Silence

Oh! They are cargo shipped from Borginia to Zheng Fa.

(So the reason they aren't here now is that they were dropped off in Zheng Fa...)

Mr. Lablanc, can you tell me the contents of the boxes? Unfortunately, there is no English written on them anywhere...

Hmm...one cluster of boxes is written in Borginian.

Cloth...? (Could it be?! Is this where the killer...?!)

Wh-what?! What is for that scary face?!

Ms. Meele. It appears that Agent Hicks was no ordinary investigator.

?

He left us with a piece of evidence after all.

Confrontation ~ Presto 2009

A striking piece that will point out who the killer is!

Hah!

Maybe you shouldn't force your mistaken reading of a simple picture, Mr. Edgeworth.

And what is that supposed to prove?

The killer used this piece of cloth to wipe up the blood they had spilt. But there was one thing that bothered me this whole time: "Where did it come from?"

And now, I have finally found my answer in this very photo! The cargo that was unloaded in Zheng Fa had "cloth" written on it. In Borginian, that is. And this is where the killer grabbed a piece from to clean up the blood with!

And the only crew member who fits that description is you, Ms. Cammy Meele!

Hah! That's pretty flimsy! The killer probably searched through all the boxes looking for something to use. When you're frantic, you don't care if the box is in English or Borginian!

Sorry, but I cannot agree with your assessment of the killer's indescriminate nature.

What?!

There was no need for the killer to tear through boxes at random at all.

And if the killer supposedly could not comprehend Borginian...well then...

Hey, it says "bedsheets" in English right on the box, sir!

Precisely. And bedsheets would be perfect for cleaning up blood, wouldn't you say?

That if I were the criminal...

...this box of bedsheets would have been what I spotted first.

However, the killer chose to use some Borginian cloth...

Do you have an explanation for that?

The killer didn't want anyone to know that the real scene of the crime was this cargo hold. So they were afraid to leave signs that the box for the sheets had been opened.

However, the Borginian cloth...well, that's a horse of a different color!

Because the killer knew that it was going to be unloaded in the Republic of Zheng Fa?!

That's right. That is why the Borginian cloth was used. And the only Borginian-reader onboard who could make such a calculated decision...

...is you, Cammy Meele! You, and you alone!

It would be very easy for us to confirm if any of the boxes were re-sealed. All we would have to do is contact the Zheng Fa authorities in time.

We may even find other evidence to incriminate our killer within those boxes.

Grrrrrrr!

So what do you say, Ms. Meele? Why not confess to your crime here and now?

Silence

Detective Gumshoe ~ I Can Do It When It Counts, Pal!

Silence

Solution! ~ Splendid Deduction

We've finished making all the arrangements to take the suspect in, sir.

Very good, Detective. What about the smuggling route? Did she say anything about that?

They're taking her down to the precinct now. Hopefully, we can get more out of her there. Whenever we even approached the topic, she just started foaming at the mouth. It was scary, sir...

(She probably wasn't prepared to commit a murder all of a sudden. One thing is for sure, the ring behind this whole mess means serious business. It looks like there's a lot more to this case than meets the eye...)

It was nothing. In fact, I should be the one thanking you for your cooperation.

But truly, if it wasn't for you, I...I might not be here right now.

Instead, I can continue to serve our passengers as a flight attendant!

Th-that's...

I see...you don't have to take it if you don't want it.

N-no...I mean, I would never turn down a lady's generous offer.

And remember, we here at iFly Airlines are always ready to serve, Mr. Edgeworth!

Thank you, I'll keep that in mind.

Now I must bid you farewell. May your skies be blue, no matter where you go!

(Speak for yourself! My day was filled with earthquakes, elevators, and false charges!)

By the way, where's Franziska?

Oh, she's filling out some customs paperwork for her departure.

Departure...?

Yeah, Ms. von Karma's always really busy, sir. She's been flying from country to country to chase down some leads regarding her case.

............Detective.

Can you cancel the car I had you reserve earlier?

You got it, sir!

Great Revival ~ Franziska von Karma

I have no intention of wasting your time, however, it has been a while since we last met.

I also have no time for such familiar reminiscences. Just who do you think I am?!

You are Franziska von Karma, a very proud prosecutor deserving of much respect.

Hmph. Until only a little while ago, I was but a wretched mutt who was always losing to you.

A dancing pierrot living her life on the name and fame her invincible father built!

True, your father, Manfred von Karma, didn't lose a single case for 40 years as a prosecutor. However, I wouldn't say he was invincible.

Is it getting kind of "talking specifically for the audience"-y in here, or is it just me?

...? What are you talking about?

...........

The group I'm on the trail of is a little more troublesome than most. The smuggling route we found this time is only one sliver of the big picture.

Sounds like a dangerous assignment.

You really don't have to worry. I can take care of myself.

Yes...I suppose you can.

Plus there is another agent on this case with me.

Oh? Another agent?

He's a star among Interpol agents, and has the highest successful arrest rate. Who knows, you may even run into him one day.

Hm? I was simply caught up in this one case...I hardly see why we would cross paths.

I suppose. But I doubt that he would say the same.

I'm not following you...

You'll understand soon enough. The fight has only just begun, Miles Edgeworth. I'll be back in this country soon enough.

And when I am, you can be sure I'll pay you back...in full!

Thank goodness! I can finally rest easy knowing I won't have to watch out for her whip!

Detective Gumshoe, I want to thank you for all your help and coopreration.

Aww, it was nothing, sir! I was just happy to be able to work with you again, ho ho!

I think I'm gonna celebrate by adding a little extra salt to my instant noodles tonight!

(*sigh* Just how much did you cut his salary by, Franziska...?)

Detective, I was wondering if you might give me a ride down to the Prosecutor's Office?

Sure thing, sir! I'll even fly down the road in the patrol car if you want!

...don't make me remind you, Detective. "Safety first"!

Silence

(Franziska von Karma...the smuggling route she was after...the leaders of that ring had already put their trump card into play. And the players on the other side of this war...they would begin to make themselves known through the next incident...)

A generic beepy ringtone plays.

Edgeworth speaking.

And you are...?
???: Ah, have you forgotten my voice, Miles, my boy?

..........M-Mr. Armano!? Ernest Armano, correct?!
Ernest: Ah! So you do remember me! ...I know it's rather sudden, but I can't ask this of anyone else. ...there's been an incident, Miles. ...my son...he's been kidnapped...

Jingle ~ Slight Break

It took 500 years, but we're finally off this goddamn plane. Next time, we actually start meeting some of the new characters from the boxart! Imagine that!

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:39 pm

Unlike the past two cases, this one doesn't start with an animation.

(...it's time.)

"The Kidnapped Turnabout" ~ Prelude to Kidnapping

Good to hear. Now make sure you don't lose sight of me. I'm counting on you for backup.

You can count on me, sir!

I have to go. The kidnapper is supposed to contact me soon.

(And that I would be the one who would have to make the ransom drop-off...)

(...which I'm expecting to be transferred to my cell phone. I wonder who else is around? This is the meeting place, after all...)

Blue Badger March ~ Gatewater Land Theme

Hm? Oh, thank you.
???: And a big hello to you! I'm the Proto Badger! Nice to meet you!

..........
Proto Badger: Excuse me, but were you perhaps thinking of taking a picture of me?

A picture...? Of you...? Sorry, but I'm not interested.
Proto Badger: Aww, that's too bad. Well, have a good day!

And then Edgeworth's phone rings.

Suspense

(It sounds like the kidnapper is using some sort of voice alteration device...) I'm his representative, Miles Edgeworth.
???: ARE YoU a cOP?

No, I'm..........a prosecutor.
???: .............

..........I know what you're wondering, and yes, I have brought the ransom money with me.
???: I SeE...In THAt caSe, bRIng thE mOnEy wiTh You to tHe StaDium.

(So this person intends to see if I am being followed, huh. Please, Detective Gumshoe...I really need you to come through for me this one time.)

"The Kidnapped Turnabout" ~ Prelude to Kidnapping

Edgeworth's phone goes off again.

And just how long do you intend to have me wander around for?
???: ThAt'S fOr mE To dECIdE. YoU dON't hAVE MucH of A cHOIce hERe, mY fRIeNd.

I suppose not.

The Kidnapped Turnabout ~ Tragedy in the Haunted House

???: ...Go iNsIDe.

(Am I being watched from somewhere?)

Nnngh....(I was hoping for an exchange, but maybe I should do as they say for now and not push it.)

(Perhaps I should keep an eye on this haunted house until police backup arrives.)

Wherever Edgeworth is right now, the sound of rain is playing.

(Who is that...? And what are they talking about...?)
???: ...split...police...alright...in front of...meet up...

(...I can't move my body...I-I fear I may faint again...)

(How long was I out...? It wasn't raining like it is now when I made the drop-off...this was supposed to be a simple affair, so why have I been taken hostage as well?! I can only assume Detective Gumshoe lost sight of me at some point.)

Investigation ~ Middle 2009

But aside from that, I also owe him a great debt of gratitude.

I know that Lance is already in his twenties, but I guess some things you never grow out of.

Yes, who doesn't grow out of being kidnapped?

Silence

(I can't sit around waiting for someone to come help me! I must escape somehow...)

Kay Faraday ~ The Great Truth Thief

...who are you? Are you one of the kidnappers?

Nope! I'm after something much, much bigger!

(Argh! I must be worn out from today's ordeal. Focus, Miles!)

Oh, I forgot to introduce myself! Sorry about that!

Great thief? (And did she really just claim to be the Yatagarasu?)

You can call me "Kay", 'kay?! Good! Glad that's settled!

...........not quite. I have a mountain of questions for you...but first, if you would be so kind as to remove these ropes.

Hmm...I wonder...should I remove them? I was actually having a lot of fun watching you make those silly faces...

...........

Hey! There's no need to get all mad and ice glare-y on me, you know!

Ah, it's OK. You can pay me back in full later!

(Now then...what question should I start with? Unfortunately, I can already tell nothing is going to be easy with this cheeky girl...)

You know the dr-

I mean, aren't there more pressing things you'd rather ask little ol' me?

(She has a point...I should probably find out more about my mysterious savior first.)

Okay, fine.

You doubt me? I get it! You think that a young lady like me couldn't possibly be such a big-time thief, right?

(That's...not the part I have a tough time believing...)

I'd question that, since she's 17, but I guess this is a world where you can become a superstar prosecutor at roughly the same age.

I am the real, genuine Yatagarasu, you know.

Yup! I'm a pure-blooded Great Thief! It's a little something I inherited from my predecessor.

In that case...you wouldn't mind if I arrested you then, right?

What?! Of course I'd mind! I haven't stolen anything yet!

Seriously, I don't know how you can say such a horrible thing to your savior!

(That's true. Technically, she hasn't stolen anything in front of me...yet.)

When you say you're the Yatagarasu, do you mean you are THE Yatagarasu...?

But the title was only recently succeeded to me, so I haven't had a chance to steal anything yet as the second Yatagarasu.

(I was not aware that thieves could pass down their titles like that...)

But don't worry! I've got some big plans in the works!

Big plans, huh? They wouldn't happen to lead to a big arrest, would they?

I'm not the problem here!

I'll have you know that the Yatagarasu has no interest in stealing petty trinkets!

There's one thing and only one thing I want to steal!

(Only one thing? And what would that be?)

But that's going to have to wait until we find our way out of here!

Well, at least there is one thing we agree on. I'm sure I'll have plenty of time later to learn more about you.

Ah, I guess not. I'm Miles Edgeworth.

Aha! Now I remember!

(...how can you "remember" something I just told you...? But she sure is cheery.)

Alright, then, Mr. Edgeworth, let's get outta here!

Silence

...it would seem that we are locked in from the other side.

What?! No way! I don't hear you! La la la!

Kay, you do remember where you came in from, right...?

That's a good height to make an entrance from, but I can't jump that high to make an exit!

...*sigh*

I suppose we have no choice but to look around and see if we can't find another way out.

With free reign to move around, now I can

You can ask me about that later!

(I suppose she's right...)

:saddowns:

Although I suppose now's as good of a time as any to look at the non-badge thing in Edgeworth's inventory.

Enlightening.

And since we have some profiles to go over:

Slightly more helpful.

You didn't know? Plus, it's not just the Blue Badger, it's his whole family, too.

You can't do that! That's cheating! There's only one of each Badger in the park, so you have to work for it!

Speaking of Badgers, there was one sitting against a wall in the haunted house.

Seriously? But somehow, I don't think that one counts, Mr. Edgeworth! You have to take pictures of the costumed ones walking around the park!

(Hmm...so those are the rules of this game? How quaint...)

(It looks like it made it through the ordeal intact.)

If only there was a way for us to contact someone on the outside...

Ah, but we do have a way...right here.

If I'm right, Detective Gumshoe should have contacted the precinct for backup by now.

I'm fine. I was knocked unconscious for a spell by the kidnapper, that's all.

I'm sorry, sir! I'm such a failure! If only I hadn't lost sight of you...!

Detective, we don't have time for this. Have the police set up a perimeter right now!

You don't have to worry about that, sir! I already got the boys working on that!

But in doing that...I sorta...aaaah...!

What's wrong, Detective?

Who is this?

Suspense

???: Shi-Long Lang of Interpol. A pleasure to speak with you, Mr. Edgeworth. I've heard a great deal about you.

So why exactly is an Interpol agent like yourself involved in a domestic kidnapping case?
Lang: Don't sweat the details. A crime's a crime whether it's on a local or global scale. Besides...you're the one who's in a world of trouble.

A-and why would you say that?!
Lang: Lang Zi says: "The pack that runs together, stays together." You catch my drift? You caused quite a ruckus by running blindly into a situation and then getting caught.

Tsk...!
Lang: You should've contacted the police from the very beginning.

I'm sorry that this happened because of a lapse in judgement. However, I humbly request that you please help me out of here posthaste.
Lang: ......sorry, no can do.

What?!
Lang: We're hunting the kidnapper now, and I haven't got any hands to spare. As I said, my pack moves as one. You're the one who wanted to go it alone, so good luck to you...Mr. Prosecutor. Oh, and once we do catch the kidnapper, rest assured we'll come find you...eventually.

...you...you...

No way!

It doesn't matter anyway.

We should try to get out of here through our own means.

Yeah! I have a name to live up to, after all! If we put our heads together, we're sure to find a way out!

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

Looks like the Bad Badger, and it's looking as bad as ever!

Looks like a costume head to me.

I guess the Bad Badger's costume is, at the very least, a two-piece, huh.

(The real question is, why is only the head sitting out here on the floor?)

Hm? What's up?

Good thinking! And if it's climbing action you need, just leave it to me!

Up you go, Kay, and good luck!

Count on it!

What do you mean, "as I thought"?! I'm not your guinea pig, you know!

Looking at the beam again for shits and giggles.

Just maybe, we can use this to climb up to and out the window.

Leave it to me!

..............wait. Didn't I just try this?!

I can't climb this thing!

(I suppose we'll just have to find another way to escape.)

And what exactly do you have in mind?

Well, we could paint "HELP" in really giant letters!

And who, pray tell, would see these giant letters? We're inside a building.

OK, then how about we light the paint on fire and send out colored smoke signals! Anyone who saw it would think some crazy arsonist was about, and call the cops!

...let's try to find something other than this paint to use, shall we?

How is a thief supposed to make her daring escape?!

I suppose we could make our way out if we were able to climb on top of these lockers.

Haha! That's pretty clever! You'd make a good thief yet, Mr. Edgeworth!

Please don't ever place my name and the word "thief" in the same sentence again.

Let's see...I wonder if I can jump and grab the top of the locker here...

Man! Why did they have to make such ginormous lockers, anyway?!

Oh, I think it's a Pink Badger costume!

Pink Badger...?

You don't keep up with what's going on in the world, do you?

Think of it as a bible of all the things you'll ever need to know about the clan!

(...whatever. I suppose I can keep it as a reference guide or something.)

It certainly looks that way! It's like the Badger family's home!

(There are eight boxes, but seven of them are empty.)

Well, I heard that the police had a hand in sponsoring this theme park.

Probably because the Gatewater Group owes the police from all those cases they solved.

They have all the power of the state, and they used it to make a theme park?!

It's not just any theme park! They have a handcuff-shaped, double-looping roller coaster...

That's quite enough. I'm feeling woozy from just the thought of such a thing.

Each box has its own blurb, so let's start with the regular old Blue Badger.

(I suppose even this thing can be popular with women.)

I can't stand him!

Wh-what in the...?! (Why is she suddenly beating the Blue Badger's image up?!)

He's got the word "badge" right in his name! How bad is that for a girl like me?! And to think he's out there wandering around in this park...I'd better be careful, or he's going to arrest me by the power of his name alone!

(I somehow doubt that the Blue Badger has the power to arrest anyone.)

And going from left to right, next is the Bad Badger.

Do you feel some sort of reverence towards this Badger, Kay?

...hah! I can't believe you would be so stereotypical when it comes to thieves! Surely you must also think there are much cooler, and cuter ones out there, right? That's it! I've decided that thieves and thievery need an image makeover!

(...good luck with that one.)

Excuse me, but his name is "Proto Badger", not "Blue Badger"! He's based off the very first design created by the local police chief. You know, when you compare the two, the Blue Badger looks a bit cuter!

I suppose as he continued to redesign him, the chief managed to make him cuter and cuter. Even humanity has come a long way when you think about how much we've evolved.

Are we comparing the Blue Badger to humans now...?

Incidentally, this is the same for both the empty box and the one with a costume in it.

But since it has the same design, doesn't it seem forced to call this one a female?

You think so? I mean, just look at how long her eyelashes are!

That's the only difference.

And the fact that she's pink.

Yes, and?

And her lips are red! See, lipstick!

............(What? She has nothing to say about the giant pink ribbon, or is that too obvious?)

The entire point of this screen is the key, despite all the badgers.

Ah! ..............

(Why do I feel a laser-like stare aimed right at me?) D-did you want to take a look?

Well, don't mind if I do! Ooh! I see! Yes, this is definitely...!

The "something" is what is relevant to my interest...

Starting with the most suspicious nook/cranny: The escape tunnel.

It looks like the kidnappers had an escape tunnel prepared just in case. That's awesome! They're like a bunch of Great Thieves themselves!

No, they're not, because I highly doubt they made the tunnel themselves.

I think this building was originally built with a basement or underground area.

Which would mean that I can probably assume that these two rooms are very similar in structure. (I believe I may have just found our ticket out.)

There's even a hook on it to hold a propped-up floor panel in place. Which reminds me...

Did you find something useful, Mr. Edgeworth?

Hmm, perhaps. I may have found a very handy hint to how we'll get out of here.

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

Not very difficult.

You know I already tried, and there's no way I can jump from the hook to the window! Come on, even you have to admit when something's just not possible.

Hah, I wasn't about to suggest that again. Rather, that it's here for a different purpose.

Really?! Like what?!

Which means that there should be a panel in this room that we can open as well.

Oh! I get it!

Alright then! Let's fold this thing up and see what's underneath!

I totally smell treasure!

The scent I wish to smell is the sweet fragrance of freedom.

Then what are you waiting for?! Hurry and open the hatch!

Aww! Fiddlesticks!

Again, not the hardest puzzle to solve.

Silence

Huh? Why me?

Because we need to use the tiny key that you've taken quite a liking to.

Oh, gotcha! Just leave it to me!

I believe the feeling of freedom would be much more satisfying right about now.

wha--?! Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!

I'm fine. The ladder just slipped is all!

(Thank goodness she's alright. I about had a coronary...)

There's a lot of really large machinery down here.

What about an exit?

You only have yourself to blame for leaping before you looked, you know.

Looks like we're wrapping up here.

Oh? So, how are we going to bust out?

It seems that your reckless actions were of use after all.

...are you actually praising me?

More of a "thank you" for giving me an idea regarding this ladder.

The underground ladder? What about it?

The ladder isn't just for those who wish to go down...

Oh! I see! If we use this...!

Well, then what are we waiting for?!

Yes...we spent entirely too much time in here.

Evidence/profiles roundup:

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:39 pm

Yeah, and thank goodness! You have no idea how hard it was raining earlier!

I was so stressed that I thought my heart was gonna give out!

Detective Gumshoe, may I ask what in the world that is?

Well, that's...um...

Silence

MIB: Shifu! All 99 members are here and accounted for, sir!

I extremely encourage you to click this next music link. It's one of my favorite new tracks in AAI.

The Blue Badger ~ I Want To Protect You

And everyone has a name that their parents gave to them.

Not shown: The thunderous crowd noise playing.

MIB: You infidel! How dare you address our Shifu so rudely?!

Lang Zi says: "A cub who disrespects others soon feels the disciplinary bite of an elder." So don't you ever forget to show the proper respect towards another person!

You all see that just now?! That is the proper way for two people to show their respect! Keep that in mind and you'll get far in life, got it?!

(Something about an elite Interpol Agent from the Republic of Zheng Fa. Apparently, this man has the highest successful arrest rate in the organization.)

Agent Lang, why is an Interpol agent involved with this clearly domestic case?

How is it not?!

I've heard a rumor or two about you. You solved a murder that occured during your flight home recently, right?

Hah! But you sure took a while just to arrest one little flight attendant. How pathetic.

H-how dare you say that about Mr. Edgeworth?! Are you saying you could've solved it faster, pal?!

The comedic relief jumps to the aide(sic) of his master...how cliche. Look, what I'm getting at is that if I had been there, no one would've died.

!

(Agent Lang knew yesterday's victim, Agent Akbey Hicks...?)

Hicks was like a brother to me, so now, I'm out to take my revenge!

(Agent Hicks was investigating a smuggling ring with Franziska and a third person...this must be the man she was talking about.)

In that case, you should understand how I feel, as the kidnapped is someone I know.

This isn't your neatly trimmed Courtroom of Eden, you know.

No hard feelings, but why don't you go on back to your courtroom now, pretty boy?

You...! You dare to mock the court?!

I do...and I don't need the help of a filthy "prosecutor".

Sorry, but the truth doesn't need the likes of you to distort it today!

(Who uses the word "filthy" to describe a prosecutor...?! And why...? Why do I sense such intense loathing eminating from him?!)

Now just find the kidnapper and bring the punk to me! Dismissed!

W-wait!

It's been a while since I last met someone so disagreeable. (Why of all places did he show up here? And completely out of the blue at that! I suppose I'll have to ask Detective Gumshoe to fill me in on that.)

Investigation ~ Opening 2009

We'll have to, but first, literally everyone else.

Kay Faraday ~ The Great Truth Thief

I suppose it's not easy when there's this many members of law enforcement in the vicinity.

It's alright! It's not like I'm in a hurry to steal just any ol' thing!

(...which is it? Do you plan to steal something or not? Quite the mystery, this one. Maybe I should talk with her a bit more.)

There is no escape.

Don't even think of stealing this from me.

If it's that important to you, then why don't you wear it on your lapel?

(Why should I have to label myself as a prosecutor everywhere I go? And why does everyone ask that question of me? That's what I'D like to know.)

Too bad we're not here to have a fun time...

So why did you choose this one, and why did you choose to show yourself to me of all people?

Because I was tailing you, silly! Duh!

You were following me?!

(But why?)

And remember, you have to yell "Badger GET!" each time, or it doesn't count!

They even have a rule for when you take their pictures...?

Tell me about it! I was planning to steal all of my shots, as any proper Great Thief should!

(Does the concept of stealing permeate every aspect of this girl's life...?)

But I won't lose to the likes of him! Just you wait and see.

I'm going to write a "Tome of Thievery"! How's that, Mr. Edgworth?!

(...the information that winds up on your wanted poster will suffice in this competition.)

And her generic response:

Alright, alright. I'll return it to you. Here you go!

(I was hoping for some information in return, but my line will do for now.)

Onto the real conversation.

Good question. Since Agent Lang holds the authority to investigate this case now...this makes things a little more complicated.

Oh, come on, you can't let that stop you! I'll even lend you a hand, so let's go!

But you're a self-purported "Great Thief", are you not? I don't believe I can let someone of an unlawful nature participate in an investigation.

You don't like to listen, do you?

I'm not just any ordinary Great Thief; I'm the Yatagarasu! And as I said earlier...

...the Yatagarasu is after one and only one thing.

The Yatagarasu is only interested in one thing...

Silence

...and that is the truth.

I see...

Yatagarasu ~ The Noble Thief Dancing in the Dark Night

Though we still don't know much about this thief's ultimate goal, we do know the targets. The Yatagarasu liked to find and make public, evidence of corrupt dealings of all sorts. Once a target was chosen, no dramatic calling card or announcement was sent forth. Instead, the chosen corporation was infiltrated without even the target noticing. Some days later, the evidence that was found was sent out to the mass media, along with a card with the mark of a three-legged raven. Looking back, I suppose you could call what the Yatagarasu was stealing the "truth".

For context, the Yatagarasu is a mythical three legged crow/raven from Japanese mythology.

(But that can't be...can it?)

Investigation ~ Opening 2009

And that's all we're getting out of Kay for now.

...Mnngh. This barrel sure is heavy.

You there! Do you know what's inside of this thing?

...I see. Well, they certainly are well prepared.

Officer: Sorry, I can't let anyone through. Agent Lang's orders.

Nnngh...(I suppose I'll have to deal with this impasse for now...)

Trying to talk to any of the officers blocking the way out(or into the building) gets the same result.

I'd venture to guess that its only purpose is to set the mood.

There's something written here..."A soothing 10-minute sitting for only $100"...?!

I see. Reverse psychology. Make it so expensive that no one would dare sit on it...

They almost look like they're ready to jump out into the real world and gallop away.

...almost, being the key word.

(That wriggling...I just can't bring myself to call it "dancing"...)

Investigation ~ Opening 2009

"This cactus is a very gracious gift to Gatewater Land from the local police precinct." (I can't believe the police went so far as to even donate a cactus to this place.)

Dick Gumshoe ~ It's Detective Gumshoe

Sir!

For losing sight of me and the kidnapper, and allowing my investigation to be hijacked.

I...Sir...!

I look forward to your next month's salary assessment.

But...but the case isn't lost yet, sir! I'm gonna show you just how much of a man Dick Gumshoe can be!

Shall I prepare the 21-gun salute now or later?

I admire that they wrote a new one of these for each chapter Gumshoe shows up in.

...your wallet is looking rather thin, Detective.

Huh?

Oh, whoops. I must've left my badge at home. I always get the two mixed up, ha ha.

That's not a laughing matter, Detective!

But the Gatewater Group and I go way back, you know?

Yes...same here. I handled two murder cases that took place at two of their hotels. And it was you who handled the investigation in each case.

This one and this one, fyi.

Oh, I remember that, sir! I was 16 back then, standing in front of the hotel in the snow...

(...clearly, we are not on the same page here.)

Um...I mean, I'm only doing it as part of my duties! Yeah.

I see...in that case, keep up the good work. So, how many have you found so far?

I've been sorta busy with the investigation, so I haven't really found any yet, but...

(Something tells me finding the Badgers isn't really a part of his duties.)

The last page? Very well. Let's see here...

...interesting. Why is your name listed here under "Special Thanks"?

That's it, sir! You found it! Oh...um...that's because I did the choreography for the "Dance, Dance, Blue Badger!" song!

(I suspect that no one entrusts him with any real responsibilities at work...)

And generic response.

As a man, the only thing I can attest to is this: "To be a man, I, Dick Gumshoe, will tell no lie!"

(His heart's in the right place...now to work on his deduction skills.)

O-Of course, sir! I think I would know the number to my own precinct like the back of my hand!

Then why did an Interpol agent show up instead, with an army of his own agents?

That, I have no idea...about five minutes after I made the call, that wolf-man showed up out of nowhere, sir.

(Agent Lang definitely has an agenda, so the question is, "what is he after?")

Yes, what is it?

Um...who is that? The girl over there, I mean.

I'm Mr. Edgeworth's assistant, Kay Faraday!

Wh-whaaaaat?!

Funny, I don't recall making you my assistant, Kay...

Yeah! I'M Mr. Edgeworth's assistant! ME! It's been like that since...forever!

Sorry, but I just stole your supporting role.

How can you say something so serious with that giant grin on your face, pal?! Mr Edgeworth! We've got a thief on our hands, sir! She stole my role, sir! I'm taking her in, getting her convicted, and making sure she serves out her sentence!

Oh, come on, it'll be fun! Like musical chairs! You'd better stay fast on your feet!

No way! I won't...I will not lose the spotlight to you, little girl!

Silence

Interesting People

For you, Mr. Amano, I gladly offer my assistance.

After all, I have you to thank for how well things turned out during my time abroad.

If it wasn't for you, I might not have been introduced to that law office...

...and had the chance to study the inner workings of another country's judicial system.

As you know, Manfred and I go way back. I consider a beloved disciple of his to be like one of my own blood.

............

If you ever want to go overseas again, you need only ask. I can use my company's vast network to send you anywhere at any time.

So who's the old man?

He's the father of the currenly kidnapped Lance Amano, Ernest Amano.

Now then, have you found Lance yet, Miles?

Please...I miss my poor boy dearly!

I'm terribly sorry, but your son's whereabouts remain unknown, Mr. Amano.

Then, what happened to all that money?!

........I believe that $1 million has been stolen, and that the culprits are now on the run.

Don't you have anything you could give him to cheer him up, Mr. Edgeworth?!

(Forgive me, Mr. Amano...)

I know just the thing.

Now HE was one fine prosecutor, the best of the best.

...yes, I can't disagree with you there.

Hmm...I sense that you don't really want to talk about him.

How I feel about him...it's hard for me to be truthful about that with another person.

Your hard countenance...I don't know what you're thinking or feeling...

...but mark my words, I think you are Manfred's true successor. I really do.

..............

As for everything else in our inventory:

But then, all things have some value attached to them. Only by probing deep into the unknown can we become true winners in this world, Miles.

(Thanks, but knowledge isn't what's going to make me a winner here; it's information.)

Oh. It was yesterday...a call came to the house. From the receiver came the sound of my son..."Help me, daddy!" ...*sniff*

I know this is tough, but please stay with me here, Mr. Amano...

You don't understand. He hasn't called me "daddy" in ages...it was incredibly moving...I wish I had recorded him saying that.

(He definitely should have recorded that conversation...but not for the foolish sentimentalities of an old man.)

How will telling you about Lance help get him back?

Surprisingly, a lot can be deduced from a person's relationships and behavior.

Very well, then. Lance is my one and only son, and he turned 21 this year. He is very much like me when I was his age - kind and very attractive. I'm sure women simply can't keep their hands off of him.

Is there anything else about him you noticed of late?

Now that you mention it, I haven't been able to get in contact with our butler, Oliver.

Your butler...?

Yes, his name is Oliver Deacon. He's been with our family for years now. He gets along so well with Lance, so I thought maybe he would know where my son is...

As a butler, he's outstanding. He even serves as Lance's personal private tutor. He took a brief leave recently, but even after it was over, I haven't been able to reach him.

So you still haven't spoken with him since his leave? What about his family and friends?

They said they hadn't seen him. I've tried everything I could think of, Miles.

...do you think this could have something to do with Lance's kidnapping?

It's possible, but I can't say anything for sure quite yet. (So even the person closest to the victim has gone missing...Oliver Deacon...sounds like one name I had better keep in mind.)

Yes, sir!

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

Let's begin our investigation. Even if that Interpol agent holds the authority to head this investigation...

...we can't allow ourselves to stand idly by, twiddling our thumbs.

I'm with you 100%, Mr. Edgeworth, sir! I, Dick Gumshoe, pledge to stick by your side through thick and thin!

Mr. Amano, it is my fault that the culprits escaped.

Which is why, with your blessing, I vow to return Lance to you myself.

Oh! I've never seen you so passionate before, Miles. Good luck to you, my boy.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:39 pm

Dick Gumshoe ~ It's Detective Gumshoe

Hmm...thanks to Agent Lang, we can't leave this area. But the culprits were here until only very recently. Which means that we may be able to find some clues that will tell us how they escaped.

OK! Let's get looking!

Who, me?!
Detective: What are you doing goofing off in a place like this?!

I wasn't goofing off! I was about to help Mr. Edgeworth kick off his investigation.
Detective: You imbecile! All precint detectives are now under Agent Lang's direct command!

N-no way!

I am NOT working for Wolf-boy!

Mr Edgeworth! Can't you do something...?!

...........

I'm not exactly in a position to argue, seeing as how you ARE a member of the police.
Detective: Good, now let's go!

Silence

Well, that was exciting.

...........

Kay Faraday ~ The Great Truth Thief

What? Can't you tell I'm all ready to get down to some detective work?!

You should go home. Your parents must be worried about you.

Oh, come on! I finally get to be your assistant and you try to ditch me?!

...I don't recall offering you the position.

Hmmmph. Why do you have to be so difficult? Besides, it's already too late, you know! Like I said, I've already stolen the position of "assistant" a while back!

It's true. She's on the box art and everything.

Hah. You're the only one asserting that.

Well! By the time anyone notices, it's already gone! That's the Yatagarasu way!

You shouldn't speak so lightly of things you know nothing about!

Fine, whatever, you win. Go ahead and do your little investigation.

But the talented assistant Kay, is going to tag along no matter what you say!

(Even if she turns out to be useless, she's not going to listen to me. I might as well surrender and let her come along for the ride...)

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

Same area as before, but a few things have changed.

And I'm ignoring all that and starting by talking to Kay(who is now officially our assistant by virtue of appearing on the partner button).

Yes?

Kay, what do you think about the kidnapping?

Well, I don't know anything about the victim...so actually, I was hoping you could tell me.

Ah, that's right. I never did explain the situation to you. I got involved because of a phone call I received. It was from none other than the director of the Amano Group, Mr. Ernest Amano. His only son, Lance, had been kidnapped, and he wanted me to be the drop-off man. Little did I suspect that I would be abducted myself.

And that's when I found you tied to a pole screaming, "Nnnnnggghhhhooooooooooh!!"

Can you please drop that already?!

And of course:

Don't even think of stealing this from me.

If it's that important to you, then why don't you wear it on your lapel?

(I suppose I can't really tell her that no one in the Prosecutor's Office wears their badges. But why does everyone ask that question of me? That's what I'D like to know.)

Yes, they changed an entire one line compared to last time we showed off our badge. Everything else we can show her gets the exact same response as last time.

Amano has nothing new to tell us. At all.

But this thing does!

The Blue Badger ~ I Want To Protect You

(Speaking of Badgers, there's a person inside of there...)

.........

(He's doing that contorted wriggling "dance" again...)

..........

Aha!

Interesting People

...aren't you Officer Meekins?

SIR! Mike Meekins reporting for duty, sir!

That'd be good ol' Rise from the Ashes again.

(About the only thing I remember about this officer is that he often spoke and acted before he thought, which gave me a great deal of headaches.)

I've met him in the courtroom once before. (Hmm...why was he so upset when we unmasked him? Does he have something to hide?)

Let's badger this Badger by showing our badge.

I knew it! I was right to go for the much more manly police badge, sir!

...Mr. Edgeworth, I think this cop is one donut short of a baker's dozen.

I know. Believe me, I know.

Generic response.

I must pretend to not know anything about anything, sir!

(I mustn't respond to that. It would be like shooting fish in a barrel...)

But that means I need to work extra hard on my cute poses!

Ooh, like what?

Like thiiiiiis!

Great! Now I know what your new pose will beeeeeeeeeeee! Look sir! I've successfully stolen his pose and speaking styyyyyyyyyyyyyyyle, sir!

*sigh* That's nice, Kay.

That was written by experts on the Badger family, sir! And it's very, very thorough!

It doesn't matter that I was made the Blue Badger only a little while ago, sir! That book helped me memorize every name of every Badger, sir!

(It's not that hard to remember four incredibly obvious names...)

Questioning time.

SIR! Because I'm not a police officer right now, sir! I'm the Blue Badger!

And I'm creating memories and dreams for the kids! That's never a waste of time, sir! I have a dream to become as big as Detective Gumshoe, sir!

...when the dispatch radio on my shoulder crackled that the kidnappers had escaped, sir!

I thought maybe this was my shot at making Detective, sir!

I rushed on over to join in, but when I got here, there was a sea of people already...and I couldn't spread my trademark friendliness and joy on to anyone...

(It would seem that some people never change...)

>The Blue Badger

Sir! That's because, sir! I'm here to keep the visitors in good spirits, sir!

But it's also to hide the fact that I'm an officer on the trail of a kidnapper, sir!

I see. Agent Lang is very wise to employ this sort of diversionary tactics.

To be handed the role of THE Blue Badger out of all the different disguises, sir...

It's...it's such an honor!

SIR! For about one little hour, sir!

(Hmm...that's around the time I woke up from being knocked unconscious...)

And I've been here ever since, sir!

(If that's true, then it's possible Officer Meekins saw the kidnappers escaping!)

B-B-B-However, sir! I must tell you I didn't see a thiiiiing, sir!!!

I haven't asked you anything yet, Officer.

No no no no no! B-But I know you will, sir!

(He's hiding something from me.)

Investigation ~ Middle 2009

Officer Meekins, I insist that you tell me more about your recent movements!

Sir! I've been playing the Blue Badger this whole time, sir! And getting into it, too! I patrolled the park, all while wearing this costume! And about one hour ago, I came over here, sir! I haven't seen any suspicious-looking people this whole time, sir! But! I did see a Badger, sir! A lone Blue Badger!

What you said just now is contradictory to the facts.

How so, Mr. Edgeworth?!

Officer Meekins, let's back things up. I'd like to ask you about your last statement.

Sir! Of course, sir! If that's your wish, Mr. Prosecutor!

This little patrolman will wait as long as I'm commanded to wait!

You said that you saw a Blue Badger, correct?

...you should not have seen another Blue Badger wandering the premises!

And that's all Meekins has for us right now.

...I'd think the kidnappers would have better sense than to try hiding in these.

Oh, come on! Lighten up, will ya? I was only joking! I don't REALLY think that the criminals would be hiding here, right in front of two officers!

...I-I certainly hope not.

I remember hearing rain fall out here while I was being held in there.

Yup, it was just a passing rain. That's why the ground has already pretty much dried up.

I should be thankful. It left us with some nice footprint samples.

You know what? I bet if we followed them, we can find out where the kidnappers went! Plus, we'd be able to spot them because of their muddy shoes!

...I don't think it will be that easy. Look carefully. There are quite a few different sets here. And we don't know which ones belong to the kidnappers.

Yes, although the horses are in another location at the moment.

Aww...and here I was hoping I would get to ride one.

You know how to ride a horse?

Nope! Never rode one in my life! But I have an Asian friend who was born in the year of the horse!

("Non sequitur" is the only way to describe your logic...)

Water would be the obvious answer...

But if you stored water in a barrel under the blazing sun, wouldn't it go bad?

People of that period probably didn't care about how it tasted.

Sorry, but I can't let you get away with making fun of our forefathers! I mean, maybe they really liked the strange taste!

...Look who's making fun of them now.

They look so life-like, don't you think?!

Are you thinking of wrangling, or rather, stealing them?

If you can coax them out of there, sure! Come on, I know you can sweet-talk them out!

I could be holding a cube of sugar in my hand and they wouldn't budge, Kay.

Aha! So that means that a car left from the garage at some time, right?

Correct. But for the car to leave these tracks, it would mean that it left during the passing rain. (That's the only explanation as to why these tracks are made of mud.) Hmm, three treads...I think we can also safely assume it's a special type of car.

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

Clearly, the true identity of the person underneath is...

Precisely. After all, the costumes that went missing from the storage area are...

...a Blue Badger, a Proto Badger, and a Bad Badger.

Yes, those three.

So there are three phony Badgers running around in the park somewhere, huh!

...those footprints from earlier take on a new, and very significant meaning.

Oh, you mean now we know which tracks belong to the kidnappers, right?!

Yes. More than shoe prints, we need to follow the paw prints of Badgers.

OK, Mr. Edgeworth! It's time to use those footprints and go Badger hunting!

Investigation ~ Middle 2009

Hey, I think I found them! There are two sets here!

They both do look like possible candidates.

Argh! It just stops! I can't make heads or tails of where it's headed from here!

I think we can assume it's headed towards the stadium...

Hmm...I wonder where the other set leads? This one seems to be headed east...

Quick, Mr. Edgeworth! I've got him! I've got one of the culprits!

Aaaah! Noooo! I'm not a kidnapper, sir!!!

Down, Kay. Clearly, those footprints belong to Officer Meekins. But our criminals were each wearing a costume.

Aha! Maybe they came over to this garage for something?

That's what I would suppose. Officer Meekins, if you could step aside for a moment. We need to examine the garage.

SIR! Roger Wilco, sir!

Maybe we'll find the kidnappers hiding inside!

Suspense

.......

(She must be in severe shock to have been the first to find it...now then, who is this man?)

I-it's Oliver!

! Mr. Amano, are you saying that this man is...

Yes...he's my butler...

How could something like this have happened?!

(Indeed. And why was Mr. Deacon there to begin with? I'd better investigate this crime scene quickly, before Agent Lang or his men return. The kidnapper's footprints lead right to this garage...and right to a dead body.)

From my cursory examination, I believe this man died of a fatal bullet wound.

You sure are calm for someone who just found a body.

(It's surprising what one can become accustomed to in the span of two days...)

Investigation ~ Middle 2009

We start by examining the body.

(...I'm not going to be able to have a real autopsy done on the victim. I'm no doctor, but let's see what I can piece together myself.) Hmm, there are two gunshot wounds, one in his abdomen and one in his shoulder.

So that means he was shot twice...?

No, I don't think so. I think the abdominal one is an entry wound, and the one near his shoulder is the exit wound.

Nice! I knew you could figure it out!

It comes with experience, and I've seen my share of crime scenes. (Speaking of experience...this crime scene seems a bit too clean for a murder where the bullet went clean through. I should make a note of this oddity.)

Next, taking a look at the victim's horse pendant.

What is it? Is it something valuable?

(She seems to have regained some of her composure...)

It looks like a horse pendant! It's got an antique feel about it, and it's really pretty...hold on...this is made of platinum silver! Nice! It IS worth something after all! Ooh, and look! There's something written on the back. "Colin Devorae"...it's a name.

"Colin Devorae"...? (But this man's name is...)

Not the hardest contradiction to Deduce.

There's something not right about the name on the pendant. The victim is the Amano family butler, and his name is "Oliver Deacon". But the name on the pendant is "Colin Devorae".

I wonder what's up with that?

I don't know, but...I think we've hit upon an important piece of information.

Merry Christmas, this is now a murder mystery.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:40 pm

Interesting People

?

Oh, this is bad...he's really good looking!

You can't let yourself fall for a playboy like him! You're in love with...

Sounds like someone doesn't know the meaning of the phrase "inner monologue", huh?

Sorry to interrupt your...conversation, but might you be a friend of Lance?

Yes, I'm Lance's girlfriend...my name is Lauren Paups.

His girlfriend...?

Oh, it's not like that! We're more like friends...and, um...we're not lovers or anything!

We! Well, we haven't gotten that far yet!

Yes, Edgeworth's expression changed without him saying anything.

I even got this ring as a present from Lance...*swoon*

Ha ha, you know what she reminds me of? A cartoon character!

N...Nnnnrrrghn...

May I inquire as to why you are here?

I haven't been able to get in contact with Lance lately...

...and I began to get really worried. *sob* I looked everywhere for him, and then I heard about the kidnapping, so I came here.

Wow, you're really strong for having made it through all this by yourself!

Um! Is it true?! Has Lance really been kidnapped?!

...no one is supposed to know, but yes, it's true.

Oh, Lance...!

I can't believe you've been spirited away...I wonder how you're doing right now...

Looks like she's gone back to the "fair maiden in love" routine...

Well, we found a body, so we should look into the murder...

And I have to say, you really should've called. I heard you found something very intriguing.

I have nothing to hide, Agent Lang. It's exactly what you see before you.

Hey! You waiting for an invitation?! Hurry up and detain the suspect, now.

(Suspect? Who...?)

Agent Lang! Don't you think you're being a bit rash?! Do you even have a good reason to suspect Officer Meekins?!

Hah, I leave that kind of stuff to you prosecutors. It's your job, after all. Like I said earlier, the crime scene isn't as forgiving as your precious courtroom.

That's your answer?!

I know you like your logic and reasoning...

...but that sort of impractical fluff is not needed out here in the field.

!

All you have to do is arrest suspicious person after suspicious person. That's how you eliminate crime from the streets!

But that's also precisely how you unnecessarily arrest innocent people by mistake!

"Innocent people"? Nonsense! There's no such thing as an innocent person. We've all got a blemish or two in our hearts.

That's tyranny! I won't allow such a thing to go on unchecked before my eyes!

Heh! Too bad you don't call the shots around here!

That you would arrest a man on false charges without even conducting an investigation...have you no honor as a member of law enforcement?!

Hold it! ...............

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! You amuse me, Mr. Prosecutor. Lang Zi says: "Every pack has its own rules." If you can play by their rules and come out on top, that is a true victory.

Alright, I'll give your beloved laws a fair shake. I'll show you just how much investigating I've done...

I've seen a lot of bodies like this one being carted off in my time.

I can say he was shot in a single glance, but even you figured that much out, right?

With your current gun laws, it's not exactly easy to get your hands on a gun.

Not unless you're a member of law enforcement like Officer Meekins, isn't that right?

Solid as a rock! It's based on the philosophy of detainment!

Um...what's this "philosophy of detainment"?

Hah! You don't know?! In that case, pay attention, girlie.

In my country, the criminals have a saying: "Beware of the wolf."

Why the wolf...?

Because in my language, "Lang" means "wolf", and you don't mess with me or my pack. And as for the detainment philosophy, its father is my honorable ancestor, Lang Zi.

(Hmm...you'd think I'd have heard of him and his teachings if he is that famous...)

Lang Zi developed it as he worked to lock away criminals thousands of years ago. To this day, the Zheng Fa police still trains its recruits using his philosophies.

But "thousands of years ago"? That makes your story about as believable as a fairy tale!

Hmph. Anything wears down and breaks over time. Do you really believe something as ancient as that can be applied to today's world?

.....you want to put it to a test?

Ema Skye ~ Turnabout Sisters' Theme 2005

So what can you tell me about the body?

A lot. Even without an autopsy, I have my ways. They teach you the basics of forensics along with the detainment philosophy.

Oh? Then you wouldn't mind telling me a little of what you've figured out, correct?

Yes, I think anyone who saw the bullet wounds would come to that same conclusion.

Heh, don't pat yourself on the back yet!

What's that supposed to mean?

Lang Zi says: "Search where the water is deepest." You have to keep your eyes on the big fish that lurks in the depths, which is the killer.

Is that right? And what would you know about the killer?

It would appear you've studied a little of our laws.

Studied? Who needs to study what every child on any street corner already knows? It's that...that.........

Shih-na!

That's it. The Federal Firearms Restriction Act. I hear it's not easy to get a gun these days.

(Interesting. That woman is the one in charge of keeping track of the information.)

If that's the case, there are plenty of other officers who might be potential suspects.

You're not seriously going to arrest each and every one of them, are you?

As if I would need to! I've already looked into everyone else here. Other than Officer Meekins, I know no one else's weapon has been fired.

! H-how did you check every single person's weapon in such a short span of time?!

That's because each and every one of my subordinates is extremely capable. It didn't take more than a few minutes to conduct the entire investigation!

(The power of sheer numbers...) But you have yet to check Officer Meekins's weapon, correct?

Thanks for reminding me. Hey you! Show me your gun.

.............oh!

(What's wrong...? Why does he look so sickly pale all of a sudden?)

..........gun!

What did you say? I can't hear you. Stop mumbling and spit it out already!

Sir, sir...

I LOST MY GUN, SIIIIIIIIIR!!!

How could you be so irresponsible?!

Ha ha ha ha ha ha! In the end, it looks like you're still the only suspect we've got.

You're the one who waited here outside this garage to ambush and kill the victim!

(So you think that Officer Meekins waited here to kill the victim, do you, Lang? I think this little accusation deserves a lot more scrutiny.)

Before we press the new testimony, let's see the looping text, starring an ice cold Edgeworth.

I don't get it, Mr. Edgeworth. Why are you putting yourself on the line for Mr. Meekins?

It's not that I particularly care about what happens to Officer Meekins.

However, I can't simply stand by while Agent Lang ignores our country's laws. (Shi-Long Lang...just what sort of investigator are you?)

And now, moving forward.

You mean to tell me that the murder happened here, in this garage?

From the fact that the suspect was found almost next to where the body was found, I'd say it's pretty obvious that this is the crime scene. Lang Zi says: "A criminal always returns to the scene of the crime."

Hey! Finally, a quote even I've heard of before.

Furthermore, Lang Zi says: "Successful investigations are the result of multiple returns to a crime scene."

(Looks like neither detectives nor criminals have changed their ways over the millenniums.)

If you remember last time, there were some things that suggest our victim was very much not killed in the garage. Like, say, a remarkable lack of blood.

What do you mean?

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

You've seen the crime scene for yourself. And while you were looking, did you not think to yourself that it was a little too clean?

So you did notice that there was too little blood. Do you still wish to claim that Officer Meekins committed the murder here? Because this isn't the crime scene. And if it was your men who led you to think it was...

...then I suggest you leave this case to the local police to set the record straight!

Grr!

Silence

Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Not bad. I see your logic can be just as sound as mine. In that case, let me ask you this:

Don't you think it's weird that officer was hanging out around here in the first place?

Weird? How so?

Hey, you! Your squad's not even supposed to be in this area, right? What were you doing neglecting your duties and loafing around here?

Suspense

I-I...!

Don't you dare give me some lame excuse like, "I found myself taking a walk."

But sir...I really did take a walk, sir!

You're a disgrace. How dare you take your pack obligations so lightly?

(Officer Meekins is looking extra meek. Is he hiding something...?)

Mr. Edgeworth! Please! Sir! Save me the way you did earlier, please, sir!

...Officer Meekins. Please give us a detailed account of what happened.

SIR! Not you, too!

Maybe Lang was right. Those do look like the soulless eyes of a killer.

Confrontation ~ Moderato 2009

It's true, sir! I wasn't assigned to this area, sir!

I was told to check every square inch of the main gate area, sir!

I also went looking for the kidnappers while selling dreams in the Blue Badgermobile, sir!

But! I got completely caught up in my role, selling dreams to the children! SIR!

Before I knew it, I found myself here in this area, sir!

So the Blue Badgermobile is just a roaming souvenir shop?

SIR! I swear I was chasing the kidnappers down while I was being a good dream merchant!

(He seems rather worked up...even more than his usual hyperactive self.)

The great pose thief.

Can you try to calm down and lower your voice to a more reasonable level, Officer?

SIR! Roger, sir!

Alright then, where were you assigned to?

I-I was assigned to the main gate, sir!

(He must mean that area with the bridge and the outrageous fountain.)

OK, then why are you here in the Wild, Wild West area?

That's because! It's because of a very deep reason, ma'am!

Describe for me how you conducted your investigation.

Yes, sir! Well! First, I made sure there were no suspicious-looking people in the area, sir! But! The only people that seemed to gather around me were little girls, sir!

Well, what did you expect when you're dressed like the Blue Badger?

I thought I had no choice at that point, sir, so...

What exactly do you mean by "selling dreams"?

SIR! The Blue Badgermobile is where dreams are collected!

Um, what?

Sweetness like you've never known except in dreams, ma'am, like "Innocence Drops". And bitterness only found in nightmares, ma'am, like "Guilty Jawbreakers". Selling those as I pushed the Blue Badgermobile along is my sworn duty, ma'am!

You completely forgot to look for the kidnappers?

NO, SIR! OF COURSE NOT, SIR! I! I would never do something like that, sir!

..............

............umm...you're absolutely riiiiight!

Wow, you're good at this forcing-people-to-confess thing, Mr. Edgeworth!

To be frank, I'm just a little man, sir...I'm better at selling kids a few small dreams than looking for a big crook, sir!

Enough wallowing in your own self-pity. Let's return to your testimony.

Yes, sir!

How did you wind up all the way over here?

I was in the middle of a sea of kids, sir...but one of the kids decided to challenge me to a fight, sir! I had to run away from the child's painful dropkicks, and before I knew it...

Ha ha, the good ol' dropkick! I dished out my fair share of those when I was a kid! It was always the best when you felt one really connect with your opponent!

In any case, you wound up here for a reason completely unrelated to the investigation?

SIR! That's right, sir!

...that's not something you should be admitting to with your head held high, Officer.

And loop.

(It sounds like he simply forgot about his real job and became the Blue Badger...however, there is one flaw in Officer Meekins's story. But I have the feeling that he'll need some prodding before he'll spill the beans.)

This is one that requires you to think, in the sense that you have to remember something that happened maybe 20 minutes ago(assuming you're playing like a normal person and not an LPer). Or just check the hand new evidence we got before this round of testimony:

SIR?! I'm lying, sir?!

Yes, you are. If you were really out there selling dreams with the Blue Badgermobile until recently...

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

...then what is it doing here inside the garage?

Aaaaaaah! A-actually, I had just lost track, sir!

Lost track of what?

By the time I realized it, the Blue Badgermobile was nowhere to be found, sir!

(Which would mean it was perhaps...stolen?)

And that's when I came back to this area, thinking maybe it was in the garage, sir! But that's when you found me, Mr. Edgeworth! Sir!

A likely story! Who do you think is going to buy such a convenient tale as that?

And what exactly is so convenient about his story?

The car getting stolen; it's completely unbelievable, even for a cover story!

But I think we can assume the car was used alright. To move the dead body!

Wh-whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!

You killed the victim at some distant location, Officer Meekins. And then you used the Blue Badgermobile to transport it all the way here.

But it wasn't meeeeeee! SIR! THE KILLER, SIR! It wasn't meeeeeee, sir!!!

Agent Lang! Wait!

Hm? What do you want now?

You can't say we know all the facts of this case, let alone the truth!

I told you! Truth, schmuth, I couldn't care less! Our job is to catch the crook.

You'll find out your precious truth after we arrest this guy and take him in.

That's the job of you prosecutors in your fancy courts with your "logic". As for us, we don't have that kind of time to waste.

You boorish buffoon!

I think you need to leave. We need to get the body to autopsy, and you guys are getting in the way.

You...! You would interfere with another one of my investigations?!

Hey now, let's not forget who holds the actual authority to conduct investigations here.

Gnnngh!

I'm afraid the one doing the interrupting is you, my ignorant little pretty boy.

Nnn...Ngwooooooooh!

Now be a good fancy boy and get out of my sight. If you don't...

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:40 pm

For some reason I'm getting a vague sense of impending doom. I'm sure it's nothing.

Investigation ~ Middle 2009

Mr. Edgeworth.

...yes, Kay?

Do you know what that is?

You really shouldn't steal anything, however, I'll bite. What shouldn't a thief steal?

A life. It's too heavy of a burden on your soul to get away with, ever.

That's something we can agree on. Well said, Kay. No matter what we may try, murder is the one crime that can never truly be hidden.

And I intend to prove that by my own hands...

...when I apprehend the murderer myself.

Alright! And I'm going to work extra hard to be a good assistant! Let's go!

(I still never said she could be my assistant...*sigh* I'm just going to drop the issue.)

Detective Gumshoe ~ I Can Do It When It Counts, Pal!

Mr. Edgeworth! The stadium! Hurry, sir! This is supposed to be hush-hush, but they found a witness at the stadium!

A witness?!

Mr. Edgeworth! Remember that I'm always rooting for you, so go get 'em, sir!

It's not all fun and games, Kay. Now then, let's head to the stadium and meet this witness.

There's that sense of impending doom again. I'm sure it'll be fine.

Yeah, I don't see anyone...

You are...Ms. Ema Skye, correct?

(Two years ago, we stood in the same courtroom together as witness and prosecutor. But I thought she had gone to Europe to study forensics...)

Oh look, it's Rise from the Ashes. Ema's grown older, ~~wiser~~, and hat-tyer.

Of course I do. How have you been? You look to be in good spirits.

Are you still studying abroad?

You bet! More than anything, I want to investigate crime scenes, scientifically!

I've been studying non-stop every day to become a top-notch forensic scientist!

But it's spring break now, so I thought I'd come back for a bit.

And now we're allowed to investigate as normal. Which is a bit silly, since there's nothing here but us, Ema, and that pink badgermobile, but hey, might as well.

With all that's happened, I'm getting a little confused. Umm...for example, what that detective said earlier...

About how we must look for a witness at the stadium...?

No, not that. The "I'm always rooting for you" bit.

I was thinking how sweet that is! It's like the two of you are best friends!

I think you're a little confused alright, Kay.

And she has some things to say about our new evidence.

Don't even think about it.

OK, I'll just hold onto it, then! Don't worry, it's safe with me!

(Just so we're clear, Kay, a five-finger discount is not part of the bargain.)

We're not allowed full free roam yet. Eventually we will be. Maybe.

We have to find the witness before that mean ol' werewolf does!

You're right. The witness is supposed to be here in this stadium, but where?

Yeah, but it's a different color than the Blue Badger's car.

Yes, this is the retina-searing pink model.

And that's all we can look at for now. Time to talk to Ema.

But I'm going to be a super forensic scientist someday! You'll see!

You seem to know Mr. Edgeworth really well. Are you two acquaintances?

Oh! I forgot to introduce myself! I'm Ema Skye. Nice to meet you! I'm studying abroad to be a forensic scientist! How about you?

Wow, that's a great dream! My name's Kay Faraday! And I'm training to become an unstoppable Great Thief!

...don't think too hard on it, Ema. It's not worth the trouble.

In any case, we have much to catch up on.

You bet we do!

Such as...Badge.

But I don't think I've ever seen you wear it, though.

Well, I'm not as enthusiastic about wearing it as you are with your pin badges.

I know, right?! I mean, I really wanted to put even a few more on today! Oh, hey! I like yours, Kay! Do you have any extras?

Sorry, but there's only one of these in the world, and it's proof that I am a Great Thief!

Park map:

Aha! I can definitely see all of the attractions before the park closes!

Science sure is useful, huh, Mr. Edgeworth!

(I'm not even going to bother asking Ema how she calculated that...)

Badger Bible:

Yes...indeed.

I remember it like it was yesterday! That was really something, huh -- the red-hot courtroom battle between the two of us!

(I don't think it was quite as dramatic as that...)

Generic reponse:

...then putting it in a way that transmits the feeling that I understand...whew! Done!

She makes it sound like she knows what she's talking about, but she really has no idea.

Admittedly, I am slightly confused by what she just rattled off...

Well, I just happened to decide to come home for Spring Break...

...and then I heard that you'd come back, too, so I raced on over here!

I had really wanted to welcome you back at the airport, but I had just missed you.

And how exactly did you know I was here?

Through the power of science, naturally! Never underestimate what science can do for you!

This set is the greatest! It's so wonderfully scientific! You spray this chemical on the ground, and when you shine the special light on it...zing! The footprints light up like an electrified noble gas in a glass tube!

It's almost like magic, scientifically speaking!

(...forensic science has never seemed more ominous to me than at this very moment.)

Huh? What are you talking about?

Are you not the witness Detective Gumshoe told us about?

Well, I did get a call from Detective Gumshoe earlier. He was practically yelling at me! "Mr. Edgeworth needs your scientific doohickeys right now, pal!" he said.

(...what was that man thinking? Or rather, not thinking?)

So let me guess, there's been a murder, right?!

Yes...unfortunately. (There's a sudden glint in her eyes...but I need to keep my mind focused on the witness. Now, where did that person go?)

The Blue Badger ~ I Want To Protect You

I think this Badger has something to say to you, Mr. Edgeworth.

Are you, by chance, the witness I've been searching for?

The game lets us roam again, but...

We cannot escape what is to come. We're forced to talk to the Pink Badger again.

Silence

Noisy People

Edgey-pooooooooooooooo! Why couldn't you understand what I was trying to tell you?

I mean, really! I was trying so hard to keep the kids' dreams alive by staying in character!

But you couldn't pick up on what I was trying to convey to you! I'm sick and tired of that roundabout way of talking, so I'm just going to be direct!

(I had a bad feeling before, but this just made it official. Today has gone beyond the typical "not my day" into the realm of "waking nightmare"!)

So you're a friend of Mr. Edgeworth too, Ms. Pink Badger?

You could say that. But right now, I'm just the Pink Badger, dearie.

(She may look the part, but I know better than to trust my eyes around this woman...)

Nice to meet you, Ms. Oldbag! I'm Kay Faraday.

Yeesh, I was just trying to be polite...

Shockingly, showing Oldbag our badge nets the generic response.

Very well. What do you think about this?

...it's nothing special.

(Somehow, I figured she'd say as much.)

Badger photo rally:

It's like I'm one of the mascot characters of this park.

It's not "like"; you ARE the mascot character. Well, one of them, anyway.

But you have no idea how hard it is to be one. You're not allowed to talk at all!

Taking away my ability to talk halves my effectiveness as a human being!

You have a hard time not talking? But it seems like such an easy thing to do!

What do you know, young'un?! Just wait until you're my age and then we'll see!

(Is it possible this loud, old lady was once a quiet, fair maiden? ...hah, impossible.)

Bad Badger's head:

Thank you for the extra commentary, but all I wanted was for you to take a look...

Oh, alright, I guess I can do that...but only because it's you, Edgey-poo!

..........

What is wrong with this thing?! Why is this Blue Badger wearing sunglasses?!

(...how could she have not noticed all this time?)

Badger Bible:

...you cut to the quick.

Only behind the scenes. I'm the Pink Badger right now to the kids. But don't you think I'd be even more lovable if I kept this headpiece off?

Think of the children! You're the one who wants to keep their sweet dreams alive, right?

She sure was.

Hmph! I go where I'm needed! I'm very good at what I do, unlike the youth of today! I get called in all the time to fill in when there aren't enough hands.

But enough about me, Edgey-poo! I'm thoroughly dejected right now!

I finally get the chance to see you again, and here you are, talking with two young girls!

Kay, please, I'm begging you. By all means, do not provoke her any further...

(Honestly, I hope she isn't, but I don't think fate is going to be so kind today...)

I saw what happened! I even saw the exact moment it happened! How's that?!

So it's true! She is the witness!

(*sigh* I don't suppose I can afford to ignore the old bag...)

Yes, it was just a little while ago! I saw it happen right in front of me!

The moment of the murder!

You mean to say that you witnessed someone being killed right before your eyes?

Sounds like a pretty important piece of testimony to me!

Re-creation ~ The Noble Thief’s Secret Weapon

I came to this stadium to take a short break.

As I was resting, I happened to glance over and I saw two men facing each other in that area.

Suddenly, there was a loud gunshot, and the person who was shot fell to the ground.

It was a very terrifying experience, let me tell you!

Yes, I can't afford to ignore what she has to say. ...unfortunately.

What's that "unfortunately" you tacked on at the end supposed to mean, Edgey-poo?!

Well, anyway! Let's see what we can find out from this little ol' lady!

You mean you took a break from being the Pink Badger?

You may not think it, but it's hard work keeping kids' dreams alive. You smell of sweat, your hip creaks with pain -- you even begin to dream about work.

That's the kind of story that would scar a child for life, you know...

Well, that's why I chose to come take my break here, whippersnapper! I don't plan on playing the part of the Dead Badger in front of a bunch of kids!

So what did you see while you, the Pink Badger, were resting?

Oh, yes, that! Well!

You saw two men...? Can you describe them for me?

They looked like your average Joes, completely uninteresting and not worth fawning over. I'm telling you, they were so boring that I don't even remember much beyond that.

But did they have any special features? Anything you can recall would be very helpful.

Oh, my! Don't tell me you're jealous of those two men!

Hey, she's right! You do seem pretty worked-up over them, Mr. Edgeworth.

I-I'm not worked up over anyone! A-and I'm not jealous!

It's alright, Edgey-poo. Those two were just foals compared to a stallion like you. I thought so little of them that I lost interest the instant I laid eyes on them.

You're claiming to have seen the exact moment in which the murder took place?

Absolutely! That gun made a terrible racket when it was fired.

You didn't try to go help the person that got shot?

I'm only one person, you smart-alecky brat! What could I have done?! But I took off as soon as I could to find someone who could help.

Silence

There's nothing else to do here now that we've pressed every statement.

Sadly, there wasn't exactly a lot of new information to go on in your testimony...

Well, if I saw the guy again, I'm sure I could identify him for you!

I mean, how do you expect me to remember anything without something to jog my memory?!

Self-centered, aren't we?

While it was somewhat useful, her testimony also presents us with a new problem...

So, about this new problem...

What is that giant grin on your face for?

Do you want me to show you something really nice?

...no, thank you.

Don't be so mean! I swear it's something you're going to like!

What you see before you is the secret weapon of a Great Thief!

...ahh, I should have known it would be worthless.

Aww, don't be like that! Tee hee. *ahem!*

What is it doing...? It's projecting something into the air...

I'm going to input the necessary information to run the simulation now. Once I'm done, I'll increase the size of the projection to its maximum size...

Dark skies of evening, when no other bird dares take wing, one alone remains all-seeing! Now, witness the true power of a real, modern-day Robin Hood!

This is a re-creation of the murder based on the info I inputted into Little Thief!

L-Little Thief? I dare say I think you're taking the Robin Hood thing a bit too far...

Little Thief is actually meant to be a simulator for me to plan my thefts. But I suppose if I used it like this...let's see...Ms. Oldbag said that the two men were facing each other. And then, a gunshot rang out, and the victim fell to the ground.

See! So, what do you think?

I have to say, I'm impressed by the technology thieves have access to these days.

Well, it IS the super-secret weapon of the mighty Yatagarasu!

Oh, but if there isn't enough information, or if something is out of place...the re-creation could come out a little strange.

In other words, I can use this to authenticate the validity of a witness's testimony?

You got it! You catch on really quick, Mr. Edgeworth!

(So for now, I should re-examine everything...)

(...and if I find anything strange or illogical, I can then ask for clarification.)

Feel free to examine anything in this simulation in the way you always do! You can even present evidence when you find a contradiction!

And if you find something, I've got Little Thief with me, so you just let me know, OK?

Let's.

Next time.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:41 pm

Before we get to investigating, here's an overview of our evidence and profiles, since it's been a while since I've gone over them all:

The pendant has some stuff we can examine in detail, which I haven't gone over yet:

! Oh no, Mr. Edgeworth!

What? Did you find an important piece of evidence?

This...is made of platinum silver! That makes this thing super-valuable! I've seen this type of jewelery at a lot of stores before, so I know it when I see it!

.............Kay, if you ever laid so much as a finger on those pieces of jewelery...

Wh-what? Me? I-I'd never do something like that!

(........is it possible that she has never wanted to steal from a jewelery store before?)

Oh? And why would that be?

You have no imagination, Mr. Edgeworth. Did you ever think that maybe people want to have their loved ones always nearby?

It's not as if I have a wedding band, and I have no interest in accessorizing.

*sigh* I suppose. Anyway, you know what? More than wearing flashy accessories, I'd rather be engraving my name into every treasure I can find all around the world!

(A sign of affection is one thing, but blatant vandalizing is just a bit different.)

And now, back to your regularly scheduled investigation.

Re-creation ~ The Noble Thief’s Secret Weapon

Talking to Ema and Oldbag gives us these lines and the opportunity to recap what we just talked to them about. Enlightening.

Kay has more to say, though.

Yeah, of course! Pretty neat, huh? By inputting info like this, it can re-create the crime scene exactly as it was. Although, Little Thief was originally intended to be a training sim for heists...

A training sim for thievery?! I don't believe I can turn a deaf ear to that, Kay.

Bah, it's for practice! Practice! It's not like I've actually stolen anything yet! Besides, we're in the middle of an investigation! So stop nitpicking!

Even if it is just "practice", I can't exactly endorse the act of stealing. Although, admittedly, this device is rather useful in an investigation.

Full speed into tutorials.

Oh! That's right! I guess I should explain how to use it, huh? Objects outlined in yellow are things that are not present in our time, but were in the past. Things outlined in a dotted line are things that exist now, but didn't in the past.

I see...

You can examine and interact with replicated people and objects as you normally do. You can even present evidence whenever you find an inconsistency. Oh, and be sure to point out mistakes in the re-creation with evidence, too!

Hmm...very well, let's continue with the investigation.

If there's something you don't get about Little Thief, feel free to ask anytime, OK?

I guess this means they're done for the day...

Or maybe it's because a different show is scheduled to start its run tomorrow.

Kay, is it not possible to re-create the face of the killer?

Well, I can't exactly input what we don't know into Little Thief.

(She has a point...)

That's right. But...?

But, if that's the case, then we've already found our first contradiction.

Huh? What? Where?!

If this is the real scene of the crime, there's something missing that should be here.

Tricks And Gimmicks

Eh? Is something wrong with me re-creation?

If this is the real scene of the crime, something specific should be here. If you think back, how did we deduce that the other crime scene was not the real one?

Oh! I get what's missing now! There's no blood on the ground here either, right?

Right. The fact that there is no blood here casts doubt on the witness's testimony.

I know what I saw! And I saw the victim get shot down!

You know, I don't think she's lying, Mr. Edgeworth.

(To be honest, I can't think of a reason why she would lie to me.)

So you really think that Mr. Deacon was one of the kidnappers?

I think we can reasonably assume there is a very good chance that he was.

And if he was shot while he was inside one of those stolen costumes...

...then Mr. Deacon's blood would be inside the costume instead of on the ground!

Precisely. Now, if only we could prove that the victim was wearing a costume...

You'd think it'd be pretty easy if we could find some footprints...but the problem is FINDING them, since there doesn't seem to be any around.

(Footprints, huh...? I wonder how we can go about finding some of those...?)

Re-creation ~ The Noble Thief’s Secret Weapon

Yes, I wonder. It's a very deep and complex mystery that requires a lot of thought to solve.

Ah, finally my expert knowledge in forensics is needed!

Yes, well...can you detect and trace even partial footprints?

Very well. If you could please analyze the footprints in this area...

OK! Stand back now, and witness the power of science at work!

Ema Skye ~ Turnabout Sisters' Theme 2005

? I don't see anything...

Oh, that's right! Here, put these special glasses on, Mr. Edgeworth!

Sadly, we don't get to see Edgeworth wearing pink science glasses.

Judging by the way the prints are layered, those seem to be the newest.

(Then...we can conclude that the victim was definitely wearing a costume at the time.)

I can't wait to see what we find out from this new info!

Re-creation ~ The Noble Thief’s Secret Weapon

And with that, we should be one step closer to the truth, right?

(Hmm...I see the re-creation has changed in accordance with the new information.) We may be closer, but now, something else has caught my attention.

Your testimony, naturally. I'd like to hear it one more time, if you please.

I came to this stadium to take a short break.

As I was resting, I happened to glance over and I saw two men facing each other in that area.

Suddenly, there was a loud gunshot, and the person who was shot fell to the ground.

It was a very terrifying experience, let me tell you!

Yes, and I believe our best course of action is to compare it with your re-creation.

See! I just KNEW Little Thief would be of help! Now let's see if we can pull more info from Ms. Oldbag to put into the re-creation!

For that, we must first find the contradiction in her testimony.

You might have noticed her testimony is exactly the same as last time. Her responses to pressing each piece of testimony are also the same.

So let's get to the point.

...seeing as how the victim was wearing a costume at the time?!

Ah!

Furthermore, I have another matter that I'd like to inquire about! I'd very much like to know why you failed to mention the costume in your testimony?!

Uwah!

I'm beginning to doubt if you really witnessed the murder at all.

But I'm telling you, I really did see it! I saw it with my very own eyes!

.......from a seat in the second tier.

Interesting People

That was...you know...I was using the phrase in the metaphorical sense...?

(*sigh* I see our witness still has a screw loose, in the metaphorical sense.)

Which is exactly why I go there now and again to take a nap!

I can't see how you could've gotten a good look from there. It's so high up!

Were you able to see even the victim's costume from way up there?

Well, I know I saw two people.

My eyesight isn't what it used to be, you know.

You got it!

Re-creation ~ The Noble Thief’s Secret Weapon

Ah, it was nothing! I'm just glad that science and I could be of service!

Pretty amazing how we could see the footprints. So what's the secret behind that thing?

Oh, you want to know? Um...here, you can read the manual!

Aha...very interesting...so if I do this, I can avoid leaving footprints...

(She can't seriously be trying to use the information to her advantage as a thief...wait...)

The silhouettes can change depending on information I input. But Little Thief can re-create more than just people...

So investigate away! We may even find more info with which to make a more accurate sim!

Alright. Sounds like a plan.

Despite what Kay just said, the way forward is not investigating at all and just using logic.

...the murder occurred before the stage was broken down.

Do you want me to input that bit of info into Little Thief?

Yes, if you please.

Please stop stealing my lines!

Oh, come on. It wasn't that hard to see it coming, even for a layman like me!

I suppose. In any case, it's not possible for the killer to have stood here in that way...

Yeesh, I told you I got it! Do you feel the need to explain everything?!

Isn't it obvious? The killer was on top of the stage, naturally.

Right, Ms. Oldbag?!

Yes, I remember now! The killer was standing on top of the stage!

Agent Lang, we've discovered that the real scene of the murder is here, the stadium.

I see. Thanks.

For what?

I'm just trying to show you my appreciation for all the time you saved me. Who knew that such a strange little toy could re-create a crime scene like that.

Little Thief is NOT a toy!

And there you have it. You see? Big boys like me don't need silly toys, little girl.

So what? Do you still intend to assert that Officer Meekins is the killer?

Of course. Even knowing that the crime took place here doesn't let him off the hook.

Welp.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:41 pm

This is the real scene of the crime.

Officer Meekins lay in wait for the victim on top of the stage.

And when the victim finally showed, he shot him from on high!

That's the truth your little re-creation showed.

He's the most likely suspect we've got, especially given the situation with his gun.

Well, even if he is the killer, at least my re-creation was on the mark.

You see? Thank you for understanding, my little crow-girl.

Grr...I'm not some common crow! I'm the Yatagarasu! The raven of legend!

Unfortunately, your conclusion has yet to be tested, so let's see how well it holds up.

Looks like we found the real crime scene first.

Ha! Brag all you want, but we don't have all that free time, unlike the two of you.

Heh heh. You know what you remind me of? A dog licking his wounds as he whimpers home!

Well, I guess I should be thankful for all the time you saved me.

Xie xie.

That's how we say "thanks" in my country.

In case you haven't caught on yet, the Republic of Zheng Fa is Very Definitely Not China.

Y-you're welcome. (I hope he realizes we didn't do all this for him...)

But I'm here now, so I'll be taking over! As I was saying, this is where the crime took place.

Lying in wait? How did Officer Meekins even know the victim was going to come here?

Simple. He was investigating the kidnappers, right? And while he was doing so, he came to understand the victim, Mr. Deacon's movements.

Hah! And why would the good officer want to ambush and kill a kidnapper?

You mean his motive? Who knows, and who cares. You can find that out for yourself when you talk to him in jail.

Hmph. You have no respect for the order of law.

Don't get me wrong, but I need more than "there's no motive!" to convince me otherwise.

(He's right. The lack of a motive is a rather weak argument by itself.)

So the officer lay in wait on top of the stage...

So you agree with how our re-creation turned out...?

Like I'm said, I'm grateful that you were able to save me some time.

Alright, but we still don't know why he chose to wait on top of the stage.

Who cares. Maybe he wanted to become the Blue Badger.

Who's to say he didn't see the stage and decided to put on a Badger stage show of his own?

(Or maybe there's a completely different reason...?)

What does it matter?! It still doesn't change the fact that Officer Meekins...

...stood up on that stage and shot the victim on the ground below.

So you honestly believe that what you're saying is what really occurred?

Hey, you're the ones who came up with this scenario. Are you saying you doubt yourselves?

Nnngh...touche...

And loop.

Hmm...then, does that mean it all went down just as he says?

No, not quite. (I wonder if what we had re-created earlier was the whole truth?)

So what's the problem? Well, let's refresh ourselves on the crime scene notes:

I should have warned you that our re-creation is incomplete. You cut in quite unexpectedly, after all.

What's that supposed to mean?

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

You said that the victim was shot by the killer from up above, correct? I hate to break it to you, but that's not possible.

Huh? Why not?

Recall Mr. Deacon's body, specifically, where the gunshot wounds were located.

........actually, I didn't get that good of a look.

Oh. Well then.

Kngh!

Yes, our re-creation had the victim being shot at an angle from above.

A clear contradiction!

You're discounting your own conclusions?!

No, this one point is the only flaw.

Time for another round of wrong responses.

That's right. The location of the stage was wrong.

You mean the stage was in a totally different spot than where it is now?

Yes, the stage was situated where the victim was standing in our simulation.

Hah! Are you out of your mind, Mr. Prosecutor?! I've never heard of a stage show where the stage actually blocks the audience's view!

I-I suppose not...

But I swear I know the reason for the error!

>The witness's location

The location of the witness was our mistake.

Edgey-poo! How can you betray me like this?!

Your testimony was riddled with vague statements.

Hey, now. I can't let you get away with bad-mouthing a very valuable witness! Besides, if you're saying it was wrong for you to think she saw it from far away, then, perhaps she saw it from up close? That'd make her story even more trustworthy.

I-I didn't mean it that way...

Edgey-poo! You can do it! Hang in there!

(So the wrong parameter was not where the witness was...in that case...!)

In that case it's the obviously correct answer, which is so staggeringly obviously correct that it feels like this question was padding for time.

>The killer's & victim's locations

Yes, the locations of the killer and the victim were wrong.

Ah, I get it. I see what you're trying to say!

I believe the killer and the victim were standing opposite to what we initially thought.

Re-creation ~ The Noble Thief’s Secret Weapon

But then, what about the footprints?

Since footprints don't lie, we can assume then, that the killer also wore a costume.

OK! I'll try using that data instead!

...I'd say it was a killing between the two kidnappers. That would be the most natural conclusion. Wouldn't you agree, Agent Lang?

Hmph. Well done, Mr. Prosecutor!

I ask that you take another good look at the tire marks over there.

The three marks are indicative of the Blue Badgermobile.

That story Officer Meekins told about that shop on wheels getting stolen was just a lie.

He drove the Blue Badgermobile here and committed the murder.

Then, he used the car to move the body to the garage in the Wild, Wild West Area.

That's right. It was Officer Meekins himself who pointed us to the way he did it.

(The three-tired tread marks are very telling, however...is the Blue Badgermobile the only thing capable of making such a pattern?)

The tire marks...?

Yes, the tire marks. The ones there behind the stage.

Helpful pan. The Troupe Gramarye really brings disaster with them wherever they go, don't they?

They were hidden up until now by the various pieces of stage equipment. As for when they were made...

...they must have been made after the rain begun to fall, correct?

Yes, and probably around the same time as when the killer's footprints were made. The tires on that Blue Badgermobile probably got pretty muddy because of that. I say it's the Blue Badgermobile because, well, that's pretty obvious, too.

Three tire marks...I have to agree that the Blue Badgermobile has three tires.

Of course! The only thing in this park that could make those marks is that roving shop.

Are you forgetting that there are, in fact, three of them?

You can't simply ignore the Pink and the Proto Badgermobiles, Agent Lang.

Of course, I didn't say it couldn't be either of the other two...

...but I see no reason to drag them into this just to complicate things!

Of course, you have some sort of proof that it was all a lie, correct?

Of course not.

Well, that was blunt.

But, suppose it is a lie. It would explain a lot of things. Like his movements and his whereabouts.

So you still claim that the tire marks belonged to the Blue Badgermobile?

It must have arrived on the scene after the ground had become wet with rain.

Officer Meekins committed the murder.

Besides the Blue Badgermobile, there are other ways the body could've been moved.

Recall what the Wild, Wild West Area looked like.

(I suppose if one were to look at that place, that would be the only logical conclusion. However, my experience tells me that the truth is usually not so easily found. Is there some sort of problem with Agent Lang's statement with regard to that scene?)

And loop.

Only if what Agent Lang believes turns out to be true.

(The three-tired treadmarks are telling, however...is the Blue Badgermobile the only thing capable of creating such a pattern?)

Despite Edgeworth's comment at the end of the loop, the actual problem is whether the Blue Badgermobile was possibly at the scene at all. The game does hint at that a little by highlighting 'muddy' during the first Press. We're finally at the point where you have to think about things slightly. Hooray?

Sorry, Agent Lang, but that's an impossible tale.

And why is that?

Pursuit ~ Lying Coldly

Those tire marks could not have been left by Officer Meekins's Blue Badgermobile! One look at the car would've told you so!

I'm showing this off mostly because it's an example of the target area being kind of bullshit.

I have no idea what I'm supposed to be looking at. Perhaps you're a bit worn down by all this excitement, Mr. Prosecutor?

It's none of your business. Just allow me to explain it once again.

Yes, it's the tires. Just like I was selecting last time. :shepface:

Nngh!

If this car had come to the backstage area and left those tire tracks, then the lack of mud on these tires stands out as very peculiar indeed.

Don't be ridiculous! I was sleeping the entire time in the second tier seats!

Indeed, I believe we can rule her out as someone related to the crime. However, there is yet one more roving store, as I recall.

And it proves the existence of a Proto Badgermobile.

There must still be some sort of incriminating evidence on it.

Nngh.............

Silence

Hey, did you hear something?
???: H.........hel.......

Suspense

Well, this is something! Looks like we've found our kidnapping victim. Where were you all this time?

Wild West...with kidnappers...

(He was in the room next to the one I was held in?!)

Ran away using underground...and got lost...th-the kidnappers...

Hm? What is it?! I can't understand what you're trying to say!

Th-the kidnappers...escaped...wearing costumes...

Did you see the faces of your kidnappers?!

No...I didn't see their faces...but...two...one was a w-woman...

(A woman...?)

Quite an important piece of testimony.

Akgn... (Again...?)

You're nothing but a big bully! Come on, Mr. Edgeworth! Let's go!

Oh, no, no, no. Not you. You're a very important witness for my case. I'm not about to let you get away that easily.

Hey, calm down. There's no need for all this hostility. I just want to take a statement from each of you.

I'm not going to rough either of you up. I give you my word.

Come now, fair maidens. What do you say? Will you cooperate?

"Fair maidens"...? My, you little rascal! You sure know the way into a woman's heart.

"The passage of time is but a fleeting moment", and a lady is young forever.

...hmph! Trying to outdo my Edgey-poo with your fancy-schmancy sayings. Let's get this over with. So we're clear, I'm only interested in giving you my statement.

Sure, just as soon as Mr. Prosecutor leaves us be.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:42 pm

With Lance safe, the focus of the investigation will shift solely onto the murder.

You mean the in-fighting between the kidnappers?

Yes, and also the identity of the remaining kidnapper...

Interesting People

Yes, Mr. Amano. We found him earlier in the stadium.

Then...my little Lance is unhurt?!

He's not exactly the picture of perfect health, but his life is not in danger. He's being questioned right now by Agent Lang.

See, readers, it's fine. Lang didn't get his statement and leave his corpse to rot. He got his statement and then ignored his not-corpse for 10 minutes because he had to keep trying to dunk on Edgeworth.

Poor Lance...it must've been so horrible for him...locked up like a...*sob*

And with that, we're let loose to roam around. Let's start by talking to Kay.

What is it, Kay? You look like you've stumbled upon something.

I'm kind of confused by all the different events going on. First, there's the kidnapping, and then the co-conspirators of that end up in a murder. And Ms. Oldbag saw the crucial moment, but you and Ms. Oldbag are kinda...

We do NOT need to investigate further into that last statement!

(Disregarding the fact of who it came from, the witness's testimony was a mess. However, it did shed some light on the truth behind this case.)

Well, let's keep investigating and see what other types of people we run into, shall we?

What we need to move forward is on this screen, but optional stuff awaits us to the right. And we can't not do optional stuff, right?

At long last, we're allowed back to the entry to the park.

Investigation ~ Opening 2009

Are you deathly allergic to him or something?

Umm...it's not that. It's more the half-smile on his face; it's really unsettling.

(She's disturbed by the half-smile? I'm more disturbed by its movements and how it managed to obstruct an investigation.)

Daughter: Aaaaah! It's looking at me! Make it stooooooop! It's scaaaaaaaaaryyyyyyyy!
Chief: It's alright, dear. You want to know something? I was the one who created the Blue Badger! See, look at his eyes. Don't they look just like daddy's?
Daughter: It's scaryyyyyyyy! It's scary because they do look like yooooooours, daddy!
Chief: ......

Well, that was rather depressing. I think I'd better leave the two of them alone.

Serves him right, if you ask me.

Talk about a veritable goulash of rides and attractions.

With so many of them, you'd think they'd have a ninja house! Like one of those buildings with a zillion secret places to hide in! Those are fun!

Well, they don't.

Hey! How can you be so sure?! Oh, I know! I bet they really do have one, but it's hidden in real ninja fashion! Come on out, ninja house! I know you're around here somewhere!

(A hidden ninja house...next she'll be looking for a lost pirate ship!)

Oh? It looks incredibly new to me.

Argh! Mr. Edgeworth, you need to lighten up and get a sense of humor!

That was rather rude! But just this once, I'll look the other way.

...on second thought, maybe the first thing you need to work on is tact.

Hey, there's some weirdos on a boat!

Edgeworth cannot acknowledge their existence in any way.

He can, however, talk about the bridge he's on.

But you'd think that they'd already be happy because they were able to come together.

Logistics aside, I wonder who came up with this tale and when? This bridge doesn't look old enough to be the stuff of legends.

Well, some things are better left uninvestigated, don't you think? Ignorance is bliss!

Alright, back to the real investigation.

He said it was stolen, didn't he...?

Don't tell me that you were the one who stole it.

What the heck are you talking about?! I don't even have a license! It's illegal to drive a car without a license! A Great Thief doesn't break the law!

(This little girl has a very odd understanding of the word "law".)

"This cactus is a very gracious gift to Gatewater Land from the local police precinct."

(I can't believe the police went so far as to even donate a cactus to this place.)

So, is the police department running a cactus farm on the side? Ha ha, just kidding! They wouldn't do something so silly!

(Actually, I have the vague impression I've seen a cactus farm at the precinct before.)

Target acquired.

I'm not a bad person, and I'm not out to seduce you. Come now, won't you talk...

No! You're showing that to me to lord over me with how much authority you have. Well, I will not be bullied! You should be ashamed of yourself, you evil man!

(...how should I repent in order for this woman to talk to me?!)

Showing her anything irrelevant nets you this.

I was so busy eating a loaf of bread that I ran right into him! It was destiny, as people like to say...

(I'll take that as she's not interested in this...)

Curiously, the pendant gets special treatment.

If you're not going to show it to her, then why not give it to me for safe-keeping?

Why would I do anything of the sort?!

?

AaaaAAaaaaAAAAAaaAaAAah!!!

Wh--?!

You big bully! I can't believe you'd show me something so gruesome!

But, but, I have to admit I kind of like that mavericky aura around him...Oh, Lauren, are you becoming "bad" as well...?

(She's off in La-La Land again, I see...)

I know that it may look like a monster, however, I'd like to ask you about it...

Oh, Lance up in heaven, lend your little Lolli your strength!

But he's not dead.

If you lend me your strength, I can defeat the bad monster and live a long and happy life!

...I'm beginning to suspect that you are not very good at this listening business.

It's the perfect new house for us made out of candies and sweets...

But I can't seem to get the door open...why?

Because this is a theme park, and I highly doubt they would let you live here for real.

You won't let me in my own house...? You truly are a terrible man, you know that?!

Wh-- But I have nothing to do with that!

She's been so helpful so far, clearly questioning her will make her even more helpful!

No, you can't give up, Lauren! Just one more try!

Excuse me, but I can't help but feel a bit sorry for all the flowers you've gone through...

I suppose...If they were me, then...*blush*

I believe you said that you are Lance's girlfriend when we first met, correct?

Yes, I am, but...oh! It's not like we both think of each other as lovers! But he DID give me this ring, so I guess we're not just "friends" either...? I mean, because! This isn't just any ordinary ring! It tastes so sweet when you lick it! Ah! It' so wonderful!

(You mean to tell me that he gave you a lollypop ring...?)

So, which is it?! Have you guys not decided if you're going out, or is it just one-sided?

"Decided"...? Shouldn't the parties involved naturally just know...?

My father used to work for Mr. Amano.

And so, Lance and I grew up together. ...*gasp!* I said it out loud!

(I don't see how that's anything to embarrassed about...)

So your father was an employee of the Amano Group? What did he do?

I heard his job was to fly around the world...on Pegasus...

P-Pegasus?!

Oh, Pegasus was the name of the airplane. The airplane belonged to the company.

Y-You had me there for a second...!

But now...it's all changed. My father...he isn't around anymore.

Oh...I see...

About 10 years ago, he rode in Pegasus off to somewhere, and never returned.

(Riding Pegasus to whereabouts unknown...sounds like the stuff legends are made of.)

It's been so long...I don't think I'd recognize him if we were to ever meet again...

I'm so sorry, Lauren...

But I won't give in to the sadness! I have to live! Yes, Lauren! Live!

>About the case

Incident? But isn't the kidnapping already over and dealt with? I've been here the whole time, so I'm afraid I don't know much about any other incident.

How did you come to know that Lance had been kidnapped?

Oh! Ummmm...that's because...of my woman's intuition!

You based everything on that?

I know everything when it comes to my Lance! It's really strange! It really must be destiny...! *blush*

Argh. She's started fantasizing again.

Yeah, not getting anything super useful here. Onto more productive things.

Like bugging Ernest about the dead guy.

*sigh* He served me well for such a long time. What am I going to do without him...? I'm afraid my money will continue to be dampened by my tears in the long nights ahead.

I'd say eat the rich, but I guess Edgeworth is one of the rich. Maybe he can be an exception?

It's a disgrace to the way businesses are run everywhere!

Well, thieves, by their nature, generally tend to target these types.

Stealing is an abominable behavior, don't you agree, little miss?!

...y-yeah, the worst!

(Am I going to have to add "hypocrite" to the list of things you are, missy?)

Oliver...

But what strikes me as odd is the name engraved on the back, "Colin Devorae"...

Oh...Coden Livorea? ...Veldor Dalein...?

He's so sad that he's got it all mixed up in his mind.

I understand, but that last one wasn't even close.

Hint hint, hint hint.

Time for an actual conversation.

It was nothing.

I'm still in shock over what happened to Oliver...

...but I have to say I'm relieved that Lance is alright. Oh, that's right! I mustn't forget to pass this on to Lance as soon as the police are finished with him.

A letter!

I almost can't believe he received yet another love letter, you know. Here! Take a look for yourself.

(Isn't this a breach of confidentiality?)

Oh? Hey, let me see! Hm? That's really weird. It's from a loan company, "Tender Lender." Looks more like a collection bill to me.

It's my duty to figure out who this other person is.

Wrong answers first, as is traditional.

The place where we were held as prisoners!

Hoooold it! Don't lump me in with you!

I can't allow you to slander my good name as a Great Thief by saying I was "captured"!

(Not being able to escaped from somewhere qualifies you as a caged bird, Kay.)

Besides, we checked that place out pretty well while we were there, remember?! Don't you think it'd be an even better idea to check somewhere else?

Perhaps you are right. (What I really need right now are leads to the killer's identity...)

>Crime scene

Which means we should give the stadium another sweep.

That's pretty good! Very "professional prosecutor"-like of you!

And of course we'd go investigate if we hadn't just been tossed from there!

...true, and Agent Lang is still conducting his investigation there.

Yeah, now get it together, will you, Mr. Edgeworth?

Alright, then. To do our part, we should leave them alone and investigate somewhere else.

>Kidnapper's hideout

But we're still not allowed in, remember?

Agent Lang and his men should be done with this area. In that case, there is no harm in asking that officer over there to let us in.

(...? Where have I heard such redundancy before...?)

Hmmm...is it possible for you to let us take a look around inside?
Officer: Sir! Roger, sir!

Are you certain? Didn't Agent Lang order you not to allow me in?
Officer: Sir! That's true sir, but...Detective Gumshoe asked me personally to let you in, sir! And I couldn't refuse a request from him!

Wow, looks like Detective Gumshoe has a following!
Officer: Furthermore! I was asked to give this document to you, sir!

Fun(?) fact: It took me until the writing of this update to notice the joke with Penn E. Dent Prison.

But the name here says "Colin Devorae"!

(That's the same name as the one on the back of the pendant.) It appears that Colin Devorae was his real name...what's this? He was convicted in a case 10 years ago and sent to prison.

What?! Then what was he doing here?

Apparently he broke out of jail...and then just vanished. He must have become "Oliver Deacon" to cover up the fact that he was an escaped felon.

(Is there some sort of link between the victim's past and the current case? These police documents are rather detailed. I should take the time to give them a thorough read eventually.)

Right now is eventually enough for me. It's just a clearer shot of the image from before.

Yeah, I agree! We should investigate first, think later!

More than thinking things through, I think you should try remembering things first.

Now then, if you could please unlock the door, officer.
Officer: It was locked up until a little while ago, but since then, the door's been wide open, sir!

I'm not sure I follow what it is you're saying. Care to explain in a bit more detail?
Officer: Sir! The door was locked down tight when they went to check out that room...so they got about ten officers to help out and break the door down, sir!

I see. (I guess that means I get Agent Lang's leftovers. Well, let's see what we find.)

Next time: Seeing what we find, hopefully not several months from now.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:42 pm

While you were tied up for a while in the room next door, hee hee!

Kay, please. Must you bring that up again? Now then, down to business. There might still be some clues left in this room. Let's try to find out what we can of the other kidnapper's identity.

Reminiscence ~ False Relations

It's not a trapdoor; it's an entrance to an underground passage, Kay.

I know that!

The door leading to the outside world was closed...so Lance must have escaped his prison through here.

Yes, and?

well, I know I already asked you when we were out there, but...if these were real, what would you put in them?

(There's an expectant gleam in her eyes that I'm about to dash...)

Let's start with the broken thing that's mostly covered by the text box.

That's true.

Alright then, let's think about it this way: Maybe it broke when someone was trying to use it for or on something.

Hmm...

Hypotheticals aren't going to get us anywhere. Perhaps we should think more on this later.

Next, the door handle.

I suppose that's what happens when ten officers break their way in with brute force.

Hey, that's odd...the lock on this is completely fine. Look, not a single dent!

But how is that possible after what that officer told us?

Yeah! If the lock had been in use when the door was busted down, then the lock itself would be completely wrecked!

Last but not least, the ~~trapdoor~~ underground panel.

Be careful of where you step, Kay.

I only fell into that other opening once, you know!

And that's all for the door area. Back to the rest of the room!

Wow, whoever lined these up did it perfectly! They're not even a single hair off! I'd feel bad using these because it'd be like stealing the perfection away!

(I suspect it's more like you wouldn't want to be the one to put them away.)

It's a broken mirror...it probably came from the haunted house. (Why is this here? Are they planning to repair it?)

That's so sad...

Yeah, but I do! And I'm going to get my hands on the rest of the Badger family! You'll see!

(She definitely brings a decidedly different atmosphere to a criminal investigation)

First, the chairs.

Next, the poster. Nothing escapes Edgeworth's notice.

"Intrigue! Fun! Prestige! Gatewater Land has it all, and it's waiting for you!" ...it's not especially catchy, is it?

There's also the key below the poster, which may or may not be more important.

Hmm...you got me.

That's it! This must be the key for one of those trapdoors!

That wasn't a trapdoor. You only call it one because you quite literally jumped into it.

Hey, but isn't that what you're supposed to do when you see one?

I am not having this conversation with you.

Finally, coffee.

Onward!

...is where the kidnappers held you after getting the jump on you!

...must you keep reminding me?

But it's the room where I got to see your awesome "Nnnghhhoooh!!" face!

You didn't need to remind me of that mortifying moment either...

That's everything in here, so it's Logic time.

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

These might get something vaguely resembling difficult someday, but today is not that day.

One look at the pristine door lock, and anyone can see that it was not in use at the time.

But the policeman outside said that it took 10 men to get it open!

Hmm...a door that was locked tight, despite it not being locked at all...

Oh! You mean?!

Yes, it was used to jam the door. Here, take a look at the door handle.

So that's how the sword broke!

Three plus three equals logic.

...is the number three. Speaking of which...

Wait. But I thought there were only two kidnappers...

Indeed. Something isn't adding up...literally. Is it possible that there is a third kidnapper that Lance didn't see?

...but instead, we've only uncovered more questions that need to be answered.

Silence

Wh-what are you doing, suddenly popping out of the secret entrance like that!?
Proto Badger: This is an underground passage used by staff members, sir. We Badgers also make use of it in our duties.

Look, why don't you get out of there first, and then we'll talk, OK?
Proto Badger: Ah, I beg your pardeon, miss.

The Blue Badger ~ I Want To Protect You

What are you getting all excited about?

*gasp!* Did you forget?! The photo rally, duh! See, look! Now all I have to do is get a picture of the Bad Badger and I'm done!

(Ah yes, I vaguely recall a contest or something of that sort...)

Suspense

(Hm? What happened?)

Proto Badger: A Bad Badger costume is missing, sir!

Oh, is that all! Well, it's missing because the kidnappers stole it.
Proto Badger: I heard about how they were stolen...but they said that only three of the costumes had been taken.

What? (Is he saying that more than three of them are gone?)

Mr. Proto Badger, please tell me a little more about these costumes you use.

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

We're given free roam, but there's not much point in doing anything but talking to the soulless Badger.

Proto Badger: Counting the spares, we have two of each costume on hand at all time.

OK, so because one of them is walking around in the park...

...the other should be in that room.
Proto Badger: Ah, actually, both of them should be in that room.

Huh? What do you mean?
Proto Badger: Normally, we don't use the Bad Badger costumes. In fact, we only use them during a certain event at a set time each day.

...I'm speechless that such a show exists.
Proto Badger: Well, sir, I was just trying to explain to you the only time we use that costume.

Then doesn't that make it near-impossible to take a picture of the Bad Badger?!

Youthful innocence, crushed by the reality of companies wanting it to be as difficult as possible to actually win things like this photo rally.

Proto Badger: Personally, I can't believe that it's this close to show time and there's no costume! Oh, dear. What am I to do, sir?!

All this basically means is that the kidnappers stole four costumes in total.

Then, are you saying that there are four kidnappers?

No, I don't think that's very likely.

Oh?

Recall the costumes for a minute.

The stolen ones, you mean?

Tricks and Baroque

...wouldn't you naturally go for the full set and steal a Pink Badger costume instead?

Yeah, that makes sense!

And yet, the kidnappers decided to steal another Bad Badger.

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

Now there's just logic left to do, but first...

...Mr. Proto Badger, how did you know my name?
Proto Badger: You're pretty famous, sir. I would think that most people would know who you are.

Famous? Me?
Proto Badger: Ab-SO-lutely, sir. You're always very active in the community, I hear.

Wow, I didn't know you were such a celebrity, Mr. Edgeworth!

(I feel like I've met this person before...maybe it's just my imagination?)

Logic ~ The Way To The Truth

These are the only two pieces of Logic we have, so this one's even easier than normal.

Hm? What do you mean?

Wouldn't you say that it's wearing some very telltale pants?

Hey, you're right! Let's get it out of there and take a look!

Well, minus the head.

(I won't rest until I've inspected every suspicious-looking nook and cranny.)

Investigation ~ Contradiction At The Crime Scene

Suspicious nook/cranny 1: The costume.

Hmm...maybe it's a flesh wound from a fight with the Blue Badger! I always knew the Blue Badger was one ferocious beast!

(I somehow doubt that even real badgers are as bloodthirsty as that, Kay.)

Next, folding chairs. Specifically, the ones on the left. Because both of them have unique stuff to talk about.

I can't say they were arranged nearly as nicely as their siblings to the right.

You think so? I think they're just fine, like a bunch of used chairs ought to be.

...*sigh* I'm beginning to think you must keep a most chaotic room.

Hey! Don't slander and sigh at me all in one shot.

Despite having no apparent inclinations for marriage or family, Edgeworth has some extreme dad energy. Also, moving on to the rightmost chairs.

The ones over by the table probably came from this stack.

Next, specifically looking at that hand with a big ol' hole in it.

(Hm? It looks more like something was ripped off of it.)

I don't blame you if you don't remember the relevant bit of the Badger Bible, but Edgeworth will cover it in a moment.

Hm? Between what?

Investigation ~ Middle 2009

Hmm...oh, the gun!

Precisely. The Bad Badger was designed to always hold a gun in his right hand. However...

Proto Badger: No, I did not, sir. The gun is supposed to be securely attached to the costume.

As I thought. The rip itself confirms my hypothesis that the gun was forcibly removed.

Mr. Proto Badger, the gun is, of course, not a functioning weapon, correct?
Proto Badger: Ab-SO-lutely not, sir. It's just a model gun. However, it can fire blanks. We need to use them for the stage show.

It seems that our kidnappers also had a need for the model gun, my dear costumed friend.

So, what's next?

Well, we found a few answers...but there are still a few things left that we have to ask a certain person about.

Let's go, Kay!

Investigation ~ Core 2009

Mr. Edgeworth, sir!

What is it, Detective?

They found a Blue Badger costume down in front of the main gate, sir!

What?!

Isn't that what one of the kidnappers was wearing?!

Bingo! That's why you've gotta come to the main gate with me right now! If we hurry, we still might be able to get there before Wolf-Boy does, sir!

Alright. Let's make haste to the main gate!

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:43 pm

Good news! Updates will be coming more than once a century thanks to goon ToxicFrog hooking me up with OCR stuff so I'm not typing five million

by hand every update. Give her a round of applause!

And now, actual update:

Just on the other side of the fountain, sir!

Investigation ~ Core 2009

No, it was discovered in the tall grass back there! We moved it out here in order to examine it more thoroughly.

Then let's get down to it. (I won't rest until I've inspected every suspicious- looking nook and cranny.)

Ooh, the nerve of someone throwing a Blue Badger away like this! I worked so hard to create this character; it's like my baby! How could someone do this, sir!? How!?

Detective. How about channeling your anger towards finding the culprits?

Good idea! Ooh, wait until I get my hands on-- So, who are they, Mr. Edgeworth!?

Why don't you try figuring it out yourself for a change!?

How so?

Going through all the trouble to steal this costume, only to throw it away in the end... A real thief wouldn't do such a thing, nope, no way!

(I wouldn't think a real thief would steal something so gaudy to begin with...)

Oh, it's another pendant! That's two treasures in one day! How lucky is that!? And hey! This pretty baby's made of platinum silver, too!

(Another pendant on top of the one we found on Mr. Deacon? Is it possible that these two...)
???: Hold it right there!

Shi-Long Lang ~ Lang Zi Says!

Arghn!

How can you tell?

Look here and read off what you see.

Aha! We have you now, Ms. Kidnapper!

No, you don't understand! I...I...!

Lance...

............

You're kidding! Ms. Paups was one of the kidnappers!?

..................Yes.

It...It was me...I held Lance hostage...

(So Ms. Paups is one of the kidnappers...But even knowing that, I can't call this case solved...or over.)

Suspense

Hey! Guys! Case closed!

Get the car ready, and I mean the special one for this young lady!

Heh. Again, Mr. Prosecutor? What is it this time?

Are you proposing that Ms. Paups is also the culprit in the murder case?

What happened? I thought Officer Meekins was your suspect.

Hmph! We found it...

Found what?

Your country's police are a sham. Just look at how careless they are!

Who are you calling a "sham"!?

The officer's gun didn't show signs of having been fired, so it can't be the murder weapon.

(So Officer Meekins has been cleared of all charges, I see...)

And that's when a brand-new suspect comes walking onto the scene. The murder only happened because the kidnappers started fighting amongst themselves. As I recall, it was you who said that, right, Mr. Prosecutor?

..................

Ms. Paups! Did you...Did you really kill Mr. Deacon...!?

..................I... Yes, I killed him.

I-I can't believe it...

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Thanks for the confession!

Agent Lang, it's much too early to declare this case closed!

Look at you, so sure of yourself. We've got the culprit's own confession and some very incriminating evidence.

What more could you ask for?

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

Ms. Lauren Paups.

Y-Yes!?

I want to hear it from you. Tell me your side of all that has happened today, from the kidnapping to the murder.

B-But why? I...I'm a kidnapper and the killer!

It's fine if you're the one behind everything, but only if that is the truth.

!

Now then, will you tell us the truth?

Or is there some reason why you can't?

..................

I've had a change of heart. I think I'd enjoy seeing you sulk away as the losing mutt.

Alright, you heard me. Let's hear about all the evil deeds you committed today.

The one who came up with the kidnapping plan was the butler, Mr. Deacon.

We knew that we could get rich by holding Lance hostage.

Mr. Amano would pay anything to get his son back, after all.

Everything was going according to plan, but as soon as we got the money...

...Mr. Deacon turned on me, and tried to kill me!

At least you have the guts to admit what you've done. I can at least respect that much.

Ms. Paups...Is what you said really the truth?

Y-Yes...it...is...

(If that is the truth, it certainly isn't the whole truth. Because there is something that seems a bit too improbable in her confession.)

How well did you know the victim?

I've spoken with him only a few times at Lance's house.

A "few times"? That's it?

...Um, yes.

(If they only met a few times, I don't see how they could've trusted each other...)

But if you hardly ever talked, then how could he trust you not to steal his plan?

That's completely irrelevant. He was planning to betray her from the very beginning. Which is why he chose someone he wasn't especially close to. Isn't that right, Shih-na?

Yes, however, Mr. Deacon made a very poor choice. In the end, he was killed by the one he intended to betray himself.

Hah! I bet he didn't see that one coming!

.........

You knew? How did you know something like that?

Aah! Oh, no! What should I do...?

............Kay, what's wrong with her now?

Come on, isn't it obvious!? You're making your scary face again, that's why! Why don't you try asking her in a nicer, more gentle way?

Hmm...

No, stop it, Lauren! You're always like this!

You always fall for the stern-looking one...That's why you'll always be unhappy!

............Or maybe that's it. She's been bewitched by your icy glare.

Mind your own business, Kay....Now then, Ms. Paups, let's continue with your testimony.

Oh! Y-Yes, of course!

Why did you believe that?

Anyone who knows Mr. Amano would think the same...

I bet Lance is that old man's greatest "treasure".

(I suppose he would be to a doting father like Mr. Amano.)

I always figured that was it, too. And I was always envious of Lance for it.

Oh...Because your dad's...

And I believe that as long as I have this, I'll find my father again someday. He'll welcome me into his arms, riding on the back of Pegasus.

(That pendant...She must truly believe it to be the wings of Pegasus.)

Would you mind telling us a little about the plan itself?

Well...First, we captured Lance...

Ooh, how did you do that?

Um...That...Well, Mr. Deacon did that on his own, so I don't quite know...

Bah. And here I thought you knew how to steal people away.

(I shudder to think what she would do with such knowledge...)

Sorry, I really don't know, but somehow, Mr. Deacon was able to contain him. All we had to do after that was wait for the ransom to be paid, but...

Why do you think he did?

I have no idea. But maybe he had planned on doing so from the very beginning.

...Ms. Paups...

..................

(Wait. Mr. Deacon planned to kill Ms. Paups from the very beginning...? Was that ever really likely to happen? What should I do? Should I raise an objection?)

No, not yet, gotta get all the optional dialogue first.

Hah, I see kidnappers also weep when they get stabbed in the back. Even as you betray the one you claim to "love" the most!

That's...No...You don't understand...

What's there to understand?

And loop.

What's wrong, Kay?

I can't believe she was betrayed...I...kinda feel sorry for her.

(I feel a little sorry for her, too, however, I also wish she would tell us the whole truth. Because there is something that seems a bit too improbable in her confession. But I'll give it another careful listen and see.)

Let's actually examine those pendant wings we got earlier. No reason. Just because.

Hey! Nice to see that even you can appreciate its beauty! Things made of platinum silver tend to have a nice feeling about them, you know?

...I was only talking about its shape, Kay.

Oh, is that what you were talking about...? Umm...but you know...if we're talking about wing shapes, I think the broach on my scarf is way cooler!

But that's not made of platinum silver, is it...?

...it's hand-made, OK? So I'm sorry that it's not made of the expensive stuff!

(She made that by herself?! ...it's incredibly well-crafted...)

I see that they wrote out her first name, but why just the "D."?

Maybe it's the result of poor planning?

I guess...well, at least if I had to shorten my name, I could make it "K. Faraday"! That way, even if you just sounded it out, it'd stll say my name, "Kay Faraday"!

I suppose if I had to do the same, I would rather it be abbreviated as "M. Edgeworth".

Hold on! I think you should abbreviate it as "M. E."! Get it!? Ha ha!

(...who would've thought that this little pendant could stir up such a strange conversation?)

No objection bubble this time, sorry. You'll just have to pretend.

I'm sorry, but I don't think what you just claimed is all that likely. I don't think Mr. Deacon would have ever been capable of killing you.

But why!? We were total strangers! It's not uncommon for people to kill each other over money...

Ms. Paups, you really are clueless, aren't you?

Wh-What do you mean?

You never knew what your role in the kidnapping was, nor do you know who you really are.

But I do, and I can show you with this piece of evidence!

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

These two pendants resemble each other, wouldn't you agree?

Hey, you're right! They're the same color, and they're even made of the same material!

I believe that these two pendants are actually one.

Shall we give it a try?

B-But why!? Why does my pendant match up with Mr. Deacon's!?

You're a smart lady. I'm sure you can imagine why that might be.

Wh--! No! That can't be!

So the two make a set. Heh! It's just another trinket. It's not as though this changes anything!

Hmph. You lack imagination, Agent Lang. Very well, I'll show you with this evidence!

His real name was "Colin Devorae", the name that is etched on the horse pendant.

What!? An alias!?

I suppose he had to hide the fact that he was a felon somehow in order to live. And it makes sense, given what is written in Mr. Devorae's dossier. But what I really wanted to point out was this.

Mr. Devorae had one daughter. And her name is Lauren Paups.

He couldn't come out and tell you he was your father because he was in hiding. However, I believe he was trying to secretly watch over you.

..................

Do you still believe that a man like that could kill the daughter he was separated from?

Or even, that such a man would allow his daughter to get involved in a kidnapping plot?

Silence

Ha ha ha ha!

And what is so funny, Agent Lang?

You're good at making things up in your head and deciding it's the truth, aren't you?

What are you trying to say?

Your thinking is much too innocent. After all, I've thought of another possibility.

Is that so? Well, let's hear it.

I'll grant you that the two of them are father and daughter.

But, isn't it possible that they both knew that fact?

It was no coincidence that the reunited pair became involved in the house of Amano.

And the two of them made good use of their meetings to plan this little kidnapping.

Wouldn't you say my scenario is perfectly probable as well?

You don't have any proof that either one didn't know of their true relationship, right?

You mean they knowingly committed the kidnapping as father and daughter?

That's right. As one really rotten family!

(Is that really what happened? I had better take a long, hard look at the evidence.)

Precisely. And what father would ever willingly kill his own daughter?

I've seen a lot of things in my travels...and I can tell you that being related by blood is sometimes proof of nothing.

You think they knew?

Yeah, I don't think only the victim knew. I think the girl realized it as well. They both knew who the other person was, but they had to pretend that they didn't.

Because he was on the lam?

You got it. The victim couldn't exactly go around flaunting who he was. Furthermore...

One as a butler, and one as the friend of the son, you mean?

They probably thought that was their best shot.

Is that what you honestly believe?

Of course.

You mean how they plotted to commit this crime as blood relatives?

Can you think of a better partner? They're certainly a clever pair.

The butler and the girlfriend. Nc one would ever suspect that they were, in fact, family.

Yes, from the very beginning, they painstakingly practiced those roles well.

I believe you're being a bit too over-confident for someone with no evidence.

Am I? Because I don't see you presenting any evidence to the contrary.

Mnngh... (Without evidence to counter him, we're stuck at a draw.)

And loop.

You'd better hurry up and do something, or Lauren's gonna wind up looking really bad.

I know, but first thing's first. Is Agent Lang's line of logic factually correct...? (Did the two of them really knowingly commit the crime as father and daughter?)

This kidnapping wasn't planned by just two people alone.

And what kind of proof do you have of that!?

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

Quite simply, there were three kidnappers.

Three!?

Four costumes were stolen from the Wild, Wild West area's backroom.

But as for the other three, we can assume they were being worn by three different people.

It all clearly points to a three-man group! And I believe this third person is the real mastermind behind the kidnapping!

Yes, this abduction was, in fact, schemed up by Lance himself! Recall what he said when he appeared before us.

However, there were three kidnappers, which is in direct contradiction to what he said.

But, but...I know I only saw two people...

This guy was being held hostage. It's possible he couldn't see all three of them.

Ah, yes, about when you were being held...I have my doubts about what happened then. Lance, would you mind telling us what happened while you were being held captive?

I really don't remember much anymore...Honest...But if I don't tell you at least something, you won't believe me at all, will you?

Next time:

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:43 pm

I was kidnapped yesterday morning.

They had me shut in that room, blindfolded, the entire time.

But the kidnappers suddenly disappeared around the time I heard rain falling outside.

My hands were cuffed, but it was a stroke of luck that they left me alone.

I made my escape and ran away from that room as fast as I could.

............

Are you OK?

Sorry, I really didn't want to recall that horrible ordeal, but...but now you believe me, right?

No, not quite yet.

Aaah! How can you not!? Why do you look at me with icy daggers in your eyes?

Because he's a prosecutor, and because they're all like that.

I'll have you know, Agent Lang, a prosecutor's eyes are for discerning the truth.

And should they be interpreted to be cruel at times, then so be it.

............Tch.

(There is a sticking point in Lance's testimony. Let's see what he offers up when I push a little.)

Can you tell us about when you were abducted in a little more detail?

It was a strange morning. I felt like I was right in the middle of a great calm.

And where were you when you experienced this...calm?

Our family garden, of course! Where else could it have been!?

(Well! Excuse me for asking! This child is more princess than prince...)

Bad Edgeworth, no treat.

I was out taking a walk to shake off the morning blah.

Then, out of the blue, someone from behind clamps a hand over my mouth.

You didn't see your attacker?

They must've used some drug to knock me out. Because before I knew it, I was off in La-La Land again. When I woke up, I was in the kidnappers' hideout already, all tied up.

By "that room", you mean the room in the kidnappers' hideout, correct?

Yes, but I was blindfolded the whole time, so I didn't know that until I made my escape.

Then, you were in the same room as your kidnappers?

They spoke in hushed tones, but I could catch bits of their conversation. It was definitely two people, and one of them was definitely a woman.

I was so scared. I could tell they were nearby, so I didn't dare make a move.

The kidnappers disappeared?

The room fell into a sudden silence. I had been left behind like an unwanted mutt.

And what do you mean by "unwanted mutt"?

What a pointless question. It's not like he's going to tell you anything new, you know.

It's a poetic simile. You should learn how to use them, too. You may look refined on the outside...

Then, those cuffs on your wrists...I suppose you are still cuffed, in that case.

I am well aware of how I am chained to reality. I couldn't find the key, so I'm afraid that I'm stuck like this. Even though I escaped from that jail cell, I will forever be a prisoner.

How did you manage to escape?

I wanted to just get out of there, but the door leading outside was locked. Which is why I had to use the underground passageway to make my escape.

(I remember our escape to be equally as hard...)

(This is an invaluable piece of testimony. I mustn't let it go unexamined.)

By "underground passageway", you mean the one the staff uses to travel unnoticed?

I suppose that's what it's for, but I didn't run into any staff members on my way out. And once I was up top, I was busy trying to find a member of the police.

And that is when you found us congregated at the stadium, I suppose? Let me ask you, then. How did you get ahold of the key to the underground door?

That was easy. It was hanging right there in the room on the wall.

And loop.

Boy does that bring back memories of our situation and how we made our escape.

Indeed. And although the door in the floor of our room led to an underground room...the door in the floor of the room next door had a secret passageway.

A secret passageway under a theme park! Ooh, that just sounds like so much fun!

(I wonder...Is there something off about the way Lance made his escape...?)

You say that the door leading out was locked, but was it really?

We're talking about that room behind the saloon front, right? Look, I heard that it took quite a few men to get that thing open. Right, Shih-na?

Yes, that's correct.

Pursuit ~ Lying Coldly

What is that? A sword? It's not an especially reliable one if it's broken like that!

Allow me to start from the end. My conclusion is that the door was never locked.

!

Lance, even though your hands were cuffed together, you could still use them. If that's the case, then why did you not just simply remove the sword and escape?

Wh-Why didn't I...? I was disoriented...Yes, that's it! I didn't notice it!

You locked yourself in that room because you had to make yourself look like the victim. But you did not, in fact, possess the key to the door.

You've been making this guy out to be one of the kidnappers for some time now. I wonder if you've forgotten something very important along the way.

And what would that be?

A motive! What else!? Do you honestly think that an upright, pure boy like him...

To put it simply, Lance has a very urgent need...for money.

This is hardly your typical love letter. It is, in fact, a collections bill. It appears our upstanding boy has accumulated quite a debt. Isn't that right, Lance?

Uuugh...

Looks like it's hard being the son of a rich man, too. It must be rough when you have to resort to stealing from your own old man, huh.

Silence

Gnn! A-Alright! I give up! I abducted myself.

Reminiscence ~ False Relations

It's over, Lolli. In this life, we really are bound to our fates after all. All I wanted was to go with you to a new town, somewhere where no one would know us. I wanted us to be well off with that $ 1 million, but now...that dream is over.

Oh, Lance!

Then, you are giving yourself up?

Yes. I had planned to run away from this world with my Lolli.

Oliver even helped us with the plan, but then, he had to go and stab us in the back!

He turned on you?

Maybe he didn't want to split the ransom money. That's my guess. It happened almost right after you made the drop-off.

Suspense

After a brief struggle, I was able to contain him and keep him under control. We left him inside that room as Lolli and I made our escape.

Lolli left first in the Blue Badger costume.

(That would mean the person Officer Meekins saw was Ms. Paups.)

But right then, the old man just had to wake up!

I was careless, and he tackled me pretty hard from behind.

Then, Oliver put on a Bad Badger costume...took the suitcase with the million dollars and ran!

I contacted Lolli right away, and warned her that he had a gun.

They had no idea that they were related, so I thought that it could only end badly.

I still don't believe it! That person was not my father!

Because...because if he was...I...

I just killed my own father!

Silence

!

Lolli! Then...Then it really was you...?

That man was not my father! I mean...Because...at the stadium...

...there was a Bad Badger pulling the suitcase with the $ 1 million in it.

But that Badger pointed his gun at me, aiming to shoot me dead!

That's why I...I used the gun I got from Lance...!

There was a gunshot, the other person crumpled to the ground, and I ran, scared for my life.

Lolli...Forgive me. I didn't think it would turn into something so frightening.

If only...If only I could've protected you!

So...Ms. Paups...She shot her own dad without even knowing who he really was?

If what she says is true...

Are you saying she's lying? But why would she lie about something like that!? What purpose would it serve!?

You would be surprised how often people lie without even realizing it themselves, Kay.

Huh? What's that supposed to mean?

What I mean is, listen very carefully to her confession once more and you'll see.

Please calm down and let's slowly talk through this.

But! I...!

All you have to do is simply tell us what happened at the stadium.

Leave it to us to search out the truth. Can you do that for me?

.......... A-Alright. So... at the stadium...

That was the ransom money, wasn't it!?

Yes. That's how I was able to identify Mr. Deacon almost immediately. It was all thanks to what Lance told me.

And what did he tell you?

Well, he called me on my cell phone and told me...that Mr. Deacon had betrayed us and had run off with the ransom money.

And...about how he had a gun.

Were you able to clearly see the gun?

Yes, I got a very good look at it while it was pointed at me.

Oh, father...Why would you try to shoot me?

Do you really think a father would shoot his own daughter, Mr. Edgeworth?

I...don't know.

I don't want to believe it myself...

But it's true. My father's left arm was raised with a gun in it...pointed straight at me! "I'm about to die!" I thought.

Ms. Paups!

Please calm down, and take a deep breath.

And then, would you allow me to please hear that last statement one more time?

...Y-Yes, of course.

And you felt that your life was in danger, correct?

Yes. "I'm about to die!" I thought. So...So...

You shot Mr. Deacon...?

..................

Ms. Paups...

............Yes. I-I shot him.

!

Ha ha ha! And that, as they say, is that.

Agent Lang, Ms. Paups is far from done. She hasn't even finished her testimony yet!

You're going to continue questioning her? What a waste of time.

Ms. Paups, if you please.

...Alright.

Did you take off immediately following the gunshot?

Yes.

And you didn't attempt to approach the victim at all after he was shot?

I...I was scared...

I don't blame you. I would've done the exact same thing...

..................

And loop.

Poor Ms. Paups...What will become of her, Mr. Edgeworth?

She seems to be telling the truth regarding what happened at the stadium.

However, I don't believe it to be absolutely correct. Listen very carefully to her confession once more and you'll see.

How convenient that his dossier points out his dominant hand.

I have here a dossier on your father.

Miles Edgeworth ~ Objection! 2009

Ah! Then!

The person pointing a gun at you from atop the stage was not Mr. Deacon.

Hold on there, Mr. Prosecutor. I think you need to take a refresher course.

Which is why the only hand he could have held the real gun with was his left. Isn't it possible that it went down like that?

Agent Lang, were you paying attention to what Ms. Paups was saying?

Then again, I suppose I can't expect someone who has never set foot in court to catch it.

Enough with the smugness. Out with it already.

Ms. Paups told us earlier:

According to you, the Bad Badger had the gun in his left hand...which would mean that he was pulling the suitcase with his right hand. Is that correct, Ms. Paups?

...Yes, exactly.

And I'm sure it was the Bad Badger! It had those huge sunglasses on its face!

But if that's the case, even I can see there is a huge contradiction!

Yes. Ms. Paups claims to have seen the Bad Badger. And yet, the Bad Badger had both of his hands full.

Conveniently going down the line of wrong answers, starting from the top:

Ms. Paups. What you saw was not the Bad Badger. Think back, and recall which character was it that leveled a gun at you.

But it was wearing a pair of sunglasses, and it had that strange blue beard.

That sums up the Bad Badger pretty well, I'd say.

Too bad for you, but it looks like the Bad Badger wasn't the mistake here!

Arrgn!

>Both hands were not occupied

Holding a gun in his right hand as he pulls the suitcase with the same hand...isn't it possible for a right-handed person to do both things simultaneously?

Your deduction is full of one too many conjectures, don't you think, Mr. Prosecutor?

Arngh! I suppose it IS pretty difficult, if not impossible.

And the correct answer:
>Both are correct

They are both correct.

Impossible! That just leaves us with an irresolvable contradiction!

(Ms. Paups's entire statement rests on the fact that she saw his sunglasses and beard. But what if that Bad Badger wasn't wearing pants on his lower half...?)

The costumes have two parts to them, a head and the body.

Oh! I get it now!

The head Ms. Paups saw was probably really the head of the Bad Badger. However, is it not possible that the body was that of an entirely different Badger?

A different Badger...?

Yes. Or to put it more bluntly, I believe it was the lower half of this Badger!

Wh-what?!.............the heck is it?!

It's the Proto Badger...

Yes, and it's a simple matter of process of elimination. Ms. Paups was wearing the Blue Badger's costume, so we can eliminate that one. And the Pink Badger is of the wrong color, which would have been incredibly obvious. All that is left is the Proto Badger costume!

Ms. Paups! Who was the one who wore the Proto Badger costume?

.........Th-That... w-would be...Lance...

.........!

Are you saying what I think you are!?

That Lance Amano donned the Bad Badger's head...and pretended to be Mr. Deacon? On top of which, he plotted to shoot Ms. Paups while wearing that hideous thing!?

The stage that was set up in the stadium was nothing more than that, a set-up...and its purpose was to lead Ms. Paups into believing she had committed murder. Standing there in front of Ms. Paups, and pretending to be the victim...

...it was all done so that she would pull the trigger.

Hahahaha. I have no idea what you're talking about.

You are the real culprit behind the murder of Mr. Oliver Deacon!

What!?

N-No!

That's slander! Take it back! You take it back right now!

Just out of curiosity, Lance, which is your dominant hand?

I-I'm left-handed...but what does that have to do with anything!?

It depends. According to Ms. Paups, her attacker held a gun in his left hand.

Hah! Who is what-handed doesn't prove a thing! And besides! Now you're just being absurd! It's not like the Proto Badger is bulletproof.

One misfire, and he would've found himself dead, right?

Of course. Logically, if he had been shot, he probably wouldn't be here with us.

But I believe he had thought of that as well, and prepared accordingly. And this should be all the evidence you need.

We found one half of a Bad Badger costume in the hideout, a broken one.

Wh-Whaaaaaaaaaaat!?

Ms. Paups, where is the gun you used now?

I ...I threw it away into the sea.

That...makes it a bit tough to verify what it was...Although, I believe that we can safely assume that it was the model gun in question.

Silence

I've heard enough. All you've been spouting so far is pure conjecture.

I admit that as long as the model gun is lost to us, I can't prove I'm right.

However, I can say that the probability that I am right is very high.

OK, let's pretend that you're right, and that the murder at the stadium was a fabrication.

In that case, where do you think the murder really took place, Mr. Prosecutor!?

I...don't know yet.

Ha! I knew you were full of it!

However, I do believe that the murder took place during an earlier timeframe.

Please, wait a second! It's simply not possible! Because...Because...

I saw Mr. Deacon after he was restrained by Lance.

(She saw the victim in the state of being restrained?)

Next time:

Sorry, it's not a Christmas miracle, this case is still going.

Haifisch · Thu Jun 25, 2020 11:44 pm

We have approximately two or three updates left before this case is finally done, so let's get to it!

I came back to the hideout long after the other two.

By that time, Lance had already subdued and restrained Mr. Deacon.

He had tied Mr. Deacon securely to the beam in the room next door.

After that, the two of us put on our costumes and made our escape.

We thought that it'd attract too much attention if we left together, so I left first. We planned to meet up again at the stage in the stadium.

But then! As I was walking through the park, I got a call from Lance on my cell phone.

Oliver managed to escape. It looked like he was waiting until I was alone. He also stole the gun from me at that time...

And then, the murder happened. Mr. Deacon must have overheard their plan to meet up at the stage.

Well, Mr. Prosecutor? Ms. Paups saw the victim with her own eyes...which means that the victim was still alive at that time, wouldn't you agree?

............(Why does that sound wrong to me...?)

(There must be something amiss about this account! Let's see what happens when I examine it in more detail.)