Hearts as One

(Jared's POV)

December 24, 5:00 PM

Detention Center

Visitor's Room…

"Here comes Troupe Gramarye, the best you'll ever see, watch and learn and then just scream in awe! Here comes Troupe Gramarye, more than you'll ever be, join your hands and then applaud! Here comes Troupe Gramarye, the best you'll ever see, watch and learn and then just scream in awe! Here comes Troupe Gramarye, more than you'll ever be, join your hands and then applaud!" I said, singing. "If you wanna know the tricks, the lights, the stage, the thingmajigs, the secrets of a heirloom that impressed the whole world! Join us in this magic, law is not that erratic, join us in one word: Gramarye! If you wanna know the tricks, the lights, the stage, the thingmajigs, the secrets of a heirloom that impressed the whole world! Join us in this magic, law is not that erratic, join us in one word: Gramarye!"

"Jared, why are you singing the Troupe Gramarye theme?" Ray asked, standing next to me.

"Because it's a good theme. And I love magic shows."

"Mr. Edgeworth. This request sure was sudden, don't you think?" Ray asked.

"Indeed. We were contacted immediately after the client was arrested." Gregory said.

"My name is Gregory Edgeworth. I am a defense attorney. I brought my assistants, Raymond and Jared, with me to meet our client, but…" Gregory said, as a voiceover.

"A murder on Christmas Eve! This is just too much!" Ray cried.

"♪ Ahh... In the darkneeeess... A miraculous meetiiiiiing... ♬ ♬ Welcome one and aaaall to the visitor's roooom! ♪" Master said, singing.

"A-Amazning! So this is what meeting a client is like! It all happened so suddenly, I was completely surprised!"

"Surprised by all the singing." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. '...I'm also surprised.'

"A thousand pardons for startling you. I am merely expressing my happiness through song. Welcome one and all... I greatly appreciate you coming." Master said.

"So you're the client for this case...?" Gregory asked.

"Indeed." Master said.

"My name is Gregory Edgeworth. I'm a defense attorney. I will be representing you in court. These are my assistants, Raymond Shields and Jared Shay."

"N-Nice to meet you! I... um...! I'll do my best to help you!" Ray said, nervously.

"It's okay, Ray." I said, happily. "Everything's fine."

"Jared's right. Relax, Raymond. ...Please excuse his jitters. They're working part time at my office as apprentices. I thought I'd let them assist me in this investigation." Gregory said.

"So, Mr. Gregory, Raymond, and Jared correct? I'm pleased to make your acquaintance." Master said.

'My job involves saving my clients from crimes in which they were falsely accused. First, I should determine if he is truly innocent.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "First, I would like to know more about you."

"Ah, I have forgotten to introduce myself. My name is Jeffrey Master."

"What!? You mean you're... 'Master Jeff'!? 'The World's Greatest Pastry Chef' Jeff Master the Master Chef...?" Ray asked.

"It is one of my favorite shows, MasterChef. Been meaning to meet you, Master Jeff." I said, smiling. "But your show is one of my favorites. Watched it in between the adventures I have while traveling."

"Yes... I am honored that the both of you have heard of me. All my fans call me 'Master Jeff'." Master said, looking between Ray and I.

"Wowzers! I'm totally star-struck! I can't believe I get to meet Master Jeff!" Ray said, excitedly.

"Same. It's like being in a time machine that is set for famous people and I meet historical figures left and right." I said, laughing a lot.

"Jared, was Master Jeff high on your list?"

"After meeting Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood. Yeah. He was."

"You met Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood? How?"

"Time machine. Still. Master Jeff." I said, as Gregory thought this to himself. 'Raymond and Jared seems to know quite a bit about Mr. Master.'

"Master Jeff makes fantastic desserts while putting on a song and dance show!" Raymond cheered. "Ready, Jared?"

"Yeah. Totally." I said, tossing a chocolate chip cookie into my mouth.  "What's for dessert today?"

"Macaroons and waffles ♬ Light and fluffy chiffon cake!" Ray said, singing.

"Happiness for one and all ♪ The sweetest temptations... There!" I said, singing and pointing in one direction.

"Where?" Ray asked.

"Over there! ♬ Take a peek inside the oven!" I said, singing and taking out my phone and playing a noise from a voice memo.

*ding*

"Look! It's freshly baked desserts! ♬" Ray said, singing.

"...!" Gregory said, and he thought this to himself. 'I got caught up in their song myself.'

"Wahooo! Jared, I'm so happy that we got to sing to Master Jeff! It's my dream come true!" Ray said, laughing a lot.

"Honestly. Same. Love the Troupe Gramarye. But I also love Piece of Cake." I said, placing the box of chocolate chip cookies into my sling bag.

"Ho ho... Thank you. I am happy to hear that as well." Master said.

"...Mr. Master. Raymond. Jared. Shall we return to the matter at hand?" Gregory asked.

"Yes, of course. My sincerest apologies for making you wait by watching your assistants sing and dance. Now, where should we start?"

"So, Master Jeff, why not tell Gregory here about yourself?" I asked, clutching the strap of my sling bag.

"You are the world's greatest pastry chef, but you are also skilled in song and dance?" Gregory asked.

"Yes! When I'm having a good time, my body just moves to the rhythm by itself." Master said.

"You seem to enjoy making desserts from the bottom of your heart." 

"Ho ho... If you don't have a good time making desserts, you won't make anything good. Creating desserts that bring happiness to one and all is my purpose in life."

"Master Jeff's desserts are practically works of art! They sparkle and look so delicious... He's so famous for his dreamlike desserts!" Ray cooed.

"Yup. It's why I love the Food Network. Those food competition shows with desserts make them look so good." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. 'Bringing happiness to all with his dreamlike desserts that make them look so good, huh?'

"Yup. So, let's talk about the case." I said, happily.

"The incident occurred in your estate, is that correct?" Gregory asked.

"Yes... That's where the 'Great Dessert Contest' was being held... It seems that the body was discovered in one of my creations." Master said.

"They found it in one of your desserts!?" Ray exclaimed.

"For that reason, I was arrested by the detective in charge of the initial investigation. ...I would never do something as vile as robbing someone of their life. I am certain that the police will also realize that they have made a mistake." 

"R-Really...?"

"Hmm... Do you know anything about the victim?" Gregory asked.

"He was a man named... Isaac Dover. He was one of the competitors in the contest. He was a wonderful man who made desserts of the highest beauty. Why did he have to die...?" Master asked.

"...I see." Gregory said, as he thought this to himself. 'He truly seems to be grieving over the victim's death…'

"Yeah." I said, looking down at the floor.

'...I believe I have a sufficient understanding of Mr. Master's personality.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Mr. Master, before I accept your request, there is one final matter I must confirm. You did not kill Mr. Dover. ...Can I take your word for it?"

"Yes. That is correct. I did not kill him. No matter what happens, I would never take another person's life." Master said.

"....." Gregory said, as he thought this to himself. 'Those aren't the eyes of a liar.' He then spoke aloud. "I understand. I believe you. Thank you very much for taking the time to talk with us."

"The pleasure is all mine. I am grateful to speak with someone other than a detective." Master said.

"Next, we shall begin our investigation of the crime scene. ...We will report back with our findings once we have finished." Gregory said.

"Mr. Gregory, Raymond, Jared. I wish you good luck."

"Thanks. There's no need to worry. Even if it's the long way 'round." I said, sadly. "I promise."

December 24, 6:00 PM

Contest Venue

Fountain Patio…

"Whew, it sure is cold outside. I didn't expect it to be snowing this hard." Ray said, shivering.

"Same. Used to Los Angeles being all warm and stuff. Not snow." I said, sadly.

"Indeed. A blizzard like this will probably not clear up for a while." Gregory said.

"But even so, this mansion is ginormous! So this is what Master Jeff's place is like, huh?" Ray asked.

"Guess so." I said, frowning. "It is big."

"If you're going to hold a contest in your own home, you would need this much space, after all." Gregory said.

"♬ La, la, laaa~" Kate said, singing, before stopping. "Welcome! Thank you for coming! Eek! Oh my! Are you okay? I-I'm so very sorry! Would you happen to be Monsieur Edgeworth?"

"Yes, I am Gregory Edgeworth." Gregory said.

"And we're his assistants, Raymond Shields and Jared Shay!" Ray said, excitedly.

"Yup. That's us." I said, happily.

"Greetings and welcome, Monsieur Edgeworth, Monsieur Shields, and Monsieur Shay. Please call me Katherine Hall! I am in charge of the household affairs of this estate, and am also Monsieur Master's assistant." Kate said.

"Ahhh! No way! You're the famous 'Kate', aren't you?" Ray asked.

"You know of me?"

"Of course I do! I see you on TV all the time! I'm a big fan of 'Piece of Cake'!" Ray cheered.

"Me too. I watch your shows in my home theater room. 'Piece of Cake' is as much of a classic as 'Chopped' and 'Cupcake Wars'." I said, happily. "But those two cooking shows I mentioned won't come out for nine years."

"Oh, goodness! I'm glad to hear that the two of you are fans!" Kate said, looking between Ray and I.

"...Tell me, what is this 'Piece of Cake'?" Gregory asked.

"It's a TV show that's hugely popular with the kids! Master Jeff and Kate sing and dance while they make delicious treats. Just like this! Ready, Jared?" Ray asked.

"Yeah." I said, smiling. "What's for dessert today?"

"♪ Cookies and caramel ♬ Rich and feathery cream puffs!" Ray said, singing.

"Let's make it together! ♪ A delectable paradise... Here!" I said, singing.

"There!" Ray said, pointing one way.

"Everywhere! ♬ ♪ You just open up the oven!" I said, singing.

*ding*

"♪ Now! It's time for dessert! ♬" Ray and I said, at the same time.

"Oh, Monsieur Shields, Monsieur Jared! That was incredible!" Kate said, in awe.

"He he he!" Ray said, laughing a lot. "I always practice along with the show."

"Same. The song's lyrics are so catchy." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag. "And the show makes the desserts look so good."

"....." Gregory said, while he thought this to himself. 'Maybe I should tell my son about this show.'

"You should tell Miles about it." I said, looking down at the floor. "Still. Need to get back into doing Dance Dance Revolution with Kyoko later."

"The red haired girl that loves eating food and playing that game? You do have a point if you want to do this dance. But man, doing this dance repeatedly sure works up your appetite." Ray said, annoyed.

"Ah! Pardon my inconsideration! I've forgotten to take care of our guests! Please relax and have some tea." Kate said, pushing a cart forward and handing us tea cups.

...*clatter, clatter*...

"Oh…" Gregory said, drinking the tea. "This is some fine Ceylon tea... I hear the aroma of citrus does wonders for your concentration."

"I see... So this is what Ceylon tea smells like." Ray said.

"Oh? These saucers are chilled." Gregory said, putting his hand on the bottom of the saucer.

"Yes. They help cool the tea more quickly for people who are bad with hot beverages." Kate said.

"I see... These tea cups also have a wonderful design."

"They do. They're rather pretty." I said, drinking my cup of tea.

"Oh, thank you very much! They are one of the few pride and joys of our estate, ordered directly from France! They were made by the famed sculptor Pierre Hoquet. They are my absolute favorite articles of tableware." Kate said.

"...You seem to greatly appreciate this man's works." Gregory said.

"Yes! They are like treasures to me."

'She appears to be very honest about what she likes.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Thank you, Ms. Hall, but it's time for us to move on to business. Are there any details that you can give us about the incident?"

"Ah... You're right. I sometimes get so distracted welcoming guests that I forget myself. To tell the truth, I was the one who discovered Monsieur Dover's body." Kate said.

"So you were the first one to discover the body? It is true that the body was discovered in one of Mr. Master's desserts?"

"Yes... It was during the judging of the Great Dessert Contest. I heard the sound of something breaking from Monsieur Master's room."

(Open POV)

Flashback…

"...Monsieur Master? Are you in here? Eek...!" Kate cried.

(Jared's POV)

Fountain Patio…

"When I looked inside the room, I saw Monsieur Dover's body inside the treasure chest…" Kate said, frowning.

"...Thank you very much. I'm sorry to have made you recall such painful memories." Gregory said.

"No... I should be the one apologizing for not being much help."

"No. You helped, Kate." I said, walking up to Kate to hug her before letting go. "Promise."

"Now then, I believe it's time for us to start investigating the crime scene." Gregory said.

"Monsieur Edgeworth, Monsieur Shields, Monsieur Shay. Please find some way to save Monsieur Master. Monsieur Master is not someone who could commit murder!" Kate said, worried.

"...Yes. Of course." Gregory said.

"Just leave it to us!" Ray cheered.

"We'll prove Master Jeff innocent if it's the last thing we do!" I said, excitedly.

"Then I shall entrust it to you. If you'll excuse me, I have to continue serving tea to the other inspectors." Kate said.

"Raymond, Jared, let's head to the crime scene." Gregory said.

"Yes, sir! Mr. Edgeworth!" Ray chirped.

December 24, 6:30 PM

Contest Venue

Master's Room…

"Wow! This whole thing is made of chocolate! I can't believe I'm actually seeing Master Jeff's desserts up close!" Ray said, in awe.

"I know, right." I said, taking out my iPhone 16 Pro Max to take pictures of the chocolate creations. "This is amazing."

"Were this not the scene of a murder, I admit, I too would have delighted in this occasion." Gregory said, sadly.

"Uuugh…" Ray said, disgusted. "Now that you've reminded me it's a murder scene, I'm getting shivers down my spine."

"Same. Now I'm getting creeped out." I said, placing my phone in my pocket. "This is just great."

"...Perhaps it's because this room is cold to begin with?" Gregory asked.

"Now that you mention it, this room really is cold." Ray said, and he let out a sneeze.  "A-ACHOO!"

"Never been a fan of the cold." I said, frowning. "Much prefer the heat."

"...Never expected the defense attorney to show up so early." Badd said.

"Pleased to meet you. I'm Jeff Master's defense attorney, Gregory Edgeworth. These are my assistants, Raymond and Jared." Gregory said.

"How do you do!" Ray chirped.

"...Detective Tyrell Badd. Homicide." Badd said.

"Mr. Badd, the detective in charge of this case... A man of few words.." Ray said, writing something on his notepad, ripping it out, and placing it in his mouth, eating the piece of paper. "Mmm... Tastes kinda bitter…"

"He ate... the paper...!" Badd said, at a loss for words.

"He likes to digest his memos in his stomach as well as in his mind... It's just a strange habit of his. Please don't be too concerned." Gregory said, while he thought this to himself. 'It would probably be too much to ask him not to be concerned at all…' He then spoke aloud. "More importantly... Detective Badd. Will you give us permission to participate in the investigation?"

"...Permission denied." Badd said.

"Wh-Why!? Mr. Edgeworth is Master Jeff's defense attorney!" Ray cried.

"Defense attorneys... plant false evidence... to try and get their 'Not Guilty' verdict. I don't want... their kind to disturb the crime scene…" 

"And so would prosecutors that would forge evidence to get their 'Guilty' verdict." I said, walking over to Badd. "Whether it is hiding evidence, tampering with the crime scene, or forging evidence."

"So, you've encountered someone like that on the prosecution." Badd said, scoffing. "Still. I don't trust defense attorneys."

"Mr. Edgeworth would never use false evidence to defend his client!" Ray said, worried.

"Heh... I can't trust that, coming from a defense attorney…" Badd said.

"Do the police still suspect Mr. Master, even after the investigation?" Gregory asked.

".....If we didn't, we wouldn't have arrested him…"

"I believe that Mr. Master is innocent. That's why I have come to investigate."

"Believing in his innocence... without investigating the crime scene... How naïve…"

"...That's why I would like your permission to investigate. By investigating the crime scene, I want to ascertain if my thinking was naïve or not."

"...Hmph. ...So you don't intend to leave until you've investigated the crime scene...?" Badd asked.

"Yes." Gregory said.

"...Tch... Fine then... I will give you permission to investigate the crime scene."

"! Thank you."

"But, I'll be accompanying you. ...I can't trust you defense attorneys, after all! ...If you understand that, you…" Badd said, taking out a lollipop out of his pocket and placing it in his mouth. "…can begin your investigation." 

"That's... a lollipop?" Ray asked.

"Better a lollipop than a cigarette." I said, happily. "Love lollipops."

'...I'm a little surprised myself.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Alright, let's begin the investigation. Raymond, be sure to take notes, and Jared, be sure to take photos and videos, on the case."

"Leave it to us, Mr. Edgeworth!" Raymond yelled.

"We got this." I said, taking my phone out of my pocket and loaded it onto the camera app.

"Just... begin already…" Badd said, annoyed.

Begin Investigation

Contest Venue

Master's Room…

"Let's start over here." I said, walking over to the ship and taking a photo of it. "With the chocolate ship."

"So this was where the body was discovered?" Gregory asked, looking down at the ship.

"Yeah... The body has been removed... but otherwise... the crime scene has remained untouched." Badd said.

"Whatcha got in mind?" I asked, seeing Gregory getting ready to do some deductions. "Right. Don't have Sherlock here."

'I won't rest until I've inspected every suspicious-looking nook and cranny.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, and looking at the ship. "To build such a large ship out of chocolate is magnificent."

"As expected of Master Jeff! I want to try eating it... Although I have no idea where to start eating it from…" Ray said, letting out a sigh.

"Same. It's no Cadbury, Lindt, or Godiva." I said, holding my phone. "But that ship looks so good."

"Anywhere should be fine, but if either of you start eating the crime scene... I'll make you both leave…" Badd said, looking between Ray and I.

"Uwaah! Don't glare at us! Can't you tell it was a joke?" Ray asked.

"It really was a joke." I said, squeezing the sides of my phone. "If only my favorite homicide detective or forensic scientist was here."

'...I'd like Raymond to be just a little bit calmer and Jared to be just a little less childish.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, looking down at the outline of the body and speaking aloud. "It seems that the body was discovered inside this chocolate treasure chest."

"Yeah." I said, taking a photo of the body outline. "So, who discovered the body?"

"...The person who discovered it was Ms. Hall…" Badd said.

(Open POV)

Flashback…

"...Monsieur Master? Are you in here? Eek...!" Kate said, terrified.

(Jared's POV)

Master's Room…

"She heard the sound of something breaking... inside this room... and came in." Badd said.

'...I would like a little more information about this.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Hm. What's this? Something has been dropped inside the treasure chest. Hm. This is...? It seems to be some kind of seal, with a design and initials carved into it."

"It looks like a signet crest. Was it the victim's?" Ray asked.

"...I don't know if it was the victim's, but we should take it for now…" Badd said.

Signet Crest added to the Court Record.

"Putting it in my bag." I said, picking up the Signet Crest and placing it inside my sling bag. "What? It's bigger on the inside."

"So, you hold onto evidence inside your bag." Gregory said, looking over at my sling bag. "Isn't it heavy?"

"Not really." I said, taking a picture of the broken stand. "It's actually light."

"It seems that the stand supporting the ship has been broken." Gregory said, looking at the broken stand.

"The ship tipped over and broke the treasure chest, didn't it? Ah! M-Maybe! Could the victim have been crushed by the ship and killed?" Ray asked.

"Better that than being on an 'unsinkable' spaceship that looks like the Titanic flying down towards Buckingham Palace on Christmas 2008." I said, laughing a lot. "And a waitress became stardust."

"That sounds more unbelievable than this, Jared. ...If that were the case, Raymond, this would have been an accidental death." Gregory said, looking between Ray and I.

"...You three... aren't serious about that, right?" Badd asked.

"Well. We were only discussing one of the possibilities." Gregory said, sadly.

"...I was being pretty serious though." Ray said, annoyed.

"Same. And that adventure will happen." I said, smirking. "I know. Because I was there on the ship. I even averted the crisis of the ship destroying London."

"What was that adventure you had with the Doctor called?"

"'Voyage of the Damned'." I said, taking a photo of the sign with my phone. "Not a fun adventure."

"Detective Badd. I would like you to tell me about the state of the victim." Gregory said.

"If you mean a photo of the body... Here." Badd said, taking out a photo and showing it to us. "Look at it... all you like. It seems the victim... was beaten to death with a blunt object."

"Has the murder weapon been found?" Gregory asked.

"...You... should try asking the prosecutor in charge later…" Badd said, sadly.

'...It seems he doesn't intend to tell me frankly.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "So... May I borrow this photograph?"

"Sure... It's not a photo that was taken by the police... Ms. Hall took a photo of the body with an instant camera when she discovered it."

"An instant camera... Is that like a disposable camera?" Ray asked.

"An instant camera is a camera that can develop its film right after taking a picture."

"Eh! Such a convenient camera exists!?" Ray exclaimed.

"Yeah. Polaroids." I said, smiling. "Love them. They're one of the timeless trends."

'Anyway, let's go over the state of the crime scene a bit. This photo... upon closer examination, contradicts the state of the crime scene. I'll have to deduce the contradiction to resolve this matter.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself.

Crime Scene Notes added to the Court Record.

'I won't rest until I've inspected every suspicious-looking nook and cranny.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, and making a deduction. 'Is this spot somehow connected to any of the evidence I hold...?'

"There's something off about the missing piece of chocolate on the bottom of the chest." I said, placing my phone inside my sling bag and taking out the Crime Scene Notes. "Argh! It's annoying me.."

"Eureka!" Gregory said, grabbing the Crime Scenes Notes from my hands and presenting it to Badd. "Are you sure the only thing the police removed from the crime scene was the body?"

"Ah... They also took away the piece of cloth the body was wrapped in." Badd said.

"In that case, a major 'contradiction' has been created at the crime scene."

"Contradiction...?"

"Detective Badd. Please look at the crime scene carefully once more. The bloodstain that should have remained at the crime scene has disappeared!"

"...! I definitely... didn't get any reports about the bloodstain being cleaned up... I'll check... with forensics." Badd said, running away from us.

"Mr. Edgeworth. Jared. What happened?" Ray asked, looking between Gregory and I..

"Something that has been stumping me for the last few minutes." I said, frowning. "It's to do with the crime scene."

"I can see why, Jared." Gregory said, looking at the crime scene and the photograph. "Comparing the photo and the crime scene, something struck me as being out of place. In the photo, the chocolate underneath the body remained intact inside the treasure chest. ...however, in the actual crime scene, it's missing."

"! The chocolate with the bloodstain has completely vanished." Ray said.

"Yes. Did the police remove it, or was this the work of the criminal...?" Gregory asked.

I then got a phone call from Sayaka Miki and immediately answered it.

"Sayaka? I'm a little busy." I said, placing my phone near my ear.

"Jared? When are you?" Sayaka asked, her voice coming out of my phone.

"December 24th, 2000. Why?"

"Oh. You're a couple adventures behind."

"A couple adventures behind what?"

"The underwater base with the ghosts. You invited me and Kyoko to go there with you."

"You and Kyoko? Why would I take you both there? Was it to do with what happened after the case with Master Jeff?"

"Yeah. Sorry about spoiling it."

"It's fine. Guess whatever happens today ended up bad where I needed you two around. Thanks for telling me." I said, my phone nearby ear.

"Anytime." Sayaka said, her voice coming out of my phone. "See you later."

"Bye." I said, ending my call with Sayaka and placing my phone back inside my pocket.

"According to forensics... no one has cleaned up any bloodstains…" Badd said.

"...I see. Well, that would mean someone erased the bloodstain." Gregory said.

"...Who knows…"

Crime Scene Notes updated in the Court Record.

Logic

'Breaking sound' and 'Broken stand'

"Maybe the sound that was breaking was the broken stand of the ship." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag.

"Maybe." Gregory said, looking over at me. "How was the call with your friend?"

"It was good. Apparently, whatever happens today isn't favorable. So, let's go back to this for the time being."

"Alright. I believe you, Jared. Due to the broken stand, the ship lost its balance... It would seem Ms. Hall entered the room upon hearing the ship collapse." Gregory said.

"Yeah... When Ms. Hall entered the room, the ship had already fallen over…" Badd said.

"At any rate, I wonder why the stand broke?"

"...Maybe there was something wrong with the ship's balance in the first place…"

'Is that really true...?' Gregory asked, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Jared, are you sure you'll be okay? I am only making sure. You could go to Miles."

"I'm fine." I said, walking over to the counter. "I can hold on for this case."

"Elegant tableware and cookware are placed on the counter. It looks like the same tea set Ms. Hall was using earlier." Gregory said, looking at the counter.

"Was Master Jeff drinking this black tea?" Ray asked.

"On this tea set... only Jeff Master's fingerprints were found." Badd said.

"Were his fingerprints found on any of the other cookware?" Gregory asked.

"The cookware was washed... Nobody's fingerprints... remained."

"Oof." I said, and Gregory thought this to himself. 'Or he might have been cooking with gloves on... It seems the only thing here with his fingerprints is the tea set.'

Jeff's Teapot added to the Court Record.

"Oh." I said, walking over to the red chef. "Another cook."

"Excuse me, but you are...?" Gregory asked, looking at Gustavia.

"..... Nnph. My apologies. I was meditating. What did you ask, Sir Detective?" Gustavia asked.

"Actually, I'm a defense attorney. My name is Gregory Edgeworth."

"We're his assistants, I'm Raymond and he's Jared!" Ray said, motioning towards me.

"Pardon my late introduction. My name is Dane Gustavia. I am one of the pastry chefs participating in this contest." Gustavia said.

"What kind of desserts do you make, Mr. Gustavia?" Ray asked.

"Is it chocolate?" I asked, clutching the strap of my sling bag.

"No, it isn't. ...My specialty is making desserts out of candy." Gustavia said.

"Awww! What a cute seahorse!" Ray said, looking at one of the sculptures Gustavia made.

"It was meant to be a 'dragon' dancing in the sky…" 

"Eh! Th-This is a 'dragon'...?" Ray asked.

"It doesn't look like a dragon to me." I said, and Gregory thought this to himself. 'I think it would fit better in the ocean than in the sky…'

"I know all too well that design is my weak point! ...I plan to study design and undergo training in Zheng Fa once things settle down here." Gustavia said.

'I probably shouldn't touch the subject of design any further.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Mr. Gustavia, if you aren't related to the investigation, why are you in this room...?"

"Sir Detective wanted to know more about the desserts in this room, so he asked me to come." Gustavia said.

"Makes sense." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. 'Since he's one of the contestants, he might know something…'

"Why not ask him about the contest?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"Can you tell me about the Great Dessert Contest that was held here? From the looks of this room, it seems the desserts weren't just for eating." Gregory said.

"The exhibition Sir Master held was a 'contest in the art of dessert'." Gustavia said.

"The art of... dessert?" Ray asked.

"What does that mean?" I asked, looking down at the floor.

'Desserts that are true works of art', made solely out of edible materials! The works of art in this room are all made from desserts." Gustavia said.

"Now that you mention it, the whole room is filled with the smell of chocolate." Ray said.

"If only it was mint chocolate." I said, sadly. "Then it would be perfect. Why choose desserts?"

"Sir Master exhibits great talent in both flavor and design. If you are not able to surpass Sir Master in flavor and design, you will not be able to win." Gustavia said.

"Beating the world's greatest pastry chef is pretty hard, isn't it...?" Ray asked.

"...In other words, if I can surpass Sir Master, I shall become the world's greatest pastry chef. That was the prize of this contest!"

"The prize is the 'Title of the World's Greatest'...?" Gregory asked.

"In addition to that, there is also Sir Master's treasured 'Angel's Recipe'. If you want to learn more about the contest, just look at this piece of paper. These were the rules that were given to the participants of the contest." Gustavia said, taking out pieces of paper and handing copies to us.

Contest Rules added to the Court Record.

"Time to ask about the case." I said, happily. "What happened here?

"Is it safe to assume that the state of the crime scene has been preserved?" Gregory asked.

"Sorry, but I do not know much about the incident. I only learned about the incident after the judging had finished." Gustavia said.

"How was the contest judging carried out?" 

"Let's see... Sir Master started judging at 3 PM. Starting from my room, the judging proceeded in a clockwise direction. I used the room to the right of Sir Master's room, which is the room we're in now. Next, the room of a female pastry chef named Delicia was judged."

"A female pastry chef... What kind of person is she?"

"...She is a frightening woman who would do anything to achieve her goal. I heard she used lots of cream to make a fantasy-themed dessert. ...And lastly, Sir Dover's room was judged. His works were frozen statues made from sherbet."

"Hall discovered the body... in the middle of... Gustavia's judging. She panicked... and because she immediately notified the police... Master... continued judging... without knowledge that the body has been discovered. As a result, Master... judged Dover's room... in Dover's absence. Hmph... It seems we have plenty of room to suspect Master…" Badd said.

"Not enough info." I said, as Gregory thought this to himself. '...I'm lacking in information. It's probably too early to object.'

"Hmm…" I said, reading the Contest Rules and motioning for Gregory to look at it. "This might be it."

"Maybe." Gregory said, presenting the Contest Rules. "What were you intending to do with the title?"

"The title of 'World's Greatest Pastry Chef'... I intend to achieve it through this contest. Afterwards, if I am able to master my design training in Zheng Fa... I shall be recognized as a first-class pastry chef in both cooking and design!" Gustavia yelled.

'...I would think the order would be reversed.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "By the way, Detective Badd. What were you talking to Mr. Gustavia earlier?"

"I was asking him about... the chocolate frame hanging on that wall... I thought... something was missing... I thought... if I asked someone who knew a lot about desserts... I could get an answer. ...Although thanks to your arrival, I still haven't gotten my answer yet…" Badd said.

"Well then, since you've been waiting for so long, we can ask him about it, right now." Gregory said.

"...I guess you don't understand sarcasm…"

"Mr. Gustavia, can you assist us with this matter?"

"I train in the arts of desserts everyday. If you have a question about desserts, please do not hesitate to ask." Gustvia said.

"Thank you very much." Gregory said.

"Time for more investigation." I said, walking over to the frame.

'I won't rest until I've inspected every suspicious-looking nook and cranny.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself.

"Oh." I said, taking a photo of the handprint with my phone. "There's handprints."

"You're right, Jared. ...These fingermarks are?" Gregory asked, looking at the handprint.

"These are... unidentified fingermarks. ...We don't know who they belong to. Since... no fingerprints were left behind…" Badd said.

'Fingermarks without fingerprints... These might be related to the case.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself.

Frame Fingermarks added to the Court Record.

"Hmmm. It's a mystery!" Ray cheered.

"At least it isn't a locked room mystery." I said, happily. "Escape rooms on the other end, they're more fun."

"And what are escape rooms?"

"You work together with family or friends finding clues, solving them around a room to several rooms to find a way out and escape from it."

"That sounds like fun."

"Too bad it won't get popular until 2007."

"He was probably wearing gloves…" Badd said, sadly.

"Ugh... Detective Badd lacks dreams and romance." Ray said, annoyed.

'I don't think there are dreams or romance at a murder scene… And it wasn't an 'escape room' that Jared was talking about.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself.

"But escape rooms are fun." I said, looking at the frame.

"You can make such a beautiful picture out of chocolate!? As expected of Master Jeff!" Ray said, excitedly.

"...Is this really chocolate? It looks like an actual picture to me." Gregory said.

"Impressive, Sir Attorney! You noticed well. This picture of an angel is not a dessert, but rather the 'Angel's Recipe'." Gustavia said.

"The 'Angel's Recipe'... The prize for the contest."

"Ehh!? This picture isn't made of chocolate!?" Ray asked.

"Indeed. Within this chocolate frame lies a recipe book. Sir Master told everyone when he explained the rules of the contest to us in this room." Gustavia said.

"That does make a lot of sense." I said, as Gregory thought this to himself. 'So the contestants knew the recipe was here.'

"How about it...? This frame... Don't you think it's missing something...?" Badd asked.

'This must be what Detective Badd was asking Mr. Gustavia about earlier.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "This chocolate frame, there does seem to be a part that's missing."

"That's... what's been bothering me as well…" Badd said, frowning.

"Eh? ...What's missing?" Ray asked.

'Let me show Raymond the part of the chocolate frame that's missing.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself.

"Oh. It's that." I said, loading up a photo I took of the missing leaf on my phone. "I think it is."

"Take that!" Gregory yelled, presenting the missing chocolate leaf. "Look closely at this part with the decorations. Can you see that one of them is missing?"

"It's true! It's different from the other decorations." Ray said, at a loss for words.

"Hm... This imperfect balance in the decorations is not like Sir Master." Gustavia said.

"...Upon closer examination, it seems this frame is not the only one with missing parts. ...We need to investigate further." Badd said.

"Yup. We do." I said, swiping through the photos I took with my phone. "This is weird."

"Yeah. All the desserts in this room each have one part missing…" Badd said, looking around the room.

"Whoa... The candle holder and the sailing tools are all damaged as well! So someone tampered with the crime scene?" Ray asked, walking to a different part of the table.

"...Perhaps." Gregory said.

"Maybe... Master vandalized the room himself to fool us…" Badd said.

"Master Jeff wouldn't do that sort of thing to his desserts!" Ray said, worried.

'Tampered desserts... I wonder if they are connected to the incident?' Gregory asked, thinking that to himself.

'Why the stand broke'" and 'Tampered desserts'

"They must be." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag. "Maybe the broken stand of the chocolate ship was part of the tampered desserts."

"That is a possibility. Each of Mr. Master's works had a piece that was missing. Add to that the fact that the ship's chocolate stand was broken... I think we can surmise that someone ransacked this room." Gregory said.

"And, the one who did it could be the true culprit!" Ray said, terrified.

"...That I don't know. But I think it's safe to say that the ship stand got broken when the room was ransacked." Gregory said, as he thought this to himself. 'And, when the ship fell over it broke the treasure chest lid... I expect that the lid of the treasure chest was originally closed.'

"A... A... Achoo!" Ray said, sneezing.

"Are you alright, Raymond?" Gregory asked.

"Ugh... This room is way too cold!"

"Not a fan of the cold either." I said, placing my hands in my coat on top of the hand warmers. "Good thing I put hand warmers in here."

"The Fountain Patio wasn't very warm, either... This room certainly is cold. Raymond, do you want to wear my coat?" Gregory asked.

"Nope! I'm fine! Because that's something that you promised to give me when I become a defense attorney!" Raymond chirped.

"Heh... That's right." 

"...Why is the temperature turned down so low...?" Badd asked.

"Don't know." I said, sadly. "Why is that?"

"It's been turned down in order to maintain the chocolate's temperature. ...Why don't you try opening the panel cover on that wall?" Gustavia asked.

"Panel cover...?" Badd asked, walking to the panel cover.

"Whoa! There's a secret panel hidden there!" Ray said, excitedly.

"This control panel is installed in all the rooms Sir Master prepared. So as not to detract from the dessert's presentation, the cover was closed to conceal it." Gustavia said.

"What does the panel do?" Gregory asked.

"It allows you to change the temperature and the lighting in the room. In order to preserve any type of dessert, it can go down to about -22℉." 

"...The room would be like a freezer."

"It's set to 59℉! No wonder I thought it was cold. Detective Badd. I'm not allowed to change the temperature... Am I?" Ray asked, reaching his hand on the thermostat.

"Preserving the crime scene... is the foundation of being a detective...!" Badd said, angrily.

"But, I'm not a detective…"

"A defense attorney can't recklessly damage a crime scene either." Gregory said.

"And neither can journalists…" I said, letting out a sigh.

"Indeed, Sir Assistant. Enduring hardship is also a part of training. In order to preserve chocolate, 59℉ to 64℉ is the ideal temperature." Gustavia said.

"Hm... The ideal temperature for chocolate. As expected of the dessert chef…" Badd said.

"No, it is but a trifle. This is basic knowledge that anyone should know if they're a dessert chef."

"...So, what's the ideal temperature for candy and fresh cream?"

"As long as you watch out for humidity and hot temperatures, candy shouldn't melt. For fresh cream, around 50℉ is the ideal temperature."

"...You need to watch out for the humidity and hot temperatures for candy... I see…" 

"Detective Badd. He seemed a bit happy when they were talking about candy." Ray said.

"That's because candy is the best." I said, and Gregory thought this to himself. 'Is candy one of his favorite things...?'

"Maybe." I said, walking over to the sitting forensics. "A forensics officer."

"What are you investigating?" Gregory asked, looking down at the sitting forensics.

"Sir! I'm checking the temperature of the stream!" Forensics said, angrily.

"...What have you learned?" Badd asked.

"Sir! This stream... has warm water! The stream is connected to the fountain in the patio, and runs through every room."

"It's an unusual construction for a room." Gregory said.

"The minds of the rich... I'll never understand." Badd said.

Investigation Complete

"It seems our investigation of this room is just about over."

"Yup. It is." I said, taking out some jelly babies to snack on them. "That's good at least."

Crime Scene Notes updated in the Court Record.

"This should make it clear... Jeff Master is the culprit." Badd said.

"! Wh-Why!?" Ray exclaimed.

"All the rooms in this mansion... were locked from the inside. And... the only way to open them from the outside, was to use this key to the mansion…"

"...Do you know who had the key?" Gregory asked.

:

"Master... was the only one with the key. ...There were no spare keys." Badd said.

Mansion Key added to the Court Record.

"By using the mansion key... Master... could enter all the contestants' rooms. Of course... the key could also lock his room from the outside…" Badd said.

"However, Mr. Master's room is currently unlocked." Gregory said.

"Yeah... That's why I suspect Master is the culprit…"

"...I'd like to hear your reasoning in more detail."

-- Why I Suspect Jeff Master --

"If the body had been found in a locked room... Master would've been the prime suspect. That's why Master made sure to leave the door to his own room unlocked… And to ensure that the body would be seen... Master broke the lid on the treasure chest. After the judging... everyone was scheduled to meet in Master's room… That would have created the impression... that the murder had occurred... while he was away." Badd said.  

"That does make sense from your point of view, Detective Badd." I said, looking down at the floor.

"Contrary to his expectations... the body was discovered by Ms. Hall... ...That's my reason for suspecting Master. Got that, Ace Attorney?"

"...So you also think it was Mr. Master himself who vandalized this room?" Gregory asked.

"Yeah... You defense attorneys believe that justice lies in trusting your clients... But I'm a detective. If I believed every poor sap's story... I'd let the suspicious ones get away…" Badd said.

"...I understand your reasoning thoroughly. However... I'd like you to hear my thoughts on the subjects now."

"...Hmph. Fine."

'Detective Badd believes that he is right, but I won't give up so easily. I can't accept his reasoning... I'll have to show him evidence that contradicts it!' Gregory said, thinking that to himself.

Rebuttal

-- Why I Suspect Jeff Master --

"If the body had been found in a locked room... Master would've been the prime suspect. That's why Master made sure to leave the door to his own room unlocked… And to ensure that the body would be seen... Master broke the lid on the treasure chest." Badd said.

"Maybe." I said, taking out the Crime Scene Notes out of my sling bag and handing it to Gregory.

"Objection!" Gregory said, presenting the Crime Scene Notes. "Originally, the victim's body was hidden inside the chocolate treasure chest. Ms. Hall entered the room when she heard a sound. I think it is likely that this was the sound of the chocolate ship falling over."

"Yeah... That's what you would think…" Badd said, scoffing. "...just by looking at the crime scene…" 

"You said that Mr. Master broke the treasure chest lid himself... ...but, this photo shows that the ship's fall caused the lid to break." Gregory said.

"....."

"If the lid broke just before Ms. Hall found the body... ...then Mr. Master, who was in the middle of judging, could not have broken it!"

"Hold it!" Badd said, doing the Hold it pose. "I... never said that Master broke the lid directly... The ship was set up to fall during the judging... I believe he tampered with the stand."

"Objection!" Gregory said, doing the Objection pose. "Do you have proof he tampered with it?"

"No... but the investigation isn't completely over yet…" Badd said, sadly.

'It seems they still haven't found anything conclusive…' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Have you found any other fingerprints, other than Mr. Master's, in this room?"

"...Yeah. There were some left on the floor." Badd said.

"!" Gregory said, speechless.

"But... the victim, Dover, and Master were also among the fingerprints left behind."

"Before we made our desserts, we all gathered here to have the judging explained to us. Perhaps that was when we left those fingerprints?" Gustavia asked.

"...But, you didn't find any fingerprints on the works in this room?" Gregory asked.

"...What...?" Badd asked.

"Someone tampered with the chocolate in this room. So perhaps there are other fingerprints on it, apart from Mr. Master's."

"...Hmph. No matter what we find, it won't clear Master of suspicion…" Badd said, scoffing. ".....Labbie! Hurry up and dust the chocolate for fingerprints!"

"Roger that, sir!" The forensics officer said, running away from us.

"So, how are things going on over there?" Sayaka asked, telepathically.

"Are you done with the adventures involving the ghosts?" I asked, telepathically.

"Yup. The Doctor explained the bootstrap paradox and Beethoven's Fifth. Who knew he became Beethoven?"

"I did!"

"Of course you did. Good luck in the past."

"I will, Sayaka."

"Detective Badd! We found another person's fingerprints... on all the chocolates in the room!" The forensics officer said, running back into the room.

".....! Whose... fingerprints...?" Badd asked.

"They belong to a pastry chef by the name of Delicia!"

"...Good work... Return to the investigation."

"Yes, sir!" The forensics officer said, walking away from us.

"It would seem that there are other suspicious people besides Mr. Master, after all." Gregory said.

"...Hmph. I don't need a defense attorney to tell me that... I'm not stopping my investigation... We will just... go and listen to what this Delicia has to say." Badd said.

'Delicia... Gustavia told us about her not long ago. Is she really a 'frightening woman who would do anything to achieve her goal'?' Gregory asked, thinking that to himself.

"Maybe." I said, sadly.

"Mr. Edgeworth, Jared, this Delicia lady sounds mighty suspicious to me!" Ray said, angrily.

"Mmm. It seems that it will be necessary for us to speak with her directly, as well. Detective Badd. Would you allow us to accompany you?" Gregory asked.

"...I'm not obligated to do that." Badd said.

"What...!?" Ray exclaimed.

"But... you were the one who discovered the truth of the crime scene... Fine, have it your way. Follow me…"

"Detective Badd...! Thank you." Gregory said, happily.

"D-Detective Badd, sir! Are you sure about that? Right now, that prosecutor is in the room...!" The forensics said, terrified.

"...Doesn't matter. Him and I... don't see eye to eye." Badd said.

"'Him'...? Who's the prosecutor in charge of this case anyway?" Ray asked.

"...Manfred von Karma…"

"WHAAAAAA! Von Karma is in charge!? That guy hasn't lost a case in 25 years…"

"Crap." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag. "Not a fan of Manfred von Karma.'

'Manfred von Karma... The 'living legend' of the prosecutor's office...? If the rumors of his courtroom performance are to be believed... ...he's a man who would do anything for a guilty verdict. ...No matter what kind of prosecutor he is, I can only hold true to the path I believe in.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself.