Hearts as One

(Jared's POV)

December 24, 7:30 PM

Contest Venue

Delicia's Room…

"Wow! A candy castle! And there are even some fairies over there!" Ray cheered.

"Yeah. They look cute." I said, happily.

"This room... seems to be structured in the same way as Master's room…" Badd said, sadly.

"But it's nowhere near as cold!" Ray chirped.

"Yup. This is more like air conditioned level than freezer level." I said, smiling.

"This room... also seems to have been fitted with a temperature control panel…" Badd said, walking over to the thermostat.

"Ah, it's over by that..that orange lamp, right!?" Ray asked.

"Indeed. Let's not forget to investigate it later." Gregory said, thinking this to himself. 'Even so... this room is like something out of a fairy tale. Is this cream-covered castle Delicia's work?'

"...Where is Delicia...?" Badd asked.

"Oi! Can I help you? Hullo boys! I'm Delicia Scones. In my native England, I'm known as 'Ms. Delicious'!" Delicia said, walking up to us.

"Sounds like a nice name. 'Miss Delicious'." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. 'Being called a 'boy' even though I'm already 34... It's certainly a rare experience.'

"B-Boys? I understand you calling me and Jared that, but... Mr. Edgeworth!?" Ray exclaimed.

"As far as I'm concerned, you're all boys to me, even that detective over there." Delicia said, looking over at Badd.

"...My name is... Badd. Not 'boy'..." Badd said, scoffing.

"Wow…" I said, as Gregory thought this to himself. 'Just how old is this woman?'

"...Mr. Attorney. Let's just finish our business here." Badd said.

"Hmm... Right." Gregory said.

"Objection!" Von Karma yelled, entering the room from the candy castle. "You! What do you think you're doing!? Conversing with a mere attorney!?"

"Mr. Edgeworth! Jared! A-A scary man came out of the candy castle...!" Ray said, terrified.

"Manfred…" I said, squeezing my hand.

"...Von Karma…" Badd said, annoyed.

"Eh! This man is, Prosecutor von Karma...?" Ray asked.

"Eep! Manny!" Delicia cried.

'So he's Von Karma…' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Pleased to meet you, Prosecutor von Karma. My name is Gregory Edgeworth, defense attorney."

"Bah! I have no interest in the names of defense attorneys. After all, they only exist to be crushed by me." Von Karma said.

"Talk about rude." I said, and Gregory thought this to himself. '...What a rude man.'

"That piercing gaze and furrowed brow...! Uugh…" Ray said, disgusted. "He's even scarier than the rumors say."

"He's as scary as the Napoleon of Blackmail or the Ruler of Chaos." I said, my hands shaking.

'Although that statement was also very rude.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Prosecutor von Karma. Would you allow us to investigate too?"

"Hmph. You think I would give information to a mere defense attorney?" Von Karma asked.

"Yup." I said, while Gregory thought that to himself. 'As I thought, it won't be that simple…' 

"..... ...However, I'll make a special exception for this room." Von Karma said.

"!" Gregory said, as he thought this to himself. 'Why did he change his mind so quickly?'

"You, old bloodhound." Von Karma said, looking at Badd.

"...Don't call me that. ...My name is... Badd." Badd said.

"Hah! A mere detective, speaking back to me. ...I admire your courage at least. Badd. Stand watch and see to it that they don't misbehave."

"Why... me...!"

"I will not accept your refusal. Well then, I'll be investigating Gustavia's room next." Von Karma said, leaving the room.

"Tch... I'm babysitting again…" Badd said, annoyed.

"Sorry." I said, as Gregory thought this to himself. 'I wonder why he and Von Karma aren't investigating together? Instead of being on bad terms, it seems like they hardly know each other…'

"Mr. Edgeworth, Jared, now that we've got Von Karma's permission, we can continue investigating!" Ray cheered.

"Yes. His manner bothers me, but I am glad we can at least continue the investigation." Gregory said.

"Same." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag.

"...Hold it. I also need to investigate this room... I don't want you disturbing the room... So you'll investigate... after me." Badd said.

"What!? Aren't you the detective in charge of this case? Why haven't you investigated this room yet?" Ray asked.

"...The detective in charge of the initial investigation was a close colleague of Von Karma. I came to take over for him, so I only got to this mansion just recently."

'So that's why he and Von Karma aren't investigating together…' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Detective Badd. Will you allow us to investigate with you like before? In doing so, you'll be able to supervise us and also ensure we don't tamper with anything."

"You want me to watch you? ...You're a strange lawyer. ...Hmph. I'll let you stick around... a little longer." Badd said.

"Yay! You did it, Mr. Edgeworth!" Ray chirped.

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

"...But if I decide you're holding up the investigation, you'll have to leave…" Badd said.

"Yes... I understand. Well then, let's begin the investigation."

Begin Investigation

Contest Venue

Delicia's Room…

"Oh. Castle!" I said, walking up to the castle and smiling at it. "Let's start here."

"...I can't believe this amazing castle is made entirely out of confectionery." Gregory said, looking at the castle.

"I know! What a work of fantasy. It's like a fairy tale world!" Ray cheered.

"It really is." I said, smiling. "Love fairy tales. In fact, my best friends are fairy tales. Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Goldilocks, and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Also known as Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Yang Xiao Long, and Blake Belladonna from Team RWBY."

"You're best friends with fairy tales?"

"Yeah. And more of my friends are magical girls. I love hanging out with them too. Magic and miracles are real. Along with traveling through all of time and space."

"The two of you like all this fairy tale stuff, don't you?" Gregory asked, looking between Ray and I.

"Ah... sorry! We got a bit too excited, didn't I?" Ray asked.

"No... It's interesting to me since you and Jared are so enthusiastic about it, unlike my son." 

"Your... son?"

"He's only in grade school, yet he prefers to read law books instead of fairy tales. ...I am worried that he won't be able to make any friends that he can talk to."

"Heh! What an interesting kid. I'd like to be his friend!" Ray said, excitedly.

"I'm already his friend. I'm having some of my friends look after him as a favor. That being Madoka Kaname and Mami Tomoe." I said, looking down at the floor. "I don't like leaving kids alone. But my friends are capable of babysitting for Gregory."

"Ha ha…" Gregory said, laughing a little. "That is true, Jared. Your friends are looking after my son while I'm away. Raymond, I think you'd be more of an 'older brother' like Jared is to him."

"He he he." Ray said, laughing too. "An older brother, huh... Well, I've got some growing up to do then! I can't be beaten by girls I don't know!" 

"Yeah. You can't. Mami and Madoka are amazing though." I said, walking around the room. "I've trusted and known them for years."

"Yes, and that's why we have to continue with the investigation." Gregory said.

"We do." I said, still admiring the castle, before examining the blue cloth rolls, rocks, and hexagonal recess.

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

"Oh." I said, looking inside the castle. "That's odd."

"You're right, Jared. The castle doors are open…" Gregory said, looking inside the castle.

"When someone opens a door, they really should remember to close it afterwards." Ray said.

"Yup." I said, and Gregory thought this to himself. 'Would they say that directly to Prosecutor von Karma though?'

"Huh? Looks like there's some stuff inside. Hmm, let's see…" Ray said, walking towards the inside of the castle.

"Wait…" Badd said, pushing Ray aside to enter the castle. "I'll examine it. Stay out of the way. Tch... This fresh cream melts too easily."

"It looks whipped." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. 'Seems like Detective Badd's shoes got covered in cream... ...Why were these objects kept inside the candy castle?'

"...If there's anything you want to investigate... you better speak up now." Badd said.

"The blue cloth rolls." I said, smiling. 

"...There are rolls of blue cloth here. Looks like there's four of them in all…" 

"They certainly don't look like desserts." Gregory said.

"Yeah... I don't know what the cloth is for... It almost seems like..." Badd said, his eyes widening. "…it was hidden here inside the castle…"

'...Also, the color of this cloth looks familiar somehow.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself.

"It's not Sayaka blue or TARDIS blue. But it's still blue." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag. "What about the rocks?"

"Two big rocks... are placed here. It's like a... storage room." Badd said, sadly.

"Yeah, the inside of the candy castle isn't so dreamy." Ray said, happily. "...Hey! Maybe they're raw gemstones? Who knew that there were such treasures hidden within the castle!"

"Seems like a rather careless way to handle treasure... Hm...? It looks like there's something underneath the rocks." Gregory said, walking inside the castle and lifting up the rocks and picking up whatever is underneath it.

"Seems there's a... pedestal attached to both of the rocks…" Badd said.

"Of course! It's a pedestal for displaying the gems!" Ray cheered.

"Yup." I said, frowning.

"Well... in any case, this is no ordinary object." Gregory said.

"It isn't." I said, fixated on the hexagonal recess.

"Hm. This pillar... has a hexagonal recess." Gregory said, looking at the hexagonal recess.

"It looks like a pedestal... but... it has nothing in it." Badd said.

"A hexagonal recess, huh. I wonder what would have been put in there?" Ray asked.

"...A giant strawberry... would fit with the fresh cream." Badd said.

"Detective Badd. I don't think strawberries are hexagonal."

"I was just... hoping…"

"Then, I hope it's a banana!"

"Nah. I'd rather it be a blue raspberry." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. '...I think I'd prefer blueberries.'

Logic

'Hexagonal recess' and 'Pedestal of rock'

"Maybe the hexagonal recesses connect to the rock pedestals." I said, crossing my arms.

"That is a fair point. The rock's pedestal has a similar shape to the recesses on the castle's pillars. Perhaps the rock is meant to be placed on top of the pillars?" Gregory asked.

"Oh, that's right! They're both hexagonal." Ray said.

'I wonder why they were hidden inside the castle, though?' Gregory asked, thinking that to himself.

"Hmm…the hexagonal stuff and the blue clothes could be owned by Delicia Scones…" I said, letting out a sigh. "It is a possibility…"

Connecting hexagon Logic and examining blue cloth rolls leads to Delicia Scones.

"The 'blue cloth' and the 'rocks' inside the castle... I wonder if they belong to Delicia? Like Jared is saying.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before he spoke aloud. "Delicia. Those things in the castle, what are they used for?"

"Ah... uhh, those? I'm afraid I can't tell you." Delicia said.

"...Looks like Von Karma is... keeping her silent…" Badd said, scoffing.

"Eep! I've been found out... He'll get mad at me if I talk."

"Yup. He's keeping her on a leash." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. 'Prosecutor von Karma... doesn't intend on being upfront with his information.'

"Aww... it's such a shame. We finally figured out where the rocks are supposed to go." Ray said, annoyed.

"! Could it be that you're interested in my goods?" Delicia asked.

"Eh? Your 'goods'...?"

"Those are my popular relaxation goods."

"You mean... the rocks and the cloth?" Gregory asked.

"Yessie! That's right! You see, they're not actually rocks, but special lamps made from rock salt." Delicia said.

"Wow! So those are lamps!" Ray said, at a loss for words.

"Ha ha ha ha! It gets even more exciting! Because, this cloth also has an amazing secret!"

"What secret?" I asked, as Gregory thought this to himself. 'As soon as we showed interest in her goods, she became quite talkative.'

"Since we've got them out, come experience the therapy, boys. Baddie! Could you put everything up!" Delicia chirped.

"It's... not Baddie, it's Badd…" Badd said, sadly.

"...So you won't do it? Is Baddie being a bad boy?"

"...." Gregory said.

"...Labbie! Are you done photographing this room?"

"Yes, sir! I am!" The forensics officer yelled.

"...Then go help Delicia…" Badd said, frowning.

"Yes, sir! I'm on it!" The forensics officer said, walking away with Delicia.

"Ha ha ha ha! Thanks! I knew you were a good boy underneath, Baddie!" Delicia cooed.

"Ms. Delicious... That was amazing. You even persuaded Detective Badd!" Ray said, in awe.

"Thanks a lot, Baddie! And you too, Forensies!"

"...She even gave the forensics a nickname."

"I think that's her way of showing she cares." Gregory said.

"Yup. It is." I said, crossing my arms.

"What's so... therapeutic... about these things anyway?" Badd asked, watching Delicia set up her light effect.

"We don't have time for that now, Baddie! The show's about to begin! Forensies! Finishing touches, please!" Delicia said, angrily.

"Yes, ma'am!" The forensics officer said, finishing setting up the display.

"Wow." I said, speechless.

"It's…" Badd said.

"Wow, It's so beautiful!" Ray said, excitedly.

"It really is…" Gregory said, and he thought this to himself. 'I wish my son could see this.'

"Oi! I told you so, right? 'The Four Fairies and the Curious Candy Castle' was the theme of my work. It's so sparkly and cute, right?" Delicia asked.

"It is. It's no ALO. But this is incredibly cute." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. 'It seems like... one of them is missing something.'

"The truth is, I had planned to unveil it during the contest. Well, I'm glad I got to show it to you boys!" Delicia chirped.

"Huh? But it doesn't look like the rock salt lamps are lighting up." Ray said, looking at the rock salt lamps.

"H-Huh? I wonder why...?"

'I think I'll need to examine... the rocks and the fairies again.' Gregory said, as he thought this to himself.

"Why not start here?" I asked, looking at the castle. "It sounds like a good place."

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

"There's this." I said, pointing at the rock salt lamp on the left side of the castle.

"It looks like both the lamps in the pillars are broken." Gregory said, looking at the rock salt lamp on the left.

"Both of their light bulbs... are broken…" Badd said.

"Maybe they were dropped on the floor. There's some sort of red stain on this lamp's surface." Ray said, spotting a blood stain on the rock salt lamp. 

"This stain... could it be...!" Gregory said, horrified.

"...That smell... There's no mistaking it. It's a bloodstain…" Badd said.

"Son of a bitch." I said, gagging a bit. "Not a fan of blood."

"Ehhhh! Th-That's a bloodstain…" Ray said, frowning.

'Why is there a bloodstain on this lamp? I wonder if this has something to do with the lamp bulb being broken... I should also take a look at the other lamp here.' Gregory said, thinking this to himself.

Logic

'Beaten to death' and 'Bloodstained rock salt lamp'

"The victim could have been beaten to death that caused the bloodstain on the rock salt lamp." I said, crossing my arms.

"You're right, Jared. There is evidence that the victim was beaten to death with a blunt object... What's more, there's a bloodstain on one of the broken rock salt lamps. Could this lamp have been the murder weapon?" Gregory asked.

"You're right! Mr. Edgeworth. Jared. It could have been used as a weapon." Ray said, his eyes widening.

"...Labbie. Is the blood analysis on this rock salt lamp finished?" Badd asked, looking at the forensics officer.

"Yes, sir! It finished just a few moments ago! The bloodstain on that lamp belonged to the victim." The forensics officer said.

"...You heard what he said." 

Rock Salt Lamp added to the Court Record.

"Makes sense." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. 'The murder weapon was hidden in Delicia's room... We need to consider her as one of the suspects as well.'

Deduce

'Is this spot somehow connected to any of the evidence I hold...?' Gregory asked, thinking this to himself.

Deduce cloths or lamps and present Contest Rules

"These could be connected to that." I said, looking at the lamps and taking out the Contest Rules out of my sling bag and handing it to Gregory. "The cloths and the lamps to the Contest Rules."

"Eureka!" Gregory yelled, and presented the Contest Rules. "Detective Badd. Please read the contest leaflet."

".....'Any decorations not made from desserts are prohibited.' ...Huh." Badd said, reading the contest rules.

"These rock salt lamps and the fluorescent cloths go against the rules." Gregory said.

"So, maybe that's why they were hidden in the castle?" Ray asked.

"I wonder about that... I think we should investigate further into Delicia's actions."

"Yeah." I said, walking towards the fairy on the right side of the room. "Something's missing from here."

"That is true. Unlike the other fairies, this one doesn't have a fluorescent cloth." Gregory said, looking at the fairy on the right.

"Ms. Delicious! It's not right to leave one out!" Ray said, worried.

"I don't like it either. But... one fluorescent cloth and a machine has gone missing!" Delicia cried.

"You've lost a cloth... and a machine? What sort of machine is it?" Gregory asked.

"Oi! Let me tell you! Each piece of fluorescent cloth is hooked up to one of these machines. The machine is called a rainbow light device... Light is sent through the cable and into the cloth, which is made of optic fibers. Just fiddle around with the settings a bit, and it will turn into all sorts of colors! When it glows red, it's like a raging inferno! And when it glows blue, you can almost feel the glittering cool ice! It's powered by a long-lasting battery that's resistant to changes in the temperature!"

"Um, I'm not very familiar with these kinds of devices…" Gregory said, letting out a sigh.

"Mr. Edgeworth. She's saying it's a machine that transmits light to the special cloth." Ray said.

"Think of it like fairy lights. They're used to create a cozy, magical, and calming atmosphere." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. '...I see. It's amazing what they come up with these days.'

"So, one rainbow light device... and one fluorescent cloth are missing...?" Badd asked.

"Yessie, that's right. Wherever could they be…" Delicia said.

"Yeah. What happened to them?" I asked, as Gregory thought this to himself. 'This fluorescent cloth... could it be related to the case?'

Fluorescent Cloth added to the Court Record.

'Fragile desserts' and 'High room temperature'

"I wonder if these fragile desserts here in this room are the cause of the high room temperature." I said, looking down at the floor. "The Doctor does like to make the console room a bit cold."

"Fair point, Jared. You once told me you had to wear a jacket whenever you were in that blue box. The reason the fresh cream is so fragile is due to the temperature in this room." Gregory said.

"So my shoes got creamed... because the room temperature is set at 68℉…" Badd said.

"Speaking of which... When you opened the castle door, the doorknob didn't break."

"Yeah... it was stronger than I thought…"

"Strong? ...A dessert? Detective Badd. Could you have a closer look at that doorknob?" Gregory asked.

".....? ...This is...!" Badd said, walking up to the doorknob of the castle and touching it.

"It would seem this doorknob isn't a dessert." Gregory said.

"...And it's not just the doorknob. This castle and the fairies... Are just plastic molds coated in fresh cream."

"Eeh! Then, this isn't a dessert piece at all...!" Ray said, angrily.

"Makes sense. I've seen enough Cake Wars and Cupcake Wars to know that they use fake dessert pieces to look presentable." I said, frowning.

"It would seem they're just fake desserts covered in fresh cream…" Gregory said.

'Delicia broke the rules' and 'Fake desserts'

"Well, Delicia did break the rules by using fake desserts." I said, looking down at the floor.

"I agree. Using decorations that were against the rules and making fake desserts... A lot of Delicia's actions seem suspicious." Gregory said.

"Yeah... It doesn't seem like she's aiming to be the world's greatest pastry chef…" Badd said.

"Also, the temperature of this room is way too high. Is there a reason for that?" Ray asked.

Fake Desserts added to the Court Record.

"I wonder. ...I think we should ask Delicia directly." Gregory said.

"We should." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag. "Hey! Delicia!"

"..." Delicia said, letting out a sigh.

"Huh? Ms. Delicious. You don't seem as energetic as you were earlier." Ray said.

"...Delicia. Can I just ask, did something happen with Von Karma?" Gregory asked.

"Yessie! N-Nothing of the sort!" Delicia said, worried.

"But, you just said, 'Yessie'..." Ray said.

"Ha ha ha ha! That 'Yessie' just now was only a greeting. You're a cute boy! I like you. What's your first name?"

"Eh? It's Raymond, but…"

"Well, Ray Ray! I think you'll make a good man of yourself someday!"

"R-Ray Ray...?" Ray asked.

"How about that? Raymond, I think you have a way with British ladies." Gregory said.

"She's a little different from my image of a 'lady'..."

"Were you expecting more of the motherly type?" I asked, looking at Ray.

"I was."

"Why don't we listen to what she has to say?" Gregory asked.

"Yeah." I said, walking up to Ray to grab his hand. "Why not ask what happened during the contest?"

"Alright. Delicia. Could you tell me about your actions during the contest?" Gregory asked.

"Yessie! We began making desserts for the contest around 10 o'clock. Basically, I was in here making my desserts the whole time. At half past one, I joined the afternoon tea for about an hour or so." Delicia said.

"Afternoon tea?" Ray asked.

"It's a social occasion, where conversation is had over black tea and cakes." Gregory said.

"They use it to fill awkward silences during said conversation." I said, smirking.

"...Umm. So, it's pretty much a tea party!" Ray chirped.

"Maybe. The last time I had one was when I met Agatha Christie."

"You met Agatha Christie?"

"Yeah. The day I met her felt like Clue."

"Ha ha ha ha!" Delicia said, giggling. "Oh, Greggy, Jare Bear, you're smart boys, aren't you!"

'When did I become 'Greggy'...?' Gregory asked, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Where was the afternoon tea held?"

"It took place in the gardens, outside of the Fountain Patio. It's our customary break time during the contest. It's always held at the same time. Today there were just three of us who took part. Jeffy, Katie and me. Since Jeffy had already finished his creations, he was there from beginning to end. Icy and Gusty didn't join in because they hadn't finished their desserts yet." Delicia said.

"...So, everyone other than Mr. Dover and Mr. Gustavia participated." Gregory said.

"Yes. Actually, I hadn't finished my dessert yet either. I just wanted to try some of Jeffy's handmade pastries and Katie's fresh-brewed tea. So... after I had eaten my fill, I returned before everyone else."

"During the contest, did you enter any of the other contestants' rooms?" 

"Eh! Wh-What are you saying?"

"We have some bad news, Miss Delicious." I said, sadly.

"We found your fingerprints on the desserts at the crime scene…" Gregory said, frowning.

"Eep! You found them...!" Delicia said, terrified.

"Are you... admitting that you went to the scene of the murder?" Badd asked.

"...I admit it. But, I'm not the murderer!" Delicia said, sobbing. "It's the honest truth, please hear me out!"

"So, what's the honest truth?" I asked, walking up to Delicia to comfort her. "Can you tell us?"

"Alright. I will."

"What were you doing in Mr. Master's room?" Gregory asked.

"The truth is…" Delicia said, letting out a sigh. "…I was studying his desserts."

"Studying...?" Badd asked.

"Because Jeffy's so talented at making sweets! Well... Nobody was in his room at the time, so I just decided to study his works for a bit."

"...But, if you were just looking, you wouldn't have left your fingerprints behind...?"

"Yessie! It's natural that I left fingerprints on the desserts! For the sake of research, I ate some of his desserts."

"Eeh! Isn't that like stealing food?" Ray asked.

"It couldn't be... The one who wrecked Mr. Master's room was…" Gregory said.

"...I'm sorry." Delicia said, sobbing again. "It wasn't my intention to vandalize the room, but... I did eat a few parts of the desserts in his room. ...I secretly ate little bits and pieces so Jeffy wouldn't find out."

"So... Did you, you…" Gregory said, pausing for a moment to think. "…eat the ship stand as well?"

"Yessie! I did." Delicia said.

"The chocolate ship broke... because of you…" Badd said.

"Eep! I'm sorry...!"

"So, the reason she left the afternoon tea early... ...was to preserve her appetite…" Ray said.

"B-But! You've got to believe me on this! I'm not the murderer!" Delicia cried.

"Maybe." I said, and Gregory thought this to himself. 'Her actions are sufficiently suspicious, but... I won't press on it yet.'

"Still. Ask her about the room temperature." I said, looking down at the floor.

"Delicia, why is the room temperature set to 68℉?" Gregory asked.

"The cold doesn't agree with me. Plus, it's bad for the body! This figure doesn't just maintain itself, you know! Naturally, as a lady, I want to look young forever." Delicia said.

"I wonder... how old Ms. Delicious really is." Ray said.

"Raymond. A true gentleman never asks a woman her age." Gregory said.

"This room... is mainly filled with cream... And 50℉ is the recommended temperature for preserving fresh cream." Badd said.

"What, really? Now it's all gone to waste!" Delicia cried.

"It looks like Ms. Delicious didn't know." Ray said.

"...Hmph. I thought she was supposed to be a first-class pastry chef…" Badd said, scoffing.

"She's no Rosanna Pansino. I like Rosanna's videos. They're fun." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. 'The fake desserts and the rule violations. And now... her lack of basic knowledge. Looks like she keeps many secrets…'

'Desserts study' and 'Knowledge was lacking'

"Rosanna isn't around until 10 years from now. She has around 14.5 million subscribers and over 4.69 billion views. Which is nice." I said, looking over at Delicia. "But Delicia was studying the desserts because her knowledge of them was lacking."

"Even though I don't know who this Rosanna person Jared is talking about. Delicia's knowledge in the art of dessert making is lacking in fundamental areas. And she claimed she went into Mr. Master's room in order to 'study his desserts'... These actions and ideas are not fitting of someone aiming to be the world's greatest pastry chef." Gregory said.

"Yeah... They don't sounds like the words of a pro. It's like she doesn't even realize it, or…" Badd said.

'Or, maybe she isn't a real pastry chef…' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Perhaps she had some other intention. ...It's possible that she didn't go into the room to study desserts."

"So, then... Are you saying Ms. Delicious is the criminal?" Ray asked.

"...We can't say that for sure yet." Gregory said, and he thought this to himself. 'But, I know she's hiding something from us…'

Investigation Complete

"That's enough... investigating…" Badd said, out of breath.

"Hmph... We've found much more than I expected." Gregory said, while he thought this to himself. 'And yet, something from before still bothers me. Prosecutor von Karma must have found the murder weapon in this room... So then, why did he let Delicia be? First, I must ascertain Von Karma's true motives...!' He then spoke this aloud. "Detective Badd. I would like to ask Prosecutor von Karma something."

"...I've also got business with him... And Delicia there too…" Badd said, glaring at Delicia.

"Eep! What's the idea, Baddie? Don't glare at me like that." Delicia said.

'It seems Detective Badd also has his doubts about Delicia and Von Karma.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Delicia, would you come with us for a moment?"

"Yessie! That's... fine. What for?"

"...We have to find Von Karma. There are some things we need to talk about."

December 24, 8:05 PM

Contest Venue

Fountain Patio…

"Prosecutor von Karma. We need to talk about the case." Gregory said.

"Tsk tsk tsk... From the look on your face, I assume you've found the murder weapon?" Von Karma asked.

"Yes... We discovered the murder weapon in Delicia's room. ...It would seem Mr. Master isn't the only suspect in this case."

"Bah... That's not true. Where the murder weapon was found does not change the fact that Master is the culprit. ...As long as I am here."

'Why is Von Karma so sure of himself...?' Gregory asked, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Well then, aren't you going to explain? Why the murder weapon was in Delicia's room!"

"Hmph... Naturally. If you wish to know, I'll tell you." Von Karma said, scoffing.

-- About the Murder Weapon --

"In order to pin the crime on Delicia, Master used the rock salt lamp to kill the victim. He then deposited the murder weapon in Delicia's room. If he had left the murder weapon at the crime scene, Master would have been the one suspected. He couldn't move the body, but it was easy to move the murder weapon. Ergo, there would be no evidence pointing to a specific culprit at the crime scene." Von Karma said.

"Mr. Master took the rock salt lamp...?" Gregory asked.

"...Precisely. I carried out the investigation myself... There can be no room for doubt."

"Do you have evidence that he moved it?"

"...Hmph. That will not be necessary."

"Wha...!" Gregory said, at a loss for words.

"Tsk tsk tsk... If you have an objection, say it. Do you think a mere defense attorney can break my logic!?" Von Karma asked.

"Yup. You got this, Gregory. Do it for Miles." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. 'It seems Von Karma won't be shaken easily. Jared's right, I have to do this for Miles. I'll just have to present evidence that contradicts his reasoning...!'

Rebuttal

-- About the Murder Weapon --

"In order to pin the crime on Delicia, Master used the rock salt lamp to kill the victim. He then deposited the murder weapon in Delicia's room. If he had left the murder weapon at the crime scene, Master would have been the one suspected. He couldn't move the body, but it was easy to move the murder weapon. Ergo, there would be no evidence pointing to a specific culprit at the crime scene." Von Karma said.

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

"Objection!" Gregory yelled, presenting the Crime Scene Notes. "It's true that the murder weapon and bloodstains disappeared from the vicinity. However, there was still one piece of incriminating evidence left behind! Have a look at this photograph, which was taken when the body was first discovered. This cloth was used to wrap the body... Doesn't it remind you of the fluorescent cloth from Delicia's room?"

"Eep! My fluorescent cloth was at the crime scene?" Delicia asked.

"Hah! Fluorescent cloth...? You! Just what part of this cloth is fluorescent!?" Von Karma exclaimed.

"I guess Von Karma doesn't know about this cloth's secret." Ray said, smirking.

"Nope. Not even that it functions like fairy lights." I said, smugly.

"It looks like a normal cloth at first glance, but if you use this rainbow light device... ...you can make it glow!" Gregory said, angrily.

".....!" Von Karma said, speechless.

"Prosecutor von Karma... seems a little surprised." Ray said, looking at Von Karma.

'I don't think it was the cloth's ability to glow that surprised him…' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "...One sheet of this fluorescent cloth is currently unaccounted for. Now, I'd like you to look at the color of the cloth in this photo. Don't you think it looks like the color of the fluorescent cloth before it's been lit up?"

".....Hmph." Von Karma said, scoffing.

"Both the rock salt lamp and the fluorescent cloth originally belonged to Delicia. Wouldn't it be natural to assume that this cloth was used to wrap the body?" Gregory asked.

"....."

"...Prosecutor von Karma. I believe the present conditions give us much reason to suspect Delicia."

"Eep! Hold it, Greggy! Do you really suspect me?" Delicia asked.

"I don't yet know if you are the culprit. But, it is true that you're hiding something. Am I right?" 

"Uu... That's…"

"Objection!" Von Karma said, doing the Objection pose. "...So. You're saying that the murder weapon and the cloth were originally from Delicia's room?"

"Yes." Gregory said.

"Tsk tsk tsk...!" Von Karma said, waiving his finger from side to side.

"...What's so funny?"

"Just as I expected from you! The murder weapon and the cloth are not from her room. How unfortunate, for you."

"...!" Gregory said, while he thought this to himself. 'What does he mean...!?'

"Crap." I said, looking down at the floor. "I forgot. Sorry."

"Before the contest began, Master noticed her violation of the rules. He confiscated the cloth and the rock salt lamp, and kept them in his room for safekeeping!" Von Karma said, determined.

"Wha...!" Gregory said, worried.

"The victim was not seen, as he stayed locked up in his room after the contest had begun. The only one who could have unlocked the locked rooms was Jeff Master. And the murder weapon, the rock salt lamp, was being kept in Master's room. This should be the decisive evidence in proving Master's guilt! Defense attorney. You've lost to me before you even had a chance to stand in court!"

"....." Gregory said, as he thought this to himself. 'Ngh... What's this!'

"Wh-What? Was all our investigating for nothing... Ms. Delicious! Why didn't you tell us about your confiscated items?" Ray asked, looking at Delicia.

"Uuh... Well... Manny said I'd look suspicious if I did!" Delicia cried.

"Prosecutor von Karma...?" 

"And it's true, you all suspect me, don't you!"

"...!" Gregory said, at a loss for words.

"We don't suspect you, Ms Delicious." I said, happily. "We know you have a sweet tooth. That's all."

"Tsk tsk tsk... How clumsy of you, defense attorney." Von Karma said, smirking.

"Argh…" I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. 'Von Karma...! So that's why he let us investigate Delicia's room!'

"And in your clumsiness, there's one more thing I need to inform you of. Two sets of fingerprints were found on the murder weapon." 

"Two...?" Gregory asked.

"Yes... They belong to Jeff Master and Delicia Scones. No other fingerprints were found." Von Karma said, smugly.

"....."

"After Master killed Dover with the confiscated rock salt lamp... ...he foolishly concealed the murder weapon bearing his own fingerprints in its owner's room. Tsk tsk... I don't even need to prove my case in court. I have more than enough perfect evidence to prove Master's guilt."

"Objection!" Gregory yelled, doing the Objection pose. "Hold it! I still have some doubts about the fluorescent cloth found in Mr. Master's room."

"Bah! Irrelevant. After disposing of the body, he intended to return it to Delicia's room." Von Karma said.

"...Ngh...!" Gregory said, as he thought this to himself. 'I don't have enough information to refute Von Karma's reasoning…'

"Tsk tsk tsk... Nothing left to say? If your job is done, leave this place!" Von Karma said, angrily.

"Th-That's!" Ray said, worried.

"Gregory, you can't give up now! It's too soon!" I said, and Gregory thought this to himself. 'Jared's right. I can't give up yet…'

"Hmph! We've wasted enough time as it is. Badd, take them away!" Von Karma said, looking at Badd.

"Hold it!" Badd said, doing the Hold it pose. "There are still... some doubts left in our investigation."

"Detective Badd...!" Gregory said, at a loss for words.

"...What's the meaning of this?" Von Karma asked.

"It's not my nature... to leave any doubts behind. There is still one piece of evidence... that has yet to be identified." Badd said.

".....!" Gregory said, while he thought this to himself. 'That's right... there are still the traces someone left behind!'

"Bah! Talk about your doubts as much as you want later. But... this, my dear attorney, is none of your business." Von Karma said.

"Objection!" Gregory said, doing the Objection pose. "No. I also have some doubts about one piece of evidence. It's likely... That I have the same doubts Detective Badd has."

"What...?"

"Yup." I said, as Gregory thought this to himself. 'This is the piece of evidence left in Mr. Master's room that has yet to be identified!'

"Here you go." I said, taking out a photo of the Frame Fingermarks out of my sling bag and handing it to Gregory. "This should be the evidence."

"Take that!" Gregory said, presenting the Frame Fingermarks. "Somebody left gloved fingermarks on one of Mr. Master's desserts."

"....." Von Karma said.

"If these were the killer's fingermarks... ...then it's possible that the killer also didn't leave any fingerprints on the murder weapon!" Gregory said, angrily.

".....How did you know the state of the crime scene?"

"...I gave them... permission to investigate…" Badd said, letting out a sigh.

"Objection!" Von Karma said, doing the Objection pose. "Badd! What possessed you to let a defense attorney into the crime scene!?"

"I don't recall... you telling me not to let them in…"

"Bah... Such impudence! ...You'd best remember, Badd... Your salary review depends on me!"

Badd gulps with a worried face.

"...This isn't good for Badd. Jared, we're so glad we have a kind boss like Mr. Edgeworth!" Ray cheered.

"Same. I needed this afer what happened on Skaro." I said, as Gregory thought this to himself. 'Raymond, Jared, your salary reviews depends on how you both perform here…'

"Hmph... I'm surprised at what a mere attorney like you managed to uncover in such a short time. ...However, it's possible those fingermarks were Master's own thing. Because he always wore gloves while cooking!" Von Karma yelled.

"Objection!" Gregory said, doing the Objection pose. "Do you have evidence that those fingermarks were left by Master? And moreover... there are still a few points of suspicion surrounding Delicia."

"Oh...? You still haven't give up on that?"

"Uuh... Greggy. You still suspect me? I've already apologized for stealing a few bites...!" Delicia cried.

"...I don't want to suspect you. However, I can't easily trust those who tell lies. You must still be hiding something!" Gregory said, looking at Delicia.

"Uuh... Greggy is a bully…"

"Don't you know the temperature fresh cream must be kept at? You call yourself a dessert chef, but you lack even the most basic knowledge."

"Rude…" I said, crossing my arms. "You didn't have to say that in her face."

"Uuh... I'm sorry. For my lack of knowledge…" Delicia said, letting out a lot of tears.

"In your case, it's not even about the lack of knowledge. In truth... you don't even know how to make desserts, do you?" Gregory asked.

"Objection!" Von Karma said, doing the Objection pose. "Defense attorney! Stop trying to force your own reasoning. ...In a court of law, the evidence tells all. If you say the witness is lying, show it with evidence!"

"We're not in court yet, but... very well. This evidence shows that Delicia can't make desserts."

"This being the evidence." I said, taking out a photo of the Fake Desserts out of my sling bag and handed said photo to Gregory. "Thank you, Old Girl, for printing out the photos I take on my phone."

"Take that!" Gregory said, presenting the Fake Desserts. "The only things Delicia made were those that broke the rules."

"Objection!" Von Karma said, doing the Objection pose. "The lamp and cloth that broke the rules were being held in Master's room. There is no way the witness could have returned them to her room!"

"Objection!" Gregory said, doing the Objection pose. "Those were not the only fake desserts she made."

".....What?" Von Karma asked.

"Her desserts may look like something out of a fairy tale at first glance... ...but in reality, they are nothing but mannequins, decorated with cream. Apart from the cream, they're all fake!"

"...!"

"This is not something one aiming to become the world's greatest pastry chef would do."

"...Is this true, Badd?" Von Karma asked, looking at Badd.

"Yes... My shoes... can attest to that…" Badd said, letting out a sigh.

"....."

"Will that be enough to convince Prosecutor von Karma?" Ray asked.

'Once he sees what Delicia has done, he'll have no choice but to be convinced.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Delicia... The fact that your actions could lead to you being a suspect is no laughing matter."

"Th-That's! I didn't murder...!" Delicia said, terrified.

"...Isn't it time you told us the whole truth? Who are you? And why were you indulging yourself in another contestant's work!?" Gregory exclaimed.

"...Yessie... I understand."

"Good luck, Ms Delicious." I said, sadly.

"The truth is... I'm not really a dessert chef, like I led you to believe. I'm actually a pharmacist." 

"What! A pharmacist?" Ray asked.

'That's a completely different occupation... It's no wonder he couldn't hide his surprise.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Why is a pharmacist like you participating in this contest?"

"...I just love eating desserts. I joined because I thought I'd be able to eat some of Jeffy's desserts. I never thought I'd end up making it to the finals." Delicia said.

"...." Von Karma said.

"So, you've got a bigger sweet tooth than me." I said, and Gregory thought this to himself. '...Even Prosecutor von Karma is at a loss for words.'

"S-So that's the real reason why you entered the contest?" Ray asked.

"Yessie... As expected, Jeffy's desserts were oh-so-good." Delicia said, happily.

"So... The gloved fingermarks on the picture frame... were your doing?" Badd asked.

"Eep! No way! I never wore gloves!"

"Delicia's fingerprints were found on Mr. Master's chocolates. So it is true that she wasn't wearing gloves." Gregory said.

"Yessie! Exactly! You do believe me, Greggy!" Delicia said, excitedly.

"Objection!" Von Karma said, doing the Objection pose. "...Is your face stuffed with nothing but desserts!?"

"Eep! Sorry, Manny."

'...I think it's her belly that's stuffed.' Gregory said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Were Master's desserts all that you ate?"

"...Actually, no. After the afternoon tea, I also ate Icy's desserts…" Delicia said.

"! You mean you entered the victim's room?" Gregory asked.

"Yessie! Exactly. The room was empty after all."

"An empty room. Huh. How were the desserts?" I asked, and Gregory thought this to himself. 'Perhaps the victim was already dead by then…'

"It didn't work out, Jared. But my first bite tasted way too salty and I couldn't eat it! So, I ate the delicious star-shaped dessert that was nearby." Delicia said.

"Ms. Delicious... You really are a glutton." Ray said, in awe.

"A glutton with a sweet tooth bigger than me." I said, while Gregory thought this to himself. 'Is it rare you see a woman with this kind of appetite?'

"That's all I did. Greggy, Manny, everyone... I'm sorry I caused you trouble." Delicia said.

"Now that you've told us the truth, everything's fine. There's no need to apologize." Gregory said.

"...This does not mean that your testimony is trustworthy. I'll be investigating the victim's room after this. Only then will I decide if your testimony is true." Von Karma said.

"Prosecutor von Karma. I'd like to go as well. I also need to ascertain whether my reasoning up until now has been correct."

"Hmph...! I'll let you follow, but I have no intention of letting you investigate."

"...That's enough for me."

December 24, 9:00 PM

Contest Venue

Dover's room…

"This...! What is the meaning of this!" Von Karma cried.

"The desserts adorning the victim's room had disappeared without a trace. Was this the true killer's doing? A body that was hidden inside a dessert, and a murder weapon that was moved... Further investigation would be required to arrive at the truth of this case." Ray said, as a voiceover.