Day 6

These visits were becoming a pain, von Karma thought to himself. Every day he had to either interact with a worthless, annoying human being, or deal with someone giving him a lecture. If they really wanted to punish them, they'd keep him here all his life. But his execution date was in two days, so he had two more people to meet before then. Today's visitor was named John Doe, and claimed to be Manfred von Karma's butler. Obviously an alias, Manfred concluded, but why would his butler need to use a fake name in these circumstances? And why was his butler even here? He should've been released from his contract after von Karma was declared guilty.

Then he saw today's visitor walking down the hall, and Manfred understood everything. The man, 'John Doe', had a long, thin face, with a stitch mark running down the middle. His short hair and moustache were black, though his hair was dyed white in the middle. The man was wearing a butler's uniform, but it was a disguise. This was not Manfred von Karma's butler.

This was Shelly de Killer, assassin-for-hire.

Throughout his career, Manfred von Karma had many critics and accusations thrown at him, such as forging evidence or influencing witness testimony. Some even claimed that they had proof of these crimes. Whether or not that was the case, Manfred had to be sure such proof was never brought to light. In situations like that, Manfred would call de Killer and give him the task of... 'disposing' of these individuals. de Killer was always co-operative, efficient in his methods, and always left his calling card at the scene of the crime, so no blame could be put on von Karma. He had hired de Killer's services eleven times over the last twenty years, and every time Manfred had been pleased with the result.

What de Killer was doing now, however, was a problem.

''Leave us, guard.'' Manfred commanded.

''S-sorry sir, I can't just leave-''

''I require another book. Fetch one from the library for me.''

''B-but I-''

''Now, man!'' von Karma shouted, snapping his fingers.

''Yipe!'' the young guard screeched, and ran away. He should be grateful; if he were to learn about de Killer, then he would have to be disposed of aswell.

''Very good, sir.'' said de Killer softly, just arriving as the guard left, ''Now we can speak freely.''

''This is a dangerous game you're playing, de Killer.'' Manfred replied coldly. ''There had better be a good reason for your visit.''

''Of course, sir. I am the only one in danger here, anyway. I was told that your execution date is in two days.''

Manfred was silent.

''It is very unfortunate. You were an excellent client, perhaps even my best. You always respected the bond of trust an assassin and client must share.''

Of course I did, Manfred thought to himself. He had heard rumours about what happened to those who broke de Killer's trust.

''But enough reminiscing. You asked why I am here. The answer is simple: I wish to know if you want to hire my services one last time.''

von Karma's eyes widened.

''Obviously you couldn't ask me, not in your position, so I came to you. It would be free of charge, of course. Consider it a token of gratitude for all the business you have given me over the years.''

Manfred considered de Killer's offer carefully. If he was going to have anyone killed at this stage, it would be Miles Edgeworth. His plan had failed in the end, but he could be satisfied in the knowledge that Edgeworth was going down with him. And it's not as if the authorities could punish him if they found out he was behind it; he was going to die in two days no matter what. Really, there was no downside to this plan. There was only one answer Manfred von Karma could give.

''No, de Killer. I do not require your services at this time. But thank you for offering.''

''I see.'' de Killer replied, ''Then there is no reason for me to stay any longer.'' He turned to leave, ''It's been a pleasure, Mr von Karma.'' And he was gone.

Manfred von Karma sat for a while longer and pondered what he had just done. de Killer had just given him a perfect opportunity to have Miles Edgeworth killed, and he had declined. But an assassin was not the way von Karma had wanted to end Edgeworth. He had a plan, a master plan, and it had failed. He would accept defeat with grace. To have Edgeworth murdered now would be the act of a sore loser, in von Karma's mind. Say what you will about Manfred von Karma, but he would remain perfect, even at the end.