Chapter 3—Moving On

July 25, 2017

Lana had heard that she had a visitor that day, but it certainly wasn't who she had expected. Rather than Ema, Lana's visitor was a young woman in a short old-style dress that did a good job of showing off her legs, both of which had a boot on the foot with an intimidating high heel. More prominent than the dress and boots, though, was the whip she held in her left hand.

"You must be Franziska," Lana said through the speaker.

"Franziska von Karma, prosecuting prodigy," the visitor replied. She had a very faint German accent, but Lana would probably not have noticed it had she not heard about it from Miles. "I have to admit, I never thought I'd meet my little brother's lover in prison." She smiled in a somewhat arrogant manner. Miles sometimes smiled like that when taunting a defense attorney.

"The worst of it's over."

"Surely you've heard about Miles Edgeworth's death."

"I don't believe it; Miles is too proud to kill himself—especially after all that happened between us. He has nowhere to go but forward."

Franziska chuckled. "Forward? He has shamed himself with three defeats—all against the same person. What could possibly be left for him?"

"Me. No matter what path he follows, I'll be there for him. He knows that."

Franziska chuckled again. "The foolishness of a fool is foolish to all but other equally foolish fools."

Lana could not help but smile in amusement at Fransziska's words. Never before had she heard the word "fool" used so much in a single sentence. She laughed. "Perhaps Miles and I are fools," she said, "but that what makes us go together so well. He'll return—I'm sure of it. He wouldn't leave his life behind when he has so much to live for."

"If love is all that's left for him, then it appears I have already surpassed him. Such a pitiful man."

"And yet you still care about him."

Franziska glared at Lana. Were Lana not used to the intensity with which Miles glared, she would have probably felt a shiver go down her neck. Lana simply smiled.

"Miles told me about you," Lana said. "When I hear you talking about Miles, it's almost the complete opposite of what he says about you—with a few exceptions. In general, he talked about you in a positive light. He says you're like a sister to him, and he always felt as though you looked up to him and respected him. Despite your view of him as a competitor, he says he thinks of you as a sister more than a rival. He also says that you think of him as a brother, although you don't express it that easily."

"Hmph. He's nothing more than a rival to me."

"Liar. He told me about when he first left for the United States. He said he saw tears in your eyes as he said his good-byes." She smiled. "It appears you have more in common than just your job."

"And what do you mean by that, Ms. Svetlana Skye?" Lana could tell from Franziska's tone that she was beginning to get annoyed.

"You both have the same weakness: you both seem to think you're able to do well without anyone to support you. It took me a long time to get that nonsense out of Miles's head. No one's invincible."

It occurred to Lana that Franziska's whip had not seen any use. She was most likely worried that she might break the security glass and hurt herself.

"Give it some thought, Franziska," Lana continued. "Family is an important part of life. Whether you outwardly express it or not, Miles and I both know that you care about him."

"Hah. I am a von Karma, someone destined only for perfection. Why should I care about someone so imperfect?"

Lana smiled, amused.

"And just what is so funny?"

"The way you're reacting," Lana answered. "Tell me, Franziska: have you ever been in love?"

"Excuse me?"

"You've been so focused on victory—and revenge against a man who is above the need to be perfect—that you've lost sight of the much closer, more important parts of life. Miles has had me there to calm his fears and point him in the right direction when he feels lost. You're not accepting anyone like that."

"I don't need anyone's help; I'm stronger than Miles Edgeworth is. That's why I'm here: to prove it to him."

Lana again smiled. "I don't doubt that you're a strong woman. But the mere fact that you exist is proof that even a von Karma needs someone close."

"I'll save family for after I've defeated him."

Lana chuckled. "Then you'd better hope he gets a guilty client in the next case you prosecute against him. As you have learned, Mr. Wright will not allow innocent people to get convicted. If his client's innocent, he'll prove it." She closed her eyes. "But then again, Miles no longer cares about getting a perfect record. As long as you only have your sights set on your idea of perfection, you will never surpass Miles as a prosecutor."

Franziska was clearly angered by Lana's statement. "Were it not for this glass, Ms. Svetlana Skye, you would have a grievous gash across your face right now."

Lana sighed. "I'm sure you know Miles is more than just a rival. I owe my life and my happiness to him. Have you read about that case? The one in which I was blackmailed into feigning guilt for a murder? I tried to be found guilty. Miles—the prosecutor himself—stopped me. He fought for the truth on the last day of the trial. The Miles Edgeworth you viewed as a rival chose death. In his place is a far better man—someone who more than deserves to be by my side."

Franziska didn't appear to have anything to say in response. Lana had no doubt hurt her.

"Sorry if I hurt your feelings," Lana said. At that moment, Gumshoe had the misfortune of entering the visiting room. "Don't even think about it," Lana said, realizing that Franziska was going to take out her anger on the poor detective. "He has nothing to do with this." Franziska hesitated. "Franziska… Miles and I are going to be married one day—I'm sure of it. I hope to see you at the wedding."

"Hmph," Franziska spat. She smiled conceitedly. "I'll think about it. До свидания, Светлана Юревна."

"Before you go, could you please call Detective Gumshoe over here? I'd like to talk to him."

Mere moments after the words left her mouth, Lana realized she should have worded her request more carefully. It was too late by then, though. The whip's crack and Gumshoe's scream left an unpleasant ringing and an even more unpleasant silence in the air.

"Scruffy," Franziska called flatly. "Ms. Svetlana Skye would like to talk to you." Franziska got up from her seat and walked out of the room. Gumshoe hobbled over—the whip had struck him in the thigh—and slumped into the chair.

"Sorry about that," Lana said. "I realized right after asking to speak to you that Franziska would call you over with her whip."

"It's okay, pal," Gumshoe replied, still clearly in pain. "How're you holding up with everything?"

"I'm doing just fine, detective. Have you heard anything from Miles?"

"Yeah… He said he's started to prosecute in England."

"Where in England?"

"London. He said he ran into Ema over there."

"Really? That's great. I'm sure Ema was happy to see him again. It'll also make it easier for me to start dating him again."

Gumshoe blushed slightly, the way he usually did when he had some sort of secret.

"Is there something you're holding back?" Lana asked, knowing the answer.

"Um… S-sorry, pal, I promised Mr. Edgeworth I wouldn't tell. But he said he sent a letter to you."

"I see. I won't press the matter, then."

For a brief moment, neither of them said anything.

"Franziska's not causing any serious trouble, is she?" Lana finally asked. "Just from what Miles has told me, I can tell she's probably caused a few injuries."

"No, nothing serious, pal. Well… Okay, a few people got some cuts or muscle injuries, but nothing really bad."

"What about you?"

"Huh?"

"That blow to your thigh a moment ago didn't look too small. Are you going to be okay?"

"Sure. I've gotten kinda used to it. …It's no secret I'm not the best detective around…"

"Your heart's in the right place, though. I'm sure I'm not the only one who realizes that."

"Thanks… You know, it's good to have you back."

"It's good to be back, Gumshoe. I hated having to keep all that emotion sealed away."

"I can imagine. …Say, um… I wanted to know if you had any advice…"

"About…?"

"Well… uh…" Gumshoe rubbed the back of his head. "See, there's someone on the force that, uh… I… kinda have… a… crush… on. I was wondering what would make a good gift…"

Lana smiled. There was no decisive proof, but almost everyone who knew about Gumshoe agreed on who this mystery crush was. "It would probably be best to try to become friends with her before buying any gifts. You never know what she might like or dislike."

"Uh… but… what if she thinks I'm… uh…"

"Don't worry about it. You're a good person, and if you're referring to who I think you are, then trying to make friends wouldn't seem out of the ordinary."

"Wait… Who do you think I'm talking about?"

"I forget her name, but I'll describe her to you. She's almost exactly five feet tall, has short brown hair, wears glasses, and is a recruit who works under you."

"Maggey… Yeah… That's her…"

"Well, try to become friends with her. You're a nice guy, and there's nothing strange about trying to be on good terms with your subordinates. I'm sure you won't bother her. I'll be cheering on your efforts, and I'm sure Miles will, too."

Gumshoe looked touched. "Thanks, Ms. Skye. I'll be cheering you and Mr. Edgeworth on, too."