Chapter 5 - A Proud Father
The door of the Edgeworth law office was opened and Gregory turned around to confirm who he thought had entered his workplace.
'Good afternoon, Raymond. I hope your dentist appointment went well.'
'Hello, Mr. Edgeworth. Yes, it was just a biannual check-up. You are busy I see,' Raymond Shield replied and stood next to his boss. Gregory sat at his desk, surrounded by files.
'Ah, yes, I just had a client coming by this morning and it is quite an extraordinary case.'
Raymond had only been working for Gregory Edgeworth for two months but already felt comfortable at the office. It was likely owing to the kind personality of the other lawyer. Furthermore, Gregory was known to be one of the best in his profession and it was an honor for Raymond when he got the opportunity to work under him. As far as he knew, he was the only protégé that Gregory had ever accepted. This likely had to do with the fact that Gregory had a son, and he wanted to give the boy the attention and time he needed.
Raymond laughed when he thought back to the first meeting between him and little Miles...
Miles had just come home from school, and had put his leather bag with books under the peg.
'Father, father! I was a defense lawyer today!' He squealed, finding his way into his father's study. There he stood still in the doorway as he saw this young man sitting opposite of his father.
'Welcome back, my son. There is someone I would like to introduce you to.'
Slowly, the nine-year-old Miles came towards the man.
'This is Raymond Shields. He will come to work at the office.'
'What a shy boy, hello there,' Raymond said and smiled at the boy.
He stuck out his hand. Miles carefully grabbed it and they shook hands. 'I-I am Miles Edgeworth.'
'Well, hello Miles. Nice to meet you. You can call me Ray.'
Gregory stood up and walked towards his son. He put a hand on Miles' head.
'So, tell me son. You came in running telling that you were a defense lawyer today. What happened at school?'
Miles was still shy, switching his look between his father and Raymond.
'Euhm..., t-there was this boy in my class... and everyone thought he stole my lunch money yesterday.'
'Ah yes, well, there is not much we can do about that. Just be careful next time. But what about that boy?'
'Well... he did not steal my money and everyone accused him just because he was absent during PE.'
'And then, Miles?'
'Ms. Hopkins said Phoenix had to apologize, but he cried saying he did not do it. So... I-I.. raised an objection and said that there was no evidence that proved that he actually stole it. There was this other boy, Larry, who supported us as well.'
His father looked at him, first surprised but then a wide smile appeared on his face, again running a hand through his son's hair.
'Haha, Miles, that is wonderful to hear. You have stood up for him.'
'He is just like you, Mr. Edgeworth,' Raymond commented and could not help to grin at the boy. Gregory looked at his new hired pupil and smiled. He saw Miles smiling as well. Miles saw it as a compliment, he wanted to be like his father. It was his dream to be a defense attorney, just like his father was one.
'That is quite a story, my boy. This Phoenix must be very happy that you helped him, wasn't he?'
'Y-yes, he thanked me by giving some cookies. He asked Larry and me to come play at his home tomorrow.'
'Well, of course you should play together with them. I think you have made some friends, Miles.' Miles blushed. 'Well done, my boy.' Gregory looked proudly at his son. He was always worried about the fact that Miles did not socialize much with other children of his age.
'Why don't you make some tea for yourself? Then Raymond and I will finish and we can drink together. Would you also like some tea, Raymond?'
'Haha, yes, I would love to have some delicious tea made by your lawyer son.' Raymond saw Miles' shining eyes when said that.
'T-then I will make three cups.'
'Thank you, my boy,' Gregory said to his son and followed Miles with his eyes until he vanished from the room.
He smiled. One proud father he was.