"You must be excited to be goin' home, your highness!" All that the guard got in return was silence, just as he had the entire journey. Sir Gumshoe had been used to the treatment, though typically his charge would offer something, anything to the one-sided conversations they had. Today he was completely uninterested. For the past week the prince hadn't uttered a single peep unless necessary. "Your highness, I hope you don't mind me talkin' outta terms but is everything alright? You've been scarily quiet, somethin' on your mind?" He stared with the eyes of a dog, though not quite as pleading. The prince parted his lips to speak, finally breaking his streak almost out of pity for the man but before he could push out a sound the scenery changed. Forests became open farmland and in the distance, a castle came into view clear as day. "Say, is that it? Gotta admit it's way bigger than the van Karma's estate." It was impressive, Sir Gumshoe moved from the side of the carriage trying to get a better look from the window. A massive river separated the castle proper and the mainland; a stone drawbridge joining the town kept the castle from being completely isolated on its side of the river. It wouldn't be long before they'd arrive.

Within an hour Sir Gumshoe had fallen into a light sleep, leaving the man he was supposed to be guarding alone so to speak. He sighed, eyes glued to the castle as they grew closer with pursed lips, crossed arms and clenched hands. A prince no more, in a week's time he'd rise above his station. "Miles Edgeworth, king" Miles scoffed, the phrase felt trite as if any magic or naïvity associated with the rank had been washed away. The means of acquisition had already buried itself in his mind, taking root. Returning 'home' hadn't provided a sense of excitement as the knight suggested. It was all bittersweet, so much had changed and the things that stayed the same were the most unwelcomed. Guards ran about, raising the gate revealing the quaint town inside. As memories began to make themselves known, the prince looked through his window with a blank stare. On occasion, and if his studies had gone well, he would get to explore within the walled settlement accompanied by his friend of course—

His mind drifted, wondering whatever happened to that 'friend' of his, but before too much thought could be put to the question the sound of cheers and cries of joy filled the air. A brief frustration set in, 'Can't have a moment of reflection it seems.' But then he realized what it was. Sir Gumshoe woke with a start moving to the window as Miles joined him, towns folk surrounded the carriage trying to get a glance at the occupants inside. "Your highness, they're cheerin' for us sir!" Or most specifically for Miles. Shouts of 'Welcome home' and 'Long live the prince!' filled the air. He caught a glimpse of the smiling faces, their laughter almost contagious, slack jawed by the reception. Still, he smiled softly, waving to his people as they moved through town and towards the castle. For now he'd ease up, putting aside skepticism to appease his people. That was the mark of a good leader, what he'd become or die trying.

As the carriages approached the gate a small sense of dread began to build in his stomach, he hid it well from his face, a scowl pained or otherwise was still a scowl. He tapped at his arm rhythmically, eyes fixating on the castle's gate, guards moving aside to let them through. They slowed to a stop causing Gumshoe to perk up finally, "Just a second sir!" The door to the carriage opened, sending the lumbering man out first. He fumbled but caught himself on the door, stepping down and to the side allowing his charge to make way. Knights stood in two perfect rows anticipating the prince's arrival, each one saluting with practiced precision. Miles steadied himself, stepping out of the carriage keeping his gaze fixed on the castle. For a moment he thought he saw something from the corner of his eye. His instincts betrayed him, looking to one of the large windows of the castle. Despite whatever it was vanishing before he could get a proper look, it was almost familiar, but he could only make out the color blue. Odd, but not worth fretting over and like a dirty cloth he casted the thought aside.

There would be some time before Miles had to make any formal appearances. For now, he approached the large doors of the castle servants opening them for him, Gumshoe in towe. "This is somethin' your highness! You grew up here?" Something felt wrong. Could his memory be at fault, perhaps the height difference might have changed his perspective? No, no that can't be it. There was something missing but he couldn't tell.

"Miles."

In unison the guards bowed for the regent King von Karma as he walked down the grand stairs. He was a figure of nobility, of power. In the 15 years since taking over their kingdom had boomed in wealth, regaining the foothold over the reign it has lost with the death of their king. Miles knew of it well, his tutors would never fail to point out what he'd rule one day.

The prince bowed in turn, "Your highness. I'm glad to see you in good health."

von Karma's face wrinkled. "A simple cold is nothing, nephew, you'll do well to remember that. You're to be king after all."

The familial acknowledgment only really served to mock Miles, his uncle had no interest in something so frivolous. It made him feel like a child again, haphazardly making his way through etiquette classes. This time there was no book to balance on his head but all the expectations were still there. The heavy hand that came to rest on his shoulder was a surprise. Miles rose his head looking his uncle in the eyes, a visible confusion on his face. "Stop groveling, this is your home boy. Raise your head with the pride of House Edgeworth." He squeezed Miles' shoulder lightly before releasing. That was new, he wasn't sure how to respond to something that felt clearly like affection, he wouldn't get the chance to as Manfred began to leave. He moved past walking toward the large doors with a few guards of his own, gone as soon as he arrived.

"You're leaving your majesty?" Miles asked, of course, there was no reason for Manfred to come and greet his nephew. He was simply passing through. "I have business to attend to. I'll be back in time for your coronation, consider this your first test as king." Manfred responded with a gruff, wasting no more time to socialize as the doors shut behind him. 'Splendid, another test.' Miles choked back a sigh. The absence of his cousin led him to believe it had something to do with that, but there was no need to dwell on it further. He was tired, not the kind that could be solved with sleep.

"That was somethin' huh? Hey, Where ya headed your highness?" Gumshoe called, following behind the prince and stopping at his heels.

"I want to check something. Shouldn't you be attending the hand off?" Gumshoe looked like his soul was about to jump out of his mouth. He quickly saluted scampering off to the other guards presumably to get directions. Miles watched with a blank stare waiting till the area had cleared out before turning on his heels, cape flaring behind him.