—
January 15. 2019.
District Court. Defendant's Lobby Nº2
12:50 AM.
—
— I never expected that. That bellboy? — Masahiro confessed.
— We're not sure. It's just a hunch. Still, it's odd to see such a sudden change in the staff that day. — Phoenix replied.
— It could've been a mere convenience. It may happen. — Masahiro noted.
— That is true, but still, I'd have my doubts. That's why we need to be sure. We know you are innocent, but without finding the culprit, you and your family are still in danger.
— I am aware of that. That said, I can only imagine how we are going to keep my family safe. I managed to keep them away from danger this long, but they finally managed to get an attempt to grasp my family with their claws.
— Fortunately, we managed to bring them to safety with all our efforts.
— Which I cannot thank you enough for putting your efforts into doing so. Thank you, Wright-san for that. I should thank Niijima-san later as well.
— You shouldn't thank me yet; our work is not over. We need to put an end to this.
— You're right. I can't simply fathom just staying still and looking only; however, it seems the battle can't be done only by myself anymore this time. Wright-san, I trust you and Niijima-san to end this. That's your battle now.
Phoenix bowed, with a serious face.
— You can count on me.
— I know that. That said... Let's hope things go well for all of us, otherwise all our efforts will be in vain.
— Nick, we can't screw on this one! Ms. Niijima and Mr. Masahiro are counting on us! — Maya exclaimed.
— I know that.
"Still, the timing fits so perfectly that scares me. Or Masahiro-san was lying to us all the time, or things are far worse than I expected. And considering how things had come..."
Phoenix shivered as he thought further.
"Things're going to get rough. Time to get ready for this."
Phoenix checked the court report one more time before he stood up. Fixing his tie, he walked towards the exit.
— Mr. Masahiro, it's our time to take the lead on this.
— I trust you Wright-san. Please, end this.
Phoenix left the defendant lobby, walking towards the courtroom.
—
District Court. Courtroom Nº1
13:00 AM.
—
The Judge pounded the gavel, and boomed loud and clear:
— The court is now back to session. Prosecutor Niijima, I'd believe the witness is ready to testify, right?
— Considering all of that, I did the best I could to prepare the witness to do so. Although, I can't promise you regarding the witness' trust. — Sae said.
— That's understandable, considering the nature of this particular case. That said, I order to call the next witness.
A moment later, Hector Florence appeared, taking his place at the witness stand. He gave a small cordial smile as he stood proud in his work outfit.
— Please state your name and occupation for the court record. — Sae ordered.
— As you wish, ma'am. My name is Hector Florence, and my actual occupation is being one of the most prestigious members of the staff of the acclaimed hotels of Los Angeles, the Five Stars Marche Hotel. Nice to be your acquaintance.
— Ho! Ho! Ho! Likewise, Mr. Florence! It seems you are very proud of your job!
— I do. My sole goal is to give our clients the best experience in their lives.
— I see. I do hope you can serve me at your job once I get there at the hotel!
— It will be a pleasure, sir.
Sae pounded her heels on the floor, and everyone turned their attention to her.
— Your Honor, I do suggest you stop falling onto flattery and focus on the real matter now.
— Yes. As Prosecutor Niijima had stated, Mr. Florence's here to testify. I don't think we'd have time to waste on small talk. — Phoenix reminded.
— Both of you are right. Mr. Florence, please testify about the events of the day in question.
— As you wish.
Hector adjusted his tie and started his testimony.
— Everything started on the fateful day of the night of January 12, at 8:50 PM, the defendant and the victim, had ordered dinner at the victim's room. At the time, the chef prepared his food. On that, I had diligently waited to fulfill my part at the role and deliver them. I had arrived at the room and Mr. Hanamura was the one who answered. I promptly placed their food and wine and retreated myself from the room. Minutes later, I only heard about the commotion and saw the emergency services running towards their room. That's all I know, and I have to declare on that matter.
The Judge closed his eyes, deep in thought.
— I never imagined how well someone could testify. You did an excellent job, Mr. Florence.
Florence bowed thematically and smiled.
— It is my pleasure to serve you.
— With that, I can give a verdict now, however… A cross-examination is necessary.
Sae tenses as she keeps a stoical face. Phoenix only nods as he looked at how to make his approach.
— Mr. Wright, as I don't see the need, you can proceed with your cross-examination. I'll not take any unnecessary questioning lightly, thus rendering a penalty.
Phoenix sighed and he heard Sae doing the same thing.
"It seems we have a real problem now."
Sae glanced at him, who simply gave a slight nod.
"Brunt force wouldn't do the trick. Time to be subtly and cleverly find a way to overcome this."
— Please, repeat your testimony.
— As you wish, Mr. Wright.
Florence took a quick breath as he fixed his hair.
— Everything started on the fateful day of the night of January 12, at 8:50 PM, the defendant and the victim, had ordered dinner at the victim's room.
— Hold it! If I recall correctly, you were the one to address both Mr. Hanamura e Mr. Mashiro that day.
— Correct. Now… You are going to claim that's odd, right?
Phoenix knew Florence had raised his walls and he felt the Judge ready to strike. Shook his head in denial, Phoenix just knew what to do.
— No. Last-minute changes to the staff might occur. I'd rather surprised at that matter, since… Mr. Condoll was the one who usually is assigned to serves them in their room. No room for exceptions.
Florence nodded in agreement.
— Yes. But I'm afraid he couldn't go at that time. That day in question there was a high demand, and Mr. Condoll was assigned to many rooms that day. That's not surprising, since he's one of the main staff and the veteran of all of us.
— So... You're new on the staff?
Florence laughed, a small polite laugh with a slight touch of amusement.
— Yes, I joined the staff a year ago. Perhaps I should've told you that sooner, Mr. Wright.
— Never asked to begin with. And you seemed very habituated with someone who was working only for a year... — Phoenix noted and Florence nods in agreement.
— That is correct, however, in such a high demand competitive business as hotel industry and in an incredibly famous and influent hotel as the Marche, you simply cannot, in simple terms, "slack off". Your job is to be always ready to attend and serve at any time. No time to rest and no time to waste.
— An earnest diligent man indeed. You should learn a thing or two with him, Mr. Wright...
— What?! — Phoenix exclaimed indignantly.
— Perhaps you need to demonstrate your efforts more, Mr. Attorney. — Hector pointed with a polite amused smile.
Sae hit her bench with her closed fist as she stared furious at the Judge.
— Or perhaps the Judge should do an eyesight examination to start to see things properly. — Sae retorted.
The Judge gasped in shock, and he banged his gavel in irritation.
— Prosecutor Niijima! I do not accept such comments in my courtroom!
— And I do not and would NEVER accept such childish behavior towards the defense! — Sae retorted. — If you have any type of grudge toward Mr. Wright, please apologize, then continue to retreat yourself from your position at this trial. You simply cannot take a side and badger the other as you always do, and you always badger the defense. Especially Mr. Wright.
— You can't simply do that! — The Judge complained.
— I do have evidence, the files of the previous trials are proof enough your behavior, which is I might add inadmissible for the proceeding and for the other members of this court, since you should keep order and make the trial to proceed without any inconveniences. Independent from the fair outcomes, you can't behave like that.
— Ms. Nii—
— Or should I open a formal accusation against you and your actions at the Board of Inquires. Let's see if they'll go by with all I've gathered so far. — Sae interrupted as she gave a deadly glance.
The Judge gulped and Godot laughed.
— Guess the tigress over there are ready to hunt you down and chop your limps off gramps!
— Prosecutor Godot! Aren't you going to do something about it?! — The Judge pleaded desperately.
— No. Trite already on my neck and if I provoke more, she'll eat me alive as well. Pass.
"Now Sae's a tigress?" Phoenix thought in dismay. Florence laughed in amusement as he looked at the legal representatives.
— When the staff told me the courtroom can be vivid, I would not imagine it'll be like that! — Florence boasted as he gave a polite laugh.
"You don't know half of it..." Phoenix commented to himself.
The Judge tried to give Sae a threatening glance; but he stopped when he saw Phoenix had noticed him and gave the same stare he gave to Godot.
— *gulp* If that's all... Please, Mr. Florence, go ahead with your testimony.
— Very well. I am at your service, sir. At the time, the chef prepared his food; On that, I had diligently waited to fulfill my part at the role and deliver them.
— Hold it! — Phoenix shouted. — Mr. Florence, if I recall correctly, the victim had ordered special ravioli and a premium wine. Also, they asked for tiramisu, one of the specialties desserts of our restaurant, is that correct?
— Yes, that is correct. Honestly, I was well, in simple terms: "baffled"; with the victim choice.
— Why, may I ask?
— The prestigious Marche Hotel's specialization is the Italian cuisine. Imagine my genuine shock to see a typical Japanese food being served, and a dessert, nonetheless. If my opinion, the tiramisu was an excellent choice, they should have ordered that every time instead of the plain and not that delicious dangos they usually ask. If you ask me, that was a waste of money.
Sae glared daggers at Florence and for a moment she could swear he gave a sharp smile before a polite smile formed on his face. Sae remained stoical as she focused back on the trial. The audience and most of the presents hadn't noticed it, but Phoenix had, and he knew something was off.
— In my earnest opinion, we shouldn't criticize anyone's tastes and opinion expect when that affects others. But back to the original topic: Does they order the same thing, or they choose something different every time?
Florence pondered as he checked his notepad, he fished from his breast pocket, searching for something. Once he found the page, he was looking for he simply started to read aloud:
— "Order of room 782: A special ravioli, made by our main chef of the day for dinner. A bottle of Boccadigabbia Akronte Cabernet Sauvignon, a premium wine from the province of Marche, drink of choice for dinner. Dessert: tiramisu. Dangos were suggested as second choice if tiramisu was unavailable."
Putting his notepad back, he smiled as he took off his glasses and started to clean them.
— Well... I could lie and say yes, but that isn't exactly true. They already ordered something different, and if they ordered the same thing, I'm afraid that most unlikely impossible. Our police of offering the best service forces us to innovate, thus the menu changes from time to time.
"Makes sense, however something's off..."
— If I may, I believe you said this: "Marche Hotel's specialization is the Italian cuisine." How can a hotel with such tradition serve dangos to their clients? That's Japanese food.
The audience commented on that, and Phoenix watched the scene calmly.
— Objection! — Sae shouted as she hit the bench with her fist. — Perhaps you can't have an idea about that matter, but the explanation for that is quite simple: the Marche Hotel went into a new approach to expanding the business and gathering new clients. Now I will present their latest marketing.
At the screen, it was displayed the image of a round nice middle-aged man walking over the globe as he smelling a scent coming from several restaurants. On that, photos of a team of chefs were shown. The advertising image said in capital letters: "NOW WE TRAVEL THE WORLD TO BRING THE BEST OF EACH COUNTRY TO OUR CUISINE! SPECIAL GUESTS CHEFS WILL BE WITH US EVERY MONTH! ENJOY YOUR STAY SAVORING THE BEST OF THE WORLD AT THE CONFORT OF YOUR ROOM!"
— The Marche Hotel decided to call different chefs from several countries to a collaboration work to expand their business at another countries. Mosty of them are renowned chefs with grand achievements, others are chefs in ascension, to try and show their talents. The guest chefs spend a month here teaching new recipes and offer variation at the service.
— Correct! And that gave us a major advantage against our colleague and rival the Gatewater Hotel! Imagine this, they were simply a business hotel and now with their sudden ascension they have become a far formidable opponent. What a sudden change of pace doesn't do.
— And thanks for that, ordering dangos wasn't out of the realm of possibility. — Sae concluded.
— And with that I rest my case. The Marche Hotel, with its tradition will rule over! — Florence proclaimed.
— I-I see...
— It seems rivalry is a good thing in a sense. — The Judge said aloud.
— And it is. I've heard it was because of you, Mr. Wright, the Gatewater Hotel is what it is. I must thank you for that. Without you indicting that nasty woman, we'll be without a rival, and we wouldn't evolve to the way we are now.
— It seems so... — Phoenix said, sweating nervously.
— It seems you have a knack to cause trouble, Mr. Wright. — The Judge commented.
— And it seems the Judge has a knack of attack meaninglessly the defense in question. — Sae retorted.
— MS. NIIJI—
— Don't you dare to scold me! — Sae ordered. — You have only one job, and it's to give the proper verdict and intervene at any disruption, not give the Guilty Verdict at any little threat the prosecution in charge gives. And you HAVE and it's your OBLIGATION to respect BOTH defense and prosecution. If you can't keep the order, then quit and let someone truly capable of doing your work.
The audience starts to comment about the Judge behavior and Phoenix frowned, trying to stay calm. He silently breathed, focusing on the trial instead of the Judge barbs. Godot smirk widened as he watched the scene.
— And besides, if I recall correctly, you were keeping your attention at any female witness with ample blossom or a large cleavage, instead of paying attention on the proceedings. Try to test my patience and I'll take extreme measures at any further slander at the defense.
The Judge grunted in dismay but focused back on the trial.
— Let's go back to proceedings...
— Hold it! Before the witness resumes his testimony, I want to ask one more question. — Phoenix said.
— Very well, Mr. Wright: Ask at your heart's content.
Phoenix thought carefully, trying to elaborate his question.
— Mr. Florence... Was the scheduled staff on the day the same?
— What do you mean by that question?
— I'd admit I don't have deep knowledge at hotel management, but a hotel like Marche Hotel is not your average local one, it's an international chain of hotel which carries the pride of its Italian origins. With that in mind, your staff must always be prepared for any inconveniences, like the last-minute switch between you and Mr. Condoll. — Phoenix pondered.
— Your point is?
— I am asking if there were any other sudden changes with the staff in the day in question.
— A valid point. May I ask if there were also any changes in the shift of the entire staff that day? — Sae asked.
Florence checked his notepad again.
— Let's see... "Any extraordinary notifications: None." End of line.
— Not a single one? — Phoenix inquired.
Florence buffed in annoyance as he checked his notes again.
— "Any further observations: Due to the high demand of today, I will cover the shift duty of Mr. Condoll tonight. All the essential information will and should be delivered by him." End of line.
Phoenix closed his eyes, processing the information.
— I see. I want to confirm that one more time: Aside from your sudden change in the shift, there weren't any other changes to the staff schedule. Or at the staff at all?
— That's precisely correct. Is that all?
— Yes. Your Honor, the defense sees this testimony important, so I ask to be added to the testimony.
— And the prosecution supports the defense claim. — Sae added.
— Very well. Mr. Florence, please add this information and proceed.
— As you wish. Due to the high demand, we had on the day I was asked to cover Mr. Condoll shift at serving Mr. Masahiro and Mr. Hanamura. I had arrived at the room and Mr. Hanamura was the one who answered.
— Hold it! — Phoenix shouted. — Regarding that, did you see Mr. Masahiro in the room?
— Well, I have seen only a glimpse, but sooner I saw him with Mr. Hanamura when they went to the victim room. I was attending to someone in the hall.
— In other words, didn't see him in his room...
— Thinking that wasn't Mr. Masahiro perhaps? — Florence teased.
Phoenix shook his head in negation.
— Not a possibility. It was him. And it's not someone impersonating him either, or we would find that discrepancy sooner at investigation. — Phoenix replied.
— Oh. I thought you would go down that line...
— Not in this case is a ridiculous elaborate plan of sorts. Mr. Wright has a conscience of this. — Sae replied.
— And saying it was a plan of Mr. Masahiro all along sounds logical, doesn't it? — Florence replied.
— With all the evidence we have until now, that might be the case at the realm of possibility, however, that doesn't automatic means this case is clear cut. — The beauty prosecutor rebutted.
— Which is very odd from you. Prosecutors usually seek to win. You were like that few years ago, isn't that, right?
The audience commented nervously as Sae frowned in distress. Phoenix's expression changed to an angry face as he pounded his bench.
— That's not the matter here, Mr. Florence. The matter is to determine the facts that succeeded and whether Mr. Masahiro is truly innocent or not.
Florence laughed politely, but Phoenix could see that veiled disdain behind all the politely.
— My deepest apologies, but I cannot fathom that argument of yours. I mean, you have an excellent track record of victories under your belt. No wonder you say this, as long as you win, no matter if you have to bluff at that.
Maya noticed a vein jumping at Phoenix forehead, but as quickly his anger showed, it was dissipated, taking another deep breath.
— That's not accurate. All I did was to do my job. As a defense attorney, my job is to defend my client. However, being a private lawyer, I can choose my clients. And I haven't won all my cases.
— Of course. Although the client in question coerced you, or so you say. He kidnaped your beloved pretty assistant, right?
— That's was an exceptional question. And as you pointed out, my assistant was kidnaped at the time. Getting an acquittal was the terms for the release.
— So as long as it's convenient, it's okay to break the law, huh? Guess you are the worst kind of person, Mr. Wright. Acting like a saint, all virtues and everything, but a huge hypocrite in the end. That's a major disappointment coming from your person. Of all the people, I expected more from you.
— I do agree. You have been a bad example for a while, Mr. Wright... — The Judge said.
— Can you stop attacking the defense!? — Sae yelled furiously as she hit her bench with more force, making a creaking sound.
The audience commented nervously as they watched Sae rection.
— You dare to attack the defense, even using the witness to do that indirectly! That's not only low, but it's also downright petty to recur to this tactic. And the worst of that is that's our Modus Operandi of yours. You always fall to the flattery of the prosecutor in charge, or the witness in questioning. That's not only pathetic and disappointing, but it also ruins and creates bad reputations for others fellow colleague judges who's can be at mercy of people without any scruples to twist the facts for their self-gain.
The entire public commented on that matter Sae has brought, commenting about the Judge's actings. The Judge pounded his gavel furiously, silencing everyone.
— MS. NIIJIMA! I WILL NOT TOLERATE SUCH ATTITUDE TOWARDS MY PERSON. YOU MAY BE AT THE LEAD OF THIS TRIAL FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR COUNTRY, BUT YOU WILL FOLLOW THE PROCEEDINGS OF THIS COURTHOUSE AND OF OUR LAWS! I WILL GIVE YOU A SEVERE PENALITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS!
— Then do it. I don't care at all.
Sae stood proud, ready to accept the punishment.
— Now, Ms. Niijima—
— OBJECTION!
Phoenix smashed with his right hand the bench and stared at the Judge with fury, making the old man shiver in fear.
— Nick...? — Maya called, worriedly.
— Mr. Wright...?
— Listen here: I'm tired of all this! Prosecutor Niijima has done nothing wrong over this entire trial. She stood on follow the entire proceedings and even further, demanded the ones at fault to answer for their mishaps and she's willing to admit when she's at fault and to accept punishment for her wrongdoings. That said, you're the one who should receive a penalty, since you were just allowing a prosecutor not signed for this case to intervene at the proceedings, also the prosecutor assigned for this case you were about to give a penalty was the one who did your job, and for once I don't have to do the entire job of you, the prosecution and mine for the time being.
— Hey!
— I'm not done. You've tirelessly attacked my person so far over these two years when I've done nothing wrong, and to make things worse, you've been overlooking illegal tactics from previous prosecutors on the cases I was the defense. Or do you think I forgot you let Mr. Edgeworth submit an updated autopsy report at the last minute, or when Ms. Von Karma "not submitted" an illegal photo of me talking with my client? Of course, some of my actions, despite not crossing the legal line, weren't moral but considering the particular situations at the time of each one, they were acceptable. You on the other hand always have sides with one side and allowed so much absurd so far, creating several precedents that affect our actual proceedings.
— If that's the case, then I demand proof of it.
— There's no need to look further at previous cases. There's a recent incident that happened and still flesh in that matter. The interference of Mr. Godot in the proceedings shows this. You should've stopped his actings at first and given him a fair warning for disturbing the proceedings. Instead, as always, you allowed such a thing and did even worse. This wasn't for the rightful position of Ms. Niijima to stand up for herself and for the sake of these proceedings, we'd spend more time dealing with an annoyance than to have any real progress. Thanks to your lack of action, this case might have crumbled faster than your loss of attention to the entire proceedings.
The Judge gasped in shock and banged his gavel furiously.
— Mr. Wright! I demand an apology! Now!
— No.
— Then—
— Then what? You'll penalize me? Sure, go ahead. But remember though: Once you do that, I'll not relent until the bitter end to put an end to this. You might give the proper punishment for all those years. Your behavior here, like ours, will reflect on how people see us and how our fellow colleagues will act in the future. If you want to proceed, please go ahead. Different from you, your Honor, I know well what I've done, but considering the circumstances surrounding my cases so far, that was a matter of how you conveniently bent to the others' will in most of your cases. I'm sure the Board will like that though.
The audience commented nervously as Phoenix gave a deadly stare. Sae and Maya looked shocked at him, but Sae gave a slight smile as Maya simply became thoughtful about the recent developments.
— There's no need for that, Mr. Wright… — The Judge grumbled as he simply gestured to Florence to continue his testimony.
— Guess, I can—
— Hold it.
Phoenix shifted his gaze to Florence who gave an odd smirk in response.
— For your information, Mr. Florence, we haven't ended that yet and you did a good job at distracting everyone…
— Unfortunately for you, tricks distorting facts are not uncommon in this courthouse, but unlike my fellow colleagues, I'll not that this slide that easy. No, we won't allow you to slide that easily. Now you'd better give a proper testimony and proper answers without relying on cheap flattery, or I'll request the Judge to arrest you for contempt of court and for obstruction of the proceedings. — Sae warned.
— You can't be serious, right?
— I'm far from joking. Or do you respect the proceedings, or you'll face the consequences. And it would be better not to appeal to the Judge for leniency. I'll not grant any for you. And if he tries… He better pray to deal with the defense instead…
Florence flinched nervously as the Judge gulped in fear.
— Mr. Wright, don't you think the prosecutor is drifting into her behavior, being more centered into herself benefit…?
— Manfred von Karma tazed me and made this Judge like his, my sincere apologies for my rude hick simplest choice of words and speech, "his bitch". But that is not that uncommon thing I'm afraid. Mostly of people in the legal world has given the infamous title of "Prosecution's bitch". Which I'm afraid I've to agree. — Phoenix replied.
— Mr. Wright!
— He's had a point pops. Never heard of someone being so submissive to the wishes of any prosecutor that has set foot in your courtroom. That title is not that far from the truth. — Godot mentioned.
— No wonder people on the defense and prosecution do their job aside from their own. He always lacks the firm pulse to put a stop to such actions. A shame really to have such behavior… — Sae said annoyed.
— More like the defense must do the job. — Phoenix added.
— Mr. Godot… — The Judge pleaded.
— Sorry beard and fancy butler, but like both defense and prosecution have said, I'm not the assigned prosecutor for this case. And besides, watching now is far funnier than trying to interfere now.
Florence gritted his teeth and looked at the audience and he noticed someone.
— Perhaps someone in the audience can help me out. Mr. Edgeworth…
Everyone's attention turned to Edgeworth who was with his arms crossed, tapping his finger on his arm in annoyance.
— The same applies to me, Mr. Florence. That's not something in my reach. However, despite my antics I court, I'd agree with prosecution and especially with the defense. Mostly because the prosecutors don't need to do much with this Judge presiding, only the defense. Perhaps a wage deduction on your payment, your Honor, might help you on that…
Florence flinched and the Judge started to sweat nervously. Gumshoe sighed.
— Another victim… — Maya mumbled.
Phoenix looked at Miles's side and noticed a particular woman on his side. Long wavy platinum hair, intense yellow amber eyes, medium red tainted lips and a velvet blue dress. She was looking at him with a certain amusement, curiously watching the trial.
"Miles nowadays are full of surprises… So that's Margaret, huh?"
— Mr. Edgeworth — The Judge said with a whinny tone.
— Honestly, I'd agree. Mr. Wright isn't the joke. You are your Honor, and it seems you are also the entire circus in the process.
Margaret put a hand over her mouth to giggle and Edgeworth looked at her with an amused smile.
— Now, if the witness has stopped wasting the entire people's time in this courtroom, you can answer the defense question.
Phoenix snapped his focus back on the trial and he took a deep breath.
— Mr. Florence… May I ask… Have you noticed anything wrong in the room at that time? Anything?
Florence fished his notepad once again and checked it.
— "Nothing unusual. End of line". Nothing unusual was seen at that time. No margin to explore any other possibilities.
"He's sure… But that itself alone doesn't grant a reason to explore further with the other parts of the testimony…"
— I understand… Let's continue...
— I promptly placed their food and wine and retreated myself from the room.
— Hold it! Let's summarize all the facts so far: Both Mr. Masahiro and Mr. Hanamura ordered dinner and wine, and since your colleague, Arthur Condoll, was occupied due to the unusually high demand on that day, you were the one assigned to that task. Then you brought their order and left the room.
— That is correct, Mr. Wright.
— So, you delivered their food and left the room? That is?
— That is correct. Something wrong with it?
"I think that's the first opening. But the point is not to show it, but how to create the path to explore it further… Now that I think about it… Now I understand why that evidence was so overlooked. It wasn't for them that relevant at all…"
— Mr. Florence. I honestly find unconceivable the fact that wine was not untouched all that way.
Florence gave a loud, vivid laugh.
— Mr. Wright. I can affirm with absolute certainty that wine was untouched at the time.
Phoenix smirked as Sae got his line of thought.
— If that was the case, it would be impossible to have peanut powder in the wine.
Florence gave another vivid polite laugh.
— Mr. Wright… You know it well your client might have found a way to add peanut powder at the time… After all it was the glass of wine that peanut powder, correct?
Phoenix shook his head.
— Unfortunately, that's not the case. The powder was mixed with the wine before the bottle was opened. But that's impossible, seeing that a highly esteemed wine brand from a famous vinegar would never let such mishap pass by during production.
— Moreover, only the staff can manipulate the wine. Although I need to concede that Mr. Wright has a point there. Unless you can say Mr. Masahiro added the peanut powder in a moment of distraction from Mr. Hanamura.
— That is mostly the probable scenario.
— Objection! — Sae shouted. — But unfortunately for you, Mr. Florence, which can't be possible. Both were talking at that time, during dinner no less. And during that time Mr. Hanamura has gotten distracted by something. By far, that is not a possibility.
— Perhaps the peanut powder was over the food. That's another plausible scenario.
— Objection! — Phoenix shouted. — Mr. Florence, you know that's not possible as well. The powder traces were found mixed with the wine. If it was in the food, the taste of the dishes might be affected by that. In other words, that's also not viable.
Florence grunted.
— Then I presume the defense has a counterargument to that fact. Otherwise, the defendant is the one who did it.
Phoenix smirked.
"Perhaps he wasn't expecting that…"
— Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to present something to the court.
Phoenix presented the wine bottle and Sae smiled. Florence laughed in amusement.
— Is the defense already bluffing? Not surprising though seeing the unrefined man leading it…
— You really lack the finesse, Mr. Wright… Ms. Niijima your opinion.
Sae fixed a lock on her hair and gave a sharp smirk.
"He couldn't foil her and he's about to find out the consequences of that."
— Perhaps the lack of finesse is from the beard man sitting at the judge bench and this wannabe simpleton acting like a butler.
— You are correct, Ms. Niijima… Wait, WHAT!?
Margaret laughed and Miles snickered.
— That proves her point… — Miles commented.
— She just nailed him down. — She commented.
— Mr. Edgeworth! Ms. …?
— Margaret.
— That's—
— Unacceptable? Then what about Mr. Godot? It seems they have the same right to make a mess at the proceedings, since Mr. Godot has done the same, correct? — Sae asked.
Godot spilled his coffee and started to laugh.
— That's what I call sheer irony. — Phoenix commented with a sharp smirk plastered on his face. The Judge groaned in defeat.
— Excuse me!? A wannabe simpleton!? — Florence growled as he clenched his notepad and twisted it.
— Yes. As you may know, there are ways to tamper with the wine seal. Such methods aren't easy, but only people with knowledge and practice can tamper with such fine products. As Mr. Wright has pointed out with the evidence. — Sae replied.
Florence started to sweat nervously as Phoenix showed the bottle.
— As we both defense and prosecution have stated before, we let a detail pass by, but that was not the only one. Now, I want the court to pay attention to the neck of the bottle.
Showing the neck, Phoenix gave a zoom at a certain point.
— Seeing here… We can determine the seal has been taken off. Not by normal means.
— By using heat, no less let the seal loose. Usually, that method affects the wine taste, by killing the part of the microorganisms that makes the yeast in the wine, giving its flavor.
— Also, that affects the wine quality by tampering the conservation. That process is exceedingly difficult due the fact… the seal needs to be placed back afterwards. Also, the cork stopper can be removed without using a corkscrew. Fairly easy, just need a paperclip… and…
Phoenix took the cork stopper and showed its sides; marks of the paperclip legs could be seen at the cork stopper sides.
— And there you have it. A way to tamper with wine. That's more than a possibility, isn't it, Mr. Florence?
The audience became interested, commenting about that new finding. The Judge pounded his gavel with force, silencing everyone.
— It seems the defense has proven his point.
— Hold it a moment! — Florence shouted outraged. — You're made this up! I know that!
— What's wrong? Think you are the one who knows that? — Phoenix provoked.
— You… Simpleton wannabe lawyer…! You think that explains everything?!
— No. That just begins.
Florence was taken aback with Phoenix answer.
— I do admit, I had overlooked that, but… The police overlook the bottle, and it contends in the first place.
— !
— Also… According to the first analysis asked by both me and the prosecution, the bottle contents already had peanut powder. And seeing only the staff can have access to the cellar, that limits the number of individuals who tamper with the wine.
— Not to mention… If Mr. Masahiro had indeed poisoned the wine after opened or the food, that alone will be found in the autopsy report. The problem is… The autopsy was tampered with as well since Mr. Honda threatened to cause an international rupture with the States. — Sae added.
Florence started to sweat.
— And let's say that's the case, the defendant, Mr. Masahiro, did that, this also creates another problem. One that can be made by one single question: If was Mr. Masahiro doing, how that bottle was tampered to begin with? As far as we know that bottle was ordered by Mr. Masahiro himself. He didn't bring a bottle from another place. Also, tampering before dinner will be out of the question as well. Mr. Masahiro was in a meeting with another ambassador and the ambassador of United States at that time.
Florence flicked his tongue in disdain.
— I thought it was the prosecution job to find the defendant guilty…
— And I thought it was the witness's duty to testify truthfully. Perhaps you may forget… The prosecution also has the duty to concede the defendant's guilt if the evidence and doesn't sustain the claims during the proceedings. Also, the prosecution can evaluate for new suspects that might be connected to the case… And seeing Mr. Condoll, the only one assigned to attend Mr. Hanamura and Mr. Masahiro at the time was busy, the suspicion falls on you.
Florence gulped and Sae gave a smirk Phoenix well know.
— Perhaps you have a proper explanation for that unusual situation, Mr. Florence. Otherwise, both prosecution and defense will officially charge you with first degree homicide.
The audience mumbled nervously as the Judge tensed.
— Ms. Niijima… I believe—
— You believe is the defense job to bring up suspects? Perhaps you grew badly inhabited with the habit of just delivering guilty verdicts over the years just being flattered by the prosecutors. Especially by the gentleman sitting with the miss on the audience.
Edgeworth jumped in shock as Margaret giggled.
— Seems you are having your fun… — Edgeworth commented grumbling and Margaret giggled louder.
— Perhaps, you grew also badly habituated, Mr. Edgeworth. Perhaps a change of perspective might aid you in that regard.
Miles blushed and Margaret turned her face away, using her hand to cover her mouth and hide a laugh.
"That was unexpected. She made him blush… At least she's not like Dahlia at all."
— Now… back to business. Mr. Florence, as I pointed out: the tampering of the wine by Mr. Masahiro or any attempts at food poisoning from his part is impossible to happen, no matter how you can claim it. Unless you have an explanation for that.
Florence gulped and he simply took a handkerchief from his breast pocket and started to wipe away the sweat from his forehead.
— Yes… I believe I can give some insight into this… misconception towards my person.
— Mr. Florence, if you please…
Florence cleared his throat and smiled, starting his testimony.
— As I stated before, minutes later after I left room 782, I heard about the commotion and saw the emergency running towards their room. That's all I know at the time in that regard, and I can declare on that matter of the defendant. However, the same can't be said regarding Mr. Masahiro. A very uncanny individual I must say. Always the nervous sly type, so suspicious, I couldn't help suspecting him. Once I saw him talking with Mr. Condoll. They were tense at the time and honestly, not the most sympathetic people at that moment. They were so suspicious; I couldn't help suspecting them. If you want to pinpoint the real culprit? I can assure you it's the defendant, and Mr. Condoll is his accomplice. Just look for it. I'm sure there is evidence proving my regard.
The Judge closed his eyes and Phoenix glared at Edgeworth, then to Sae. The platinum haired woman just nodded before closing her eyes in thought.
— That wasn't the testimony I had visualized… — The Judge admitted.
Florence laughed.
— Perhaps that something unexpected, your Honor. After all, …Most of the ridiculous testimonies are from culprits, and I'm certainly not a criminal. Mr. Wright is highly delusional to believe I do have any involvement into this…
— Seems like it. He always had a taste for the ridiculousness… And it seems the prosecution is following him as well.
Maya felt outraged.
"He dared to insult that far just because the prosecution hasn't attacking Phoenix?"
— It's truly pitiful for the Judge being so petty just for me not following his desires. — Sae retorted.
— And besides… You're always so lenient to let the witness rule over as well, to the point the one who has the taste for ridiculousness is you. — Phoenix pointed out.
"That is. This case is stressing the shit outta Nick. I've never seen him so exhausted!" Maya thought.
Florence laugh interrupted the argument.
— If that's the case, why the forensics haven't found anything regarding Mr. Condoll? Unless they forgot to search for it.
The audience commented nervously with Florence claim and the Judge silenced everyone with his gavel.
— It seems there is no reason to doubt Mr. Florence claim, although with the new revelations we can't simply overlook it.
Sae flinched and Phoenix gapped in shock.
— Your Honor, wait! We simply can't believe his claim!
— Still, he brought to light a possibility, backed up by both prosecution and defense no less.
Phoenix grunted and Sae pounded the bench with her fist.
— Still, Mr. Condoll simply cannot be looked at as a suspect, otherwise we will need to revise the earlier meeting between Mr. Masahiro and Mr. Hanamura, and we're already on the 3rd day. Far from possible.
— Still, that's still a possibility. We can't overlook it.
Sae sighed in frustration and the Judge pounded his gavel.
— I'll demand the forensics and the lead detective to search over Mr. Condoll house and restroom at the Marche Hotel. Since Ms. Niijima has lifted a valid point, we'll run until closing time. I'll will declare two hours recess for the police to search over Mr. Condoll place an also revise the crime scene. At that time, I expect both the defense and prosecution to revise your perspectives towards this case. Now I declare court is in recess until the session reconvenes once again.
And the Judge pounded his gavel.