Life's a Pay to Win Game

by swordmaster888

Eminence in Shadow and Mobuseka Crossover. I read some fanfics that had self inserts take over, and some stuff that was like Light vs Shadow. So I since I made the connection of Luxion Light and am not that fond of how the self inserts kinda make the original protagonist needless, here we are. I'm pulling from as many sources these stories have as I can

44. Chapter 41

A/N: Cid and Violet have a new double unit in Master of Garden (which I managed to get) and their win screen basically looks like what I imagined Aurora trailing around Cid would look like (her clinging onto him and him not really caring or looking like a grumpy cat), so my luck strikes again.

More importantly I think I can fit the entirety of the trial in this chapter, not sure, but hopefully. I should point out that most of what I know about Sherlock, or rather Herlock, comes from the Ace Attorney games and The Great Mouse Detective… and F/GO but we barely delve into his history as Sherlock there.

Same for Arsene, I know more about him due to Persona 5 than his actual origin. I do technically have an Arsene lined up for this chapter, but you'll never guess who… well honestly you'd be able to guess pretty early into the chapter.

Oh, and I'm on book 10 of the light novels for Mobuseka now. I know where I can crossover everything from EiS now. So I'm not worried about Oriana or the Earth arcs anymore. I think the Jack the Ripper stuff fits well with Volume 9 of Mobuseka too given the murders that Leon was investigating. Honestly though, the thing that worries me the most is what if I go through all of Mobuseka's stuff but EiS ends up having the same number of volumes? Mobuseka ended at 13 and I think that EiS is still on either 6 or 7 with no indicator of when the series might end. I'll probably have to end things with Mobuseka's stuff, because at a certain point it'd just be pure EiS stuff, which kinda negates the need for a crossover… Though I kinda feel like maybe stopping for a while after the earth arc. Got other stuff I want to write too after all.

Oh and for the record, Angelica and Olivia's outfits (at least in my fic) as the twin Saintess's should resemble Rhea for Angelica (Just the white dress part) and Byleth for Olivia (Her DLC sothis outfit specifically) from Fire Emblem Three Houses. There is of course the canonical Saitess outfit, but the thing is that We see Olivia wear it once in Leon's flashback of the game, and I think Marie's version of the outfit is a lot different considering their differences in height… and other things.

Though I'll have an in-universe explanation in the fic… at some point. Probably not this chapter.

Side note, someone mentioned adding music to the chapter to fit the Ace Attorney vibe. I'll recommend stuff but it isn't necessary.

Leon Fou [now Rapha] Barfort: Renowned adventurer and current crown prince. / previously: Hiro (pre:isekai)—Lea of Bart's Fort (The true founder of Holfort and lover to the Saintess Ann and Mary)—JOU_MOU_ (someone who used to work in Luxion's facility.)

Angelica Rapha Redgrave: Daughter of Duke Redgrave and ex-fiancé to Julius/ Previously: Ann of Bart's Fort (aka Saintess Ann and lover of Lea of Bart's fort). / Also goes by Angie to close friends and loved ones.

Olivia: Commoner from the Kagenou Barony. / previously: Mary lover and companion to Ann and Lea. When they had returned from their adventures in ancient Midgar, all three had been attacked by the founding heirs as they all wanted Ann. To save Lea and Ann from such a fate, she teleported them away, and swapped bodies with Ann. / Is also known as Livia by her close friends and loved ones.

Cid Kagenou: fiancé to several famous elves but just a regular mob you'd find anywhere / previously: Minoru Kagenou boy from Earth that would be transported to the ancient times of the current before dying at the hands of his friends due to becoming demonically possessed out of grief. / Also dons the secret identity of "Lord Shadow." Leader and founder of The Shadow Garden. / Mundane Mann, a pathetic looking sword wielder that disappeared many years ago and has returned for the Bushin festival. / Kageno of Mitsugoshi, after an argument with his parents, Cid decides to go by Kageno for a while.

Alice [Kagenou: Cid's personal elf servant, lover, and childhood friend / previously: Beatrice (this is non canon, but all of Shadow Garden had identities before joining so I made a name up for her.) / Dons the secret identity of "Alpha" or "Lady Shade." Co-leader and second founder of The Shadow Garden, first of the Seven Shades. The name "Alpha" is only used by those in Shadow Garden.

Other Shadow Garden Members: All of the seven shades have secret identities. They see their Shadow Garden names as their true names and will use that in their own thoughts. But to everyone not in Shadow Garden that sees them as their secret identities will use those names.

Beta: Natsume Kafka, renowned writer.

Gamma: Luna of Mitsugoshi, owner of said store and many others, richest Woman in the world. Xianyun, Swordmaster of the fareastern kingdoms.

Delta: Sara, certified good girl.

Epsilon: Shiron, amazing musician known internationally.

Zeta: Zetan. Previously known as Lilim, named after the therianthrope hero, Lili.

Eta: Goes by Eta Lloyd Wright, renowned Architect.

Charlie: Known previously as Carla Fou Wayne.

Yankee: Known previously as Stephanie Fou Offrey

Foxtrot: Sherry's mother. [a/n: did you know the actually did give her a name? I just saw it on the wiki. It's Lukreia.]

Aurora: Called Violet by Cid, and now camps out in his soul/brain. Known as the Witch of Calamity, and the Demon Diabolos.

Disclaimer: I don't own Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs nor The Eminence in Shadow. The only Beta reader here is the elf.

-Angelica-

[A/N: I'd play Herlock Sholmes theme here: https/watch?v=9tnhwjm4PYA ]

"Herlock Sholmes?" I asked, a bit confused by the strange man and his strange name.

Livia was more than happy enough to fill me in, "Mhm! Mr. Sherlock, uh, I mean Herlock is the protagonist of several famous detective novels written by Natsu-chan."

Natsu… Oh, Livia must be talking about Miss Kafka, one of Cid's wives.

"Quite right. Miss Kafka had met me once while I was performing my role as a consulting detective and having accidentally gotten involved with the case I was working on at the time, we were able to speak about my past cases. From there she decided to pen the legend of the Detective from town of mist." Explained Herlock as he blew into his pipe. Strangely, rather than smoke, I see bubbles pop out. Perhaps he's trying to curb his habit?

Livia nodded enthusiastically, pulling out a small blue book, "Hm? I thought it was described as a foggy town?"

Herlock smiled and put pipe away. "Yes, Miss Kafka was rather insistent on using many synonyms for her descriptions, had to try and keep most thing anonymous."

I suppose that makes sense. If all the stories were based on true events then replacing names of people and places would be par for the course.

"…Is there anything else that Natsume changed?" asked Leon with a suspicious look in his eyes.

Herlock nodded, "Yes. For example, I do not have a doctor for a friend named Watson accompanying me. I believe that Natsume added him to help ground the stories a bit." Herlock then threw his head back in laughter, "Well, that and have a better narrative than my ramblings on past events Hahaha!"

I can't help but wonder a bit about the man's character. Looking at Leon I see that he also is sharing my skepticism, but Livia seems to be beaming. Perhaps I should allow these two to serve as the ends of each spectrum and serve as the middle myself.

"Mr. Sholmes," I called out to get his attention, "Should I assume that Cid had hired you to serve as a consulting detective for us as well?"

Herlock stops his laughter and then straightens up, "Ah yes. The chap paid top dollar so rest assured I shall help you to the best of my abilities."

Cid…

I smiled, "then, could you begin your consultation?"

"But of course. Now would I be correct that your current goal is to prove that the charges against this man are false?" asked Herlock.

"Yes." I confirmed, but then felt my hands begin to ignite again when I saw the man Cid hired shake his head in disappointment.

"Know this, the truth shall always come to light one way or another. We cannot disprove Leon's involvement with The Shadow Garden." Stated Herlock with a seriousness that I hadn't expected from him. He then flicks his cap up a bit with a smile. "But we can prove something far more damning upon our opponents."

Something far more damning than working with The Shadow Garden…?

"…I can think of a couple organizations that people wouldn't want to be a part of either, is that what you're talking about?" mentioned Leon.

Other organizations… ah!

"The Principality and The Cult of Diabolos!" I exclaimed. "You mean to say that our opponents are involved with them both? I suppose I can see the former but how on earth can you prove the latter? Especially in such a short time."

Herlock smirks.

""Elementary, my dear.""

Herlock stops for a moment and joins me in staring at Livia who blushed cutely and covered her mouth with a slight squeak of embarrassment.

"S-sorry…" Livia poked her fingers together as she squirmed slightly, "I… I just always wanted to say that…"

Herlock throws his head back in laughter once more and Leon slightly chuckles a bit as well. Livia puffs her cheeks and begins to lightly punch at Leon's chest. Adorable. I wish she'd do that to me sometimes.

"No worries Lady Saint, I completely understand. Let us all say it together! On 3!"

"1"

"2"

"3"

""""Elementary my dear!""""

We all chuckled a bit, and I'll admit it helped a bit with the nerves.

[A/N: I'd end the song here. Then start this one: https/watch?v=xsoNdPd4gBA =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =11 ]

"Now, let me go back to what I was discussing earlier. Turn your attention to this." Said Herlock as he pulled out a small black box with some yellow and green detail. It's front reminding me a bit of Luxion.

"This is a device that can capture moments in an instant, much like Luxion's ability to play those videos, this can capture moments like a picture. Unfortunately, it cannot record videos like Luxion, but it should show you enough." Herlock then showed us some (As Leon has told me they are called) photos captured by his device.

…Wait. How does Herlock know of Luxion and his abilities? Did Cid tell him? Hm, I'll have to discuss this with him later.

In any case, once we look at the photos we see a couple of photos that all show us the same thing: Marquis Frampton with Princess Hertrude. One at his territory, another in the treasury, and some more depicting an exchange of sorts taking place.

"What the…" uttered Leon as he sorted through the photos, "In any other world this would be damning evidence."

"Eh? Wait what do you mean 'any other world' Leon?" asked Livia.

"Allow me," Herlock twirled his hand in the air and briefly bowed, "See this can't be brought up as actual evidence. This is a device created by Mitsugoshi but not yet recognized as legitimate. Much like the footage that Leon's lost item would have, nothing you get from this camera would be anything more than circumstantial."

[A/N: End the song here.]

I want to ask Herlock more, but unfortunately, we seem to be out of time.

Knock-Knock*

"Hello? Miss Saintesses, Prince Leon, your presence is required in the throne room."

I turn to the others.

"Showtime I guess." Leon walked over to me and Livia giving each of us a hug. "I'll be counting on the two of you…" Leon turned to Herlock.

"Oh? Were you going to extend the sentiment to me as well? I'll have to politely decline." Said Herlock.

Leon stared flatly at him. "Yeah, I wasn't gonna. I just wanted to ask if you were going to join us for the trial."

Herlock nodded, "I'd much prefer to see this through, if you'd allow for it. There is much set up to make things go well."

I had no idea what Herlock was talking about, but strangely Leon reacted to it. Even muttering something although I can only make out the names, "Cid" and "Mylene."

"Leon? Is there something you should tell me?" I said with my full authority as the first wife.

Leon adorably flinched at my words before he regained his footing. "…Sorry. I can't. Not yet. I know that I promised not to keep things from you, but this isn't really my secret to keep. But once things all pass over I'll explain everything."

I huff and slap his arm, although I make sure to grab it after to show that I don't resent him for it.

We begin to walk towards the door before we stop, hearing a hurried conversation.

[A/N: Play this song here: https/watch?v=vc0T9Cdcl08 =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =10 ]

Before I can think to inquire what has happened the bailiff decides to inform us.

"Er, it would appear that the venue for the trial has changed due to something happening within the palace making it no longer safe for all of our high ranked members to stay here. His Highness Roland has requested that everyone move to the royal airship."

"A trial upon the airship…" murmured Herlock. He then brushed the fleeting thought aside and opened the door to see the bailiff and the other member of the palace's staff. "My good fellow, may you tell this humble detective the reason we need to change the venue of our date with justice!?"

If the palace staff members were off put by the dandy man's demands they didn't show it. Likely they were too used to dealing with Roland to view Herlock as strange.

"It would appear that several pieces of the treasury have gone missing. Some of them deemed dangerous."

Oh? I assume that they're speaking of what Herlock had shown us.

"That's enough to make us leave the palace?" asked Leon.

The staff shook their heads. "No, it's that a letter was left behind."

"A letter?" asked Livia.

"Yes, there was actually several copies at the scene. We were told to give you one.

I take a look at the letter with the others reading over my shoulders. Herlock maintains a respectable distance by leaning on Leon's shoulder thankfully. The letter doesn't seem to have any written words, instead someone had created it by cutting up a bunch of other printed text and then creating the letter's words through pasting them on the letter.

To the Rotten Roots of Holfort

It is the duty of adventurers to seek treasure.

It is the duty of thieves to take treasure from others.

You are not adventurers,

But thieves of which there is no honor to be found.

As a phantom thief, it is my duty to steal not only

Treasure, but to steal it from fellow thieves.

I shall steal your treasure, I shall steal your stolen glory,

I shall steal your history.

Signed, Arsene

"""Arsene!""" Leon, Livia, and Herlock all shouted at once.

Hm, perhaps I should try to read some of the Sherlock Holmes stories later, I feel awfully left out.

[A/N: You can end the song.]

-P2W-

In the old world there was a man by the name of Fermi. He had posited the question known as "Fermi's Paradox." For the uninitiated The Fermi paradox is the discrepancy between the lack of conclusive evidence of advanced extraterrestrial life and the apparently high likelihood of its existence.

In other words, it asks the same question that Princess Alexia found herself screaming about a week before Leon's trial.

"WHERE IS EVERYBODY!?" Alexia shouts in her head as she kicks a stray rock. "WHERE THE FUCK IS EVERYBODY!?"

Alexia had stayed behind to watch her sister finish her match and then caught a ship back to Holfort so that she could hang out with her friends. Unfortunately, she was completely unaware of Leon's plans to deal with Fanoss, and even less aware of how he had been arrested.

This led to Alexia's usual approach of 'coincidentally meeting' her friends and 'reluctantly' tagging along to whatever they're doing if not strong arming them into hanging out with her.

However, everyone has been too busy with the production of the fleet. Both on the side of Leon's faction members, and many members of The Shadow Garden. Some Mitsugoshi branches had even shut down so that the ones at capital cities could have an appropriate number of employees due to many of them working on the fleet and armors.

Alexia had considered going to the Mitsugoshi branch in Holfort's capital and demanding to see at least one of Cid's wives. However, whenever she got close to the employee only doors she used to attend the private parties before, the employees guarding the doors would be ridiculously hostile.

That Nicole girl in particular was all kinds of scary.

So Alexia just walked around town in hopes that she'd eventually see one of her friends. It didn't work so she decided to try her luck with going to Mitsugoshi again, figuring that perhaps if she asked nicely they'd maybe at least let her know where they are.

Alexia would admit that it pains her a bit to have to suck up her pride, but something that also pained her was the loneliness she never expected she'd feel. Ever since Leon had forced her to interact with everyone in his Boot Camp, Alexia has found herself surrounded by friends, actual friends too. Just like during summer vacation, Alexia is left with the feeling of loneliness that comes from being away from all her friends again.

Of course, Alexia recognizes that once she becomes Queen of Midgar she'll likely not see everyone again for a while, as their lives after the academy will have far too many responsibilities keeping them from seeing each other. But that's why she feels so lonely now, because now should be the time she can goof off with her friends.

Alexia steels herself and walks to Mitsugoshi one more time, resolved to not let Nicole (Nu) scare her… too much.

As she walks towards the back area she finds herself strangely welcomed in.

Unbeknownst to her, a certain witch had felt her nearby due to being able to recognize a magic signature similar to Freyja's and decided to do something fun.

Alexia found herself strangely incensed to walk a certain direction. This was, of course, Violet's doing as well.

As Alexia walked through the halls, finding herself not passing by anyone, she eventually started to hear… sounds.

She began to walk faster.

Eventually she came upon Cid's bedroom.

Gazing in she saw…

Well, she saw Cid, but she also saw Nu and Victoria… who she wouldn't be able to mistake as Shadow Garden members thanks to all three people missing clothes.

Part of Alexia wanted to be mad.

Part of her was mad.

But that part of her wasn't as big as the part that thought about how hot it looked.

Were it not for the hand that immediately grabbed her shoulder, she'd have moved her own hand between her legs.

-Alpha-

I find myself once again staring down princess Alexia. Unfortunately, darling told me that I can't drink tea while I am pregnant due to it being bad for the baby so I can't smugly sip from it while I glare at her.

Although I can still laugh a bit.

"W-what's so funny…?" asked Alexia nervously.

"You. Specifically, how you look." I enjoy the twitch of Alexia's eyebrow. "You look like a bunny in the grasp of a cobra. Is there something about me that's scary to you? Why would a princess be scared of a mere elf-servant to a baron?"

I can visibly see the gears in Alexia's head start to turn. Wisely, she decides to change the topic.

"So… did those two girls get the approval of the others as well?" Alexia asked.

"Two girls… Oh you mean the ones with darling right now?" I asked. Nu and Victoria don't exactly have clear civilian personas right now so I shouldn't name them.

"Darling…" muttered Alexia, as though she were testing it out for herself. Luckily for her she seemed to dismiss the thought and as a result I dismiss my knife. "Anyway, yeah. Those two girls."

"Well then, I would have to say yes." I answered.

Alexia slumped over in her seat. "So now there's 9 girls…?"

Feeling a bit playful, "Well if we're counting then technically there's about 10."

Although I'm not sure if I should count Rose or Violet as number 10.

Alexia grimaces.

"It's very likely the number will only increase." I informed her, "Are you sure that you really like him enough to be apart of what's only a growing harem? I'll tell you now that each of us seven agreed to approve of at least one other woman. The two you saw were approved by me and Zetan respectively."

"14… wait would I be counted as one of those?" asked Alexia.

I shake my head. "You would be number 16 or 17."

Alexia's jaw drops. I can't help but giggle. I suppose Darling did have a similar baffled reaction when I informed him of how the rest of The Shadow Garden would accept his affections any time anywhere. I wonder how Alexia would react if I informed her of the same…

No, I'm not that evil.

I chuckle a bit to myself again as Alexia begins to pout.

"How… how are you okay with that?! There's no way he'd have enough time for all of you!" protested Alexia.

I shrug. "I believe in him. And he seems to be doing a well enough job so far." Though of course what I don't mention is that Darling is going to live as long as us and will have all the time he could want. I'm not exactly sure how he's accomplished it, but according to him he should be able to live at least 400 years right now. "What about you?"

"Huh?"

"Well, knowing what you do, do you still want to enter a relationship with him? I believe Zetan is still here if you want to ask for her approval. Shiron should be back soon too. Heck, you may be able to talk to Eta if you swing by our ports if you'd want to try and get all three of their approval."

"…Can I talk to Cid?"

"Now?"

"Not now! When… when he's done, I guess."

I titter at Alexia who huffs in annoyance.

"Well, that's going to take a bit," I explained, "Would you care to talk about something else or perhaps visit the shops?"

Alexia looks around the room before looking at Delta.

"Can I ask why Sara's been watching me like that this entire time?" asked Alexia.

I look over to Delta who has been doing herself employed job of my guard. "Sara, have you even blinked."

Delta blinks. "No."

"I thought we were cool, why are you looking at me like that?" Alexia asked Delta.

Delta opens her mouth but then looks to me. I ruffle her hair as I answer.

"Because I'm pregnant and she wishes to protect me and my child." I watch as Alexia crumbles into dust and then floats away thanks to a passing breeze.

Which is to say she got up and walked away in a manner that looked like one poke would have her collapse and never get up.

-Angelica-

[A/N: Play this here. https/watch?v=lmDtVFAOCCQ =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =4]

I walk aboard what is essentially the mothership of the Holfort Kingdom's fleet, In the Saintess' Arms. I suppose having a massive ship named after my past life's embrace is rather strange, but my life since entering the academy has been so strange already, I may as well not care at this point.

Besides I have more things to worry about.

I turn to Herlock who has been in deep contemplation after we learned of The Phantom Thief Arsene.

Leon had been carted off by the guards, thankfully most of them seemed somewhat religious and were glad to let him walk on his own thanks to my own request.

Most everyone is in the hangar right now, with each hallway on the sides of said room serving as a makeshift anteroom for each side. Not wanting to give anything on our forming argument I decide to ask Herlock about Arsene.

"Mr. Sholmes?" I said, getting his attention. "You seem to be rather worried about that letter from earlier. Is there anything you can tell us?"

Herlock seems to think about it for a few seconds.

"Not much. I'd just distract from the case at hand. Just know that Arsene is either going to somehow help Leon given his good nature, or will make things all sorts of complicated. I'll do my best to watch out for them, just focus on defending Leon." Said Herlock, the look on his face rather serious, yet not panicked.

It would seem that Herlock is used to dealing with Arsene. Hopefully this phantom thief doesn't do anything to mess with the trial.

[A/N: You can end the song here.]

"Angie…?"

At the sound of the voice the three of us turn and see Queen Mylene.

"Oh? Is it time for the trial?" I asked.

Mylene shook her head. "Not yet… I just wanted to warn you about what you're going to see-"

[A/N: Play this song here: https/watch?v=vc0T9Cdcl08 =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =10 ]

Before Mylene could finish I rush past her and go to the hangar. I see many members of high nobility, but I don't spare them a glance as I look to where I see Leon.

Or rather, where they have Leon dangling from in a cage.

"Leon…!?" shrieked Livia.

Leon is in a suspended cage with two armors on either side with their guns pointed at him.

"H-hey girls…!" Leon tried to wave at us cheerfully, but I could tell that he was nervous. I'm sweating bullets just looking at him. "The armors aren't on if that helps…! Ha…haha…"

It'd be much easier to be calm if…

"Can the guns at least be pointed away from him!?" I demanded.

As a noble I know that treason can often result in immediate execution, but surely if we have enough to warrant trial then some decency could be awarded. This is almost as bad as dangling him over the ship!

With how much say Livia and I have now thanks to our status as the twin Saintesses some people go into the armors and have them do just that. For good measure Livia even places a barrier around Leon while they move. However, the armors stay by Leon's cage.

Leon, Livia, and I manage to breathe a little easier thanks to the guns being moved. I look around and try to make out whose idea it was to even do this. I see Mylene and my father subtly glance in the direction of the people standing on Marquis Frampton's side.

Those dastards!

[A/N: End the song here.]

I'd scream that out loud but…

"Angie." Leon calls for my attention and gives me a reassuring expression. "I'm fine. The only thing I was nervous about was the guns being pointed at me. Let's finish things up quickly, okay? We have more important things to worry about."

I sigh, knowing that he's correct. I have to reign it in for now. Livia holds my hand and we both walk to the defense's position. I saw Marquis Frampton walk in soon after. I do my best not to look at him.

[A/N: Play this now. https/watch?v=VXnUBflGR_o =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =6]

"*Ahem* welcome one and all. Under my authority as King we shall hold trial for Crown Prince Leon who is under suspicion of treason. Is the prosecution ready?" King Roland was to serve as judge today. Normally there is an actual judge, but I suppose in this case he is the most impartial and least likely to bend one way or the other.

"Yes, your highness." Marquis Frampton, arrogant piece of work that he is, decided to serve as the prosecution himself, rather than have someone else do it.

"Is the defense ready?"

"Yes, your highness." I answered. "As is my co-counsel."

Livia and Herlock both curtsied at this.

"Hm… I'm aware of the other half of the Saintess, but who is that man next to you both?" asked Roland.

Herlock did the same weird bow with his hand spinning in the air beforehand, "Greetings. I am a consultant detective hired by a friend of the defendant. My name is Herlock Sholmes."

"Herlock Sholmes… that sounds familiar, I think I heard a woman mention you before." Roland never hid his affairs before, but you'd think he'd be able to hide it now at least.

"Well, I suppose said woman was a fan of literature. Or at least of Miss Natsume Kafka's work. She has a short series based on some of my previous cases, "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" I believe the series was." Explained Herlock. "Names were changed because of wanting to keep some things private, you understand of course."

Roland lights up, "Ah! Now I remember! My daughter Erica was a fan of your books! Hahaha! I should brag about this later."

Oh… that's unexpectedly kind of sweet.

Though I have to wonder, was I the only one who didn't read those books? I'll have Livia and Leon read them to me later.

"But that can wait till later, for now let's have the prosecution give their opening statement."

"Thank you your highness. As stated in the last meeting in the palace, I have reason to believe that Leon Fou Barfort is a traitor. The most egregious of his treachery was his collaborations with The Shadow Garden, but it doesn't end there. He also has been collaborating with the principality. It is my belief that Barfort aims to take over the kingdom, likely to hand it over to his superiors." Frampton sneered, "Given his proclivities I'd wager that it's something of a dowry for him."

…

"Um… what is he saying and why does it make me angry?" whispered Livia as the crowd of nobles murmured.

Herlock decides to clue her in, "The man with droopy ears is implying that because The Shadow Garden is primarily composed of women and The Principality has two female rulers that Leon's decisions… were made with his other head, let's say."

Livia grips my hand strongly, and I return it. I won't say that Leon isn't receptive to the attention to other women, I planned around it actually. All the other women besides Livia were welcomed in by me thanks to the political pull that he'd gain through their union… and Claire, but that was because Livia insisted.

As future king Leon needed as many people under him as possible, and the best way to make sure they'd be forced to stay that way is if they were… subservient to him.

I can't honestly say that I wanted him to have so many wives, but at the same time I can't say I hate the relationship we all have with him now.

In any case, even if he could have maybe fought it a little harder, Leon wasn't the one who welcomed other women into his bed. That was Livia and I… especially Livia, now that I think about it…

"I'd ask the prosecution to not say anything that can not also apply to themselves." Said Herlock, causing King Roland to laugh.

Ignoring His Majesty, Frampton sneers in our direction. "Holmes was it?"

"Sholmes, Holmes was from the book." Corrected the detective.

"No matter. You'd do best to-"

"If the words you are about to say only have weight to them due to threats of my person or those I care about, you'd best just swallow them now. I have nothing you can threat." The detective deduced the damning words before the devilish man could say anything and cut him off.

I saw Leon do his best to hide a smile while Roland laughed harder. Livia meanwhile shoots the good detective a concerned look.

Frampton's face could curdle dairy.

"Right. Well, how does the defense respond to the accusations?" asked Roland with waning interest.

I nod, "The defense would argue that Crown Prince Leon has done nothing treasonous. His interests were all in those of the kingdom and its citizens… and he is not the one to approach women, they will approach him."

Debasing as it may be to say that I can see the men in the courtroom look at Leon with some sort of masculinity-based respect… *sigh* men.

I can see Mylene share the sentiment, if just barely given her practice in hiding her emotions.

"Right." Said Roland, "Well, there's not much that can be said through words alone. Would the prosecution bring forth their evidence or some kind of witness to add to their credibility?"

Frampton nods, "I would like to call Sir Frederick the Wary to the stand."

"…Sir Frederick the Wary…" I mutter, causing Livia to look at me. I discreetly explain, "Sir Frederick was a training captain of the knights, having retired when his wife had gotten pregnant and did not want him in danger of leaving their baby without a father… not many people know him, and admittedly I only did because his wife shared a name with my maid Cordelia."

"That about sums it up. The only detail you left out is that last anyone heard he was the head of an adventurer's guild. He must be here as something of a detective." Added Herlock.

[A/N: Stop the last song and play this one now. https/watch?v=6MVOup8f8ZY =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =7]

"Will the witness state his name and occupation…" Roland began, not really paying attention to what was going on until he noticed something particular, "…and perhaps explain why he is accompanied by a little pigtailed girl?"

Frederick, a man in light blue armor bows, showing what appears to be a suit and vest underneath. "Yes, your majesty. I am known as Frederick, a man who was once a knight but now serves the kingdom as the head of the adventurers' guild, The Shepards… and this little cherub is my daughter, Severa."

"Hi mister majesty!" shouted the precocious brown-haired girl.

"Aw… she's so kyute!" giggled Livia, and I couldn't help but agree with her. Though I can't help but wonder…

"…as a father of a precious young girl myself, I know the feeling of not wanting to be separated from them, but was bringing her here a good idea? Won't your wife grow angry?" asked Roland.

Frederick winced, "All due respect your majesty… but I was pulled here in the middle of picking up Severa from my friend Chrom's home after a playdate. I was only informed of why on the way and was not permitted to bring her home."

"Ah…" Roland had the decency to look a bit sheepish, "Well, let's get things out of the way so that your wife won't storm this place with her air-bike, yes?"

Ah that's right, Miss Cordelia was a prodigious air-bike rider / adventurer. Although she pales in comparison to my Leon, she was someone that many women looked up to for a time according to my mother. From what I recall she had stormed Sir Frederick's home when his parents attempted to keep them from marrying, forced him onto her air-bike, and then left without a single Armor able to stop her.

"Yes… that'd be for the best." Admitted Fredrick.

Severa giggled as she stretched her father's stiff looking face, "Hihihi~ Mommy's going to be maaaad~"

Fredrick blanched slightly at the thought before clearing his throat to begin.

[A/N: stop the last song and start this one. https/watch?v=158e3Bh6o2Q =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =8]

"Know that all information I have is based on what I have observed and nothing subjective. This is a report given to me from my colleague stationed there, Robin." Revealed Frederick.

"Er, and why is Sir Robin not the one at the stand today?" asked Roland.

Severa hugged her father's face, "Uncle Robin's wife is scawwy."

Some of the knights in the vicinity seem to know what the girl was speaking about.

"…as a citizen of Midgar, Robin is not required to answer to a summons from Holfort. Especially when it's close to his wife Tharja's birthday." Frederick revealed.

"Ah, the wicked witch. Very well, give us your testimony." Ordered Roland.

"At once your majesty." Frederick bowed.

Okay, here we go.

Witness Testimony

This was a report from the day of the Bushin Festival semi-finals.

My friend Robin had taken his family to watch the match of Mundane Mann vs. Princess Iris of Midgar.

During the match, as you all know, Princess Rose of Oriana had denounced the traitorous Duke Doem Ketsuhat.

Quickly afterwords, the VIP area had most guests vacated by Leon and his faction.

And just after that the being referred to as "The Demon" had shown up and exploded in some kind of magical substance.

Noire and Morgan said it looked a bunch of slime!

Right. And this separated the rest of the people in the VIP area.

As he was vacating the premise with his family at the time Robin had managed to catch a glimpse of where Leon had ended up at.

From what he could tell Leon had teamed up with the leader of The Shadow Garden, "The Warlock" Lord Shadow, to fight "The Demon."

He didn't see much after that, but as we all know, soon after the sky was then coated in that array of magic.

At the center of what looked like an explosion was Leon, who somehow managed to survive.

Testimony End

[A/N: You should end the song here too]

"Hmm… I'll admit, this doesn't put Leon in a good light… but it's a bit too soon to say for sure." Said Roland. He then turned to our side. "Defense now would be the time to cross examine the witness. Although they are mainly reporting on behalf of their friend, your right stands."

"Thank you, your majesty." I said.

Herlock and Livia both turned to me.

"I assume as a woman trained to be the queen you are quite familiar with how the law and courts work yes?" asked Herlock.

Livia brought out a book from… somewhere… perhaps she learned from Natsume Kafka. In any case with an enthusiastic whisper she tells me, "If you need to go over the basics I can help!"

Hm… no it'd be best to act with full confidence.

"I'll be fine, thank you." I said. Livia and Herlock gave me approving nods as I turned to the witness, "I shall now begin the cross examination."

[Start the song again: https/watch?v=158e3Bh6o2Q =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =8 ]

Cross Examination

I don't think that I should focus on anything that's specifically Robin's account of things given that Frederick is just relaying the information. Rather I should press him on anything that he's able to elaborate on.

"Sir Frederick" I said, "Could I ask you to elaborate on where Robin had vacated the arena from?"

"Hold it!" shouted Marquis Frampton, "Is such a detail necessary? We already know that Robin had seen Leon collaborating-"

"Objection!" shouted Herlock with a smile that seemed like he wanted to just shout the word, although I doubt Cid would have hired someone like that. "That is mere conjecture! Allow the defense to finish."

Roland nods and gestures for Frederick to answer.

"Right… Robin had mentioned that he fled through the main street." Frederick rifles through his paper report from Robin. "Yes, it says here that as soon as he saw the slime-like explosion he had his family begin to vacate, using magic to float above the crowd as to not get trampled on. This is why he was able to see Leon, The Warlock, and The Demon despite them being on the roof."

I nod, "I see. Does he mention what spell?"

Frederick nods, "Yes… Your Majesty, although I am interpreting this letter from Robin, perhaps we may share it with everyone else as well?"

"Makes sense to me, sure." Said Roland flippantly.

Mylene raises a staff and then gestures to some nearby maids. Both are ones I recall that help her with the yearly audits, and are able to copy the letters within seconds.

{"Robin's Account" has been added to the court record.}

Quickly reading through it myself, I'm able to see the spell that Robin had used to fly his family pass the crowd. "Garudyne."

I look to Livia and Herlock, pointing it out to them. They shoot me looks that says they agree this is the thing I should use as an avenue of attack.

With a resolve that I can imagine would only be matched by the thrill of finding a monster's weakness, I point at the witness stand and shout "Objection!"

[A/N: Stop the song here.]

"Gah!" Frederick winced and instinctively held his daughter closer to himself.

"Sir Frederick, the testimony you and Robin gave has a glaring flaw!" I take the lead and follow through, "According to Robin's statement to fly his family over the crowd he didn't just use something that would allow him to float over the crowed safely. No!" I slam one hand on the desk in front of me, "He used a third tier spell, Garudyne!"

"And what of it?" Frampton growled, "That doesn't remove the fact that he would have been able to see Leon working together with The Warlock!"

I waggle my finger, "Au contraire, if anything this calls Robin's testimony of what he witnessed into question."

Frampton grimaced but didn't stop me.

"You see, as his main priority would be to keep his family safe, Robin would likely only take a quick glance at any source of danger. Not to mention how quickly they must have been flying considering the tier three spell he used." I pointed out.

Livia and Herlock immediately join in to buff my defense.

"At it's weakest, Garudyne can let someone keep up with an air bike for a couple of minutes." Said Livia.

Herlock added, "As I recall Robin was with his wife and three children. If one were to make a rough estimate of their combined weight with Robin and Tharja's combined prowess, it's very likely they were flying at roughly 80 kilometers per hour. If mostly due to the fact they would need to output a lot of mana to safely support the entirely family unit, and get the out of harms way quickly."

"Meaning that even with his training as an adventurer Robin could not do more than spare a glance, lest he give himself whiplash." I then smirk, "Furthermore, whatever sight he saw when glancing in Leon's direction could have easily been misunderstood."

"Oh? And what do you propose it was that Robin actually saw then?" asked Roland with some interest.

"As we all know, before he had become the Crown Prince, Leon was known as the Hero of the Lost Winds. He is a hero of great renown the world over, having been able to find an ancient lost item and even some land at the young age of 15 with nothing more than his resolve and some support in the last few moments." I bragged, enjoying the sight of Leon trying to fight a blush.

…Actually, the sight of him in a cage and being flustered like that is…

Anyway, I continue. "You say that Leon was collaborating with Lord Shadow in order to fight The Devil, I'd argue that is merely what it looks like when a seasoned adventurer does his best to take in all the information he can while facing unfamiliar opponents. Leon was not working with Lord Shadow…"

I point straight at Frampton's stupid ugly face.

[A/N: play this here- https/watch?v=e-QiKy-iEkQ =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =13]

"Leon was letting Lord Shadow fight the Devil so that he could take advantage of the situation!" I declared proudly.

The nobles surrounding us begin to delve into fierce whispers.

"Is that true?"

"I suppose that you only could catch a glimpse in that situation."

"If the boy is bright enough to find a lost item surely he'd be gifted in combat."

"I've pulled the same tactics when hunting monsters, let them tire each other first before finishing them off."

I look to Leon who flashes me a smile, and Livia and Herlock share the sentiments. Herlock even tips his hat in my direction.

It may only be the first wound inflicted, but often the battle is decided by who manages to land first blood. Frampton, I'll show you what a fool you were for going after the man I love!

Roland enjoys the crowd going into an uproar for a bit before slamming his gavel onto the stand on his makeshift throne.

"Order! Order in the court!" he called, quieting everyone. "Does the prosecution have anything to say in response?"

Frampton takes a moment before straightening his suit and levels a cold glare in our direction.

[A/N: End the song here.]

"Of course, your majesty." Said Frampton, "This was merely one avenue. If anything, it's the weakest argument I had." Frampton seems to level a glare in Frederick's direction, but he glares back. Severa even cutely sticks her tongue out in Frampton's direction.

I can tell that this battle is far from over, but he'd be a fool to think I'd allow things to ever go his way.

-Alexia-

16th…

Preg…

Sixteen…

pregante…

Wooooomen…

pragnert…

17…

Preganenent

…

I couldn't even cry.

I… I always kinda knew that Cid and Alice were serious.

I knew that he only asked me out to get rejected.

I knew that I had to pay him to hang out with me.

But…

But I thought…

I thought maybe I was something special to him…

I'm a princess…

I'm the crown princess of Midgar now!

…

…

Not like that means anything to him.

Best I could do is use my authority to force a marriage… but then he'd probably hate me like I hated Zenon.

…

Do I even like Cid that much…?

…

While I was thinking that I bumped into someone.

"Oh sorry," I said without thinking too much about it. However, I didn't hear a response.

Worried that I pissed someone off, I took a quick look and see that I had bumped into a brown haired elf. I think I remember seeing her at the resort, although I didn't talk to her because she was constantly sleeping. She's wearing a white lab coat today, which I can't say I'm fond of the sight, but she looks like she's seconds away from falling over so I should have to worry about my safety.

"Um… Eta, right?" I asked.

The woman in question lightly rubbed her eyes.

"Mm." She also barely acknowledged me.

"Er… I want to talk to you about something. Is that alright?" Before I can stop myself I ask Eta to talk to me much like I did Sara a couple of months ago.

Eta nods slowly and then looks up at me with pleading eyes I've only seen on a small child and Sherry… and Cid that one time when there was that really edgy looking cup in the market.

Anyway, I can tell that the woman my own age is asking to be carried. Not really in a position to refuse, nor a mental state to put up much of an argument I decide to just carry her. She's pretty light honestly, and soft. Like a plush toy.

"Where to?" I asked, as the only place I knew someone could sit down was where Alice was and I didn't exactly want to go back there right now.

Eta waves her hand and I see traces of magic lights float in the air. I'm not sure what spell she used, maybe some modified light spell? Or some colored wind spell.

Whatever.

I eventually reach some room that reminds me a bit of an alchemists' workshop or some kind of production place. I see three other people here, and I think they're on break or something based on how they're all eating snacks over tea right now. One of them looks a bit familiar actually.

"Princess Alexia…!?" gasped Stephanie Fou Offrey. She quickly does her best to wipe the crumbs off her person and bow. The girl with black hair around our age follows suit but the woman with pink hair doesn't move from her chair.

"Oh, no need for that. I was just going to talk to Miss Wright here about something." I explained. The two girls get back up and the woman slightly tilts her head in my direction.

"Thank you for your kindness Princess Alexia, would you like some tea?" The woman didn't get up from her chair but grabbed some empty cups and poured tea in it before sliding it my way. "I hope you can accept my rudeness. I know proper form asks for me to get up and serve you but… I lack the ability to do so."

Huh?

…

OH!

"N-no…! Not at all! Please don't trouble yourself!" I feel a bit flustered. Yeesh, Alexia why don't you ever pay attention to the details of things!? She's not even wearing a skirt, how did you not notice the lack of legs!?

"Lukreia, Stephanie… Carla… I'm going to… talk about… personal stuff… with Alexia. Please leave…" The brown haired elf woman had moved herself over to the table and lightly swung her sleeves that covered her hands as to tell the three to shoo.

I want to say something about it, but Stephanie and Carla immediately help Lukreia into a wheelchair and tote her out. That just leaves me and Eta.

I can't even bring myself to drink some tea right now though, still reeling from what Alice told me.

"It's not poisoned… today…" said Eta, "We can… swap cups… if you'd like."

Today? Eh, whatever.

I take a sip from my cup but can't taste a thing.

"You… wanted… to talk?" mentioned Eta.

I nod slowly, "Yeah… I'm guessing Alice said what about?"

"You… like Cid…" Eta said.

I find myself nodding, but inwardly I can't help but wonder… Do I like him?

Do I l-l-love him…?

"Having doubts…?" questioned Eta.

I nod.

Eta smiles smugly, though she seems to not exert the effort to do anything but raise one side of her mouth. "Can't… relate…"

I scowl slightly and take a swig of my tea.

"Never?" I questioned. "You never had a doubt in your mind that you liked the guy? I mean… I like him, but… I didn't know about all of you at the time."

"And… now you do…" finished Eta. She took a sip of her tea. Due to her long sleeves she holds the tea cup with both of her hands. It's cute…

What's this girl's deal? To be sleepy, cute, and sassy? Surely something is wrong with her.

Every girl Cid knows has something wrong with her. Alice is super scary, Sara is kinda dumb, heck most of our friends have something wrong with them too. They're all okay with dating Leon-nii-san for example. He's cool sometimes, but I don't see the appeal.

Nothing's wrong with me of course.

Eta puts down her cup and I find myself looking at her again. She sits up a little straighter than before. She's still slumped but her head is up now.

"What… drew you in… to Cid…?" she asked, looking at me with some more interest than last time.

I think about it.

I think about the boy who confessed to me in the most pathetic manner known to mankind expecting to be rejected, nay, hoping to be rejected.

The boy who treated me like an annoyance but denied me nothing because I had money.

He's scum.

A dog through and through.

Honestly there's nothing to like about him.

If someone were to sum him up, they'd say as far as his charms go, he's existent.

His guts could be summed up as milquetoast.

He's oblivious both in book and social knowledge.

I'd hardly call him kind, at best he's inoffensive.

He's a bumbling buffoon of the highest order.

…

But…

He makes me laugh.

He's not afraid to speak his mind around me, giving out sarcastic remarks left and right through gritted teeth as he entertains all my whims.

So what if I have to pay him? I pay nearly everyone aside from Leon-nii-san and his group to spend time with me. My "friends" and followers always demanded money from me, but they didn't even allow me to be myself.

Cid doesn't like me, he at best tolerates me sometimes, but…

But…!

"I think I love him." I admitted to Eta.

Eta smiles, "Hihihi… Do you…?"

"Yeah… I do." I slump onto the table, thumping my head against it and hearing the porcelain rattle. "I can't even explain why! By all accounts it doesn't make sense!"

"You love him." Said a new and familiar voice from behind me. I look to see that it's Sara. "You love him… because you love him."

"That…" I try to say.

"Doesn't make sense?" asked Sara. She skipped over to me and booped me on the nose, "Bossman says that feelings never do! So try not to think about it too hard and just do what makes everyone happy!"

"So just give up and let myself become one of his women!" I shriek.

Sara looks at me like I'm dumb, which stings coming from her, "Everyone includes you."

…

Okay maybe I am a little dumb.

"Where… did you learn… to talk like that…?" Eta asked Sara.

"Bossman. He talks a lot about stuff like this when it's just me and him." Admitted Sara.

Eta and I both hum at this.

"Well, other kind of stuff does he talk about?" I asked.

Sara opens her mouth before making some kind of realization and covering it.

"Eep! That's super-duper hush, hush, clandestine! Sara can't say anything nano-desu!" Sara started to panic, jumping from one leg to the other while closing her eyes and mouth. Her ears and tail folded and tucked between her legs respectively.

"…He's not going to hit you or anything, right?" I asked, a little concerned given how scared Sara seems.

Sara shakes her head. "No… not unless we're sparring. But… he might cry."

Eta and I both stand in surprise.

"Cry!?" I shouted.

Sara nods sadly. "Bossman… I can't say it!"

I look to the side and see that Eta is trying to escape. Sara notices it first and grabs her with her tail.

"You weren't going to tell anyone were you?" Sara snarled, making me begin to shake with fear. Eta similarly shook her head.

"N-no…" she lied. "Please… put me down…"

"Hm…" Sara growled as she held the pillow of a lady aloft before looking at me. "Say… you want to get closer to Bossman right?"

"Er, yes." I said, not understanding what was going on anymore.

"How about we do something that Bossman would like?" proposed Sara. "You have that thingy that Bossman's been working on for The Shadow Garden right?"

"Who… are… you…?" asked Eta like she had faced a betrayal like no other.

Sara just showed a peace sign. "Sara!"

-Angelica-

"I'd like to call in my next witness!" shouted Frampton.

Frederick, and Severa, had been dismissed shortly after I had disproven Frampton's argument with them.

"Oh? And who would that be?" asked Roland.

"The prosecution would like to call forth Adventurer Helena and Student Calem to the stand!" called Frampton.

As Roland approved, I turned to the other two to see if they knew the people in question. Livia shook her head, but Herlock had a few notes fortunately. Of course, these notes were in a language that I didn't know but looked pretty similar to some of the ones I've seen Luxion have on some machines.

Calem Fou Kalos

The 5th son of a baronet family of currently nine sons. Known for being talented in fashion.

Helena Fou Kalos

Calem's Wife. A woman that comes from a long chain of diviners. Said to be something of a Hex Maniac.

Or at least that's what Herlock summed up his notes as.

[A/N: Play this song: https/watch?v=6MVOup8f8ZY =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =7]

Shortly after I looked through the notes both of said individuals were summoned. Calem was a thin man with black hair that reached his shoulders, blue eyes, and pale skin. Helena was somehow even paler than him, with long fluffy purple hair that reached her mid back, purple eyes that looked like there were swirls inside, and a figure somewhat like Livia's.

"State your name and occupation for the court." Commanded Roland with a yawn, clearly not used to having to talk in meetings for so long.

"Yes, your majesty. My name is Calem Fou Kalos. I am… or was a popular clothing designer in Holfort. This is my wife, Helena." Calem introduced himself with a bow. Helena, however, seemed to not be paying attention. "Uh, dear, that's your queue."

"Huh… oh my apologies. Helena Fou Kalos. Seamstress and Fortune Teller." Said the creepy woman.

"Seamstress and Fortune Teller? Quite the varied resume you have there." Noted Roland with a… peculiar tone of voice that made me feel as though a bug started crawling upon my person.

Leon decided to chime in for the first time since the trial started. "Could you not hit on a happily married woman during the trial that may or may not end with my execution?"

Mylene began to chuckle while Roland rolled his eyes.

"The defendant should keep his mouth shut before he inserts his foot in there by accident, or finds someone else kicking his teeth in." said Roland.

Leon looks to Mylene, "Can I get a new judge? This one doesn't seem to have a reliable character."

"Oi!" shouted Roland.

Mylene sadly shook her head, "If Roland could be replaced it would have been done a while ago."

"Oi! Why do you say that like it doesn't just apply to this trial!?" shouted Roland.

"Leon. Please stay silent." I asked nicely. Leon shrugged and mimed himself zipping his mouth. "Your majesty let's try to get back on track and please stay as impartial as possible."

Roland just grumbled and gestured for Helena to continue.

"Well," said Helena, "the reason I have two jobs is thanks to our clothing business no longer performing as well as it used to. Not due to any failure on our part of course."

Herlock seemed to notice something and tipped his hat so that he wouldn't be able to meet eyes with Helena.

"It's all because of that damnable Mitsugoshi!" shouted Helena, "They've taken away almost all of our business!"

Ah, perhaps it'd be a good idea to hide-

[A/N: Stop previous song.]

"Hmph. Perhaps you could talk to the defense and see if they can talk to their friend. After all it's a well known fact that they're good friends with the owners of Mitsugoshi." Taunted Frampton.

Helena looks at us with a haunting stare, and I do my best to not show that I'm a bit unnerved by it. Calem seems a bit apologetic, but at the same time doesn't seem to be our biggest fan either.

"…Mitsugoshi's convenience and wide arrange of products would naturally draw attention away from all the small shops that normally create a shopping district. I suppose we should expect these witnesses to be as impartial as Frederick the Wary." Whispered Herlock, as though he felt some form of guilt. I suppose Cid did hire him, and Natsume had been the one who met him. So perhaps he feels bad for helping Mitsugoshi?

In any case I decide to heed Herlock's advice.

"Now, prosecution, why is it that you decided to have this pair here? At the same time no less." Asked Roland.

Frampton nods. "I've brought the Kalos couple here to speak of their experience at The Goddess' Trials. Mrs. Kalos here's expertise in the supernatural will be particularly useful."

Supernatural…?

…

Ah.

"Do you speak of the strange happenings that occurred during and after Leon's match?" asked Roland.

Oh no…

"Indeed. But I trust that the Kalos's here can give a better testimony to that effect." Said Frampton.

Roland nods, "Very well. Mr. and Mrs. Kalos, give your account of the strange happenings of The Goddess' Trial."

-Witness Testimony-

[A/N: Play this here https/watch?v=158e3Bh6o2Q =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =8]

Calem: I brought Helena to watch The Goddess Trial. I was hoping to see they armor styles of people from all over, you see.

Helena: Honey also knows how much I enjoy seeing old styles of magic and the like, having studied it during my time at the academy.

Calem: *Nodding* Right, that too. Helena here had never been to the Trials so I thought that it may be fun to look at the architecture for her if no one had been able to summon anyone.

Helena: *Cackling* Imagine our luck that thanks to the fact we're from a mere baronet family we sat in seats close to the action—likely due to it being a bit dangerous, but that did allow us to get a close look at everything.

Calem: *Rubbing the side of his head* I never thought that we'd not see 1 but 3 different summons. Especially the last two. *Whistle* those were… captivating fights to say the least.

Helena: Especially those purple flames that the second had. I never saw magic like that in my life.

Calem: Yes, manifesting fire almost always goes the natural color. It's actually rare to have it a different color for as long as it was lit. It's clear that the summoned warrior with the twin crowbars was powerful.

Helena: *Dark smile* Yes… powerful enough that he'd be recorded in history, don't you think? Yet we know nothing about the boy with crowbars.

Calem: But Leon… seemed to recognize him somehow. The battle he had with him seemed less like someone facing such a monster, and it begs the question as to how he summoned him given how the sanctuary works, but to me it felt like someone sparring a familiar opponent.

Helena: Not to mention the way he animated his armor halfway into the fight, or the way that Lord Shadow had shown up with a similar flame to announce his arrival.

Calem: I may be a mere baronet, but if you ask me, there's something going on between Leon and Lord Shadow. One way or another they're linked.

-Testimony End-

Oh.

[End the previous song and play this here: https/watch?v=i4r2AE6CKe0 =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =17]

Oh nooooooooooooooo…!

I can hear the court immediately delve into frenzied discussion.

"I had hope for the lad at first…"

"This is too damning."

"Perhaps that connection with Mitsugoshi should be looked into."

"That company and its cohorts are much too suspicious if you ask me."

"My child went to the Goddess Trial actually. Ferried by Leon's ship The Partner. Honestly It'd be easier to talk about what isn't suspicious about the lad."

"The ship, the strange armors, his fast rise to power…"

"Not to mention his supposed strength. One has to question where it came from."

"Right, to summon someone during the Goddess trials… well besides him and Lord Shadow, the only other person was a renowned swordswoman from Velgata. But She's trained for years, and she's in her late twenties from what I've heard."

"Leon's a renowned adventurer, sure, but to be as strong as that swordswoman?"

"That's not what we should focus on, he's in the same ballpark as Lord Shadow! Someone who could potentially level the capital island with a single spell!"

"HOLD IT!" I shout at the top of my lungs.

[Stop the previous song here.]

"Keep those comments to yourself for now. I still have yet to give my cross examination." I stated for the court, doing my best to hide my frustration. "Your Majesty?"

Roland nods, "Yes. By all means.

-Cross Examination-

[A/N: play this here: https/watch?v=158e3Bh6o2Q =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =8]

With two people here I decided to try and focus on getting information on Helena first and foremost. As the one who is more forward with her feelings she'd be the one more likely to let something slip.

"Miss Helena. Could you elaborate on the purple magic you witnessed?" I asked. "What was it that stood out to you, beyond the amount of time it lasted."

Helena hemmed and hawed for a moment before answering, "It… it didn't seem to have the same properties as fire. As Honey said, we were close to the front of the crowd."

"In fact, we were basically right next to one of the torches that were lit with one of the purple flames." Admitted Calem as he adjusted his jacket.

Helena nodded, "Thanks to that I was able to get a better feel for it. The fire… was… healing in a way. It felt like if I touched it, it wouldn't hurt."

"And this… was sinister to you?" I asked, a bit confused.

Helena cupped her face with both hands, donning a creepy grin. "Hihihi~ Imagine that you were experiencing a crime of nature. That is what I did. My body… it told me that what that flame was. That it was wrong."

"Right…" Calem tipped the hat upon his head. "It was… the best way I could describe how I felt in that moment was like a moth to a flame. I don't think that kind of magic… is natural."

Hm… I can work with this, but not yet.

"Maybe we can exploit their feelings about Lord Shadow's magic?" suggested Livia.

Herlock nodded at this, "Yes, but it feels like something is missing. It'd be best to keep pressing for information right now."

I decide to do just that.

"Now may I ask you to elaborate on your assessment of Leon's familiarity with his opponent?" I decided to ask.

"Oh? What do you mean?" asked Helena, a bit defensive.

"Well…" I said with a small smile, "Did you get a good look at the boy with crowbars? His appearance I mean?"

"If I recall… he was a bit average looking. Black hair and gray eyes." Said Calem.

I nodded. I then looked to Herlock.

"Do you happen to have an image of Cid in that Camera?" I asked hopefully.

"In the camera I showed you earlier, no." said Herlock, making me worried for a second before he pulled out a picture, "From the camera's that are commonplace in Holfort, yes. A couple. Here's one that Natsume had taken of him."

I see a picture of Cid reading some book. Given that he was wearing the outfit he had at the resort I gather it was from around then.

"Take a look at this." I said while presenting the photo to the Kalos couple, "Did he happen to look like this?"

The couple takes a look at the photo of Cid, and their eyes widen in surprise.

"Yes! The hair is a little different but otherwise they could be twins!" exclaimed Calem.

I nodded.

And I decided to pursue this avenue.

"You said earlier that it looked like Leon was familiar with the person he was fighting with." I started. I then smirked.

[A/N: stop the previous song and play this: https/watch?v=e-QiKy-iEkQ =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =13]

"I'd say that is because Leon was fighting someone who looked exactly like his closest male friend, Cid Kagenou." I revealed, astonishing the crowd.

"Pah!" shouted Frampton in an attempt to gain control again, "So what if they look the same? As a saying goes there's an unrelated double of everyone somewhere out in the world."

I shake my head, "This summon wasn't unrelated to Cid."

"Oh? What do you mean?" asked Roland.

"As we all know, The Goddess' Trial would summon warriors from the past that would match a worthy challenger in the present." I said before slamming down my hand again on the table. "This warrior that Leon fought was Cid's ancestor! Of course he'd be able to recognize them!"

"Th-that proves nothing still!" tried Frampton.

I shook my head again. "I believe that much of this court's suspicions come from Leon's strength yes? Many people believe it to come out of nowhere. But that couldn't be further from the truth. We know where Leon's strength comes from. The past."

"His lost items?" offered Roland.

"That, and the knowledge he gained from studying the techniques of Old Humanity." I revealed.

It's a half truth. Leon did in fact know things such as 'stretching' and other useful ways to train one's body, as shown with his little bootcamp before the God of War tournament. But this knowledge came from his previous life, not any studies he gave.

Frampton crosses his arms. He tries to school his features, but I see him strongly grip his sleeve in anger.

"The creators of Leon's lost items had many ideas on warfare and the like, something that his familiar Luxion was able to share with Leon. Thanks to that he could make leaps and bounds no one else here could!" I revealed. "He shared this knowledge with his friends as well! That's why he was familiar with the summon and it's fighting style, because Cid had been attempting to replicate a fighting style from the past!"

"Grk!" a strangled sound comes from Frampton, but he puts on his best poker face when I look over to him. He then attempts to regain control once more. "If you have an explanation for everything regarding the scoundrel then explain this! Why is he so deeply connected to The Shadow Garden!? They all but follow him around! If Leon is somewhere then so is The Shadow Garden! This isn't something that we can ignore!"

"He makes a good point." Said Roland.

I open my mouth to try and come up with something quick, unsure if I should reveal the secret mission between Leon and Roland of investigating the Shadow Garden, when Herlock raises his hand.

"If I may?" he asked.

"Detective Herlock?" asked Roland, "What is it?"

"Would you allow me to change the course of this trial?" Herlock spoke as though he was merely asking for a second cup of tea.

This amused Roland. "Very well, I'm interested. Hopefully you can spice things up a bit."

[A/N: Play this song now: https/watch?v=jPWCMf3QRlA =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =37]

Herlock walks to the middle of the room, all eyes following him as though there was a spotlight upon him. "Ladies and gentlemen of the court. We have been brought here to try and ascertain whether or not Leon has been loyal to his country, and given his history it is a fair question to ask."

"Where is he going with this?" whispered Livia worriedly.

"He grew up the son of a Baron when he should be considered royalty. He almost was sold to war and married to a woman five times his age. He has been in the center of conflict after conflict." Said Herlock, captivating the audience. "Of course one would question his motives. But let me ask you this, what of the prosecution?"

"Watch what you're about to say." Threatened Frampton.

But Herlock carried on. "The Frampton's are long supporting members of the kingdom. They have been here since the very beginning. Everything they do is done for the sake of the kingdom, and this trial should be no different."

I start getting worried.

But I should no better than to doubt Cid considering how long he's been friends with Leon.

Herlock then smiles. "But wasn't it proven with the reveal of Leon's royal lineage that not everything we know about Holfort's history is true. In fact, shouldn't we consider that it's rather suspicious that a man from a family that's been here since the beginning of this kingdom wants to do everything in his power to strip our Lost King of his?"

Herlock opens his arms as if to call upon everyone.

"We have sat here and questioned why those in the shadows follow he who casts the light, but why should we not ask as to why this man wishes to snuff it out and plunge us all into darkness!?" shouted Herlock. He then spun around and pointed at Frampton who was clenching his teeth so hard in a snarl that they may start to crack. "'Good' sir! What say you!?"

[A/N: stop the song here.]

Frampton says nothing.

He then reaches into his coat and pulls out a wine bottle and wine glass from nowhere. He calmly pours himself a drink. Takes a swig. And then tosses the bottle over his shoulder and smashes the glass in his hand in rage!

[Play this song now: https/watch?v=CQCVHRxVThA =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =43]

But with a calm voice, he demands one thing. "Evidence."

"Pardon?" questioned Roland. "What was it you said?"

"Evidence, your Majesty…" Frampton then snarls and smashes his fist onto the table, creating a loud *crunch* noise as it cracks underneath the force. "IF YOU LOT MEAN TO DENOUNCE MY ENTIRE FAMILY AND THEIR SUPPORT OF THIS KINGDOM AND ITS 500 YEAR HISTORY THEN I DEMAND YOU SHOW ME SOME EVIDENCE!"

Livia grips my hand under the table and I squeeze it in response.

"I have had months of reports that I narrowed into one clear one to present to the court! Witnesses, photos, and more all to prove my point! If you want to spit in the face of my ancestors and everything they fought and bled for, then show me some damn evidence!" roared Frampton.

I inwardly wince.

Although Herlock had given us the lead we needed, it seems as though it was too soon. As we do lack evidence. I could attempt to show the photos but as they were made with the camera that only Mitsugoshi knows of the likelihood that it wouldn't be accepted is too high.

[A/N: Stop the song here.]

"Evidence? Would this help?"

I look up and see…

A woman in an outfit that doesn't seem appropriate if I'm being honest… and is that one of the treasures from the vault?!

-Cid/Kageno/Shadow/Herlock-

Leon's trials and tribulations is a storyline that I've put about a week into. Honestly, it's pretty damn cool, and something I definitely wouldn't have been able to set up on my own.

But what I didn't expect was the person who wanted to play along this time.

[A/N: Play this song here: https/watch?v=S0C1fPMiTno =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =19]

"Arsene!" I shout at the top of my lungs as Herlock.

Alexia. I acknowledge in my head.

About a week ago after spending some time with Nu and Victoria I left to go see what everyone was up to. Especially since I could feel Violet doing something with her magic the entire time.

I had no idea what, and she wouldn't tell me. So I went over to where I felt her mana focusing. There I saw Alexia who was talking to Delta and Eta about something. From what I could tell they were going to give Alexia one of the demonic armor prototypes we had been working on.

I decided to just watch for the moment, as Eta was smart enough to use the cloth prototype rather than the slime one. Thanks to the slight influence I could feel Violet pulling over everyone with her magic, Alexia didn't seem to care too much about how much of her skin was showing. Somehow, she figured by putting on a domino mask she'd be fine.

From what Violet eventually told me, Alexia was feeling lonely so she wanted to invite her in on the Shadow Broker games at least once. I'm pretty sure there was more to it than that, but this all led to her becoming 'Arsene'…

Violet insisted.

For all the wrong reasons. "arse-end" she laughed.

Whatever. Delta was the one who ended up including her anyway, and says that Alexia is cool, so I guess I can let it go.

Now back to the present Alexia as Arsene has made her big debut. Her nerves are gone thanks to Violet's influence, but everything else is all her… oh and we used magic to make it look like her hair is a lot shorter than it is naturally. It's closer to what Freyja's looked like.

She descends unimpeded thanks to Violet, asserting her presence through Alexia, basically a minor form of brainwashing that makes everyone want to see things play out first before going to violence.

They may also be gawking at what is essentially a competition swimsuit with thigh highs and armored arms. There's more modesty on her face thanks to the mask.

"You know you like the view~" taunted Violet through our mental connection. She'd been possessing Alexia so far, I needed to give her the bracelet / mask, but since Alexia strutted up to me we're close enough that she could talk to me.

"Hurley~" crooned Arsene, "You didn't think you could have some fun without me, did you?"

Doing my best to sound like Leon—*cough* a tsundere *cough*—I respond, "What have you done now you thief? You understand this trial had been moved to an airship thanks to your devilish deeds, don't you?"

"Aw… did I make you angry?" Arsene walks up to me with one hand on her lip, as though she were shushing me. The other went behind her back, where I saw her pulling something out of those cape things that come off her shoulder pauldrons. It's something that resembles a lamp, although the center looks as big as a globe.

[A/N: Okay, so I'm including an image for something that is a HUGE piece of evidence in AA6. For those of you on Ao3 and SB it's called the founder's orb. Slight spoilers for how it's used in that game too.]

"YOU!" Screamed Frampton "HAND THAT OVER TO ME, NOW!"

"Oh. Looks like I have to go Hurley~" Arsene hands me the item before beginning to run away through a portal, stopping to blow me a kiss before finally leaping through.

Well, I'll give her this, she played her part perfectly. Now how do we go about using this in court…

[A/N: End the song here.]

-Olivia-

I watched as Mister Sholmes blushed as his—I think—enemy/lover blew him a kiss and left.

It kinda reminded me of how flustered Leon gets when we flirt with him in public.

Anyway, now the Frumpy guy is screaming like a baby again.

"YOU CUR! HAND THAT RELIC OVER TO ME IMMEDIATELY!" demanded the crotchety old man.

Mister Sholmes just looked to His Majesty, "Your Majesty! What say you? I believe that this is a critical piece of evidence that must be used in this trial! I believe that if we uncover the secrets of this relic, we will be able to uncover the truth hidden to the Holfort Kingdom!"

His Majesty stroked his chin, then smiled, "I'll allow it! But please, enlighten me as to why! As far as I can tell it's a nice-looking ornament. It has been doing nothing but taking up space in the royal treasure vault after all."

"Very well. I shall explain how it was that I arrived at this conclusion." Herlock nodded then pointed into the air. "So I do cordially invite you upon a journey of logical discovery! Let us board the train of reasoning!"

Everyone looked interested but no one really understood Mister Sholmes was saying.

"…Put plainly, let us work through my deductions together." Said Mister Sholmes who then blew from his bubble pipe.

The Great Deduction: The game is afoot!

[A/N: play this song here https/watch?v=TvzmYizWGiw =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =26]

Topic 1- Possession of the Relic

"First, let us begin with this." Mister Sholmes shows off the relic, placing it on a pedestal in the middle of the room before spinning and then snapping, triggering some lights to focus on the relic. "This is a relic known to have a history between the Framptons and the Royal family, yes?"

Mister Sholmes slides so that he's in front of the old man in question.

"Look at how his pupils have shrunken, and froth has formed at his lips," as Mister Sholmes pointed this out Frampton had a light cast upon him and decided to try and mask it. "What could possibly be so important that he'd react so desperately? Why did Miss Arsene steal this in the first place? The answer lies…"

Mister Sholmes twirled again before casting a light on… His Majesty?

"With you, your highness! Frampton must've arranged for a thief to steal this artifact from you." As Mister Sholmes proclaimed this, the old guy seems to calm down a bit. Was that wrong?

Mister Sholmes twirled again, snapping to move the spotlight. I wonder if he's using a spell for this.

"The question then becomes: Why would Arsene steal it? Once again, the answer is plain. We have clear evidence to shed light on the matter." Mister Sholmes said.

The old guy twitches at this and folds his arms as Mister Sholmes twirls over to him. He's hiding something…

Mister Sholmes flicks his cap and then points at the table in front of the old guy. "Regard, if you will, the papers upon Marquis Frampton's desk here. Particularly the one by itself. Given by the state of the paper, he has looked over it again several times."

The old guy starts tapping his finger.

"I'm sure it needs no further clarification. The evidence that reveals Arsene's desire to intervene… is Arsene's own calling card!" The old guy stops tapping his finger as Mister Sholmes finishes. "In short, Arsene herself said that she'd be stealing from other thieves. She must've gotten there early and stole it before Frampton's own staged thief could show up!"

Mister Sholmes waves his hand in a circular motion, "But why was this thievery even a thing to begin with? Why, to humiliate the king of course! …Not that I'd ever understand why, of course."

Topic 1- Conclusion: Beef with The Crown

"Wha-!? You rotten cur!" shouted His Majesty.

"He's lying!" tried the old man.

"I'm not done." Calmly pointed out Mister Sholmes.

Topic 2- Purpose of the Relic

"Now… as for my second conclusion…" Mister Sholmes snapped and placed the spotlight on the relic itself. Unfortunately, I can still clearly see the old man because of his position across from us. "This relic holds a dark secret."

The old man slightly narrows his eyes.

"Oh yes, you see gaze upon this part of the Relic in particular." Mister Sholmes has his hand pointed at the relic's sphere part, and I think the old guy narrows his eyes a little more until Mister Sholmes moves his hand to the top. "The highlight of this relic is of course, the top!"

The old guy unfolds his arms as Mister Sholmes continues.

"What could this relic possibly be concealing?" The old guy leans forward on his table as Mister Sholmes continues. "Well, by my estimation… something going back several hundred years."

"Of course it does, you twat! The relic itself is several hundred years old!" shouted the old guy.

But Mister Sholmes keeps going, "And what, pray, would be worth concealing for several hundred years? Once again, we need only look to the top of this relic to answer."

With a snap all the lights come back on.

"Should we open this relic…" the old man scoffs and looks away as Mister Sholmes talks, "I'd wager we'd find the secret of the Frampton family!"

The old man almost gets whiplash as he looks back.

"And what could that possibly be? Why would it not be hidden in the Frampton territory?" Mister Sholmes twirled again this time going over to Leon. "Why? It's a lost item!"

The old man starts tapping his finger on his arm.

"A lost item… that will unlock someone's strength!" The old man taps slower now. Mister Sholmes points his finger at his temple "In conclusion…" He then triumphantly points it up, "The Frampton's have long since coveted the strength of Old Humanity! Frampton's current accusations against Leon stem from jealousy derived from him not needing it!"

Topic 2- Conclusion: Some kind of Strength Potion

Mister Sholmes flicks his hat again. "Thus concludes Herlock Sholmes's great deduction of the day! …I hope I didn't none of you are lost."

[A/N: End the song here]

The crowd of random nobles begin to clap politely.

However I look over at Angie. She's radiant in the white dress that hugs her curves of course, and probably much more dignified that I look in this chain riddled one. But that's besides the point.

"Was that…" Angie looked over to me and whispered in a bit of confusion, "Was that what it was like in the books?"

"Well, um… the stories are full of Mr. Sholmes's brilliant deductions…" I said before I scratched the side of my face, "But that… did seem a little different somehow…"

Angie thinks about it for a second, "You know, his job is that of a consultant detective. Perhaps the truth of life is that we need to… only receive help. But we still need to do the work ourselves."

I slam my hand into my palm in realization. "That's right! There's no Watson here either! Mr. Sholmes was probably expecting us to interject at some point! His whole thing was getting people to deduce everything themselves!"

Angie nodded, "Not to mention he was probably distracted a bit by the sight of his paramour."

"Right." I agreed. I thought that my holy vestments with all the chains and exposed cleavage would've been the lewdest thing here (which I know the chains are because of how much Mary uses them), but that woman clearly gets away with a lot of theft because men would want to chase her but never catch up.

"Those the defense agree with their consultant's conclusions?" asked Miss Mylene.

Angie and I looked at each other before standing up.

"The defense believes that our consultant had gotten most things correct. However, we'd like to correct things." Said Angie. By the look in her eyes I can tell she's almost as enthusiastic about this as she was to go on the adventure in the school's dungeon.

"By all means." Said His Majesty, clearly having some fun with everything.

The old guy started to speak up. "Surely this farce has gone on far enough!"

"Did I stutter, Frampton?" asked His Majesty in a tone that said 'just try it.'

The old guy just kept his mouth shut.

"Ah, of course. Herlock Sholmes would be proud to begin… his Logic and Reasoning Spectacular!" said Mister Sholmes.

[A/N: Play this song here: https/watch?v=NSc8DjFr6M8 =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =28]

Course Correction: Hold it, Mr. Sholmes!

Topic 1- Possession of the Relic

I noticed that the first time something seemed wrong with Mr. Sholmes' deduction was who Frampton had a problem with. When he said that it was King Roland that the old guy had a problem with.

"Mr. Sholmes was a bit off with his answer but he was correct in asking this-" I said as I moved into the middle of the room. I'm terribly shy but if I focus on how I'm doing this for Leon, who is still in a cage, then I can move past it. "What could possibly be so important that he'd react so desperately? Why did Miss Arsene steal this in the first place? The answer lies…"

Angie picks up the argument, twirling like Mr. Sholmes did, but with all the grace of a ballerina I think I see Mr. Redgrave watch with a smile in the crowd. "With my own fiancé, Leon Rapha Barfort!"

Mr. Sholmes snaps and casts the spotlight on Leon who waves not really knowing what else to do. Cute.

"Indeed… You noticed the exact thing that I had noticed earlier, it wasn't the current king that Frampton wished to keep the relic from, but the future one." Said Mr. Sholmes.

I continue the argument, "It isn't clear why just yet, but Marquiss Frampton wanted to make sure that at all costs Leon would never see this relic!"

"The question then becomes: Why would Arsene steal it? Once again, the answer is plain. We have clear evidence to shed light on the matter." Angie takes her turn repeating Mr. Sholmes, the spotlight somehow performing the same actions. It's gotta be some kind of spell. "Regard, if you will, the papers upon Marquis Frampton's desk here. Particularly the one by itself. Given by the state of the paper, he has looked over it again several times."

I walk over to it as Mr. Sholmes twirls over, distracting the old guy long enough for me to see another paper that also looks worn out. I quickly snatch it from him before he can stop me and Mr. Sholmes twirls between us. "I'm sure it needs no further clarification. The evidence that reveals Arsene's desire to intervene… is this document between Marquiss Frampton and this unnamed pen pal!"

I'd mention what's on the actual letter, but it's obviously in some kind of code.

Mr. Sholmes twirls to me and takes the document. With a quick once over he makes a quick deduction. "The ink in which this pen is written is that of a particular blend that exists only thanks to a squid monster's natural ink being blended into the normal material. It makes the ink easy to burn up, but what the people of Fanoss have yet to discover, is that it reacts terribly to tea brewed in Holfort as well. Those squids aren't natives here for a reason."

Mr. Sholmes snapped and a nearby tea tray a maid was holding flies over. He grabs a few leaves and wiggles them close to the paper. The ink immediately begins to bleed.

"So why was it that the relic was taken?" Angie smirks, "As Arsene said in her calling card. She wanted to steal the history from the rotten roots of Holfort."

Topic 1 Conclusion: Truths Hidden for Nefarious Reasons.

"But what could possibly be the reason to hide a relic?"

"Why go so far as to hide it in plain sight?"

I smiled. "I believe that comes next."

Topic 2- Purpose of the Relic

"Now… as for the second conclusion. It's true. This relic holds a dark secret." I said, as it had to be true, why else would this be so important?

Angie chimes in, "Gaze upon this part of the Relic in particular, the center. We could find the answer to our questions here."

"Indeed. It is the question of how to access the contents of it that we need to consider now." Pointed out Mr. Sholmes. "As we know, it's a lost item, so it's possible that one wouldn't go about opening this like some kind of jar."

I look in the corner of my eyes and see that the old guy is scowling. It's so bad that I see some of the queen's knights start slowly walking over to him.

I look over to Leon. He mouths one thing. Fire.

"Angelica, if you would enlighten us?" hinted Herlock.

"STOP!" shouted Frampton, only to be met with the light of an armor gazing at him.

Angie lights a small flame and approaches the relic. As she does, the strange glossy surface of the middle starts to melt away. When it clears, all that's left is a bunch of red pills. But before we can question it, the relic begins to glow. Suddenly, the top of the relic lights up, and an old man… or rather, a holograph of an old man in a chair shows up.

The most surprising thing is that… I… or rather Mary recognizes this old man.

"…Is it working…? I hope so. If you're seeing this, you have finally uncovered the greatest secret of me. Julian of Holfort." Said the first king of Holfort.

[A/N: https/watch?v=5kjZgxYB_Zc =PLl1Ubidemop1aL_XvbGImGHntojjftcBP =15]

"I… want to apologize." Said Julian. "In my last few days I have discovered… I have discovered that I was turned into a monster. Partly due to my envy, and partly due to the machinations of others… As you can see I'm an old fart now. Far gone are the days of my youth. I have to take medicine for just about everything now… something I actually did in my youth as well."

Old Julian takes a deep and painful sounding breath.

"I had an older brother… his name was Lea… He was a great adventurer. While I was stuck to a bed due to my sickly nature… he'd go out and discover great things… Treasure, Relics, Land… He even found love… I envied him… but he was my brother, and I loved him… He cared for me as well… it was thanks to him that I was eventually able to leave my bed and make friends…"

Old Julian breathes again, but there's a distinct shudder in it.

"When I was 15… Lea was abroad in a new nation… taking care of some business with a demon… I can't recall… But while he was gone… my friends and I were approached by a man… I can't recall his name… but he had known just how much I looked up to my brother… he offered a way for me to catch up to him…"

Old Julian holds up some pills that look like the ones in the relic.

"These… I don't know their name… but they… transformed me. I gained strength comparable to my brother… but I needed to keep taking them or… I'd become weak again… no, weaker. But it… was only my body that became strong. My mind became… so, so, so much weaker…"

Old Julian closes his eyes. I see tears going down his face.

"The man that gave us the pills came back… he turned my envy of my brother into… something that consumed me… I wanted everything he earned… My… altered mind… it was healed… or I suppose soothed… whenever I was near my brother's lover, Ann. I believe… her healing powers counteracted the effect of the pill… My altered mind… mistook that for love… and it turned to obsession."

Old Julian looks down.

"Lea… Ann… Mary… I can never make up for the things we all did…"

The hologram glitches a bit before Old Julian looks back up. I think that was a 'fast forward' as Leon put it.

"I only regained my ability to talk… when I accidentally coughed one of these pills out… Thanks to my current weakness, the only… company I find is that of my healers… and even then they don't bother… checking to see if I take anything… They heal me then leave… so I was able to survive the withdrawals of the pills…"

Old Julian moves his robes to reveal a decaying body turning into black mounds of flesh.

"For now… at least… *cough!* I can… only hope that this message… is one day found by someone… No… I… I was going to entrust this with… the family of my… longest supporters… what was his name…? His name… his name… his name…!"

Old Julian begins to scream.

"His name! His name! I remember! I remember now! That man! His name was Frampton! Frampton! FRAMPTON!"

The screen cuts out.

Everyone slowly turns to the man in question.

I raise my fists and coat them with mana.

I feel Angie's fire light up.

Several armors stand and turn towards him.

[A/N: End the song and play this one now: https/watch?v=vkz_fTuGn8c]

"Okay, I guess it's my turn now."

I hear the crash of metal and turn to see Leon now free from his cage. He walks over to Angie and me.

"Thank you both… honestly, if it weren't for your trial we would have never discovered the truth hidden in the relic." Leon hugged us both. He then nodded in Mr. Sholmes' direction. "Your help was appreciated as well. I'll make sure to thank Cid for hiring you. For now, though, maybe go find out where Arsene went, yeah?"

"At your leave, my liege." Mr. Sholmes bowed and then started making his way out of the room.

"Oh?" said Angie, "Shouldn't we allow Mr. Sholmes to see this case end properly."

Leon smirks, "Oh don't worry. The entire kingdom will know of its rotten roots."

-Beta-

Darling had once told me about a form of content known as "Courtroom Drama" shown most predominantly through a televised production. It all went over my head, and in fact, I never understood why it was supposedly so popular.

But after having witnessed all of Sir Leon's trial through his Lost Item Luxion's many copies spread throughout the kingdom through the ships we had created with his blueprints.

Well, I'm definitely going to have to adapt this to book form later. Maybe figure out a way to use it for less serious stuff in the future.

For now I'm going to watch the screen floating in the air to see how this will end.

Leon finds himself quickly equipped with the gear he wears when piloting Arroganz.

"Guards!" shouted Leon.

The guards quickly seize not only Marquis Frampton but everyone that had approached Leon in the jail with the intention of taking his lost items.

"The Frampton's 500 year deception and treasonous behavior is something to definitely look into. It's something I had long suspected actually, knowing what I do about the relationships of the founding members of Holfort. I know for a fact that it's not me that should be locked up, it's not me that is suspicious, it's not me committing treason, it's you guys." Said Leon with a cold and fierce expression.

"HOW DARE YOU!" shouted Frampton.

"Besides, it's not only the things from 500 years ago." Said Leon a whole packet of letters was taken out of his jacket and then tossed at the floor where Frampton was forced to kneel. "And this is a message from Her Highness Hertrude, given to me from a letter. 'He is unexpectedly useless isn't he' she said. She easily fessed up what kind of conversation she had with you guys."

"T-THAT LITTLE GIRL…" growled Frampton.

Leon sighed. "There you go shifting the blame on others. Don't you get it? The kingdom's mistakes, both past and present, began because of your family's actions."

"EVERYTHING I DID WAS NECESSARY TO PRESERVE THIS COUNTRY!" shouted Frampton pathetically.

"A kingdom that you wanted to serve you, right? Or were we just your playthings?" Leon chuckled then grabbed a gun from a nearby guard and forced into Frampton's mouth, "Or were we just offerings to someone else?"

Frampton said nothing, finally understanding that he chose the wrong opponent.

If I had to guess, it's not only Leon that Frampton is facing in this moment. But also the Lost King. I can't imagine the amount of bloodlust emanating from Leon/Lea right now given that they know who was truly to blame. I can imagine that the camera is pointed more towards Leon since Frampton probably isn't decent anymore.

Leon stands. "Open the hatch."

The camera shows the hatch to the hangar of the royal ship open. I wish I was in the capital right now…

"W-what are you doing?" shouted Frampton. His cohorts began to similarly shout in concern.

Leon smiled, but this was not a smile of a man. No, this smile belonged to a demon… a demon king. "You all want to act like you're above Holfort, right? Then why don't I let you experience what that's like in your final moments."

"Mamaagdyne" Leon casts an ancient earth spell, coating the rotten roots of Holfort's limbs in concrete. Leon then turns to the guards. "Toss them out."

"W-wait!"

"You can't do this!"

"YOU BRAT!"

Leon's face was still stuck with a smile, but no emotions I know could accurately describe the look on his face.

"Before you go, let me tell you this. Today is the start of a new era. A New Holfort. We will fight back the coming attacks from Fanoss, we will rid ourselves of the rotten roots, we will become the country we were always meant to be!" King Leon spoke. And based on the cheering I heard coming from outside the citizens were listening. "You're just step one. Magarudyne. Magrydyne."

With that the rotten roots were thrown out the hatch and likely plummeted quickly.

Leon then turned to the screen.

Now, I suppose we have to fight Fanoss, yes?

.

.

.

A/N: You can end the song if you haven't already.

What are the fucking chances that Master of Garden would have Sigma geek out about "Charlock Holmes"? Like this isn't a two nickles situation anymore. I think I'm on like, 5.

I did want to have the witnesses for the case have pun-based names, but I couldn't come up with any. That, and Morgan Fest in F/GO, the new update in Genshin Impact, and trying to get Ninja Tharja from FEH had been what slowed me down. I'll try not to use Expy's too often, just when I can't come up with new character names.

Now let's answer the comments:

QQ

Bladist: Hopefully you liked how I had Herlock work here. I admittedly sidelined him a bit, but I feel like Cid would've wanted it that way.

Someone ani: First, thanks to replying to my normal comments all the time, means a lot.

I love writing the omake chapters too, glad to see people like reading them.

I didn't come up with Lukreia's mom lore… I mean the ship crash and Vandel stuff, yeah, but her being super smart and stuff was from the wiki. So unless the wiki lied…

Havefeith: Hey, I love his videos. Just watched the one from today while I was writing. Also, it could've been worse, I was originally going to go with Mai W. Fu.

andreevmix111: I wonder what it is about having two protagonists that people hate so much.

Guest: Thanks for commenting nonetheless, I love to see it.

Part of the reason I like Victoria is because I have a thing for demon girls, so I hope if she has a Demon Version in Master of Garden she gets, like, wings or something.

I mean, if I was going to make Lukreia a character I couldn't just not do anything with her.

SB

MWKillKenny84: That was indeed a reference to Big Jack's demise.

I thought about using Ryunosuke Naruhodo as Cid's disguise, but thought it'd be a good idea to let Angie and Livia do most of the work in an arc. Leon just cleans up the mess in the end, as he usually does.
Thanks for commenting on the omake!

Ao3

Totntotbt: I just get the mental image oith the dog from silent hill or whatever it was with the dog, but instead it's delta and cid.

Oh yeah, Leon's just being a tsundere.

Well, I did consider reincarnating Akane as someone, but I figured that it'd if I did that need for the Earth arc somewhat if I did that.

Shadowy_guy (guest): I'm guessing you're joking but I did watch that video. I don't really get how it'd be funny honestly.

Rainsensei: I think Britomart can be used on quick teams.

Anisomeone: I think I saw that the other day, Yeah Delta's a bit of a dummy. But in P2W canon she's a little older so I like to think she's learned a bit more.

Zeta wasn't so much scared as weirded out.

I feel like my Alpha bias shows in the fic a lot. I should change it up.

Wolfpaladin: I wish I could've come up with some joke names. It would've sold the trial for sure.

Cid did pay attention, it's that her spine was little more than dust at the time.

Yeah that will probably happen around then. I guess it's kinda obvious.

He has several kids with Cleare. He just had one at the time.

I do have plans for the royal airship. I feel like it's fate of a one and done in canon is understandable if a little boring.

Gary (Guest): She would've been dead so quickly if she was the same as Mobuseka canon.

There's a canon explanation around Volume 8 on why the demi-humans can't fly them. But it's contradicted by Kyle flying one in the same book so I think I'll stick to my own explanation. Glad the slime stuff fits.

That is a good idea for an Epsilon lemon.

We'll see soon actually.

Hope you enjoyed Ace Attorney Angie.

VinHD15: It was between Alexia and Rose, but I figured I should progress the Alexia sideplot.

Shadowy_guy (guest): Actually it was just from the ace attorney franchise. I thought it'd be funny.

Even in canon the saintess stuff was kinda just brushed off and the church is never visited, so I wasn't really going to make a new arc.

The earth arc is the thing I'm looking forward to the most after the John Smith Arc.

I mean some people guessed, but that's just because I gave the hints.

Hutakata: Thanks for reading and commenting!

Hope you like who I made Arsene.

There is some things to do with the Cult, but I'll address it in the war arc we're going into. Same with Sherry's family.

I didn't know about that story, is it for uniform Sherry?

I'm not sure about the stuff the Light Novels and Anime skipped honestly.

Anisomeone: I thought the Japanese section was fun, although extremely unneeded honestly.

Lmao, yup. I figured I should make one persona on my own since I was writing a fic.

Well, not serious for Cid I think, but it was for everyone else.

I'll probably draw more original versions at some point, but Rhea and Byleth (sothis regalia) was what I had in mind.

Hope you liked his persona here.

BOY4_GOW:

1. I figure that since everyone else is so hotblooded the mom would know how to manage them. I don't think she's ever mentioned in canon, but I don't know if that's because she's supposed to be dead.

2. The war with Fanoss was Gilbert's fault, heard it here first.

3. Kinda sorta, I'll explain when Vince ends up using it.

4. I imagine that one image of the puppet master with a never ending chain of puppet masters behind him, but it just being Frampton-Hertrude-Leon-Mylene-Cid-Alpha-Cid Again- Cid Again- Cid Again

5. Like I said I just used a design from one of the ace attorney games.

6. I think it's a reference to gundam, though I only know it through a meme.

7. Lmao yeah.

8. Really? Then again I hinted at it during the chapter and not before.

9. I can see that, but I feel like it makes the most sense for him to basically replace Lutheran for the most part.

10. Lol.

11. Well, not him. The Shades probably. But it definitely wasn't safe for him at the time.

12. I still wanted things to feel organic enough, which is why I didn't have Angelica shouting the interjections that often.

Totntotbt: Yup! I've been playing the games recently and felt like he'd be fun to write in.

I mean Leon's imprisonment in canon was to keep him safe, so it'd be lenient here too.

I understand Leila's deal, but I don't like it. I mean Emile was basically NTR'd.

Thanks for the inspiration to write Marie again. I wanted to but I wasn't sure how.

Deathfang1920: Thanks!