Chapter Text
“It is an honor to meet you, Mr. Edgeworth!”
“We look forward to working with you!”
“We have heard of your many great achievements!”
To say Edgeworth was annoyed by the constant chatter from the other prosecutors was an understatement. He took a break from his work in Japan and decided to study abroad in Germany to hone his skills. He was aiming to become chief prosecutor, hoping he could improve the corrupt system that he saw constantly happen but was often powerless to stop it.
He planned to still prosecute in court occasionally, so he stepped in the Germany courthouse to be familiar with it and view his own personal office. Unfortunately, since he arrived, he was overwhelmed by his peers who seem to try to curry any kind of favor from him. The only one who didn’t seem to pay any attention to him was a janitor in the background, sweeping the floor. Edgeworth by a quick glance could tell he was also Japanese but very scruffy looking, wearing sweatpants and a gray hoodie, with an odd looking beanie. Just by that look alone, Edgeworth felt he should probably ignore him as he moved past him. Just because they share the same nationality, doesn’t mean they would have anything in common. It’s not like he was here to make friends anyway. Despite others trying to, Edgeworth knew it was nothing but false platitudes.
“If you would allow me to prepare my office.” Edgeworth told them as he reached the door of his said office. He wanted to tell them directly to buzz off but he had to keep his professionalism if he was to work with them in the future.
“Of course, of course, we’ll let you get settled!”
(‘You better!’)
Edgeworth was glad the group was finally disbanding and heading in different directions. Edgeworth hastily walked into his office and closed the door shut behind him. He let out a frustrated sigh as he sank into his chair behind the desk. He’s only here to work and study! He was more comfortable being on his own, always has been. So he decided to allow himself to relax a little.
Only to jump up from his seat, startled when the door opened. It was that janitor from earlier.
“Hey, I need you to get out, I’m cleaning this place.”
“This is my office and I need to work.” Edgeworth frowned at this individual.
“In this mess?” The janitor scoffed a little (the mess apparently was the dust and untidy stacks of books). “I just got the go-to, to clean this office for the new prosecutor. It needs to be nice and tidy for his arrival.”
“I AM the new prosecutor.” Edgeworth stood up and crossed his arms.
Instead of looking embarrassed the janitor just smirked, shrugging.
“Boy, I sure have egg on my face right now. Regardless, my shift is going to end in around an hour and nobody told me you were arriving today.”
“And how is that my fault?” Edgeworth frowned.
“Fair. Neither of us got the memo but I need to get cleaning before I go home.”
“I give you permission to do it tomorrow.”
“No can do. I work on certain days, Monday till Wednesday, need to do everything before I leave. You know how it is.”
“Really? Only three days?”
“Part time.” He clarified. “I’m sure you’ll like the other janitor. He takes better care of his appearance than me.”
“At least someone who seems to have standards.” Edgeworth grunted.
“This is one of the few times I can get your office cleaned during this time of day. So, if you can stop being a snob and let me do my job-”
“S-snob!” Edgeworth was aghast. Who does this man think he is?!
“How dare you talk to me like that when you are a mere janitor!”
“Ooooh, look at Mr. High and Mighty Prosecutor pulling rank at the lowly janitor. Is this why you became a famous prosecutor - to look down on us little people?”
Edgeworth was fuming but he didn’t want to deal with this man any more than he’d have to. He’d rather deal with more brown nosing from the other prosecutors than allow himself to be talked that way any further. He rushed by the janitor, not bothering to give him any eye contact.
“Make sure it’s sparkling clean!”
“You got it!” The man replied all too happy to get started.
(‘What an uncouth individual!’) Edgeworth fumed quietly.
*
The next few weeks went very smoothly as it could. Edgeworth was learning quite a lot during this time, focusing his studies. Any court case assigned to him was much too easy for him. It took him nearly a month to realize he was bored. It might not be so bad if he was still in Japan, a familiar place that brought him comfort. He didn’t know anyone here either. Perhaps that’s his fault as he didn’t make any effort to know anyone. He did make a big deal to himself that he wanted to be alone when he first arrived, but he slowly began to realize he had nothing here that reminded him of Japan. Not even Gumshoe.
He can’t believe he’s missing Gumshoe right now. He was the closest to having a friend. He should maybe call him sometime. Just to know how things are going obviously. That he isn’t screwing up over there with his constant incompetence.
He sighed inwardly. He should just go home for now. As he packed up and held his briefcase under his arm, he walked out from his office, into the long hallway. He spotted a lawyer and a prosecutor chatting casually in that hall. He found it odd that someone from another profession seemed to talk friendly with one another but it was none of his business. He planned to just continue walking but one of them spoke up.
“Oh, Mr. Edgeworth! Are you heading home already?”
Edgeworth paused before deciding to answer.
“Already? I have been staying longer than necessary.”
“Yeah, but it’s Friday night! The night is young!”
Edgeworth finally turned to face them directly. He recognized them. The tall one with hazel hair looking to be in his thirties was prosecutor Jack Pott. He has a decent enough record under his belt, having been working for over fifteen years in his profession. The younger and slightly shorter one with bright blond hair and light blue suit was the lawyer Kriss Opp, someone in his mid-twenties despite having a boyish face. From what he’s heard, he isn’t the most successful but he holds other lawyers with fame and success in high regard. He imagined he must have become a lawyer due how much he idolized famous lawyers around the world. Not that it seemed to make him a great at his job despite that.
“You’ve been stuck in that office of yours far too long.” Jack spoke. “Why not join us? It might do you some good to get outside once in a while.”
“Yeah, you’re new to Germany, right?” Kriss asked. “We can show you around. At least next time since we have plans tonight. But you might have fun too if you wanna come along.”
Edgeworth wondered if he should take the offer. There probably is no real harm in getting to know his co-workers (and perhaps future opponent) which he could use as an advantage in the future when interacting with them. Nothing to do with what he was thinking about earlier. And it would be useful to know more of the surroundings on where he now lives.
*
Edgeworth looked up at the tall flashy building in front of him. He didn’t exactly expect this.
“This is a casino.”
“Yep!” Jack looked all too happy about it. “One of my favorite places to get away from all this law stuff! Sometimes I win big on the best days!”
“Uh, do you not gamble?” Kriss asked when he noticed Edgeworth’s unimpressed expression.
“No.”
“Hey, no problem, there’s lots to do here.” Jack assured. “They have a large Bar with the best and the fanciest drinks.”
“I don’t drink.”
“Oh uh… they have a five star restaurant in there too.” Kriss added.
“I ate not too long ago.”
“They have, ummm…” Kriss scratched his head, thinking.
“Never mind that, you’ll find something for sure if you go in!” Jack insisted, taking Edgeworth by the arm and pulling into the casino. “There are quite a lot of lovely ladies who come in here so maybe try the dating scene!”
“I don’t dat-”
Edgeworth dropped it and sighed. It didn’t seem like he was being listened to. When he was inside he felt his eyes hurt. It was nearly as bright as outside, bright lights everywhere he looked. Game slots were lined up at the entrance, and his ears were assaulted by the constant sound of the shrill music coming from them anytime anyone used them. Which were a lot of people.
He moved on ahead to get away from the sounds, trying to find a quieter place. He got to a spot where tables were lined up with dealers either lining up cards or spinning a roulette wheel for whoever lined up to gamble. A little quieter here even though he still had to deal with bright lights.
Through his wandering and confusion, he didn’t see Kriss nor Jack anywhere in sight. They likely rushed towards any game that grabbed their eye. Maybe it’s a sign he needs to leave before he gets a headache.
“You look like a fish out of water, sir.”
Edgeworth turned to the person who said that. It was a man with spikey hair - a strange haircut if he was being honest. Other than that, he had the look of a perfect gentleman. Clean shaven, white gloves that were shuffling cards, a black tuxedo with a red vest on. He was at one of the tables meant for card play, likely the dealer. Though it seemed to be closed right now with a small sign saying as much on the table.
“Perhaps I am.” Edgeworth didn’t know why he felt compelled to answer.
“Yeah, I can tell you’re not around here. First time in a casino?”
“What makes you say that?”
“Well, since you are a Japanese man like me and you are looking around confused, I figured you’ve never been in one.”
True. Japan does not have casinos since gambling over there is illegal.
“Getting a little culture shock, eh?”
“It does seem unusual to step into a place that doesn’t exist in my homeland.”
“You want to try a little gambling then?”
“I have no intention to gamble!” Edgeworth replied, offended.
“I apologize, sir. I just assumed since you are… you know, here.”
“I was dragged here.” He explained.
“By some friends?”
“I wouldn’t call them friends.”
“You got ditched by some gambling addicts, eh?”
As much as Edgeworth loathed to admit it, Gumshoe would never do that to him. He can’t believe how much he is missing the detective right now. But with his salary, it would be best if he never stepped foot in a casino in case the machines might tempt him. He can already imagine losing all his money in one go.
“Hey now, turn that frown upside down. Want a drink? It’s on me.”
“I don’t drink.”
“Seems like you’re in the wrong place if you neither drink nor gamble.” The dealer looked conflicted. “Maybe I can show you a trick instead.”
“What kind of trick?” Edgeworth instantly got suspicious. “Does it involve money?”
“Nope, it’s completely free. You may not know it, but I have quite the reputation here as someone who can read people. I even play cards with some of my clients and have rarely been beaten.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“Being nearly unbeaten? Yeah, I can see why you’d think that. It’d be more believable in a small place than a huge casino like this. Sure, I’ve been accused of cheating, but no one ever found anything on me with random body checks and cameras. I assure you in the end, I play with the cards I’ve been randomly dealt with.”
“Because you can read people?” Edgeworth still sounded doubtful. “Fine, you managed to pique my interest. Read me.”
“Let me take a look at your hands.”
“What!?”
“Just for a few seconds.”
“....... Fine.”
The man took his hold of his hands gently and studied carefully. Edgeworth felt oddly at ease having his hands being held by a complete stranger. It probably helped that the man was wearing gloves. After a brief moment, he let go of them.
“I’m guessing you play chess regularly.”
“H-how did you know that!?” Edgeworth was genuinely surprised.
“I have ways of figuring these things out - another reason why I am an accomplished poker player. I have a gift when it comes to studying people.”
(‘Plus I saw the chess set in your office.’)
“And from your stance and the way you dress, you must be someone successful. A very well paid and important job…. a lawyer perhaps?”
“Prosecutor.” Edgeworth corrected.
“Ah. Yeah, something like that.”
Edgeworth still had some doubts. Edgeworth had been all over in the news back in Japan and this dealer was Japanese. He could have lived there at one point and learned about him over there. Then again, he knew he played chess and Edgeworth was always private about his life and hobbies….
“What is your name?”
“Oh, I go by many names. But if you want to call me by something, why not the Red Bird. Or Red for short.”
“Why not your real name? Do you have a criminal history or something?” Edgeworth asked suspiciously.
“Nah, I just find it adds to my mysterious nature. People always try to figure me out. It drives them crazy if they can't even get a name outta me. Plus, it’s good business. Gets more people coming into this establishment."
Edgeworth still wasn’t sure if he was fully convinced. However, if he can say one thing is that this man wasn’t boring.
“Say, why don’t I buy you some grape juice? I’m getting rather thirsty myself.”
“Aren’t you working?”
“Nope, I’m still at break. I thought you might wanna join me since you’re lonely and all.”
“I’m NOT lonely!” Edgeworth protested.
This… Red Bird or whatever he calls himself just gave Edgeworth a doubtful look. One almost pitiful. That just infuriated Edgeworth further.
“I don’t need you pity!”
“Pffft, pity? Maybe I’M the one feeling a little lonely, ever think of that?”
“Why would you be lonely if you’re so amazing?”
“I dunno. I’m at break but do you see anyone surrounding this table right now?”
Edgeworth paused for a moment. It didn’t cross his mind that he wasn’t the only one going through the same problem. And he was curious of getting to know him better.
“Grape juice only.”
The man ‘Red’ perked up.
“You got it!”
*
“So sorry about yesterday!”
Kriss looked very apologetic the next day, approaching Edgeworth who was trying to get to his office.
“Jack saw a new game and dragged me to it - we didn’t mean to ignore you!”
“Don’t worry about it.” Edgeworth found out he preferred it that way.
“No, no, we’ll make it up to you! How about we go some BBQ tonight or-”
“I apologize but I have already made plans for tonight.”
“Ah, I see. But if you don't have plans, you’ll let us know, yes?”
“I might.”
He wouldn’t. Neither Jack nor Kriss really impressed him. A complete stranger from yesterday caught his interest much more. It helped that he seemed to be actually interested in Edgeworth as well. They shared a simple glass of juice while Red was chatting away but also asked questions about him. It was brief but it was pleasant. When he told him he had to get back to work, Edgeworth saw a crowd forming at his table. Some were talking about ‘This time I will beat the Red Bird’ with determination. It seemed like Red didn’t lie when he said he was near undefeatable. Edgeworth decided to go home, thinking he might forget this night eventually though it was an interesting one.
Days passed and he didn’t stop thinking about it. In fact, he was strongly considering going back. To a casino of all places! But it was the person inside that place he wanted to meet again.
(‘He said he was lonely… no, maybe this is one of his tricks. Trying to butter up to potential customers and get them to gamble. This might be why he was being so friendly!’)
However, even if that was the truth, Edgeworth couldn’t stop being curious about this man’s true nature. Perhaps he could just stop by to see him at action. He started to leave around the time he started to go back to work, and he began to wish he stuck around to watch. Then again, that would make it the perfect excuse to return, wouldn’t it?
“Could you move please?”
Edgeworth noticed the janitor from before was mopping towards him, causing to clutch at the coffee cup he just attained from the vending machine. He was already feeling moody and he didn’t need HIM to make it worse.
“I was just about to return to my office!”
“Great, makes my job easier.”
Edgeworth huffed as he turned around, not before glancing back to give the janitor a piece of advice.
“It would do you well to at least shave that stubble of yours.”
“Hmm, probably.” The janitor acknowledged briefly before going back to his mopping.
(Urgh! This man is insufferable! Even if he’s a janitor, he could at least TRY to make himself look presentable!’)
Like Red Bird or whatever he calls himself. He is at least expected to look presentable in a place like a high-class casino. But he had the decency to at least shave, making him look extra handsome in that outfit.
(‘Handsome… where did that come from?’)
Edgeworth just shrugged it off as he continued on as the janitor was watching him. He smiled a little watching the stuck-up prosecutor trying to walk away without showing his irritation.
(‘You know for a snob, he does have a cute side to him.’)