First, I'd like to share my thoughts on the story itself:
Spoiler : :
The story was pretty well written. I really enjoyed reading it.
What was great was how natural the characters felt. Combine that with the atmosphere
of the von Karma household...you could cut the tension with a blunt spoon. I really understood
the dialogue coming from each character as well as Edgeworth's own thoughts.
I know it's supposed to be a short story, but as far as the writing goes, I think you could
write a really neat (and more drawn out) story involving these characters into a more novel-like format.
But anyway, it was great!
Also, just some personal thoughts:
- Wow, those character portraits look great!
- Thought Bernkastel was a little unrealistic with the "letter of apology". But I thought the reprimand otherwise was definitely in-character.
- They eat lunch really, really late.
- Your username is a reference to the Calvin & Hobbes comic by Bill Waterson, right?
What was great was how natural the characters felt. Combine that with the atmosphere
of the von Karma household...you could cut the tension with a blunt spoon. I really understood
the dialogue coming from each character as well as Edgeworth's own thoughts.
I know it's supposed to be a short story, but as far as the writing goes, I think you could
write a really neat (and more drawn out) story involving these characters into a more novel-like format.
But anyway, it was great!
Also, just some personal thoughts:
- Wow, those character portraits look great!
- Thought Bernkastel was a little unrealistic with the "letter of apology". But I thought the reprimand otherwise was definitely in-character.
- They eat lunch really, really late.
- Your username is a reference to the Calvin & Hobbes comic by Bill Waterson, right?
Spoiler : :
(Although, you may not answer them because they're relevant?)
Why was Kyrie fidgeting at the table? Was she just nervous or for another reason...?
Why was Mrs. von Karma so desperate to see Franziska at that moment?
Why was there a used tea set on the coffee table? (Seems kind of...untidy.)
Why did Beatrice say this towards the end:
“Because killing someone’s sister is evil? You tell me, Edgeworth.”
(I thought this felt out of place and...indicative of something...?)
Battler told us that Edgeworth wandered the manor until 4:30 - 5:30?(I thought this was a bit unclear.)
If so, then he must have fallen asleep from then until 7:00.
Why was Kyrie fidgeting at the table? Was she just nervous or for another reason...?
Why was Mrs. von Karma so desperate to see Franziska at that moment?
Why was there a used tea set on the coffee table? (Seems kind of...untidy.)
Why did Beatrice say this towards the end:
“Because killing someone’s sister is evil? You tell me, Edgeworth.”
(I thought this felt out of place and...indicative of something...?)
Battler told us that Edgeworth wandered the manor until 4:30 - 5:30?(I thought this was a bit unclear.)
If so, then he must have fallen asleep from then until 7:00.
Spoiler : :
I'm not going to go through everything that went through my head, but
I'll at least share some conclusions/assumptions I made leading to my theory.
I decided to concentrate on the motive, as opposed to the method. Who could afford to gain
(or lose) by killing Franziska? I'm assuming the killing was not out of pure spite or entertainment.
Next, since it had been a while since Franziska had visited the manor, her presence must be
detrimental to someone's position. One of the people there realized that should Franziska
stay any longer or do something in that library...it would not bode well for them. But this change
would only be brought about by Franziska herself.
And since Franziska has spent time in America...well, I figured it had to be someone who maybe
had criminal ties or something like that in America.
And the only person I could think of was Rudolf. We aren't given much information about Shannon
or Kanon (even though they COULD have connections) but I'm going to assume since it was never
mentioned nor hinted upon, so we don't have to reach that far.
Although, it seemed odd that Edgeworth and Erika had to nap during the afternoon.
Especially for Edgeworth. I thought there might have been something in the food.
Bernkastel is eliminated for being too obvious. Although she is my second choice for a culprit.
Her behaviour was the most odd (but was rather spot-lighted, so I thought it was a red herring)
and I couldn't understand why she was so happy her mother was dying.
I'll at least share some conclusions/assumptions I made leading to my theory.
I decided to concentrate on the motive, as opposed to the method. Who could afford to gain
(or lose) by killing Franziska? I'm assuming the killing was not out of pure spite or entertainment.
Next, since it had been a while since Franziska had visited the manor, her presence must be
detrimental to someone's position. One of the people there realized that should Franziska
stay any longer or do something in that library...it would not bode well for them. But this change
would only be brought about by Franziska herself.
And since Franziska has spent time in America...well, I figured it had to be someone who maybe
had criminal ties or something like that in America.
And the only person I could think of was Rudolf. We aren't given much information about Shannon
or Kanon (even though they COULD have connections) but I'm going to assume since it was never
mentioned nor hinted upon, so we don't have to reach that far.
Although, it seemed odd that Edgeworth and Erika had to nap during the afternoon.
Especially for Edgeworth. I thought there might have been something in the food.
Bernkastel is eliminated for being too obvious. Although she is my second choice for a culprit.
Her behaviour was the most odd (but was rather spot-lighted, so I thought it was a red herring)
and I couldn't understand why she was so happy her mother was dying.
but if I got it right, I'll be very surprised) theory:
Spoiler : :
Who:
Rudolf
How:
Kyrie must have napped like Edgeworth and Erika OR she was simply mistaken about
not hearing or seeing anyone move in or out of the library.
Rudolf just took the opportunity to kill Franziska.
Why:
I think Franziska would have figured something out in her father's old case files.
If she did, then Rudolf's standing would be brought into question.
Spoiler : :
“Don’t you remember that Bernkastel asked asked us not disturb Kyrie in her studies?” Edgeworth interjected, set slightly on edge. Erika shrugged off the statement, impassive.