Courthouse

...

What are you looking at?

Can't you see I'm busy? Come back later.

No. It's all part of my job.

Phew, it's boiling in here! Excuse me.

Oh, Coach! Hi there.

Would you keep it down?

Sorry, but is this the Outpost courthouse?

I heard you can reach a verdict here super quick.

No. Get out.

Oh, really? Jeez, it's like an oven in here.

Weird, didn't it say courthouse on the front of the building?

Maybe the heat's making me see things.

Later.

Hey!

Man, I'm sweating bullets! This is the courthouse all right.

It says so right there.

So take it down then, because this is not the court anymore from now on.

Huh?

But this is the only place that can help me.

I was scammed!

And whose fault is that?

Hey, what's your problem?! I'm a victim! I'm not the one in the wrong here!

It's not like I wanted to get scammed.

Yeah... I bought something, but it turned out to be fake.

...

Ugh, first I'm sweating, now I'm crying. I'm gonna get dehydrated at this rate.

I'm about on my last nerve...

Fine, who did it?

Wait, you're actually gonna hear me out?

Yes, I'll listen, so get on with it.

Not the best customer service...

You're so frigid, it's like I'm being cooled off. Nice...

Do I need to call security?

No, wait! I'll tell you.

A few days ago, I bought some cooling vitamins

from a nearby shopping center.

They told me it'd be really good for me.

Not only that, it'll apparently reduce your body heat, so I was sold.

But my body temperature hasn't gone down at all!

How can you be so sure?

Just look at all this sweat!

Yes, but they said that'd only make the vitamins more effective.

They were supposed to cool me down!

But they haven't.

If anything, I'm getting more heated at the thought of being scammed!

If this isn't fraud, what else could it be?

Do you even have a brain between those ears of yours?

You're a Nikke, aren't you?

What does that have to do with anything?

Is that medicine made for Nikkes?

Ha, what a silly question!

... I'm not sure.

And you didn't think to ask?

That medicine probably only works for humans.

Not only that, you sweat a lot to begin with.

You think popping a few pills is going to fix that?

Well I thought it would work...

Have you gone to the Repair Center?

... No.

When you were buying the vitamins, did you tell them

about how much you sweat?

Um... no...

Tell me.

Does it sound like you've been scammed?

Erm... maybe not.

Then get lost!

Quit disturbing me!

Sorry!

But you're really good at this.

I feel better already, thanks!

Are you still here?

Get out, both of you!

I had fallen asleep for only 10 minutes when the incident occurred.

My precious Detective's Log was stolen from under my nose.

I rushed out of the dorm to try and apprehend the culprit.

That is when I encountered the three suspects outside.

Your Honor!

I am not a judge!

I knew this day would come... someone of your ilk would come here with some ludicrous case.

I can't go without my Detective's Log!

That's the reason I'm filing a formal complaint.

Do you intend on prosecution?

Watson, I hate to drag you into this,

but this is an open and shut case. We'll win for sure.

Then Newbie is the defense lawyer here.

I will not budge until a verdict is reached!

Please proceed, Your Honor!

All three of the accused are innocent. Now get out.

Objection!

*Sigh*

Fine. The sooner I wrap this up, the sooner you'll all be out of my hair.

May all suspects please step forward.

For the sake of a thorough line of questioning, I must insist you look at them one by one.

What a pain in my...

Fine, one at a time then.

What is this? Why have I been brought here?

Is this an auction of some kind?

Yan, you walked by the dorm about 30 minutes ago,

did you not?

That's correct. I had just finished a business deal and was passing by.

Are there any witnesses to prove that?

I'm sorry but I cannot disclose any private information pertaining to my customers.

I didn't meet up with anyone else either.

Then surely it was you who stole my Detective's Log!

?!

Hey, that's right! I have the money and a bill of sale in my bag.

It was a quite a big deal.

Also, you do realize I'm a businesswoman, don't you?

No offense, but I couldn't be less interested in this so-called Detective's Log.

Hmm, she does have a point there...

Now, if you don't mind, I have business to attend to. I hope you find who is responsible.

That was impressive, Watson.

One down, two to go.

Next suspect, step forward.

Have no fear, Laplace is here!

Where are the bad guys? Let me at 'em!

Laplace, you passed by the dorm about 30 minutes ago,

did you not?

I can't say.

A true hero never rests on their laurels. I'm always wandering here and there in order to keep the peace.

I'm happy to see that everything seems in order here.

So you are unable to prove your whereabouts at the time of the incident?

Incident? There's been an incident?!

In front of the dorms, you said? I'm on my way!

Here I come!

!!

She just fled the scene to avoid giving testimony!

I believe Laplace is the culprit.

How can you be so sure, Watson?

Do you have any evidence to back up your claims?

If you do, please present it to the judge!

Huh?

It's just a broken piece of glass.

What's so special about that?

What?!

Does it contain evidence?

For the past hour you've been receiving complaints about broken windows.

Approximately 30 minutes ago, you received reports of a window being broken at a building many miles away from the dorm.

Hmmm.

I will accept this as evidence.

I also expect you to cover repair costs for the court window.

Wow Watson, you're amazing!

We're down to the last suspect.

C'mon, let's move it along. Last suspect, step forward.

Wh-where am I?

My diary never mentioned this place...

N102, you passed by the dorm about 30 minutes ago,

did you not?

What?

Yes, I was on my way out...

Did you happen to see my Detective's Log?

What is that?

It's a notebook where I jot down my findings.

A notebook?

I only know about my own notebook.

So you mean to say you have a notebook different from mine?

Yes. I'm sorry, but I really must be going. I have to buy some flowers...

If the court permits, may I excuse myself?

You seem a little on edge.

One could even say you're acting... suspicious!

It's you! You're the culprit!

B-but under the circumstances...

!!

You're right.

I got caught up in the moment and let my emotions get the best of me.

There isn't a shred of evidence pointing to N102 being guilty.

So it seems like the culprit isn't in this courtroom.

... I-I need to go buy some flowers...

Your innocence is no longer in question, N102. You may leave.

Phew...

Thank you!

As I said, all three were innocent.

You've already wasted enough of my time, so how about you get lost.

Without a culprit, we have no case!

I need to take off my prosecutor hat and put on my investigating hat.

Time to activate my sleuthing skills!

...

Activating...

Activated! Backwards somersault, engage!

Huh?

Hey, isn't this my Detective's Log?

What's this doing here? Wait, does this mean...

It can't be!

Your Honor, it was you who...!

It fell out of your front pocket.

Looks like your sleuthing skills aren't totally worthless after all.

You recovered your precious notebook

and caught the person responsible... yourself.

All right, playtime's over. Get out of my courtroom.

This was a real trial of the century!

You did great back there, Watson!

We should team up and investigate others...

Scram, before I call the police!

Yulha, hear me out!

I can scarcely believe it myself,

but the Commander has been lying to me!

How could you do this to me, Commander?

Doing this to other people would be one thing, but lying straight to my face? I trusted you!

What on earth is all the commotion?

The Commander borrowed some credits from me and never paid me back!

What? Why would someone of your stature need to borrow money from Privaty?

Sigh... all right, tell me everything that happened.

Okay! About an hour ago, the Commander came to me

going on about how there was "urgent business" and asking if I could spare a few credits.

Apparently the Commander had a litany of problems and was in a hurry. Broken cell phone, lost wallet... you name it!

So I figured as long as I got paid back once the cell phone was repaired, it was no big deal.

So you lent the Commander all the money in one go?

Yeah!

Why did you do that?!

Huh? Why wouldn't I? Be-because I trusted the Commander, that's why!

... Fine. Go on.

So, later, I went to the Commander's Room to get my credit back.

I figured the cell phone should have been repaired by then.

So I went to the Commander's Room to try and get my credit back.

But the Commander played dumb and denied ever borrowing money from me.

Which is a bald-faced lie, because I still have the message the Commander sent me on my phone!

Stop lying!

The chat history is right here on my phone, clear as day!

All right, let me see it then.

Sure, see for yourself!

... This isn't Newbie's number.

I figured the Commander had borrowed someone else's cell phone.

When you transferred the credits, did you check to see who was receiving the payment?

Well... apparently it was urgent... so... no.

What's the matter with you?!

Sending money to an unfamiliar number without even double-checking the name...

There's nothing here that actually points to the Commander being the person on the other end.

All you did was give the message a quick glance before sending the money.

But... they sounded like the Commander!

Are you out of your mind?

This is the oldest trick in the book for scammers!

A... a scammer?

So that wasn't the Commander...

What we've got here is a classic phone scammer case.

How you ever made it to Central Government, I'll never know...

Er... so what should I do now?

First, I think you owe Newbie an apology.

What for?! It was all just a misunderstanding, it could happen to anyone!

Gah! It's not that big a deal, is it?!

I'll let you two sort out the rest yourselves.

But Yulha... What about my credit...

Oh, that's long gone. If you want, you could try filing a report with the police.

*Yawn* as for now, consider this case closed. Now get out of here, both of you.

Thanks for coming with me today, Subordinate.

I learned a lot from the legal side of things.

Yes. Legally speaking, there isn't a problem.

There is, however, a problem morally.

I won't take this donation.

To be honest, I'm not sure. The squad might be disintegrated next month because of a lack of funding.

I can't allow that to happen.

I know. Thank you.

But I feel I should apologize to you.

Because I've already come up with another solution.

I asked for a few advisors to give us some guidance with our current situation.

One is a CEO who runs a multi-million dollar company.

And the other is someone who is incredibly street-smart.

Yes, someone who thinks differently from people like you and me. We aren't interested in profit, but they are.

They're bound to know all there is to know when it comes to dealing with finances.

I'm sure they'd have plenty of useful advice for us.

Precisely. As you know, there are plenty of predators out there who target the weak and vulnerable.

In order for us to better know how to deal with these kinds of people, we need to hear from someone who is familiar with how they operate.

I have a meeting coming up soon, would you want to tag along?

It'd feel nice to have you with me.

I appreciate it.

Oh, hi Sweetie!

Fancy seeing you here!

Thank you both for coming. I really appreciate it.

What is it?

Hmm...

Yan and Dolla from Talentum were my first choices.

But they had their hands full, and they would ask for too much money, so I had to go with these two.

Hey, I'm a busy woman as well, but I'm more than capable of dishing out some advice while I'm at it.

... Although I must admit this is my first time doing this.

Anyway, the point is that we're the best you're gonna get, and you can't beat my price: free.

Of course, for services rendered, you will owe me a small favor♡

That's perfectly fine. Since this is an official request from the Aegis squad,

we will do everything we can to assist.

Rupee, you'll be compensated for your services,

but my only concern is that it won't be to your satisfaction.

Don't worry about any payment, I don't want any.

I've always wanted to do something like this.

I see you're trying to gain the upper hand in the negotiations. You're a CEO all right.

Um... Thanks?

It's fine. Since we're from the lower strata, we'll give you whatever you want.

All I ask is for you to take our current financial strain into consideration.

What are you...?

These are our financial statements. Do you have any suggestions on how we can get ourselves out of this mess?

Wha... you're just handing over your financial statements?

This is getting interesting! I'm glad I came.

What? I didn't do anything.

... Maybe.

Oh, keep your shirt on.

Relax, we're all here to have a good time, aren't we?

I'm just having a little more fun that everyone else.

Anyway, this is all related to funding allocated by the Central Government, right?

Getting involved with this stuff can get messy real quick.

Let's see... so this is the total amount of donations... then expenses over here...

!!!

Are maintenance costs for the ship really this high?

Yes. We're trying to find ways to reduce expenses as much as possible.

I'm open to suggestions.

Hmm...

I've got it! Perhaps you could do a bit of spring cleaning with your subcontractors.

I'm sure it'd help you see things more clearly. Kinda like when you tidy up your desk at work.

I see, so the more suppliers we rely on, the higher expenses will be.

I should look more into our vendors and their workflows.

Precisely!

Let me have a look.

Hmm... Hey, I know this vendor.

It seems like they've been doing a good job, but I'm willing to bet they've been skimming a bit off the top.

Our squad can attest to the quality of their work.

Oh my goodness, look at this clothing supply company!

They're infamous for using low-quality fabric to save on costs. Let's investigate them!

Do you think there might be more companies like them?

Maybe not at first, but once we start digging, I'm sure more will pop up.

To greedy little blood suckers like these companies, government funding is too sweet to resist.

They're like bloated rats eating everything in sight, and accidentally ingesting rat poison while they're at it.

This might take some time, perhaps we should move somewhere else.

I'll prepare some light snacks.

Really? Could I have a Monc Blanc from YONG Bakery?

I'll take the Sweet & Cream Shortcake.

Sorry... but I think those are a bit outside of my wheelhouse.

No problem, I'll prepare us some snacks then.

We can head towards our temporary offices in Rushae. There are plenty of great eateries in that area.

I'm fine with anything.

Thank you, I'll make it up to you later.

Don't worry about it.

Once we're done with our consultation, we can go try on some new clothes.

I'm sure we'll find plenty of outfits that will look good on you, Helm.

Oooh, count me in♡

Hmm? Sweetie, where are you going?

You're not trying to slink away, are you?

C'mon, stay! The more the merrier.

Besides, we haven't finished taking their advice.

Really?! I know that commander too!

They didn't go missing. They were just in the Outer Rim.

Hey Helm, do you want to try some of this?

Sure, thanks.

I just don't understand. Why give up everything that comes with being a commander and go to the Outer Rim?

Wow, these cookies are delicious...

Yeah, they're my favorite.

Who knows, maybe it's something in their blood. For some people, a life of crime is the only way to live.

And besides, the Outer Rim isn't such a bad place to live.

Oh, right! Didn't we say we were going to try on some new clothes?

I believe you did mention that. I must admit, I'm very much looking forward to it...

I usually don't have many opportunities to wear extravagant clothing.

About time we got to the fun part of the evening!

Ah, you're right. I suppose the advisory session has already ended.

Thank you for toda...

But Sweetie, you have to see how I look!

Yes. We need someone to tell us how we look!

I'm sure Helm would like for you to stay and give her some feedback as well.

I-I...

So this is the courthouse...

It sure is.

Have you been here before?

...!!

You've been married before?

...!!

What kind of crime did you commit?

...

Don't worry, you can tell me. My lips are sealed.

Honestly, Teacher, it's okay.

You can tell me.

I'm in my third year. I can handle this kind of information with no problem.

... Sure thing!

I read you loud and clear.

Your secret is safe with me.

Anyhoo, what are we doing here today?

There's nothing fun about a courthouse.

Perfect timing.

You have no idea how quickly I rushed over here when I heard you'd be coming here

on an educational field trip.

This is my first time doing something like this, but I've prepared a mock trial for all of us.

After all, the best way to learn something is to get in the thick of it.

A mock trial?

You mean like cosplay?

Naru and I do that all the time!

It'll be a blast!

I'm glad you're into it. Let's head inside the courtroom.

This is the courthouse.

It's where the guilty and the innocent are judged.

I'll be the prosecutor and Rei can be the judge.

Commander...

You can be both the defendant and the defense attorney.

What can I say? We're short-handed here.

I thought there'd be more people coming.

It's not like Rei's penguin will make an ace attorney.

Rude.

Guilty.

Objection.

...

Naru 1, 2 and 3 are perfectly capable of practicing law!

Yeah?

All right then, they can act as the Commander's defense.

Oh, right. Can't have a trial without charges.

Nincompoop.

Balderdash.

Moron.

What'd you say to me?!

Anyway... what was your crime...

...

...

I'd like to absolve myself of my client.

Me too.

Ditto.

Actually, I thought your original suggestion wasn't too bad...

Um, nothing. Okay, that's the charge.

To the defendant, what do you have to say for yourself?

Why did you steal my chocolate?

Objection, Your Honor. That's impossible.

Even if the defendant didn't realize the chocolate belonged to Rei, they still ate it knowing that it wasn't theirs.

This is an open-and-shut case. They are guilty of theft.

A fair point.

Naru, what's that saying again?

Today's petty criminal is tomorrow's hardened felon.

Yeah, something like that.

Do you have any idea how precious that chocolate was to me?

I saved my pocket money for several days in order to buy it.

Wait, really? Are you serious?

Okay, then! Case clos--

Wait! Your Honor. We are here to judge whether the defendant is guilty or innocent!

I beseech you to pass judgment in a fair and impartial manner.

But...

They're gonna give me two pieces of chocolate...

Is that really all it takes to bribe you?

Might I remind you, Your Honor, that bribery is also a crime. If you accept those chocolates, your reputation will be in ruins.

F-five?

C-Commander.

Could you please take this more seriously?

??

...!!

Not guilty!!

Is there any chance you could throw in five more pieces?

What the...

This is madness!

Wha..?!

If that's how you feel, why the hell did you come here in the first place?!

Get out of here!

I'll tell you one thing. The Peony Association would never engage in any thuggish behavior.

That's why I take such pride in my line of work.

We're different from ordinary no-good delinquents.

Uh-huh.

I like the Courthouse.

Wanna know why?

...

The Courthouse is the last bastion of justice and righteousness.

During my time working in the underworld, I've decided there are some lines that I will never cross.

Do you want to know what one of them is?

To not do anything in flagrant disregard of the law.

Only by doing that can you lead a respectable life. That's what I believe.

Uh-huh.

Isn't it hard to work at the Courthouse?

It is nice, but working there seems tough!

I heard that Rosanna had come here a few days ago.

What was it for again... defamation, maybe?

Uh-huh.

At any rate, working at the Courthouse seems like a sweet gig.

Only the best of the best can work here.

Oooh, that reminds me.

Has there ever been a case where someone sued their own squad?

Is that something you can do at the Courthouse? Or do you have to do that at the Police Station?

Uh-huh.

What?

Oh! Er... sorry.

What did you say?

I was thinking of something else.

It's okay, that can happen!

I was asking if you wanted to sue a member of your squad, where would you go?

Would that be under the Courthouse's jurisdiction?

One of my squad members is always giving me a hard time, and I want to scare her a bit.

Um, I think you'd have to direct that type of question to Yulha and Privaty...

Okay, then I'll come back later.

...

Thanks, Admi.

Anyway, I've gotta go back to work.

I just popped in since I had some spare time, but I've gotta get back. This was fun!

See ya.

Uh, yeah... bye.

Phew...

Finally, it's over... what was that, 5 hours?

!!

Commander?

When did you get here?

Uh-huh.

Oh, sorry. I've been saying nothing but "Uh-huh" for the past few hours... guess I can't shake it.

Is Moran usually that chatty?

It was fun when we first started talking,

but then I realized she wasn't ever going to stop.

Even when I tried to wrap up the conversation, she'd just bring up something new to talk about.

At this point, I even know what color underwear she wears.

I've never seen someone so loquacious in my life.

Admi, handle the third sheet of the file I sent.

Okay.

I just sent you a file, Newbie. Take a look when you get a chance.

It's an event log, which I've organized in chronological order.

Don't forget, the trial starts in two hours...

Hold up,

what's all this about, Yulha?

What else, if not work?

I can see that,

but why is Master doing my job for me?

...

...

Wh-what?

Why are you all looking at me like that?

I can hardly believe my own ears.

What did I say?

Er...

... You said "Master".

!!!

O-oh my gosh!

Did I?

H-how could I possibly...!

Allow me to make things clear.

This trial does not require a maid.

Newbie also informed me that you'd be at the cafe during the trial,

so my hands are tied.

Oh... Um, I guess...

I can notify the cafe and leave for a bit, no problem!

What difference does that make?

... What?

You wouldn't have time to pore over the files with that cafe job,

or even concentrate on anything at the cafe when your mind's all tangled up in the trial.

And once the trial began, thoughts of unfinished tasks at the cafe would hinder your concentration.

It's impossible to juggle both at the same time.

...

We're well aware of how hard you've been working, Privaty,

so we didn't want to trouble you with this.

Given the relatively small scale of the trial, we decided to seek the Commander's assistance.

But...!

You just concentrate on handling things over at the cafe.

Once you've got everything sorted out over there, you can come back here.

!!

... Okay.

I got it.

Master!!

I can't say I completely trust you, but...

just try not to

tarnish Triangle's reputation during this trial, okay?

Otherwise, I'll add extra chili sauce to your omurice!

It seems she's holding her own at the cafe,

wouldn't you say?

...

Back to the trial.

It's set to start in two hours, so everybody get ready.

Yes.

*Sigh*...

Can I ask you one more thing?

When you're working, what kind of mindset do you have?

Do you do it because you have to?

Or is it more like, "This is my duty, and I'm the only one who can do it!"

Oh, hey, Commander.

I wanted to learn a few things from a cutthroat businesswoman,

so I was chatting Yulha up.

Newbie. She's your responsibility.

Take her with you.

I was waiting for Privaty. It's work-related.

... Tch. Late again.

Yulha!

Sorry that I'm late! I was cleaning up at the cafe, and...

Mast... I mean, Commander?

Oh, um, hello.

Sorry, but I can't talk. There's something urgent I have to discuss with Yulha.

Thanks for understanding!

Huh?

Hey, hey.

Who's that lady who just arrived?

I heard Yulha's someone super duper important, but...

Yulha said it was about work... I wonder what it's about specifically?

They were talking like equals. Does that mean...?

?

Uh...

Then how come she's wearing a maid outfit?

... A maid-judge?

!!!

Wow! I guess it makes sense,

what with the strongest commander in the Ark being stationed here.

Excuse me, sorry to interrupt...

Oh, it's fine.

We just finished.

Then... would it be okay if I asked you a few questions? Think of it as a mini career interview!

Sure, I don't mind.

Ask me anything.

...

Being a professional maid is a rather unique occupation—what made you interested in that kind of work?

Excuse me?

You're not embarrassed by any of that cutesy stuff you have to do?

...!

I don't think I could even do that for someone I like. I admire your professionalism!

?!

*Sigh*...

Newbie, do you think you can fix this?

I think this is above my skill level.

...

A true ultimate villain must stand trial at least once!

After all, overcoming a crisis is what makes a villain's story truly dramatic.

As a member of the Villain Union, witness the exploits of the ultimate villain!

Judge me, Your Honor!

*Sigh...* I'm busy. What do you want?

I'm Drake, the ultimate villain of this age!

Wait, you're from Matis, aren't you?

Heroes, sure. Villains? Not a chance.

Wrong! I'm a villain!

I've committed countless evil deeds under the name of Matis.

Now, bring the ultimate villain to justice in the name of righteousness!

...

Not guilty. Now get out.

!!

Heh... I figured you'd say that! That's why I came prepared!

You'll change your tune once you see this.

*Sigh...* Bring it here.

You give it to her, Moron.

... I'm too scared to do it myself.

What's this? Why'd you throw this piece of trash in too?

Giving candy to children and rotting their teeth, 52 counts. Picking up every piece of trash and putting street cleaners out of a job, 36 counts.

Obstructing traffic with impromptu fan meet-and-greets, 17 counts. Shouting in residential neighborhoods and causing noise pollution, 24 counts.

Yeah, they're absolutely heinous crimes.

...

*Sigh...* Are you kidding me? I'm already swamped as it is.

Villains don't fool around!

Wasn't this all over the news?

You're popular because you're good with kids. You picked up all the trash, so the Ark got cleaner.

You held fan meet-and-greets in quiet neighborhoods and brought business back to the area.

You let everyone know you were in the area, so the crime rates dropped.

How's any of that villainous? Anyone can see those are good deeds.

Newbie, get her out of here.

Gah! That scared me.

*Sigh...*

Fine, let's hear just how "great" of a villain she is.

Go on and tell me everything.

Moron! When did you put all this together behind my back?

You've been secretly writing it all down while listening to my exploits every single day!

Were you trying to catch up to the ultimate villain?

Hehehe, I knew you had the makings of a true villain!

Ugh, what a pain.

Hmph, fine.

...

If you don't play along with Drake, this is never going to end...?

...

Hang on, what do you mean by that?

That has nothing to do with my evil deeds!

Hold on...

Wait a second...

Moron! Do you seriously think all I do is whine, complain, and play up my villain act all day?!

We were supposed to make a name for ourselves as members of the Villain Union, but...

Be quiet, would you?

You fool! Have you still not realized the power of the ultimate villain?!

Is this the end of the Villain Union?!

...

What did you take me for all this time?!

Ugggh...!

Both of you, shut it!

You caused a disturbance in court, so you're cleaning the courthouse before you leave!

Court adjourned!

!!

So the ultimate villain's plans have been foiled yet again!

The world really is unforgiving to villains.

But a true villain accepts defeat with dignity.

Hahaha! Now, where are the cleaning supplies?

Forget it. You've got it rough too, Newbie.

Where do you think you're going?

You can't leave until you finish cleaning.

?

You caused just as much of a disturbance in the courtroom, so you're cleaning too.