| The Adventure of the Runaway Room
|
Transcript |
The Adventure of The Runaway Room
Anime cutscene
Glancing over my records of the late last century, I am faced by the events of a certain bitter winter. A murder in a carriage as it sped through dense London fog in the dead of night - Though the victim and the perpetrator were the only ones inside, there were multiple witnesses to the crime itself. However, none could have imagined at the time that such a seemingly obvious case as this would end in such a horrendous manner. My friend, Mr Herlock Sholmes, once said of the incident, 'I believe that perhaps that case was indeed the "prelude" - the beginning of a long concerto that impressive Japanese student and I were to play together.'
Anime cutscene
Ryunosuke:
Amazing... Is...is this really just a railway station?
Susato:
Railway station or not, I've never seen such an enormous building before.
Ryunosuke:
And look at all the steam locomotives. This country is incredible.
Susato:
Wah... I feel like...like I'm dreaming.
Ryunosuke:
So this...is the capital of Great Britain...
Man:
So...where to?
Ryunosuke:
Oh, hello!
Man:
Climb aboard. I'll take you wherever you want to go.
Susato:
In that case, um...the Supreme Court in Whitehall, if you wouldn't mind.
Man:
My pleasure. I suppose you're...visiting students from abroad, eh?
Ryunosuke:
Yes.
Man:
Thought so. Well then, I hope you enjoy your stay. And welcome...to the centre of the world: Great Britain's mighty capital, London!
British Supreme Court, Lord Chief Justice's Office
| Examine evidence
| ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Susato:
.........
Ryunosuke:
...What an incredible place!
Susato:
It's so...imposing. It's, it's almost suffocating...
Ryunosuke:
(This place is breathtaking...! It looks like a fortress!)
Susato:
There are some stone buildings like this in Japan now, of course. But they've only been built in the few short decades since we opened our borders to the outside world. An authentic example like this has quite a different impact, wouldn't you agree? A far cry from the wood and paper most of our buildings are constructed from.
Ryunosuke:
It's certainly...unfamiliar... (...But I think there's more to the differences than just construction materials...) What is this place again...?
Susato:
This is the Lord Chief Justice's office, Naruhodo-san. In the Supreme Court of Great Britain.
Ryunosuke:
The Lord Chief Justice...
Susato:
We had instructions to report here at this time. If...circumstances were different... ...we were supposed to let the Lord Chief Justice know that we had arrived from Japan.
Ryunosuke:
......... But Kazuma can't.
Susato:
No... So instead, we are here in a different capacity. As envoys, to report the news of Kazuma-sama's death.
Ryunosuke:
Yes...
Susato:
And having delivered his or her message, an envoy's duty is done.
Ryunosuke:
(So...we'd have to return to Japan.)
Susato:
If we want to remain here in Great Britain...
Ryunosuke:
...I have to take Kazuma's place as the law student selected for the study tour.
Susato:
Yes. Which means you need the requisite qualifications as a lawyer.
Ryunosuke:
Which is what I've been studying for.
Susato:
Here in Great Britain, it is the Lord Chief Justice who appoints lawyers. So that's the second reason why we're here. To have you officially recognised as a lawyer. It's the only way that we'll be able to remain here in London.
Ryunosuke:
......... (I hope I'm up to scratch...)
Ah, good morning. Sorry for keeping you.
Ryunosuke:
Oh...
???:
I trust you aren't too exhausted after your long voyage from Japan? Hmph. It seems I'm one hour, twelve minutes and... forty-seven seconds late. My apologies.
Ryunosuke:
Oh! No no. Don't mention it! We're never happier than when we're standing around with nothing much to do!
???:
...How fortunate.
Stronghart:
So, introductions... I am Mael Stronghart, Lord Chief Justice of the British Empire.
Ryunosuke:
(Ugh... And I feel like a little mouse under an elephant's foot...)
Susato:
Come on, Mr Naruhodo! Don't be a mouse!
Ryunosuke:
Oh, um... It's, it's an honour to meet you, Lord Chief Justice Stronghart! I'm Ryunosuke Naruhodo from the Empire of Japan!
Stronghart:
Well, Mr Naruhodo... Welcome to London! The capital of our glorious British Empire!
Ryunosuke:
Ah...yes... Thank you!
| Examine
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Converse
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Present
| ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||
Stronghart:
Wait, Mr Naruhodo.
Ryunosuke:
Oh! ...Was there something else?
Stronghart:
It's approximately twenty minutes by carriage to the Old Bailey from here. If you leave immediately, you should still be there in time.
Ryunosuke:
But, but I just said that...
Stronghart:
I was quite serious in what I told you. The defendant in this case has literally no one to advocate for him.
Ryunosuke:
What?
Stronghart:
At this point, he can't hope to find someone to represent him. The trial will begin without a defence. And if that happens, there's only one possible outcome. He will receive the most severe sentence the judge can pass down.
Ryunosuke:
But that's awful!
Stronghart:
But that is the truth.
Susato:
Why does it have to be like this?
Stronghart:
......... Please don't expect an answer to every question.
Susato:
...!
Stronghart:
The cold, hard truth of the matter... ...is that there is only one person now with a chance to save this man from a very miserable end. And that is you.
Ryunosuke:
......... (I'm really his only hope?)
Stronghart:
So... ...what do you say now, madam?
Susato:
Me? What do you mean, Lord Stronghart?
Stronghart:
You said it wasn't an easy decision to choose whether to defend a man in these circumstances. And I agree. But in my estimation...it is purely and simply a matter of resolve.
Susato:
Oh!
Stronghart:
Our time is up here. I have a meeting to attend. I must leave in two minutes and sixteen seconds. So! Venture into our great city and enjoy yourselves!
Susato:
He's gone...
Ryunosuke:
Hm, the Old Bailey...
Susato:
If we're going to do this, Mr Naruhodo, we must leave at once!
| Examine
| ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||
| Converse
| ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||
| Present
| ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||
The Old Bailey, Defendants' Antechamber
Susato:
Oh, thank goodness, we're in time. There's still fifteen minutes until the trial begins.
Ryunosuke:
I never knew a horse-drawn carriage could go so fast! I thought my teeth were going to rattle loose!
Susato:
Did you hear what I said to the driver when we climbed aboard? 'Get us to our destination in five minutes, driver, and there's a guinea in it for you!' It's one of my favourite lines from the Herlock Sholmes stories! And it worked quite perfectly!
Ryunosuke:
I'm not sure why you're so pleased. I thought we were going to die, AND we had to pay gold for the privilege.
Susato:
Well, at least we arrived here before the trial started.
Ryunosuke:
Yes...I suppose there's that.
Susato:
Anyway, I don't understand it. The court clerk said the defendant should be here... ...but there's no sign of him at all.
Ryunosuke:
(So this is the Old Bailey... Even this room for defendants to wait in is grand.)
Susato:
Are you alright, Mr Naruhodo?
Ryunosuke:
I'm feeling tense, that's all. This place gives me the same sense of foreboding that I remember from the Supreme Court in Japan. An oppresive air... Almost as if the building itself is going to crush whoever is about to be sentenced. (It feels like only yesterday that I was the one about to be crushed...)
Susato:
Yes, whoever the man you're to defend is, I imagine he's feeling very alone at this moment...
???:
...Top of the mornin' to ya, madam! ...Sir. What are youse doin', followin' me here? Tings are fair desperate, are they?
Ryunosuke:
Sorry?
???:
Would ya look at those expressionless faces. From the East, are youse?
Ryunosuke:
Um...we're from Japan, yes.
???:
Ah, Japan, is it? Right, say no more! So? How much do youse need?
Ryunosuke:
No no, we're here because-
???:
No need to explain, fella. I've been there meself, so I have. No place to go! Nuttin' to eat! Barely a penny to your name! And all while in a strange, faraway land!
Ryunosuke:
Well, actually... Haah... We haven't found a place to stay yet, no.
???:
'Tis grand, 'tis grand! Let me start by givin' youse a thousand guineas. Say nuttin' now!
Ryunosuke:
Haah...
Susato:
A, a thousand guineas?!
Ryunosuke:
Please, Miss Susato! You don't have to shout.
Susato:
But a thousand guineas is... ...is enough to build an entire mansion in the most prestigious area of Tokyo!
Ryunosuke:
WHAAAAAAAAAT?!
???:
'Tis nuttin' to me at all. I like to ensure I have sufficient funds to weather a rainy day, you see. I've enough wealth to buy the city of London two or three times over.
Ryunosuke:
(...Could that much rain even fall in one day?) Well even so, we couldn't possibly accept such a large sum of money... Agh! (That hit me in the eye!)
???:
...Don't get me wrong, fella. I'm not givin' it ya 'no strings attached'. I'll be wantin' you to do sometin' for me.
Ryunosuke:
Oh?
???:
To be honest, 'tis a little embarrassin'. The trial that's about to begin, you see, is for me good self here. I'll be in the dock.
Ryunosuke:
...!
???:
So now, what I want you to do... ...is come along with me and stand there beside me. Officially, you'd be my lawyer, but...that's just a little detail now.
Ryunosuke:
Oh, well, the thing is-
???:
Don't worry about a ting! All you have to do, is stand up there next to me. Nuttin' more. Otherwise, you see... ...the trial is goin' to start without me havin' any kind of representation at all!
Ryunosuke:
(So it was true. The Lord Chief Justice wasn't just making it all up.)
Susato:
Um...I'm terribly sorry to have to ask, but... ...does that mean you're the defendant in this trial?
???:
......... Blusterin' blazes! Do youse...? Do youse not know I am? Me? One of London's biggest names?
Ryunosuke:
No. Sorry. We've only just arrived in the city, you see.
???:
Hm...I see... I s'pose it isn't altogether impossible. Well, just next to Hyde Park there in the centre of London is another beautiful park.
Ryunosuke:
Sorry? A park? What?
???:
'Tis called McGilded Park. Full of blossomin' flowers in the spring and singin' birds and whatnot. I donated it to the city, so I did!
Susato:
An, an entire park? In central London?!
???:
'A city of smiles', that's my vision for London.
McGilded:
There's nuttin' Magnus McGilded wouldn't do for the city and its quare old people!
Ryunosuke:
That's...amazing. I mean, really extraordinary!
McGilded:
Ah, but! Now they've the gall to say I'm a good-for-nuttin' criminal! Me! Magnus McGilded! What is the matter with the London police, I ask ya? Hahh...hahh...hahh...
Ryunosuke:
(Alright, don't pass out...)
Susato:
Mr Naruhodo... Perhaps now would be a good time to introduce ourselves, while the gentleman catches his breath.
Ryunosuke:
Good idea.
McGilded:
Hahh...hahh...hahh...
Ryunosuke:
Um, Mr McGilded, the thing is... ...we're actually here in London to study British law. We're law students, on a study tour from Japan, you see.
McGilded:
Hahh...hahh...hahh...
Ryunosuke:
So...if you don't have a lawyer for the trial yet... ...and you'd be happy to put yourself in our hands, we'll do our best-
McGilded:
What was I after sayin', you daft eejit? I've given you a thousand guineas to stand up there next to me, haven't I?
Ryunosuke:
(Well yes, but I wasn't really offering to just 'stand up there next to you'...)
McGilded:
......... Oh, I tink I see what's goin' on here.
Ryunosuke:
Sorry?
McGilded:
I know what you're tinkin'. 'This chancer of a fella claims to have more money than the Queen. But if that's true, why the blazes can't he hire the finest lawyer in all of England? Because he did it! That's the only explanation!' ...Well?
Ryunosuke:
Um, well...
| Exactly
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Susato: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| Not at all
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
Why you don't have a lawyer, I mean.
McGilded:
......... That would be the fault of the Reaper.
Ryunosuke:
Sorry? (Did he just say, 'reaper'?)
McGilded:
Aye, the Grim Reaper of the Bailey, Lord Barok van Zieks. He's the prosecutor.
Susato:
The prosecutor...is the Grim Reaper?
McGilded:
When van Zieks stands for the prosecution, they call the accused his 'sacrificial lambs'.
Ryunosuke:
...!
McGilded:
And to this day... ...in every single trial in which he's been the prosecutor... ...the accused has been damned!
Ryunosuke:
What?!
McGilded:
So it's reached the desperate situation... ...where there's no one willin' to stand in defence against the fella at all. You could say he's a living legend of the Old Bailey.
Susato:
Goodness... Lord Barok van Zieks... He must be an exceptionally talented prosecutor then.
McGilded:
......... Talented isn't the word you're lookin' for, madam. ...It's 'cursed'.
Ryunosuke:
Cursed?! (What on earth...?)
Bailiff:
The defendant is summoned! And his counsel! Please make your way into the courtroom. The trial is about to begin!
Ryunosuke:
His counsel... (That would be me!)
McGilded:
Oh, 'tis time! Well then, fella, don't let me down!
Ryunosuke:
But... But I don't know anything about the case! You haven't told me what happened!
McGilded:
......... Until you showed yer face here... ...I'd made up me mind, so I had.
Ryunosuke:
Sorry?
McGilded:
I'd decided I'd have to defend meself in there!
Ryunosuke:
...! (How would that have worked?)
McGilded:
But then you made an appearance. A student of law, wouldn't ya know? 'Tis no accident, I can assure ya of that. 'Tis fate. So don't get cold feet now. Please.
Ryunosuke:
......... (I literally know nothing about the case, or about this man who stands accused. In fact, the only thing I do know... ...is that I can't just turn my back on him.)
Susato:
Mr Naruhodo...
Ryunosuke:
The man has no one. He'll have to stand alone in that courtroom, armed with nothing to defend himself. Yes... Something that Kazuma would never have allowed to happen.
Susato:
...!
Bailiff:
Counsel for the Defence! What are you doing? If you're late for the start of the trial, you will lose your right to stand!
Ryunosuke:
......... I'll be right there.
The Old Bailey Courtroom
Ryunosuke:
So this is the highest court in Great Britain... The Old Bailey... The centuries of history in this place is [sic] palpable, isn't it? It's so different to the Supreme Court in Japan.
Susato:
...It feels both imposing and serene at the same time. The atmosphere almost makes words redundant. Whatever the country, determining a person's guilt or innocence is always a solemn affair. May I say something, Mr Naruhodo?
Ryunosuke:
Oh! Yes, what?
Susato:
Your eyes look ready to pop out of your head again.
Ryunosuke:
I know, but I just can't help it...
Judge:
In the name of Her Majesty the Queen, I hereby declare this court to be in session. We are here today to determine the guilt or innocence of Mr Magnus McGilded. I now call upon the counsels for the prosecution and defence to declare their willingness to proceed.
Van Zieks:
The prosecution...is fully prepared.
Ryunosuke:
(That must be the Reaper of the Bailey... He...really does look fully prepared to dispatch his next poor victim to the underworld...)
Judge:
Counsel for the Defence, you appear to be...Eastern. Do you speak English?
Ryunosuke:
Huh? Oh! Yes, of course! Sorry. (But he asked if the defence was ready. And I couldn't be further from ready if I tried...)
Van Zieks:
Those eyes please me. ...Nipponese.
Ryunosuke:
...!
Van Zieks:
They shroud your fear, your doubt, your trepidation... They run wild, clinging to some phantom notion of courage. The quintessential look...of a sacrificial lamb.
Ryunosuke:
(Ugh... A cold shiver just ran down my spine all the way to the tips of my toes...)
Judge:
......... Now, Mr McGilded...
McGilded:
Yes, My Lord?
Judge:
You stand accused of murder. A capital offence. You could be sent to the gallows if found guilty. Are you quite sure you wish to entrust your defence to this...foreigner?
McGilded:
......... As I've always said, My Lord, 'tis a grand ting to give opportunities to the young. Even if the fella is a student from some little island off in the Far East. Is it not the British way to ignore the dangers to yeself and give those less fortunate a fair chance? I'd like to tink that acts of chivalry do the great British Empire proud.
What a fine gentleman London has in him!
Did you hear that he donated five thousand pounds to the government the other day?
Mother, please may we go and play in McGilded Park?
Susato:
It seems as though everyone in the public gallery is firmly behind Mr McGilded.
Ryunosuke:
That's definitely welcome news. And he certainly has a way with words. I'm surprised he couldn't convince anyone to defend him.
Judge:
Eloquently put, Mr McGilded. And most laudable sentiments. Now... ...ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I'm sure I need hardly remind you... ...that you six members of the public have been selected for your impartiality. Are you ready to proceed?
Juror No. 1:
Yes, My Lord! If the task is to send rotters to the gallows where they belong, I'm more than ready!
Juror No. 2:
At the manor, His Lordship always says we should dispose of rubbish promptly. Naturally, I agree.
Juror No. 3:
Hah! Any criminals here will soon be wishing they never set eyes on me!
Juror No. 5:
...I feel a chill.
Juror No. 6:
Oh, don't mind me, my dears! I'll just be getting on with my knitting. Must finish these mitts for my grandson.
Susato:
Ah, Mr Naruhodo, those people are...
Ryunosuke:
The jury. Yes... That's something we don't have in Japan yet.
Susato:
That's right. I've only ever read about it. But here in Great Britain, the court's final verdict depends on the opinions of these six jurors. The judge passes sentence according to the law, but the jurors determine guilt based on common sense. So the defendant is ultimately judged from two completely different points of view.
Ryunosuke:
But how exactly do the jurors give their verdict?
Susato:
That I don't know. But... ...I'm sure it will become clear as the trial progresses.
Ryunosuke:
Yes...
Judge:
Prosecutor van Zieks...
Van Zieks:
My Lord?
Judge:
It's been a number of years since we've seen you here in the courtroom. I thought you'd renounced your fame.
Van Zieks:
I'm known as the Reaper of the Bailey, My Lord. ...Infamy rather than fame, I would say. But yes, five years have passed since I last...spread my wings in this capacity.
Judge:
So, what brings you back? Is there some change of circumstance of which the court should be aware?
Van Zieks:
......... I leave that to your imagination...My Lord.
Ryunosuke:
(So the 'Reaper' has been out of action for five years... Why did he have to choose today of all days to make a comeback?!)
Susato:
Don't lose heart! Mr Naruhodo!
Judge:
...As you wish, sir. The court nevertheless welcomes your return. Now then, opening statements, I think. A summary of the case, if you please.
Van Zieks:
Certainly, My Lord. As Your Lordship is aware, this is a case of overwhelming simplicity.
Ryunosuke:
(We must be the only ones in here who aren't aware.)
Van Zieks:
The incident took place in the late evening, three days past. The hour was some minutes after ten. The victim was a maker of building bricks known in the community as 'Thrice-Fired' Mason.
Ryunosuke:
Sorry? 'Thrice...'?
Judge:
He was a very accomplished craftsman. The bricks he fired were said to be almost indestructible.
Van Zieks:
The victim's corpse was discovered in an omnibus in service on the streets of London at the time. A dagger that had been thrust into the victim's abdomen is believed to be the ultimate cause of death. Here is the autopsy report from the investigating medical officer at Scotland Yard.
Judge:
Thank you, Counsel. I shall accept that and the photograph as evidence.
The autopsy report has been entered into the Court Record.
The photograph of the crime scene has been entered into the Court Record.
Van Zieks:
And one further item of evidence... The prosecution wishes to submit these as well.
Judge:
And these are...? Good Lord! Is that blood, Counsel?!
Van Zieks:
Yes, My Lord. Seized by a policeman who arrived at the scene... ...these gore-soaked gloves...were taken from the hands of the accused when he was arrested.
Ryunosuke:
What?! (Mr McGilded's gloves...had blood on them?!)
Judge:
Yes, I will accept these as evidence as well.
The defendant's leather gloves have been entered into the Court Record.
Ryunosuke:
(How did I get into this? I'm backed into a corner before I've even started...)
| Examine evidence
| ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||
Van Zieks:
Continuing... According to the driver of the omnibus... ...there were only two passengers travelling inside his vehicle at the time.
Ryunosuke:
Only two?
Van Zieks:
Obviously, one of those passengers was the deceased brickmaker, Mr Mason. The other... ...was the accused, Magnus McGilded!
Juror No. 1:
...!
Juror No. 2:
...!
Juror No. 3:
...!
Judge:
Hm, well... Rather damning circumstances, to say the least. Defendant, what say you?
McGilded:
......... Well of course, I have no recollection of such a ting.
Ryunosuke:
Mr McGilded!
McGilded:
To be sure, I rode the omnibus that evenin'. But whenever I'm in a carriage, I'm taken with a fierce tiredness, and I always succumb to it.
Judge:
Are you claiming to have been asleep?
McGilded:
'Tis the motion of the carriage, My Lord. Liltin', so it is. And when I opened my eyes again... ...'twas a desperate sight before me. The body of a man I'd never laid eyes on before in me life.
Judge:
Hm...
McGilded:
Now I ask youse, what good-hearted soul wouldn't rush to help a fella bleedin' from his stomach? I wasn't about to start worryin' about me gloves now, was I? I reached out to give the man a hand.
Ryunosuke:
(So the blood got onto the gloves then, after the man had been killed...)
Van Zieks:
Unfortunately... ...that statement of the driver's is only the beginning.
Ryunosuke:
What?! (That's not all of it?)
Van Zieks:
There were multiple witnesses... ...to the precise moment at which the brickmaker was fatally stabbed!
Juror No. 4:
...!
Juror No. 5:
...!
Juror No. 6:
...!
Judge:
Ordaaar! Ordaaar! Orrrdaaar!
Van Zieks:
When the killing took place, the victim and the accused were inside the carriage. And there were witnesses to the crime. This is not just a case of compelling evidence... ...it's the nail in the coffin for the accused.
Ryunosuke:
...!
Judge:
Hm... Thank you, Counsel. The circumstances of the crime have been made quite clear. I think we will hear testimony from these witnesses first of all.
Van Zieks:
...Your wish is my command. Bailiff! Bring the witnesses in at once!
Van Zieks:
Witnesses. Your names and occupations.
Beppo:
My name is... Well, everyone calls me Beppo. I, I drive an omnibus in the East End.
Fairplay:
Bruce Fairplay. I'm a banker in the city.
Furst:
My name's Furst. Lay D. Furst. I, um...make hats for gents.
Van Zieks:
Let's begin by confirming the facts: Three days ago, at a short time after ten o'clock in the evening... ...all of you present in the stand were in an omnibus and witness to the aforementioned incident. Is that correct?
Beppo:
Yes, sir!
Fairplay:
Quite right.
Furst:
Yes, sir, that's right, sir.
Judge:
Very well then, let's proceed to your formal testimonies, please. Each of you will tell the court precisely what you saw!
- What the Witnesses Saw -
Beppo:
It, it was the last bus of the evening, so I had few customers. I remember it well.
Fairplay:
The victim and the man accused of killing him were sat next to each other inside the bus.
Then out of the blue, the accused just reached over and plunged a knife right into his guts!
Furst:
That's right. He stabbed him! I screamed, I did! Couldn't help it.
Beppo:
As soon as I heard the scream, I stopped my bus. And, and then I saw it, too!
Judge:
Hm... Unambiguous testimony, I must say.
Van Zieks:
Exactly, My Lord. These men witnessed the incident in the omnibus with their own eyes.
Ryunosuke:
......... Um...I'd like to ask a question, if I may?
Judge:
Yes, Counsel?
Ryunosuke:
Well, this testimony... ...makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever.
Van Zieks:
...Why not?
Ryunosuke:
Well...the incident took place inside a moving carriage, didn't it?
Van Zieks:
As has been clearly stated from the outset, yes.
Ryunosuke:
Well in that case... ...how could those two witnesses possibly have seen what happened?! There's no way they could have seen the inside of the moving carriage!
Van Zieks:
.........
Judge:
.........
Van Zieks:
How...quaint. I'd read that civilisation in the Eastern island nations was a good century behind our own. But you're here in London yourself. Are you really so ignorant about our omnibuses?
Ryunosuke:
Huh?
Van Zieks:
Tell me, my Nipponese friend... Have you even travelled in an omnibus?
Ryunosuke:
......... Well...no... We, um...only arrived in London this morning.
Van Zieks:
No matter. I've arranged for us all to see for ourselves. The actual scene of the crime, that is.
Ryunosuke:
What...do you mean...? (The actual scene? How?)
Van Zieks:
A carriage is designed to be moved, after all. ...Presumably you understand that much?
Ryunosuke:
Um, yes...
Van Zieks:
The omnibus in which this bloody crime took place is here today, in this very building.
Ryunosuke:
Here...? WHAT?! The, the entire carriage?!
Van Zieks:
Bailiff! Bring forth the stricken omnibus!
Ryunosuke:
So that's an omnibus... THE omnibus... (I can't believe they could bring something so enormous in here. Great Britain's courtrooms are amazing.)
Van Zieks:
As you can see, the omnibus is pulled by two horses, and can carry up to eight passengers. Four passengers seated inside in the enclosed cabin, and another four on the rooftop deck above. Every Londoner knows... ...that the best views of the city's architecture and sights are to be had from the top of an omnibus. And I should point out to our foreign guests... ...that there is a skylight in the roof, allowing a view of the interior from the seats above.
Ryunosuke:
Ah, a skylight... ...Oh!
Van Zieks:
The penny drops at last, I see. These two gentlemen were occupying the rooftop seats on this omnibus when the murder took place. That is how they came to witness the grim incident. Through the skylight.
Ryunosuke:
(Ugh... That makes perfect sense...)
Judge:
Well, Counsel, this is a first. In all my years behind the bench, I've never experienced the crime scene itself being brought into the courtroom!
Van Zieks:
There are a number of important clues remaining inside the carriage, My Lord. I would like to submit the omnibus itself as evidence. ...That is the prosecution's wish.
Judge:
Very well, I see no reason why not. This omnibus is hereby formally accepted as evidence.
The omnibus has been entered into the Court Record.
Ryunosuke:
I can't believe it! The entire crime scene entered as evidence?!
| Examine evidence
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Susato:
Yes! Great Britain is simply extraordinary!
Ryunosuke:
(I could help myself a lot by giving that omnibus a thorough examination, seeing as it's here.)
Judge:
Let us continue with proceedings, then. Your cross-examination, Counsel.
Van Zieks:
Hmph. Pray don't expect this Nipponese stray to understand the intricacies of a British court's cross-examination rites.
Ryunosuke:
(Alright... My first cross-examination in a British court... Focus, Ryunosuke... Focus!)
- What the Witnesses Saw -
Beppo:
It, it was the last bus of the evening, so I had few customers. I remember it well.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Judge: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: | ||
| Press (after Jurors No. 2 and 4 vote guilty, if third, fourth, and fifth statements were pressed)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Judge: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Leads to: | ||
Fairplay:
The victim and the man accused of killing him were sat next to each other inside the bus.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: | ||
Fairplay:
Then out of the blue, the accused just reached over and plunged a knife right into his guts!
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke:
Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 3: ???: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Press (after Jurors No. 1 and 3 vote guilty)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Judge: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: ???: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Press (after Jurors No. 2 and 4 vote guilty, if first, fourth, and fifth statements were pressed)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| Press (subsequent times)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Furst: | ||
Furst:
That's right. He stabbed him! I screamed, I did! Couldn't help it.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Furst: Judge: Ryunosuke: Susato: Van Zieks: Furst: Van Zieks: Furst: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Judge: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Judge: The murder weapon has been entered into the Court Record.
Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 3: ???: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Press (after Jurors No. 1 and 3 vote guilty)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Furst: Judge: Ryunosuke: Susato: Van Zieks: Furst: Van Zieks: Furst: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Judge: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Judge: The murder weapon has been entered into the Court Record. Juror No. 2: Judge: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: ???: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Press (after Jurors No. 2 and 4 vote guilty, if first, third, and fifth statements were pressed)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Furst: Judge: Ryunosuke: Susato: Van Zieks: Furst: Van Zieks: Furst: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Judge: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Judge: The murder weapon has been entered into the Court Record. Leads to: | ||
| Press (subsequent times)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Furst: Judge: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Beppo: | ||
| Examine evidence
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beppo:
As soon as I heard the scream, I stopped my bus. And, and then I saw it, too!
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Van Zieks: Beppo: Van Zieks: Beppo: Ryunosuke:
Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 3: ???: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Press (after Jurors No. 1 and 3 vote guilty)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Van Zieks: Beppo: Van Zieks: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Judge: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: ???: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Press (after Jurors No. 2 and 4 vote guilty, if first, third, and fourth statements were pressed)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Van Zieks: Beppo: Van Zieks: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| Press (subsequent times)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Van Zieks: Beppo: Van Zieks: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Judge: Van Zieks: Beppo: | ||
Ryunosuke:
(Alright, so when it happened, the only two people in the enclosed cabin area were the victim and the defendant. And - so help me - THREE WHOLE PEOPLE witnessed the man I'm trying to defend do the deed...)
Susato:
I don't like to be pessimistic, but we do seem to be in a rather difficult situation here.
Ryunosuke:
Ugh... (What am I supposed to think here? Is Mr McGilded really innocent? Or could it be...?)
Susato:
B-before we jump to conclusions, our first task should be to gather information. We need to understand the case much better than we do at the moment.
Ryunosuke:
Yes! You're absolutely right. (Let's listen to those witness statements again, a little more carefully this time.)
Juror No. 5:
Judge:
Yes, juror number five? Do I take it that you, too...?
Juror No. 5:
As the master of the London Guild of Coachmen... ...the idea of a murder being committed in one of the city's carriages is utterly abhorrent to me. It wouldn't be right to make a decision before hearing all the facts, though, I said to myself. But I've heard enough now. The horse has bolted, as they say.
Ryunosuke:
No, no! Please, just keep an open mind a little long-
Juror No. 5:
Gee-up now, Silver Blaze! The finish is in sight! Beppo is a long-standing member of the guild, and I trust what the man says.
Beppo:
Oh, thank you, sir. You're t-t-too kind, sir.
Ryunosuke:
Ugh, this is t-t-too unkind, sir...
Van Zieks:
Which now means that five jurors agree to condemn this man. Madam juror number six...
Juror No. 6:
Yes, dear? What can I do for you?
Van Zieks:
You have heard the testimonies of the witnesses in the stand.
Juror No. 6:
Oh yes. I certainly have. Still got my hearing, you know!
Van Zieks:
Then, pray tell, why are you yet to pronounce your leaning?
Juror No. 6:
......... Well, dear, the thing is, I'm a creature of habit, me. I always go to the park at around this time of day, and sit on a nice bench and get on with my knitting.
Van Zieks:
.........
Juror No. 6:
There's a lovely little park just near where I live. McGilded Park, it's called.
Ryunosuke:
...!
Juror No. 6:
The gentleman donated it to the city, you know. To put a smile on Londoners' faces, he said. I can't imagine such a fine, young gentleman would have it in him to take another man's life.
That's right! A man like that wouldn't stab someone, surely?
Mother, may we go to the McGilded Public Library later and borrow some more books?
Van Zieks:
How many Londoners live with their heads in the clouds?! Do you people not know... ...what kind of a man Magnus McGilded really is?
Ryunosuke:
What kind of a man is he?!
Van Zieks:
The philanthropist, Magnus McGilded... ...has enough wealth to purchase the entire city he claims to value so highly. But where did all that wealth come from? Your client is a shylock, sir! And one with the very darkest of souls.
Ryunosuke:
What?!
Juror No. 6:
Stone the crows!
Van Zieks:
McGilded lends money at extortionate rates of interest so his victims have no hope of repaying him. When they default, he takes possession of everything they own. He is a vulture that preys on the weak.
Juror No. 6:
I've, I've never heard any mention of that before...
Van Zieks:
Your faculties haven't deserted you, I'm sure, madam. So has this thought not crossed your mind? Would a man wealthy enough to buy London in its entirety not have a carriage of his own?
Ryunosuke:
...!
Van Zieks:
What possible reason could this man have had to make use of a public omnibus service?
Juror No. 6:
Um...
Ryunosuke:
You're not saying that...?
Van Zieks:
The victim - a poor brickmaker - had next to nothing to his name, save considerable financial liability. It will come as no surprise that his creditor was the accused, Magnus McGilded. But let it also be known, that the very day Mr Mason was killed, was the final repayment date for his debts.
Judge:
Good gracious!
Van Zieks:
The brickmaker was destitute. He had lost his house. He had not a shilling with which to repay his debts. And in the end, this pitiful soul had the very last thing he owned taken from him...his life. By the merciless philanthropist pretender... Magnus McGilded!
Ryunosuke:
(I don't believe it!)
Susato:
Susato:
If I might add something briefly...?
Ryunosuke:
Miss Susato?
Susato:
You claim that the victim had been lent money by Mr McGilded... ...but where is the evidence to support your claim?
Van Zieks:
......... ...Pray forgive the discourtesy of filling my hallowed chalice in a court of law...
Judge:
Ah-ha, there it is! Lord van Zieks's hallowed chalice!
Ryunosuke:
(How can this be considered acceptable?!)
Van Zieks:
...But I find myself in unexpectedly good humour. I had heard ladies from the Far East could show great courage...but I didn't expect to experience it myself.
Susato:
Ah! As, as judicial assistant to the defence, I am simply doing my job!
Van Zieks:
What a pity that your display of courage...is in vain. This is the debtors' ledger, which details all monies loaned by the accused. You will find the victim's name clearly recorded inside.
Susato:
Oh...
Van Zieks:
Allow me to present this ledger as evidence... ...and pray forgive the discourtesy of raising my chalice in a toast to the enigmatic East at the same time!
Judge:
A marvellous toast, Counsel! I will gladly accept this new evidence.
The debtors' ledger has been entered into the Court Record.
Judge:
Ah yes, twenty guineas... The victim owed a considerable sum.
| Examine evidence
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Van Zieks:
And the accused made quite certain he had ample recompense.
Juror No. 6:
......... Well, it would seem I've... ...I've had the wool pulled over my eyes.
Van Zieks:
Regrettably, madam, that is the modus operandi of the accused.
Juror No. 6:
And it's such a pretty little park, too. ...What a scoundrel! .........Still... ...maybe it's all for the best.
Ryunosuke:
Ah! W-Wait a minute! Let's think about this a little more before-
Juror No. 6:
I don't stand for nonsense!
Ryunosuke:
......... (That was it... The last juror's decision...)
Susato:
......... ...Ah, according to this Encyclopaedia of British Law... 'When all members of the jury have concluded that the defendant is guilty... ...court proceedings are suspended, and the presiding judge will deliver the final verdict and sentence.' That's what it says here.
Ryunosuke:
(Haah... The final verdict... It's over then.)
Susato:
Oh! There's a footnote, though.
Ryunosuke:
A footnote?
Susato:
'However, the defence-'
Judge:
All six members of the jury are now in agreement in this case.
Van Zieks:
Allow me to convey my respect for your swift and righteous decision.
Judge:
According to the laws of this country, I will now conclude the trial... ...by delivering my final verdict. ...I trust there are no objections?
Ryunosuke:
......... ......... Miss Susato, just tell me one thing...
Susato:
Oh! Yes?
Ryunosuke:
You were in the middle of saying something before. The footnote in your Encyclopaedia of British Law. 'However, the defence...' What did it say next?
Susato:
O-Oh yes, of course. One moment... 'When all members of the jury have concluded that the defendant is guilty... ...court proceedings are suspended, and the presiding judge will deliver the final verdict and sentence.' Then the footnote says... 'However, the defence... ...has the right to demand a summation examination of the jurors at this point.'
Ryunosuke:
A...summation...examination...?
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
...A summation examination? From which century has that tome you have there been resurrected?
Susato:
Ah!
Van Zieks:
Judging from the binding, I would say that book is at least fifty years old. Any modern text on British Law wouldn't even give such an antiquated procedure a mention. It's a relic. Long forgotten, and certainly no longer practised. So you're out of luck.
Susato:
Oh...
Ryunosuke:
What even is it, Miss Susato? This so-called 'summation examination'?
Susato:
Oh, um... One moment, and I'll read about it.
Van Zieks:
...You would demand the right to a procedure before you even understand what it entails? Hmph, typical Nipponese.
Susato:
Alright, Mr Naruhodo, I think I understand... It seems that under this procedure, we would be able to appeal to the members of the jury.
Ryunosuke:
To do what...exactly?
Susato:
Appeal to them to change their leaning and reverse their decisions. And it says here that... ...'If successful, the proceedings of the trial must be resumed.'
Ryunosuke:
(Make them reverse their decisions...)
Judge:
Yes, in times gone by, barristers would use a summation examination to attempt to influence the jury's decision. But that procedure became something of a formality with no practical benefit, really. So it rather fell out of use.
Susato:
I wonder why...
Van Zieks:
Because it was devoid of purpose.
Ryunosuke:
...!
Van Zieks:
Changing just one member of the jury's mind would be hard enough, let alone several. No self-respecting defence barrister would even assert his right to try in this day and age.
Susato:
......... Still... ...I don't see any mention of the procedure actually being formally revoked.
Van Zieks:
What are you suggesting?
Susato:
I'm suggesting that although it may be antiquated and largely forgotten...it isn't yet extinct.
Van Zieks:
...!
Susato:
What do you think, Mr Naruhodo?
Ryunosuke:
(A summation examination... Our last possible option. Do we assert our right to carry it out, or admit defeat?)
| Assert our right
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Leads to: | ||
| Forget it
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
The defence wishes to assert its right to a summation examination, My Lord!
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
London is the capital city of the most powerful nation on earth. We have a duty to the world to exemplify the very highest standards of judicial procedure. Summation examinations are an embarrassment that should remain buried!
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
But if it's our right, it's our right! I believe it could prove vital in this trial!
Judge:
The defence's petition is perfectly valid. The court will proceed with the summation examination!
Van Zieks:
This is madness...
Judge:
Foreman, are you and the remainder of the jury ready?
Juror No. 1:
Eh?! Well, erm, I'm not, erm... There was no mention of this in the letter I received, you see, so...
Judge:
All members of the jury will be asked to explain on what grounds they have reached their decision.
Juror No. 1:
On what grounds...?
Judge:
You must all justify your decisions and explain why you believed the defendant to be guilty.
Juror No. 1:
Well, My Lord, you're rather putting us on the spot...
Juror No. 2:
This is most irregular. No mention was made of this before.
Juror No. 3:
I don't really hold with all this 'justifying' lark.
Juror No. 4:
.........
Ryunosuke:
(That seems to have thrown the jurors off...)
Susato:
It seems none of them have experienced this before.
Ryunosuke:
(Alright then, the summation examination... A defence procedure no practising lawyer has attempted for years, is it? Well, just maybe... ...it might be the opportunity we've been looking for... to turn this trial around!)
Judge:
So be it, then. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the court hereby calls upon you... ...to state the grounds on which you find the defendant, Magnus McGilded, guilty of this most serious crime.
- The Jurors' Contentions -
Juror No. 1:
There was no one else inside the carriage at the time, so it has to have been him.
Juror No. 2:
I trust the driver. He has an excellent memory, it seems. Four passengers, with fares totalling twenty pence.
Juror No. 3:
He stuck the chap next to him just like this! Brazen, I must say. Absolutely brazen!
Juror No. 4:
I have simply typed and collated all the statements made thus far, and drawn the logical conclusion.
Juror No. 5:
You can trust the guild. Fair fares is our motto. We haven't raised prices above fourpence for years.
Juror No. 6:
The scoundrel, stabbing that poor man on the floor! It beggars belief!
Ryunosuke:
(I'm starting to wish I hadn't pushed for this now...)
Susato:
Some of the jurors don't seem to have wonderfully formed arguments, though, do they?
Ryunosuke:
Well, let's see what we can do. We need to get these six people to change their minds. (I'll have to throw everything I can at them! And use some very persuasive language...)
Susato:
Just a moment, Mr Naruhodo. According to my book, that's not quite how it works.
Ryunosuke:
Oh? I thought I was going to have to thaw their icy minds with some heart-warming rhetoric about the defendant.
Susato:
Unfortunately... ...once the jurors have decided the defendant is guilty, they're unlikely to heed anything the defence says.
Ryunosuke:
But, but then...
Susato:
They've reached their conclusions by their own reasoning, you see. Your pleas will sound like excuses. In fact, it could recoil on you. The more you try to persuade them, the more entrenched they may become.
Ryunosuke:
Then what on earth am I supposed to do?!
Susato:
Oh dear. I'm just citing what I've read about British law, Mr Naruhodo.
Ryunosuke:
Right, I'm sorry. ...Do you have any idea how to make this work, then?
Susato:
Well, from what I can understand... ...the key to this procedure is using the jurors' own words to make your arguments.
Ryunosuke:
What do you mean?
Susato:
Well, the six members of the jury are randomly selected members of the public. They may appear to present a united front, but the truth is... ...they are complete strangers, who just happen to find themselves here in the courtroom together.
Ryunosuke:
And...that's the way to break them down, you mean?
Susato:
Yes, exactly. We must listen very carefully to what each member of the jury says... ...and see if we can identify any contradictory statements. If we can, we then contrast the statements and pit the corresponding jurors against each other!
Ryunosuke:
I see. So it's contradictions in what two or more jurors say that we're looking for. In a way, then... ...this is similar to a regular cross-examination.
Susato:
Oh! Yes, I, I suppose you're right!
Ryunosuke:
......... (Find contradictions in their statements and pit the jurors against one another to break them down... Alright, I might be able to pull this off. ...No, that's not right... I HAVE TO pull this off!)
Judge:
Can we start proceedings, Counsel? I would ask you to take the stand for this. I'm expecting a clear and concise rebuttal!
Ryunosuke:
Yes, My Lord!
- The Defence's Rebuttal -
Juror No. 1:
There was no one else inside the carriage at the time, so it has to have been him.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: | ||
Juror No. 2:
I trust the driver. He has an excellent memory, it seems. Four passengers, with fares totalling twenty pence.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Pit against Juror No. 5's statement (before Jurors No. 3 and 6 vote innocent)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 5: Juror No. 4: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Susato: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 5: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Judge: Changes Juror No. 2's statement to "I'm changing my leaning to innocent. I should like to hear what the slipshod bookkeeper has to say for himself!" and Juror No. 5's statement to "Grrr! Beppo! This trial has to continue so I can get to the bottom of this corruption! Not guilty, I say!" | ||
| Pit against Juror No. 5's statement (after Jurors No. 3 and 6 vote innocent)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 5: Juror No. 4: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Susato: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 5: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Leads to: | ||
Juror No. 2:
I'm changing my leaning to innocent. I should like to hear what the slipshod bookkeeper has to say for himself!
Juror No. 3:
He stuck the chap next to him just like this! Brazen, I must say. Absolutely brazen!
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Susato: Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Pit against Juror No. 6's statement
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 6: Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 3: Judge: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 6: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 6: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 3: Juror No. 6: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 6: Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 6: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 5: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 3: Juror No. 6: Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 4: Juror No. 6: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Juror No. 3:
I'm no lover of the rich, but I despise liars even more! Innocent is my call, for now at least!
Juror No. 4:
I have simply typed and collated all the statements made thus far, and drawn the logical conclusion.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: | ||
Juror No. 5:
You can trust the guild. Fair fares is our motto. We haven't raised prices above fourpence for years.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: | ||
| Pit against Juror No. 2's statement (before Jurors No. 3 and 6 vote innocent)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 5: Juror No. 4: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Susato: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 5: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Judge: Changes Juror No. 2's statement to "I'm changing my leaning to innocent. I should like to hear what the slipshod bookkeeper has to say for himself!" and Juror No. 5's statement to "Grrr! Beppo! This trial has to continue so I can get to the bottom of this corruption! Not guilty, I say!" | ||
| Pit against Juror No. 2's statement (after Jurors No. 3 and 6 vote innocent)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 4: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 5: Juror No. 4: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 5: Susato: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 5: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Leads to: | ||
Juror No. 5:
Grrr! Beppo! This trial has to continue so I can get to the bottom of this corruption! Not guilty, I say!
Juror No. 6:
The scoundrel, stabbing that poor man on the floor! It beggars belief!
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 6: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 6: Ryunosuke: Susato: | ||
| Pit against Juror No. 3's statement
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 6: Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 3: Judge: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 6: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 6: Ryunosuke: Judge: Juror No. 3: Juror No. 6: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 6: Juror No. 3: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 6: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 5: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 3: Juror No. 6: Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 4: Juror No. 6: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Juror No. 6:
Dear me, you can't make accusations based on lies! I wonder if the poor man is innocent after all...
| First time
| ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato:
| ||||||||||||||
| Subsequent times
| ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Susato:
| ||||||||||||||
Ryunosuke:
(...Wait! That, that means... ...four jurors are now leaning to not guilty!)
Susato:
We've done it, Mr Naruhodo! We've won!
Juror No. 1:
What are you playing at, you dandy fool?!
Juror No. 3:
Shut your trap, sir! No one deceives me!
Juror No. 1:
But we had a consensus!
Juror No. 3:
I said shut your trap! I know a liar when I see one! And if the chap ever dares to cross the threshold of my shop... ...I'll take this razor-sharp blade...and shave every last hair off his head!
Ryunosuke:
(Please tell me he's a barber...)
Judge:
Well! In a quite remarkable turn of events... ...the defence's summation examination has flipped the balance of the Scales of Justice! The jurors now stand at two for guilty...and four for not guilty! Accordingly, there is no longer a large enough majority among the jury for me to adjudicate... ...and the trial must continue! I hereby ask the defence, prosecution and witnesses to return to their places. And I call upon all of you to continue to pursue the truth!
Judge:
So...Lord Van Zieks. Continue to substantiate the case for the prosecution, if you please.
Van Zieks:
Having savoured the rich aroma of the carmine contents of this hallowed chalice... ...it may seem crass to crush it to dust. ...Pray forgive the discourtesy.
Judge:
L-Lord van Zieks!
Ryunosuke:
(Brrr... Is it cold in here, or is it just me?)
Van Zieks:
As your antiquated tome no doubt says, the prosecution may not speak during a summation examination. So I honoured a deathly silence...and listened to the charade. It seems I overestimated the intelligence of the jury.
Juror No. 1:
...!
Juror No. 2:
...!
Juror No. 3:
...!
Van Zieks:
...Well, no matter. There is nothing so hard to prove as a self-evident truth, it would seem. No... And why else would we grace the courtroom with our presence after all? So, let us proceed to the next round of battle. Bring forth the witnesses once more!
Van Zieks:
Witnesses! I trust you heard the summation examination we have just had to...endure?
Beppo:
Oh, y-yes, sir, that I did, sir.
Fairplay:
Of course I heard it!
Furst:
Oh yes, sir. I heard it.
Judge:
You, sir, on the end... The coachman. I believe it's 'Beppo'?
Beppo:
Y-Yes, sir, My Lord, sir?
Judge:
If it transpires that in your previous testimony... ...you were attempting to veil the presence of a fifth passenger on your omnibus... ...you will be found guilty of perjury! You are advised to bear that in mind, sir.
Beppo:
Uhhh... Oh mio Dio... Uhhh...
Judge:
Now then, witnesses. I hereby call on you to testify before the court again. You will explain the various misgivings brought to our attention by the defence's summation examination!
- Various Misgivings -
Beppo:
I, I only c-carried f-four passengers that night! I swear it! ...B-B-But, um...
Fairplay:
Well, I for one was told I had to pay fivepence for the bus.
Furst:
He fiddled us on the fare, he did! And then I saw that blood-curdling sight as well... It's all too much!
Fairplay:
I tell you, I saw McGilded stabbing that man! Everything I said before stands!
Beppo:
Oh yes... Yes, he s-s-stabbed him. Yes he did. ...I, I think so, yes.
Judge:
Counsel, make sense of this for me, please.
Van Zieks:
The phantom fifth passenger conjured into existence by my learned Eastern friend never existed. The confusion has arisen from the coachman's sly little... cozenage.
Beppo:
Uhhh...
Juror No. 5:
Beppo! Explain yourself!
Beppo:
I'm t-terribly sorry, G-G-Guildmaster!
Juror No. 5:
The guild's fare is fourpence across the board! You know that! Am I to understand that you've been overcharging our passengers by a penny a fare?
Beppo:
It's, it's so c-c-cold... And the last r-run of the day is always h-h-half empty...
Judge:
......... You have been dishonest, coachman.
Beppo:
Uhhh... I'm s-sorry...
Juror No. 5:
You're a disgrace, Beppo! A disgrace! And your selfish actions have brought dishonour on the entire guild!
Furst:
If I may, sir...? I had to pay tenpence on the bus just last week.
Juror No. 5:
WHAAAAAAT?
Susato:
Four passengers at fivepence each is... Yes, twenty pence. I've done the arithmetic ten times already, but I just can't make the result come out differently!
Ryunosuke:
...No, that...figures.
Judge:
Well, it would appear that one of the aforementioned misgivings has already been explained. So, Counsel for the Defense... Your cross-examination, if you please.
Van Zieks:
We've already had the pleasure of a protracted summation examination today. I see you intend to continue the parlour games.
Ryunosuke:
......... ...Absolutely!
- Various Misgivings -
Beppo:
I, I only c-carried f-four passengers that night! I swear it! ...B-B-But, um...
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: | ||
Fairplay:
Well, I for one was told I had to pay fivepence for the bus.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Furst: Fairplay: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: | ||
Furst:
He fiddled us on the fare, he did! And then I saw that blood-curdling sight as well... It's all too much!
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Furst: Judge: Furst: Judge: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Furst: | ||
Fairplay:
I tell you, I saw McGilded stabbing that man! Everything I said before stands!
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Van Zieks: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: | ||
Beppo:
Oh yes... Yes, he s-s-stabbed him. Yes he did. ...I, I think so, yes.
| Press
| ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Judge: Beppo: Furst: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo:
Beppo: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 3: Juror No. 5: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Judge: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fairplay:
D'you think I'd forget the sight of those blood-soaked hands after that butcher stabbed the man?!
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Susato: | ||
| Present Defendant's Leather Gloves
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
(Not long ago, this trial very nearly came to an end. Somehow, we've managed to keep our chances alive here. I can't waste this cross-examination! I have to use it to bring some new facts to light!)
Susato:
Hm, if you're not careful when you press these witnesses... ...the danger is that the jury will end up believing something...unhelpful, as they did before.
Ryunosuke:
Maybe. ...But we can't let the fear of that happening stop us from uncovering important new information.
Susato:
...! Yes, you're so right.
Ryunosuke:
(I need to pay careful attention here. I don't want to miss even a flicker of a reaction among these witnesses!)
Susato:
Remember, if you happen to spot one of the witnesses reacting in a strange way... ...don't hesitate to pursue them as to the reason!
Ryunosuke:
Blood-soaked...hands?
Fairplay:
Well, I admit that 'soaked' might be laying it on a little thick, but... But anyway! There was definitely blood all over them. Both of them were covered in it!
Ryunosuke:
Well, I'm very sorry to disagree, Mr Fairplay, but that's more than a little peculiar.
Fairplay:
What?
Ryunosuke:
Here are the gloves worn by the defendant, Mr McGilded, on the night in question.
Fairplay:
Oh...yes...right...
Ryunosuke:
And there certainly does appear to be a sizeable dark-coloured stain there. But, as I'm sure you can clearly see... ...it's only on the right-hand glove.
Fairplay:
Arrrrgh!
Ryunosuke:
In short, Mr Fairplay... ...your testimony is inconsistent!
Fairplay:
Gyaaagh! But, but...no! That can't be right!
Juror No. 6:
So you're the liar here then!
Fairplay:
Gargh!
Juror No. 3:
That's right! You were quite clear about it. You said - Hyuurgh! - it was both hands!
Fairplay:
Grrr...
Ryunosuke:
Mr Fairplay. If your last statement was a lie... ...it calls your entire testimony into question. You say you saw the moment the victim was stabbed. ...But is that really the truth?!
Fairplay:
Argh! I...well... I...
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
It was a simple mistake. You can't justify accusing this man of lying! Yes, it wasn't both hands; it was only one. But the fact remains... ...the victim's blood was on the accused!
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
No! Mr Fairplay categorically stated that he saw blood 'all over both hands'! Which means there's a strong possibility that this witness was deliberately trying to mislead the court!
Fairplay:
Gaaargh! Why? Why?! I'm a city banker, for pity's sake! My word should be...the gold standard! I'm a gentleman, not some guttersnipe! Upstanding members of society don't prevaricate!
Ryunosuke:
(He's claiming to have no reason to lie... But is that really the case?)
Susato:
Mr Naruhodo! If we had some evidence to explain why Mr Fairplay might be lying... ...it could turn the tide in this trial completely!
Ryunosuke:
(Something to show this man has a compelling reason to lie in his testimony...)
| There's no evidence
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Judge: Fairplay: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| I have evidence
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Leads to: | ||
Judge:
...Very well. I hereby call on the defence to present its evidence. The evidence that demonstrates a motive for the witness's alleged deception of the court!
| Present Debtors' Ledger (after examining writing)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| Present anything else
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Leads back to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
This is a list of the debtors who owe money to Mr McGilded.
Van Zieks:
...Yes, a list of innocent victims, crippled by the accused's extortion.
Ryunosuke:
The point is, among the names of these debtors is your name... ...Mr Bruce Fairplay.
Fairplay:
...!
Judge:
What?! Mr Fairplay! Are you currently indebted financially to the accused?
Fairplay:
Arrrgh! No! Well...it's, it's barely worthy of being called a debt...
Ryunosuke:
According to this ledger, you owe twenty guineas. Not an inconsiderable sum of money, wouldn't you say?
Fairplay:
Argh! Well, well what of it?!
Ryunosuke:
Let's suppose Mr McGilded were to be found guilty of murder... What would become of your debt in that case?
Judge:
Hm, these documents state that the loan agreement is forged between two individual parties. Therefore, were the creditor - the defendant here - to be sentenced to a capital punishment... ...all outstanding debts which were owed to him would be annulled. They would cease to exist.
Susato:
Cease to exist?!
Ryunosuke:
Mr Fairplay! Is it not the case that you claimed in your testimony to have seen something you never in fact saw... ...in a devious attempt...to annul your debt of twenty guineas to the defendant!
Fairplay:
Gugh... GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!
Judge:
Ordaaar! Ordaaar! Ordaaaaaar!!! ...Mr Bruce Fairplay!
Fairplay:
Y-Yes, My Laaarghd?
Judge:
Let me ask you again. And be aware that your answer may have most serious implications upon your future, sir.
Fairplay:
Grrr...
Judge:
Did you or did you not... ...see the precise moment in time at which the defendant is alleged to have thrust a knife into the victim?
Fairplay:
......... .........
Ryunosuke:
Your silence speaks volumes! You did NOT tell the truth in your testimony!
Fairplay:
Alright! Now let's not make a melodrama out of this. Perhaps I did...overstate the truth a pinch.
Ryunosuke:
A pinch?
Fairplay:
But it makes no difference! I definitely remember seeing blood on McGilded's hands! Both of them!
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
And yet! Only one of the defendant's gloves, which we have here as evidence, is stained!
Fairplay:
Grrr... So you keep saying!
Furst:
......... I, I wonder if I might be allowed to speak, sir?
Judge:
Go ahead, Mr Furst.
Furst:
Well, the thing is...I think I remember seeing it myself, as it happens.
Ryunosuke:
Seeing what?
Furst:
The blood, sir. On the assailant's hands. I think... Yes, I'm, I'm almost sure that it was on both of his hands, not just one.
Ryunosuke:
Wha...? WHAAAT?!
Judge:
Hmph. It would appear that we're going to need further testimony from all you witnesses. This time, I would like to know precisely what you DID and what you did NOT see! ...Do I make myself perfectly clear?
Fairplay:
Y-Yaaarghsss...
Susato:
Mr Naruhodo! This is good news! The course of the trial seems to have shifted slightly at last!
Ryunosuke:
Yes! (I might finally have a chance to turn things around here...)
- What the Witnesses Really Saw -
Fairplay:
There was blood on both hands of the assailant. I sincerely and distinctly remember that!
However...I, I suppose you might say that I didn't see the exact moment the stabbing transpired...if that matters.
Furst:
I remember seeing the knife. And, and I remember seeing both of the attacker's hands with blood on them.
Beppo:
I, I d-didn't actually s-see anything myself. No. N-Not until I h-heard that scream.
Fairplay:
Anyway, the fact remains! There can't have been anyone else inside that carriage, or we all would have seen!
Judge:
Well, lo and behold... ...in truth of fact, not one of you was witness to the crucial moment the crime was perpetrated!
Fairplay:
I, I apologise, My Lord! But... But honestly... Argh! There was no one else inside that carriage, and the man's hands were covered in blood! Grrr... That much incriminating evidence is tantamount to saying we saw the man do it!
Ryunosuke:
That's...really not what testimony is about.
Van Zieks:
...Let us examine the interior of the omnibus once more. The victim's fresh blood is clearly visible on the seat, corroborating the witnesses' accounts. In other words, there is no substantial - nor significant - change in the facts of the case.
Judge:
Hm... Very well. Your cross-examination, please, Counsel.
Ryunosuke:
Yes, My Lord!
- What the Witnesses Really Saw -
Fairplay:
There was blood on both hands of the assailant. I sincerely and distinctly remember that!
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Judge: | ||
Fairplay:
However...I, I suppose you might say that I didn't see the exact moment the stabbing transpired...if that matters.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Judge: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: | ||
Furst:
I remember seeing the knife. And, and I remember seeing both of the attacker's hands with blood on them.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Furst: Judge: Furst: Ryunosuke: Furst: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: | ||
Beppo:
I, I d-didn't actually s-see anything myself. No. N-Not until I h-heard that scream.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Van Zieks: Juror No. 5: Beppo: | ||
Fairplay:
Anyway, the fact remains! There can't have been anyone else inside that carriage, or we all would have seen!
| Press
| ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Furst: Judge: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Furst: Fairplay: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke:
| ||||||||||||||
| Present Omnibus
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
Susato:
Mr Fairplay didn't see Mr Mason being stabbed at all! That's a hugely significant change in the facts of the case!
Ryunosuke:
And there's something else that occurred to me whilst listening to the witnesses' latest testimony. Two of them are recounting what they saw through the skylight in the omnibus roof.
Susato:
I know it's a large window and certainly affords a good view of the inside, but... Well, I think perhaps we ought to confirm what they're saying with our own eyes as much as possible.
Ryunosuke:
What do you mean?
Susato:
I mean that we can examine the evidence firsthand. The omnibus is here in the courtroom after all.
Ryunosuke:
(That's a good idea. And we can consider the witnesses' statements while we're looking around.)
Ryunosuke:
Allow me to confirm one thing, Mr Fairplay... You were riding this omnibus... ...and witnessed the events in the cabin through the skylight in the floor of the upper deck. Is that right?
Fairplay:
That's right, yes.
Ryunosuke:
In that case... ...there is a portion of the cabin interior that would have been out of sight from you.
Fairplay:
What?!
Furst:
By golly! Really?!
Ryunosuke:
Obviously at this stage we can't say for sure... ...but the possibility cannot be denied... ...that at the time of the incident, there could have been another passenger in the enclosed cabin of the omnibus!
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
Enough hypothetical meandering! ...My Nipponese friend. The prosecution demands that you substantiate your claims. After all, the scene of the crime is here...in the flesh.
Judge:
Very well, I will uphold the prosecution's demand. You will identify the area on this cross-sectional plan of the omnibus. Where exactly in the omnibus are you suggesting that this potential extra passenger could have been situated?
| Present seat on right inside the cabin
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| Present anywhere else
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Judge: Leads back to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
Both rows of seats on the roof face in the direction of travel. Whereas the seats in the enclosed cabin face each other. Which means... ...the visible part of the cabin, which passengers on the roof deck can see through the skylight... ...is as I've drawn here.
Judge:
Ah!
Ryunosuke:
That's right, My Lord. As you can see... ...the seat opposite the one on which the victim and his attacker were sitting is obscured from view. In other words, if someone had been sitting on that seat... ...it's quite possible that these witnesses would have been completely unaware of it!
Fairplay:
GAAAAAARGH!
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
'It's quite possible' some phantom was sitting there? You Nipponese have a forbidding habit of obscuring the truth with ambiguity.
Ryunosuke:
...!
Judge:
I concur with the prosecution's rejoinder. In a British court of law, evidence is paramount. I cannot entertain this conjecture, Counsel. That is, unless you're able to put a name to this mysterious passenger to whom you allude?
Susato:
Can you, Mr Naruhodo?!
Ryunosuke:
......... (I honestly don't know. Who could it have been...? Who could have been in the other seat, which was out of sight from the witnesses on the roof deck?)
| I have an inkling
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| I have no idea
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
The defence would like to put forward a name.
Van Zieks:
...You are a fool. That response was a desperate attempt by a man who has no notion of his own limitations. A toast! ...To hard lessons, not yet learnt!
Judge:
Let us not delay, Counsel. The defence is still to name the passenger in the other seat.
Ryunosuke:
(This could be it! This could be the chance I've been waiting for to turn the trial in my favour.) On that night... On the night of the murder... ...the person occupying the seat in the omnibus cabin that was obscured from view was...
| Present Magnus McGilded profile
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| Present anyone else
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Judge: Leads back to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
The passenger in the enclosed cabin that the witnesses on the roof deck failed to see... ...has to have been Mr Magnus McGilded.
Fairplay:
Mc...?
Furst:
Mr McGilded?!
Judge:
What are you talking about, Counsel? That's the name of the defendant!
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
...If I desecrate this chamber by smashing my hallowed chalice...do forgive the discourtesy.
Judge:
Lord van Zieks!
Van Zieks:
People talk of those tiny island nations in the Far East as having a learning and culture of their own. ...But I see they use the terms ill-advisedly.
Ryunosuke:
What are you trying to say?
Van Zieks:
Let me explain in terms that even a student of an artless backwater such as yourself might understand... When the bloody scene unfolded, the victim and his assailant were sitting side by side. Multiple witnesses have attested to the fact. It's the very premise on which this case is built!
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
But that premise...may be wrong.
Van Zieks:
...What?
Ryunosuke:
If the victim really was sitting beside Mr McGilded... ...it creates an inconsistency that can't be reconciled in any way.
Judge:
What inconsistency, Counsel?
Ryunosuke:
The defendant's gloves, My Lord.
Van Zieks:
...!
Ryunosuke:
Both witnesses made the same testimony. They claim that there was blood on both hands of the person sitting next to the victim.
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
Yet we know the truth to be otherwise. Only one glove bears the gory remains.
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
The point is! ...Even in the face of this irrefutable evidence, both witnesses have maintained their stance.
Judge:
Yes, their testimony remains unchanged.
Ryunosuke:
Exactly. They both adamantly swear... ...that they clearly remember seeing blood on both hands of the assailant. In short! Their memory of events is correct...and their testimony reveals the truth!
Fairplay:
...!
Ryunosuke:
It was somebody else sitting beside the victim that night. A third party we have yet to identify. And the victim's blood was on that passenger's hands! Both of them!
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
And who was this 'third party'?
Ryunosuke:
Obviously...the true culprit!
Judge:
Ex-traordinary! Ordaaar! Ordaaar! Orrrdaaar! What exactly are you postulating?
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
The defence's postulation is just that! Nothing more than conjecture! The witnesses have clearly stated...that they saw the accused!
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
But when elaborating on his testimony... ...Mr Fairplay said, 'The two of them were wearing hats and I couldn't exactly make out their faces.'
Fairplay:
Hm... Yes... The tops of their heads were obscured by the roof. I could see the rest of them, though.
Furst:
Yes, that's right. Both gents were most certainly hatted. Hatters do tend to notice such things, sir.
Judge:
And what particular styles of hat did the two gentlemen sport, Mr Furst?
Furst:
......... I'm afraid I...don't remember.
Ryunosuke:
(And you call yourself a hatter...?)
Van Zieks:
The style of hat makes no difference! There was no third passenger in that cabin!
Ryunosuke:
How can you be sure?
Van Zieks:
Because if there had been... ...the accused, Mr McGilded, would undoubtedly have offered to depose the fact!
Ryunosuke:
...!
Van Zieks:
Unless, that is, you are proposing an even more preposterous explanation? That the accused failed even to notice the presence of the true culprit in the very cabin in which he travelled?
Ryunosuke:
Ah! (He's right... If there was another person travelling in the enclosed cabin of the omnibus... ...it's inconceivable that Mr McGilded would have been unaware of it.)
Judge:
Ordaaar! There is clearly a simple solution to this 'problem'.
Van Zieks:
Bring the accused, Mr McGilded, to the stand?
Judge:
Well, what say you, Counsel?
Van Zieks:
The prosecution objects, My Lord.
Judge:
On what grounds?
Van Zieks:
As a suspect, he will have already made a full statement to the police.
Ryunosuke:
But, but what if there's some reason why he's unable to speak freely?
Van Zieks:
Magnus McGilded is no uneducated ruffian.
Ryunosuke:
...!
Van Zieks:
If it indeed turns out the man has been withholding information... ...you can be sure it will have been a most deliberate act.
Judge:
Hm... Counsel for the Defence, what is your opinion?
Ryunosuke:
My Lord... (Should we ask Mr McGilded to testify...or not?)
| Demand his testimony
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Leads to: | ||
| Leave well alone
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Leads to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
(Yes, we need to hear what he has to say in order to find out the truth.) The defence would like to call Mr McGilded to the stand!
Judge:
Hm... In that case, I would like to hear the opinion of the jury.
Juror No. 1:
Ah, yes, erm... I need a little time to consider this...
Juror No. 2:
If you ask me, I think we should hear what Mr McGilded has to say.
Juror No. 3:
Get the man out here, I say!
Juror No. 4:
It would be utterly illogical not to hear his testimony.
Juror No. 5:
When something needs doing, get it done! That's how I run things at the guild!
Juror No. 6:
Hearing what the patron of my favourite little park has to say? Oh yes, that would be lovely.
Juror No. 1:
Yes! The jury says the man must be heard!
Judge:
Very well. The court will hear the defendant's testimony. Bailiff! Show the defendant to the stand at once!
Ryunosuke:
......... (Now, maybe what actually happened that night... ...will finally become clear.)
Judge:
Let proceedings be resumed. Mr McGilded... ...have you been listening to the discourse of the day?
McGilded:
To be sure I have, My Lord.
Judge:
There are now two matters on which the court desires to hear from you. The first... ...is whether or not there was a third party with you in the omnibus cabin, as proposed by the defence. The second... ...is that if such a person was indeed present, why did you conceal that fact from the police?
McGilded:
......... Begad, no! 'Tis not in my nature to hide anytin' at all.
Van Zieks:
Just answer the questions, please.
McGilded:
The truth of the matter is, I've been desperate about this all along. Do I tell youse all, or keep me mouth shut?
Ryunosuke:
...! Tell us what, Mr McGilded?
Van Zieks:
.........
McGilded:
The fine fella representin' me is absolutely right. In the carriage on the night with meself and the other man, there was another passenger.
Judge:
It's true?!
McGilded:
Aye, and 'twas me who helped the little urchin get away after it all happened.
Ryunosuke:
You... WHAAAAAAAAAT?!
Van Zieks:
......... No, Magnus McGilded. That convenient excuse can't save you now.
McGilded:
I'm truly sorry, so I am, Lord van Zieks! I'm sure you'll be wantin' to know why I said nuttin' when I was taken in by the police. I do be havin' a very good reason, I assure you.
Judge:
Which was...?
McGilded:
Well, the little child was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and not in any way involved, you see.
Van Zieks:
What?
McGilded:
If the police had known the wee one was there... ...they'd have assumed she'd done it. They'd have hauled her into this here courtroom, just like meself. I was only tryin' to spare her that. ...Young hearts and young minds are easily damaged, My Lord.
Van Zieks:
.........
Judge:
Hm... And who was this young child of whom you speak?
McGilded:
That...I don't know.
Judge:
You don't know?
McGilded:
Aye, well, the wee ting just happened to be in the carriage that night. I never saw her before or since.
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
We have absolutely no reason to believe this man. The prosecution calls for the witness's statements to be disregarded by the court.
McGilded:
You know, I wouldn't be surprised... ...if the urchin isn't here in this courtroom as we speak, listenin' to the proceedings.
Ryunosuke:
What?
Ah! Smoke!
AAAAAAGH!
Fire! There's a fire!
Look! Someone's trying to get away!
*Cough!* After them!
It's no use! *Cough, cough!*
I, I can't see anything through all this smoke!
Ryunosuke:
What is going on?!
Susato:
Be careful, Mr Naruhodo! Cover your face!
Van Zieks:
Bailiff! Don't let the accused escape! Secure the omnibus!
Judge:
I hereby call an emergency recess! Bailiff! Ensure the defendant is in custody, and clear the courtroom!
Ryunosuke:
The Old Bailey, Defendants' Antechamber
Ryunosuke:
(What on earth just happened in there?)
Susato:
Mr Naruhodo! I've managed to find out what happened!
Ryunosuke:
Miss Susato!
Susato:
I was told it was an advanced form of 'smoke grenade'. A type of exploding device that releases smoke.
Ryunosuke:
A smoke grenade? It, it sounds like the sort of thing ninjas use!
Susato:
They're just making sure everything is safe now. I think the trial will start again before long.
Ryunosuke:
But...who would have done something like that?
Susato:
The police managed to catch someone who was trying to flee the courtroom, apparently.
Ryunosuke:
Flee the courtroom? Why?
Susato:
Well, it's a young girl of around fifteen, I hear.
Ryunosuke:
A young girl? Then, could it be...? ...the other passenger that Mr McGilded was just talking about?!
Susato:
My thoughts exactly!
Ryunosuke:
(So he wasn't lying...) Oh! What's become of Mr McGilded, actually? There are so many things I need to ask him about. But he's not here!
Susato:
I think he was summoned to the prosecutor's antechamber to answer questions. Along with the young girl.
Ryunosuke:
Who is she, I wonder? And what was she even doing here at the trial? (She was taking a huge risk, and for what possible benefit to herself?)
Susato:
There's another matter that's troubling me.
Ryunosuke:
What's that?
Susato:
The 'twenty pence'.
Ryunosuke:
Hm? Oh...um...
Susato:
According to the coachman, Mr Beppo... ...he took four passengers that night, at a fare of fivepence each. That comes to a total of twenty pence exactly.
Ryunosuke:
But now it seems there were in fact five passengers.
Susato:
Which means the figures don't seem to add up again.
Ryunosuke:
Er... (She's right. That is strange...)
Bailiff:
Counsel for the Defence! Kindly proceed into the courtroom! The trial will recommence in five minutes!
Ryunosuke:
Oh! Thank you, Officer. We'll go in straight away.
Susato:
Well... ...whoever she is, I imagine this young girl will be asked to take the stand and testify now. I really can't imagine what she's going to say. But it could alter the whole direction of the trial!
Ryunosuke:
...We'll know soon enough, Miss Susato.
Susato:
Yes!
The Old Bailey Courtroom
| Examine evidence
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ryunosuke:
There's the young girl next to Mr McGilded, look. She must have been the one who caused the disturbance before.
Judge:
Well, after that rather eventful recess, the court will now resume the trial of Mr Magnus McGilded. Now then, Lord van Zieks...
Van Zieks:
My Lord?
Judge:
I believe you have established the cause of the smoke which veiled proceedings earlier?
Van Zieks:
It seems to have been an advanced form of 'smoke grenade', of the sort typically employed by the army.
Judge:
Good gracious! The army?! What in the devil's name...?
Van Zieks:
It was an elaborate attempt by a young girl to cloak her escape from the public gallery. But she was caught. ...And now occupies the stand.
Judge:
Hm... Your name, girl?
???:
.........
Judge:
Are you responsible for the smoke grenade which induced such pandemonium here in my courtroom?
???:
.........
Judge:
What is the meaning of this deplorable behaviour?!
???:
.........
McGilded:
Ahem! ...If I may, My Lord?
Judge:
Yes, Mr McGilded?
McGilded:
I tink perhaps I ought to explain here. Why it is that this wee lass was here in the first place, and why she tried to bolt like that. 'Tis all tied up with the events of that night, so it is.
Judge:
Hmmm... Very well, Mr McGilded, give your testimony. You will explain to the court exactly how this young woman is involved in the case!
Van Zieks:
.........
Ryunosuke:
(Just what did happen that night? It's not like a defence lawyer needs that information or anything...)
- The Young Girl -
McGilded:
On the night in question, I took the back seat in the omnibus and promptly nodded off.
Then, begorrah, a loud thud and a wee scream woke me up with a fair start.
There was a fella collapsed on the floor at me feet. So I sat him up on the seat across from me.
Then I turned to find out where that scream had come from. And bless my soul, what did I find?
There was a child in there, all curled up in a ball, hidin' her wee self away!
Judge:
......... I remain somewhat baffled, I confess. But from what I gather, on the night in question... ...this young girl was indeed riding in the omnibus. Is that correct?
McGilded:
'Tis exactly as the defence counsel said. This lass was the fifth passenger, My Lord.
Judge:
Very well. The defence may now cross-examine the witness. Are you ready, Counsel?
Ryunosuke:
Yes, My Lord! (Or rather, no. I have no idea where to start...)
Van Zieks:
.........
- The Young Girl -
McGilded:
On the night in question, I took the back seat in the omnibus and promptly nodded off.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Judge: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Van Zieks: | ||
McGilded:
Then, begorrah, a loud thud and a wee scream woke me up with a fair start.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: Judge: McGilded: | ||
McGilded:
There was a fella collapsed on the floor at me feet. So I sat him up on the seat across from me.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Van Zieks: McGilded: Van Zieks: McGilded: Judge: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: | ||
McGilded:
Then I turned to find out where that scream had come from. And bless my soul, what did I find?
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Judge: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: McGilded: | ||
McGilded:
There was a child in there, all curled up in a ball, hidin' her wee self away!
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Judge: McGilded: Judge: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Judge: McGilded: Judge: McGilded: | ||
Susato:
I do wonder how you must be feeling Mr Naruhodo...
Ryunosuke:
Being the defendant's lawyer, and yet finding myself as stunned as everyone else at his testimony? ...Let's just say it's...trying.
Susato:
We certainly had precious little time to talk to Mr McGilded before the trial. But we mustn't be dispirited! We must just try to learn all the facts we can!
Ryunosuke:
(Haah... When we arrived in London this morning, I didn't see my day panning out like this...)
Susato:
Mr Naruhodo! No grumbling, even in your head!
Ryunosuke:
Uhhh... How did you know...?
After pressing all statements:
Judge:
Thank you, I've heard enough. The events as explained are clear in my mind. However...at least one conundrum remains... Who is the girl?
???:
.........
McGilded:
Her name is Gina Lestrade, My Lord. She's a chancer. Earns her crust among large crowds, relievin' people of their purses. What's commonly called a pickpocket.
Ryunosuke:
What?!
Judge:
This girl here?! A petty thief? Ordaaar! Ordaaaaaar!!! Is this true...Miss Lestrade?
???:
.........
Judge:
Miss Lestrade! You will answer the question! ARRRGH! How dare you?! What is the meaning of this?! Ah! The girl! She's gone!
Gina:
I'm over 'ere.
Judge:
Good gracious! How...?
Ryunosuke:
(What was the point in that little sidestep...?)
Gina:
I know wot you lot are thinkin'! Grown-ups are all the same! 'This dirty little dipper,' you'll say, 'slipped up an' got caught on the job. She got 'erself backed into a corner, so she knifed the gent!' Go on! That's wot's in yer 'eads, ain't it?
Ryunosuke:
No, not at all! This is a court of law. We're here to determine the truth, not cast- .........
Gina:
Look, knives are for cowards. Only thugs use weapons like that. All I need for wot I do is these fingers. I'm a professional, alright? Maybe not in your eyes, but I got pride in wot I do!
Ryunosuke:
Let me guess? You don't count smoke guns among 'weapons for thugs'?
Gina:
Oh, this? Yeah, this was in a bag I lifted the other day, down where they keep the four-wheeled drags. It's nice, innit? I like the pink best.
Judge:
Agh! Do not wave that thing in my direction again!
Van Zieks:
So... ...you admit that you were riding the omnibus on the night in question?
Gina:
.........
McGilded:
...'Tis alright, lass. You can tell them the truth now.
Gina:
......... Alright, yeah... It's just like the Irishman said...
Judge:
The court accepts this girl, Miss Gina Lestrade, as a valid and significant witness in this case. Accordingly, young lady, we will now hear your testimony, if you please.
Gina:
.........
Judge:
You will tell the court exactly what happened in the omnibus on the night in question.
Gina:
...Alright...if I 'ave to...
- What the Girl Saw -
Gina:
So I snuck inside the carriage before they 'ooked up the 'orses, just like always.
But it was a right old waste o' time. I got nuffin' to show for me troubles that night.
I'll tell ya, you can't see a blind thing in that hidin' place. It's pitch in there.
Then after a while, I 'ear this loud bang. Nearly jumped out me skin, I did. An' the scream just...came out.
It's because o' that, this swell found me. ...'E did 'elp me get away, mind.
Ryunosuke:
Yes, he let you go...
Judge:
I fail to understand why you would let this street urchin go, Mr McGilded.
McGilded:
Oh, 'tis simplicity itself, My Lord. You see, she couldn't possibly have killed the other passenger. I knew that for a fact.
Ryunosuke:
How?
McGilded:
As I'm sure I said before, sir... ...I was sittin' right on top o' the place where she was hidin' herself.
Judge:
I think a demonstration is called for.
McGilded:
...This is where I was sat that night.
Judge:
And the 'cubbyhole' of which you have spoken is underneath this seat, I presume? Hm, yes... It does appear just large enough to accommodate someone of the girl's stature.
McGilded:
Aye, but of course, the wee lass was stuck in there. Because I'd parked meself on the seat for the duration.
Judge:
Ah!
McGilded:
So you see, that's why I let the lass bolt. I knew that if the police found her there, they'd automatically assume she'd done it. But I couldn't live with meself if a young life was ruined when all the time I knew she was innocent.
Judge:
Even though you must have realised your action would result in your own innocence being called into question?
McGilded:
Not at all, My Lord, not at all!
Juror No. 1:
...!
McGilded:
I knew in my own heart that I was innocent. So I thought it was worth takin' a punt on my own good name for the sake of this less fortunate lass.
Juror No. 2:
My goodness!
Juror No. 6:
What a perfect gentleman!
Juror No. 1:
...My Lord! This...this fine example of a man cannot possibly be guilty of a heinous crime like this. I'm ashamed of myself for ever doubting you, sir!
Juror No. 4:
With calm, calculated reasoning, one arrives clearly at the truth every time.
Judge:
Saints alive! All six members of the jury consensual in their leaning to a verdict of not guilty?!
Susato:
Mr Naruhodo! This... Well, it must mean...
Ryunosuke:
It must mean what?
Susato:
That we're victorious!
Ryunosuke:
......... We've...won? Are, are you sure?
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
...If the sight of my iron-heeled Wellington offends... pray, do forgive the discourtesy. This really is a consummate example... ...of the one, monumental flaw in British judicial practices.
Ryunosuke:
...!
Van Zieks:
Where evidence and reasoning should be paramount... emotion rules the day.
Ryunosuke:
Emotion?
Van Zieks:
The witness's latest statement gives us a clear insight into his true nature.
Ryunosuke:
What do you mean, 'his true nature'?
Van Zieks:
Do you really think Scotland Yard would have made such a glaring omission? After the incident, the omnibus was comprehensively searched by officers of the police. Obviously the interior of this 'cubbyhole', as the witness put it, was included in their investigation.
Ryunosuke:
...!
Van Zieks:
'The compartment under the posterior seat was full of the coachman's belongings.' It's noted in black and white here in the police report.
Judge:
Good Lord!
Van Zieks:
...The evidence has been tampered with. In order to corroborate Mr McGilded's story...someone has unlawfully removed everything from under the seat!
Ryunosuke:
WHAAAAAAAAAT?!
Judge:
Ordaaar! Orrrdaaar! How could such a devious contrivance possibly have been effected, Counsel?
Van Zieks:
...Naturally, we must acknowledge the deficiencies of the constabulary in allowing this to have happened. However, I assure you, when the omnibus was wheeled into the courtroom this morning... ...the compartment under the seat was not empty. ...Well, my Nipponese friend?
Ryunosuke:
Hm? ...Me?
Van Zieks:
When the carriage was submitted as evidence... ...doubtless you examined it in fine detail, as would any self-respecting practitioner of the law. Pray, what did you find the condition of the under-seat compartment to be?
Ryunosuke:
...!
McGilded:
Oh, to be sure. The young gentleman will be able to clear this up in a jiffy.
Ryunosuke:
Sorry?
McGilded:
Go ahead. You tell the court now, fella... ...how this is all an elaborate excuse by the desperate Lord van Zieks!
Ryunosuke:
.........
Judge:
Well, Counsel? Do you have something to say on this matter?
Ryunosuke:
......... (...How am I supposed to answer? What can I say about the state of that little compartment under the seat in the omnibus?)
| I didn't look
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Susato: McGilded: Van Zieks: Leads to: | ||
| It was empty
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Susato: McGilded: Van Zieks: McGilded: Judge: Leads to: | ||
| It wasn't empty
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Judge: McGilded: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Leads to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
......... (Why...? Why do I feel like something's not right here...)
Judge:
Hmmm... I should like the jury to weigh in on this matter, I think.
Juror No. 5:
......... That compartment is designed to house equipment used to maintain the smooth running of the carriage. The guild's rules state that omnibuses should be properly and fully equipped at all times. So it certainly wouldn't have been empty on the night in question. ...Beppo isn't that irresponsible. That money-lending fleecer and the pickpurse are lying!
Ryunosuke:
Ah!
Juror No. 3:
I can't believe I was nearly taken in. The stinking rich are always stinkers. Nothing but cowards, the lot of them!
Ryunosuke:
What? (Oh no...)
Juror No. 3:
It's a trick! Of course it's a trick!
Juror No. 4:
...Quite so. I must concur here. With calm, calculated reasoning, one arrives clearly at the truth every time.
Ryunosuke:
(Yes, but every time a different truth, it seems...)
Van Zieks:
My Lord, I humbly exhibit the Scales of Justice... Clearly, a verdict of not guilty at this time would be wholly inappropriate.
Judge:
Thank you, Counsel. But before we proceed any further, there is the matter of the outstanding cross-examination.
Judge:
Counsel for the Defence, begin your questioning of the witness, please.
Ryunosuke:
Yes, My Lord. (...What just happened? The whole balance of the trial just shifted almost beyond recognition! ...The 'Reaper of the Bailey' is at work, it would seem...)
Van Zieks:
.........
- What the Girl Saw -
Gina:
So I snuck inside the carriage before they 'ooked up the 'orses, just like always.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Gina: Ryunosuke: Judge: McGilded: Gina: Van Zieks: Gina: Van Zieks: Gina: Judge: | ||
Gina:
But it was a right old waste o' time. I got nuffin' to show for me troubles that night.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Gina: Judge: Gina: Ryunosuke: Gina: Judge: Gina: McGilded: Ryunosuke: | ||
Gina:
I'll tell ya, you can't see a blind thing in that hidin' place. It's pitch in there.
| Press
| ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Gina: Ryunosuke: Gina: Ryunosuke: Gina:
Ryunosuke: Gina: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gina:
I was strainin' me ears to work out wot was goin' on, but all I could 'ear was snorin'.
| Press
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Gina: Ryunosuke: Gina: Ryunosuke: Gina: McGilded: Ryunosuke:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gina:
Then after a while, I 'ear this loud bang. Nearly jumped out me skin, I did. An' the scream just...came out.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Gina: Ryunosuke: Gina: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Judge: Gina: Ryunosuke: Gina: Susato: Gina: | ||
Gina:
It's because o' that, this swell found me. ...'E did 'elp me get away, mind.
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Gina: Ryunosuke: Gina: Susato: Gina: Ryunosuke: Gina: Judge: Gina: Judge: | ||
Susato:
All six members of the jury had decided the defendant was innocent.
Ryunosuke:
For one brief shining moment, yes...
Susato:
It's clear that they are all still very unsure. If we could just find some conclusive piece of evidence among this new testimony... ...I'm sure we would clinch the verdict we want!
Ryunosuke:
Yes, I think you're right. (And I have this niggling feeling... Something's bothering me...but I just can't quite put my finger on it.)
Judge:
'Thrice-Fired' Mason...?
Ryunosuke:
Yes, My Lord. The sound that Miss Lestrade cannot have failed to hear... ...is that of the victim, Mr Mason, boarding the omnibus!
Judge:
Ordaaar! Ordaaar! Explain your reasoning, Counsel!
Ryunosuke:
Miss Lestrade, allow me to confirm something. You claimed earlier that you were the first person on board the omnibus. Is that correct?
Gina:
Yeah, 'course I was! I got on while the driver was in the pub, didn't I?
Ryunosuke:
And...the next person to board the omnibus was Mr McGilded?
McGilded:
That it was. Not a soul was in the cabin when I climbed aboard. ...At least, not in plain sight.
Ryunosuke:
So you were, to all intents and purposes, alone in the enclosed cabin of the omnibus at that time?
McGilded:
Did I not just say as much? I wasn't travellin' with anyone else, if that's what you mean.
Gina:
Yeah, I saw 'im get on, remember? Through the crack under the seat cushion. 'E was on 'is own for sure.
Ryunosuke:
And, from what we've heard, the carriage made a number of stops after that on its onward journey. ...During which time, did you not hear the door opening or closing at all?
Gina:
Nah, I never 'eard it. That's exactly wot I was listenin' for, weren't it? Waitin' for this swell to leave.
Ryunosuke:
In which case... ...when and how did the victim end up in the carriage?
Judge:
Ah!
Ryunosuke:
We know that the victim collapsed inside the enclosed cabin of the omnibus. Therefore... ...Miss Lestrade's statement about what she did - or did not - hear...is at odds with the facts!
Gina:
Ah!
Van Zieks:
Yes. This petty thief's statement was clearly flawed.
Judge:
Lord van Zieks!
Ryunosuke:
(Yes... He knew. He knew all too well that there was an inconsistency in Miss Lestrade's statement.)
Van Zieks:
Keh...heh...heh... It would seem words of thanks are in order for my learned friend.
Ryunosuke:
What are you talking about?
Van Zieks:
You have demonstrated matters impeccably. This witness, and her...colourful statements... ...are entirely unreliable! Her words are convenient untruths, nothing more!
How could the victim possibly not have boarded the omnibus? That makes no sense whatsoever...
And this girl is a pickpocket. Let's not forget that.
Ryunosuke:
Agh! (She, she didn't even say anything!)
Juror No. 6:
I didn't want to judge the dear little mite just because she has some rather naughty ways. But I must say... ...I can't abide liars.
Juror No. 1:
And neither can I!
Ryunosuke:
M-Mr Foreman!
Juror No. 1:
I didn't want to judge the girl just because she has some less than salubrious ways. But I must say... ...I cannot abide liars.
Ryunosuke:
Argh!
Susato:
Mr Naruhodo! That's five jury members leaning towards guilty!
Van Zieks:
...Well, your consideration for others is...refreshing, my Nipponese friend. To the considerable troubles you have spared me! ...Yes, very refreshing.
Ryunosuke:
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!
McGilded:
GAAAAAARGH! What are ye playin' at?! Have ye forgotten who you're workin' for, ye useless Eastern amadan!
Juror No. 3:
...This is carnage! It's perfect!
Ryunosuke:
(Juror number two is the only one left...)
Susato:
Mr Naruhodo! The way this is going...
Ryunosuke:
(I know. If we can't find some new way to convince everyone of Mr McGilded's innocence... ...the judge will rule and we'll have lost!)
Juror No. 2:
I very much wanted to believe the words of one of London's most respected gentlemen. But... ...those of us in service know we must accept hard truths.
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
Yes, the witness's last statement seems to have revealed a critical inconsistency in her story. However! If we consider the possibility that her statement is in fact the truth... ...it may shed an entirely new light on this whole case!
Van Zieks:
What are you saying?
Gina:
...!
McGilded:
Counseeel!
Juror No. 2:
I'm...sorry, sir? Whatever do you mean?
Judge:
Counsel, I will not tolerate you attempting to prorogue my adjudication! Explain yourself at once!
Ryunosuke:
...!
Van Zieks:
When the accused boarded the omnibus on the night in question, the victim was nowhere to be seen. Subsequently... ...the carriage door was not heard opening a single time, as testified by the witness in the stand.
Judge:
And yet the victim's body was found inside the carriage.
Van Zieks:
IF this petty thief's words are to be believed... ...how do you explain the victim's miraculous appearance inside the cabin of the omnibus?
Ryunosuke:
......... There's only one way to explain how the victim came to be inside the carriage...
| He was in there already
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Leads back to: | ||
| There's another entrance
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Leads to: | ||
| He was put there after he died
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Leads back to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
If the door wasn't opened even once... ...the only explanation is that the victim...entered the enclosed cabin some other way!
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
...I wondered what new fantasy you would come up with in your blind panic. But behold! The omnibus is here for all to see. Only one side of the enclosed cabin is furnished with a door. The other has only windows. Fixed windows, which cannot possibly open. In short... ...there is no entrance to the cabin other than the door!
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
But there could be! There's one possibility you haven't considered.
Van Zieks:
Oh really?
Ryunosuke:
Yes. One other way inside that isn't the door. Another opening, the use of which allowed the victim to 'appear' inside the enclosed cabin!
Van Zieks:
...!
McGilded:
...!
Gina:
...!
Judge:
Alright, Counsel. The defence will identify the location for the court. Here is the omnibus on which the incident occurred. Where on earth is this 'entrance' by which you propose the victim entered the cabin?
| Present skylight
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| Present anywhere else
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Leads back to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
The answer is obvious! It can only have been the skylight!
Judge:
I say! The skylight?
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
Your ludicrous proposal almost has me lost for words. However-
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
The skylight may well be large enough for someone to pass through!
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
So you claim! But do you have a shred of evidence to support your addle-brained theory?
Ryunosuke:
......... Both Mr McGilded and Miss Lestrade said the same in their testimonies... They each claim to have heard a loud thud, such as the noise made by someone falling to the floor.
Judge:
Yes, which has already been explained... ...as the sound of the victim falling from his seat having been assaulted with the dagger.
Ryunosuke:
Yes, it has. But! Would a man slipping from the seat onto the floor really have made such a loud noise as the witnesses describe? A noise loud enough to cause Miss Lestrade let out an involuntary cry, in fact...
Judge:
Good, good gracious!
Ryunosuke:
Perhaps in fact... ...that was the moment that the victim made his entrance into the cabin. No, let me rephrase that: The victim didn't enter the cabin as such... He fell into it!
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
You're now suggesting...that the victim fell from the skylight into the cabin? That's simply impossible!
Ryunosuke:
How can you be so sure?
Van Zieks:
Because if the victim had fallen inside through the skylight as you say... ...the passengers on the roof deck would have seen it happen. And yet...not one person made mention of such events in their testimony.
Ryunosuke:
Well, um... Yes...that's true, but...
McGilded:
McGilded:
Might a humble fella...make a wee comment here?
Ryunosuke:
Mr, Mr McGilded?!
McGilded:
...To be sure now, the two fellas who were sat on the roof that testified afore... ...said nuttin' of the victim fallin' through the skylight. But...it seems to me, My Lord, that 'tis not so much a case of them not sayin', but... ...Aye... ...'tis a case of them bein' unable to say.
Ryunosuke:
Wha...?
McGilded:
I tink perhaps the two fellas... ...do be havin' sometin' of a compellin' reason not to mention what happened. Would youse not agree...fine ladies and gentlemen of the jury?
Juror No. 1:
Hmmmmmmph!
Juror No. 2:
Oh my...my goodness! Surely not...
Juror No. 3:
Those two chaps on the roof...?
Juror No. 5:
You mean, the ones who stuck that knife in the man were...?
Juror No. 6:
Aaaaaagh!
???:
Fairplay:
Just what exactly are you insinuating here, you...you blitherer?!
Furst:
You rotter, he said! You rotter! What are you insinuating?
Fairplay:
This is a flaming outrage! I've a good mind to give you a blinker in a minute!
Furst:
He'll give you a shiner in a minute, he said! And so will I!
Ryunosuke:
Mr Fairplay!
Fairplay:
You're effectively accusing me - a city gentleman and well-respected banker!
Furst:
And me! A, a very angry hatter!
Fairplay:
Suggesting that someone like me could have stabbed that man in the guts, it's...it's... It's a disgrace! It's scandalous! It's...ARGH! I protest! I protest in the strongest possible terms!
Furst:
That's right! I protest, too! About you, you rotten scoundrel!
Judge:
Ordaaar! Ordaaar! Ordaaaaaar!!! This is not the time, witnesses! I will not permit this wanton invasion of the stand! Return to the anteroom at once!
Fairplay:
But, but this is beyond reason, My Lord! Argh! It's outrageous!
Furst:
It's, it's very hurtful, you know!
Van Zieks:
My Lord, if I may comment?
Judge:
Go ahead, Lord van Zieks.
Van Zieks:
It was the defence that incited this outburst from the witnesses. My learned friend has seen fit to abandon all protocol and accuse the witnesses without proof.
Ryunosuke:
A-Accuse? I, I never intended to...
Van Zieks:
...It seems, young Nipponese, that your command of the English tongue is wanting.
Ryunosuke:
...!
Van Zieks:
You proposed to this court that the victim fell through the skylight from the roof deck of the omnibus. That hypothesis cannot possibly stand without the rooftop passengers being aware of the events. You have branded these gentlemen liars! You have intimated their criminal guilt! In our British courts of law, that is what is termed a baseless accusation!
Ryunosuke:
...! (I know I was rash to put this idea forward without any actual evidence, but... ...you can't just dismiss it without a second thought!)
Juror No. 3:
What are we wasting time for? Get them to - Hnurgh! - testify!
Ryunosuke:
...!
Juror No. 1:
I thought there was something fishy about that hat from the moment I laid eyes on the fellow!
Juror No. 5:
We have to see this matter through now. One way or another!
Juror No. 2:
If there's filth and rubbish in our midst, we must dispose of it at once!
Susato:
What's...what's happening, Mr Naruhodo?
Ryunosuke:
The spectators in the public gallery are... They're in a complete frenzy!
Judge:
Mr Fairplay and Mr Furst...
Fairplay:
Um...My Lord...?
Judge:
You... You will take the stand again and make another formal testimony... ...in reference to the indictment brought by the defence!
Fairplay:
Um... Y-Yes...My Lord...
Furst:
I, I didn't come here for this...
McGilded:
.........
Ryunosuke:
(There's no time to think this through. All I can do...is keeping [sic] pushing forward!)
- Refuting the Accusation -
Fairplay:
We were the only two people up on that roof deck, dead or alive! ...I can swear to that!
Furst:
If anything had happened where we were sitting, don't you think one or the other of us would have noticed?
Fairplay:
In any case, neither of us know the first thing about the victim. We had no reason to kill the man!
Furst:
The skylight was shut the entire time, I tell you! We couldn't possibly have opened it!
Fairplay:
If you're so sure the victim fell through the skylight, where's your proof?
Judge:
Hm... I must say that on listening to this testimony, it is somewhat hard to imagine... ...how either witness could have performed any malevolent act on this open rooftop deck... ...without the other noticing forthwith.
Fairplay:
That's right, you see!
Furst:
We're innocent, I tell you!
Juror No. 4:
...Although logically, of course, the argument falls down if the two of you were in collusion with one another.
Fairplay:
What?!
Furst:
Eh?!
Van Zieks:
According to investigations by Scotland Yard... ...the two witnesses share no common dealings.
Juror No. 3:
Hah! Well I don't trust coppers any more than I trust the stinking rich!
Ryunosuke:
(Something doesn't feel right here... The trial is going in our favour, really. So why do I feel so uneasy...?)
Judge:
Counsel for the Defence, over to you. Your cross-examination, please.
Ryunosuke:
Oh! Yes...My Lord!
- Refuting the Accusation -
Fairplay:
We were the only two people up on that roof deck, dead or alive! ...I can swear to that!
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Furst: Judge: McGilded: Fairplay: McGilded: Fairplay: McGilded: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: | ||
Furst:
If anything had happened where we were sitting, don't you think one or the other of us would have noticed?
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Furst: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Furst: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Furst: McGilded: Furst: McGilded: Furst: Judge: Furst: McGilded: Furst: | ||
Fairplay:
In any case, neither of us know the first thing about the victim. We had no reason to kill the man!
| Press
| ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Furst: Ryunosuke: Furst: Judge: Fairplay: Furst:
Ryunosuke: Furst: | ||||||||
Furst:
The skylight was shut the entire time, I tell you! We couldn't possibly have opened it!
| Press
| ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Furst: Fairplay: McGilded: Fairplay: McGilded: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Furst: Judge: Furst: Judge: Furst:
Ryunosuke: Furst: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: | ||||||||
| Press (after pursuing Gina Lestrade correctly)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Furst: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Furst: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Fairplay: | ||
| Examine evidence
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fairplay:
If you're so sure the victim fell through the skylight, where's your proof?
| Press
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Furst: Fairplay: Furst: McGilded: Fairplay: McGilded: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Present Omnibus (after examining bloodstain on ledge)
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
Susato:
Hm...I wonder if these two men really were involved in some way...
Ryunosuke:
I couldn't say. I mean, I don't really know anything about them, do I? (Although by the same token... ...I don't really know anything about Mr McGilded, either. It's so hard to know what to believe here.)
Susato:
I think... ...we should try to remember that it's evidence alone that can truly determine the outcome of a trial.
Ryunosuke:
Evidence...
Susato:
No one can argue against decisive evidence. Including the members of the jury.
Ryunosuke:
So you're saying that what we need now... ...is to find a conclusive piece of evidence!
Susato:
Yes, Mr Naruhodo. Precisely!
Ryunosuke:
...On the night in question, the victim was fatally stabbed in the stomach. And immediately afterwards...the victim's body was pushed through the skylight into the cabin below. Those are the facts. And the irrefutable proof... ...remains clearly visible in the omnibus that stands before us today in this very courtroom!
Fairplay:
What?! ...That's...that's utter humbug! Argh! You can't possibly have any evidence!
Furst:
No, you can't! I, I mean...we didn't do it, I tell you! It's impossible!
Van Zieks:
Irrefutable proof? Here, in this courtroom?
Judge:
Counsel...
Ryunosuke:
My Lord!
Judge:
I believe everyone would appreciate a little clarification here, hm? Where exactly within the omnibus is this evidence to which you allude? You will point out what it is that proves the victim fell from the roof deck through the skylight!
| Present bloodstain on ledge
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| Present anywhere else
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Judge: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Leads back to: | ||
Judge:
By Jupiter! Is, is that... ...BLOOD?!
Fairplay:
Argh!
Ryunosuke:
This bloodstain proves two things: Firstly, when the incident occurred, the skylight of the omnibus was open.
Fairplay:
What?!
Ryunosuke:
And secondly... ...the victim was already bleeding when he fell through the opening.
Furst:
Oh my!
Ryunosuke:
And so it follows... ...that Mr McGilded, who was inside the enclosed cabin himself at the time... ...cannot possibly be guilty of this crime!
Fairplay:
Nnn...
Furst:
Nnnnnn...
NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Judge:
Ordaaar! Ordaaar! Orrrdaaar!
Fairplay:
Fairplay:
But! But, but! But, but, but!!! But the blood could have sprayed up there when the fellow was stabbed inside the cabin!
McGilded:
And only found its way to that one particular spot on the skylight? Sure, an' that would be very convenient!
Fairplay:
Ah...
McGilded:
And let's keep it in mind that the skylight catch can only be unfastened from the roof deck. I meself wouldn't have been able to open it now, would I?
Furst:
But! But, but! But, but, but!!! There's no way to know for certain, is there? If the gent really fell through the skylight, I mean.
McGilded:
...Why don't ye have a good look at the floor of the cabin between the two seats, Mr Furst? ...'Tis all too plain, if ye see. There's the aftermath that shows the poor fella dropped from a fair height right there, so it is.
Fairplay:
What? No!
Furst:
But, but it can't be! It's, it's all...
...LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIES!
Juror No. 1:
Juror No. 1:
My fellow jury members! I think we can all agree that this is clear proof of the defendant's innocence, can't we?
Juror No. 2:
I believe we can, yes, sir. It's clear to me now where the filthy rubbish can be found in this courtroom.
Juror No. 3:
So...they thought they could pull the wool over my eyes, did they?
Juror No. 4:
.........
Juror No. 5:
I won't tolerate any of the guild's carriages being sullied with blood! I won't tolerate it!
Juror No. 6:
Oh, I always knew that nice gentleman who gave us that delightful park couldn't have done such a thing.
Juror No. 1:
On three then, everyone! One...two...
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
A...chilling performance, Mr McGilded.
McGilded:
Oh? And what would ye be referrin' to there now, Lord van Zieks?
Van Zieks:
......... A bloodstain on the frame of the skylight? Such 'evidence'...is null and void!
Ryunosuke:
What? Why?!
Van Zieks:
For one extremely simple reason... ...that smear of blood...never existed!
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
What...are you talking about? It's there for all to see! And it's clearly blood.
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
I personally attended Scotland Yard's investigation of the omnibus. The officers involved went over the carriage with a fine-tooth comb.
Ryunosuke:
...!
Van Zieks:
So I can state with absolute surety... ...no such smear of blood existed in the carriage! At least, not until this trial began.
Ryunosuke:
But...
Judge:
Are, are you suggesting, Lord van Zieks...that this stain of blood was...
Van Zieks:
Fabricated, My Lord? Yes. And while this court has been in session.
Ryunosuke:
WHAAAAAAAAAT?!
McGilded:
Heh...what a palaver... I must say I didn't expect such crude reasonin' from a prosecutor of your standin', Lord van Zieks.
Van Zieks:
.........
McGilded:
But I'm Magnus McGilded, a fella known all over the capital for his fine contributions to public life. I don't take kindly to slander. And I'll fight it to the bitter end. Even if it's rollin' off the tongue of the Reaper of the Bailey.
Van Zieks:
Mr McGilded... ...I realise that this is your first appearance in court as the accused. However... ...I am well aware of your involvement behind the scenes in a great many affairs of dubious nature.
McGilded:
.........
Van Zieks:
You're very adept when it comes to avoiding getting your own hands dirty. And each time it happens that a case you're involved in is investigated, you 'adapt' the facts.
Ryunosuke:
Adapt the facts? What does that even mean?
Van Zieks:
When you wield a fortune the size of Mr McGilded's, however ill-gotten it may be, nothing is impossible. Tampering with evidence, manipulating the scene of a crime, bribing witnesses... I toast your ability to concoct the most convenient of stories, sir.
McGilded:
Tut tut, Lord van Zieks. This will not do, to be sure. Will it now, Counsel?
Ryunosuke:
Hm? ...Oh! No!
McGilded:
I tink it's fair to say...this does all sound like a rather far-fetched excuse by a desperate man. The blood on the skylight didn't exist, ye say?
Van Zieks:
.........
McGilded:
But...if youse will all cast yer minds back... ...is it not true that the omnibus there has been in the courtroom the entire time? How could anyone possibly have put a smear of blood in it without the world and his wife seeing? Isn't that right now, Counsel?
Ryunosuke:
......... (It's true... The omnibus has been in full view the entire time that court has been in session.)
Van Zieks:
My learned friend...
Ryunosuke:
...!
Van Zieks:
Here's to hearing your opinion on this matter. ...In your own words.
Ryunosuke:
......... As you wish. Could someone have tampered with the omnibus during this trial? If you're asking me, I think...
| It's out of the question
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Susato: Leads to: | ||
| It could have been possible
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Leads to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
(As a defence lawyer...it's my job to advocate for the defendant as best as I can. But still... ...I feel as though there's something even more important at stake here...!) There is no evidence to suggest that the defendant did as my learned friend suggests. However... ...in terms of having the opportunity to carry out the alleged tampering...there is one possibility.
Susato:
Oh!
Judge:
Good gracious! Explain yourself, Counsel!
Van Zieks:
Yes, there is. It seems my learned Nipponese friend has no intention of running from this deceit.
Judge:
Deceit?
Ryunosuke:
I'm sure everyone still remembers clearly... ...the recess that we were forced to take. As a result of the smoke grenade fired by the witness currently in the stand, Miss Gina Lestrade.
Ryunosuke:
What is going on?!
Susato:
Be careful, Mr Naruhodo! Cover your face!
Van Zieks:
Bailiff! Don't let the accused escape! Secure the omnibus!
Judge:
I hereby call an emergency recess! Bailiff! Ensure the defendant is in custody, and clear the courtroom!
Ryunosuke:
The courtroom was filled with smoke, and everyone was thrown into confusion. All of us were made to leave this chamber. In that brief interval...under the veil of smoke and in all the chaos... ...it could have been possible to steal inside the omnibus!
McGilded:
What are ye tryin' to pull, ye...ye rotten, feckless gouger!
Ryunosuke:
F-Feckless...gouger?
McGilded:
Yer supposed to be defendin' me! 'Tis a wicked plot! 'Tis a plot to undermine me, so it is!
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
Whatever you think this is, it changes nothing. The facts...are the same.
McGilded:
...!
Van Zieks:
After this courtroom was evacuated earlier as a result of the smoke grenade... ...a number of inconsistencies materialised in relation to the omnibus.
Judge:
Inconsistencies? Such as...?
Van Zieks:
To start with, the storage compartment underneath the rear passenger seat. When the police investigated the omnibus, this compartment was full of the driver's items. Secondly, we have the smear of blood on the edge of the skylight. As I have said, that was not present at the start of the trial this morning.
Judge:
Hmmm... Unfortunately, Lord van Zieks... ...no one is able to corroborate your claims.
Ryunosuke:
(That's true... When the omnibus was first wheeled out, both the storage compartment and the skylight were shut.)
Judge:
Accordingly, I'm afraid to say...we cannot establish with any certainty... ...if this evidence is the result of tampering or not.
Van Zieks:
...Indeed, My Lord. No doubt there was not a single person who saw fit to verify such things.
Susato:
What do you think?
Ryunosuke:
Sorry?
Susato:
About the omnibus... Is there anything else unusual about the omnibus?
| I have no idea
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Susato: Susato: Judge: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| I have an inkling
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: Leads to: | ||
McGilded:
What in the devil's name are you goin' to say now?! If, if you dare to betray me, ye little maggot...ye'd better start watchin' yer back!
Van Zieks:
Van Zieks:
Silence, McGilded! The court awaits the defence's clarification.
McGilded:
Grrr...
Ryunosuke:
(This trial keeps swinging one way and then the other. I have no idea what's the truth and what's deception... What am I supposed to believe here?)
Judge:
I shall have to ask you to elaborate, Counsel. Where exactly is this alleged mark that you claim appeared at some point during the trial?
| Present bloodstain on floor
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Leads to: | ||
| Present anywhere else
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Van Zieks: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Susato: Ryunosuke: Leads back to: | ||
Ryunosuke:
If we consider that the victim fell through the skylight onto the floor of the cabin... ...you would certainly expect to find signs of blood where he landed. But as far as I recall... ...the bloodstain on the cabin floor was not there when the omnibus was first brought into the courtroom.
Judge:
Good Lord! Yes...I do believe you're correct, Counsel.
Van Zieks:
......... ...Well said. Although as advocate for the defence, one might say that was a very careless slip of the tongue.
Ryunosuke:
I believe that bloodstain on the floor is a decisive piece of evidence. But if the question is whether that evidence is genuine, or whether it was unlawfully fabricated by someone... ...I feel compelled to admit that there's at least a possibility...that the evidence is fake!
???:
McGilded:
This trial...is over.
Ryunosuke:
Mr McGilded...?
McGilded:
I've done everytin' I possibly can to cooperate with the court, but... ...'tis all over now.
Ryunosuke:
But! But you're the defendant!
McGilded:
'Tis over, I tell ye!
Ryunosuke:
...!
McGilded:
Memory...recollection...what people tink they saw... 'Tis all a nonsense! Facts are what counts! And the fact is, that bloodstain is there! Now!
Ryunosuke:
Ah! Well...
McGilded:
And over the course of this desperate trial, long and extremely drawn-out as it has been... ...that good-for-nuttin' Reaper of the Bailey has failed to present any decisive evidence at all!
Van Zieks:
...!
McGilded:
...I'm scandalised, so I am. I'd thought better of Lord van Zieks. Well? My Lord?
Judge:
......... ...I must concur with the defendant. The unaffirmed recollections of an individual cannot stand as evidence. At this moment in time, the particular bloodstain in question is very much in existence. And in the absence of any credible method by which to prove its alleged previous non-existence... ...I regret to say that it would be improper for this trial to continue.
Ryunosuke:
Your, Your Lordship can't be serious.
Judge:
Lord van Zieks, what is your position?
Van Zieks:
......... The prosecution, My Lord... ...has no further witnesses or evidence to present.
Judge:
Very well. In that case, as I believe we have explored every possible avenue in this matter... ...I shall proceed to my adjudication. As a formality, I am of course obliged to confirm with the defence first...
Ryunosuke:
......... (What formality?)
Susato:
As things stand at the moment, it would seem... ...that Mr McGilded will be found not guilty.
Ryunosuke:
...Yes...
Susato:
Which would mean...we've won.
Ryunosuke:
(...Is that really the right outcome here? Is it really alright for the trial to come to an end now, with all these unexplained inconsistencies?)
Judge:
Counsel for the Defence...your closing statement, please.
Ryunosuke:
......... Yes, My Lord. The defence believes...
| The defendant is innocent
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Judge: McGilded: Van Zieks: Judge: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Leads to: | ||
| The defendant could be guilty
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Judge: McGilded: Ryunosuke: Judge: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Leads to: | ||
McGilded:
Here, have this for your troubles!
Ryunosuke:
Ah!
McGilded:
Your job here is done, fella. And some fine work ye've done, so ye have.
Ryunosuke:
Wh-What do you mean?
McGilded:
'Tis just as the Right Honourable gentleman so succinctly put it afore... The trial can't go on any more. And yer closing statement there was - how did he put it now? - nuttin' more than a formality.
Wah hah hah hah hah!
Juror No. 1:
I, I really don't know what to make of all this.
Juror No. 5:
Was the evidence we've seen genuine? Or...was it fake?
Juror No. 2:
His Lordship would be fuming. Any unsightly rubbish should be disposed of promptly, as I said.
Juror No. 4:
.........
Juror No. 3:
The stinking rich are always guilty of something! You - Hyuurgh! mark my words!
Juror No. 6:
I feel terribly ashamed that I ever doubted that lovely man who gave us the lovely park.
Judge:
......... Now that proceedings have unfolded in this way... ...I am compelled to declare a premature end to this trial. Furthermore... ...the court must accept the defendant's plea.
McGilded:
...I tank you kindly, My Lord.
Judge:
......... I hereby pronounce the verdict of this court...
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
But! But we still haven't determined if the bloodstain in the omnibus is genuine or not! We don't know if these witnesses are telling the truth or a pack of lies! We have no idea about the truth!
Judge:
......... Lord van Zieks...
Van Zieks:
...My Lord?
Judge:
The case made by the prosecution was flawed, plain and simple.
Van Zieks:
.........
Judge:
If indeed the omnibus presented as evidence was tampered with... ...the prosecution is at fault for allowing such a disgraceful perversion of justice to take place.
Van Zieks:
......... My sincerest apologies, My Lord.
Ryunosuke:
Ryunosuke:
But...wait! When we were evacuated from the courtroom, Lord van Zieks ordered the evidence to be secured!
Judge:
I'm afraid the prosecution cannot shun responsibility in this matter.
Ryunosuke:
That's...so unfair!
Judge:
The culpability of the defendant has not, at the present time, been established by this court. Consequently... ...the jury will not be required to proffer judgement.
Juror No. 1:
What?
McGilded:
Well, Lord van Zieks...it's been a pleasure, so it has. And as for you, my dear fella...I couldn't have asked for a better defence!
Ryunosuke:
...!
Juror No. 1:
Do you mean to tell me this has all been a grand waste of time?
McGilded:
'Tis the law of the land, my good man. If ye'd like to pursue this matter further, ye can always go ahead and try to change the law.
Van Zieks:
......... Magnus McGilded...
McGilded:
Good grief! Ye've more to say to me, have ye?
Van Zieks:
Just one thing. ...A warning. This is far from over.
McGilded:
Well, sometin' to be lookin' forward to then! Wah hah hah hah hah!
Judge:
I hereby pronounce the defendant, Mr Magnus McGilded...
This is an outrage! They should have examined the evidence more!
What are you talking about? The man's been cleared! He's innocent!
Ryunosuke:
With the courtroom in pandemonium for the second time that day, the judge delivered his verdict. And my first ever trial in Great Britain came to an abrupt end... ...with the defendant being found not guilty - ostensibly a victory for us.
The Old Bailey, Defendants' Antechamber
Ryunosuke:
.........
Susato:
That certainly was a long trial.
Ryunosuke:
Ah...yes, it was.
Susato:
Your first ever trial on foreign soil, and your first victory. It was a wonderful performance. My heartfelt congratulations.
Ryunosuke:
And to you, Miss Susato. Thank you for your assistance. ......... I, I suppose we should be happy.
Susato:
.........
Ryunosuke:
The trouble is, we're still completely in the dark about what actually happened.
Susato:
Well, we didn't have enough time.
Ryunosuke:
...But isn't it wrong? I mean, who was actually responsible for Mr Mason's death? We don't even know that!
Susato:
'The sole aim of the defence is to obtain a verdict that exonerates the defendant.' You carried out your duty to perfection.
???:
...Aye, that you did!
Ryunosuke:
Mr McGilded... (Ah, and that girl is with him, too...)
McGilded:
Well, it seems the stories are true.
Ryunosuke:
Oh? What stories?
McGilded:
About the six enormous fireworks they do be lettin' off when there's a verdict of not guilty. I'm sure youse must have seen them now. Spectacular, wouldn't ye say?
Ryunosuke:
...Yes, definitely.
McGilded:
I'd heard it was a sight to behold, and to be sure it was! And I've you to tank...I suppose. For havin' an opportunity to see it. Wah hah hah hah hah!
Ryunosuke:
Oh, I don't know about that. I'm not sure I really did anything.
McGilded:
What on earth are ye sayin', fella? How did I walk out of there a free man then?
Ryunosuke:
I don't think it was so much thanks to me as...down to your...planning.
McGilded:
......... Yer a straight-talkin' fella, aren't ye? I must say, ye had me astray in the head there once or twice. But yer young and headstrong! Wah hah hah hah! Ah, 'tis water under the bridge!
Susato:
Congratulations, Mr McGilded, on having your name cleared.
Ryunosuke:
(But nothing's resolved...)
McGilded:
There's only one ting that matters to me.
Ryunosuke:
Oh?
McGilded:
Aye... They've all seen that I didn't do that odious and absonant deed! 'Tis grand, is it not?
Ryunosuke:
I...suppose it is.
McGilded:
Now the fine fellas of Scotland Yard can take matters in hand and sort out any wee details. They'll see it for what it is! They'll get to the truth! I've absolute faith in them, so I have. After all... ...I do be providin' a good number of their wages with all the taxes I pay. Wah hah hah hah hah!
Ryunosuke:
(It's not that funny...)
McGilded:
So then... ...as we agreed aforehand...one thousand guineas for yer troubles, fella.
Ryunosuke:
Oh, no no! I couldn't possibly accept that much!
McGilded:
Ara, be whist! Yer a humble people are ye, you from the East? Well...if you insist. But have this, still an' all. Ye deserve a reward.
Bailiff:
Mr Magnus McGilded! Everything is ready, sir. If you'd like to follow me into the courtroom...
Ryunosuke:
(Into the courtroom?)
McGilded:
What's this, Officer? 'Tis sooner than I was led to believe.
Bailiff:
I hope it's not inconvenient, sir. There were some changes to the schedule.
McGilded:
Well, I must be makin' tracks now. 'Tis time for the inspection.
Ryunosuke:
Sorry? What inspection?
McGilded:
They're goin' to examine the omnibus again, so I'm told. I asked if I could be present for it meself.
Susato:
They're going to examine it again? Now?
McGilded:
Naturally, I'm under no obligation to take part in any more of this matter now. But as an upstandin' member of London society, I do be doin' me best to help where I can. 'Tis a gentleman's duty, so it is.
Ryunosuke:
...!
McGilded:
So then, fare thee well! 'Twas an absolute pleasure meetin' youse. I hope ye have a whale of a time while yer studyin' here in Great Britain!
Ryunosuke:
(And there he goes...a free man...) Oh! (I forgot she was here, too.)
Gina:
...Don't move!
Ryunosuke:
(...Whereas I want to say, 'Get a move on!' She really does take forever to load that thing...) Miss Lestrade...would you mind putting that thing down?
Gina:
......... ...Yer a grown-up...
Ryunosuke:
Sorry?
Gina:
And I 'ate all grown-ups. .........
???:
Naughty, naughty, running off like that!
Ryunosuke:
(Is this some kind of picnic? Who's this little girl now?)
???:
And taking that with you as well! I was looking forward to the trial run of my experimental smoke grenade launcher!
Gina:
...Hah!
???:
Oh! Do you want to play? You won't beat me!
Gina:
Grrr...
Ryunosuke:
Um, excuse me, but...who are you?
???:
Oh, good day to you! I'm...well, the inventor, I suppose, of that machine.
Ryunosuke:
The inventor?
???:
Well, normal smoke grenades are so dull, don't you agree? White, white and more white. If you have to be shrouded in smoke, it could at least be a pretty colour, I thought to myself!
Ryunosuke:
...Do we have to be shrouded in smoke, though? At all?
???:
I just took my eyes off it for a moment whilst I was changing onto a different omnibus, and she pinched it! Luckily, I fitted it with a telegraphic beacon.
Ryunosuke:
A tele-whatsit what? (I have no idea what this girl is talking about.)
???:
Anyway! You're coming with me now! Back to my laboratory!
Gina:
Wot? ...Wot for?
???:
To apologise of course, silly! To my technician.
Gina:
Wot? You mean, say sorry?
???:
You must say sorry when you've done something wrong. Surely an adult has told you that before?
Gina:
An adult? Hmph! I don't listen to no adults!
???:
Come along then, follow me.
Gina:
......... Fine, 'ave it your way.
???:
Oh good! You see, I knew you'd want to do the right thing in the end!
Ryunosuke:
(...I'm fairly sure that what she wants is not to get shot by that massive gun of yours!)
???:
We'll be leaving now then. Bye-bye! I'm so sorry for all the fuss!
Ryunosuke:
(She was a lively one...)
Susato:
Well...do you think perhaps we ought to be on our way now, too?
Ryunosuke:
Yes, you're right. But... ...where to?
Susato:
Oh!
Ryunosuke:
We haven't had time to find a place to stay. No sooner had we arrived in London than we had to rush here. All our travelling cases are still with the bailiff.
Susato:
Hmmm... I was originally planning to spend today in search of lodgings.
Ryunosuke:
But at this late hour in the day, I'm afraid we may be out of luck.
Susato:
......... Don't worry, though! I have a plan! If the worst comes to the worst, I've heard of a lovely park where we could spend the night!
Ryunosuke:
Please tell me you're not thinking of McGilded Park.
Susato:
I know it may be a little chilly at this time of year, but... our youthfulness will see us through!
Ryunosuke:
I'm...not so sure about that. I think a midwinter London night will freeze a young person solid just as easily as an elderly one.
Susato:
...Oh dear. That doesn't sound agreeable.
Ryunosuke:
(Now I'm starting to regret turning Mr McGilded down. That one thousand guineas would have paid for a lovely warm room...or mansion.)
Anime cutscene
Man 1:
What's going on?
Man 2:
Get the fire brigade!
Man 1:
Water! Bring water, quick!
Inspector:
What the... How did this happen?
Bailiff:
I dunno, sir! By the time I got 'ere, it was already engulfed...
Inspector:
No one was supposed to be allowed in here before we started investigatin'! No...oh good God! There's, there's someone in there!
Judge:
Ooh...this...this can't be...
| Examine insignificant area on evidence
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: | ||
| Nothing to examine during investigation
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: | ||
| Presenting wrong evidence during testimony
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Presenting wrong evidence during testimony
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Presenting wrong evidence during testimony
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: | ||
| Presenting wrong evidence during testimony
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: Judge: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Pursue Beppo incorrectly during cross-examination
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: Beppo: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Pursue Bruce Fairplay incorrectly during cross-examination
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: Ryunosuke: Fairplay: | ||
| Pursue Lay D. Furst incorrectly during cross-examination
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Furst: Ryunosuke: Furst: Ryunosuke: Furst: Susato: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Pit incorrect juror statements during summation examination
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 1: Ryunosuke: Juror No. 1: Judge: Ryunosuke: Susato: | ||
| Pursue Gina Lestrade incorrectly during cross-examination
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: Gina: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Pursue Magnus McGilded incorrectly during cross-examination
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Ryunosuke: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: McGilded: Ryunosuke: | ||
| Too many penalties
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Judge: Juror No. 1: Judge: Juror No. 1: Juror No. 2: Juror No. 3: Juror No. 4: Juror No. 5: Juror No. 6: Judge: Judge: | ||