Yes, an update! I was looking forward to this and it didn't disapoint. I found it interesting that despite being pushed into perfection by his father he still seemed to strive for it a little himself. I'm glad that you made him open up to Helena as opposed pushing her away like you'd expect showing how much he cares for her and doesn't want to lose her. I don't really have any critisisms, I was a little shocked at how easily Manfred could deal with his fathers sudden death but the again, he was probably more shocked than upset due to the lack of closeness.

Anyway, I was a great chapter and i once again, can't wait for the next one!

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Wow, this story is really great!

When he's testifying against his brother, you can really see his Manfred-ness start to come out. (Manfred-ness being how he acts during 1-4, that is.)

Yay, Franziska's mom. I'm glad to see that you didn't make Manfred sexist. I never saw any gme indication that he thought Franziska and her sister were inadequate due to their gender.

It's nice seeing another person writing a story about Manfred's early days. I also look forward to seeing how his relationship will be developed with Helena. I wonder how she'll take it when he starts fully becoming what he is in 1-4....

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I wonder about that. Will Manfred's marriage end by means of divorce? Technically, the games never explicitly stated that Manfred was divorced. Besides, who's to say that Manfred will end up Marrying Helena? There are still plenty of possible turns for the plot to take. All we know is what Manfred becomes and some of the contributing factors. The remaining ones could be anything.

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Yay for updates! I've really come to like your OC, Helena. She's sweet and makes for an interesting contrast with Manfred. He wants to put criminals away and she wants to understand them. I loved the whole conversation between them about masks. With what we know happens with Manfred, it makes for fun foreshadowing. The ending was perhaps a bit rushed, but not too badly. Just be patient (Easier said then done, I know). You're doing a great job. :)

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Another interesting similarity to history in this story that I've noticed (though I imagine it's a coincidence): Ivan the Terrible's first wife, Anastasia, was said to have had a significant calming effect on his volatile personality. After she died (possibly from poisoning by the Boyars), the Tsar started to live up to his title.

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I'm glad he enjoyed it. Tell him I said thanks for reading. :D
Yeah, I had to pick up the speed sometime. I needed to move things along because I don't want to be at chapter 40 by the time Edgeworth gets in the picture Anyway, I still think the end was rushed too much, but I didn't know how to go more in depth with it. My main fear was that people would read the section about Richard's death and after the paragraph, go "Wait, what just happened?" But luckily that hasn't seemed to happen so far.



My, that is very interesting. Writing is a lot like that. I think I'm usually a little better at "aria" like parts because I never seem to be able to transition well when I do "recitative" parts; and they don't turn out well. Quite a balance one must achieve! *sigh*



Why, thank you! The idea that Manfred would want a piece of perfection himself didn't hit me for some reason until I fully planned out the chapter, if you can believe that. My main problem was, why would Manfred act so if he hated his father so? It wasn't until I had Helena psycho analyze him that it hit me "He'd want some of it too"
I needed him to open up; he hasn't quite gotten that point yet (and most liklely won't with his future wife)
Yes, I rushed that part, but I didn't know how to really slow it down. I made him more shocked, like you said; it seemed a suitable reaction. Thanks for reading!



Hey, thanks for reading!
Oh, indeed (about testifying against Johann). I mean, he has to have that personality leak out somewhere...
I agree about the sexist thing. I've read fanfictions where people say that the fact he wanted Miles as a prosecutor like himself proved that he didn't think Fran was worthy of that... but I disagree. The fact he worked her so hard shows, I think, that he believed she could handle it. I mean, why would he work her to death to expect failure?
Ah, Helena is a psychologist for criminals. That perspective will be fun to write.... bwahahahaha lol



Hah, you're expecting plot twists from me now. That's great. I guess I'll keep mum about that.
Yeah, the game never explained about what happened to Franny's mom. But I have a plan (don't I always? j/k). Don't worry XD



I'm glad you like her. I really had to think of what kind of woman Manfred would fall for. And the fact she's a psychologist I thought was just too perfect. XD
I'm glad you noticed my little thing about the masks! Yes, it's supposed to be a sort of foreshadowing about Manfred.
Yes, it's rushed, but not as badly as it could be, I suppose. It'll be difficult, but I'll have to slow down more... The problem is that these next couple of chapters have years between each other, ya know? I'll try, though. Thanks!



Why does he sound familiar? Hm, probably because a friend of mine who adores history mentioned him. I assure you, the connection is completely coincidental. But very interesting connection.

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As usual, good stuff. I expected to see his dark side come out a little more in his meteoric rise, but that just makes it more interesting. He may need to have life double-cross him a time or two more. Something tells me that Helena is his moral pillar right now. Deprive him of her and he may turn nihilistic...nihilistic enough not to care if he's prosecuting the right suspect. Add that contrarian streak of his to the mix and he may even deliberately prosecute innocent clients as a way of avenging himself, his mother, and his wife on the rest of the world and simultaneously demonstrating absolute perfection in his field. After all, what better way to show complete mastery could there be than triumphing over truth itself? Fascinating.

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