text; un: m. edgeworth

[jurisprudence]

It has quickly become apparent to me that my office is in need of dire need of a bailiff. Accordingly, interested individuals should submit their credentials directly to me or inquire in person at the location below.

[Here he lists the street address of a public building at the edge of the city of Camelot, near the Dusklight Woods — presumably some sort of rural courthouse or administrative building that primarily services the farmlands to the north of the city.]

Be prepared to offer a concise but detailed explanation of how you would maintain order when presented with the following situations:

1) One (or several) wild chickens have been set loose in the arbiter's chamber.

2) A claimant has chained themselves to the the bar with a length of tow chain and refuses to unlock the same until their demand for satisfaction has been granted.

3) A claimant, impatient for their turn to be heard, has assaulted a fellow waiting claimant by striking them upside the head with a large gourd.

Serious applicants only.

— M. Edgeworth


[So Edgeworth has gotten himself a job in public service mediating disputes among the NPCs, Judge Judy-style. It, uh. Certainly is going, for him. Does he even have the authority to do hiring like this? Probably not. Is that going to stop him? Nope.]

Comments

[reigniter]

[That sounds like-

Figures Noct would complain about not being able to have a cat.]

It would seem you met my charge. There is but half-truth in what he says. He has grown to be more responsible over the years.
The other half is that the Citadel had some rules about pets and animals. As it is a place where emissaries and other royalty gathers, random cats or dogs interrupting meetings would be most distracting and bad for the image.

[They couldn't let others think they aren't serious about their jobs and Noct chasing kitten that's gotten zoomies throughout the Citadel is not helping.]

[jurisprudence]

Ah, so you're the retainer. Yes, I've met Noctis. He's rather taken with my dog.

I imagine your position has given you a thoughtful perspective on a number of issues. Certainly ones of more consequence than a few minor civil squabbles.

...It would be interesting. To hear more about it.

[reigniter]

I have no doubts that he is. A messenger dog used to regularly visit him throughout the years and he makes sure to feed the strays if he runs into them

[Literally ditched everything to fish and get food for that one cat.]

I have been witness to such discussions, however, I wasn't the part of making decisions, as I was to be an advisor to Prince Noctis.

Is there anything particular that interests you?

[jurisprudence]

Quite the contrary, I would argue that an advisor plays the most significant role in making decisions. It's your job to put forth the merits and detriments of all the possible moves on the board; the sovereign's comparatively simpler duty is just to pick one.

What drew you to it? Are you following in a mentor's footsteps, or were you born to the calling?

[reigniter]

Oh a misunderstanding. I am aware that my role is important. It is that I didn't contribute to bringing decisions whilst Noctis' father was ruling as he had his own advisor. I was allowed to partake in meetings and sessions to gain experience and knowledge, for when prince Noctis takes the throne

[Although, things got very complicated...]

My family was always involved, either as Royal advisors or a part of the committee. So yes, you could say I was born to it. I was by the prince's side since he turned five. I was seven at the time.

[They literally grew up together]

[jurisprudence]

Oh, I see. You're the up-and-coming star.

How do you feel about that, I wonder? Did you ever have a moment where you questioned your future in that role? Desired a different path?

[reigniter]

There were ups and downs throughout my training, as it happens in all things. But I do not regret the path I'm walking, whether it was decided for me in advance or no.

The prince isn't just a Prince- he is a person I grew up with and hold dear to me. I will not be advising and protect him just because he is royalty, but because he is a very dear friend of mine and I do not wish anything bad to befall him

[...even though bad things already happened and are getting worse.]

[jurisprudence]

That's very admirable of you, though I have to observe that you didn't precisely answer my question. Having regrets about the path you're on isn't quite the same thing as considering an alternative.

I suppose what I'm asking is, what else could you have been, if not what you are? Have you ever asked yourself that?

[reigniter]

Apologies. It is because I didn't think of the other possibilities. I knew from the get-go what I was going to do and what my duties will entail and I am very happy with it. If I had a chance to pick anything else along with being a retainer, I would pick it again.

But, if I had to pick something entirely else

[There is a pause because yes, this is the first time he's thinking about it.]

I am a big fan of coffee and reading. So probably I would open some sort of coffee shop with an offer of renting books to read during the visit.

[jurisprudence]

No, I fully understand. I bring it up because my own trajectory was...somewhat similar, I think. I knew from a very young age what path my life was set to take, and had plenty of external influences guiding me in that direction as well.

Recently, I had cause to...reexamine that decision. But like you, I determined that I would not abandon my path, even given the opportunity and ample incentive to.

I know what else I might have been. But that path, I think, is one best left closed to me.