fastestfanalive

[darklight-owl]

Stop saying Eggmuffin is the anime twink from the first trailer 😭 I know in my heart Eggmuffin is a milf in her fifties with arms for days because she works with machines all day. Ok?

[yuseis-mindless-twaddle]

Before we get any actual information on Eggmuffin this is what I first envisioned him as when his name dropped

[angelbellelc2]

Could Eggmuffin be this guy? He is one of the three inventors that Mr. Hino talked about in an interview. Eggmuffin might either be his actual name or an alias. Or better yet if possible if it's an alias then it could be a combined one with the two twin inventors.

[bearofohu]

it is very funny to me that the ace attorney fandom famous for having characters with stupid names are going ballistic over a character being renamed eustace winner but when the professor layton fandom found out a character from the new game is going to be called doctor eggmuffin they erupted in thunderous applause

[margle]

just watched the prof layton trailer and im so happy its everything i wanted it to be

i didnt even think we would see any gameplay but we got a whole puzzle????? and it looks so good?????!??? using the environment for puzzles is something ive wanted more of for so long. AND puzzles that progress the story always make the game feel more cohesive. it feels like such a quintessential layton puzzle as well. im curious how writing on the switch is going to work without a stylus. probably just with a finger but maybe they'll make something. i mean its coming out in 2025 so it could even be next gen?? idk

the art style looks so good - i love that theyve retained the kinda hand-drawn vibe. the character model for the npc is great - i like the way theyve translated the exaggerated style and proportions into the cell shaded models. the professor and luke look a bit funny to me but thats just cos im not used to them yet. laytons blank resting smile is rlly funny to me. and theyve cuntified him with the little waist. BUT i like their silly faces and designs :)

also seems like every line of dialogue is now voiced, rather than just the main bits? but the flavour text/observations when you click on something is still unvoiced. this makes sense to me cos the voice lines would overlap/cut off if you clicked on things quickly.

also personality! theming! all so good! i like how now they are in america the characters are called shit like mr eggmuffin. so stupid and fun.

im fine about the fact its coming out in 2025. its fine. im fine.

[flowertab]

How about that new NWoS trailer?!

The following will consist of an overly long series of disjointed fangirl thoughts/ramblings.

First of all this game is beautiful. And it looks and feels like a true Layton game, which is the most we can possibly ask for! That feeling of curious surroundings, weird and wonderful buildings, a town where you want to explore every cranny…the developers had previously expressed doubt about creating a Laytonesque setting in America, but they succeeded.

I was so pleased to see that the classic screen by screen, ‘point and click’ dynamic is still in place! It looks like they’re embracing what makes Layton distinct without feeling the need to shake everything up. Bonus points for including the hint coin in the lamppost; sure to make any Layton fan feel right at home! Even Luke’s comment about the gears making him dizzy brings back memories of Unwound Future. One of my favorite new touches is how Layton and Luke are visible in the foreground as the scene is examined, it looks so dynamic and expresses the scale of their surroundings! It reminds me of the rare occasions in the games that you would actually see them outside of dialogue/events (like when they’re standing by the canal outside of town in Curious Village).

Speaking of Layton and Luke, they’re both looking great!! It just tickles me to see them in a fresh look but still very much themselves. Luke has definitely grown up, and his face shape is less round, but eyes are bigger/more animesque? It just gives him this very eager, bright-eyed look, and he does seem ready to take on anything! Since our only look at him so far from the previous teaser was more of an intense moment, it’s great to see his cheerful personality shining through. Even Layton comments that he seems to be having a splendid time, and who can blame him? He’s just having the time of his life to be at the professor’s side again! (On a random side note, Luke’s satchel seems to be missing. Does he not carry it anymore? Will he be taking on more action and it would’ve gotten in the way?)

Not only are Layton and Luke voiced throughout the trailer, but even the NPC guy is! This is pretty unusual. I wonder if there will be a lot more voicing in this game compared to the others, or if it’s just for the sake of the trailer’s flow. I also wonder if we’ll have a lot of little cutscenes like when the duo is approaching the correct door. The 3D animation looks much smoother (and less unintentionally humorous/distracting) than it did on the 3ds! That being said, I’m still holding out for the iconic 2D scenes to come back!!

The music is pleasant, and definitely reminiscent of Torrido, which makes sense as it’s also a Western American town (I think). And is that our new puzzle theme? I quite like it; the “music box” backdrop reminds me of Last Specter, while the rich instrumentation makes it stand out compared to the others. (I’ve heard it compared to PL vs AA multiple times though, so while I don’t remember that theme enough to say, I’m assuming that’s true!) I really like when that lilting harmonica (?) kicks in. I do, however, await the return of the iconic chunky accordion. The puzzle itself seems like exactly my favorite type, deduction/process of elimination. How cool to see the memo and everything being utilized right on top of the scene! It reminds you that the two are really solving a puzzle right in front of them. I wonder how this puzzle might change in the final game, as they’ve already shown the answer…oh, and let’s take a moment to appreciate that glorious solving animation! I recall two-person animations being a feature of the crossover that I really liked, and it only makes sense when the puzzle was solved by working together. Just seeing those two as a team again makes me so happy!!

This is more on the random side but…Eggmuffin? I mean, Eggmuffin? Is that really his name?? I had a hard time taking it seriously every time they said it. It sounds like one of those names that would be changed in localization—but then, if any series can get away with using something so silly until we just accept it and stop finding it weird, it’s probably this one. I have also heard it speculated that it may be an alias, though why he would want to be called this is beyond me.

All that aside, there’s just something about this game that already feels nostalgic to me, even while being so fresh and unexplored. I can only think that’s simply because it is a Layton game in every sense of the word. For a longtime fan who hasn’t experienced that anew in roughly ten years, it’s like coming home.

…and that is the only reason I can stand waiting until 2025! Oh dear, I hope they overestimated to play it safe, especially since reportedly the puzzles are all finished and production is moving smoothly. But, in the end, if it is truly the Laytonesque adventure it looks to be, it will be worth the wait—and I thank the development team for caring enough to not to rush it. I’ve waited this long.

(looks like I’ll be playing through the series again to help hold me over throughout next year! Layton fans, let’s hold fast! We’re in this together!)

[crosshimes-fanwritings]

Entwined Tales: Puzzle IV: Meeting

Fandoms/Series: Zatch Bell and Professor Layton Rating: T Crossover AU: Vacantverse Canon Settings: Post-Zatch Bell Anime (References to Manga) and NWOS (Professor Layton) Warnings: Mentions of stalking and kidnapping. Summary: Kiyomaro joined Layton and the others for a rescue mission meeting. Notes: Oops. Did Luke just cursed?! Well, he is a teenager boy and he is PISSED. 8) Yeah, a little OOC but don't care D> And it is obvious why Luke doesn't like Kiyomaro lmao. Also, ugh. I struggled with writing Layton, yo.I suck at writing D8 Words Count: 1151

"Mr. Layton!"

Layton was startled by Kiyomaro. The black-haired and hazel-eyed gentleman entered Luke's study without knocking. Layton knew it wasn't the time to lecture Kiyomaro about proper matters. Kiyomaro looked so sickeningly disturbed. Kiyomaro panted before he caught a breath and spoke.

"Where is Suzume?!"

"She is resting in her guestroom," Layton answered. "Luke is with her at the moment."

"Thank goodness she isn't alone," Kiyomaro facepalmed in distress. "What the hell happened?!

Layton knew Kiyomaro would be much angrier if he lectured him about proper matters and language, so Layton explained how Carolina and Coindar were stolen, and Suzume suffered a panic attack in Eggmuffin's workshop. Layton showed Kiyomaro the ransom note that the kidnapper had left behind.

Kiyomaro gasped, his eyes widened in shock.

"That bastard!" Kiyomaro slammed his fist against the wall, his eyes twitching in anger. "I can't believe he followed her to America! DAMN IT!"

So, Layton was right. Suzume have a stalker. How the ransom note was written was so revolting and offensive. Of course, he, as a gentleman, would never speak ill of others out in the open. Layton kept the ransom note from Luke despite his apprentice begging him to read it. Layton didn't want to expose Luke to such problematic content in the ransom note.

Censoring the ransom note would be like tampering with evidence. Layton would never cross that line. So, he supposed Luke would have to read the ransom sooner or later and prayed his young apprentice visited a therapist afterward.

Time was running out. The perpetrator had given Luke and Layton until midnight to exchange Suzume for Coindar and Carolina, and giving up Suzume to her stalker was definitely out of the question. If Suzume isn't presented before the perpetrator, Coindar will be destroyed, and who knows what he will do to Carolina.

Kiyomaro handed over the ransom note to Layton.

"Does Triton have a place for a meeting?"

"Yes." Layton nodded.

"Good. We're going to need backup."

With that, Kiyomaro exited Luke's study. Layton sighed. So, he and Luke aren't going in alone. Kiyomaro hinted at a history with the perpetrator. Hopefully, Layton and Luke can learn the whole history and identity of the stalker at the meeting.

The Tritons did have a meeting room. Luke's father usually used the room for meetings with his fellow archaeologists. There was a long table with five chairs on the left and right. Flora, Tweeds, Crow, Marliyn, and Kiyomaro sat on the right, and Mojiro, Biker, Carrie, and Layton sat on the left. Luke hasn't arrived yet.

Of course not. Luke was still appalled by what happened in Eggmuffin's workshop earlier.

No matter how many mysteries, puzzles, and cases Luke had solved solo in Steam Bison, Layton knew Luke was still a teenage boy with strong feelings for a friend.

Layton knew how much Suzume meant to Luke.

"So, why did ya summon me to the meeting?" Biker asked, actually curious. "I only spoken to the young lady a few times. Do ya need my help with something?"

"We would need your buddy," Layton answered.

"My buddy?" Biker blinked, widening his eyes, surprised. "Well, I supposed I still owe ya and the lad for helping me with the parts the other day. I also owe the young lady for treating me to a soda when I was thirsty."

"The young lady had nursed my daughter back to full health," Mojiro said. "There's gotta be something I can do for her."

"And she got my ass out of a debt!" Carrie added, grinning. "So, obviously, I am replaying the favor!"

"I'm only here for the action," Crow smugged. "Don't mind me."

"Same here!" Marilyn smirked.

"Miss Mizuno brought me Japanese candy, so I'm in!" Tweeds added.

"At least Miss Suzume treated me like an equal." Flora tossed an annoyed look at Layton.

"And I've known Suzume since middle school," Kiyomaro explained his reason. "She is my friend, so I will do anything to ensure her safety."

Layton had no idea that Suzume had treated Biker, Carrie, Mojiro, and the others so kindly. It was no wonder why Luke liked her very much.

"Shall we discuss ideas for a rescue mission?" Layton asked.

"Break in and beat the crap out of the kidnapper!" Tweeds was the first one to suggest an idea.

"No. That'd be too straightforward." Crow disagreed. "I'm sure the criminal wouldn't be alone."

"Exactly," Marilyn said. "Every bad guy must have a lackey or a group of lackeys."

"So, your idea is thrown out of the window, kiddo," Carrie told Tweeds.

"Darn it!" Tweeds slumped, disappointed.

"How about we just get the police involved?" Flora asked.

"I'm afraid we cannot involve the police," Layton regretfully informed Flora. "The ransom note warned us not to contact the police."

"Fucking coward," Kiyomaro growled, but Layton knew the growl wasn't directly towards him and could not blame Kiyomaro for being so furious right now.

"How about we just leave it all to Mr. Layton, Mr. Takamine, and Luke?" Tweeds laughed. "They're way smarter than our dumbasses here."

"HEY!" Everyone but Layton and Kiyomaro responded, displeased with Tweeds' comment.

"Everyone, please calm down," Layton stood up. "We don't need infighting."

"I agreed with Mr. Layton. Take this meeting seriously or leave." Kiyomaro glared at Tweeds.

"All right. No jokes from now on." Tweeds was actually afraid of Kiyomaro's glare.

"The annoying nuisance almost ruined my workshop earlier!" Eggmuffin entered the meeting room. "So, allow me to assist you."

"The more, the merrier," Kiyomaro smiled at Eggmuffin.

"And you must be Detective Takamine," Eggmuffin smiled in delight. "I heard ya solved high-profile cases in Japan, Peru, Brazil, and England!"

"It just feels right to help people in need. There are better detectives than me out there."

"Come on! There's no need for ya to be modest!" Eggmuffin chuckled.

"What time is it?" Flora asked, getting worried.

"It's 6PM." Layton checked his watch.

"SHIT! We're running out of time!" Tweeds called out warningly. "We only got six hours left until the deadline!"

"You're damned right. We are running out of time."

Everyone became silent when Luke stepped into the meeting room. Layton turned his head towards his apprentice.

"I have a good idea where the bastard is hiding," Luke said coldly. "And I will find a way to rescue Carolina and Coindar without risking Miss Mizuno's life."

Luke's ebony eyes flashed with determination.

"Very well, Luke." Layton smiled proudly at him. "Please do tell us about your ideas."

"Well, well," Kiyomaro rested his chin on his palm and smirked at Luke. "You are serious now, are you?"

Luke just shot a sharp glare at Kiyomaro.

"And I know you don't like me very much, Triton. I can tell, but for Suzume's sake, we need to work together."

Layton coughed, getting everyone's attention on him.

"The meeting will now commence," Layton began in a serious tone.

[darklight-owl]

hey remember last year when I said I’d draw my take on Eggmuffin Professor Layton and never did and now there’s like 10 hours left until she’s revealed probably?

I wanted to lean into the hardcore mechanic thing so bad but her name’s fucking Eggmuffin and she’s like a mayor or something I have to make her a little classy I GUESS 🙄 anyway that won’t stop me from making her A LITTLE butch. A little bit. She’s still a woman btw.

[darklight-owl]

Speaking of A i'm gonna do the same thing that I did to them to Eggmuffin Professor Layton (design them myself and add more and more headcanons until I claim them as my own because the canon information we have on them is so incredibly sparse that if I want to put them in ANYTHING i have no choice but to do this)

[bearofohu]

god you KNOW shits wildin in new york when the city's inventor is a cunt named mr eggmuffin. is the mayor named mrs steamknockers. is the evil cowboy from the first teaser named sheriff twobullets senicide. did clark have to change their surname to mr crescentbeard hourglassfigure. is layton going to have to change his name to professor longhat nowife

[crosshimes-fanwritings]

Entwined Tales: Puzzle III: Robotnapping

Fandoms/Series: Zatch Bell and Professor Layton Rating: T Crossover AU: Vacantverse Canon Settings: Post-Zatch Bell Anime (References to Manga) and NWOS (Professor Layton) Warnings: Kidnapping, Panic attack, hyperventilating and stalking. Summary: Coindar and Carolina gets kidnapped and Suzume suffered a panic attack. Notes: Hiroaki and Reina are villain OCs of mine. Albert is a robot OC based on the Tomy I-SOBOT Robot. Word Count: 1453

Suzume knew it was a mistake to enjoy tea with Marina in a cafe because Hector and his friends were there. Biker and Carrie were also there, but unlike the annoying American teenage boys, Biker and Carrie didn't bother Suzume with dumb moments.

"Hey, baby! How was Triton's shoulder?! I bet his shoulder was flat as fuck!" Hector snickered at Suzume.

Why does the blond-haired and blue-eyed American boy with slick-back hair keep throwing stupid and flirtatious questions and comments at her? Suzume groaned. Resting her head on Luke's shoulder was a huge mistake. She has no idea what possessed her to lean on her junior for a pillow.

"Oh, piss off, Goldman!" Marina flipped him off. "You're just jealous because it wasn't yours."

"GAH! You don't get me at all!" Hector tousled his hair, frustrated. "Why does Triton have the HOT Japanese chicka living with him?! HOW ABOUT ME?!"

"Wow, you sure are popular, Miss!" Carrie grinned at Suzume. "The boys are fighting for ya heart!"

'And did you brats forget that I'm actually much older?!' Suzume thought, feeling disturbed by the unwanted attention on her.

"How old are you again?" Marina asked.

"Nineteen."

Everyone stopped chatting and focused their attention on Suzume, very surprised.

"What?"

"Hold on! You're nineteen?!" Carrie exclaimed.

"You looked hella younger than nineteen, girl!" Biker reacted.

"So, it is true," Mufty said. "Japanese people do look younger than their ages."

"Ya spill ya secrets of staying young, girlie!" Derek smirked, drooling at her. "So I can look at ya FOREVER!"

"Fuck off! She's MINE!" Hector scowled, shoving Derek.

"Ya fuck off! I laid my eyes on the Japanese ass first!" Derek shoved him back.

"Marina, I'm out. I need to take Carolina to Eggmuffin." Suzume turned around and exited the cafe after leaving coins for her tea.

"See ya!" Marina farewelled.

Suzume has had this ill feeling for a while since she arrived at Steam Bison.

Someone was watching her, and she does NOT take kindly to being watched without her consent.

Suzume arrived at Eggmuffin's workshop, and Carolina jumped out of her pocket. Eggmuffin and Layton were in a discussion about different types of steam-powered vehicles. Luke or Coindar weren't around.

"Creepo not here," Carolina commented on Coindar's absence.

"Are you usually happy when he isn't around?" Suzume asked.

"Don't get the wrong idea! I'm just BORED!"

'Sure, my little tsundere.' Suzume smiled, amused with Carolina's fickleness when it came to Coindar.

"How about you and the human creepo?!" Carolina flew to Suzume's face, having a suspicious gaze. "I bet he likes you like Creepo likes me!"

"Don't be silly, Carolina." Suzume giggled. "Triton only likes puzzles and mysteries. And no, he isn't a creep. Eggmuffin needs to replace your wings, so stop flying." Suzume held Carolina and deactivated her wings.

"But I like flying." Carolina groaned, disappointed.

"Don't worry, Coindar will get his wings and fly alongside you."

"Who says I want to fly with him?! I want to be the only one with wings!"

"Now, now, Carolina. Don't be too selfish."

"UGH!"

Meanwhile, inside an abandoned building across from Eggmuffin's workshop, a young Japanese man with messy black hair and brown eyes was using binoculars to spy on Suzume and Carolina. He was wearing a white dress shirt with black suspenders and brown pants. His name was Hiroaki Nagao.

"Pay attention," He said to a black and gray robot called Albert. "The pink and white robot will be your wife."

"What is a wife?" Albert asked.

"YOU FOOLISH FOOL!" The young man raged. "Do you want to be defeated by your love rival?!"

"I'm unfamiliar with most human terms." His robot responded.

"YOU WORTHLESS, USELESS PIECE OF SHIT!" The man grabbed his robot and threw it into the trashcan. "Now, go and do what I say!"

Poor Albert stumbled out of the trashcan and walked out of the room. The man kept spying on his targets.

"I hope you enjoy our reunion, Nashi-chan! I will make you regret rejecting me!" He snickered.

When Luke and Coindar returned to Eggmuffin's workshop, carrying a food tray box. Suzume pretended she didn't see him and drew a design of Carolina's new wings on paper. Suzume still felt disturbed by her actions yesterday. Luke greeted Layton and Eggmuffin.

"Carolina…." Coindar said.

'Shut up, Coindar! I don't want Triton to talk to me right now!'

Suzume was not upset at Luke.

'I just don't know what to say to him right now.'

"Are those Carolina's new wings?"

Speak of the devil. Suzume turned around and faced the curious boy.

"Yes!" Suzume chuckled. "Where have you been all day?"

"At a client's house for a case."

'Probably a female one.' Suzume turned her eyes away from Luke and pouted, displeased. 'Again, why do I feel disappointed?'

"Oh, the cilent gave me these sweets as a reward," Luke opened the food tray box. Inside the food tray box, there were four cute-designed steamed buns. "I don't know what type of sweets these are."

"Kyaaaaaa! They are so cute!" Suzume squealed delightfully. "I know these buns! They are called steamed buns! Kyaaaaa! She cupped her cheeks. "These buns are too cute to eat!"

And she has done it again, acting like a typical fourteen-year-old fangirl. Layton and Eggmuffin paused to look at Suzume. Coindar blinked at the steamed buns, curious how it would taste if he had a mouth.

'What the hell I'm doing?!' Suzume quickly spun around and slammed her hands onto the desk. She bit her button lip as her cheeks were burning up. 'This is so embarrassing! Those buns belonged to Triton, not me! He earned the tasty buns, not me!'

"Cute," Luke whispered. "So cute…"

'Did Triton just call me cute AGAIN!? What the HELL?! Why I'm getting freaked out over a single compliment?!' She slumped. 'Maybe he was talking about the buns, not me. Why I'm getting worked up over nothing?'

"Miss Mizuno, are you all right?" Layton asked after he approached her and Luke.

"Oh!" Suzume faced Layton. "I'm quite all right, Mr. Layton! I'm sorry for disturbing you and Mr. Eggmuffin!" She waved her hands repeatedly, laughing nervously.

"Mah! We finished our discussion before ya fangirl over those cute buns from Japantown!" Eggmuffin grinned at her. "Yes, I ate those steamed buns before! Delicious they are!"

"…Yeah." Luke agreed, blushing.

'Why is he embarrassed!?'

Suddenly, a window shattered, and a giant smoke ball dropped in. Before everyone could react, the smoke ball activated, causing a massive fog in the workshop. Everyone was coughing.

"AHHHHH!" Carolina screamed. "Let me go! Let me go!"

"Carolina!" Suzume yelled panickingly.

"Coindar! HELP ME!" Carolina pleaded. "HELP ME!"

"I'm coming, Carolina!" Coindar jumped off Luke's shoulder. "GAH!" He went silent.

"Coindar!" Luke yelled.

"Luke, Miss Mizuno! Stay where you are!" Layton called out. "Mr. Eggmuffin, where are you?!"

"Right here, sunny!" Eggmuffin's voice responded. "Let me just find the machine to do the trick! There is it!"

Eggmuffin used a steam-powered smoke eater to clear out the fog.

Suzume spotted a note on the desk. When she read the note, she gasped in terror. Her eyes twitched dreadfully. She recognized that handwriting. She thought she had escaped from him. She thought he was out of her life for good.

Suzume covered her mouth and fell onto her knees. She vomited onto the floor. Her body started to tremble.

"Are you okay, Miss Mizuno?!"

Suzume clutched her hand onto her chest. She collapsed onto the floor, starting to hyperventilate.

"She's having a panic attack, lad!" Eggmuffin shouted. "Call a doctor, Mr. Layton!"

"Right away, sir!" Layton hastened to a telephone somewhere in the workshop.

"Miss Mizuno, help is on the way! Please stay with us!" Luke was on his knees, his hands on her shoulder. "Miss Mizuno!"

'Go…find Carolina….Coindar. Don't worry about me.'

"Please! Don't leave me!" Luke pleaded, tears filling his eyes.

'Why are you crying for me? Why are you the one panicking?'

Suzume slowly closed her eyes, falling into unconsciousness.

"Suzume!"

Luke calling her by her first name was the last thing she heard.

In an underground hideout, a bespectacled young woman with gray wavy hair and light brown eyes entered a bedroom. She wore a white blouse with a purple ribbon on the collar, a short black skirt, gray thigh-high socks, and a pair of black Mary Jane shoes. Her name was Reina Fujiwara.

"Boss."

"What is it?" Hiroaki glared at her.

"Albert had returned with Luke Triton's and Suzume Mizuno's robots."

"Good. Allowed the pest in."

Once Reina opened the door widely, Albert entered the bedroom, dragging an unconscious Coindar and Carolina in a net.

"Prepare those puzzles, Fujiwara," Hiroaki smirked. "Let the games begin."

[crosshimes-fanwritings]

Tiny Robot Crush + Their Builders

Fandoms/Series: Zatch Bell and Professor Layton Rating: T Crossover AU: Vacantverse Canon Settings: Post-Zatch Bell Anime (References to Manga) and NWOS (Profssor Layton) Warnings: Slight Misogyny, Dirty Expressions, Strong Language Summary: Suzume built a tiny robot out of boredom in Eggmuffin's workshop one day and weird stuff ensues. Word Count: 2209

Suzume was bored in Eggmuffin's workshop, waiting for Luke's and Layton's return. They were currently investigating the case of that one ghost gunslinger. So she built her own tiny robot, following Luke's instructions. Inventions weren't new to Suzume. Kiyomaro built her a Gash robot when she was in middle school. Suzume had handmade things out of boredom or affection for Kiyomaro. Suzume frowned at the thought of Kiyomaro. He was also in Steam Bison. His only purpose was to assist the incompetent precinct with a case that had something to do with a Japanese criminal. Suzume hoped the criminal wasn't her father turning rogue.

Suzume's father was a high-ranked police detective, and Kiyomaro was her ex-boyfriend. Those were the details that Suzume left out when she explained her situation with Luke. Those details were irrelevant. Luke didn't need to know about her father's occupation. And he definitely wouldn't care if she dated Kiyomaro in the past.

"Hey, kitten! Whatcha ya doing here, hanging out with old ass Eggmuffin?!"

Suzume groaned in annoyance. That cocky voice belonged to Hector Goldman, one of Luke's classmates and self-proclaimed rival. Great. He also brought his friends, Derek, James, Thomas, and Eddie.

"Oh, please go away. I'm working on something."

"You heard the young lady. Scram away from her, punk." Eggmuffin said.

"Shut the fuck up, old man!" Hector countered. "I can talk to Triton's bitch how I want!"

"What did you call me?!" Suzume quickly turned around and faced Hector with a disgusting expression. "I ain't no one's bitch!"

"Yet, Triton left his stupid ass robot with her!" Derek snickered, pointing at Coindar, who sat on Suzume's shoulder, observing. "He programmed that robot to shoot anyone who tries to take his bitch away from him!"

"Hey!" Coindar stood and glared at Derek defiantly. "Untrue! Keep away!"

"Yo, man! Ya pissed off the robot! Let's get the fuck outta here before he snitch on us to Triton!" James laughed.

"No one isn't leaving until I get my shit!" Hector yelled.

"And here's your shit, Goldman!" A violet-haired girl emerged, tossing a pillow bag full of building materials. "Apologize to Miss Mizuno before you leave, asshole."

"I ain't apologizing, Marina!" Hector whined.

"Oh, can it, kid. Leave." Suzume scowled, giving Hector a shoo-hand gesture.

"See you around, baby!" Hector winked at Suzume before picking up the pillowcase and exiting Eggmuffin's workshop with his friends.

Being the last ones to leave, Thomas and Eddie gave Suzume repugnant expressions such as tongue waving and blowing lips.

"Disgusting!" Marina threw an empty can at the boys but missed when they shut the door. "UGH! Those stupid boys are so gross!"

Suzume took a deep breath and refocused on building her robot. Coindar hopped off her shoulder and landed on the desk, observing her. Marina and Eggmuffin also focused on their respective projects in the workshop.

"Coindar, should you be with Triton and Mr. Layton?" Suzume asked, wondering why Luke's robot was even here with her.

"Luke Triton instructed me to oversee your project, Miss Suzume Mizuno," Coindar answered politely. "And I wish to witness the birth of a new entity similar to me."

"How cute," Suzume giggled. "You're cute, just like your inventor."

"Was that a compliment for me and Luke Triton?"

"And I thought you have a limited vocabulary."

"I'm still learning."

"True. Just learned from decent people, Coindar. Not Goldman and his friends."

"Absolutely!"

To think Suzume would be speaking to a robot to pass the time once again.

'I should have brought Gash robot with me. He and Coindar would have gotten along.'

Again. It was a good thing Suzume didn't bring her Gash robot. When Suzume left Japan, she left her middle and high school years behind. She didn't want to be reminded of her bittersweet teenage experiences.

"What are those water drops coming out of your eyes?" Coindar's voice was full of concern.

"It-It's nothing." Suzume wiped her tears away.

A week later.

"Hello! I'm Carolina! I'm Suzume Mizuno's traveling companion! I'm also built by my said mistress!"

Suzume's expression had turned pale. Oops. Her robot's first words were in her native language. Luke and Layton just stared at her bland new pink and white robot with cute pink bows on its head, confused with the sudden Japanese language. She was carrying her tiny robot in her arms.

"In English, please," Suzume said to her robot.

"I know no American English," Carolina declined politely, also in Japanese.

"The only thing I understood is her name," Luke commented. "Carolina, as in the Spanish pronunciation."

"Carolina sounds much cuter in the Spanish pronunciation, Triton. That's why I chose the Spanish pronunciation."

"Yes. A cute name pronounced cutely was given by a cute lady." Luke murmured.

"Ehhh?!" Suzume raised an eyebrow, flustered by Luke's response and his rosy cheeks.

"Miss…Carolina…" Coindar's eyes were heart-shaped.

'What the hell?!' Suzume was taken aback by Coindar's unusual eye shape. 'What is Triton teaching his robot?!'

"I don't mean to trouble you, Miss Mizuno." Layton cleared his throat. He gave her an apologetic smile. "May you translate what Carolina greeted us?"

"Sure, Mr. Layton," Suzume said, ignoring Luke's blushiness. And Coindar's weird curiosity about her robot.

Since Carolina was still a developing tiny robot, Suzume taught her American English words with the help of Marina since Suzume still felt unconfident in her English despite studying the language for three years in high school.

"I want to stay with Miss Carolina, Master!" Coindar pleaded, his eyes shaped sad.

"She is sleeping, Coindar. The Professor and I need your help to search for stolen coins for a cilent. A gentleman should not disturb a lady in her beauty sleep."

"I still wanna stay!"

"Your robot must be malfunctioning, Luke…" Layton commented, concerned with the way Coindar was behaving.

Suzume had a feeling that it wasn't a malfunction. Coindar may have grown an attachment to her robot like an older sibling wanted to protect a younger sibling. The possibility of two tiny robots sharing an affection was just too adorable for her to resist.

"Kawaii!" Suzume burst out in her native language, cupping her cheeks with her hands. Her eyes were twinkling in euphoria. 'Wait, why I'm blushing?!'

"Hawaii?" Layton and Luke blinked at her. They thought she said the name of an American state.

"No! I'm saying cute in Japanese!" Suzume smiled joyfully. "Carolina and Coindar would be a cute pair together!"

"Ah," Layton said. He doesn't know what else to add to the conversation.

"……." Luke has his eyes turned away, covering his mouth. His cheeks were entirely pink.

"Your heart rate is increasing, Master," Coindar reported. "Your brain is releasing-"

"We need to go, Professor! Stay here, Coindar!" Luke quickly turned around and walked out of Suzume's guest bedroom.

"Luke!" Layton called out to him. He tilted his top hat at Suzume and smiled at her gently. "I apologize for Luke's sudden leave. We shall return later."

"Of course. Be careful, Mr. Layton. I'll keep an eye on-"

And Coindar was already sleeping next to Carolina on Suzume's bed.

"…Coindar." Suzume looked at the two robots. "Would you look at that, Mr. Layton?" She smiled softly.

"This is a very intriguing sight to see. Steam Bison is full of surprises, is it?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I can't keep Luke waiting. Goodbye." Layton smiled. He left Suzume's bedroom, closing the door behind her quietly.

Suzume sat on her bed carefully, not to wake Coindar and Carolina. Suzume gazed at the ceiling, wondering what to do next. She still hasn't found her father yet. The only information she had about her father's presence in Steam Bison was vagued.

"Oh, you should check out Japantown. Your father may be there."

"We have too many Japanese tourists every year. We can't tell 'em apart."

"Do you think your old man was kidnapped by the Ghost Cowboy, Miss?"

Suzume hoped Gunman King Joe was irrelevant to her father's disappearance. She did not want to drag Luke and Layton into her case further than they already had.

"Your heart rate is increasing, Master."

So, Coindar could also tell when someone's heart was racing. But why did Luke suddenly become nervous when Suzume mentioned their robots being cute together? Why did his eyes turn away with a sudden shyness from her?

'Triton does have no reason to be nervous around me. Something is weird going on.'

There was a knock on the door. It was Flora.

"Miss Mizuno, we need to prepare tonight's dinner."

"Coming." Suzume stood.

"AHHH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! HANDS OFF!" Carolina's voice suddenly screamed in broken English.

"GAH!" Coindar's voice groaned.

'What in the actual fuck did just happen?!' Suzume turned her attention to the two tiny robots. An embarrassed Carolina curled into a ball, and a sored Coindar laid on his stomach with his legs twitching.

"There. You have it." Suzume frowned at Coindar. "He hugged Carolina without her permission."

"Coindar." Luke furrowed his eyes at his invention, obviously displeased. His arms were crossed. "Apologize to Miss Carolina. You should know better than to embrace a lady without her permission."

"I'm sorry," Coindar said to Carolina with a sad, guilty expression.

"Hmph! Don't try it again!" Carolina turned her head away from Coindar, still embarrassed and upset. Suzume can imagine Carolina was pouting. "Mistress, protect me from this….this….this…."

'Don't say it. Please don't say it.'

"……..creepo!'

"CREEPO?!" Coindar jawdropped.

"Now, you've done it, Coindar!" Luke facepalmed in shame.

Layton was observing in silence with his arms folded. Suzume wished he could say something to clear the awkwardness in the library. Suzume glanced at Luke. Why was he staring at her? Why was he even blushing? Suzume was uncomfortable with Luke's abnormal attention to her.

"HMPH! Your master is making my mistress uncomfortable!" Carolina suddenly spat out at Coindar. "Is he also a creepo like you?!"

"HUH?! Luke Triton is NOT a creepo! Take that back!" Coindar countered, getting upset now.

"HUUUUUUUUH?!" Carolina fired back. "Learning new vocabulary now, are we?! Well, how about you just FUCK yourself?!"

Silence occurred. Layton gasped. Luke gaped. Suzume bemused. Coindar shocked. Carolina pouted.

"HA HA HA HA HA!" Hector's voice burst out in laughter from outside of the window. "I was right! We can teach these robots new words!"

Suzume bit her bottom lip. Her left eyebrow twitched. So, someone has been teaching her robot a few English words that should NOT be used in public. Now, she was PISSED big time.

"Goldman…." Suzume turned her head slowly at the window where she found Goldman peeking in, having a cocky smirk on his face and surprised! His friends were also there. "…HOW…DARE YOU-" Suzume leaped out of the window and chased after the rowdy American teenage boys. "TEACH MY ROBOT SUCH WORDS?!"

An hour later, Suzume lay on her stomach on her bed, her face on her pillow. She was now exhausted from all that chasing.

"I'm actually impressed," Luke commented. He was sitting at her desk.

"Impressed about what?" Suzume groaned.

"Like, how would you able to run with high-heeled dress shoes?"

"It takes lots of practice, Triton. Nothing impressed about it."

"But, you could have broken your ankle."

"Triton," Suzume sighed. She sat up on her bed, hugging her pillow. "I told you before. You don't always have to worry about me. I'm a young adult here. I'm still embarrassed with how I acted towards your classmates earlier. I could have handled the situation. I'm almost five years your senior, for freak's sake, Triton."

Suzume has forgotten that she was a nineteen-year-old university student. What was she doing, behaving like a wild teenager? Again, Suzume was still a late teen. So, maybe she kinda did have an excuse to react so immature. When she gazed at Luke, he was still sitting on the chair, his hands on his lap. His gaze focused on her. His cheeks reddened.

"…….." Suzume downcasted her eyes. 'This is awkward. I don't even understand what is going on. Why does my chest feel tightened?'

"I don't care if you're my senior," Luke finally spoke solemnly. "You're special to me."

"Ehh?" Suzume was dumbstruck by amazement. 'Wait, what? Me? Special?'

"Because I-"

"Yo, Luke! Marina's and Hectorina's here! Coindar's acting weird around Carolina again!" Tweeds' voice spoke out after he knocked on Suzume's door.

"DATE ME!" Coindar's voice shouted.

"I KNOW NO DATING!" Carolina's voice shot back.

"We should be taking care of our robots, Triton." Suzume sighed in grief, standing up and tossing her pillow aside.

"Good idea," Luke muttered, glaring at the door.

'Huh? He's upset at Tweeds for interrupting our alone time?' Suzume blinked.

"…." Luke darted his eyes at her. He snatched his cheek with his fingertip. "I'm just glad I finally got it out of my system."

"About me being your special cilent?" Suzume chuckled. "I'm actually flattered by your honesty."

Luke just stared at her with a blank expression. He sighed and slumped his shoulders. He was very disappointed.

"You wouldn't even understand."

"Understand what?" Suzume smiled brightly. "We're client-detective friends!"

"….Forget it." Luke left her bedroom, leaving a stunned Suzume alone.

'It's just only me, or is he really trying to tell me something?'

Suzume blinked. Then, she shook her head.

'Probably nothing.' She left her bedroom.