Background

In June of this year, I started playing the Ace Attorney series. At the time, I assumed I could keep it as a side-interest and continue on with my previous obsessions undisturbed. Perhaps that would have been true, if it weren’t for one, teensy-tiny, whip-wielding problem: Franziska von Karma. Going into Justice for All, I knew vaguely that Franziska was the prosecutor for that game, she was Manfred von Karma’s daughter, and she wielded a whip. (Don’t ask me where I first got that information from; I have no clue.) Since I’m an absolute sucker for villains' children, I expected her to become a favorite. I didn’t expect her to consume my brain, and I definitely didn’t expect to be so invested in her relationship with Miles.

Since finishing the Ace Attorney Trilogy and being too impatient to avoid looking at fanfic, meta, and fanart of the series until I was fully caught up, I’ve realized that (a) I disagree with a common fanon and (b) as is typical in fandom, fanon gets mixed up with canon. The biggest sticking point is whether or not they’re family, in both the literal “Did Manfred adopt Miles sense?” and the less literal “Do they see themselves that way?” sense. As a result, I decided to write this analysis to clarify what’s canon fact (to the best of my knowledge) and explain my interpretation of it, point-by-point. My key conclusions are:

1. Manfred raised Miles.
2. Miles and Franziska are (still) not literal adopted siblings.
3. Franziska considers Miles her brother.
4. Miles does not consider Franziska his sister.
5. Miles is still considered a (possible) von Karma.

Note on what information I’m considering:

1. I’m not including scenes or information from the anime adaptation. The anime diverges from game-canon in several ways, such as making Celeste Inpax Adrian’s sister, and as such cannot be considered the same continuity/canon as the games and therefore shouldn’t be considered.
2. This analysis focuses exclusively on the official English localizations of the games. This is partially for the sake of my sanity, since I have zero understanding of Japanese and therefore would be relying on others’ (often contradictory) translations if I wanted to analyze the original text, and partially because at this point the English localization is basically its own thing with its own setting. (This contributes to another difference between the games and the anime—The English dubs/subs of the anime keep the original setting in Japan, while the games are localized to take place in California.)
3. I am not considering promotional material. Suffice to say I think (a) the games should stand on their own and (b) promotional material isn’t canon.

This analysis will contain spoilers for the entire Phoenix Wright Trilogy and the Investigations Collection.

Manfred Raised Miles

Canon doesn’t give many references to who raised Miles after his father passed away, but what information it does give is consistent about it being Manfred.

Most on-the-nose, Phoenix basically says so. During one of the times you talk to Gumshoe in the first Investigation section of Reunion and Turnabout(case two of JFA), you get to ask him about tomorrow's trial (per the dialogue option). After some beating around the bush, Gumshoe tells Phoenix that the prosecutor for the trial is “Prosecutor von Karma.” Phoenix is shocked, and thinks the following:

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Justice For All.It shows Manfred von Karma frowning and grabbing his sleeve with his arms crossed behind the prosecution's bench in the standard Ace Attorney courtroom. The text box is labeled “Phoenix.” The text is blue, and reads, “(Manfred von Karma… He was an awe–inspiring veteran prosecutor.)” /End Description]

[Image Description: The screenshot that’s identical to the previous one, except for the text box, where the words have changed. They read, “(He never lost a case in the 40 years of his career, and he raised a fearsome disciple.)” /End Description]

At this point, Phoenix doesn’t know about Franziska. (This is made clear by the rest of his dialogue with Gumshoe. For example, his next question is “but didn’t von Karma stand trial and…” and how he asks who Von Karma’s successor is shortly after—If he knew Franziska existed, he should’ve been able to put together the logical conclusion that “von Karma” referred to the one not currently convicted for murder, and he would know who Manfred’s successor was.) The means, as Manfred’s only known student at that point, the “raised a fearsome disciple line” has to refer to Miles, confirming that Manfred raised him.

For the sake of thoroughness, I’m also including other potential references to Manfred raising Miles. For starters, here’s the exchange that happens when you examine Matt Engarde’s fireplace in Edgeworth’s presence in the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy . (This is possible towards the end of the 3-2 Investigation section of Farewell, My Turnabout.)

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Ace Attorney Trilogy on 3DS. The background shows Matt Engarde’s living room. The text box is labeled “Phoenix”, and reads, “This is the first time I’ve seen such a large fireplace.” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another Ace Attorney trilogy screenshot, set in the same location. This time, Edgeworth’s distressed, looking off to the side and scowling sprite is in the middle of the screen. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth” and reads, “I don’t particularly care for large fireplaces. They remind me of my youth.” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another Ace Attorney trilogy screenshot, identical to the previous one except for the dialogue box, which is labeled “Phoenix.” The text is colored blue, indicating its internal monologue, and reads: ”(That’s right… He grew up in a really affluent household…)” /End Description]

[Image Description: Same as the last, but the dialogue is normal is normal text from Phoenix. It reads, “I guess you’re still not over that case, huh…” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from Matt Endgarde’s living room in the 3DS version of the Ace Attorney Trilogy. Edgeworth’s on-screen, this time looking at the camera with a sad expression on his face. The dialogue box is labeled “Edgeworth,” and says, “Don’t take this personally,” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for the dialogue, which reads: “but I really do not wish to remember anything from that time in my life.” /End Description]

Considering Miles’ prior complaints about how large Manfred’s house is, it seems safe to assume the von Karmas are fairly wealthy, so it’s easy to read this exchange as a reference to Miles having lived with them.

Additionally, Turnabout Reminiscence heavily implies that Miles was living with Manfred at the time. The following screenshots come towards the very end of the flashback, when everyone’s parting ways, after Gumshoe’s pledged to stick by Edgeworth’s side (much to Miles’ chagrin).

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence. It shows Miles Edgeworth in the foreground of a courtroom, dressed in his rookie attire with his arms crossed and frowning. In the midground/background, Detective Gumshoe salutes him with a grin on his face. The textbox is labeled “Franziska” and reads, “We should go home too, Miles. We have to hurry and report what has happened to Papa!” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous screenshot, except for the dialogue box, which is labeled “Edgeworth” and reads, “Agreed. Well, I’m afraid we must be going now, Detective.” /End Description]

There are two important details:

1. Franziska says she and Edgeworth should go home, and he agrees, and says they both need to go. This implies they share a home.
2. Given that Manfred is Franziska’s father, it’s likely “home” to her is his house. This is reinforced by the fact that she says they should “hurry and report to Papa” right after saying they should go home, implying the two are connected (which would make sense if they were going home to her father’s house to report to him).

Because of that, it seems most likely that Miles was living with Manfred at that point. For time-frame reference, due to her in-game profile, we know Franziska is thirteen at this point. Though we don’t get a profile for Miles in that case, due to the fact that he’s roughly seven years older than her, we can assume he was about twenty.

Finally, from the earlier in the same case, if you (as Miles) talk to Franziska (by taking the “Notice Anything?” option while investigating the hallway with her as your partner) there’s this exchange:

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Investigations. The courthouse hallway is in the background. In the foreground, young Franziska holds up a finger. The text box is labeled “Franziska” and reads, “This is a pretty spacious hallway, but it’s nothing compared to the ones at home.” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot of the dialogue immediately following the previous image. Edgeworth’s sprite appeared on the left side of the screen, and Franziska’s sprite was moved right to make space. Otherwise, it’s identical except for the dialogue box, which is now labeled “Edgeworth.” It reads, “Indeed…”, then, in the blue color typically used to show internal monologue, “(...because Mr. von Karma’s house is a bit TOO spacious)”. /End Description]

On its own, this isn’t much, but I thought I should mention it because the fact that Miles complains about Manfred’s house being too big implies, at the very least, that he’s been there. If he cares enough to complain, he’s probably there often, which is another potential reference to Miles living with Manfred.

On the note of timelines, neither Investigations nor any other Ace Attorney game specify exactly how long Manfred raised Miles, only that it happened. The closest we get to confirmation of when Manfred took Miles in is this following bit from the last minutes (or so) of Turnabout Ablaze which implies Miles was pretty young.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence. It shows a black screen with a text box over it. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth” and reads, “‘Prosecutors are those who seek a guilty verdict for the defendants they meet…’” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot that’s identical to the previous one except for the text, which reads, “‘…and to that end, you have no choice but to win by any means necessary.’” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot that’s identical to the previous one except for the text, which reads, “That creed was forced on me since I was very young…” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot that’s identical to the previous one except for the text, which reads, “…however, I no longer think that is all we prosecutors are.” /End Description]

Manfred would be the one forcing that creed on Miles, implying at the very least Manfred taught Miles since he was young. The most straightforward assumption, then, is that he also raised Miles from when he was young, and that was how Manfred was able to force his creed on Miles. For what it’s worth, though, there’s nothing explicitly saying he couldn’t have started teaching Miles first, then taken him in later, and this still doesn’t give a concrete time frame.

Overall, for the purposes of this analysis, it doesn’t matter much, but it does mean that (for fanwork purposes) there’s wiggle-room to put Miles in somebody else’s custody immediately after DL-6, then have Manfred take him in later and still be canon compliant.

Finally, one interesting thing to note is that in the Nintendo DS release of Justice For All, if you examine Matt Engarde’s fireplace in Edgeworth’s presence, you get a slightly different dialogue exchange that references Miles having an aunt.

[Image Description: A screenshot from Justice For All on DS. The background shows Matt Engarde’s living room. The text box is labeled “Phoenix” and reads, “This is the first time I’ve seen such a large fireplace.” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another Justice For All screenshot, set in the same location. This time, Edgeworth’s distressed, looking off to the side and scowling sprite is in the middle of the screen. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth” and reads, “I don’t particularly care for large fireplaces. They remind me of my youth.” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another Justice For All screenshot, identical to the previous one except for the dialogue box, which is labeled “Phoenix.” The text is colored blue, indicating it’s internal monologue, and reads, “(I wonder, if memory serves, if it’s because of that rich aunt he had?)” /End Description]

[Image Description: Same as the last, but the dialogue is normal text labeled “Phoenix.” It reads, “Don’t tell me you’re still stuck on that incident…?” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from Matt Endgarde’s living room in the DS version of Justice For All. Edgeworth’s on-screen, this time looking at the camera with a sad expression on his face. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth” and says, “Don’t take this personally,” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for the dialogue, which reads: “but I really do not wish to remember anything from that time in my life.” /End Description]

This is notable because it’s the only time Miles having any family who could’ve taken him in after DL-6 in the entire series. If you want to read more into it, you can follow Phoenix’s assumption that the large fireplace reminds Miles of his youth because of his wealthy aunt (who presumably had one), which implies that Miles spent a lot of time at her house. Otherwise, he wouldn’t associate it strongly with his youth. This fits nicely with the interpretation that Miles’ aunt took him in after DL-6, since if she was raising him he’d definitely spend a lot of time at her house. Since we don’t know exactly when Manfred took Miles in, you could find time for Miles to stay with his aunt before Manfred started raising him.

Note: On a meta-level, I’m personally inclined to defer to the Trilogy’s version of this exchange because it’s (a) more recent and (b) at this point, I think it’s the version most people are familiar with. (I’ve also heard internet rumors here and there that the aunt line was likely the result of misreading the Japanese script during translation, but since I’m unable to verify that information myself and it doesn’t seem to be a common point of discussion, I’m taking those with a grain of salt for the time being.)

Manfred (Still) Isn’t Miles’ Father

Despite Manfred having raised Miles, from the way they talk about him it seems neither Franziska nor Miles count him as Miles’ father. Take, for example, the way they refer to him when talking to each other in the post-credits airport scene of Justice For All.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS release of Justice For All. Inside an airport, Franziska von Karma smiles with her head tilted back and her left hand on her hip. The textbox, which is labeled “von Karma”, reads, “My father was a genius. There’s no doubt about that! But…” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot from the same scene as the previous one. The only differences are Franziska’s pose and the text. Franziska frowns with her brows furrowed. Her hand is still on her hip, but her head is no longer titled back. Her dialogue reads, “But me… I’m no genius. I’ve always known that.” /End Description]

Franziska refers to Manfred as her (“my”) father, not their (“our”) father or simply Father/Papa.

Edgeworth’s response (pictured below) follows a similar pattern.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS release of Justice For All in the same airport as before. Miles’ sprite is on screen, and he’s scowling while looking down and to the side and clenching his arm. The textbox is labeled “Edgeworth”, and reads, “You may not be a genius like your father…” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for the textbox, which reads, “But…” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot similar to the previous one, but the text and Miles’ pose have changed. He glares at the camera, arms by his sides. The textbox is still labeled “Edgeworth”, but reads, “You are a prosecutor. You have been and always will be.” /End Description]

Miles refers to Manfred as Franziska’s (“your”) father when addressing her, not both of theirs. While both would still be accurate if Manfred was her and Miles’ father, it’s a strange choice if that’s the case. Miles does the same thing, referring to Manfred as Franziska’s father (but not his own) in Turnabout Ablaze during the argument against Lang in the middle section of that case.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Turnabout Ablaze. Miles Edgeworth stands in the Allebahstian ambassador’s office, smirking. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth”, and reads, “Ms. von Karma, as you know, unlike your father, I am not a genius prosecutor.” /End Description]

And earlier in the game, towards the very end of Turnabout Airlines, he does the same thing.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Turnabout Airlines, showing Miles and Franziska in an airport. Miles is on the left side of the screen with a neutral expression, while Franziska is on the right looking furious. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth” and the text reads, “True, your father, Manfred von Karma, didn’t lose a single case for 40 years as prosecutor.” /End Description]

For Miles, this also fits into a larger pattern of avoiding referring to Manfred as his father when given the chance. Take, for example, when Phoenix asks him about his relationship to von Karma in Turnabout Goodbyes. (This dialogue happens when you visit Edgeworth in the detention center after talking about the class trial with Larry and Maya during the final investigation day and choose “Prosecutor von Karma” as the talk option.)

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Xbox release of the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy. It shows Miles Edgeworth in the detention center, scowling and looking down to the side. The textbox is labeled “Phoenix”, and reads, “What’s your relationship with von Karma?” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for Miles’ pose and the text box. Miles looks towards the camera and frowns. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth,” and reads, “He’s my teacher, and a man who deserves respect.” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for the text box. It’s still labeled “Edgeworth,” and reads, “I learned everything I know of courtroom techniques from him.” /End Description]

(Note: These three screenshots come from the Virtual Gaming Library - VGL (@VirtualGamingLibrary on Youtube) walkthrough of Turnabout Goodbyes. Here’s the link with the approximate timestamp: https://youtu.be/QzWxQBNqVxQ?t=9055 )

Considering he was explicitly asked to describe his relationship with Manfred (the only von Karma we, the audience, and Phoenix know of at that point), it’d be incredibly strange for Miles to not mention that Manfred is his literal adoptive father if it was true. (Surely, that’d be important enough to mention.) Instead, he solely describes Manfred as his teacher.

In general, Miles refers to Manfred as his mentor. Take this dialogue from one of the talk options (“Proof of von Karma Blood”) shortly after he returns in Farewell, My Turnabout.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Justice For All showing Miles Edgeworth in the criminal affairs department. He’s looking at the camera with a serious expression on his face. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth,” and reads, “A lot of things have happened, however Manfred von Karma was still my mentor.” /End Description.]

Notably, this pattern also continues in the Investigations games. Take Manfred’s profile from Turnabout Reminiscence (played from Edgeworth’s POV), for example.

[Image Description: A screenshot of Manfred von Karma’s profile from the DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence. His description reads, “My mentor who has never known defeat in 35 years.” /End Description]

The KG-8 incident overview description (in the evidence from Turnabout Reminiscence) also refers to Manfred as Miles’ mentor.

Note: The text is slightly different in the DS version and Investigations Collection version. Though it doesn’t change anything significant, I’ve included both for reference.

[Image Description: A screenshot of the evidence page for the KG-8 Incident Overview in the Nintendo Switch version of the Investigations Collection. Its description reads, “Reference materials regarding the KG-8 Incident. I received them from my mentor.” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot of the evidence page for the KG-8 Incident Overview in the DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence. Its description reads, “Received from my mentor as reference about KG-8. Touch the Check Button for details.” /End Description]

Finally, there’s a few bits from towards the end Turnabout Reminiscence that Miles says in response to Calisto Yew insulting Manfred in during her rebuttal. For context, here’s what Calisto says the first time:

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo Switch version of the Investigations Collection. It shows Calisto Yew behind the defenses’ bench in the courtroom with a neutral expression/pose. The dialogue box is labeled “Yew,” and the text inside is colored the green typically used for testimony or arguments. It reads, “Accusing someone of murder over a spilled bottle of perfume is a bit over the top.” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one except for Calisto’s expression and the text in the box. Calisto’s head is tilted back slightly as if she’s trying to look down on someone, and the text box reads, “But I suppose forgery of evidence is to be expected of a disciple of Von Karma.” /End Description]

And here’s what Miles says if you press the latter statement:

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Investigations Collection showing Miles glaring behind the prosecution’s bench in the same courtroom as Calisto was. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth.” The text inside the text box is the standard white, and says, “I formally request that you desist in your attack against my mentor!” /End Description]

And again, after you correctly present the knife or Yatagarasu's key to progress, Yew digs into Manfred.

[Image Description: Another screenshot of Calisto Yew looking haughty behind the defenses’ bench in the Switch version of the Investigations Collection. The text box is labeled “Yew,” and the text says, “I mean, Mr. von Karma… I’ve heard some very… interesting rumors about him. /End Description]

Miles and Franziska respond as follows.

[Image Description: A screenshot of young Miles and Franziska behind the prosecutions’ bench in the Switch version of the Investigations Collection . Franziska bares her teeth, scowling, while clenching her riding crop. Miles’ sprite is behind and slightly to the right of hers. He’s still glaring across the room. The dialogue box is labeled “Franziska,” and reads, “ Arngh ! Are you mocking my papa!?” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for the dialogue box. It’s labeled “Edgeworth,” and reads, “Don’t you dare sully the good name of my mentor!” /End Description]

(Side note: Once more, we have a situation where Miles and Franziska are together (in this case teaming up against Calisto) and Franziska refers to Manfred as just her father/papa.)

I single out Turnabout Reminiscence specifically because it shows Miles primarily referred to Manfred as his mentor even when he practically worshiped the ground he stood on, which means it’s not something he started doing to distance him from Manfred as result of Manfred prosecuting him during Turnabout Goodbyes or the following reveal that Manfred killed his father. Instead, it’s something he’s incredibly consistent about through all his appearances.

(Note: There are also several more instances of Miles referring to Manfred as his mentor that come up in the section about Miles’ feeling on Franziska, and at least one more from Miles Edgeworth: Investigations. Since I’m already bringing up the ones with Franziska later, and I believe I’ve included enough examples to make my point, I decided not to put them in this section.)

Going back to the airport scene from Justice For All, there’s one more relevant conclusion to draw from it: Miles isn’t seen as Manfred’s child by the public.

[Image Description: A screenshot of Franziska von Karma in an airport from Justice For All. She’s posed with a hand on her hip, her head tilted back, and a cocky smile on her face. The text box is labeled “von Karma,” and reads: “You don’t understand a thing!” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for Franziska’s pose and dialogue. Franziska glares and points at the camera, and her dialogue reads, “You can’t possibly understand what it means to be ‘Manfred von Karma’s daughter’!” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the DS version of Justice For All in the airport. This time, Miles is on screen, looking towards the camera and frowning slightly. The text box is labeled Edgeworth, and reads, “Franziska…” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the DS version of Justice For All in the airport. Franziska is on screen with a neutral expression/pose. The text box is labeled “von Karma” and reads, “So many expectations from everyone around me… Expectations I must fulfill!” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for Franziska’s pose and dialogue. She looks arrogant, and her dialogue reads, “I’m expected to win no matter what. And failure? Such a thing is not an option for me!” /End Description]

The way Franziska elaborates by talking about the expectations on her makes it clear the comment about being “Manfred von Karma’s daughter” isn’t about gender—You could just as easily replace “daughter” with “child” and it would make the same point. She’s expected to be perfect because she’s the child of Manfred von Karma—the legendary prosecutor—which, as she says, Miles “can’t possibly understand.” This implies Miles isn’t seen as Manfred’s child by the public and thus doesn’t face those same expectations.

To recap this section, my main points are:

1. Franziska and Miles both refer to Manfred as just Franziska’s father, even when they’re talking among themselves and could easily say “our father” instead. While not technically incorrect, it’d be strange if he was a father to both of them.
2. Miles consistently chooses to describe Manfred as his mentor. Once again, this wouldn’t technically be incorrect if Manfred was his adoptive father, but it’d be unusual to always prioritize “mentor” over “father” if both applied.
3. When explicitly prompted to describe their relationship, Miles doesn’t describe Manfred as his father in any sense. If Manfred was his adoptive father, that should be worth mentioning. Since Miles doesn’t, it seems unlikely that was the case.
4. Miles isn’t seen as Manfred’s child by the public.

Because of this, I believe that canon heavily points away from Manfred being Miles’ adoptive father. Not only would it be incredibly strange to never mention it in-universe, but they make a point about how the public doesn’t see it that way.

In addition, while I generally don’t put too much stock in authorial intent, I’d like to point out that it’s even harder to justify interpreting Manfred as Miles’ adoptive father from that angle. From a writing perspective, if that was the intent, completely passing over multiple chances to clarify that Manfred was Miles’s adoptive father (like all the times Miles refers to Manfred, Manfred’s profiles, and the time was asked to describe his relationship to Manfred) is absurd.

Franziska on Miles

The first time Justice For All spells out Franziska and Miles’ connection is in part three of Turnabout Big Top. After Phoenix finally asks what Franziska’s revenge is actually about, she brings up Miles. Phoenix asks why she would even bring him up, and the conversation continues as follows:

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Justice For All. It shows Franziska von Karma standing in the lodging house plaza from Turnabout Big Top with a neutral pose. The text box is labeled “von Karma”, and the text reads, “You haven’t forgotten, have you?” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the same scene. It’s identical to the previous except for Franziska’s pose, which has switched to a more arrogant one, and the text. The text box is still labeled “von Karma” and reads, “Do you know it was that trained the gifted prosecutor, Miles Edgeworth?” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the same scene. This time, Franziska’s been replaced with a startled-looking Maya Fey. The text box is labeled “Maya” and reads, “!!” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot that’s identical to the previous except for the text in the text box. It reads, “Manfred… von… Karma…” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the same scene. Franziska’s on screen with a neutral expression again, replacing Maya. The text box is labeled “von Karma”, and the text reads, “Exactly right. It was my papa.” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the same scene. Maya’s returned to the screen, still looking startled, while Franziska’s vanished. The text box is labeled “Maya”, and the text reads, “That means that Edgeworth was…” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the same scene. Franziska, who’s replaced Maya, poses arrogantly. The text box is labeled “von Karma” and reads, “Right again.” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the same scene. Franziska’s switched to a neutral pose. The text box is labeled “von Karma” and reads, “Miles was like a little brother to me.” /End Description]

For now, the most important part is how she describes Miles as “like a little brother” to her. This simultaneously points towards Franziska considering Miles family, or at least close to it, while at the same time being figurative. Given the fact that Miles is seven years older and, per the relative height of their sprites in the Investigations games and how they’re drawn in Larry’s illustration from the end of Trials and Tribulations, taller, the “little” part of “little brother” is obviously figurative. It’s unclear if she means the “brother” part figuratively or not.

Elsewhere in the series, Franziska typically drops the “like a” in favor of just referring to Miles as her little brother. For example, take her talking to Phoenix in Bridge to the Turnabout (after Miles played defense attorney for the first trial day) :

[Image Description: A screenshot from the 3DS version of Bridge to the Turnabout. It shows Franziska von Karma posing neutrally in front of Hazakura Temple. The text box is labeled “von Karma” and reads, “I came back to America with the intention of defeating you.” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the same scene. Franziska’s pose has changed to a cockier one. The text box is labeled “von Karma” and reads, “Instead, it was my little brother who was leading the defense.” /End Description]

See also this bit from A Turnabout Forsaken (d uring the chapter Latter: The Real Murder Weapon in the Investigations Collection, before the final confrontation against Excelcius):

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo Switch version of A Turnabout Forsaken. It shows Franziska von Karma with her arms crossed in front of the Committee For Prosecutorial Excellence’s chamber. The text box is labeled “Franziska” and reads, “But don’t go getting the wrong idea, little brother.” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the same scene. Franziska’s pose has changed to a more smug one. The text box is still labeled “Franziska” and reads, “I’m only here to deliver the truth regarding the suspect.” /End Description]

This is still obviously not entirely literal, because of the “little” part, but it’s closer and reinforces the conclusion that she sees Miles as her brother.

On that note, it’s worth pointing out that Franziska has a habit of referring to others (especially those she knew from childhood) with familial terms in general, regardless of whether they’re family on paper or not. Take how she refers to Hilda Hertz in A Turnabout Forsaken, for example. (Both screenshots come from the scene where Franziska arrives.)

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo Switch version of A Turnabout Forsaken. It shows Franziska von Karma curtseying in the Committee For Prosecutorial Excellence’s chamber. The text box is labeled “???” and reads, “It has been too long, Gramma Hertz.” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo Switch version of A Turnabout Forsaken. It shows Franziska von Karma standing in the Committee For Prosecutorial Excellence’s chamber, holding up a finger. The text box is labeled “Franziska” and reads, “Well, Gramma Hertz? Will you allow them to examine the body?” /End Description]

Or how she refers to Excelsisus Winner shortly after he shows up.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo Switch version of A Turnabout Forsaken. It shows Franziska von Karma curtseying in the Committee For Prosecutorial Excellence’s chamber. The text box is labeled “Franziska” and reads, “U-Uncle Winner… It’s been far too long.” /End Description]

It’s possible her referring to Miles as her “little brother” is the same thing. Therefore, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re literally family.

Miles on Franziska

In sharp contrast to Franziska, Miles doesn’t describe Franziska as his sister or like a sister. Instead, when tasked with describing her, he almost always uses some variation of “my mentor’s daughter” and/or “Manfred’s daughter.” Examples:

Franziska’s profile from when you play as Miles in Bridge to the Turnabout.

[Image Description: A screenshot of Franziska von Karma’s profile from the 3DS version of Trials and Tribulations. Her description reads, “My mentor, Manfred von Karma’s, daughter. Born/raised in Germany. Prosecutor at 13.” /End Description]

Multiple points in Miles Edgeworth: Investigations, such as:

When he introduces Franziska to the player in Turnabout Airlines.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Miles Edgeworth: Investigations. It shows Franziska von Karma over a completely black screen. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth.” The text is mostly light blue, indicating it’s likely internal monologue, and reads, “(The daughter of my mentor, Manfred von Karma, she, like myself, is a prosecutor.)” The word “prosecutor” is orange. /End Description]

Franziska’s profile in the present day:

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo Switch version of Turnabout Ablaze. It shows Franziska von Karma’s profile. Her description reads, “Daughter of my mentor, Manfred von Karma. Cooperating with Interpol on smuggling case .” /End Description]

Introducing Franziska to the player in Turnabout Reminiscence.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence. It shows thirteen-year-old Franziska on black background. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth.” The text is light blue, and reads, “(Franziska von Karma… So she is here on vacation from Germany…)” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence. Franziska is still on screen over a black background, and the text box is still labeled “Edgeworth.” The text reads, “(She is the daughter of Manfred von Karma and a student of his, who’s also junior to me.)” It starts light blue, then switches to orange at “a student” and only switches back to light blue for the punctuation. /End Description]

Young Franziska’s profile in Turnabout Reminiscence.

[Image Description: A screenshot of Franziska von Karma’s profile from the Nintendo Switch version of Turnabout Reminiscence. Her description reads, “My mentor’s daughter. Studying to be a prosecutor in Germany, back on break.” /End Description]

There’s also more from Prosecutor’s Gambit, such as Franziska’s profile.

[Image Description: A screenshot of Franziska von Karma’s profile from the Nintendo Switch version of A Turnabout Forsaken. Her description reads, “Daughter of my mentor, Manfred von Karma. She is a highly talented prosecutor, and is currently working with Interpol.” /End Description]

And introducing her to the player in A Turnabout Forsaken.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo Switch version of A Turnabout Forsaken. It shows Franziska von Karma on a black background. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth”. The text is blue, and reads, “(Franziska von Karma…)” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for the text box text, which is still blue and reads, “(She is the daughter of Manfred von Karma and a prosecutor like myself.)” /End Description]

Similar to my points about Manfred and Miles, it would be very strange to never describe her as his adoptive sister if that was the case considering he has ample opportunity to do so. This would also be a good time to slip in a line about her being like family, but he doesn’t. In fact, there’s not a single canonical instance of Miles referring to Franziska as his sister or like a sister. Thus, while it’s impossible to definitively prove without explicit word from Miles, the most straightforward interpretation (in my opinion) is that Miles doesn’t consider her his sister, and therefore doesn’t refer to her that way.

(Hypothetically, one could say that, since there’s no explicit confirmation that Miles doesn’t consider Franziska his sister, it’s possible that he does and just won’t say it for some reason. This is strange from an authorial intent angle, but on an in-universe level it’s plausible.

However, because I started this essay due to fanon, I’d like to point out that, from that angle, the fanon that Miles considers Franziska his sister is equally unconfirmed. Thus, this angle supports a conclusion of “we don’t know if Miles considers Franziska his sister, so it could go either way” not “Miles considers Franziska his sister.”)

Others Characters’ Commentary

In Turnabout Airlines, after pressing Franziska’s final statement in your first argument with her, Gumshoe says he doesn’t believe Miles is the culprit. This dialogue follows:

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Turnabout Airlines showing Detective Gumshoe in the first floor lounge. He winces in pain. The text box is labeled “Gumshoe”, and reads, “Ms. von Karma’s gotta believe that, too, right! I mean, you two are like siblings…OWWWW!” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the same scene. Gumshoe moved to the left to make room for Franziska’s, who’s holding her whip over her head and frowning. The text box is labeled “Franziska” and reads, “Quiet, Scruffy!” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the same scene. It’s identical to the previous one, except for the text box, which is still labeled “Franziska” and reads, “Even if we were related by blood, that’s no guarantee that he’s not a criminal!” /End Description]

Since Gumshoe’s worked with both Miles and Franziska at different points, I think his perspective is worth considering. He uses “like siblings,” which has a few implications. Firstly, it reinforces the thought that they’re not literal adoptive siblings, because if they were literal siblings there’d be no need to say “like.” Secondly, it means he’s under the impression Miles and Franziska are “like siblings.” (Where he got that impression from is unclear. Given Franziska’s habit of referring to Miles as her little brother, I’d speculate it’s from her, but it’s possible it was something Miles said, Gumshoe’s own assumptions, or something else entirely.) If nothing else it implies Miles never told Gumshoe they weren’t like siblings.

In this scene, Miles and Franziska themselves don’t confirm or deny being “like siblings.”

There’s also this bit if you try to examine the lobby door in Turnabout Reminiscence. The guard tells Edgeworth that the area beyond the door is for authorized personnel only, which leads into the following.

[Image Description: A screenshot of the third floor lobby from the Nintendo Switch version of Turnabout Reminiscence. Calisto Yew stands in the corner lower left, and in the lower right Gumshoe glares at one of the four police officers in the room. Miles stands in front of a closed double-door, next to a police officer, while Franziska stands behind him with her arms crossed. The text box is labeled “Franziska” and reads, “If I’m not ‘authorized personnel’, then what, may I ask, do you think I am?” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot from the same scene as the previous. The text box has changed so it’s now labeled “Officer” and reads, “...Um, the younger sibling of a dysfunctional relationship…?’ /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot from the same scene as the previous. The text box has changed so it’s labeled “Franziska” and reads, “I’m not the younger one! He is! Now get that straight in your head!” Franziska herself now scowls and flexes her whip between her hands. /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot from the same scene as the previous. The text box has changed so it’s labeled “Edgeworth.” The text is blue, and reads, “(I believe there is a more objectionable part you should be upset over, Franziska.)” /End Description]

Neither Miles nor Franziska correct the assumption that they’re siblings. Franziska not disagreeing tracks with the rest of how she refers to Miles, since she frequently refers to Miles as her brother anyway. Meanwhile, Miles’ thought about a “more objectionable part” implies he has issue with part of what the guard said. I’ve seen a couple people interpret this as meaning Miles has an issue with calling them siblings. Since he doesn’t take issue with Franziska calling him her brother or Gumshoe assuming they’re like siblings elsewhere, it’s more likely that the issue was the “dysfunctional” part.

Miles’ lack of response can be taken as confirmation he thinks they’re siblings and therefore has no reason to correct the guard’s or Gumshoe’s assumptions, or that he simply doesn’t care enough to correct people. In favor of the latter interpretation, it’s worth noting that during the first example (with Gumshoe) Franziska is accusing him of murder, so he’d likely be focused on that over correcting a single assumption Gumshoe made, and during the second he has something he’s taking issue with that (if it weren’t the “sibling” part) would likely take precedence.

Miles as an Honorary Von Karma

There’s one more little wrinkle: Miles, Franziska, and possibly Manfred consider Miles a possible von Karma.

Starting with Franziska, in Turnabout Reminiscence, for example, she clearly views Miles as competition for the status of heir to the von Karma name. Take this bit from shortly before the (first) investigation of the defendant’s lobby.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence showing Franziska in Defendant Lobby No. 2. She gestures with her arm extended, holding out her riding crop, and a confident expression. The text box is labeled “Franziska” and reads, “This is a competition to see who is truly worthy of the Von Karma name!” /End Description]

Or this line from slightly before the previous one.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence. It shows Edgeworth and Franziska in the courtroom hallway. Edgeworth is on the left, recoiling as if he’s been struck, while Franziska is on the right, flexing her riding crop between her hands and scowling in anger. The text box is labeled “Franziska” and reads, “As I was saying, we shall see which one of us is worthy of the Von Karma name…” /End Description]

Franziska also counts him as a von Karma in general. Take this line from when she and Edgeworth talk with Calisto. (This particular dialogue comes from going over to talk to Calisto after talking with Manfred towards the start of the “Middle” section and choosing “Mack Rell.”)

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence . It shows Franziska and Calisto in the third floor lobby. Franziska is on the left with a finger raised, while Calisto is on the right, looking haughty. The text box is labeled “Franziska” and reads, “That’s why defense lawyers are so detestable! But they are no match for us Von Karmas!” /End Description]

(Since Manfred isn’t in the room while Miles still is, “us” most likely refers to Franziska and Miles, not her and Manfred.)

In Justice For All, she also considers Miles a viable contender for the von Karma name, as shown by how she basically disowns him after the Engarde case.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Farewell, My Turnabout. It shows Franziska posing neutrally in the defendants’ lobby. The text box is labeled “von Karma” and reads, “I don’t want to hear the wretched whimpering of a disgraced loser!” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for the text in the text box, which reads, “A Von Karma is someone who is destined to be perfect!” /End Description]

[Image Description: Another screenshot from the DS version of Farewell, My Turnabout. It shows Franziska in the defendant’s lobby. This time, she points a finger at the (metaphorical) camera. The text box is labeled “von Karma” and reads, “Miles Edgeworth… You are no longer worthy!” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for the text in the text box, which reads, “You are no longer worthy of being a Von Karma!” /End Description]

In Turnabout Reminiscence, it’s implied Miles also counts himself as a von Karma, though he’s more sparing about it. T ake this b it from right before you get the opportunity to press/present on Calisto’s rebuttal (after Edgeworth indicts her for murder in Turnabout Reminiscence ).

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo Switch version of Turnabout Reminiscence showing Miles Edgeworth behind the prosecution’s bench in the courtroom. He frowns with his eyes closed and his arms crossed. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth.” The text is colored blue, and reads, “(This is where it really starts.)” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot identical to the previous one, except for the text, which is still blue and reads, “(I mustn’t let my guard down for even a second, of the truth will blow away.)” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot with Miles in the same location as the previous. His pose has changed to a more determined one, looking to the right with his arms uncrossed. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth” and the text is blue. It reads, “(Now is the time to put the patented Von Karma ‘perfect proof’ to the test!)” /End Description]

There’s also when he puts responsibility on himself to “ensure the honor of the Von Karma name” implying he represents the von Karmas in some way. (This happens towards the start of Turnabout Reminiscence’s first investigation section.)

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence. It shows Miles Edgeworth on the left side of the screen, looking determined, while Tyrell Badd faces him from the right side. They’re in Defendant Lobby No. 2. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth.” The text is written in blue, and reads, “(I must first find conclusive evidence, so as to ensure the honor of the Von Karma name.)” /End Description]

However, given he explicitly says he needs to uphold his mentor (von Karma’s) name in his internal monologue at the end of Turnabout Reminiscence ’s “Beginning” section, it’s easy to brush this off as him trying to defend his mentor’s name, not his own (in spirit).

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence showing Miles Edgeworth looking determined on a black background. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth.” The text is blue, and reads, “(Mr. von Karma… I swear to uphold your honorable name, or my name isn’t Miles Edgeworth!)” /End Description]

In that vein, there’s the following line from Manfred if you talk to him during the first bit of Turnabout Reminiscence.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo DS version of Turnabout Reminiscence showing Manfred von Karma in the third floor lobby. He has a stern expression on his face, and is raising one arm in a pose reminiscent of how he snaps. The text box is labeled “Manfred,” and the text reads, “Show them all… the power of Von Karma!” /End Description]

You could read this as Manfred counting Miles as a von Karma, but given the use of just “von Karma” (not “a von Karma” or “the von Karma family”) he could also be referring to himself so that the phrase means “Show them my power (as the person who taught you everything you know).” As far as I’m aware, this is the only real point of reference for Manfred’s opinion on the matter.

Back to Miles, his opinion in the “present” of the series (not flashbacks) is less clear. The most we get from him is some dialogue when you choose the “Proof of von Karma Blood” option after he appears in Farewell, My Turnabout.

[Image Description: A screenshot from the DS version of Farewell, My Turnabout showing Miles Edgeworth in the criminal affairs department. His face is angled slightly towards the right and he’s frowning, but he’s looking at the camera. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth” and reads, “A lot of things may have happened, however Manfred von Karma was still my mentor.” /End Description]

[Image Description: A screenshot from the same scene. Miles now looks directly at the camera, still frowning. The text box is labeled “Edgeworth” and reads, “And a ‘perfect win record’ is proof of a Von Karma.” /End Description]

Since he says the line about Manfred being his mentor and immediately switches to talking about being a Von Karma, it could imply the two are connected—i.e. that Miles is in the running for being a Von Karma because Manfred is his mentor—but it’s incredibly unclear. The comment about a perfect win record implies he’s no longer a Von Karma, or at the very least lacks “proof” since he no longer has a perfect win record.

On that note, it’s worth noting that, perhaps obviously, given Miles Edgeworth is in the running, in this context being a von Karma is not about literally holding the name. Instead, it’s generally about upholding perfectionistic prosecutorial standards. You can see it in the scene where Franziska disowns Miles (a few scenes above) and she says, “A von Karma is someone who is destined to be perfect!” and you can see it in the scene above. Additionally, after Miles gives up his badge in A Turnabout Forsaken, Franziska objects and says the following:

[Image Description: A screenshot from the Nintendo Switch version of A Turnabout Forsaken showing Miles and Franziska in the Committee For Prosecutorial Excelence’s chamber. Miles is on the left, looking serious, while Franziska is on the right looking taken aback and baring her teeth. The text box is labeled “Franziska” and reads, “Are you running away from the von Karma… from me!?” /End Description]

Franziska nearly equates Miles giving up his badge to “running away from the von Karma” something before correcting herself, implying that in her head Miles giving up his badge (and therefore disqualifying himself from being a perfect prosecutor) is tantamount running away from being a von Karma.

The through-line is that, at least in relation to Miles, being a von Karma is about being Manfred von Karma’s disciple more than anything else. That ties together why he brings up Manfred being his mentor and how it’s always about perfectionism and prosecuting—the standards Manfred taught him. From this angle, Miles could be a von Karma without being an official member of the family because he followed Manfred’s teachings. Since, as I’ve established, I don’t believe Miles was literally adopted as part of the family, this is the angle I favor.

Recap

In (brief) summary, here are my main conclusions and reasoning so far:

1. Manfred raising Miles was confirmed and then hinted at several times, so that’s (obviously) canon.
2. Manfred actually being Miles’ adoptive father is never stated. The fact that Miles and Franziska both avoid referring to Manfred as Miles’ father (despite how strange it would be to withhold that information) and Franziska implies he’s not seen as Manfred’s child by the public implies that’s not the case.
3. Franziska refers to Miles as her “little brother.” Given that the “little” is obviously not literal and her habit of referring to non-relatives as family, this doesn’t have to mean he’s literally her adoptive brother, but it means she likely sees him that way.
4. Miles doesn’t refer to Franziska as his sister, but he doesn’t correct or affirm people when they assume he and Franziska are siblings/sibling-like. This leaves room to interpret them that way, but, given that Miles avoids referring to Franziska as his sister (despite having the opportunity) I’m inclined to interpret it as Miles not returning the sentiment (that they’re like siblings) and simply not caring to correct people.
5. At the time of Turnabout Reminiscence, Miles is considered an honorary von Karma due to his status as Manfred’s student. In the present-day of the narrative ( Justice For All) he’s still considered a potential candidate, but is practically disowned by Franziska and himself because he lost his perfect record.

Application (OR: The Part Where I Tell You Why This Is Cool)

With all that said, if you still want to create fanworks that don’t align with my interpretation, be my guest. My intent is to clarify what’s canon and offer my interpretation of it, not tell everyone they have to follow canon or my readings in their fanwork. What I do want is, at the bare minimum, for people to stop taking the fanon that Manfred adopted Miles as absolute unquestionable fact, because, as I hope I’ve sufficiently established here, it’s not.

At less-than-minimum, I’d love to see the less familial interpretation of Miles’ relationship with Manfred and Franziska explored more. Since this isn’t supposed to be analyzing their entire dynamic I’ll be less in-depth here, but for starters he’s a couple areas of interest.

1. Franziska’s issues as laid out in the airport scene. For example:
   1. Miles—her father’s other pupil, the only person who could come close to understanding what she’s going through—doesn’t understand what it means to be Manfred von Karma’s child because, despite all their commonalities, he never was. In that regard, Franziska is alone.

   2. Franziska’s abandonment issues. She specifically complains about how Miles has “always left [her] alone and walked on ahead without [her]” (italics added by me) which implies that the issue runs deeper than his last year of disappearance or recent (to her) character growth. In my opinion, part of the issue is that Franziska initially seems more invested in their relationship than Miles. For example, in Justice For All and Turnabout Reminiscence, she fosters a very one-sided need to beat Miles, and on a meta-level Franziska is very much defined by her relationship with Edgeworth in Justice For All while Edgeworth never mentioned her existence (to Phoenix) at all in his debut game.

      Miles’ refusal to call her anything implying they’re family fits into this pattern—Franziska’s insistence that they’re sibling-like implies a close relationship and a level of unbreakable connection, because regardless of what they’ve gone through a sibling is still a sibling. It’s a way to claim her connection to Miles. Meanwhile, it’d be incredibly easy for her to read Miles’ lack of reciprocation as an implicit rejection of that connection, yet another way he doesn’t seem to care as much as she does

2. How Manfred took Edgeworth in but didn’t fully claim him as his own son, keeping Miles at a distance—This is consistent with the very formal way they refer to each other in Turnabout Reminiscence , with Miles referring to Manfred as “Mr. von Karma” and addressing him as “Sir” while Manfred addresses Miles as “Edgeworth.” (You know, Edgeworth, the same last name as the defense attorney he killed, which could mean nothing.)

More generally, I think there’s a lot of nuance in how Manfred, Miles, and Franziska refer to each other that gets overlooked by the fandom. Even if you subscribe to the belief that Miles does see Franziska as his sister, for example, it comes with the caveat that he doesn’t say it, even to himself, in canon. You could ignore this and have him easily refer to Franziska as his sister, or you could ask why? (Is he just that emotionally constipated? Has he not consciously figured it out himself? Perhaps he was reluctant to claim new family after his father’s death out of fear of change or losing another family member, or perhaps Miles avoided referring to Franziska that way because he feared Manfred would disapprove and the habit stuck.) There’s so much room for fun speculation and analysis on that alone yet I rarely see it discussed because so much of the analysis on Miles and Franziska focuses on the “Look! Siblings!” angle rather than digging into the nuances of how they define their relationship.

Basically I think the relationship between Manfred, Miles, and Franziska is really neat under this angle, and wish I got to see it more.