“Since, legally and ethically speaking, Ms. Akai Mary is indeed your aunt, and I am, as your acknowledged ‘most important relative’ and ‘husband’…”

He paused deliberately, pleased to see Akemi's cheeks flush, while Ai awkwardly looked away but did not object.

"...So, both out of courtesy and reason, shouldn't I take the initiative to pay a visit to this 'aunt' I've never met before?"

Yuzuru's smile grew even brighter.

"After all, it's not proper for us juniors to keep our elders worrying from the shadows and even send their daughters to test them."

"Let me, the 'future nephew-in-law,' personally go and give a proper 'visit' to our aunt who has turned into a young girl."

"It'll put her mind at ease."

It's definitely not that he wanted to see some blonde, blue-eyed little girl.

He, Yuzuru Hanyu, is definitely not that kind of person.

Hearing her young master's "wise and righteous" words, Akemi couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, her eyes sparkling: "Then... I'll go and prepare some gifts for Young Master Yuzuru to visit his elders."

Ai jumped off the sofa, straightened her clothes which had been crumpled by someone, glanced at Yuzuru, and said in a calm tone, "Don't go too far."

She knew very well that this guy's so-called "visit" was definitely not just about drinking tea and chatting.

Moreover, she had a bad feeling.

My aunt, who suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and her daughter, who doesn't seem very bright, could be a big problem.

Yuu Nan smiled and ruffled Ai's hair, earning her a disgruntled glare in return: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I'm just going to have a good 'chat' with our 'aunts' and, by the way... see if I can help them with their 'minor' health issues."

His smile grew even deeper.

After all, we're family, so helping each other is only right.

As for the "cost" of helping...

That depends on the attitude of this "aunt" and whether she knows what's good for her.

He, Yuzuru Hanyu, is very "reasonable".

...

Meanwhile, in a suite at the Mihana Grand Hotel.

Mary Akai and Masumi Sera, a mother and daughter with very different art styles, are gathering together to compile their respective information.

Sera Masumi had a smug look on her face. Although she had been humiliated by Hanyu Nana, she had gotten her revenge on another target today—the brown-haired loli Ai Haibara!

"Mom, I have something to tell you!"

Sera Masumi sat cross-legged on the bed, gesturing excitedly, "I'm now 100% certain that the little girl named Ai Haibara is definitely not an ordinary child!"

Mary Akai, without looking up from her computer screen, said, "Be more specific."

"Her behavior at the crime scene at Beika Department Store today was so unusual!" Sera Masumi recalled the details, her eyes shining. "Faced with that chaotic scene, ordinary children would either be scared or curious, but she... was too calm."

She paused for a moment: "Moreover, I deliberately deduced the case quickly in front of her and Edogawa, and solved the case before that little detective. Edogawa looked unconvinced and surprised, but Ai Haibara... her eyes looked at me with more scrutiny and vigilance than surprise."

Listening to the information her daughter had gathered, Mary Akai slid her finger across the touchpad and pulled up a blurry but clearly discernible photo—a profile of Akemi Miyano shopping at a supermarket, which she had obtained through special channels.

She looked at the face in the photo, which bore a resemblance to her sister Elena but was more gentle and resilient, and a complex emotion flashed in her azure eyes.

There was relief that her sister's bloodline had been continued, heartache for what her niece had gone through over the years, and deep doubt about the current situation.

"Um."

Mary Akai responded softly, confirming her daughter's judgment. "It's basically certain that Ai Haibara is your aunt Elena's youngest daughter, Shiho Miyano, who, like us, is a victim of that drug."

Her voice was calm, but her inner thoughts were far from it.

Finding her sister's daughter should have been an exciting event, but the current complex situation required her to remain absolutely rational and calm, and not to act on emotion in the slightest.

"Right, right! I told you I was amazing!"

Sera Masumi was even more pleased with herself after receiving her mother's approval.

Mary Akai glanced at her and poured cold water on her enthusiasm: "So, during the contact, you didn't reveal your identity or intentions, did you?"

"Of course not!"

Sera Masumi puffed out her flat chest, full of confidence, "Who do you think you are? I am, after all, the daughter of a special agent. I have the ability to gather intelligence and hide my identity. I am very good at disguising myself. I am just a kind-hearted young woman who happens to pass by, likes to deduce, and is a bit cool."

She selectively forgot the painful experience of almost revealing the color of her mother's underwear in front of Yuzuru Hanyu.

Looking at her "praise me" expression, Mary Akai sighed inwardly.

With your loud and boisterous manner, and the fact that your thoughts are all written on your face, the only reason you haven't been exposed is because the other person doesn't want to call you out yet...

"That's good."

On the surface, Mary Akai maintained her composure, not wanting to dampen her daughter's meager enthusiasm. "Continue to observe, don't act rashly, especially don't easily approach that Nanami Hanyu. We know too little about him yet, and this person... is very dangerous."

She spoke the last three words with particular solemnity.

Mary Akai is becoming increasingly curious about the boy's identity, and even feels a little apprehensive.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!