Chapter 30: The Queen's typical greeting to Conan...

As soon as I went downstairs, Conan's voice came from the speakers.

I’m afraid Dr. Agasa’s house is equipped with a military-grade broadcasting system.

The thousand-year-old pupil arrives late but still. He comes, he comes, bringing cases (and troubles) with him.

"Haibara? Dr. Agasa? It's me, Conan. I have something important to discuss with you."

"Important things" (referring to discovering a new flavor of lemon pie, or a murder next door, or "Sister, the antidote.").

Conan: Hey, Haibara, let me copy your homework (not really).

Danger. Haibara. Danger. There's a "bad woman" in the house.

If you don't open the door, it will be broken. Or it will be kicked open by Conan (Kan learns how to unlock the door).

"Coming," she shouted, and when she reached the door, she turned back into Haibara Ai - precocious, indifferent, and in complete control of everything.

Except for the bedroom, that vixen woman with a thousand faces, and his own uncontrollable heartbeat.

Haibara took a deep breath, adjusted her expression to one of mild annoyance, which was her typical way of greeting Conan, and went to open the door.

She can do it. She's dodged Conan before.

However, she is usually hiding secrets of her own, rather than a dangerous woman with whom she has a complicated history.

Haibara put on an indifferent expression, the queen's standard expression, and opened the door.

"Kudo-kun," she said, leaning against the doorframe in a deliberately casual pose. "What a surprise! Dr. Agasa isn't home. Why am I so honored to have you here? What's the story behind this unexpected surprise?"

Ah, "Hello, dear guest", "An unexpected surprise", tea master Huihara Ai, a sarcastic level 10 scholar.

Subtext: What are you doing here? Are you here to catch... (notice)

Haibara hasn't realized it yet, but because she has been speaking English with Vermouth for a long time, the accent she uses when speaking Japanese to Conan now has a bit of a translation tone.

Blind student, I found the key point. I spoke English with Miss Bei for a long time. Is this some kind of "international friendly in-depth exchange"? (Funny)

Conan: Why does this Japanese have a London accent... No, an American accent?

The boy standing at the doorway wasn't really a boy at all, but a seventeen-year-old detective trapped in a childlike form, something Haibara knew all too well.

Conan's mind raced with thoughts: Time flies, the cherry blossoms in Beika-cho have bloomed for the thirtieth time, and I'm still in this seven-year-old body. It's ironic, as a high school detective with a seventeen-year-old heart, I have to watch Ran and Sonoko flirt with each other every day. I'm already seven. Thirty years have passed since I became small, but no one has aged. Today after school, I followed them again. Sonoko said she was taking Ran to an advance screening of the latest romantic movie, a small private screening secured through privileges granted by the Suzuki Group. The sight of them walking hand in hand through the shopping street... oh, why do I always feel like a superfluous lightbulb? This week, as usual, I've been rushing around taking orders. I've seen twenty people die, the lovely Ayumi-chan kidnapped three more times, and the Black Organization blow up the Suzuki family's new skyscraper. I've become accustomed to this repetitive routine. The streets of Beika-cho remain the same, and the activities of the Junior Detectives remain as perilous as ever. But recently I discovered an interesting phenomenon - Ayumi's attention to Huibara is obviously more than the total attention she pays to me and Mitsuhiko. During every meeting, Ayumi always chooses to sit next to Huibara and secretly prepares snacks for her, which are obviously homemade by herself. Although Huibara appears to be cold on the surface, I noticed that she never refuses Ayumi's kindness and even takes the initiative to help Ayumi adjust her hairband. Really, even elementary school students can read the atmosphere better than a detective like me! Now I dragged my tired body to Huibara's house, ready to discuss the latest case situation, and rang the doorbell for a long time...

His sharp eyes, magnified behind his large glasses, were examining Huibara with the same sharp gaze that had solved countless murders.

Haibara moved to the side, just enough to block his view of the stairs, but not enough to arouse suspicion.

Conan frowned and wiped his glasses with his sleeve: "Kaiyi Bara, where is Dr. Agasa in Osaka?"

"Yes, he's on a business trip," she said, moving aside to let him in. "And I'm perfectly capable of being alone."

Inner thoughts: Go, go, go. There’s a big one upstairs.

Conan threw away his umbrella and walked into the house, his eyes scanning the entrance. He paused and noticed two wet coats hanging by the door - one of which was obviously too big for Haibara.

...High-energy warning. Crucial evidence has emerged.

Grass. Two coats. The evidence is overwhelming, Ai-chan.

Sherlock Conan: "Elementary, my dear Watson (Haibara)!" This coat is not yours.

"What's up with you? Or are you just here to drop rainwater on my floor?"

"I'm not—" Conan sighed and took off his wet shoes: "Ran asked me to bring you some food she cooked. She was worried that you would eat instant noodles when Professor Agasa was not around."

Tool man Conan delivers a letter to Ran (love dinner).

It's Angel Orchid again. Always worrying about other people's stomachs.

"I'm worried that you'll eat instant noodles." The real hurt is... Ai: I think you're implying something.

Conan’s inner thoughts: Actually, I’m also worried that you might be eating instant noodles with some strange person (meaningful).

Hearing him mention Xiaolan, Huiyuan's expression softened. She took the lunch box and said sincerely, "Tell her thank you for me."

When it comes to Lan, Ai-chan's gentleness can no longer be hidden.

QAQ Such a touching Ke Ailan triangle (friendship only).

Only the loving feeding of Dolphin Orchid can melt the heart of the Iceberg Queen.

"The doctor had a meeting in Osaka tonight. It was about robotic systems. I stopped listening after he mentioned incorporating an ice cream vending machine into his latest invention."

Conan snorted, and the shadow of Kudo Shinichi flashed for a second beneath his boyish appearance.

"Sounds good." He paused and sniffed the air. "Did you make tea?"

CONAN: I'm going to start my show, starting with something simple.

Subtext: Something is wrong in this family.

Huibara's heartbeat quickened. "Yes. Do you want some? I was just reviewing some research notes."

She led him towards the kitchen, out of the hallway, away from the key areas, her bedroom, and Vermouth.

Ai-chan: Yes. (Inner thoughts: Yes, I have a movie queen with a thousand faces hidden in my house, are you afraid?)

Oh my god, is this a live broadcast of catching a cheating couple... no, a live broadcast of a good thing being exposed?

As she walked towards the kitchen, Haibara casually picked up Vermouth's teacup and put it in the sink before Conan's laser eyes, which had been invincible in more than 1,000 episodes of the show, noticed it.

Her movements were smooth and practiced—these were skills she had inherited from her time in the organization, where erasing evidence became second nature.

Conan's sharp eyes immediately caught her slightly flushed cheeks and tense shoulders: "Were you running just now? Your heart rate is elevated."

Here it comes. The insight of a famous detective. The remote heartbeat monitoring device is confirmed.

Holmes Edogawa is online: "Have you been to Afghanistan recently?" Same observation skills.

Oh~ Did you do some kind of "exercise" that made your face blush and your heart beat faster? (Funny again)

CONAN: I smell gossip.

Of course he would notice. A detective never misses a detail. There is only one truth. (BGM starts)

Ding Dong, multiple choice questions.

Conan has already discovered two wet coats and an unknown tea scent. His detective intuition tells him that things are not simple. At this moment, Kudo Shinichi's biggest inner OS may be:

A. Who did Haibara learn that "translator's accent" from? Why is she so heavily accented in London? Is she probably watching Sherlock Holmes?

B. The doctor's not home, so she's "doing experiments" alone? Her face is flushed and her heart is beating fast. Could the experiment be on... some new type of explosive? (Detective's crisis warning)

C. That wet coat at the door clearly doesn't belong to Huibara...it feels nice, could it be Akai Shuichi's? (Persecution delusion arrives late but not yet)

D. Why is Huibara's face as red as a boiled shrimp today, and her heart rate so high? Combined with that mysterious coat and the scent of tea... could this be a prank by the Rice Krispie Ghost? (A moment of superstition from a materialistic detective)

"I'm doing an experiment," she lied calmly. "Time is sensitive. What do you want?"

Shirley, your mental strength is not to be underestimated.

"Time-sensitive experiment," does that mean the countdown to our time together?

Ai: The experiment code name is "APTX-4869 Romance".

Conan adjusted his glasses, a classic gesture. It was a habit he'd developed whenever he had something important to say: "I need your help with something."

Huihara, on the other hand, was scheming to get him away from the upstairs. Her brain was racing. This was textbook crisis management.

Ai: As long as I operate properly, Conan won’t be able to find the blonde beauty upstairs (flag).

For safety reasons, it is best to ensure that Conan is active on the first floor.

A game of high IQ.

Ai: Instead of letting you wander around by yourself, I might as well take you on a "tour" (avoid restricted areas).

It's easy to say that Conan is the strongest elementary school detective in Beika Town. Many murderers have failed.

Is this a case of inviting a wolf into the house or inviting someone into a trap?

First bet on someone to get himself into trouble (and then watch the show).

Moreover, Vermouth heard it clearly upstairs: This kid’s acting skills are not good.

Conan, what should we do now?

A. Pretend not to see the adult coat and turn away.

B. Start looking for "clues" in the room, leaving no corner untouched.

C. Ask Xiaolan to call and tell her that the hotpot is not enough and Huibara should go to eat it himself.

D. Silently note the brand of the jacket and prepare to use image recognition to find records of Vermouth's appearance.

There is no easter egg if you answer correctly, but if you answer incorrectly, Bayonetta will treat you to a whiskey.

Science in love is more dangerous than an exploding popcorn Ferris wheel.

"Hey, why does your house smell like roses today?"

Hey, you have a wild man... oh no, a wild woman in your house? And her taste is quite Shakespearean.

Huiyuan was stunned. She thought to herself, "Oh no!"

That woman who has to wear perfume 24/7 is so annoying.

Conan frowned and sniffed it carefully again: "Dr. Agasa, are you using Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet perfume recently?"

Critical hit. What kind of radar is Kudo's nose equipped with? He can even smell the specific model.

When did Dr. Wang become a beauty blogger? And even uses Chanel Velvet? The picture is too beautiful to look at, hahahaha.

"This is mine."

The Queen spoke. Simple, direct, and domineering, her "cool sister mode" activated.

As soon as Miyano Shiho opened her mouth, the temperature of the whole rice popcorn probably dropped by five degrees.

Ai: Yes, it is me, the exquisite pig girl (bushi).

Her fragrance, her person, her whole world.

Doctor: I finally don’t have to take the blame anymore. I’m touched.

Conan: ??? (Pupils tremble)

"You, when did you start wearing perfume to school?"

The straight man spoke, late but late.

Oh my, why can't elementary school students smell good? Do you understand the fun of life?

"Ever since I decided to experiment with perfume," she said coldly, "I'm technically nineteen, Kudo-kun. Or have you forgotten that we're not all just playing childish games?"

With the gun loaded, Huibara fired. Slaying everyone.

Subtext: I am an adult now, so what's wrong with using some perfume?

This statement is like a queen with an aura of two meters and eight. It implies that she has more "adult" pursuits and life (referring to the extreme tug-of-war with Sister Bayonetta).

Seventeen-year-old Kudo Shinichi: I felt offended, but I couldn't refute it.

"Perfume experiment", um, is the research subject some "charming and dangerous" creature? (Laughing sideways)

Conan was stunned for a moment, then his expression softened. "Sorry. You're right. I'm just... a little nervous lately."

Wow, you actually apologized. You have a strong desire to survive, washing machine.

After all, I was in the wrong and I was also "playing child's games".

Conan: This woman is a little different today, I need to take a closer look.

My inner comments flooded my screen again: Another peaceful day... I bet you're not! The Black Organization is still operating in secret, and my partner, Ai Haibara, maintains that aloof scientist facade. But lately, I've noticed she's been paying attention to some strange things—like Ran's skincare brand, the shojo magazines Sonoko recommends, and even secretly bought pink hairpins. Whenever I question her, she deadpans that it's to "better fit in as an elementary school student." Come on, what elementary school kid would be researching the chemical composition of cosmetics late at night? After finishing my latest case today, I decided to head over to her house to find out. I rang the doorbell and waited for ages, but no one answered. Just as I was about to climb through the window, she opened the door. Was she secretly conducting some experiment she didn't want to tell me? There were adult clothes at the door, clearly not Dr. Agasa's. Did she ask a researcher from some university for help? Why do I feel like she's keeping so much from me?

Huiyuan started to make tea: "Is there any special reason why you came here in the rain?"

A deft skill in changing the subject. Ai-chan's tea ceremony is elegant and timeless. It's just that the Japanese still has a hint of English translation. Vermouth's subconscious intrusion is so deep.

Inner thoughts: He won’t find out anything, right? (Pretending to be calm)

What is being brewed is tea, what is being stabilized is the market.

"Teacher Judy mentioned that the organization is launching an operation against FBI undercover agents. There is nothing specific, just some fragmentary details." Conan took the new cup she handed over.

Behind the details, there is usually a foreshadowing of a loud howl.

And obviously, Judy didn't tell him in detail. You know, Gin has already gathered a large team to start clearing out the FBI's undercover agents within the organization.

The source of all this is that Vermouth easily obtained the FBI's undercover list from the insurance company.

Huibara thought about how the list was leaked and couldn't help rolling her eyes again.

She suppressed the urge to complain and glanced at the clock with a cold look: "Kudo-kun, do you need anything special? I'm doing an experiment."

Watching the clock? Rushing for a date, Ai-chan? And that "annoying" American tourist?

Haibara: Stop the flattery and get to the point. Don’t delay my “sweet experiment”.

For Haihara, experiment > detective > Kudo = no way out.

"Are you okay?" Conan asked, noticing her hesitation.

Conan: There's something wrong with you. (Detective's Intuition.gif) An elementary school student's insight is terrifying.

Chinese Translation: Your micro-expressions betray you. Tell me, what are you hiding from me? Are you researching the antidote for APTX4869 again and accidentally blowing up the kitchen?

"Okay." Huibara quickly recovered. "I just remembered that there's something left unturned in the lab. The tea can wait. What on earth did you come to see me for?"

The universal laboratory. Ai-chan's classic excuse never gets outdated.

Chinese translation: I'm feeling very confused right now and need some quiet time. Please get to the point and get out of here.

"Tea can wait" - Subtext: My tea is for someone special, not you, a light bulb. (Tsundere face)

However, this sentence is not usually expressed in Japanese, and it is a common expression in English, such as "Tea can wait".

After talking with Vermouth in English for several hours, even the Japanese words were lost.

But after all, Haibara's mother tongue and thinking mode may still be more English-oriented, because it is Elena Miyano's mother tongue, and she studied in the United States.

At this moment, forcibly changing the subject was a perfect move. A textbook example of perfunctory behavior.

Conan took out his phone and showed her some photos.

Toolman Conan is online. He enters work mode in a second. As expected of you, a case magnet.

Conan: Look, this is the "beautiful view" I took for you. (Pointing to the crime scene)

"These photos were taken at the Tanaka murder scene last week. I thought you could take a look at some of the contents of the toxicology report. The structure of the compound is a bit strange, and I think you might be able to identify it."

Chinese translation: Haiyi Bala, use your genius brain to think of a solution.

Is this another "strange compound"? A new drug? Or is it just a simple intractable disease? Ai-chan: It's so hard for me.

Elementary school students are seriously discussing toxicology. The scene is so beautiful that I dare not watch it.

Haibara suppressed a sigh, "That's really interesting. But maybe we can talk about this tomorrow? I was getting ready to take a shower when you came."

Ai-chan: Interesting... (no emotion at all, even wanting to hit someone).

"I'm just about to take a shower." Expulsion order max. The hint is obvious enough, isn't it? A drum washing machine.

Chinese translation: I am about to fall in love with my beautiful sister, so you better get out of here. (Of course this is a good wish)

Ai-chan's sigh is a mixed duet of "This little washing machine is so annoying" and "Sister Bayonet is still waiting for me in the bedroom."

Conan frowned slightly, looking puzzled: "We haven't eaten yet, why did you take a shower so early?"

Conan: I know your schedule very well. Something is wrong. You must be hiding something from me. (Detective's question)

Chinese Translation: According to your biological clock, shouldn't you be reading fashion magazines or complaining about the 8 o'clock show at this time?

"Because I got caught in the rain this afternoon and didn't want to catch a cold." Huiyuan replied calmly: "Unlike some people, I don't have a caring sister who takes care of me meticulously when I'm sick."

Ai-chan's counterattack was quick, accurate, and ruthless, hitting Conan (Kudo) right where he felt the most pain.

This sentence is full of information and extremely sour. Xiaolan wanted to give it a thumbs up after hearing it.

Chinese translation: Unlike you, a young master, who has his childhood sweetheart to ask about his well-being when he catches a cold, I can only be beautiful alone (and stay close to Miss Bayonetta).

Kudo Shinichi's reputation was damaged. Yukiko and Ran sneezed at the same time.

A hint of guilt crossed Conan's face—just as Haibara had expected.

You feel guilty. You feel you've been manipulated. Elementary school student. (Pointing)

Ai-chan: The plan works.

Conan: Uh... (I can't refute it. After all, I have become smaller and have enjoyed a lot of "special care" from Xiaolan.)

"If something happens, if you're in trouble, you'll tell me, right?"

Conan asked sincerely.

The little detective's intuition was still sharp, and he sensed Ai-chan's uneasiness and concealment.

The sincerity in his tone made Huibara feel a little regretful.

Do you regret lying to him, or do you regret making things so complicated?

"Of course," she lied. "We're companions, right? What do you want to talk about? Can you finish it in ten minutes?"

Chinese translation: I'll give you ten minutes. After you finish your instructions, leave immediately. My sweet home is waiting for you.

In Japanese, the classic word for friendship is "Nagama". Sometimes it means the trust of fighting side by side, and sometimes it means the shackles of carrying secrets together.

However, when new ties emerge, the balance begins to sway.

Conan smiled and took out the materials.

Conan: Yeah. I managed to get ten minutes. Ai-chan still loves me. (Detective's confidence)

The naive (not so) detective was fooled just like that.

Haibara nodded, focusing her attention on Conan instead of thinking about what Vermouth would be doing in her bedroom.

She was thinking, she was thinking. She wondered if Sister Bei was going through her closet/studying her makeup/or… (Imagination prohibited.)

What is Vermouth most likely doing in the bedroom at this moment?

A. Put on makeup elegantly and prepare to give the kitten a "surprise".

B. Search through boxes and drawers to find the hidden information of APTX4869, and by the way, "borrow" a collector's edition T-shirt from Ai-chan.

C. Lie on Ai-chan's bed, covered with a quilt (only), and pretend to be a "surprise gift".

D. All of the above are possible. After all, she is a multi-faceted actress and her acting is amazing.

The budding of love is often accompanied by the growth of secrets. When a person begins to lie to their closest "accomplices" for the sake of another person, it is not the prelude to betrayal, but the prelude to the quiet tilt of the balance of the heart.

Lies are a dangerous tightrope. Those who walk on it may fall into the abyss or reach the gentle land on the other side. (Forced philosophical sweetness)

"Is there anything in particular that caught your attention?"

"The analysis results show that no trace of the synthetic compound can be found in the standard database." Conan explained, his childish voice in stark contrast to the professional terminology.

A classic example of contrast. A face of an elementary school student, a mouth of a doctor. A childish voice, an explosion of knowledge—this is science.

Don't underestimate him because he is small. He knows a lot and his study at Hawaii Technical School was not in vain.

Has the organization finally confirmed the discovery of a new drug? Or is it just another unconventional scientist's trick?

At this moment, a slight creaking sound came from the corridor, and Huibara's heart skipped a beat.

Here it comes. The classic heart-pounding segment of catching an adulterer (not really).

Huibara's guilty look shows that she is both guilty and expectant.

She quickly reached for the kettle, making unnecessary noises on the countertop to mask the sound.

Wow, look at this skilled screen move, it's obvious that he's a repeat offender. (dog head)

Was this sound a trick for Conan, or a signal to the sister upstairs? "I'm trying my best to cover for you, come on and praise me."

"Sorry," she said awkwardly. "I haven't gotten much sleep. Stayed in the lab late."

Aloof Queen Ai, when did you ever need to "play" clumsy? It's all because of some unspeakable secret. This excuse is so flawed, if only Conan had a bit of brains... well, he does. He's the protagonist, after all.

Conan narrowed his eyes slightly: "It's four o'clock in the afternoon."

The elementary school student detective goes online to fight counterfeiting. Conan's sharp eyes seem to say: "Do you think I'm stupid?"

"Some of us have very irregular sleep schedules," Huibara replied dryly, carefully pouring hot water into a cup to hide her evasive gaze. "Not everyone is forced to go to bed on time by those overly maternal teenagers."

Xiaolan's reputation was damaged. Huiyuan's AOE not only dragged down Conan, but also showed off the "freedom" of "us adults". The subtext was: It's not like you high school kids playing house.

This sarcasm really worked, and Conan's suspicion immediately turned into a little defensiveness: "Ran is just looking out for me. I mean, looking out for Conan."

The elementary school student was furious. Haibara, her skill in changing the subject was max.

"Of course," Huibara said, blowing gently on her tea. "How's life as Japan's shortest detective? Have you foiled any international criminals' spectacular plots lately?"

Another creaking sound came from the corridor, louder this time.