Yoruichi Toyama had a vague recollection of the name "Hashi Akatsuki," but couldn't quite place it.
Karuizawa's Grape Museum is not entirely unfamiliar, but it's not as well-known as places like Rokkaku Village, Madame Tussauds, or Lucia Museum.
Kotaro couldn't be of much help with the events on Kindaichi's side.
Who should we criticize?
Having become the spokesperson for the detective agency... Oh, the spokesperson cat Taro rolled his eyes in dissatisfaction.
Yoruichi Toyama pretended not to see it and opened the envelope signed by Akatsuki Kajiya.
The first thing that fell out was a check.
It wasn't exactly blank, but the string of zeros in the Arabic numerals was still a bit glaring.
"This is... 1 million?" As expected of someone who had worked in a bank, Miyano Akemi counted it out at a glance.
The letter simply stated:
"Dear Detective:
I sincerely request that you come to the Grape Pavilion to investigate the truth behind the death of the master, Mr. Fire Sacrifice Azure Dragon.
As a necessary upfront payment, a 20% commission fee has been enclosed.
We look forward to your arrival.
"Fire Sacrifice Dawn"
Apart from that, there was nothing else tucked into the envelope. Yoruichi couldn't help but scratch her head.
"I don't think detective cases are supposed to be like this..."
However, Boss Mao became even more excited.
"Oh, a murder case!"
"Our detective agency is truly remarkable; we've only just opened and we've already landed a case like this!"
"Mr. Yuanshan, Ms. Lin, were you particularly famous before?"
Yoruichi Toyama, who was still struggling with her thoughts, almost choked on those words.
You could say Lynn Minmay is famous, that's true, she's famous for Macross!
Apart from that, both she and Yoruichi Toyama have always been extremely low-key.
And this "Black Cat Detective Agency" is probably only registered with Officer Furuya.
"Oh right, Gao Yuanyao..."
Yoruichi Toyama picked up the envelope written by the puppeteer again and examined it closely.
This was not a commission given to the detective agency, and it had nothing to do with the distillery.
This was a private invitation from Gao Yuanyao.
After all, for Takato, his feelings towards Yoruichi Toyama were definitely different from those towards his old friend Hajime-chan; he probably felt more disgust.
According to a certain phantom thief who has yet to appear, if criminals like them are considered artists, then detectives are merely critics who desperately follow behind.
Kindaichi always solves the mystery only after Takato has completed the murder he planned.
It's less about undermining and more about supporting.
Having designed such bizarre and fantastical puzzles, Takato Yoichi must also be looking forward to the moment when they are completely solved.
And he achieved his goals, including those of the murderer he manipulated.
However, Yoruichi Toyama directly stopped Mogi Toma from committing the crime.
The murderous feast on Golden Island ended abruptly before it even began.
From this perspective, Yoruichi Toyama thought it would be strange if Takato didn't hate her to death.
It's best to avoid involving other people on this trip...
Thinking this, Yoruichi Toyama raised her head, about to speak, when a "ding" came from the door.
"Welcome! This is the Owl Cafe and Black Cat Detective Agency. Would you like something to drink or do you have a case you'd like to investigate?"
Mr. Mao's enthusiastic greetings stunned the people who had just entered, as well as Yoruichi Toyama and Akemi Miyano inside, who remained silent for a long time.
"Uh, boss..."
Yoruichi Toyama had barely managed to utter a sound when she was abruptly interrupted by Mr. Shigeru.
"Mr. Toyama, please don't call me boss anymore, because you are my boss too, aren't you?"
"Just call me by my name."
I really don't understand where this guy's enthusiasm for detective work comes from...
Yoruichi Toyama wiped the cold sweat from her forehead in embarrassment and coughed.
"Um, Mr. Mao, didn't your welcoming remarks... seem a little out of place?"
"Really? I feel like everything is going smoothly!"
"Let's not put them together," Miyano Akemi stepped in to smooth things over. "After all, people who come to see a detective will tell us on their own."
"Guests who are simply here for leisure might find it troublesome to get involved with a detective."
"What do you think, Mr. Akechi?"
After all three people in the store finally turned their attention to him, Mingzhi walked up gracefully with a shimmering silhouette.
“I think Miss Lin makes a good point.”
"But there are always some people who don't mind the trouble."
He smiled as he looked at the words on the glass door of the inner room, and raised an eyebrow slightly when he saw the last line.
"I've come here today to invite the members of the Black Cat Detective Agency to meet with our colleagues in the First Investigation Division, so that it will be easier to exchange information in the future."
"But do you have three members now?..."
Understanding the implication in his words, Boss Mao volunteered to raise his hand: "I, I'm just filling in the numbers. If Mr. Yuanshan and Ms. Lin are both out, I can help receive the mail or something."
"Don't count me in socializing; I have to mind the shop."
Although Yoruichi Toyama and Akemi Miyano felt somewhat guilty, that was the truth.
The relationship between the two of them and the police, especially the public security department, was something that Boss Mao was unaware of, and it was impossible for him to know.
And Mingzhi's visit this time was clearly not solely out of personal desire.
Without the approval of a higher level within the Metropolitan Police Department, it would be highly unlikely that such a high-profile police-civilian interaction could take place.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
