Chapter 36: You Will Regret This

"Investigating me? Why?"

"Oh, just checking to see if I've committed murder? That's fine, but don't go poking into anything else."

"Still, the Metropolitan Police Department is terribly rude. Do they not even notify me before launching an investigation?"

Masakazu set the phone down, feeling somewhat disgruntled. It was truly impolite; to investigate whether I've committed murder without a single word of notice, especially after I’ve been so cooperative with the police department’s work in the past. Still, if it’s only about checking for murder, there’s nothing to worry about. My hands are clean.

"Ai, come out and play with me tomorrow," Masakazu shouted toward the upstairs floor.

"No, I have plans to meet a classmate."

"Oh? My little Ai actually knows how to make plans with classmates now?" Masakazu asked, sounding surprised.

Ai sat on her bed, soaking her feet in a basin. She had realized that she couldn't spend too much time around Masakazu. Once people grow close, it’s easy to develop feelings, and that would interfere with her desire for revenge. Therefore, to ensure she didn't dull the edge of her blade, she had to avoid contact with him in the future. She thought of Ran, that girl with the superhuman strength and karate skills. If she could study under Ran and master that terrifying martial art, she might actually succeed in her vendetta.

The next morning, Ai and Masakazu went their separate ways. After having Yuko drive Ai to meet her classmate, Masakazu drove off to meet his own friends. His car arrived at a bustling wedding ceremony.

"Long time no see, Masakazu."

"Long time no see, Toshihiko." Masakazu greeted the man before him. After they shared a brief embrace, Masakazu added, "I won't be giving you a gift for this wedding, but I'll make it up to you next time."

"What are you joking about? I only plan on getting married this one time," Toshihiko Takasugi replied.

"Who can say what will happen in the future?" Masakazu remarked.

"You're really something, still just as fond of jokes as before." Toshihiko patted Masakazu on the shoulder and led him into the wedding venue.

While walking, Masakazu suddenly asked, "Where is your father-in-law? He’s been secretly investigating whether I’ve committed murder lately, and he didn't even notify me in advance. It’s very rude."

"My father-in-law might be busy with other guests," Toshihiko said. "As for that investigation, don't let it weigh on you. How could you possibly be a murderer?" He added, "Besides, my father-in-law isn't particularly fond of me, and I don't have much influence with him."

Masakazu shook his head. "I'll go ask him myself, then."

Today was the wedding of Toshihiko Takasugi, heir to the Takasugi conglomerate, and Sayuri Matsumoto, daughter of Superintendent Kiyonaga Matsumoto. Many scions of wealthy families and members of the Metropolitan Police Department were in attendance. Even the forensic expert, Choso, had come to toast the couple.

"Choso, you’ve only been at the police department for two months, and you’ve already been promoted from patrol officer to sergeant. Your future is limitless."

"Not at all, not at all. It’s just that my superiors value my professional expertise," Choso replied, waving his hand dismissively. As someone who had entered the police academy straight out of a junior college, his rapid promotion in just two months was entirely due to his technical skill.

"Eh? It seems Master Masakazu has come to the wedding as well."

Hearing that familiar name, Choso instinctively straightened his clothes, as if ready to serve Masakazu at a moment's notice. However, Masakazu didn't seem to notice him, remaining occupied with chatting among the groom's circle. They were all children of wealthy families who knew each other well and often congregated at such social events.

One of them asked, "I really don't understand why you're getting married so young, Toshihiko."

"I just feel like I've reached the age where it's time," Toshihiko said, scratching his head.

After chatting with them for a while, Masakazu went off to find Kiyonaga Matsumoto. He wasn't afraid of being investigated for murder because his record was spotless. But if they were digging into other things, that wouldn't do; he needed to ensure Kiyonaga Matsumoto exercised some restraint.

Matsumoto was busy conversing with police personnel. Masakazu gave Choso a nod, and with his introduction, he brushed past Megure’s shoulder and approached Matsumoto.

"Superintendent Matsumoto, I've heard much about you."

"Mr. Masakazu, I have often heard people speak of you as well."

They shook hands. Masakazu's sudden intrusion caused the previous conversation to cease momentarily. Masakazu tilted his head slightly and looked at Matsumoto. "What you’re doing is not according to the rules."

"Mr. Masakazu, we at the Metropolitan Police Department always operate according to the rules," Matsumoto replied. The surrounding officers stood either sternly or in deep thought. The lively wedding scene suddenly developed an area of palpable tension.

Matsumoto continued with rigid formality, "According to regulations, if we receive a report from a citizen, our department is obligated to investigate."

"I have already been investigated many times when those cases occurred. To be investigating me now—I wonder what exactly you are trying to find?" Masakazu asked.

Matsumoto’s gaze was sharp. "We know that being investigated is unpleasant, but I am sorry; this is the duty of our department."

Masakazu smiled. "No, no, Kiyonaga Matsumoto. Just as cleaning a toilet is an unpleasant chore, but the person who cleans the toilet is not unpleasant—you, however, are very unpleasant."

Matsumoto nodded. "You are correct. Just as a person who needs to use the restroom wouldn't dislike the person cleaning it, a person without a stain on their record wouldn't dislike the investigation division."

"Kiyonaga Matsumoto, you will regret this."

"Masakazu!"

Toshihiko walked over in his groom's attire, helping to ease the tense atmosphere. He glanced at his father-in-law and said to Masakazu, "The others are clamoring to see the bride. Would you like to come along and take a look?"

"Sure, I'll go take a look. I'm curious what kind of bride would make you want to marry so young," Masakazu said.

Everyone present visibly breathed a sigh of relief. They had been terrified the two men would come to blows. As Masakazu turned to take his first step, he paused, looking back at Kiyonaga Matsumoto.

"I hope the Superintendent can complete this investigation quickly and clear my name."

"Rest assured, the Metropolitan Police Department will never wrong an innocent man," Matsumoto replied.

Toshihiko pulled Masakazu along. "Come on, let's go. I'll introduce you to Sayuri."

...

Over by the bride’s side, Ran and Sonoko were chatting with Ai and Conan. Ai spoke very little, only chiming in occasionally. When she looked at Conan, a sense of superiority involuntarily flashed in her eyes; to her, a high schooler, the elementary schooler Conan was a world away.

Conan just felt that this little brat was acting far too arrogant.