Upon hearing Ichiro's suggestion, Yamagishi Eiichi paused and asked, "The Mouri Detective Agency?"
The agency was right across the street from Ichiro's home. Yamagishi had noticed it when he came over—after all, as the manager of a top idol, he had to be careful with his movements, especially at such a sensitive time.
Hiring a detective had crossed his mind, but Mouri Kogoro was never on his list. Right now, Mouri wasn't famous at all.
"That's right. Mouri Kogoro used to be a police officer. For unknown reasons, he left the Metropolitan Police Department and now runs his own agency," Ichiro explained briefly.
"So, in other words, he was fired from the force. Can a man like that really make a good detective?" Yamagishi asked with some doubt.
"I can give you another bit of information—Kudou Shinichi, the famous high school detective, has close ties with the Mouri family."
"Are you saying Kudou Shinichi's success might be thanks to Mouri Kogoro's guidance?" Yamagishi asked.
Ichiro didn't respond. The truth was entirely different—Shinichi's fame came from his natural detective instincts and the guidance of his father, mystery novelist Kudou Yuusaku. Mouri Kogoro had nothing to do with it.
Yamagishi took Ichiro's silence as confirmation, feeling pleased with himself. "Thank you for the advice, Takayanagi-san." He gave a respectful bow before leaving.
Once Yamagishi was gone, Ichiro got back to work, reviewing which debtors couldn't repay but had assets he wanted. By the time he finished, it was already afternoon.
The phone rang.
"Hello, this is Takayanagi Ichiro."
"Ichiro, your uncle is sick. This time it seems serious. When can you come back?"
"Uncle Musashi has fallen 'seriously ill' at least eight or ten times before. Every time I return, I find him already recovered," Ichiro said flatly. "If he's just trying to test me again, tell him there's no need. I'm doing fine here, and isn't Koji still at the main house to take care of him?"
Before the woman on the other end could speak again, Ichiro hung up.
In the past, he might have gone back, but he was no longer the same Takayanagi Ichiro. With the loan system, life in Tokyo was easy and comfortable—there was no need to return.
And that old man often faked illness just to test his "filial piety." Ichiro had no intention of playing along.
As the sun set, the doorbell rang.
Expecting another borrower, Ichiro opened the door—only to be momentarily taken aback. Standing there was a woman, hat pulled low, her tall, elegant figure suggesting she was a true beauty.
"Takayanagi-san? I'm Yoko Okino. I came to thank you," she said, lifting her head.
Yoko Okino herself? Ichiro was surprised. He had only suggested her manager, Yamagishi Eiichi, go to Mouri Kogoro. Now, Yoko was here in person to express gratitude.
"That's me. If you don't mind, please come in," Ichiro said, letting her inside. Her manager followed.
"Tea or coffee?" Ichiro asked. With Yoko here, he was willing to offer more than just plain water.
"Coffee," Yamagishi said first.
"Tea," Yoko said from behind him.
Hearing her choice, Yamagishi quickly changed his order. "Make mine tea as well." He didn't want to trouble their creditor unnecessarily.
Ichiro brewed two cups of tea and set them before them. "So, Yoko-san, what brings you here to thank me?"
"First, for lending money to my manager so he could handle the media on my behalf. Second, for recommending a capable detective."
"A capable detective? You mean Mouri Kogoro? Your matter's already resolved?" Ichiro raised an eyebrow. If he wasn't mistaken, Yoko's case had involved a death. He'd only recommended Mouri that morning, and by evening it was already solved?
(End of Chapter)
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