As the flashlight's beam poured in, the intricate patterns on the egg seemed to come alive, radiating dazzling golden light.
The outer red egg glowed faintly, gradually turning transparent, revealing the green egg within.
But the Suzuki family's Memory Egg didn't hold its form for long.
Soon, it too became transparent.
The group watched as the pure gold model of the Romanov family, gleaming softly, slowly rose inside.
"The egg's interior is special, with a light sensor mechanism," Officer Shiratori explained to the group.
As the emperor, seated at the center of his wife and children, opened the book in his hands, it was as if a switch had been flipped.
The beam of light bounced off a series of tiny mirrors inside, finally converging on the largest piece of glass at the top of the red egg.
In an instant, it shone brighter than any diamond.
"What's happening?!" Uncle Maori gaped at the beams of light bursting from the glass, his expression exaggerated.
What kind of genius made this thing?
On the domed ceiling, vivid images unfolded before the group, pulling them into the scene.
"These are… photos of the Romanov family…" Shiroev Chinnikov, the burly Russian, was so stunned he could barely speak.
Even Tsuneo, who'd had some mental preparation, stood mouth agape at the sight.
This was truly the most precious gift!
It wasn't just the egg—the chamber's walls had been meticulously designed. A single miscalculation in angle or smoothness would've ruined the effect.
"So what they're looking at inside the egg isn't a book," Uncle Maori said, craning his neck.
"It's a photo album," Ran nodded, her gaze unwavering.
"That's why it's called the Memory Egg," Conan said, smiling with satisfaction.
Only now, fully assembled, did the Memory Egg reveal its true nature.
Sadly, the Romanov family never got to receive this memory.
"Miss Natsumi, your great-grandfather was truly the Magician of the Century's End!" Uncle Maori praised sincerely. "This is just incredible!"
Kosaka Natsumi smiled. "My great-grandfather would be thrilled to hear that."
Conan pointed at one of the photos. "Miss Natsumi, that's your great-grandfather, right?"
"And the person sitting beside him…"
They'd seen a photo of Mr. Kiichi in the castle, but it didn't include Natsumi's great-grandmother.
Natsumi peered closely. "You're right! That must be my great-grandmother!"
Finally, she'd seen her.
Her great-grandmother had passed holding onto these memories.
"That photo was taken after returning to Japan. Mr. Kiichi must've added it later," the old butler said, nodding, lost in recollection.
This person…
Conan compared Natsumi's great-grandmother to the photos of the Romanov princesses.
One of them looked strikingly similar.
Almost identical, even…
A few minutes later, the light faded, and the Memory Egg returned to its ordinary state, showing no trace of its magic.
Shiroev Chinnikov picked up the Memory Egg and turned to Natsumi. "This egg is Mr. Kiichi's—no, Japan's great heritage. The Russian government has decided to relinquish all claims to it."
"It'll hold more value in your hands."
From his tone, it was clear he had the authority to make such calls.
Natsumi took the egg with both hands. "Thank you so much."
"Thief," Tsuneo muttered, sticking to his earlier opinion.
Wasn't that egg just taken from her great-grandmother's embrace?
"Technically, it was made by Mr. Kiichi for the Russian royal family," Ai said flatly.
Saying pretty words is nice enough.
Don't think it's yours just because it means something to you—it goes to whoever's got the bigger fist.
"Haibara's saying weird stuff again…" The three kids exchanged confused glances.
At the center of the crowd, Uncle Maori started showing off.
"I'll talk to President Suzuki. I'm sure he'll understand."
Those familiar with the president, including Tsuneo, knew this wouldn't be hard.
Eight hundred million yen? Compared to this beauty and meaning, that man wouldn't even blink…
"Rasputin's photo didn't show up," Ai suddenly said as Conan, searching for the missing Shoichi Inui, passed by.
"That's odd. He was close to the imperial family, and I saw a photo of him with Mr. Kiichi in the castle," Conan said, a smile creeping onto his face.
I've figured out a lot.
But where'd that art dealer run off to?
Hunting treasure alone again?
Not afraid of getting skewered by one of Mr. Kiichi's traps?
"Well, everything's ended happily!" Uncle Maori declared, striking his classic hands-on-hips pose with a hearty laugh.
In the darkness, a powerful arm suddenly slammed into a woman's shoulder, while another hand clamped over her mouth and nose.
The woman, arms dangling, had no chance to scream.
The attacker was clearly seasoned.
"Shh!"
Her face twisted in terror as she tried to turn, but breathing grew harder. Instinctively, she reached with her free hand to claw at the palm over her face.
"Were you trying to pull a gun?" the hand's owner asked in a low voice, swiftly kicking her legs twice.
She staggered, but her other hand was quickly seized.
That hand was like a vice—twisting and bending, making her forehead bead with sweat.
Skilled. Too damn skilled!
How many people had this guy taken down to master this?
In mere seconds, he'd predicted her every move.
Precise, ruthless, efficient.
She struggled violently, slamming her head backward.
I can't get caught like this—I have to escape!
No, if this keeps up, I'll die!
"To thank the Magician of the Century's End for this performance, I'll make this one a freebie!" Tsuneo yanked her with his left hand, driving his knee into her tailbone.
Their scuffle grew louder, catching the attention of a certain distracted schoolboy nearby.
…
"Arere!"
No, that wasn't Conan.
"Ts-Tsuneo, what are you doing to that lady?!"
Genta pointed at the wall, nearly speechless.
The scene was just too shocking.
The repairman had one hand clamped over her mouth and nose, pinning her against the wall, his knee pressed into her—her butt, was it?
Even as her body contorted under the pressure, he forced her to practice holding her breath, his other hand…
Pounding her lower ribs, blow after blow…
(End of Chapter)
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