"Young master Kijin studied abroad from childhood, returned four years ago with late madam."
"Master Afuku too, but for some reason, after the fire, both stayed in this castle."
"To us outsiders, they're like bewitched." Gardener led group inside, chatting.
Still mourned fire-lost madam.
"Bewitched?" Conan's expression odd.
Blood-related young master or second husband Afuku—should be unfamiliar with castle folk, yet stayed long?
"Maybe treasure here." Tsuneo knuckle-knocked Conan's head like door.
"Not every castle has treasure..."
Detective saw three real kids excited, wry smile.
Gardener opened main door; portraits appeared.
Center: decades-old patriarch; left-right: daughter (fire victim madam), first son-in-law Teiaki.
"Teiaki recruited in; respected fellow historian patriarch. Madam often jealous, grumbled."
Gardener glanced around, smiled.
Then elderly female voice beside: "She said her dad just spouted nonsense knowledge, right?"
Owner in wheelchair, white hair, round glasses, knit cap—Mamiya matriarch, the old madam appeared.
Face wrinkled, spotted—at least eighty.
"Old madam?!" Gardener turned panicked.
Bad discussing before matriarch.
"Old man heard often, never angry—always amused." Old madam in chair, smiled.
Gardener removed hat, bald head, slight bow: "Sorry for reminding."
"No need tense; used to days without him." Old madam looked up at patriarch portrait.
"Like currency designs or passport sizes changing—unfamiliar at first, but time passes, normal."
"Time terrifying; joy, anger, sorrow fade with it."
Old madam reminisced, philosophical.
Looked at group behind gardener: "Who are they?"
"Uh... master's friends; one's a scientist." Gardener stunned, per Afuku.
"Scientist?"
"Great; help solve what he hid in castle." Old madam's eyes widened.
Conan frowned more.
Words mirrored Afuku—likely young master stayed for this?
Tsuneo head up at ceiling, ignored.
Camping ingredients left; evening grill continue.
But staying here, they'd provide meals...
No, my expensive meat better!
Eat fresh tonight!
"Riddle?" Doctor fully attentive.
"Late patriarch said: solve castle mystery, get most precious treasure."
Bald gardener explained.
"I see." Dr. Agasa nodded, glanced Conan.
Decoding needs Shinichi!
I and Tsuneo-kun fix appliances...
"Oh, daughter not back?" Old madam looked around, puzzled.
"Eh?" Gardener stunned.
"She said return for my birthday."
"Call her to room when back."
"Soon see daughter!"
Old madam smoothly wheeled, happy tone, drifted to stair corner.
"Ah, since fire, she's like this." Gardener arms crossed, sighed.
"Shock too great." Doctor empathetic nod.
Yes, older, more relatable.
Tsuneo: ...
Find wife first...
"Hey! Uncle, room to see yard chess clearly?" Conan head up.
Chess definitely a puzzle!
"Yes." Gardener nodded, led to third floor guest room, opened window—directly over chessboard.
"Amazing, pieces arranged beautifully!" Ayumi exclaimed.
Perspective different—grander.
Beside, Conan notebook scribbling notes.
"Where, I can't see?" Genta pushed forward, head down.
"Please no push, Genta!"
"Hey, next room sees too!" Mitsuhiko called.
"Really?!" Genta ran over.
Dr. Agasa in hall, hands behind, watched room kids, turned to Tsuneo and Miyano: "Tsuneo-kun, not looking?"
Tsuneo shook head; decoding for pros.
"I'll pass."
Miyano smiled; brain no match for sister and Conan-kun.
"Speaking, Doctor, your mini flash-smoke bombs—more power?"
Tsuneo unzipped jacket, pulled black beads.
KID-style: flash + smoke + mild blast.
"You... what power..." Doctor pursed lips.
"That kind, boom!"
Tsuneo dramatically spread arms.
(Chapter end)
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