Chapter 97: A Good Omen
A sea breeze blew, bringing with it the comforting coolness of dawn.
Natsukawa's golden hair fluttered in the breeze, making him appear refreshed. His gaze lingered on Yor.
Beautiful women always bring a sense of calm.
"Well... I think I saw a woman on Tsukikage Island yesterday who looked somewhat like you, Yor-san. Dressed all in black, her appearance and height were similar to yours. If it weren't for their completely different demeanors, I would definitely have thought that person was you!"
Yor's expression froze, as if a pause button had been pressed. The wind blew her hair, obscuring the light in her eyes, and she seemed completely stunned.
Yesterday?
Black clothes, the same height and appearance, only a different demeanor?
Yor immediately pictured it.
It sounded exactly like herself dressed as the Thorn Princess.
Could it be that Natsukawa-san saw me in my Thorn Princess outfit yesterday?
"M-maybe you're mistaken. I don't have any siblings besides Yuri, and the world is so large—it's normal for people to resemble each other!"
Yor was visibly nervous, her eyes darting around like a little girl being questioned by her parents after doing something wrong.
She nodded firmly, trying to calm her inner turmoil.
Seemingly afraid that Natsukawa wouldn't believe her, she pointed to Conan and said, "Look, like Conan—when he wasn't wearing his glasses just now, he looked a lot like a child I'd seen before.
I remember that little boy's name was Kudo Shinichi. It must have been about ten years ago. That boy left a deep impression on me back then, so I remember him clearly.
Then, a while ago, I saw a picture of Kudo Shinichi in the newspaper, and recently I met a high school student in Ekoda who looked remarkably similar to him. His surname was Kuroba, I think. That alone proves how common lookalikes are!"
This was the first time Natsukawa had heard Yor say so much at once, and he was quite surprised.
But indeed, what Yor said made perfect sense.
This aligned with his previous theory. It seemed like a standard occurrence in the world of Detective Conan.
"That's true." Natsukawa nodded, about to continue the conversation.
Suddenly, Conan's head appeared between them.
"Conan, is something wrong?" Natsukawa raised an eyebrow, his meaning clear.
Go do whatever you need to do—don't disturb my time alone with Yor-san. Didn't you see Anya obediently watching the sunrise?
The morning light shone on Conan's glasses, obscuring his expression.
Conan didn't answer Natsukawa, remaining silent for two seconds, his awkwardness palpable.
What?
Natsukawa was about to pick him up when Conan suddenly looked up.
"Natsukawa-san and Yor-san are such a perfect match! You two standing together are like a match made in heaven. Your height, looks, and personalities are all so compatible! When are you getting married? Can Anya and I be flower attendants?"
After uttering this long string of words, Conan gasped for breath, his face flushed red.
How embarrassing.
But there was nothing he could do—Anya held leverage over him.
Besides, saying nice things wouldn't hurt anyone, even if it damaged his reputation as a detective. But there was no one else around, so it should be fine, right?
"Conan!"
Natsukawa pretended to be angry, picked up Conan, and tossed him toward Ran. Just before letting go, he whispered in Conan's ear, "You're doing great, Conan. Keep it up, and I'll buy you a present!"
Natsukawa finished his whispered remark and turned back around.
Facing Yor in the morning light, Natsukawa's expression had returned to seriousness. "Look at this child—so outrageous, saying such nonsense."
The audacity!
Yor: ...
If it weren't for my enhanced hearing, I would have been fooled. I heard that last sentence.
Although the voice was soft, she was the Thorn Princess, with exceptional hearing. Natsukawa's whisper was no different from speaking directly in her ear.
However, she didn't expose him, a sweet feeling growing in her heart.
Oh no, am I falling for him? This feeling is exactly what Camilla-san described.
Am I really falling in love?
Yuri, you won't scold me now, right?!
"It's alright. Children are lively and energetic—it's normal for them to speak without thinking. It's nothing serious. I won't take it to heart."
Natsukawa: Please DO take it to heart!
Conan stiffly sat back down next to Anya.
"Are you satisfied now?"
Anya ignored him, looking down at her camera.
After waiting for a long time without getting a reply, Conan immediately realized something was wrong.
This girl... could she have—
He leaned his head close to Anya's.
Sure enough!
Anya had recorded what just happened.
"Hey! I did everything you asked! Why are you still recording me?"
"Give it to me now!"
Conan's hands moved with lightning speed.
In a flash, the camera was in his hand.
Delete!
Ding-dong~
[File locked. Please enter password.]
Conan: ...
Since when did cameras have this function?
"You sneaky Conan! You really were after the videos and photos on my camera!" Anya snatched the camera back.
"Didn't expect that, did you? I set a password for every video! You can't delete them without it! Ahahaha!"
Conan's hands fell limply to his sides, and he resignedly put on his eye mask.
Whatever. ╮(╯_╰)╭
Whatever happens, happens.
Dignity, pride, secrets.
Protecting these things is too troublesome. Might as well just give them up—consider them thrown off the cliff of Tsukikage Island along with that assassin.
Meanwhile, Natsukawa suddenly seemed to remember something and reached into his pocket.
"By the way, I didn't know if your cold had gotten better. I bought some cold medicine yesterday, but I was delayed because of Mouri-san's deduction, so I'm only giving it to you now. I hope it's not too late."
"Cold medicine?" Yor accepted it in surprise.
Right—she couldn't sleep in the same room as Anya because she had to carry out an assassination mission, so she'd made up an excuse about having a cold.
She didn't expect Natsukawa to remember this and even prepare medicine.
Yor felt somewhat ashamed, feeling that she'd let down his sincerity.
I'm the worst!
"Y-yes, thank you so much, Natsukawa-san."
Yor's gratitude was overflowing.
From childhood to adulthood, apart from Yuri, no other man had ever bought her medicine. She was genuinely touched.
"It's nothing. I'm just relieved you're feeling better." Natsukawa smiled in response.
He accurately caught an important detail!
This time, Yor had called him "Natsukawa-san" without the usual stiff formality.
This was a good sign.
It meant that Yor was no longer as distant as before.
Their relationship seemed to have taken a significant step forward! Something worth celebrating.
Indeed, travel was the best catalyst for developing relationships.
Hmm, I should find an opportunity to use that hot spring resort voucher at home. Maybe it could even...
According to research, hot springs could rapidly deepen the bond between couples.
He'd heard that particular hot spring resort had private baths for two. Just thinking about it was exciting.
However, the inebriated Uncle Mouri, completely oblivious to the atmosphere, interrupted Natsukawa's pleasant daydream.
"Hey, Natsukawa! You said there's a boat leaving tonight, is that true?"
Natsukawa initially didn't want to respond, but seeing that he was being ignored, Mouri Kogoro stood up, still visibly drunk.
"Natsukawa! I'm talking to you! Didn't you hear me?"
Natsukawa sighed quietly.
He really wanted to throw Uncle Mouri into the sea to sober him up.
And Ran—why doesn't she control her father? Drinking like this in the morning is unbelievable. He's practically a walking sake barrel.
Besides being a womanizer, unreliable, obsessed with idol Yoko Okino, a compulsive gambler on horse races, and a smoker, Kisaki Eri's separation was probably also due to Mouri Kogoro's drinking habits.
Thinking about it, Uncle Mouri had so many bad habits!
Kisaki-san, you've really had it tough. This uncle is completely unreliable.
"My colleague's cousin's friend is from the Hatamoto family. I heard they're returning to Tokyo from Hatamoto Island today, and we can catch a ride with them.
Oh, and I heard they have excellent drinks on board. Besides Hatamoto Island's specialty sake, they also have imported whiskey."
Mouri Kogoro's drowsy eyes suddenly lit up.
His thoughts immediately became crystal clear.
"Ahem... I'm not going for the drinks. It's mainly because the police investigation will continue for several days, and the regular ferry service is suspended during this time. Not being able to return to Tokyo will cause significant business losses." Mouri Kogoro said self-righteously.
"My dedication to work is something even Inspector Megure admires."
If it weren't for the drool already dripping from his mouth, Natsukawa might have actually believed his nonsense.
As for Inspector Megure being impressed?
He's more like amazed that cases happen wherever you go!!
(End of Chapter 97)
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+10 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]
If you enjoyed this chapter, leave a Review!
P*atreon/Soulforger (30+ advanced chapters)
Buy me coffee - ko-fi*com/soulforger01