Not a detective

Page 73

She can see fragments of the past and future through a certain object and medium, but not complete experiences; rather, they are scattered, subtle inspirations like "divine revelation." Therefore, she occasionally makes startling remarks, but they always hit the nail on the head, simply because what she sees is incomplete. Nevertheless, this ability is powerful enough.

If everything were more complete, she could see the process of the murder, and even find the murderer and the method, so Asakawa Riku wouldn't have to bother with the investigation.

Now we can only deduce the "process" from the result, but ordinary people don't have this opportunity or ability at all, and might die without knowing why.

"They're just like gods..."

Asakawa Riku smiled. There was a time when he also envied such superpowered individuals; it sounded so cool.

“Yes.” Kazamatsuri Akihisa nodded, tapping his blindfold with his finger. “Even this eye of mine wouldn’t dare say it can ‘see the past and the future.’ Omniscient beings are a description of gods. If that’s true, I’ve never seen such a powerful psychic. Perhaps it comes with powerful side effects…”

"side effect……"

Asakawa Riku's smile froze instantly. Yes, [the stronger the ability, the stronger the side effects], this is the ironclad rule of this world.

He remembered the medicine bottle that Dongyun Sueyue often carried, where she would take two or three pills at a time, swallowing them raw without water.

He hadn't asked in detail what kind of medicine it was; perhaps it was a side effect of superpowers?

"Asakawa-kun." Kazamatsuri Akihisa seemed to notice the change in his expression, so he changed the subject: "When you go to Kyoto this time, I suggest you don't let your guard down. I'm the head of the Kazamatsuri clan who's not very good at dealing with outsiders, but even I've heard of the Shinonome family's reputation. This assassination attempt might not be as simple as you think. If possible, you can try to rely on the abilities of that [protected person]. She can foresee the future, right? If you two join forces, you might be able to resolve it more smoothly."

"Thank you, this suggestion is very helpful."

Asakawa Riku answered seriously, he had a vague feeling that tomorrow's Christmas Eve might not be spent so "peacefully".

Snapped.

Suddenly, the table was slammed shut, and Chizuko, the senior student sitting opposite him, stood up and pounced on him almost like a little wolf, staring at him:

"I was thinking... why don't I come along too?"

"Ah...ah? No need for that. You don't need to come all this way. I just came to let you know so you won't worry. I'm not here to hold a war meeting."

Asakawa Riku looked up in surprise, puzzled as to why his senior suddenly wanted to come along.

"Moreover, the commission was only entrusted to me alone."

"Then just say I'm your assistant."

"The assistant's assistant and so on... there are too many layers of subcontracting."

"I'm not going to steal your commission, what's there to be stingy about? Besides, I'm capable of fighting too."

“I have no doubt about that.”

Facing his persistent senior, he smiled wryly and said, "But this mission has nothing to do with monsters. It's just a simple assassination of 'humans.' If it were an incident like the one involving Aoandon, I would definitely have dragged you along without hesitation. But I'm not bragging, but I'm the expert when it comes to dealing with humans, so there's no need to ask you to take a few more days off."

Asakawa Riku is not one to act recklessly in battle, and when support is needed, he will not try to do it all by himself.

But since it's an assassination by a "human," without any superpowers or monster elements, he has absolute confidence... even the "Shinonome family" is no exception.

At this moment, unexpectedly, Akihisa Kazamatsuri suddenly interrupted the conversation:

"Wait... what's with the [Blue Lantern]?"

fell into silence.

Asakawa Riku and Chizuko exchanged a glance, as if a chill crept up their spines through the crack in the door.

The amiable, unassuming middle-aged man now had his brows furrowed, a serious expression he rarely displayed, almost never before seen.

Why did you suddenly bring up [Aoandon]? Have you encountered her before?

His expression was even more terrifying than when he mentioned the "Dongyun family" earlier; his eyebrows were raised, and only now could one feel the majesty of a "god-lord".

"That topic was only mentioned once."

Chizuko reacted quickly, and with a smile, she immediately came up with an excuse to step in.

"Well, I asked my senior to tell me which monsters are particularly dangerous and that I must be wary if I encounter them. Among them, Aoandon was mentioned, that's all."

Asakawa Riku hadn't expected that her senior had kept it a secret from her father, probably because of the "Yorozuya's" funding issues.

But since they were comrades-in-arms, all they could do at the moment was to cover for her.

"Is that so...? It's been so long since it appeared in the world. I need to check the records."

Kazamatsuri Akihisa did not readily believe it, but withdrew his gaze with some skepticism. However, he still emphasized, "Although you are very strong, Asakawa-kun, don't blame me for speaking out of turn, the eeriness of [Aoandon] cannot be described in simple terms. Under certain circumstances, it can create a threat that is no less than that of the 'Three Great Yokai'... If you encounter it, it's best to inform me."

"Okay, I'll be more careful."

Although it had already been resolved... Asakawa Riku didn't say that out loud; he honestly agreed.

He won't break his promise, unless, of course, they meet again.

"Then...have a safe journey?"

Chizuko felt a little guilty.

At this moment, she could no longer insist on going together; her awkward smile, almost betrayed, was somewhat forced.

"Yes, thank you for your hospitality tonight... I won't stand on ceremony, just wait for my safe return."

Just then, Madam returned after helping him get leave. Asakawa Riku stood up, smiling brightly, and said goodbye to the Kazematsu family.

Tomorrow, we'll officially set off.

Winter of the Demons: Chapter Nine - Winter Limited Edition French Chocolate

On Tuesday morning, Riku Asakawa made all the necessary preparations.

He didn't bring much luggage, only essential changes of clothes, a power bank for his phone, and some compressed dry food.

Although this time he was going to a luxury villa and enjoying an exorbitantly priced dinner, after what happened this summer, he always felt that he might encounter an accident at any time, so it was better to be fully prepared so that he could deal with any emergency... However, when faced with the bulletproof vest hidden under the bed, he still hesitated for a moment.

In the end, I didn't wear it. Going to a place like that, wearing a bulletproof vest would be too obvious and could cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

"There shouldn't be any gunmen with that level of skill..."

Asakawa Riku nodded. Even if the bullet could threaten his life, not just anyone could fire a gun.

During breakfast, he told Xuehui, who was sitting across the table, about his upcoming "business trip" for a few days, using the same excuse he gave yesterday:

"I will go to Kyoto and will be back in about two or three days."

"...Hey, I want to go too!"

Yukie's eyes showed worry, especially when she heard "to protect a target from possible assassination."

"You promised me you'd stay home during the winter, right?"

Asakawa Riku smiled helplessly and ruffled her hair.

In fact, Yukie's "observation period" should last for a year, which is until next summer. However, her treatment seems to be very effective. She has not had any relapses in the past six months, nor has she shown any other personality traits. Asakawa Riku feels that as long as he accompanies her, he can occasionally take her out for some fresh air. But unfortunately, it can't be in winter; he can only wait until next spring.

Although she has undergone dream therapy and simple low temperatures no longer trigger the "Snow Woman" tactic, she still cannot control it when it gets too cold.

For example, the cold wind and rain in winter would probably exceed that threshold, so in winter she can only stay in a heated room.

"...Woo."

Yuki shook her head in resentment. She usually seemed like a little adult, but occasionally you could see her childlike side.

However, she was still very obedient and well-behaved, and in the end, she didn't insist on going: "Then... elder brother, you must come back safely."

"Okay, I'll let you know I'm safe, don't worry."

Asakawa Riku smiled and stood up: "Then I'll be off. I'll leave the dishes to you..."

At this moment, Xuehui also quickly stood up and said hastily:

"Wait, please wait a minute, I need to get something!"

"Um……?"

Before Asakawa Riku could reply, the girl had already run into her room, rummaged around inside for a while, and then came out hesitantly.

Yukie's face was flushed, and she had her hands behind her back as if hiding something, but her petite figure meant that Asakawa Riku had already caught a glimpse of it.

"What is it? Is it for me?"

But he gently refrained from exposing the truth, simply smiling as he spoke.

"...Yes! Yes, it's a Christmas present!"

Xuehui took a deep breath, as if she had finally made up her mind, and solemnly presented the exquisite and gorgeous gift box with both hands.

She rattled off a string of words: "I was planning to give it to you tonight on Christmas Eve...! But it seems there's no time... so I can only give it to you early... Nozomi, I hope you like it!"

"I like anything that Yuki gives me."

Asakawa Riku took it. Just looking at the packaging, it was worth a lot of money. The frosted texture felt very comfortable, and the black color also gave it a high-end feel. There seemed to be a string of French words that he couldn't read written on it.

He joked with a laugh, "Why are you sending such an expensive gift? Did you secretly go out to work during the week?"

"No... I've saved up quite a bit of money from my job as a shrine maiden, and my parents also give me living expenses."

Yuki shook her head and explained.

So that's how it is. Asakawa Riku remembered the ten million, no wonder he wasn't short of money.

"Don't spend so much next time, the thought is what counts."

He gave her an inquiring look, and Yuki nodded. He then carefully unwrapped the gift in front of her, and after opening the lid, he saw what was inside.

A rich aroma immediately filled the air.

The box contains two rows of eight chocolates in total, shaped like dice used in games. They are very small, especially compared to the large box, their size seems somewhat disproportionate.

There was also a folded piece of paper, but it wasn't a handwritten letter from Yuki. It seemed to be an instruction manual from the chocolate manufacturer, used to describe the flavors of the chocolate.

Based on this, it must be a [filled chocolate].

"It's a limited-edition winter French chocolate." Yukie slightly raised her eyes, her gaze expectant beneath her eyelashes: "How is it... do you like it?"

"Chocolate happens to be one of the few desserts I like."

Asakawa Riku gave her a reassuring answer, but it wasn't a lie. He preferred a slightly bitter taste to overly sweet cream and ice cream.

It seems that after living together for so long, Yukie has also studied his sense of taste.

"Very good……!"

She quietly clenched her fist in celebration, which was caught on camera.

"Please forgive me for being so unromantic... but I really feel that this is not good value for money."

She said it must be a limited edition item from a certain store. Anything labeled "limited edition" will be incredibly expensive.

Such a big box only contained eight small chocolates. If it were just Riku Asakawa, he would never buy something like this.

"Hehe, didn't you notice?"

Yukie covered her mouth and smiled. She reached out with her other hand and gently lifted the inside of the box with her fingertips. Asakawa Riku's eyes widened.

Only then did he notice that on the other side of the box, which had been turned over, there was another side hidden underneath, where eight chocolates were also neatly arranged.

"This was specially designed this year... so that when you eat the last one, you won't feel disappointed. But if you flip it over, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that there's another whole side with a completely different flavor. Chocolate is something that brings happiness, and I wanted my brother to feel warm, so I gave him this."

"I see, you really put a lot of thought into it." Asakawa Riku was still a little surprised; he hadn't expected such a design.

No wonder the box is so big, now I understand. Although the price is still relatively high, it's the emotional value of buying a gift.

He put the lid back on and said seriously:

"Thank you. As for a return gift... I'll have to wait until I get back. I'll see if there's anything suitable in Kyoto."

"Then I'll look forward to it!"

Xue Hui smiled gently, her blush undisguised, and said softly:

"Next Valentine's Day, I'll make something by hand... instead of buying a product."

Oni no Winter: Chapter 10 Arrival in Kyoto

Because he had just eaten breakfast, Asakawa Riku did not immediately try a piece of chocolate.

He stuffed the whole box into his bag, even though it was a bit cramped, but he couldn't just throw it away; that would be too unromantic.

Chocolate is an excellent source of calories, and it's a good treat for travelers.

After saying goodbye to Yukie, he carried his travel backpack and took the train to Shibuya.

Perhaps because it was a weekday, it wasn't as crowded as he usually came on weekends, but there was still a bustling crowd that made its way to the front of the firm.