Kyoto old masters reasonably discriminated against all outsiders, but immediately behaved themselves when faced with a genuine Celestial Being.
Fujino thought that was very Kyoto, very Celestial Being.
It suited the image of an old master born into the aristocratic court nobility.
Seeing Ayanokoji Fumimaro being so cooperative, Ooka Momiji found him considerably more agreeable.
So she spoke lightly. "In that case, we'll have to trouble you, Officer. Fujino can also help you take a look at what's going on with this case..."
"After all, you said Fujino could be of help."
"..."
Ayanokoji Fumimaro's expression did not change upon hearing that, but inwardly, he was already starting to feel miserable.
I was just flattering you a little, and you really went along with it...
If I refuse now, wouldn't that be slapping my own face?
Still, looking at the young lady of the Ooka family before him, he could not really say anything.
He could only answer awkwardly, "It's no trouble. It's all for solving the case."
Momiji gave an acknowledging sound, then turned to Fujino and smiled. "I'll be counting on you next."
"Not at all."
Fujino looked at Ooka Momiji, the corners of his mouth also curving up.
"Momiji really is a clever little thing."
"Someone flattered her twice, and she immediately dumped the burden on them."
"She's so wicked."
"But I like this kind of wickedness."
Fujino liked this feeling of luring someone in for the kill—where they might be unhappy with him, but could not do anything about it.
Ayanokoji Fumimaro felt helpless about it, but when he looked at the young lady of the Ooka family, he could only forcibly suppress that trace of helplessness in his heart and agree to it.
"Inspector, that gentleman has arrived."
The officer who had come with Ayanokoji