Chapter: I Just Want to Quietly Be a Time-Reporting Princess

"Speaking of this guy, I actually have a favor to ask you for."

After a moment of silence, Hakuba Saguru raised his head and spoke earnestly to Fujino.

"You need my help?"

Fujino paused for a moment, "How much is the commission?"

"Approximately one million yen."

After thinking for a moment, Hakuba Saguru suggested a price he could accept.

Originally, he wanted to give more.

For example, to make up an auspicious number like 2.5 million.

But this variety show appearance was canceled...

Then I can't give it to you.

"Let me first tell you what the commission entails."

Fujino didn't seem particularly excited when he heard the offer of over a million; his expression remained unchanged.

I knocked on a bunch of Mermaid Maiden, knocked on a bunch of Mrs. Hattori, and incidentally completed a few System Task.

He's now a real big spender, with 250 million yen on hand.

A little over a million isn't a lot for him.

At least for now, he doesn't think so.

I want you to steal something for me.

Hakuba Saguru suddenly lowered his voice. "It's best to do it stealthily, while Kaito Kid is on his way, take advantage of his inattention, and secretly..."

You'd better talk about something serious...

Fujino's cheek twitched suddenly, and he looked up at Hakuba Saguru while holding the phone.

What would you do to him secretly, when he wasn't looking?

"What's indecent?"

Hakuba Saguru clearly didn't realize he'd said anything wrong, and continued, "I meant next time, when he's making a move, secretly pluck a single hair from his head."

Why did you pull his hair?

Fujino was somewhat speechless. "Could it be that she's been pursuing him for so long that she's planning to cast some kind of voodoo curse on him, or perhaps even marry him or something?"

Hakuba Saguru: "..."

You're not getting revenge on me for what happened earlier, are you?

With a soft sigh, Hakuba Saguru hesitated for a moment before speaking, "I have an uncle who owns a laboratory. If we could obtain his true genetic data using his hair..."

"New era investigative methods..."

Fujino clicked his tongue, secretly marveling at the power of his father, the Metropolitan Police Department Chief of Staff.

They always say, "I have an uncle, and besides my uncle, I also have a father." It's true what they say, connections really make a difference.

But then he shook his head. "However, I probably can't help you this time."

"What's wrong with you...?"

Hakuba Saguru was clearly stunned for a moment, glancing at Fujino through the phone in disbelief.

This guy is acting a bit strange...

Even money can't attract him anymore?

"I've been a bit busy lately, and I can't find the time. If it happens to coincide with you catching that guy, I'm afraid it will clash with my schedule."

Fujino explained, "If you find any clues about that guy, let me know, and I'll go help him for free... Of course, I'll still charge you a fee."

"Alright then... you've become a very busy person now."

Hakuba Saguru pursed his lips, feeling a little sour.

Since they're charging money, it means this guy is still normal, so there's probably no problem.

But without Fujino, it seems like getting that guy's hair would be a bit difficult...

What are you thinking about?

Hakuba Saguru shook his head, dismissing the idea of relying on others.

Hakuba Saguru is a strong-willed person who, as High School Detective, will never rely on others!

"Looks like Kaito's in a bit of danger this time..."

After hanging up the phone, Fujino rubbed his chin, pondering what Hakuba Saguru had said on the phone.

If I were to actually use my father's or uncle's power, I reckon Kuroba Kaito would really be in trouble.

But on second thought, Fujino wasn't too worried.

After all, that kid Kuroba Kaito has a certain witch by his side.

Even if Jesus came, he probably wouldn't be able to take Kuroba Kaito away today.

I need to at least have a go at the Crimson Witch first.

"That's just too much..."

At that moment, the television program ended. Akemi Miyano, who had been watching the TV in silence, frowned, then asked Fujino with concern, "Won't this program have any impact on your work?"

This wasn't out of any self-interest; it was simply out of genuine concern for my family.

Fujino, after all, is someone who is 'on the payroll'.

As someone who plays a role similar to a 'parent' Akemi Miyano naturally feels very happy.

This is similar to how elders feel when someone becomes a civil servant...

Although it seems that she usually receives care from Fujino.

"It's nothing, just a rich kid who got excited and started talking nonsense."

Fujino chuckled lightly, seemingly unconcerned. "These so-called experts are nothing more than incompetent, unconnected old men who dream of eating swan meat."

As he spoke, Fujino glanced at the tickets. "Speaking of tomorrow..."

Tomorrow is still the weekend.

Ai Haibara, sitting to the side, gave a direct and straightforward answer.

She was already used to Fujino often not knowing what day it was.

That guy Kazama mentioned something about time perception syndrome before...

She had indeed been paying attention during this period, and the more she felt that Fujino seemed more like a patient.

However, she had no intention of sending Fujino to a mental hospital, after all, he was still her Fujino.

Ai Haibara only wanted to stay quietly by Fujino's side and be a well-behaved Time-Reporting Princess.

Yeah, this feels pretty good too.

At least it gave her a sense of satisfaction from being relied upon.

"Oh..."

Fujino nodded upon hearing this, surprised that Ai Haibara had answered first, and then suggested spending the weekend at that inn.

So, early the next morning...

Fujino walked ahead in casual sportswear, while Ai Haibara and Akemi Miyano, who had changed into travel clothes, followed behind, each carrying a travel bag.

Just as they came downstairs, they saw a yellow Volkswagen Beetle across the street.

Meanwhile, the little ones, Conan, Ran, and Professor Agasa stood at the entrance of the detective agency.

"Haibara!"

Ayumi turned around at that moment, noticed Fujino and his group, and waved.

"Professor Agasa, what are you doing...?"

Fujino glanced at the group curiously, greeted them, and asked with a puzzled look.

"Fujino- kun."

Professor Agasa turned around. "I was planning to take these children to visit my friend's son. He's moving to England soon, so his house has a lot of unwanted old items. I was thinking of taking the children there to see them."

"Wow, Professor Agasa, you have so many friends!"

Fujino sighed, but in his heart he was secretly pondering, recalling this case.

However, he didn't really want to get involved.

No one died, so it's fine to let these children take the risk.

Anyway, he wanted to have a nice, relaxing vacation at a country hotel with Ai and Akemi Miyano.

At least you won't have to see dead people.