Fujino: I Really Deserve to Die

Actually, Ai Haibara planned to go to a friend's house with Professor Agasa, and maybe see if there was anything she could get for free.

However, compared to going to a friend's house for free, she would prefer to travel with Fujino.

So, I decided to cancel my plans and go out to play.

The hotel on the invitation ticket was located in Nagano Prefecture, right next to Gunma Prefecture, about the same distance as Shizuoka, a three or four-hour drive. We set off at nine in the morning and didn't arrive at the hotel in the suburbs until the afternoon.

Nestled in the woods, far from the city's exhaust fumes, the hotel boasts fresh air and the sounds of birdsong and fragrant flowers, making it a wonderful place for relaxation.

The young man at the front desk was wearing a blue suit vest and glasses; he seemed like a nice person.

After Fujino handed out the invitation ticket, the young man immediately recognized Fujino and introduced himself.

This young man's name Mitsuyuki Arimori, and he is the manager of this hotel.

It seems that the Shimo-Kasa Sisters must have told him beforehand that Fujino would be coming.

Fujino signed his name on the guest list and glanced around the hotel.

This hotel, nestled in the woods, isn't exactly luxurious; its overall layout leans towards a Western retro style.

There were no other staff members in the hotel lobby except for the manager, Arimori, who was acting as the receptionist, indicating that it was a small hotel with few staff members.

"Detective Fujino!"

"Welcome."

After signing the guestbook, the Shimo-Kasa Sisters came downstairs and greeted Fujino and his group.

The Shimo-Kasa Sisters wore the same outfit, with short, side-swept hair, dark blue suit dresses, and short aprons wrapped around their waists. Their long, fair legs were covered in black stockings, giving them a capable and efficient look.

Although the waitresses were nicely dressed, he still preferred the maid outfits.

"Minaho and Ms. Honami."

Fujino turned around and chuckled at both of them, greeting them in return.

To be honest, he had previously considered recruiting the two of them to come back and work.

If the two of them were to work in Snow King Ice City, Akemi Miyano would probably have an easier time.

However, in terms of wages, if Snow King Ice City hires two waiters, it probably won't earn as much as before...

"I didn't expect you to still remember our names."

"Many people can't tell us apart."

Both of them were taken aback, and said in unison.

"After all, I am a detective, and it was just simple observation..."

Fujino thought for a moment and explained, "The one with bangs slightly to the right is Minaho, and the one with bangs slightly to the left is Honami. Am I right?"

The two nodded in unison and said, "That's right, we both got these hairstyles specifically to distinguish ourselves from each other."

"That's right, I usually use this feature to distinguish between the two sisters, but sometimes if I don't look at their hair, even I can't tell them apart."

Arimori nodded in agreement.

Akemi Miyano and Ai Haibara were also taken aback, and looked up to sized up the Shimokasa sisters.

Upon closer inspection, it was indeed as Fujino had said.

"But speaking of which, why are you guys working here... Don't you live in Tokyo?"

Fujino turned his head and looked at the Shimo-Kasa Sisters, feeling somewhat curious.

No.

The Shimo-Kasa Sisters shook their heads and explained in unison, "We followed Teacher Su Fang after we came out of the orphanage. After Teacher Su Fang died, we lost our job taking care of the masks. We found this job through an introduction from an acquaintance at the orphanage."

Fujino: "..."

Are you orphans too?

What goes around comes around, and no one escapes the wrath of Heaven. This time, it feels like I'm the one who's no longer human.

I deserve to die!

Judging from their age, the sisters should only be in their early twenties. In Japan, orphanages take care of children until they are eighteen years old, after which they need to start working.

If that's the case, the two of them must have started following Su Fang Hongzi after they turned eighteen... and then he cut them out of their jobs, and they ended up in Nagano.

After a moment of silence, Fujino gave an awkward laugh and changed the subject, "But you guys really went to a lot of trouble, giving us hotel vouchers and stuff."

"Actually, these hospitality vouchers were given to us by the manager."

"But we don't know who to give it to."

"I happened to run into Ai-chan on my last trip to Tokyo."

"So we'll trouble her to bring these invitations to you."

"After all, our manager is actually a big fan of your detective stories."

"We are too."

The Shimo-Kasa Sisters spoke in unison, their faces beaming with sweet smiles.

"Mr. Arimori, and you guys are also my detective fans?"

Fujino turned his head and looked at Mitsuyuki Arimori, somewhat surprised.

But thinking about it, it makes sense.

Given his current fame, he should indeed run into a few detective fans if he just goes out for a stroll.

After all, he is now a well-known figure.

"That's right."

Mitsuyuki Arimori chuckled awkwardly, "Actually, I was a little surprised when I first heard the sisters say they gave you the invitation tickets. I didn't expect you to actually grace us with your presence."

"Ring ring!"

Just then, the hotel door was suddenly pushed open, and a man in a black suit walked in carrying a suitcase in one hand and a large travel bag in the other.

"Isn't this Mr. Hidehiko Jomoto was already booked?"

Mitsuyuki Arimori looked up at the man who walked in. "I remember you booked for two people. I wonder if our hotel made a mistake?"

"There are indeed two people; the other one is my wife. There is no mistake."

Cheng Yuan glanced back. "She just received a phone call, she should be here soon..."

"What exactly is your plan? There's no way you're going to let me quit!"

Just then, a woman rushed in, clenched her teeth, hung up the phone, and sighed softly.

"This person looks so familiar..."

Akemi Miyano carefully examined the woman and said with surprise, "She should be Chizuru Bizen, right?"

"Does Sister Akemi know her?"

"Yes, I've seen her on TV before."

"Turns out she was an actress."

Fujino nodded, glancing back at Chizuru Bizen.

Chizuru Bizen wore a light blue undershirt, a red suit jacket, and white trousers, which accentuated her figure. Her delicate face had a touch of mature beauty, and she had a beauty mark on her chin. In terms of appearance, she gave people the illusion of Vermouth.

Based on the content of the conversation, the other party's appearance, and the fact that the other party was an actress, Fujino was not surprised.

"Honey, what kind of place did you choose?"

Chizuru Bizen walked into the hotel with a resentful look on her face. "Before we came, I heard you say it was some kind of resort, but it turns out to be this godforsaken place..."

Don't say that.

Cheng Yuan said with a hint of helplessness, "It's so quiet here, isn't it great for a vacation?"

"Who wants to spend five days with you in a place like this!"

Chizuru Bizen's tone remained displeased, then she turned to Mitsuyuki Arimori and called out, "Waiter, please get me an extra room!"

Mitsuyuki Arimori hesitated for a moment before looking at Jōgen: "What about the reserved room..."

Cheng Yuan sighed, "Just give her the double room I booked... I'll stay in a single room."

"That's all. Your luggage will be brought to my room shortly."

"Honestly, there isn't even an elevator. What a lousy place!"

Chizuru Bizen said as she walked upstairs toward her reserved room, complaining all the while.

"A five-day holiday?"

Fujino frowned, noticing the most important point in what Chizuru Bizen had just said.