After receiving this news, Duanmu Huai waited another two days before returning to the bar. As expected, the detective was still sitting in the same spot.
"Your information is quite interesting."
Duanmu Huai sat down, casually picked up the glass beside him, and took another sip of juice.
"So... what do you think, Mr. Duanmu?"
"Before that, there are a few things I want to ask you."
Seeing how impatient the other man was, Duanmu Huai waved his hand first, signaling him not to rush.
"What is it?"
"Tell me, how determined are you to solve this case?"
"D-Determined?"
To say the least, Tokisaka Satoshi was rather surprised by Duanmu Huai's question. He had originally thought Duanmu Huai would discuss terms with him, but he had not expected him to ask about his determination to investigate the case right off the bat.
"That's right. You're a detective, not a police officer. Investigating cases isn't your duty."
"But I've already accepted the commission fee."
Tokisaka Satoshi hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.
"I'm not the kind of person who goes back on his word."
"What if someone offered you more money to stop?"
"That... Of course I wouldn't do that."
"Really?"
Hearing Tokisaka Satoshi's answer, Duanmu Huai let out a cold laugh.
"Then what if your employer died unexpectedly? Would you continue investigating the case?"
"...What exactly do you mean?"
At this point, Tokisaka Satoshi also sensed that something was wrong.
"It's very simple, just as I said."
Duanmu Huai spread his hands.
"It's true that I may not be as professional as you detectives when it comes to solving cases. But I'm a professional when it comes to dealing with cults. I can tell you this clearly: assuming everything you said is true, and that cults really do