"Oh, my client is Miss Setsura Renki, the granddaughter of Ichiro Shitara." Mori Kogoro unfolded the invitation in his hand to confirm the name, then answered, "Yesterday, we discussed a few matters at Mr. Kisaragi Hōzui's banquet. She hoped I could come by today and take a look."
The Shitara residence was also some distance from the city. After handling the paperwork for his previous case that morning, he had rushed home without stopping, then brought the children along. By the time they arrived, it was already afternoon.
Faced with the same prejudice toward a rigid butler, Mori Kogoro found his patience running thin, so he immediately dropped a weighty name.
"Mr. Kisaragi Hōzui's banquet..." Repeating the name, Tsukamari Kurenō's expression immediately softened. "That was indeed part of the master's schedule yesterday. Then I'll take you to see Miss Renki in the annex."
"Thank you." Ran Mouri finished the polite response for her father, tugged on Mori Kogoro's sleeve, and hurried after the woman.
Perhaps sensing Mori Kogoro's faint displeasure, Tsukamari Kurenō explained as she led the way, "I'm sorry, Detective. I didn't mean to make things difficult for you. It's mainly because Miss Renki has an important performance coming up, and she really shouldn't be disturbed lately. I also wasn't notified of anything like this."
"An important performance? Is she entering a competition? I don't remember her mentioning it." Mori Kogoro rubbed his chin.
"No, tomorrow is the master's seventy-second birthday banquet. Hmm? Miss Renki didn't tell you?" Tsukamari Kurenō furrowed her brow, gradually understanding the true nature of this invitation. She shook her head, looking helpless.
If none of the others who had attended the banquet knew about this invitation, then it must have been Setsura Renki's personal invitation alone.
Of course, as the family's only remaining third-generation