Gray Life (5)

"What are we talking about?"

"The matter you are currently investigating, Oreki."

"You... know?"

"Mm. I find it quite interesting."

"...The Sign of Four?"

Only then did Oreki notice the book in Shiina Hiyori's hands.

The Sherlock Holmes series.

It seems she is a fan of mystery novels.

"Since that's the case, why don't you tell me what you know?"

"Then, excuse me."

Shiina Hiyori pressed her hands together.

She then said:

"Oreki is investigating a case, aren't you?"

"Specifically, it should be the theft that occurred at the art museum. After all, Oreki went to the art museum first, and then to the security room."

"But it doesn't seem to be that simple."

Oreki felt as if he had found a kindred spirit.

He nodded.

"As you say."

"It's a very troublesome matter."

"And, I have a feeling there's quite a lot involved behind the scenes..."

Shiina Hiyori was delighted.

Compared to reading novels, cases happening in reality were far more interesting.

However, writing novels requires logic.

Reality doesn't necessarily require logic.

Sometimes, the cases that occur can leave one scratching their head.

There are many examples...

But for now, it was better to stick to the business at hand.

"Detectives often need assistants. Oreki, would you allow me to be your assistant?"

"Huh?"

Looking at Shiina Hiyori's sparkling eyes.

Oreki was somewhat at a loss.

Shiina Hiyori is a student from Class C, right?

Judging from the previous conversation...

She seems to be a member of Ryuen Kakeru's faction.

Wait...

Perhaps...

Ryuen Kakeru has already unified Class C.

Is it a reign of terror?

Or...

—It seems I need to pay more attention to Class C as well.

Oreki thought to himself.

"Um, Oreki?"

"Oh, sorry."

Oreki, who had been dazed, snapped back to reality.

He looked at Shiina Hiyori.

"Is something the matter?"

"You haven't replied to what I just said, Oreki."

"...Mm. If you're willing."

Oreki was just worrying about a lack of manpower.

Sakayanagi could provide, at most, a little help.

Karuizawa Kei...

Well, perhaps that was asking too much of her.

After all, Karuizawa Kei is not skilled at this sort of thing.

I should just have her keep an eye on Kiyoko; that task needs doing anyway.

Besides, Kiyoko has already recruited Sakura Airi.

Though it is not yet certain.

It is close enough, however...

One can tell just by looking at Sakura Airi's behavior.

"Then, I look forward to working with you."

Shiina Hiyori bowed politely.

As expected of a literary girl.

"Not at all, the pleasure is mine."

Oreki responded courteously.

He picked up the xiaolongbao and left the restaurant.

Shiina Hiyori seemed to have other business.

So she did not accompany Oreki.

--Mutual attraction?

Oreki shook his head.

What a hassle...

Just helping to resolve one incident, and it has already drawn so much attention.

Nine-thirty.

If I don't return to the dormitory soon, I'll be issued a warning.

"Beep-beep--"

The phone in Oreki's pocket began to ring.

"Who would be calling at this hour?"

He held the xiaolongbao in his mouth and clamped the phone between his shoulder and ear.

"Hello?"

"Good evening, Oreki-kun."

"Sakayanagi?"

"Yes, it is I."

"Even if you say that, I can't bring myself to be happy."

"How cruel. Didn't I just help you a short while ago?"

"Isn't that because you were the one who made me solve this case?"

"That is true, I suppose."

"Completely correct, right?"

"Mm-hmm."

"So? Why call so late?"

"You haven't forgotten what holiday it is today, have you?"

"?"

Oreki stopped himself from speaking.

White Day is March 14th.

That is still eleven days away.

Anything else...

"The Cherry Blossom Festival?"

"Not quite. Besides, the Cherry Blossom Festival is from late March to April."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"...Doll Festival?"

"Correct."

"But what does that have to do with me?"

Oreki retorted with a question.

He knew about the Doll Festival.

It was a traditional Japanese holiday for girls.

On this day, parents would display doll decorations to pray for their daughters' healthy growth.

Although it wasn't a public holiday, the cultural atmosphere was quite strong.

"My father is near a shop in your vicinity."

"Hm?"

"He is choosing dolls."

"No, that's not what I'm asking."

"Then what is it?"

"...Why are you telling me this?"

"Didn't I mention it before?"

"What?"

"I didn't expect you to forget so quickly, Oreki-kun."

"Forget wha... Oh."

Oreki recalled it.

It was about Sakayanagi's Father wanting to meet him.

Oreki had declined last time due to other matters.

And quite a lot had happened since then.

Gradually, he had forgotten all about it.

It couldn't be helped, really.

"So?"

"Don't play dumb. Come to my house with my father. Are you willing, or not?"

"Yes, yes, I get it."

"That's fine then... See you later, little Oreki."

"Don't call me that."

"Beep—"

Before Oreki could finish, Arisu hung up the phone.

She really did whatever she pleased.

He shook his head helplessly.

Day after day, it was always one thing or another.

"What a pain... And with so many shops nearby, which one is it exactly?"

Arisu had just mentioned the Doll Festival.

And...

Her father was currently out buying dolls.

With that, he could rule out quite a few shops.

Looking at the information on his phone...

There were three shops in the area selling dolls.

Though not as many as outside the school.

There were still some shops that sold holiday goods.

Oreki thought for a moment.

He then put his phone into his pocket and rode his bicycle toward the shop on the west side.

It took about ten minutes.

"As I thought..."

Seeing Sakayanagi's Father, Oreki stopped his bicycle.

He straightened his collar slightly.

"Sorry to disturb you."

"Houtarou? I see... Arisu told you to come, didn't she?"

"As you say."

"Haha... My daughter has caused you quite a bit of trouble lately, hasn't she?"

"No, no, that's not the case at all."

"There's no need to be so formal with me, Houtarou."

Sakayanagi's Father patted Oreki on the back kindly.

Oreki felt very awkward.

"...Is that so? Then I shall accept your offer..."

"By the way, which doll do you think is more suitable?"

"This one?"

"It's fine, just tell me your opinion, Houtarou."

"Well then..."

Oreki hesitated.

Choosing things that girls like was not his forte.

"How about this one..."

His right hand pointed toward a doll on the far left.

Pink checkered clothing.

A slightly round face.

And a small folding fan.

"Hmm, it looks quite nice."

"Really?"

"We'll take it."

Sakayanagi's Father said as he walked toward the shopkeeper.

After purchasing it, he looked at Oreki with a smile.

"Houtarou, would you like to come stay the night at our house today?"

The same smile—should I say it's no wonder they are father and daughter...

Oreki thought to himself.

--To be continue