House of Sand

After all, most people in the world have their Quirk. If Conan were still the kind of classic mystery, it would definitely be outdated. The editor's sweeping reforms have given the name "Detective Conan" a new lease on life, introducing the concept of "Quirk crime" into the manga.

It was this crucial step that has allowed Conan's name to remain a topic of conversation for over a century.

So, Jilan strolled along the street with many character illustrations for nearly half an hour, telling Fran about the plot of Conan as she walked toward her destination.

"'The culprit is you, Kaito Kid!' Conan, using Kogoro Mori's finger, pointed to Ms. Muri standing in the crowd—their client for this case. It turned out that Kaito Kid Muri through the journey, disguising himself as the holder of the jewel to gain close access. Exposed by Conan, Kid dispelled his disguise, used his Quirk 'Create Something from Something from Nothing' to pull out a smoke bomb, and tried to escape. But Conan wouldn't let him get away. He pulled an inflatable soccer ball from his Quirk's auxiliary device, amplified his leg strength several times using his Quirk 'Multiplier,' and kicked it towards Kid."

Suddenly, Jilan stopped telling the story. Fran, who was completely engrossed, shook Jilan's arm in annoyance. "Daddy, keep going!"

Jilan patted Fran's hair and said with a smile, "Fran, we've arrived. I'll tell you more when I have time."

"It's a promise!" Fran, still longing for her mother, looked up and said, "I want to listen with Mom!"

"It's a promise."

Jilan casually agreed to Fran's request, then stepped forward and knocked on the door of the "House of Sand" inn three times before patiently waiting at the entrance.

House of Sand surrounded by vegetation, giving the feeling of suddenly being transported from the city to the mountains and forests, creating a sense of unreality. It is only two kilometers away from the Tottori Sand Dunes, and Jilan can smell the sand carried by the sea breeze from here.

After a series of thuds of bare feet on the wooden floor, the front door was opened from the inside. A short-haired girl's head popped out; her eyes were red, as if she hadn't slept enough, and she yawned as she opened the door.

"Are you the client? I'm sorry, we're not ready yet. Could you come back in a day?"

"Party A" refers to the party making the request. Does that mean it refers to local government officials?

The thought flashed through Jilan's mind, and she waved in front of the girl. "Ms. Aoi Hana, don't you remember me?"

This short-haired girl is named Aoi Hana. She is the only zookeeper at the Oumagadoki Zoo. She has to take care of all the animals in the zoo all by herself, which is a huge responsibility, especially since the zookeeper is such an irresponsible guy.

Hearing the familiar voice, Aoi Hana rubbed her eyes. Seeing Jilan's smile, her eyes widened instantly, and she excitedly shouted into the room, "Everyone, we have an acquaintance! Come out and greet them!"

Aoi Hana opened the door and warmly invited Jilan in. "Jilan, please come in!"

"Then I won't stand on ceremony," Jilan said while changing her shoes. "Ms. Aoi Hana, I heard from Uncle Fujiwara that you will be performing at the Tottori Sand Dunes. When will your performance begin?"

Jilan led Fran into the inn. The lobby wasn't large, with only a front desk. On either side were short passageways that could be seen at a glance. However, there was a hidden world behind the inn. Behind the paper doors and windows was a large courtyard with a stream, artificial hills, and other features. A winding stone path led to the back.

"Yes, that's right. Our circus was invited by the Tottori Prefecture government to perform at the Tottori Sand Dunes Festival on the evening of July 15th. This is the temporary accommodation provided by the government." Aoi Hana explained to Jilan as she opened the door. "Considering the special nature of our circus, the owner of this 'House of Sand' doesn't live here. The director dumped the daily cooking and cleaning chores on me. Although what I'm doing now is no different from what I did at the zoo."

Aoi Hana's words were full of resentment, and the resentment emanating from her body made Fran involuntarily shrink back towards Jilan.

Aoi Hana noticed Fran and asked curiously, "Jilan, is this your younger sister? She seems quite shy."

She's just afraid of you.

Jilan chuckled dryly, "You could think of it that way. Speaking of which, where's the principal? I came here specifically to see him."

"You mean that rabbit? Heh," Aoi Hana scoffed, hands on her hips, "I don't know what's gotten into him, but he dragged us into training until six in the morning last night, without a single night's sleep! He should still be fast asleep right now!"

No wonder Aoi Hana's eyes were red; she hadn't slept all night. Jilan glanced at her watch; it was already noon. Jilan decisively said, "If the headmistress isn't awake yet, I won't disturb you any longer. I'll come back tonight."

Aoi Hana with some dissatisfaction, "Jilan, what do you mean by that? Are you treating me like an outsider?"

"No, it's just that I have my younger sister with me, and I need to make sure she has something to eat right now," Jilan replied with a wry smile.

If it were just Jilan alone, he would definitely wait here until the principal wakes up. He has enough patience, and the matter he wants to ask is important enough.

But he is not alone now. No matter what happens, he will never let his child go hungry.

Aoi Hana sighed, somewhat amused and exasperated, "If only the headmaster were as understanding as you. Right now, I'm being used as three people by myself."

Just then, a light, airy voice drifted out from the side. "Caregiver, I've always been on your side."

The speaker popped out a head, not a human, but a long, bald head without a neck. It had a pair of whiskers on its face, wore glasses, and looked very kind.

He is a seal, the mascot of the Fūmadoki Zoo, Mr. Igarashi.

Igarashi waved his short hand at Jilan and said slowly, "Former zookeeper, it's been a long time."

"A seal! So cute!" Fran's eyes sparkled as she shook Jilan's arm. "Daddy, can I touch it?"

"Good morning, Mr. Igarashi." Jilan nodded and greeted the seal, then turned to Fran with a smile and said, "Fran, if you want to ask someone for a favor, you should go up to them and ask them yourself."

Fran nodded, seemingly understanding, and walked up to Igarashi, a naive smile on her face, "Mr. Seal, may I touch you?"

Igarashi adjusted his glasses like a gentleman and opened his arms. "Of course, lovely little girl."

"Really? Thank you!" Fran bowed excitedly, then pounced on Igarashi with a smile and began to grope him all over.

"That's wonderful!" Jilan smiled like a proud father.

"Speaking of which, that child just now called you 'Dad,' right?" Aoi Hana suddenly asked.