At the entrance, Ran couldn't help but say, "Brother Yuu, I always feel something is weird here. You don't think there are really ghosts, do you? Maybe we should just go back?"
Yuu Hoshimiya ruffled Ran's hair and leaned into her ear, whispering, "We're already here. Besides, even if there are ghosts, I can handle them."
Ran's timid appearance seemed to easily invite a desire in others to tease her.
This time, it was Ikumi Koshida nearby who spoke up spookily, "Who knows? Maybe the vengeful spirits who died tragically forty years ago are still drifting through this mansion right now!"
Hearing this, Ran's body couldn't help but shudder again.
Yuu looked at the mature beauty before him and said flatly, "Miss Koshida, please don't say things like that in front of my girlfriend."
Ikumi Koshida let out a soft laugh. "I really couldn't tell. Consultant Hoshimiya is quite the obsessive protector of his woman. It's truly enviable."
As she spoke, Ikumi wore a fox-like smile.
Ran couldn't help but frown.
"Why isn't Miss Koshida following the others to investigate? Why stay here and watch us?"
Yuu didn't care about such teasing; he knew there would be plenty of opportunities to properly "discipline" this beautiful detective in the future.
"I've already scouted the place once, but unfortunately, I found nothing. Now, naturally, I want to move with Consultant Hoshimiya."
"After all, Consultant Hoshimiya is hailed as the Star of the Police Force. You shouldn't mind a little woman like me watching from the side, right?"
Yuu shrugged, naturally feeling it didn't matter.
He led Ran forward, with Ikumi Koshida following by his side.
The three passed through the hall and went through the back to the inner courtyard.
The courtyard had long fallen into ruin. Without anyone to tend to it, it wasn't exactly overgrown with weeds, but it was close.
In the center stood a sculpture, but after forty years of exposure to the sun and rain, it was now completely unrecognizable.
Yuu took in everything he saw. The three crossed the courtyard and arrived at the back gate.
He didn't step outside the back gate, but stood there observing for a moment before leading Ran back.
With that, his scouting was over, leaving Ikumi Koshida beside him looking utterly bewildered.
The investigation is over just like that???
This Great Consultant's way of doing things was truly unexpected. Her gaze toward Yuu became filled with curiosity.
The three were the first to return to the first-floor drawing room, while the other detectives were still searching.
Back in the drawing room, Ikumi Koshida finally took off her white lab coat, revealing a sight that made eyes light up.
Underneath was a purple qipao (cheongsam) paired with a string of pearls, making her look exceptionally radiant. Especially since the qipao was slit all the way up to her thigh, her snow-white, beautiful legs were very eye-catching.
She had a graceful figure with all the right curves. Her body was well-proportioned and soft, and she radiated an aura of nobility. As she sat down and rested her face in one hand, she looked somewhat languid.
Her smooth fingers tapped gently on the table, and her beautiful eyes narrowed slightly as if she were thinking.
Just then, Ran needed to use the restroom. She released Yuu's arm and left the drawing room.
Only Yuu and Ikumi Koshida were left in the room.
Ikumi couldn't help but speak up, "Consultant Hoshimiya, aren't you curious at all about the tragedy from forty years ago?"
"Why should I be curious? The statute of limitations has long since passed. What's the point of pursuing it now?"
"On the contrary, I'm quite curious about you, Miss Koshida. How does such a great beauty like you end up meddling in these cases?"
Ikumi covered her mouth and giggled.
"Consultant Hoshimiya, while I'm happy you say that, aren't you afraid your girlfriend will be jealous?"
Yuu didn't answer directly. Instead, he scrutinized Ikumi from top to bottom before speaking.
"Miss Koshida, although you look very feminine right now, in your bones, you actually wish others wouldn't treat you like a woman. In private, you probably dress like a man. I'd wager you've never had a boyfriend before!"
"Dressing like this now is just a practical choice to use your beauty as a convenience for solving cases. You're a dyed-in-the-wool pragmatist."
Ikumi's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Oh? Doesn't Consultant Hoshimiya think it's a bit rude to speak to a woman he's just met like that?"
"Not at all. Since you scared my girlfriend and tried to drive a wedge between us, why should I give you any face?"
Yuu glanced at her right shoulder and continued, "Despite being someone with a strong sense of justice and an investigative spirit, your actions are quite reckless."
"I imagine you fought with the boys a lot as a child. It's just a shame your skills aren't quite there yet; you were kicked and injured by a criminal during your last commission, weren't you?"
Ikumi immediately reached up to cover her right shoulder, nodding in praise, "Impressive!"
Yuu chuckled and continued, "That sense of justice was likely inherited from your detective father. But you didn't just inherit the justice; you inherited his marksmanship and his lack of attention to detail as well."
"Miss Koshida, you must be exceptionally messy. The environment in your apartment must be terrible."
Yuu leaned his head forward and took a deep sniff.
"Otherwise, you surely would have noticed the faint smell of mildew on this custom qipao you bought from China."
Hearing this, Ikumi's face turned bright red instantly. She retorted immediately, "Nonsense! It's just that I was away in Osaka for a long time on my last commission and only returned to Tokyo yesterday. I had to rush over here, so I didn't have time to tidy up."
This was clearly a desperate excuse.
Every point Yuu had analyzed hit the mark.
In private, she dressed very neutrally, in a style similar to Masumi Sera's.
She knew Karate—enough to handle a few petty thieves—but her marksmanship was much better.
Moreover, she was terrible at housework. Her home was often a disaster zone, with clothes piled like mountains in her wardrobe and never organized. It was perfectly normal for things to get moldy.
Furthermore, she was now twenty-nine years old and had never had a boyfriend.
She hadn't dated before because her profession as a forensic scientist involved dealing with corpses. Although she was beautiful, men tended to keep their distance.
Later, she became a private detective but buried herself in her cases. She lived like a tomboy daily, so naturally, she had no boyfriend.
Wait... this guy just said I have no boyfriend! Does he have a death wish?!
Ikumi's gaze turned extremely hostile in an instant. She looked at Yuu, her body tensing slightly as she prepared to strike.
Although Ikumi didn't have a boyfriend, she cared deeply about people mentioning it.
She was clearly a top-tier beauty, yet she had no suitors because of her job—that was already pitiful enough!
Add to that her former classmates were all married with children while she had reached marriageable age with zero progress in that department.
Every time she went to a reunion, those female classmates would tease and mock her.
And when she went home, she had to face her parents' relentless nagging about marriage.
This made her exceptionally sensitive about the subject!!!
Anyone who brought it up was bound to get a beating from her.
Yuu was naturally no exception.
With a fake smile on her face, Ikumi's body coiled tight before she suddenly exploded into motion.
Her right hand formed a blade, striking directly at Yuu's temple.
Yuu pushed off the table with both hands, leaning his body back as his chair tilted.
With a "bridge" move, he easily dodged the sudden attack.
This beautiful detective who attacked without a word was quite interesting—like a rose with thorns.
Yuu slipped out of the chair, and Ikumi rose as well.
Even though she was wearing an impractical qipao and high heels, she had no intention of stopping there.
"Consultant Hoshimiya, didn't you say my Karate skills weren't quite there yet? Then please, give me some pointers."
Yuu chuckled, "Miss Koshida, I was just stating a fact. Besides, you're a woman; you can't beat me."
Hearing this, the cold glint in Ikumi's eyes intensified, her face turning icy as she stepped forward again.
Well, there goes another mistake!
Ikumi hated most when people treated her like a useless ornament or a weak woman.
She didn't hesitate any longer, launching a fierce offensive and closing the distance in her high heels.
Her right foot kicked out, aimed straight at his groin.
Knowing he'd misspoke, Yuu didn't hit back, simply dodging repeatedly.
When her kick missed, Ikumi didn't stop, switching legs to strike again.
She launched one roundhouse kick after another at Yuu.
The two fought from one end of the massive drawing room to the other.
The purple qipao fluttered wildly as her beautiful legs attacked relentlessly.
While the scene was quite beautiful, it was also lethally dangerous.
Ikumi hadn't taken off her high heels, and those sharp heels were aimed specifically at Yuu's crotch.
If an ordinary man were kicked there by those heels, they probably wouldn't be able to get up again.
Though she couldn't hit Yuu, every time a heel whistled past, he instinctively felt a chill down his spine, which made him quite annoyed.
Seeing that she had backed him into a corner and was still recklessly pursuing him, Yuu decided to stop humoring her.
Ikumi saw Yuu's back against the wall and felt a surge of joy. She launched a mid-level kick aimed straight at his abdomen.
She thought Yuu had no room to dodge and would surely be hit.
To her surprise, her right ankle was caught by a large hand. Immediately after, she was hoisted up and pushed against Yuu's shoulder.
Ikumi felt herself spinning like a compass. Her position reversed with Yuu's as her back slammed hard against the wall, followed by a tearing sensation between her legs.
"Ow! It's going to break! My ligament is going to snap! Let go!" She couldn't help but swat at Yuu.
Yuu hadn't expected Ikumi's flexibility to be this poor; she was screaming in pain before he'd even pushed her into a full split.
But how could he let her off so easily?
"Miss Koshida, you were having quite a lot of fun chasing me just now, weren't you? Is it still fun now?"
With that, he lifted Ikumi's right leg a bit higher.
Restrained by his monstrous strength, Ikumi couldn't break free and decisively surrendered, begging for mercy.
Unfortunately, Yuu's annoyance hadn't faded yet, so he refused to let go.
His right hand slowly traced up Ikumi's calf. Truly a fine limb.
Sensing Yuu's large hand, a blush instantly erupted on Ikumi's face.
"Yuu Hoshimiya! What are you doing? I'll sue you for sexual harassment!"
Yuu chuckled, "Go ahead and sue. But when you do something wrong, you have to be punished."
With that, he lowered Ikumi's right leg, spun her around, pinned her hands behind her back, and forced her face-down onto a nearby table.
Exerting his monstrous strength, he made it impossible for Ikumi to break free.
Panic instantly surged in her heart, her pupils contracting as a terrifying thought crossed her mind.
No way... what is he trying to do...
This position... and he's pinning me down...
Is he insane? How can he do this? I was saving this for my boyfriend!
Ah!!! No! I'm going to kill him!
The terror on Ikumi's face was impossible to hide. Since she couldn't see behind her, she looked utterly despairing.
But then...
Smack! Smack! Smack!!!
Instead of the scene Ikumi had imagined, a series of crisp slapping sounds rang out.
Dammit... it's just a spanking. How childish!
Why do I feel a tiny sense of disappointment in my heart!
No, this is a ultimate humiliation! Even my father wouldn't hit me, and you dare hit me, Yuu Hoshimiya? You're dead meat!
Ikumi's face was full of shame and rage as she opened her mouth.
"Yuu Hoshimiya, you're dead! I'm going to have you arrested! Just you wait for prison!"
"I have plenty of classmates in the Prosecutor's Office. I'll make sure you get the death penalty! You're finished!"
"Stop it! Look behind you! Your girlfriend is back!"
"It hurts! Let go of me!"
"Consultant Hoshimiya... I was wrong. Please let me go!"
Ikumi tried everything—threats, tricks, and pleas for mercy.
But Yuu's heart was as hard as iron; his large hand never stopped its rhythmic striking.
Only after thirty slaps did he finally release Ikumi Koshida.
Ikumi immediately covered her bottom and scrambled backward until her back hit the wall, finally feeling a sense of security.
Her face was beet-red as she glared at Yuu, but she remained silent.
Yuu chuckled, "Miss Koshida, a small punishment. Don't be so impulsive next time."
Ikumi rubbed her swollen buttocks and replied coldly, "Well played, Yuu Hoshimiya. I've finally seen your true colors. Let me tell you, we aren't done yet!"
The woman still dared to make threats.
However, the moment Yuu raised his hand, she couldn't help but flinch. This reaction made Yuu burst into laughter.
He turned and walked back to the center of the drawing room, taking a seat in a random chair.
A moment later, Ran returned from the restroom.
Ikumi immediately pretended nothing had happened, striking a pose as if she were investigating the walls for clues.
The events that had just transpired could absolutely not be known to a third party, or she'd have no dignity left!
Ran noticed Ikumi standing far away and found it a bit strange, but soon thought nothing of it.
Shortly after, the other detectives finished their scouting and returned to the drawing room to rest. Only then did Ikumi come over and sit down.
The moment she sat, she drew a sharp breath.
Her ass really did hurt; this guy truly didn't hold back!
Her beautiful eyes glared at Yuu, but he only raised an eyebrow provocatively, fueling Ikumi's inner rage.
Nearby, Harufumi Mogi noticed the looks they were exchanging and chuckled. "Oho! I didn't expect the cold and glamorous former forensic scientist and Consultant Hoshimiya to hook up so quickly. Impressive indeed!"
With that, Mogi gave Yuu a thumbs-up.
Ikumi raised an eyebrow and said coldly, "Detective Mogi, spreading rumors is not a good habit!"
Mogi shrugged and dropped the subject.
Since dinner hadn't started yet, everyone began using the entertainment facilities to pass the time.
Saguru Hakuba and Harufumi Mogi were playing billiards, Yuu and Furuyo Senma were playing chess, while the other three women were playing cards.
Conan, the little brat, was watching from the side.
At cards, Ran—with her god-tier luck—won every single round. Her hands were either straight flushes or big pairs, frustrating both Masumi Sera and Ikumi Koshida.
Just then, a foxy smile curled on Ikumi's lips as she rested her face in her hand and chuckled.
"Ran, cheating is a very bad habit, you know!"
Ran shook her head. "I wasn't cheating!"
Masumi Sera, with her sharp eyes, noticed another card seemingly stuck behind the Jack of Spades and pulled it out.
Applying a little force to separate them, the three saw a dried stain in the middle of the card.
She examined it closely and said, "It looks like blood."
Ran let out a gasp and immediately dropped all her cards, her face turning somewhat pale.
Ikumi frowned. "What a headache. I didn't expect bloodstains on the playing cards too."
The elderly Furuyo Senma remarked, "The maid mentioned that since the tragedy occurred, nothing in this mansion has been touched. It's stayed exactly as it was until now."
Hearing this, Yuu couldn't help but laugh. "Detective Senma, you must be joking. You actually believe that?"
"Forty years have passed. The maid was only hired a few days ago. You believe her just because she said it? That's far too naive!"
"This isn't a sealed space. Besides, this mansion has changed hands several times; surely people have lived here. All traces would have been blurred or altered by the long passage of time."
Furuyo Senma adjusted her glasses. "Consultant Hoshimiya has a point."
Just then, the drawing room doors opened, and Aki Ishihara, the maid, walked in. She bowed respectfully and said, "My master invites everyone to the dining room for dinner."
Interest piqued, everyone followed the maid down a long corridor to the dining room.
Upon entering, they saw a person draped in a purple cloak sitting at the head of the table.
Their face was completely obscured by the cloak, making it impossible to see their expression.
Harufumi Mogi chuckled, "Hey, have you been watching too many TV dramas? Why the mysterious act?"
The cloaked man then spoke up, "I am honored that six distinguished detectives could come to this Twilight Mansion."
"There are nameplates on the table. Please be seated accordingly."
Everyone entered the dining room and took their seats. The Gourmet Detective, Shukuzen Ogami, whispered instructions to the maid, "Bring the courses out in order shortly."
The maid nodded, "Yes!"
Once everyone was seated, the purple-cloaked man began to speak.
"Regarding the purpose of inviting you here today: I hope to combine your intellects to find the treasure hidden within this mansion."
"The treasure I spent many years searching for... I must have it, even if it costs me my life."
Just then, a series of explosions rang out, causing everyone to look around in alarm.
Shukuzen Ogami stood up abruptly. "What was that sound just now?"
The cloaked man said, "There's no need for alarm. I've simply cut off your retreat."
"In the past, you've always been the ones chasing me. Now, it's time for our positions to be reversed. The suspension bridge you drove across to get here has been completely destroyed by me."
"Naturally, there are no telephones or cell towers here; calling for help is impossible."
"So, if you don't help me solve the riddle of the treasure, you can only stay here in this mansion with me."
"Conversely, if you can solve the mystery of these explosions, I will not only tell you the alternative exit but also share half the treasure with you. Those are the rules of the game!"