"Mr. Arima, next time... no, there won't be a next time for you. But anyway, when you do things, remember to be more careful and check a few more times."
Yuu Hoshimiya delivered the final blow coolly.
"The desk is dark red, exactly the color of dried blood. That handprint happened to be in a secluded spot under the desk where the light doesn't reach. Normally, unless you turn the desk upside down, you'd absolutely never find it."
His five senses were incredibly sharp, especially his eyesight. He spotted that hidden bloody handprint the moment he glanced at the scene.
Of course, he couldn't say that in court.
So Yuu just made up an excuse.
"But there's always an exception. Just like how Miss Noriko somehow pressed her hand there, I just happened to see it the moment I crouched down that day."
"Besides, how could I possibly forge evidence in court, knowingly breaking the law?"
Only then did Masahiko Arima's face turn ashen. He scrambled up wretchedly, shoved Noriko Endo to the ground, and roared hoarsely:
"I didn't kill him! This woman did it! My father-in-law was smashed to death by her!"
"I didn't do anything! I just saw her kill him. I wanted to call the police! Yes, I originally wanted to call the police! Mr. Akiyama, you have to believe me. I really wanted to call the police!"
Masahiko Arima grabbed the shoulder of Manager Akiyama, speaking with apparent utmost sincerity.
"This woman threatened me! She said if I didn't help her, she'd tell my wife about our affair! Yes, this woman threatened me, forcing me to help create an illusion to confuse the police! She had dirt on me; I had no choice but to comply!"
"Consultant Hoshimiya, you were right! This woman smashed President Otsu once and wasn't satisfied; she smashed him a second time! She just wanted revenge!"
On the floor, Noriko Endo stared at Masahiko Arima with despair-filled eyes. Her lips trembled continuously. She stood up, lunged at Masahiko Arima, and screamed hoarsely:
"I'll fight you to the death, you heartless bastard! You're the one who told me to sleep with that old geezer, and now you want to throw me under the bus!"
Seeing their scheme exposed, Masahiko Arima showed his true, ugly colors, trying to pin all the blame on Noriko Endo.
The bailiffs quickly stepped forward to restrain the two, but they continued to hurl abuses at each other, plunging the entire courtroom into chaos.
The judge banged his gavel repeatedly from the bench, but it was completely useless in stopping the two from cursing at each other. The events also became increasingly clear through their insults.
In reality, the judge and the bailiffs were also very curious about the inside story behind the incident. Seeing this, they simply stopped intervening and let the two vent their emotions.
Yuu listened with great interest, occasionally sighing inwardly.
Japanese people really are perverted. They play so dirty.
The spectator in the gallery who had earlier suggested "one taking the dad, the other taking the daughter" gradually straightened his back, enjoying the admiring gazes of those around him.
He had actually guessed it right!
Although Noriko Endo had engaged in Enjo Kosai (compensated dating) since high school, she did have a boyfriend after graduation. That boyfriend was precisely this Italian chef, Masahiko Arima.
Later, Masahiko Arima hooked up with the daughter of the Otsu company president. Noriko Endo discovered his two-timing.
And after one of Noriko Endo's Enjo Kosai dates, Masahiko Arima also discovered that her client was none other than the father of his new girlfriend.
To seize the Otsu company's assets, under Masahiko Arima's sweet talk, Noriko Endo agreed to become the mistress of that old man, President Otsu.
Meanwhile, Masahiko Arima married the president's daughter.
The president's wife had long passed away, and both father and daughter were completely ensnared by this adulterous couple using their charms.
Both of them, of course, received corresponding rewards. With President Otsu's support, one opened a clothing boutique, and the other opened a Western restaurant.
During this time, the two continued their affair right under the noses of the father and daughter.
But how could two young people possibly be a match for Toshiyuki Otsu, an old fox who had navigated the business world for years?
Soon, the company president noticed something was amiss and discovered the improper relationship between his mistress and his son-in-law.
Toshiyuki Otsu's methods were extremely ruthless. He directly cut off the funding for the clothing boutique and the Western restaurant, and secretly pulled strings to ruin their businesses.
At the same time, he began to torment Noriko Endo, completely treating his mistress as less than human.
It could be said that the entire Otsu company had thirty-two male employees.
Regardless of their position, every single one of them had played with Noriko Endo in Toshiyuki Otsu's office, right in front of him. They had tried threesomes, and even orgies with over ten people.
The sixty-something-year-old cleaner in the company was no exception.
Furthermore, ordinary clients entering the real estate agency to inquire about properties could enjoy a taste of this urban beauty.
When sales staff took clients to view properties, they would drive to the clothing boutique next to the company, have Noriko Endo get in the car, and go to the house together.
Regardless of whether the client had any intention to buy, Noriko Endo was made to accompany them.
Therefore, Noriko Endo's hatred for President Otsu practically pierced the heavens. She constantly urged Masahiko Arima to poison the father and daughter, so they could take the assets, live happily, and truly be together.
A month ago, when Takashi Inoue injured Toshiyuki Otsu, Noriko Endo saw it as a perfect opportunity.
Seeing the safe full of money, she didn't hesitate to pick up the ashtray and smash it heavily against the back of Toshiyuki Otsu's head, exacting her revenge.
Masahiko Arima, who was in cahoots with her, naturally didn't hesitate to help cover it up.
The two cursed at each other until the end. Noriko Endo wept uncontrollably, while Masahiko Arima looked ashen. He knew he had no chance of clearing his name either.
In the defendant's seat, Takashi Inoue wept bitter tears. "Noriko, Noriko, why are you so foolish? If you were being bullied, you should have called the police!"
Hearing this, Noriko Endo looked up. The gaze she directed at her biological father was full of ruthlessness, almost like a demon.
Yuu patted Takashi Inoue's shoulder. "Don't be foolish. Your daughter still hates you in her heart. She wanted you dead."
"When she was arguing with me earlier, she was very familiar with the law, even mentioning reserving the right to sue. How could she not know that testifying in the first trial would push you toward a heavier sentence?"
"Moreover, she didn't hesitate to commit murder, originally intending to pin this murder on you. Do you still think she's your precious daughter?"
Hearing this, Takashi Inoue completely refused to believe it, weeping sorrowfully, "Noriko, is what Consultant Hoshimiya said true? We've known each other for two years now, and you still refuse to forgive me?"
Noriko Endo's voice carried a sob, shrill as a banshee.
"That's right! I wish I could flay your skin, rip out your tendons, and drink your blood! Back then, you abandoned your wife and daughter, forcing Mom and me to struggle to survive in this city."
"There was no sunshine in my life. From the age of twelve, I had to use my body to make money. It's all your fault!"
"You ruined my life, yet you casually appeared before me without a single word of apology! Why? Why?! I hate you!"
Takashi Inoue covered his face and wept bitterly. The only sound left in the large courtroom was his agonized crying.
Everyone felt as if a heavy stone weighed on their hearts, unable to speak.
Reiko Kujo stood up. "Your Honor, the prosecution has decided to withdraw the charge of intentional homicide against the defendant, and instead indict him on the charge of attempted theft. At the same time, the prosecution will begin preparing indictment materials against Masahiko Arima and Noriko Endo on suspicion of murder, as well as indictment materials regarding the assault on Noriko Endo."
The judge asked, "Defense counsel, do you have any other opinions?"
Yuu and Eri naturally answered that they had none.
The judge's gavel fell heavily.
"This court pronounces the defendant, Takashi Inoue, sentenced to fifteen days' imprisonment on the charge of attempted theft. This concludes the present case. Court is adjourned!"
Everyone stood up to watch the three judges leave, after which the bailiffs in the courtroom restrained Masahiko Arima and Noriko Endo.
Yuu and Eri walked out of the courtroom. As they passed the spectators, they gave Yuu a thumbs-up one by one.
Eri also let out a long sigh of relief, a smile appearing on her face. Seeing no one around except Midori Kuriyama, she hugged Yuu's arm, her proud breasts pressing against him.
"Yuu, you really are amazing. Finding out the truth in just that short time yesterday. No wonder you kept us in suspense; you were waiting for the lab reports."
"Aunt Eri, you're very smart too. You catch on quickly."
The two chatted and laughed as they walked out of the courtroom and into the hallway outside.
Just then, the sound of high heels echoed. Reiko Kujo approached the three from behind. Simply by standing there, an imposing aura washed over them.
"Attorney Kisaki, may I borrow Consultant Hoshimiya for a moment?"
A trace of panic flashed in Eri's eyes. She quickly released Yuu's arm and distanced herself from him.
"Of course, go ahead."
After all, to outsiders, she was Ran's mother and Yuu's future mother-in-law. She still needed to be mindful of appearances.
Fortunately, Reiko Kujo didn't seem to care, or rather, she probably already knew something from Midoriko Nakamori.
Yuu followed Reiko Kujo around the corner of the hallway to a quiet spot.
Reiko Kujo re-evaluated Yuu, a hint of admiration flashing in her slightly emerald eyes.
"Consultant Hoshimiya, you've brought me a lot of work today. Don't you have anything to say for yourself?"
"Re-indicting Masahiko Arima and Noriko Endo for murder, thoroughly investigating everyone in the company who assaulted Noriko Endo, and prosecuting them one by one... That's suddenly dozens of additional cases."
Yuu chuckled softly. "The capable should do more work! Besides, Chief Prosecutor Kujo has a formidable reputation. Such minor cases should be a piece of cake for the Chief Prosecutor."
"Although Noriko Endo committed murder, in a certain aspect, she was also the victim of assault. I believe the Chief Prosecutor should be very willing to bring her some justice, right?"
Reiko Kujo nodded.
"That's true. But I also have to thank you, Consultant Hoshimiya. If it weren't for you, I really would have facilitated a miscarriage of justice today."
"You don't need to thank me; thank the truth! I just happened to be there and gave it a little push!" Yuu was quite modest at this moment.
Hearing this, Reiko Kujo's eyes sparkled with brilliance. But then she lifted her pretty face slightly, her haughty aura reappearing.
"Consultant Hoshimiya, please pass a message to Attorney Kisaki for me. This time doesn't count as a loss to her. The contest between her and me isn't over yet!"
Reiko Kujo turned to leave, but Yuu called out to her.
"Hold on, Chief Prosecutor Kujo. I have a question I'd like to ask you."
Reiko Kujo stopped. Just as she turned around, she found a large hand wrapping around her waist, and her body fell into a broad embrace. A masculine aura instantly washed over her.
Her slightly emerald eyes contracted sharply. Sensing her breasts intimately pressed against a solid chest, a blush instantly spread across her face.
Reiko Kujo angrily reprimanded him, "Consultant Hoshimiya, what are you doing?"
Yuu saw the false bravado in her eyes and couldn't help but smile. "Rumor has it that Chief Prosecutor Kujo is never pleasant to men, cold as ice, and no man can get close to you. I, however, don't believe it."
The audacious Yuu planted a kiss on Reiko Kujo's lips.
Warm and soft as jelly.
He only took a brief taste, but for Reiko Kujo, it was like a nuclear bomb exploding, throwing her mind into complete chaos.
Ending the kiss, Yuu released Reiko Kujo's body and continued, "It seems the rumors are false!"
Reiko Kujo's face turned bright red, driven by anger.
"Yuu Hoshimiya, I'm going to sue you!"
"Hmm?"
Hearing this, Yuu raised an eyebrow, pulled Reiko Kujo back into his arms forcefully, and kissed her small mouth fiercely.
This kiss was no simple peck on the lips. Reiko Kujo felt goosebumps erupt all over her body.
The deep kiss lasted for a very long time before Yuu finally released her mouth. Reiko Kujo felt the world spinning around her as she panted heavily.
Her eyes gradually regained their calmness, and she reprimanded him again, "Yuu Hoshimiya, just you wait!"
"Hmm?"
Yuu made as if to step forward, terrifying Reiko Kujo into fleeing in a panic, almost twisting her ankle.
Watching the flustered retreating figure of this Madonna of the prosecutorial world, he couldn't help but laugh.
After laughing, even more anticipation grew in his heart.
It seemed his judgment wasn't wrong. He might not even need Midoriko Nakamori to pull some strings.
Later, when he had time, he would find opportunities to interact with her more!
Yuu pondered as he returned to where Eri and Midori Kuriyama were waiting.
He then said, "Aunt Eri, you and Midori go home first. I won't go with you. I still have some business to attend to!"
"Are you going to the MPD?" Eri asked.
Yuu nodded. If he didn't go make his presence known soon, Juzo Megure would probably come knocking on his door directly.
Watching Eri get into Midori Kuriyama's car, he also got into his Lexus and hurried toward the MPD.
When he arrived at the MPD, it was exactly lunchtime.
After freeloading a lunch, Yuu was dragged into the office by Juzo Megure before he even had time to get cozy with Miwako and Yumi.
During the week he was away, Tokyo hadn't seen a shortage of cases either.
The First Investigation Division was as busy as ever. But Juzo Megure's urgency to find Yuu wasn't about a case, but a banquet.
The day after tomorrow, the princess of the Kingdom of Vespania and her entourage would arrive in Japan for a visit, and a banquet would be held in the evening.
In addition to the Royal Guard of Vespania, the MPD also had to send personnel for protection.
And a capable person like Yuu was naturally the top choice.
Faced with Juzo Megure's request, Yuu originally didn't want to agree. He didn't want to get involved in political matters at all.
But having already rejected his good bro Juzo Megure's requests several times recently, he thought about it and finally agreed.
Subsequently, Yuu took the detailed intelligence regarding this international exchange from Juzo Megure.
Then, he became proactive.
The Kingdom of Vespania—Yuu had absolutely no interest in this small, obscure country.
But if it was about Princess Mira, then he was wide awake.
That's right, the Princess of Vespania visiting Japan this time was none other than Princess Mira, who looked exactly like Ran.
Seeing Princess Mira's name, Yuu carefully searched his memories and matched the country of Vespania to it.
The country's name wasn't the important part; the relevant event was.
Two days was more than enough time for him to prepare. When the time came, he would aim to conquer Princess Mira directly!
...
Two days later, at the hotel where the banquet was held, celebrities from all walks of life in Japan gathered together.
Even the Emperor's family made an appearance.
However, Yuu had absolutely no interest in the Emperor. He only wanted to be the princess's personal bodyguard.
But as the banquet was about to begin, the star of the show, Princess Mira, still hadn't appeared.
Meanwhile, Sonoko, Eri, and the other invited women conversed quietly while dealing with people coming to greet them.
"Ran is taking way too long in the restroom, isn't she? Why hasn't she come back yet?"
Sonoko checked her watch. "It's been almost thirty minutes. Did she sneak off to find Consultant Hoshimiya?"
She said that, but they all knew Ran wouldn't go bother him while he was in charge of security tonight.
Just as they were considering whether to go look for her in the restroom, Ran was standing in front of the sink, locking eyes with a woman who looked exactly like her.
"Are you really the Princess of the Kingdom of Vespania? The banquet is about to begin. What are you doing here?"
Standing before her, Princess Mira wore a pink and white princess gown and a crown. Her face was cut from the exact same mold as Ran's, noble and elegant.
Princess Mira reached out and pinched Ran's cheek, exclaiming, "Unbelievable. You really look exactly like me."
Ran hurriedly pulled away.
Only then did Princess Mira speak seriously, "Of course I'm the Princess of the Kingdom of Vespania. But I'm absolutely sick of this kind of banquet, so I'm hiding here for a bit."
"By the way, do you have a cigarette?"
Ran looked astounded. "I'm only seventeen, still a minor. How could I possibly have cigarettes on me?"
"Seventeen?" Princess Mira scrutinized Ran suspiciously.
Ran straightened the lapels of her gown. "I am seventeen. A second-year student at Teitan High School, a high school girl in the prime of her youth, full of youthful vitality."
Princess Mira rolled her eyes at Ran. "What a narcissistic girl. I thought we were the same age. I didn't expect you to be two years younger than me."
"Then you must be nineteen. But aren't you still a minor at nineteen? How can you smoke?" Ran frowned.
Princess Mira waved her hand and said, "In the Kingdom of Vespania, you come of age at eighteen. Naturally, I can smoke and drink."
The two beautiful girls looked similar, but their personalities were complete opposites.
Ran appeared gentle as water on the outside and understanding, but her inner core was incredibly tough, very independent and strong.
Mira seemed willful and unruly on the outside, enjoying rebellious things like playing video games and smoking, but she was actually fragile inside, always feigning strength.
When encountering problems, she would hide alone and cry secretly.
Ran stared blankly at Princess Mira, speaking after a long while, "It's a little surprising. I didn't expect Her Highness the Princess to smoke!"
But Princess Mira sneered. "What, did I ruin your image of a princess? Can't a princess smoke? Is this princess not a living being? Must I be a puppet living according to everyone else's opinions?"
Ran immediately apologized, "I didn't mean that!"
"It's just that for girls, a princess is an identity everyone yearns for. Even if it's just once, how wonderful it would be to be a princess for a day!"
"That's why everyone imagines her to be so perfect!"
Ran lifted her head, a faint blush appearing on her face, seemingly lost in fantasy.
A glimmer of light flashed in Princess Mira's eyes. She grabbed Ran's hand. "Then do you want to try being a princess for a day?"
After saying this, Princess Mira pulled Ran toward a restroom stall, and then began to get hands-on.
Ran's voice of resistance came from within the stall.
"Dame!" "Yamete!"
"Ah! You're kidding, right? Only seventeen, but you're so big already. Your breasts are even more developed than mine."
"Don't touch me randomly. I'll take it off myself."
In the end, Ran succumbed to the despotic power of the Princess of Vespania and swapped her gown with the princess gown.