At five o'clock in the afternoon, Yuu Hoshimiya stretched his muscles, waved goodbye to Miwako Sato, and clocked out exactly on time.
While cases were a daily occurrence, Yuu making a point not to work overtime was also a daily routine, even though this was his first day back in a long time.
Three days ago, after returning to Japan, Yuu hadn't been nagged by Juzo Megure; instead, he was showered with heavy praise.
Megure's chubby face had been smiling so wide it looked like a blooming chrysanthemum.
The reason was simple.
Externally, the official reason for Yuu's trip to the Kingdom of Vespania was to fulfill his mission of protecting Princess Mira.
Not only had he completed it beautifully, but he had also helped Queen Sakura escape danger and quell the rebellion, furthering the international friendship between Japan and Vespania.
The trade cooperation regarding the new mineral reached by the Suzuki Group on behalf of Japan was proof of their closer ties.
This was all personally explained by Queen Sakura when she contacted the Japanese Prime Minister directly.
Thus, no one questioned it, and no one dared to.
Yuu's status and reputation were raised once again, and the police higher-ups intended to make an exception and promote him directly to Senior Commissioner.
But he had zero interest in such hollow titles and flatly refused.
He refused, but the higher-ups couldn't just let it go.
With such a massive contribution, if they gave no benefits—even if Yuu refused them—it would be hard to lead the force in the future.
Consequently, all the benefits fell onto his nominal superior, Juzo Megure.
Megure, who originally had almost no chance of further promotion, was now seeing his promotion paperwork finalized.
His actual duties wouldn't change much, as those positions were strictly one person per slot.
However, his status and salary were tangibly improved.
As for why Yuu only showed up at the MPD today, three days after his return, it was because he was busy arranging the personnel and supplies to be sent to Vespania.
Additionally, he had to scout a residence for Minerva and Juno Glass, handle their visas, and get the mother and daughter settled permanently in Japan.
Yuu also had someone fetch Minerva's younger brother, eight-year-old Apollo Glass, and bring him to Japan.
The family of three was now settled in Japan, with Juno—whose sight was restored—taking care of the siblings' daily needs.
For Minerva and Apollo, other than the change in environment, life hadn't changed much.
Minerva continued her training and matches as usual, and Apollo naturally went to elementary school.
The only real change was that when Yuu felt the urge, the mother and daughter had to hide it from Apollo and act as his human fleshlights.
If Yuu wanted to seek a thrill, they had to endure the shame of being "brother-witnessed" or "son-witnessed" victims...
As for whether they would be discovered, it depended on their endurance and acting skills.
After all, Apollo was quite smart, even if Yuu made sure he never saw anything substantial—one could even say not a single inch of skin was exposed...
But if the two women's reactions were too obvious, he would still sense it.
Getting into the driver's seat, just as Yuu was about to drive home, his phone rang.
It was a call from Sumiko Kobayashi.
As soon as he picked up, he heard the beautiful teacher's joyful voice.
"Yuu-kun, did you know? I'm going to be a juror tomorrow! I'm the first teacher from Teitan Elementary to ever be a juror!"
"Really? Sumiko, that's amazing. What's the case?"
"I can't say. We have a confidentiality agreement."
Hearing this, Yuu didn't press for details.
If he truly wanted to know, let alone a court case, even a state secret would be told to him unconditionally by Sumiko.
Besides, Sumiko's words triggered a memory, and he already knew exactly what the incident was.
Just like not long ago, this jury duty for Sumiko would be another showdown between Eri Kisaki and Reiko Kujo.
Yuu chuckled, "Sumiko, I'll be heading over to that case you're jurying tomorrow too. You better do your best!"
"Liar, you don't even know which case it is."
"How about a bet then? If we see each other tomorrow, you have to agree to that request I mentioned before!"
Sumiko instantly realized what he was talking about and hurriedly refused in a panic.
"No way! I told you, school is absolutely off-limits."
"School is a sacred place. Besides, what if the children see us?"
As expected, Sumiko was as pure as ever, but her reluctance only made Yuu more interested!
"Fine, we'll talk when we meet tomorrow. If school is a no-go, we'll just book a hot spring trip with Miwako and Yumi."
At those words, a blush crept onto Sumiko's pretty face. A hot spring trip sounded quite nice!
Oh goodness, how embarrassing... another group session.
Whether Sumiko was embarrassed or not was one thing, but Eri Kisaki was certainly feeling the shame that night.
Although the case was tricky, Eri wasn't without confidence, so she hadn't asked Yuu for help.
But whether it was to join the fun or find a chance to contact Reiko Kujo, Yuu had to get involved.
Since he couldn't persuade the "mouth" above, he could only persuade the "mouth" below for Eri.
...
...
The next day, Monday morning at nine o'clock, Yuu and Eri arrived at the Tokyo District Court.
As for Ran, today was the first day of the new term at Teitan High. She had to attend the opening ceremony, though she'd have time to come over in the afternoon.
As for why it was mid-summer a few incidents ago and now it was the start of spring...
Don't ask; it's just a "Conan-world" feature.
Although Yuu had suggested Ran just come to the courthouse—since skipping class wasn't an issue, let alone just an opening ceremony.
Ran, however, insisted on not seeking special treatment and went to school obediently.
In the corridor leading to the waiting room, Eri was still pinching Yuu's waist, her fingertips twisting fiercely as she grumbled about last night.
Last night, when Yuu couldn't win the argument, he started getting physical. He ended up doing her until her eyes rolled back, forcing her to agree whether she wanted to or not.
Upon waking up, the Queen was naturally furious and had been throwing a small tantrum all morning.
Yuu was self-aware and cooperated fully throughout the process.
At that moment, Reiko Kujo and her assistant approached from the opposite direction.
Reiko Kujo wore a black suit skirt and high heels, her figure graceful. She maintained her usual powerful aura, her slightly emerald eyes filled with confidence.
Seeing Reiko, Eri immediately released Yuu's waist, instantly transforming into the uncompromising Great Attorney Kisaki.
Her aura became calm and imposing, not a bit weaker than Reiko Kujo's.
When the two women met, they stopped simultaneously.
"Attorney Kisaki."
"Prosecutor Kujo."
"I heard you are the defense counsel for Toshio Iwamatsu."
"Yes, I just spoke with him."
The corner of Reiko Kujo's mouth curled up. "I'm quite looking forward to clarifying the rights and wrongs of this murder case with Attorney Kisaki in a courtroom with jurors present!"
"As am I. Please show some mercy, Prosecutor!"
The two spoke politely, but their auras were sharp, and the air between their gazes was thick with sparks.
Yuu, being ignored on the side, felt quite disgruntled. He even gave Reiko Kujo a wink.
However, after being forcefully kissed by Yuu at the courthouse several times previously, Reiko naturally wouldn't give him a pleasant face. She ignored him entirely, and after finishing her pleasantries with Eri, she walked straight past.
Yuu shrugged, not minding too much.
After walking for a bit, Reiko couldn't help but turn back. Watching Yuu's retreating figure, her expression was quite complex.
Seeing the man who had stolen her first kiss, Reiko's heart was not as calm as she appeared.
Just then, a flustered figure appeared in the corridor.
She was running while checking her phone, seemingly lost and looking quite dazed—it was Sumiko Kobayashi, wearing her glasses.
Seeing Sumiko appear, a smile rose to Yuu's face.
But the dazed Sumiko didn't see Yuu at all and tried to run right past him.
Yuu reached out slightly and caught her.
Seeing it was Yuu, Sumiko happily hugged his arm.
"Yuu-kun, you really came!"
A cold glint flashed in Eri Kisaki's eyes. In public, she was the mother of Yuu's official girlfriend, Ran.
Seeing another woman being so intimate with Yuu, she had to have the appropriate reaction.
Of course, it wasn't all acting.
Facing a "sister" she wasn't familiar with, there was a genuine touch of jealousy.
The dazed, sexy teacher also noticed Eri. Startled, she quickly let go of Yuu.
She looked around and only breathed a sigh of relief after seeing no one else was nearby.
Yuu then introduced the two. When Eri heard that Sumiko Kobayashi was a juror for today, her expression relaxed.
After all, the outcome of her duel with Reiko Kujo would be decided by the jurors. Her attitude naturally improved significantly.
Eri was also very sharp. Without even activating the contract mark, she could tell from Sumiko's body language that the two were sleeping together.
She didn't say much, simply let out a yawn and headed into the waiting room, casually advising Yuu, "Mind your image. Don't take too long."
Seeing Eri enter the waiting room, Yuu's expression relaxed as well.
However, there was still a gaze fixed on him from the direction of the prosecutor's waiting room.
He turned his head but only saw Reiko Kujo's shadow flickering past, causing him to smile.
Sumiko relaxed and said, "Oh, Yuu-kun, you only knew about my case today because of Attorney Kisaki. You're a cheat!"
Yuu reached out and ruffled Sumiko's hair. "Nonsense. Lawyers aren't allowed to have relationships with jurors. Aunt Eri doesn't even know who the jurors are. I deduced this myself!"
"But since I found you, that means I won our bet from yesterday. How about I find a chance to visit you at Teitan Elementary?"
Yuu reached out to wrap an arm around Sumiko's slender waist, while his other hand tilted her chin up, a wicked smile on his face.
Sumiko's face turned bright red instantly as she hurriedly refused, "No! Absolutely not!"
Just then, Ayumi's loli voice rang out.
"Brother Hoshimiya, Teacher Kobayashi, what are you doing?"
Yuu and Sumiko turned their heads to see Genta, Mitsuhiko, Ayumi, and Ai, along with the long-bearded principal, Kamishiro Uematsu.
The four children looked at them with indignation, especially Ayumi, who had her small fists raised and a huffy expression on her face.
Ai, on the other hand, stood with her arms crossed, looking at Yuu out of the corner of her eye, her gaze sharp as ice.
In truth, both little ones knew about the relationship between Sumiko and Yuu. The sexy teacher's first time had been at Ayumi's house, and Ayumi had seen the "live broadcast" herself.
But since they couldn't openly cuddle with Yuu while Teacher Kobayashi could, they couldn't help but feel a bit unhappy.
Especially Ayumi; as a real loli, she couldn't hide her thoughts.
Genta and Mitsuhiko were also whispering in the back.
"Brother Hoshimiya is too bad. He already has Sister Ran, and now he's flirting with Teacher Kobayashi."
However, the two boys were terrified of Yuu and didn't dare speak loudly.
Seeing them, Sumiko shyly broke free from Yuu's large hands.
"Ai-chan, Ayumi-chan, why are you here?"
The cool voice of the aloof fake loli rang out, "Because Teacher Kobayashi was away, the Principal changed this period to self-study."
"But we were worried about Teacher Kobayashi's first time as a juror, so we persuaded the Principal to change it to a social practice class and let us come support you."
"Judging by the situation, our worries were unnecessary. Teacher Kobayashi seems to be having a very carefree time here!"
Those words made Sumiko's face turn even redder!
Yuu stepped forward to rub the two girls' heads. "Don't talk nonsense. Teacher Kobayashi almost slipped just now, and I was just steadying her."
Ai and Ayumi didn't believe a word of it, but their attitudes softened considerably under the "head rub" offensive.
The old principal, Kamishiro Uematsu, spoke up, "Teacher Kobayashi is the only juror we've had at Teitan Elementary in years. Of course we have to support her!"
"Are you here to cheer her on too, Yuu-kun?"
Yuu nodded, "Something like that. Though I might end up taking the floor too!"
While they were exchanging pleasantries, Genta ran to Sumiko's side and asked gossipingly, "Teacher Kobayashi, are you dating Brother Hoshimiya?"
Hearing the question, Sumiko's face turned bright red instantly, and she immediately said, "I just remembered I have to attend the juror briefing! I'll be going now!"
With that, she turned to leave. Yuu advised, "The briefing is on the second floor; don't go to the wrong room."
Sumiko waved as she left.
Yuu wanted to invite Ai and the others to wait for the trial in the defense waiting room.
However, the fake loli refused upon hearing Eri Kisaki was there.
The four children finally followed the old principal to the general waiting area.
Conan wasn't there, which made Yuu curious, but he didn't ask. He was probably off handling a case with Kogoro Mouri.
On the other side, in a classroom at Teitan High, Ran rested her head on her hand, gazing at the white ginkgo blossoms outside, letting her thoughts wander as she felt the breath of early spring.
She had experienced so many things lately, even participating in a struggle for royal power in another country. Even though she was just an observer, the sense of disconnect returning to this peaceful school life was still intense.
While Ran was spacing out, Sonoko poked her with a pen from the next seat.
"Ran, what are you thinking about? Are you thinking about the new transfer student?"
Ran snapped back to reality. "Sonoko, what did you say?"
"I said, the only empty seat in the whole classroom is behind you. There's a new transfer student who's going to sit there."
Just then, a handsome girl walked into the classroom from outside, carrying her bag over her shoulder. The students in the classroom began to murmur in discussion.
The girl wore the blue Teitan High uniform. She had short, wavy hair and dark green eyes with a single fold beneath them. When she smiled, she revealed a small snaggletooth.
Unfortunately, she was flat-chested. Her face was exquisite, but she gave off a more "cool and handsome" vibe.
She seemed very uncomfortable in the leg-baring school skirt, making quite a few fidgety movements.
The girl scanned the room, her gaze lingering on Ran for a few seconds before she began her self-introduction.
"My name is Masumi Sera. Please take care of me from now on!"
The homeroom teacher spoke up, "Sera-san, please go take the seat behind Ran Mouri!"
Masumi Sera obediently sat in the seat behind Ran. The outgoing Sonoko immediately leaned over to strike up a conversation, and Sera responded enthusiastically.
Ran, however, didn't pay much attention, resting her head on her hand and spacing out again.
At this, Sonoko spoke up again, "Ran, what's wrong with you? You're so distracted. You're not even answering people. Could it be you're thinking about Teacher Hoshimiya?"
"How could that be?"
Honestly, Sonoko... how can she say things like that at school? Even if Brother Yuu isn't a teacher anymore and they could be open about it, his situation is so unique!
Ran shot Sonoko a disgruntled glare.
The scatterbrained Sonoko realized her slip and quickly smiled apologetically.
Seeing this, Ran finally asked, "What were you all just talking about?"
Masumi Sera spoke up, "Nothing much. You're Mouri-san, right? I heard your father is the great detective Kogoro Mouri, and your boyfriend is the police special consultant Yuu Hoshimiya. Is that true?"