Hearing someone mention her father didn't bother Ran much; she simply thought there might be a potential client.
But the moment she heard Yuu Hoshimiya's name, her guard shot up instantly.
Every time she stepped out, she encountered some shameless bitches trying to throw themselves at him for free; she had developed a conditioned reflex.
However, Ran was kind-hearted at her core. Facing the new classmate's question, she replied, "Yes, that's right. Does Sera-san have a request for my father or Brother Yuu to handle?"
"No, it's just that I happen to be a detective myself. I've long admired the two detectives who have become so famous in Tokyo lately. If there's a chance, could I come over to your place to hang out?"
Yuu Hoshimiya held the title of consultant, but in the eyes of ordinary people, he was an official detective.
Masumi Sera's words were perfectly reasonable in that context.
Ran thought about it for a moment and eventually agreed.
"Of course! You're more than welcome!"
Nearby, Sonoko's expression changed drastically, her amber eyes instantly locking onto Masumi Sera.
Compared to Ran, her mind was much more in the gutter. Seeing Masumi Sera wanting to visit, she immediately decided this was another seductive slut lusting after Yuu Hoshimiya's body.
However, she had clearly forgotten that the fact that Ran and Yuu were living together wasn't known to the outside world, only to those within their circle.
But perhaps it was a lucky mistake; Masumi Sera was no ordinary person, and she had already done her research.
Her goal was to get close to Yuu Hoshimiya; mentioning Kogoro Mouri was merely a cover.
Whatever she thought, since Ran had agreed, Sonoko wasn't going to oppose it.
Besides, it ultimately depended on Yuu Hoshimiya's own thoughts.
With so many sisters already, one more wouldn't really matter.
And that way, there would be one more person at school to share secrets and play with.
After chatting for a while and getting to know each other, Sonoko glanced at Masumi Sera's chest and couldn't help but blurt out, "Honestly, the first time I saw you, Masumi Sera, I thought you were a boy!"
"Oh, that!"
Sera reached up and smoothed her hand over her flat chest, speaking cheerfully, "While the scale here might not look like much right now, there's bound to be considerable progress in the future."
"After all, my mom is a total busty beauty. A daughter who inherited her genes definitely won't end up lacking!"
"I'm not worried about it in the slightest."
Ran quite agreed with her logic and nodded gently.
At 9:30 AM, the case regarding the murder of President Ishigaki of the real estate firm officially began.
In the courtroom, the judge, jurors, prosecutor, defense counsel, defendant, and the audience all entered the solemn chamber.
The old principal and the four children also took their seats in the gallery.
Sumiko Kobayashi followed the other jurors with a stiff expression, taking her place in the designated jury box.
Yuu Hoshimiya and Eri Kisaki were on the defense side, while Reiko Kujo sat opposite them.
The judge swung his gavel to announce the start of the session, and the defendant was brought forward.
The Madonna of the prosecutorial world was the first to rise and began reading the indictment.
"The defendant, Toshio Iwamatsu, broke the study window of the real estate president, Tadamichi Ishigaki, at 5-chome, 4-banchi, with the intent to commit burglary, and subsequently sneaked inside."
"After the break-in, while the defendant was searching for targets to steal, he was discovered by President Ishigaki, who had returned home. After a struggle ensued, the defendant used a knife he was carrying to stab President Ishigaki in the abdomen, causing his death!"
At this point, Eri Kisaki spoke up: "Objection!"
"The prosecutor mentioned a knife. May I ask if the murder weapon has been confirmed?"
"No, the weapon has not been found yet."
The judge on the bench said, "Please strike that related point from the record."
"I understand."
Reiko Kujo nodded and continued reading.
"Afterward, the police found the defendant nearby with bloodstains on his clothes. Upon investigation, the defendant confessed to his crimes."
"Therefore, the charge being prosecuted is murder under Article 199 of the Penal Code!"
The judge inquired, "Does the defendant admit to this charge?"
Toshio Iwamatsu, the man with stubble sitting in the center, roared, "I really didn't kill anyone! I'm innocent!"
The judge continued, "And the opinion of the defense counsel?"
Eri Kisaki stood up. "Like the defendant, I maintain a plea of innocence."
The judge nodded. "Then let us proceed to the evidence phase. Jurors, please look at the television screen in front of you."
The moment the photos appeared on the screen, the expressions of everyone in the jury box shifted.
Sumiko Kobayashi was no exception.
She was just an elementary school teacher, after all; Yuu hadn't let her participate in Angel's Wings activities, so she still found this difficult to stomach.
"While the images may cause discomfort, for the sake of finding the truth, I ask the jurors to overcome it."
Hearing the judge say this, the beautiful teacher frowned and began to scrutinize the photos carefully.
While the jurors observed the photos, the witnesses were called up.
The first was the person who first discovered the crime scene, the maid Sachie Hara.
Reiko Kujo stepped up first to question her.
Sachie Hara began to recount the events of that day.
"That day, the Master said he was going to play golf and wouldn't be back until after dinner, so I spent the whole time cleaning on the second floor."
"Although I seemed to hear some noise from the first floor at the beginning, I didn't think much of it and only came downstairs after finishing my cleaning."
"But when I was in the hallway, I heard noises coming from the study again, so I went in to check. I found the window open, and then I saw the Master lying in a pool of blood by the desk."
After Reiko Kujo finished her questioning, Eri Kisaki stood up.
"Now, witness, when you entered the study, did you see the defendant's figure?"
The maid shook her head. "No!"
Eri Kisaki spoke, "Jurors, this maid is merely the first person to discover the scene. She did not witness the crime of murder."
"Therefore, there is absolutely no evidence for the prosecutor's claim that a struggle occurred followed by the stabbing of President Ishigaki. Please keep this point in mind."
Hearing this, the jurors nodded one after another.
Reiko Kujo and Eri Kisaki locked eyes from a distance; the first round ended in a draw.
As a spectator of the drama, Yuu Hoshimiya found it quite interesting to watch the two women clashing in court.
His gaze remained fixed on Reiko Kujo's eyes, but unfortunately, she gave no reaction.
Meanwhile, in the jury box, Sumiko Kobayashi watched the back-and-forth attack and defense with a dazed look, feeling like her eyes had been opened to a new world.
The second witness took the stand: the younger brother of the deceased president's late wife.
Reiko Kujo stepped forward again to begin questioning.
"Mr. Tsukano, I heard you are the general manager of President Ishigaki's company. You went to the president's home that day for company business, didn't you? Can you describe the situation at the time in detail?"
The refined-looking Toru Tsukano began his account.
"At the time, I went to the president's house because there were documents that urgently needed his signature."
"But as soon as I arrived, I heard the maid screaming inside and immediately rushed into the study."
"Then I saw the president lying on the floor. I immediately went up to check on him, and unexpectedly got blood all over my hands. That was when I realized the president had been stabbed."
"I immediately told the maid to call an ambulance, but it was too late!"
As he spoke, Toru Tsukano actually began to tear up, looking at the defendant Toshio Iwamatsu with hatred.
"Your Honor, since my sister passed away, the president has been my only relative. Please, you must seek justice for my brother-in-law's death. This criminal must be given the ultimate penalty."
He pointed an excited finger directly at the defendant.
Toshio Iwamatsu also roared with excitement, "I didn't kill anyone! Who are you talking about!"
The bailiff nearby quickly restrained Iwamatsu.
The judge on the bench swung his gavel repeatedly.
"Order! Order in the court!"
It took a while for the courtroom to finally quiet down. Reiko Kujo said, "Your Honor, I have no further questions!"
On the side, Eri Kisaki reached out and pinched Yuu Hoshimiya's thigh, whispering, "Yuu, have you discovered anything?"
Yuu smirked wickedly. "Didn't you say you didn't want my help?"
A cold glint flashed in the phoenix eyes behind Eri's glasses, and she directly grabbed Yuu Hoshimiya's "vitals." "I haven't even settled the score with you for last night, and now you want me to beg for your help?"
Cold sweat broke out on Yuu's back.
"No need for that, no need!"
Aunt Eri was truly becoming more and more uninhibited. Even though the table was blocking the view, this was way too bold, actually doing such a thing in the courtroom.
He gently pushed Eri's small hand away and began to instruct her in a low voice.
Soon, the great Attorney Kisaki rose with a calm face, walked up to Toru Tsukano, and began her questioning.
"Mr. Tsukano, first question. The crime occurred roughly between 3:45 PM and 4:00 PM. According to the maid's testimony, President Ishigaki wasn't supposed to return until after dinner. How were you certain the president was at home?"
"Also, did you see the victim alive on the day of the incident?"
Toru Tsukano replied, "I had called the president to make an appointment. He knew I was coming, which is why he came home early."
"But I didn't run into him that day. I only saw his corpse after entering the study."
A faint smile touched the corners of Eri Kisaki's mouth.
"Then may I ask what kind of urgent documents required President Ishigaki's signature specifically on his day off?"
"I recall that among all the evidence, I didn't see that document. Can you submit it as evidence and prove its urgency? Also, how did you handle the situation following the president's death that day?"
Hearing this, the refined general manager's face instantly turned pale, and he stammered, unable to find words.
At this moment, Reiko Kujo stood up.
"Objection! The questions asked by the defense counsel are irrelevant to this case!"
Eri Kisaki turned around and said with righteous indignation, "In fact, we all know that the first person to discover the scene and the second person to discover the scene in this case are both suspects."
"The defendant is accused by the prosecution because of bloodstains on his clothes, but the second discoverer, Mr. Tsukano, also had blood on his hands."
"While he claimed he got it while checking the victim's injuries, it cannot be denied that there are other possibilities."
"Therefore, this line of questioning is only to clarify all circumstances on the day of the crime and is closely related to this case!"
After hearing this logical explanation, the judge on the bench swung his gavel. "Objection overruled. Witness, please answer!"
Reiko Kujo sat back down limply, sweat beading on her forehead.
Attorney Kisaki suddenly became so sharp... is it because of him?
Her slightly emerald eyes looked toward Yuu Hoshimiya, only to see him flirting with a beautiful juror on the bench. A vein throbbed on her forehead.
How could I possibly be defeated by a guy like that?!
Fighting spirit instantly ignited in Reiko Kujo's eyes.
As the questioning in court continued, Toru Tsukano regained some of his composure.
He spoke, "I don't remember clearly. When I saw my brother-in-law was dead, the paramedics arrived, the police arrived, and I followed them to the station to give a statement."
"Everything was a mess. I don't know when I lost the documents in my hand, and I can't recall right now. But there should be a record on the company computer. I'll look for it when I go back."
"To be honest, after my brother-in-law died, my heart wasn't in the company. I've been busy with his funeral. I'm not entirely sure how those urgent documents were handled later."
He didn't know anything when asked; this explanation wasn't very convincing!
There was some whispering in the jury and gallery.
The judge swung his gavel again to demand silence.
Eri Kisaki didn't mind much and proceeded directly to her third question.
"Mr. Tsukano, your previous testimony stated that you appeared directly in the first-floor study after hearing the scream."
"Then may I ask: when did you enter the deceased's home? You shouldn't have a key to his house, right?"
"Furthermore, according to your testimony, you hadn't seen President Ishigaki alive, so he couldn't have opened the door for you. And the maid didn't say she saw you before entering the study."
"So how did you 'teleport' from outside the front door into the study to find the corpse? Or is it that you never actually left President Ishigaki's house to begin with?"
Hearing this, Toru Tsukano's pupils contracted sharply.
And everyone present fell into deep thought.
Indeed, this point was highly suspicious. Toru Tsukano shouldn't have been in the study; he should have been at the front door!
Sweat poured down Toru Tsukano's forehead.
"I... I... I don't know why. The front door wasn't closed. I just pushed it and went in. Then I heard the scream and immediately rushed into the study, which is how I found the body."
Eri Kisaki shook her head gently. "Incorrect. As a company president with valuables in his home, how could he possibly not lock the door when he entered?"
"Moreover, the defendant Toshio Iwamatsu is a thief. Even a thief needed to break a window to get in. How could you enter so easily through the front door?"
Toru Tsukano was silenced by these two questions. He flew into a rage out of shame.
"What is wrong with you, lawyer?! I'm here to testify; I'm not a suspect! Why are you questioning me as if I were one?"
"You should be interrogating the defendant!"
The judge banged his gavel again.
"Order!"
"Order in the court!"
Eri Kisaki gave no reaction to Toru Tsukano's outburst.
She said composedly, "Your Honor, I have no further questions!"
This round was naturally a major victory for Eri Kisaki!
The three judges above whispered among themselves for a moment before announcing, "Based on the numerous doubts in this case, a recess is hereby declared. Court will reconvene at 2:00 PM!"
Following the recess, the crowd filed out of the courtroom in an orderly fashion.
As Yuu Hoshimiya walked out, he saw Reiko Kujo still questioning the witness Toru Tsukano.
Presumably, she wanted to resolve the issues Eri Kisaki had raised. If they could find the documents from the day of the crime at the company, Toru Tsukano's suspicion would be greatly lessened.
The success rate of convicting the defendant of murder would also increase accordingly.
It seemed this prosecutor was bent on winning this lawsuit at all costs.
At this moment, Sumiko Kobayashi also exited the court. She was still murmuring to herself, "That painting was strange!"
Sumiko had discovered something, but the attention of everyone present had been stolen by the imposing Attorney Kisaki. While in court, no one had noticed Sumiko's mumbling.
However, her self-talk was overheard by Reiko Kujo as she passed by.
Reiko Kujo stopped Sumiko. "Juror, what did you mean by saying the painting was strange?"
Sumiko blinked. "Oh, it's nothing much. I was just looking at the photos of the crime scene and noticed that the abstract painting on the wall seemed to be hanging upside down."
"Because there's a similar painting in our school principal's office, I know a little bit about it. But I don't think it has anything to do with the case!"
Sumiko finished her sentence and somewhat awkwardly tidied her bangs.
But soon she spotted Yuu's group and hurriedly excused herself to catch up with them.
Reiko Kujo's eyes flickered. She took a deep look at Yuu's group before turning and walking out in her high heels.
She had fallen into a disadvantageous position in the morning. She had to make a move within these few short hours of the recess; otherwise, the afternoon session would be a difficult battle!
Looking at the retreating Reiko Kujo, Yuu raised an eyebrow.
Eri Kisaki, having gained the upper hand, was in an excellent mood. "Principal, Teacher Kobayashi, and kids, how about I treat you all to lunch at the restaurant across the street?"
Genta, Mitsuhiko, and Ayumi cheered with joy at the mention of food.
The old principal, however, waved his hand and declined politely, "Attorney Kisaki, I still have things to take care of at school, so I won't be joining you!"
"Teacher Kobayashi, I'll leave these children in your care for now. Good luck with the afternoon session too!"
"Yes!" Sumiko Kobayashi nodded.
Yuu then spoke up, "You guys enjoy your meal. I still have some investigating to do."
With that, he turned and left the group.
Eri didn't say anything. A smile flashed across her lips before she immediately ushered the group toward the restaurant across the street.
While the two women and four children began their meal at the restaurant, Yuu arrived at President Ishigaki's villa—the crime scene—in his Lexus.
He stepped forward and rang the doorbell.
The old maid Sachie Hara, who had already returned home, opened the door. Upon being told he was investigating on behalf of the defense counsel, she immediately let him into the villa.
Someone had already beaten him to the study at the crime scene: it was Reiko Kujo, who had just left in a hurry.
Yuu chuckled, "It seems we really do share a telepathic connection, Prosecutor Kujo."
Reiko Kujo was wearing a black suit and trousers, looking quite capable. Hearing the voice, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, a strange glint flashing in her slightly emerald eyes.
"Consultant Hoshimiya, you've come as well. I'm just here to cross-check the previous evidence once more!"
Yuu chuckled and walked up behind Reiko Kujo. He slowly leaned his head past her shoulder, gently sniffing her hair. It was fragrant, as expected.
He said in a gentle tone, "I don't think that's quite it, is it? If the prosecutor has found any clues, why not share them with me? Perhaps I can even give you some suggestions!"
Reiko Kujo's face flushed slightly, and she hurriedly said, "Consultant Hoshimiya, don't go too far! I haven't even settled the score for you harassing me last time. Believe it or not, I'll sue you!"
"Oh~"
Yuu turned and stood directly in front of Reiko Kujo, closing the distance between them step by step, forcing her to back up.
"Madam Prosecutor, don't bluff me. When have I ever harassed you? I, Yuu Hoshimiya, never do anything against a woman's will. Wouldn't you agree?"
Facing the muscular man continuously approaching her, Reiko Kujo's heart rate accelerated, her steps retreating.
Finally, she had nowhere left to go; her body was almost against the wall.
Smelling the overwhelming masculine scent, Reiko Kujo didn't know what to do for a moment.
Seeing that handsome face approaching once again, Reiko Kujo didn't dare make a sound and actually closed her eyes.
Once is new, twice is familiar. She had been forcefully kissed twice last time.
She could naturally adapt better now.