In response to reader requests, I will try to translate three chapters a day, well translated, without any grammar or spelling problems.
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Evenings at sea are exceptionally calm.
A long streak of fiery clouds on the horizon cast a warm orange glow over the entire deck. The shimmering surface of the ocean reflected the colors of dusk in a breathtaking display.
Occasionally, the cries of seabirds echoed through the air.
Hayashi Yoshiki stood on the observation deck of the cruise ship, his clothes fluttering in the sea breeze.
After writing the name Kanekawa Ryu and the detailed cause of death on a sheet of white paper with a black pen, Hayashi Yoshiki released it from his hand. The wind immediately caught the paper, sweeping it out toward the sea.
With that paper, Kanekawa Ryu's remaining lifespan vanished into the waves.
"Yoshiki-niisan~~!"
Hearing someone call from the deck below, Hayashi Yoshiki smiled softly and waved in response.
He descended from the observation deck and stepped onto the main deck.
By now, nearly everyone had gathered. Familiar faces like Kogoro Mouri, Suzuki Shiro, and Ryu Sagawa had been relaxing on the deck since early morning, enjoying beers as they admired the seascape.
When Mouri Kogoro caught sight of the beautiful and graceful Natsumi Kousaka and the long-legged, alluring Seiran Hoshi in her qipao(Dress of Han Dinasty), he couldn't help but exclaim, "Woohoo!" as his eyes lit up with desire.
Seiran Hoshi didn't mind when Mouri offered to pour her a beer.
But just as she raised the glass to her lips, her eyes caught something: the necklace around Kanekawa Ryu's neck.
"Mr. Sagawa, that necklace—?!"
"As expected of a researcher of the Romanov dynasty, you noticed it?"
Sagawa Ryu grinned unpleasantly, but he generously removed the necklace and handed it to Seiran Hoshi to examine.
She inspected it closely.
Upon confirming its authenticity, she couldn't help but ask, "Could this be the ring of Maria, the third daughter of Nicholas II? Where did you obtain it?"
"Heh, I got it from a businessman who specializes in collecting treasures from the Romanov dynasty."
"A professional collector..."
That title instantly caught Seiran Hoshi's attention.
As a descendant of the sinister monk Rasputin, Seiran Hoshi's true objective was to recover the treasures she believed belonged to her lineage... A collector who possessed many Romanov relics ignited her greed immediately.
"Could you tell me this collector's name?"
"Heh heh…"
Sagawa Ryu chuckled. Seeing the impatience growing on her face, he rubbed his fingers together and said, "If you give me a little incentive, I might introduce you once we arrive in Tokyo."
What a despicable man!
Seiran had already planned to eliminate Sagawa Ryu tonight. Earlier that day, while photographing everything in sight, he had accidentally taken a picture of Rasputin's portrait in her room.
She couldn't risk anyone linking her to her ancestral identity.
Seeing her fall silent, Sagawa Ryu didn't seem to mind. Hands in his pockets, he stood and wandered back toward the cabins.
"Miss Seiran, are you really planning to talk to that guy?" Mouri asked.
"...Ah, well, it's a rare opportunity to examine other Romanov artifacts."
She nodded in response.
Hayashi Yoshiki, who had just joined them on the deck, smiled.
The cruise ship wouldn't reach Tokyo until tomorrow, and the group would spend the following day resting before heading to Natsumi Kousaka's castle in Yokosuka.
One day was enough.
The cruise ship docked at Tokyo Port the following morning.
After disembarking, Sagawa Ryu, who was still clutching his camera, approached Natsumi Kosaka—who was chatting happily with Ran and the others—and said:
"Miss Natsumi, I won't be going to your castle tomorrow."
"Eh? Oh… okay."
Kousaka Natsumi didn't press him. She was simply surprised.
"That's strange. He was so enthusiastic about visiting the castle yesterday," Conan remarked.
"Maybe he has something else important to do," Hayashi Yoshiki offered with a smile.
Sonoko took Ran by the hand and walked up eagerly. "Yoshiki-niisan, do you have any plans for today?"
"I think I'll rest at home and go for a workout later."
"I see…"
"Why? Were you two planning to go out?"
"Yeah, we were thinking of hanging out with Miss Natsumi." Ran replied with a cheerful smile.
"That sounds nice." Hayashi Yoshiki smiled. "Then enjoy yourselves. See you tomorrow."
Without giving them a chance to invite him, he turned and left swiftly.
Sonoko was slightly disappointed, but her spirits lifted at the thought of seeing him again the next day.
She, Ran, and Natsumi then considered inviting Seiran Hoshi, but the latter declined politely, picked up her luggage, and climbed into a taxi.
As soon as she got in, she pulled out her phone.
Seiran Hoshi: "I accept your price. Take me to the collector today."
Sagawa Ryu: "Why the rush?"
Sagawa Ryu: "You're lucky… the collector happens to be available. How about the day after tomorrow?"
Seiran Hoshi: "No, today."
Today was non-negotiable.
She had already planned to flee the moment she obtained the Egg of Memories from the castle. A bloodbath might ensue, and there wouldn't be time to run afterward.
If she could kill the collector and steal his treasures tonight, that would be ideal.
Sagawa Ryu: "Tsk, alright!"
Sagawa Ryu: "Then meet me at the entrance of Beika Library at 7 p.m. I'll take you there."
Seiran Hoshi: "Okay."
She would kill him tonight.
It wasn't even about the photos anymore—she simply couldn't let someone with that kind of knowledge walk free.
At 7:00 p.m., Seiran Hoshi stood at the entrance of Mihua City Library.
A white car slowly pulled up beside her. The window rolled down, and Sagawa Ryu whistled.
"Tsk tsk, didn't expect to see a beautiful woman waiting for me on the street. Hop in."
"Hmph, you better not be lying."
"Haha, as if. If I'm lying, may I die in a car crash?"
Seated beside him, Seiran didn't respond. Her hand discreetly reached into her bag, ready to draw her pistol and aim it straight at his forehead if necessary.
Sagawa Ryu stepped on the accelerator.
"Let's go. We've got a bit of a drive to the outskirts."