After confirming that the contract had no issues and the property rights were clear, Toru signed his name on the contract without hesitation.
"Ms. Kisaki, regarding your fee, I'll transfer it to your account once the property transfer is completed, as stated in the contract."
"Also, about the other commission. How is that coming along?"
This time, Toru had commissioned Eri for two tasks: this Western-style mansion, and another assignment.
"Mr. Fujiwara, the store you requested, one located in a relatively prosperous area and purchased outright instead of leased, I've found a lead and am currently negotiating with the other party."
"It's located near Ikebukuro Station. It's a two-story commercial building. The first floor operates as a Live House, and the second floor is a cafe."
Eri adjusted her glasses as she spoke efficiently.
"Live House? What's that?"
Toru looked confused.
"Girl bands have become quite popular in Japan lately. A Live House is a venue where bands perform and train."
"The owner of this one is selling because he's in heavy debt from other business ventures."
"Mr. Fujiwara, if I may say... I don't know much about business, but I don't think a store like this, which only became popular because of a trend, has long-term prospects."
"Students don't have much spending power. It's not really a strong business model."
Eri didn't know what Toru intended to do with the place. She assumed it was just an investment and gave him a kind warning.
"It's fine. If I can buy it, I'll keep it running for now. I've actually always wanted to open a cafe. If it starts losing money, I'll rent it out or switch it up."
Toru replied casually.
In truth, he hoped it would lose money.
The real reason he wanted the store was to use it as a front to exchange intelligence with the CIA in Japan. It would act as an official base of operations.
If it lost money, he could report it to headquarters, and the CIA's accountants could cover the losses. That way, the unused budget wouldn't go to waste.
Eri saw he wasn't swayed, so she dropped the topic. Pushing further would only annoy him.
Toru grinned. "Girl bands, huh. So that's what's trending in Japan now. Besides girl bands, I heard detective games are getting big too."
Eri thought to herself, The Holmes of the Reiwa era... but that kid hasn't been seen lately. If his mother hadn't called me, I would've thought he went missing.
By the end, she looked genuinely worried.
She and Kudo Yukiko were close friends.
Toru chuckled, knowing she was thinking about Kudo Shinichi, but he didn't linger on the subject. After all, by normal standards, he wasn't supposed to know Kudo.
So he just said, "Making a detective into some kind of national hero is a slap in the face to the police."
"That's why many in the MPD dislike him," Eri agreed.
She glanced at the watch on her wrist, stood up, and said, "It's getting late. I'll take my leave now."
"The contract is signed. This mansion now officially belongs to you, as long as the payment is made on time."
Toru stood up with her. "It's dinner time. Want to grab a meal together?"
Eri shook her head. "I'm a bit busy. I have to get back to the office and finish up some things."
"Once I finish handling the store issue for you, I'll treat you. You can pick the place. I haven't forgotten."
Since she said that, Toru didn't insist and nodded with a smile.
The two walked out of the mansion together. Toru said half-jokingly, "I heard you have a daughter, Ms. Kisaki. Care to introduce her to me?"
Eri smiled slightly. "Oh? Interested in my daughter?"
Toru replied, "If she's as beautiful as you are, then I'm definitely interested."
Eri couldn't help but laugh. This kid really knew how to talk.
"If there's a chance, I'll introduce you. You're outstanding, Mr. Fujiwara. It wouldn't hurt for Ran to have another friend."
Eri spoke with a touch of sentiment.
She knew Toru had been accepted into Tokyo University and as the top student at that. With his background and ability, he was exactly the kind of man girls would call a "god-tier" catch.
She didn't think he was necessarily interested in Ran, but if her daughter could get to know someone like him, it could be valuable. When she entered society, she'd understand the importance of connections.
As they talked, the two arrived in the courtyard. Eri got into her sleek Land Rover, waved, and drove off.
Toru smiled as he saw her off. Once the Land Rover was gone, he put his smile away and returned to the mansion.
He conducted a full sweep of the mansion, checking for hidden cameras, bugs, or anything suspicious.
After confirming everything was clear, he went into the study of the Western-style mansion and quietly said, "Draw reward."
He still had one Advanced Technology draw left, unused.
(To be continued.)
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