BWDC:SDDK Chapter 74: The Threatening Letter
Although the Safflower Seaside Hotel was described online as a high-end establishment and a playground for the elite, in reality, only its interior decor barely lived up to the title. The building itself wasn't particularly large. Consequently, even though Ren Ichimonji intentionally slowed his pace to investigate thoroughly, he finished touring the entire layout of the hotel in no time.
The security mission had still not been triggered.
Ren Ichimonji couldn't help but frown slightly.
Seeing this, he knew that this was likely another case where a citizen of Beika City was planning to commit a murder in a way that defied physical logic. It wouldn't matter if he were the "Little Batman of Beika" or if the "Big Batman of Gotham" himself showed up; without precise information, finding a lead was impossible—unless Gotham's Dark Knight called Superman over to help. Even if someone were committing a crime on-site, Superman could save lives and stop the perpetrator instantly.
"Hey, you look a bit unfamiliar. Did you just start recently?"
A security guard who had just passed Ren Ichimonji doubled back. He asked curiously, "You look like you don't have much to do right now."
"Miss Ozaki is looking for someone to help move the flowers that represent the guests' identities. Do you want to go over and help? I remember there's extra pay for it."
---The flowers representing the guests' identities?
A flash of surprise crossed Ren Ichimonji's eyes. The moment the guard mentioned those words, the holographic screen of the security mission flickered into existence before him.
[Detection: A violent incident threatening the security of Gotham City has appeared nearby!]
[As Batman, you have the duty to maintain Gotham's peace. Please arrive at the scene of the incident immediately. Capture the criminal before they flee, or stop them in the middle of their crime!]
[Difficulty Rating: Medium. Completion Reward: 50 Points!]
A medium difficulty rating suggested that multiple people might lose their lives due to the killer's methods. However, no one on the scene was carrying firearms. It was also unlikely for a knife to cause multiple deaths in such a small hotel. Therefore, was the killer using poison? As a lethal tool, poison often required only a small amount to take many lives.
Ren Ichimonji gave a quick nod to the staff member and immediately moved toward the flowers mentioned.
---The citizens of Beika City were certainly enthusiastic when it came to work.
In the brief moment Ren Ichimonji had spent looking at the light screen, staff members had already moved the two boxes of flowers into the backstage area. Meanwhile, a stage was being set up in the main lobby. A woman who looked somewhat weary was directing other workers on the layout of the scene.
Ren Ichimonji's gaze settled on her. She wore a name tag, but he didn't need it to recognize her.
Ozaki Midori.
She was the assistant to Okano Rika, the founder of avant-garde floral arrangement. There had been news reports about Ozaki Midori that included her photograph. Having researched tonight's celebration the previous evening, Ren Ichimonji naturally recognized her.
"Sir, could I ask you to stand by the door and make sure no one else enters the backstage room?"
Ozaki Midori finished directing the setup and headed toward the backstage area. However, just as she entered the room, she felt a bit uneasy. She turned back, her eyes scanning the numerous workers in the hall before finally locking onto Ren Ichimonji, who appeared to be idle. She quickly waved him over.
"You don't seem to be busy with anything specific...? Could you please help me out?"
Ren Ichimonji naturally didn't refuse. Besides, he had intended to get closer to the backstage room to take a look anyway.
Seeing Ren Ichimonji taking his post at the door, Ozaki Midori finally focused on arranging the flowers in the boxes. It was at this moment that Ren Ichimonji could see clearly how this "floral magic" was accomplished.
---The answer was liquefied fluorine.
They had added liquefied fluorine!
This was a highly efficient cooling agent that could rapidly chill or even instantly freeze an object. The so-called "blooming flowers" were actually just flowers frozen shut by the liquefied fluorine. As the temperature gradually rose, the flowers would thaw, and the petals would naturally unfurl as they were no longer held frozen in place.
Watching Ozaki Midori mass-produce this "floral art," Ren Ichimonji had a general idea of who the killer was and what method they would use to commit the crime.
7:00 PM.
Mouri Kogoro scratched his head, looking curiously at Conan, who seemed to have been sitting outside for half the day. Didn't this kid say he was going out to play with his friends this afternoon? How did he end up playing his way to the front of the hotel they were supposed to visit?
However, Mouri Kogoro didn't bother to ask. It was probably some boring reason, like getting hungry and coming early to find food. Kids were just like that—they didn't care about anything besides eating, drinking, and playing.
Mouri Kogoro immediately walked toward the entrance of the Safflower Seaside Hotel. Behind him, Mouri Ran knelt down to comfort Conan. However, before Ran could stand back up, Mouri Kogoro was escorted out by two security guards holding him by the arms.
Being hauled away, Mouri Kogoro shouted loudly, "What do you think you're doing? I am the world-famous Great Detective, Mouri Kogoro!"
"I was invited to participate in this celebration!"
The two security guards set Mouri Kogoro down outside the door, looked at each other, and sighed in unison. The noticeably older guard said, "Mr. Mouri, of course we know you are the famous Great Detective Mouri Kogoro."
"But your name really isn't on the invitation list for this celebration. We can't let you in, otherwise, the hotel manager will dock our wages. Please don't make things difficult for us, Mr. Mouri."
Mouri Kogoro: "?"
What was this? He was invited, but his name wasn't on the list? They were treating him like a joke! Mouri Kogoro's temper flared instantly. Just as he was about to rush forward to argue with the guards, Ran and Conan quickly grabbed his arms and legs from both sides.
"Dad, don't do this!"
"Yeah, Uncle, there's no need to get this angry just because you don't have an invitation, right?"
Pulled from both sides, Mouri Kogoro's fire was extinguished. He sighed. Fine, it looked like this was just a blunder. He'd call later to ask what happened...
"Wait a moment. This Mr. Mouri is a detective I invited."
"He's here because of that threatening letter I received earlier!"
Ozaki Midori finally noticed the situation. She walked quickly to the door and told the security guards to let them through. Conan took the opportunity to bolt inside, searching for Ren Ichimonji's location.
End of Chapter
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