Chapter 279: The Royal Box
Aether didn't linger on his thoughts for long. After departing from that place, he went directly to see Neuvillette.
The two men convened to discuss the next phase of their strategy.
"The framework of your plan is sound," Neuvillette began, his voice as measured and calm as still water. "However, its success depends on a single, critical detail. How, precisely, do you intend to compel the Black Organization to shift its European focus to France?"
Aether considered the question, his mind tracing the complex web of power and paranoia that defined his former associates. A large-scale transfer of personnel was impossible to hide from the Boss. The old man saw everything.
Worse, Aether himself had been the executive in charge of the organization's European operations until very recently. Any whisper of such a move, any trace leading back to this scheme, would immediately cast him as the prime suspect. The only way to proceed without inviting catastrophic risk was for the order to come from the top.
"The transfer must be personally ordered by the Boss," Aether stated, his voice low. "That is the only way to avoid suspicion falling on me."
But under normal circumstances, that was an impossible feat. The organization's European network was stable, profitable, and running smoothly. The Boss, in his advanced years, had grown increasingly conservative, shying away from any action that might risk unnecessary exposure. He would never agree to such a drastic and costly maneuver.
Unless, of course, the potential reward was great enough to outweigh the risk.
The task, then, was to dangle the perfect bait—to make the Boss believe that concentrating his resources in France was not just profitable, but essential.
A grim, knowing look settled in Aether's eyes. In truth, it was quite simple.
The Boss's singular, driving obsession had always been clear: cheating death. Rejuvenation. Resurrection.
"We just need to ensure the old man learns of a particular plant," Aether explained, a cold, strategic light in his gaze. "A plant that grows only in France and possesses properties that would be... beneficial to his experiments. You know how much he values that research. He would never allow such an opportunity to slip through his fingers."
Neuvillette's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of understanding passed through his eyes. "I understand," he said with a decisive nod. "I will arrange it."
On the other side of London, the case had finally drawn to a close. With the culprit apprehended, the remaining procedural details were of little concern to enthusiastic bystanders like Kogoro Mouri. Yusaku Kudo and his wife were more than capable of handling the necessary explanations for the authorities.
Before parting ways, however, they made sure to complete one last, crucial task. They discreetly passed Conan the temporary APTX4869 antidote that Ai Haibara had entrusted to them.
As for Lyney and Lynette, they still had performance-related matters to attend to and took the opportunity to take their leave.
Conan could only watch their retreating figures with a regretful sigh. Dr. Agasa, having sensed the boy's investigative gears beginning to turn, was sticking to him like glue, preventing any further impulsive actions.
"Sigh... they're long gone now. You don't have to keep staring at me, you know," Conan said, looking up at the professor with helpless, half-lidded eyes. He offered a placating promise. "Dr. Agasa, could you please trust me a little? Ran is right here. I would never do anything dangerous that might involve her."
Dr. Agasa had the grace to look a bit sheepish. He scratched his head and chuckled nervously. "Haha, well, I can't help it. Young Ai was very specific. She said if you got carried away, you might end up doing something reckless, so she made me promise to keep a close eye on you."
Conan averted his gaze, a faint blush on his cheeks. "I-Is that so."
"Conan, what are you and the Professor whispering about over there?" Ran called out, walking over to them.
Before Conan could fabricate a response, she excitedly held up a small stack of tickets. "Look! For the Wimbledon tennis match! Ms. Minerva Glass just gave them to me. We can all go watch together tomorrow, and they're even in the front rows!" Her bright smile faltered for a moment. "It's just a pity Shinichi had to leave so suddenly for a case. He can't go with us."
"Y-Yeah, that's right," Conan replied, a fresh wave of guilt washing over him. "A case suddenly came up, so Shinichi couldn't help it, haha." He finished with two painfully awkward laughs.
Time passed quickly, and the next day, they found themselves seated in the stands as the match began.
Minerva Glass lived up to her title as the "Queen of Grass." She dominated the court, controlling the rhythm of the entire match and drawing continuous, roaring cheers from the massive audience.
The gazes of Ran and the others were locked onto the small yellow ball, their heads turning in unison as it flew back and forth. The rally was intense, the ball streaking across the net several times before finally landing just inside Minerva's side of the court.
"Out! Point for Minerva Glass!" the umpire declared.
"Go, Ms. Glass!" Ran applauded vigorously, her hands stinging from the force.
After the brief pause in play, she relaxed, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her gaze swept casually across the spectator stands on the opposite side of the stadium. Suddenly, her eyes widened as if she'd seen a ghost. She hurriedly tugged on her father's sleeve, her voice filled with surprise. "Dad, look! Over in the royal box... is that Lady Diana?"
"What?!" Startled by his daughter's words, Kogoro Mouri snapped his head around, squinting in the direction Ran was pointing.
Sitting nearby, Conan's curiosity was also piqued. He turned his head toward the prestigious box opposite them. To get a better look, he reached up and discreetly adjusted a dial on the side of his glasses, activating the zoom function Dr. Agasa had invented. The distant figures swam into sharp focus.
"That's right, it is Lady Diana," Conan confirmed after a moment of careful observation. He couldn't help but let out a small gasp of surprise. 'I never would have guessed Lady Diana was a member of the royal family...'
His interest piqued, Conan continued to scan the other occupants of the box. While he didn't recognize most of the elegantly dressed individuals, he spotted a few faces he'd seen on television before. He was certain they were all high-ranking dignitaries from the political and business circles of various countries.
Then, his lens swept over a figure he had just met the day before.
Neuvillette.
Conan froze.
Why was he in the royal box?
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