A buzzing sound came from Eitan's inner pocket.
It was the phone Gin had given him.
"Next Friday, 9:20 PM. Come to the practice range. —Gin"
After a brief pause:
"Okay."
Eitan sent the reply, then immediately deleted both messages.
For a while after that, Eitan led a rather peaceful life.
He didn't need to take on anything major.
Most of his days were spent training at the Organization's facility and occasionally experimenting with the Death Note.
And yet, his popularity continued to grow.
Fans captivated by his face, readers hooked by the mysteries in his novels…
After his appearance on Beika TV's live deduction show—and with Yoko Okino publicly thanking him during an interview—the push from both his publisher and the Organization ensured that even a casual outing sometimes ended with autograph requests.
"Are you really sure you want to become a Detective?"
Eri looked at him, trying one more time to persuade him.
"Honestly, Eitan, with your current reputation and earnings as a mystery novelist, you're doing far better than most Detectives. There's no need to take this path."
Her words were gentle, but the concern behind them was clear.
It wasn't that she looked down on Detectives. She was just… worried.
Lately, this child's popularity had been on a meteoric rise.
Sure, adoration flooded in now—but that came with enemies too. On the surface, it looked glamorous. In reality, it was a minefield. If he transitioned into detective work and hit a wall early on, the same public cheering for him now could turn on a dime.
As a lawyer, Eri had seen it happen all too often. Fresh-faced stars in entertainment or sports, hailed by the media at their peak, only to be torn apart the moment they stumbled.
And the media didn't even do it with malice—they were simply feeding the public's hunger.
Hot today, discarded tomorrow.
"Auntie Eri, I know what you're thinking."
"…Do you now?"
"I won't deny I enjoy being admired. But even if public opinion turns sour, I doubt it'll affect me too much."
Eitan's eyes shimmered with clarity and quiet confidence.
"I believe in myself. And that's exactly why I want to try. As a Detective, I can bring cunning criminals to justice… or help someone prove their innocence. I think that's a meaningful pursuit."
The sunlight poured through the window, casting a soft glow across the living room.
What a radiant smile.
Looking at his earnest expression, something in Eri's heart melted just a little.
She let out a soft sigh.
"You're always so calm…"
"I have to be," Eitan replied. "If not, I'll end up making you worry."
"You…"
Eri was left speechless.
Then, her lips curled into a smile—gentle, proud.
"Alright, get ready. I'm going to change."
"Okay."
It was Eri's rare day off, and she was in the mood to go out and enjoy it.
Before long, she reemerged in a different outfit.
As always, she was impeccably styled.
Her wavy brown hair was elegantly pinned up, her white blouse layered beneath a tailored grey shirt that accentuated her curves. A black pencil skirt paired with sleek stockings revealed legs both long and elegant.
"How do I look?"
"Very beautiful, Auntie Eri."
"Hehe, otherwise I wouldn't dare walk beside you."
She flashed a graceful smile.
With light makeup accentuating her charm and maturity, she radiated the poise of a sophisticated woman in her thirties.
"What are you even saying?"
"It's the truth. Mmm… Too bad Ran can't join us today. She's still at school."
Eri, leaning against the wall as she slipped on her shoes, glanced toward the door.
"I think Teitan High lets out early. We could always wait and ask her after."
"We'll see," she said, grabbing her keys and waiting for Eitan to follow.
The two headed downstairs together.
Today, Eri was driving again.
The driver's seat of her Mini Cooper was a bit too cramped for Eitan's long legs.
Driving the car out of the garage, Eri glanced over and asked,
"Should we grab something to eat first?"
"Breakfast… How about McDonald's?" Eitan replied.
"You really like that stuff, huh?"
"…Because it is delicious."
His voice softened slightly as he said it.
Eri turned to look at him. Catching the faint embarrassment in his expression, her lips curved into a smile.
He always gave off such a composed, dependable air—but moments like these reminded her that he had a cute side too.
"Alright then. It's been a while since I've had it myself."
"Okay."
"After that, we can swing by the mall. I need to restock the kitchen… and maybe look at clothes? You're kind of a public figure now, Eitan—you should pay more attention to your image."
"I'm fine with whatever. There's a bank near that mall too—I need to withdraw some cash."
Life without mobile payment really was inconvenient. Cards, bills, constant juggling.
That said, his editor Asamiya had messaged yesterday that the previous quarter's earnings had been deposited into his account. He needed to check at an ATM to verify the amount.
Still… had that quarter really flown by already?
Eitan pulled out his phone to check the time—and froze.
"…Today's the 13th?"
"Yes. Why?" Eri asked.
"But wasn't yesterday… the 2nd?"
She tilted her head, clearly puzzled. Eitan, however, said nothing more.
Conan Edogawa…
Ever since that kid shrank, time itself had started acting weird.
Eitan had known in his previous life that this world had a warped timeline. But knowing and experiencing were different things.
Yesterday had been April 2nd. And now, suddenly, it was the 13th?
What made it stranger was that today—after such a huge calendar leap—was the Friday Gin had mentioned.
Good thing he checked the time, or standing Gin up would've been... unwise.
Looks like from now on, checking the date first thing every morning was mandatory.
He also couldn't help but wonder—would this timeline distortion affect the Death Note?
---
"Let me see…"
"Hm… Eitan, you've got a great frame. This would suit you perfectly."
"The suit you wore at that signing event was sharp. Let's grab a couple of those cuts."
"Take one of each shirt—white and black. And pair them with ties."
Inside the men's department of a clothing store, Eri stood across from Eitan with a thoughtful look, fingers on her chin as she evaluated him.
He had just tried on one shirt when an outer jacket was already handed to him.
Sometimes, for the same style, she'd pick two colors—just to compare.
Eitan cooperated without complaint.
Eri's taste was excellent, even if she leaned toward formal wear herself—something obvious from her own elegant, professional wardrobe.
"Let's go with these for now," she finally said after nodding in satisfaction.
Then she glanced at him.
"Anything you want to look at?"
"Hm… maybe just two T-shirts. Something casual for lazy days."
"Alright."
Eri waved over a sales clerk to assist.
Once everything was packed up, she handed over her card for the payment.
They never argued about money. Neither lacked it, and Eri, if anything, seemed quietly pleased to pay.
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