After quite a while, Lord Hosoi's deep voice finally broke the silence:
"Mr. Tachibana, truly... you're making me see you in a new light."
The corners of Lord Hosoi's mouth lifted in a smile that had a touch of admiration and comfort.
"I didn't expect... that someone who always seemed unremarkable like you would one day perform so brilliantly..."
"I don't deserve such praise," Aoto replied quickly, "I just got lucky, that's all."
Aoto wasn't being modest with this statement.
He genuinely believed that it was due to his good fortune that he was able to solve this case in such a short time.
If Jinzāburō had been a bit more alert and destroyed the candle before fleeing Granny Ping's house, or if Aoto and his team had arrived even a moment later, allowing Jinzāburō to escape, this case could not have concluded with such a perfect ending.
"...Mr. Tachibana, I have a question for you."
A lazy voice suddenly interrupted at this moment.
It was Tojo speaking.
