The group arrived at the wedding.
The ceremony was being held in a church, and by the time they reached the open square in front, it was already packed with people.
Natsuyu noticed that although some of them were dressed in plain clothes, there were subtle signs of professional training in their posture and movements. They were most likely police officers.
Could it be that one of the newlyweds is connected to law enforcement?
"Hey, Natsuyu, Sonoko and I are going to film the bride. Want to come with us?" Ran asked, lifting the video camera in her hands.
"Sure, let's go together. I'm curious to see what this 'beautiful-voiced teacher' looks like in a wedding dress. If we're lucky, maybe we'll even hear that wonderful singing. And no matter what, when you attend a wedding, you should greet the bride, right?"
"Yes, yes, exactly! Sensei's singing is amazing. And the complete opposite of her is a certain someone who's always off-key, can't hold a tune, and gets her mad every time he sings," Sonoko said with a look of open disdain, clearly mocking someone who wasn't there.
"Shinichi's singing… it's not that bad, is it? Ahaha…" Ran laughed awkwardly, guilt written all over her face.
Sonoko, you're going too far, calling me tone-deaf. And Ran, why are you smiling like that? Is my singing really that terrible?
Conan fumed silently.
Hmph. Today he was going to see for himself—just what kind of person would dare marry that fierce teacher.
"Huh! I didn't know Kudo was tone-deaf!" Natsuyu exclaimed in surprise.
Great. Now there's one more person who thinks I'm an otaku-level bad singer. Sonoko, you big mouth…
Conan glared.
They chatted as they walked toward the bride's waiting room.
When the door opened, they were all stunned by the sight of the bride in her white wedding gown.
So beautiful.
No wonder they said this was the most beautiful moment in a woman's life. With the bride's face glowing with happiness and anticipation, her beauty was elevated even further.
Natsuyu felt a twinge of unease. She didn't want this bride—so full of hope for her future—to become today's victim.
I should pay closer attention to everything around us.
Coming back to her senses, she saw Ran introducing her to the bride.
"Miss Matsumoto, hello. Sorry for coming so suddenly to your wedding. You look beautiful today!"
"It's fine. You're Sonoko and Ran's friend, so I'm very happy you came with them," Matsumoto Sayuri said, waving her hand dismissively.
"But I didn't expect you to bring such a stunning beauty like you, Natsuyu. I thought that arrogant little boy would come. I was even planning to show off this gorgeous wedding dress to him."
Too bad Kudo didn't show up—how disappointing for you. Still, you've succeeded in showing off, even if you don't realize it yourself.
Conan looked at Sayuri with a complicated expression. This woman was still as annoying as ever.
"Okay, please look this way," Ran said, raising the camera. "We'll be your videographers today."
Sonoko put her hands on her hips and teased, "Make sure you think carefully about your kissing pose later!"
Sayuri didn't look embarrassed at all. She answered confidently, "Don't worry—leave it to me."
At that moment, the door behind them opened and another woman walked in.
"Sayuri, I've bought your lemon tea."
Hearing this, Sayuri lifted the hem of her dress and hurried over, taking the can with delight.
"Thank you, Kazumi!"
She was about to open it when Takenaka Kazumi stopped her.
"No, you can't drink it directly. Your lipstick will come off."
She took out a straw, inserted it into the can, and handed it back.
Lemon tea?
"Miss Matsumoto, do you really like lemon tea that much?" Natsuyu asked.
Normally, if someone went out of their way to buy a drink on their wedding day, it either meant they truly loved it—or it held special meaning. And in Conan's world, "special meaning" almost always pointed to something far more dangerous.
If it carried hidden significance, then it was very likely connected to whatever case was about to unfold. That was why Natsuyu asked—hoping to gather clues in advance.
"Huh?" Sayuri froze for a moment at the question. As if reminded of something, her cheeks flushed slightly.
"Yes, I really like lemon tea." She gently rubbed the can in her hands.
Then she suddenly winked at Natsuyu, her tone playful.
"Actually, the reason I like lemon tea has something to do with my first love."
"Your first love?!"
Before Natsuyu could respond, Sonoko and Ran had already blurted it out.
Even Conan was surprised. Huh? This fierce teacher had a first love?
Seeing their shocked expressions, Sayuri laughed.
"Yes. My first love."
She rested a finger against her chin and slowly recalled,
"He lived near my house. When we were kids, whenever he saw me being bullied, he would rush out to help me. And he often secretly brought me warm lemon tea from his home. That sweet-and-sour taste… I drink lemon tea so I won't forget that memory. It makes me feel like I can gather my courage again."
As Sonoko listened, her excitement grew. When Sayuri finished, she couldn't help asking,
"And then? What happened between you and that boy, Sensei?"
Ran tugged at Sonoko's arm.
"Sonoko!"
This was, after all, a wedding—asking such things was far too rude.
But Sayuri didn't seem to mind. She sighed softly.
"Later… he suddenly moved away. I still don't know where he went."
"But Sensei, haven't you now met someone you can entrust your future to?" Ran said quickly, seeing her grow somber.
"I'm sure you'll be happy from now on."
Sayuri smiled.
"You're right. But what I just told you—don't tell Toshihiko. I mean, my fiancé… today's groom. He still doesn't know."
Then she turned and softly said to Kazumi, who had been listening with a gentle smile,
"Kazumi, I'm sorry. About Toshihiko."
Kazumi blinked in surprise, her mouth slightly open. When she heard his name, she suddenly laughed and slapped Sayuri's shoulder, making her stumble forward.
"What are you talking about?"
Then she leaned in closer, her expression turning serious.
"At a time like this, you still haven't realized it? I'm planning to expose at the wedding that the groom is my former boyfriend."