Originally, Haibara Ai had plans to visit a friend's house with Professor Agasa, hoping to snag some freebies.
However, she preferred traveling with Fujino over freeloading at a friend's house.
So, she decisively chose to ditch her plans and go on the trip instead.
---
The hotel mentioned on the invitation ticket was located in Nagano Prefecture, right next to Gunma Prefecture. The distance was similar to Shizuoka, about three to four hours by car. Leaving at nine in the morning, it was already afternoon when they arrived at the hotel in the suburbs.
The hotel was nestled in the forest, far from the city's exhaust fumes. The air was fresh, and birds sang among the flowers—it was a perfect spot for some peaceful relaxation.
The young man at the front desk, dressed in a blue suit vest and wearing glasses, seemed like a nice person.
After Fujino presented the invitation ticket, the young man immediately recognized Fujino and introduced himself.
This young man's name was Mitsuyuki Arimori, and he was the manager of this hotel.
It seemed the Shimokasa sisters must have already informed him about Fujino's visit.
Fujino signed his name in the guest register and looked around the hotel.
This forest-nestled hotel wasn't luxurious; its overall layout leaned towards a Western vintage style.
There were no other staff in the hotel lobby, only Arimori, the manager, acting as the front desk clerk. It appeared to be a small hotel with few employees.
"Detective Fujino!"
"Welcome!"
Just as he finished signing the register, the Shimokasa sisters came down from upstairs and greeted Fujino and his group.
The Shimokasa sisters were dressed identically, with slanted short hair, dark blue Western-style dresses, and short aprons tied in front. Their fair, long legs were encased in black stockings, giving them a capable appearance.
While the waitress outfits were nice, he still preferred maid uniforms.
"Minaho and Honami-san."
Fujino turned around and smiled lightly at both of them, returning their greetings.
Speaking of which, he had previously considered inviting them back to work for him.
If they worked at Snow King Ice Cream, Akemi Miyano would probably have an easier time.
But in terms of wages, hiring two waitresses at Snow King Ice Cream would probably mean it wouldn't be as profitable as before...
"We didn't expect you to remember our names."
"Many people can't tell us apart, you know."
Both were surprised and spoke in unison.
"After all, I am a detective, just simple observation..."
Fujino thought for a moment and explained, "Minaho has her bangs swept to the right, and Honami has her bangs swept to the left. Am I right?"
Both nodded in sync and said in unison, "That's right, we specifically styled our hair this way to tell us apart."
"Exactly. I usually distinguish them by that feature too, but sometimes if I don't look at their hair, even I can't tell them apart."
Arimori also nodded in agreement.
Akemi Miyano and Haibara Ai were also surprised, looking up at the Shimokasa sisters.
Upon closer inspection, it was indeed as Fujino had described.
"But seriously, why are you working here... I thought you lived in Tokyo?"
Fujino turned to the Shimokasa sisters, feeling a bit curious.
"No, that's not it."
The Shimokasa sisters shook their heads, explaining in unison, "After we left the orphanage, we followed Professor Suo. When Professor Suo died, we lost our job of caring for the masks. A contact from the orphanage introduced us to this job."
Fujino: "..."
You two are also orphans?
The wheel of karma turns, and no one is spared. This time, I feel like I'm the bad guy, don't I?
**I'm so dead!**
From their age, the sisters should be in their early twenties. In Japan, orphans are expected to start working after they turn eighteen.
If he thought about it that way, they probably started following Suo Hongko after they turned eighteen... and then he, with a single slash, made them jobless, forcing them to come all the way to Nagano.
After a moment of silence, Fujino gave an awkward laugh and changed the subject: "But you really shouldn't have gone to so much trouble, sending us hotel invitation tickets and all."
"Actually, these invitation tickets were given to us by the manager."
"But we didn't know who to send them to."
"Last time we went to Tokyo, we happened to meet Ai-chan."
"So we asked her to bring these invitation tickets to you."
"After all, our manager is actually a big fan of yours."
"We are too, actually."
The Shimokasa sisters said in unison, with sweet smiles on their faces.
"Mr. Arimori and you are also my fans?"
Fujino turned to Mitsuyuki Arimori, somewhat surprised.
But thinking about it, it was normal.
With his current reputation, he should indeed encounter a few detective fans when he goes out.
After all, he was quite a famous person now.
"That's right."
Mitsuyuki Arimori gave an embarrassed laugh: "Actually, when I first heard that the sisters gave you the invitation tickets, I was quite surprised. I didn't expect you would actually grace us with your presence."
"Ding-a-ling!"
Just then, the hotel's front door was suddenly pushed open, and a man in a black suit walked in, carrying a suitcase in one hand and a large travel bag in the other.
"You're Mr. Hidehiko Shiromoto, who made a reservation, correct?"
Mitsuyuki Arimori looked up at the man who walked in: "I recall you booked for two people. I wonder if our hotel made a mistake?"
"It is indeed two people, the other is my wife. There's no mistake."
Shiromoto looked back: "She just got a call and should be here any minute..."
"How on earth did you arrange this? There's no way you can make me drop out, right?!"
At this moment, a woman furiously pushed open the door and walked in, gritting her teeth as she hung up the phone, letting out a soft sigh.
"This person, she looks so familiar..."
Akemi Miyano carefully observed the woman, surprised: "She must be Chizuru Bizen, right?"
"Akemi-nee knows her?"
"Yeah, I saw her in a TV show before."
"So she's an actress."
Fujino nodded, turning his attention to Chizuru Bizen.
Chizuru Bizen was wearing a light blue inner top with a red blazer over it, and white trousers. Her striking figure was emphasized, and her exquisite face had a mature beauty, with a beauty mark on her chin. In terms of looks, she gave off a faint impression of Vermouth.
Considering her recent conversation and her appearance, her identity as an actress came as no surprise to Fujino.
"Honey, what kind of place did you choose?"
Chizuru Bizen walked into the hotel sullenly: "Before coming, when you told me about it, I thought it was some kind of resort, but it turns out to be this godforsaken place..."
"Don't say that."
Shiromoto seemed a bit helpless: "It's quiet here, isn't it great for a vacation?"
"Who wants to stay in a place like this with you for five days?!"
Chizuru Bizen's tone remained displeased. She then turned to Mitsuyuki Arimori and called out, "Waiter, open an extra room for me!"
Mitsuyuki Arimori looked hesitantly at Shiromoto: "What about the reserved room then...?"
Shiromoto sighed: "Just give her my reserved double room... I'll take a single."
"That's settled then. Send the luggage to my room later."
"Honestly, there's not even an elevator. What a terrible place!"
Chizuru Bizen said as she walked towards her reserved room upstairs, complaining all the way.
"Five-day vacation?"
Fujino frowned, focusing on the most important part of what Chizuru Bizen had just said.