Oh my god! This... this is a huge scoop.
Even Ren was surprised by this bombshell.
This part wasn't mentioned in the main story. The relationship between Kogoro and Eri is seriously complicated. Normally, a couple separated for more than ten years would have divorced by now.
But these two have been apart for over a decade and still keep in regular contact. That alone is pretty remarkable.
Claiming it's for Ran's sake just feels awkward now.
Especially considering Ran is already sixteen. Kids that age can handle their parents' divorce. They're not clueless anymore.
But who would've thought Ran would end up involved in such a juicy mess?
The couple keeps in contact and even meets up often.
So... is Ran part of some ongoing act between them?
They sure like to play games.
And the result? Honestly, it's jaw-dropping.
"I'm saying this because I'm not an idiot."
Ran always felt like she was being treated like a fool.
"As for love... I don't know. But if you let go of my hand, I'm leaving."
Ren understood what she meant, so he didn't plan on letting go.
Now that things had reached this point, he might as well be honest and just face it.
Take initiative, accept responsibility.
"I won't let go."
Feeling the hand on her waist tighten, Ran felt both happy and a little shy.
"Yeah. But you should be more careful around others. I already told them you were dating Sonoko. If Dad found out about us, he'd be furious."
"So we have to keep it a secret for now?"
"Exactly."
Given her family situation, Ran still thought it was best to keep things under wraps.
Dating can't be too obvious. Not just at home, but even at school it could cause issues.
The two walked down to the base of the mountain together.
Of course, by the time they reached the bottom, Ran had already put a bit of distance between her and Ren.
The Benkei Onsen Hotel was clearly different from the one they had booked.
Swish.
The sound of the sliding door opening caught the attention of the front desk staff.
Seeing two young people enter in thick yukatas, the staff immediately recognized them as guests from a nearby hot spring hotel.
"Hello, may I help you?"
"Yes. My name is Mouri Ran. My father, Mouri Kogoro, is attending a class reunion at this hot spring hotel. I'm here to see him."
The staff didn't even need to check the list. There were only six guests booked that weekend, and one of them was Mouri Kogoro.
"Please come in. Your father is in the main hall."
"Thank you."
Ran thanked her, changed into indoor slippers with Ren, and walked toward the main hall.
Sure enough, once they stepped inside, Ran saw her father and his group gathered together, seemingly focused on something.
Ran quietly approached and tapped her father, who had an unusually gloomy look on his face.
"!?"
Kogoro was startled. When he turned around and saw his precious daughter behind him, he was both surprised and shocked. And the boy with glasses next to her? That was a blow to his heart.
"You scared me, Dad."
Seeing his daughter's cheerful expression, Mouri Kogoro felt like he was on the verge of a heart attack. She really scared him this time.
"Ran, what are you doing here?"
"I ran into Aunt Yumi earlier and found out you were having a class reunion at this hot spring hotel. So I made a suggestion, and it was accepted. That's why our Occult Research Club chose this place for our weekend trip."
Good grief, what a random reason.
Almost everyone at the scene couldn't help but think that. Given how domestic travel has become more expensive than going abroad, what kind of financial background does one need to make such a spontaneous plan?
"No wonder. Sonoko didn't come?"
"She came. We all did. But after the hot spring bath, Sonoko wouldn't get off the massage chair. I wanted to visit my dad, so Ren came with me."
Ran explained with a smile.
Her very thorough and logical explanation managed to calm Kogoro down a bit. Fortunately, it wasn't what he had feared.
Edogawa Conan, who noticed Kogoro's suspicious expression, rolled his eyes.
Seriously, he's dating Sonoko. What are you thinking, old man?
Even with Sonoko and Ran's relationship, that kind of misunderstanding makes no sense.
"Ren, this is the third time we've met, Mr. Mouri."
Ren spoke quietly, sounding a bit shy. Though his voice wasn't loud, every word was clear.
"Ah, hello."
After greeting them, Ren glanced around at everyone present and added apologetically:
"This might sound rude, but Mr. Mouri's class reunion might encounter some trouble."
"Trouble?"
Kogoro frowned. He didn't get what Ren meant.
Ren clearly noticed his unease, but didn't offer any explanation. He simply made a gesture with his hand, and a tarot card appeared in his palm.
"The Death God has come to this class reunion. Mr. Mouri, I believe your gathering might soon be tainted with blood."
"Huh!?"
Kogoro's expression shifted dramatically. His temper flared and he almost jumped to his feet.
"Dad!"
But just before he could fully rise, Ran pushed him back into his seat.
"Ren can be blunt sometimes, but his readings are really accurate. Just listen to what he has to say first."
Mouri Kogoro, forced back into his chair, felt like his shoulder had been yanked down by a crane. The sudden force made it ache.
But he didn't have time to dwell on how his daughter had suddenly gotten so strong.
He could only focus on what this arrogant young man in front of him had just said.
"Alright... I'll listen."
(To be continued.)
***
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