Obviously, the sphere was some kind of recording device.
"When was this planted?"
Jirokichi Suzuki's face turned pale as he looked at his security chief.
"Consultant Suzuki, we checked the ceiling thoroughly before the event. There was nothing."
The ceiling was white, and with the bright lights, anything would have been obvious.
But no one had noticed it until it fell.
Heiji stood up, picked up the sphere, and glanced at the ceiling.
"This metal ball was probably planted in advance and covered with camouflage matching the ceiling. No one would notice."
"Heiji, my boy, what does this Night Baron's riddle mean?"
Jirokichi Suzuki was beginning to trust Heiji.
"As a gentleman of the night, I follow the trail of sin. Sin is one."
"It cannot be seen with the left eye or the right eye. Only when both eyes stare, will the sin be revealed."
"At that time, this gentleman will take the dazzling jewel from the white bird's talons."
"This riddle has something in common with Kaitou Kid's."
[He's starting the deduction.]
Everyone looked at Heiji expectantly. The reporters got ready to write.
A long moment passed. The conference room remained quiet.
Everyone just stared at Heiji, frozen.
"Consultant Suzuki, I'm finished," Heiji's voice broke the silence.
"Heiji, my boy, I thought you were deducing?" Jirokichi asked, frowning.
"Deducing?" Heiji looked at him, confused.
"You haven't solved the Night Baron's and Kaitou Kid's riddles yet?"
Heiji shook his head. "There's a common point, but I don't understand what it means yet."
"But didn't you look like you solved Kid's riddle earlier?" Jirokichi asked anxiously.
Heiji shrugged helplessly. "I don't think I ever said that."
"But Mr. Hattori, when you heard Kid's riddle, you looked so confident! As if you had it all figured out."
The reporter of Japanese descent spoke up, and the others nodded in agreement.
"I did say you were all excellent reporters. But this time, you all guessed wrong."
Heiji said calmly.
Jirokichi Suzuki and the reporters were dumbfounded.
"Why would you all think that?" Heiji asked, looking confused.
"What do you think?" Jirokichi snapped back.
The reporters looked at each other with bitter smiles.
Genius high school detective, modern Holmes... with your track record, of course we thought you'd solved it.
"Tch, I actually thought you had it," Kaito Kuroba scoffed, though he was secretly relieved.
Conan was also annoyed.
"I told you that Hattori brat was just acting mysterious! It seems I was the only one who saw through his trick!"
"As expected of the great detective, Kogoro Mori! Wahaha!" Kogoro laughed, pleased with himself.
[Heh. The uncle just didn't believe Hattori because he was jealous.]
Conan rolled his eyes.
The press conference wound down.
Despite the interruptions, the reporters left satisfied. It hadn't been a waste of time.
Heiji's trick on the reporter and his explanation of micro-expressions gave them plenty to write about.
Heiji and Jirokichi Suzuki rode in the same car.
"Heiji, my boy, any leads?"
Jirokichi still trusted him, even if he hadn't solved it instantly.
"Yes, the riddles are solved," Heiji said calmly.
"Good, good, as long as... What? You solved them?" Jirokichi suddenly shouted.
Heiji's face darkened. "Consultant Suzuki, we're in a car. Could you not yell?"
The small space and the old man's booming voice were deafening.
"You really solved them?" Jirokichi was still stunned.
"Yes. I solved them a while ago."
"When?"
"Back at the conference hall."
"So, everything you said back there was a lie?"
Jirokichi fell silent.
He realized that this high school student had been leading everyone by the nose from the start.
And the scariest part? No one even noticed.
After a long moment, he sighed. "Heiji, my boy, you've got me. You are a terrifying high school student."
No preparation, no flashy tricks. He just weaves his plan into normal conversation. It's terrifying...
At that moment, Jirokichi Suzuki was completely won over.
Heiji smiled. "Consultant Suzuki..."
"You can call me 'Uncle,' just like Sonoko."
"Hm?" Heiji looked at him, surprised.
"Don't look so shocked. Did you think I couldn't tell? You're that girl's boyfriend now, aren't you!"
Heiji glanced at Jirokichi, then nodded calmly.
"But how did you know, Uncle?"
"I know Sonoko. She was moping around a while ago, but she's been completely different since you two got back from the ski resort."
"Besides, she doesn't hide the way she looks at you. She might think she's fooling everyone, but Shiro and Tomoko already know, too."
"So, what are you going to do about it?"
Heiji was perfectly calm, not flustered at all.
"You're dating two girls at the same time. Have you even thought about the consequences?"
Jirokichi was annoyed by Heiji's calm attitude.
"They both know about each other."
Jirokichi gaped.
"So, it seems your worries are unfounded, Uncle."
Jirokichi stared at Heiji for a long time, then threw up his hands.
"Fine! I'm too old to get involved in you kids' business. But Sonoko is my favorite. If you ever dare to hurt her, you'll answer to me."
Heiji shrugged. "Looks like you won't get the chance, Uncle."
Laughter filled the car.
"I like that, Heiji! That confidence, no matter what. It's good," Jirokichi said.
"So, can we get down to business now?"
Jirokichi's expression turned serious. "Speak. What do you need me to do?"
Heiji paused. "Don't you want to know what the riddles mean?"
"Of course I do! But you haven't said, so you must have your reasons. Don't worry, I'll follow your lead."
Jirokichi trusted Heiji completely.
Heiji nodded. "Thank you, Uncle. It's better if you don't know. It will make it easier to fool the Night Baron and Kaitou Kid."
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