"Exactly. You've always hated banquets, so I already knew you didn't want to go."
Tim spoke in the tone of someone who had seen it coming.
He disliked watching those wealthy people trade hypocritical smiles, but as the only son of the Drake family, some events were unavoidable.
And with Kaitou Kid involved, entering openly under his public identity was far easier than sneaking in from the outside.
"By the way, I heard that Kaitou Kid plans to make a scene at the Vanafor banquet. It'll probably be dangerous. Honestly, I'd advise you to stay away."
Darren delivered the warning with utmost seriousness.
"Mm…"
Tim thought for a moment. "You might find it hard to believe, but I actually kind of want to meet him."
"Aren't you curious? Every time he steals something, Kaitou Kid sends out a Notice in advance, as if he's afraid people won't know he's about to commit a crime. After taking such a huge risk to steal the item, he drops the loot a few days later and gains nothing from the whole affair."
"Why does Kaitou Kid do it? What's his goal?"
Tim's gaze shifted to the window beside Darren, staring into the distance through the glass.
Compared to deciphering the riddle on the Notice, that was the fog he most wanted to clear.
"Curious? Of course I'm curious, but not so curious that I'd ignore my own safety."
The moment he finished speaking, Darren quietly straightened up and leaned closer, whispering to Tim.
"Hey, stop staring outside. Mrs. Holmes is coming!"
"Oh shii—" Startled, Tim snapped his head back.
Too late. His eyes met Mrs. Holmes's gloomy expression head-on.
"Mr. Drake, your performance today disappoints me. I believe you need to stand outside for a while."
Tim had no retort and obediently went out to stand as punishment.
Mrs. Holmes's class ended quickly, and Tim returned to his seat.
But instead of continuing the Kaitou Kid discussion with Darren, he chatted about everyday matters as usual.
After all, Darren was just an ordinary person. Treating it as idle curiosity was enough. Digging any deeper would only put him in danger.
After school, Tim dashed out through the gate, eager to prepare for his nightlife.
Although Kaitou Kid would not make a move for another ten-plus days, that did not mean Robin could relax.
Patrols and crime-fighting never stopped.
As for Darren, he went straight home to rest and conserve his energy.
This time, the venue was not a public place like a museum but the Vanafor Family's private estate. He could not scout it daily as he had before.
So during these first few days, Darren would not go anywhere near the Vanafor Family Estate.
He would wait until two days before the event, when the banquet preparations were nearly finalized, before slipping in to gather intelligence.
Only then would the information he obtained be complete.
...
Time passed quietly.
Twelve days went by.
"…No good. I still can't figure out what 'the swaying road to heaven' means. Could the phrase be meaningless?"
Tim sat in his room, scratching his head as he stared at the white card bearing Kaitou Kid's Notice.
"The banquet's about to start, and I still don't have a single clue…"
"Tim, are you dressed yet? We should leave."
A voice called from outside the door.
"Almost ready. Just a second!"
Tim tucked the Notice away and straightened his collar.
At the moment, he was wearing an exquisite tuxedo prepared for the banquet.
When he stepped out, he saw a middle-aged man in formal attire waiting outside.
It was his father, Jack Drake.
"Nice fit. You look much better in it than I do."
Jack looked him over and nodded approvingly.
"Let's go. Time to head out."
Father and son walked outside and got into the waiting car, heading toward the Vanafor Family Estate.
Normally, banquets were held at night.
But Samantha's commemorative event began at two in the afternoon and would last a full three days.
Guests were free to stay on the estate during that time.
Calling it a banquet, it felt more like a party, just far more solemn.
According to the Notice, Kaitou Kid would not appear on the first day, but on the second.
"The Vanafor Family keeps a low profile but wields enormous influence. Many people in Gotham don't even know they exist, yet they're affected by them every day. Our businesses overlap with theirs, though I've never met a Vanafor in person."
Jack explained what he knew as they drove.
"Today is their first public appearance in decades."
"So Gotham has a family like that…"
Tim already knew, probably more than Jack, but he still put on a look of surprise.
As the car neared the estate gate, a temporary checkpoint blocked the road.
"What's this?"
Jack asked in confusion.
Several officers approached. The lead officer spoke in a formal tone, "Sorry, sir, all vehicles entering the estate must be searched. Oh, Mr. Drake, is that you?"
Recognizing Jack, the officer sounded surprised.
"Officer Bullock? Why is the GCPD here?"
Jack recognized him as well.
Harvey Bullock, a veteran of the GCPD, had been on the force even longer than Gordon. When Gordon first arrived in Gotham, Bullock was the partner assigned to show him the ropes.
Running a company in Gotham meant dealing with crime from time to time. Bullock had handled several cases involving Drake Enterprises, so Jack knew him well.
"Kaitou Kid announced that he'll steal the Vanafor emerald necklace. He might be hiding among the guests, so everyone has to be searched before entering."
"I see. I've heard of him. He even stole the Tear of the Goddess. Not some petty thief."
Understanding, Jack stepped out of the car with Tim and allowed Bullock to search them without complaint.
"Officer Bullock, I heard Kaitou Kid sent out a Notice that's hard to decipher. How much have you figured out?"
Jack asked casually while being checked.
"Need you ask? With the GCPD's capabilities, of course we've cracked it completely!"
Bullock puffed out his chest with confidence.
"But I can't tell you what it says. Just wait and watch Kaitou Kid get caught."
_______
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