Chapter 226: Warning Letter

During lunch, Toru Amuro and Akikawa Kyousuke chatted about many things.

For example, hobbies and activities they enjoy when not working.

These topics weren't overly private, just common small talk that strangers might engage in to get to know each other better.

Toru Amuro clearly knew how to converse without offending anyone.

At the same time, he could sense that Akikawa Kyousuke's enthusiasm for the conversation was increasing.

Although, in Toru Amuro's opinion, this was most likely due to a change in the artist persona Akikawa Kyousuke was playing.

Still, Amuro hoped to find some clues in Akikawa Kyousuke's seemingly trivial remarks.

Unfortunately, Toru Amuro couldn't detect anything suspicious in Kyousuke's words.

---

Lunch hour ended quickly.

Akikawa Kyousuke and Toru Amuro returned to Tokyo Big Sight and began the afternoon rehearsal.

Before the rehearsal started, Toru Amuro reminded Akikawa Kyousuke once again:

"Akikawa-kun, you can jot down notes about the collection displayed on the curtain when Miss Nakamura called you."

"Wait until you get home tonight and research some related information about these collections."

"That way, once the exhibition officially begins, we can give others the impression that we are highly professional and diligent."

"Since Miss Nakamura's order of questions won't change, you don't need to memorize too much content."

"I understand. Thank you, Mr. Amuro."

Akikawa Kyousuke thanked Toru Amuro and then returned to his seat.

---

The afternoon rehearsal was a continuation of the morning session.

The content of the interview was very similar to that of the morning. Host Nakamura Haruna also asked Akikawa Kyousuke about his opinions on several collections, just like before.

The rehearsal officially ended at approximately 4:30 p.m.

---

Afterward, Akikawa Kyousuke met Misaki Itakura, who had come to see him at the Tokyo Big Sight. He shared his thoughts on the first day with her.

"Miss Seto and Mr. Amuro are very professional. They have unique ideas and insights every time they interact with the host."

"There's nothing we can do about that. After all, they're professionals, and, Mr. Akikawa, there's no need for you to reach that level."

Misaki Itakura replied.

---

"By the way, Miss Itakura, the Mr. Tsukino from the Tsukino Consortium you mentioned earlier didn't show up today."

"Oh, is that so?"

Misaki Itakura said, pulling out her tablet to check.

Soon, her scrolling fingers stopped.

It seemed she had found the reason.

---

"Oh, right, I just remembered—the final press conference before the exhibition's official opening will be streamed live online tonight at 6 o'clock."

"Mr. Tsukino will announce some of the most important collections in this exhibition at the press conference."

"He probably missed the rehearsal because he was preparing for this."

After Misaki Itakura finished speaking, she added:

"But after all, Mr. Tsukino is the new department head of the Tsukino Foundation. It's normal for him to be busy with such responsibilities."

---

After the rehearsal at Tokyo Big Sight, Misaki Itakura returned to Wonderful with Akikawa Kyousuke.

At 6 p.m., Akikawa Kyousuke and Misaki Itakura watched the final press conference for the Showa-era-themed exhibition via a live webcast.

---

"Mr. Tsukino should be announcing the most important jewel of this exhibition now, right?"

Misaki Itakura stared intently at the screen and said.

She had no idea that Akikawa Kyousuke already knew the names and appearances of the most recent and valuable exhibits.

---

About five minutes into the press conference, Tsukino Takashi appeared on the screen.

This was a man who looked to be in his fifties.

At the press conference, he announced several collections marked with the word "secret," which Akikawa Kyousuke had seen in the catalog that morning.

---

"I know what everyone has been waiting for."

"Now, I will announce the most treasured item of this exhibition—"

"The Ruby: Scarlet Shadow Heart!"

As Tsukino Takashi narrated, the name and true appearance of the jewel anchoring the exhibition were revealed.

Immediately afterward, the press conference camera focused on the ruby.

---

The jewel was already stunning in photographs, but even in the video, its brilliance couldn't be concealed.

The Scarlet Shadow Heart in the video was clearly much more beautiful than the images in the catalog.

---

"I believe everyone watching on their screens, even from their computers, can feel the beauty of the Scarlet Shadow Heart."

"But I guarantee there's still a significant difference between what you see in the video and the real thing."

"The Scarlet Shadow Heart seen with the naked eye is dozens or even hundreds of times more magnificent than what you see in the video."

"It can be said that this Scarlet Shadow Heart is one of the most prized collections of our Tsukino Consortium."

---

"If any viewers want to see the Scarlet Shadow Heart with their own eyes, come to Tokyo Big Sight from this weekend until next weekend."

"Here, you'll witness the most beautiful jewels of the Showa era."

---

As Tsukino Takashi spoke, Akikawa Kyousuke noticed that the agent beside him had become completely captivated by the ruby on the screen.

The livestream footage was split into two sections—one showing Tsukino Takashi and the other showing the Scarlet Shadow Heart.

---

Moments later, Akikawa Kyousuke suddenly noticed the number of live comments on the side of the screen exploding.

This scene was far more exaggerated than when Tsukino Takashi announced the jewel minutes earlier.

---

On the screen, Tsukino Takashi seemed unaware of anything unusual.

However, beside him, his secretary suddenly let out a shriek.

---

Tsukino Takashi turned around in confusion.

He saw his secretary covering her mouth, looking at him with wide eyes.

---

"What's wrong?"

Tsukino Takashi asked, puzzled.

He felt a bit dismayed that his secretary had interrupted the press conference.

---

Hearing his voice, the secretary seemed to snap back to reality.

"Mr. Tsukino, behind you…"

The secretary said, trembling.

---

"What's behind me?"

Tsukino Takashi asked.

The secretary stepped closer to him, her hands shaking as she pulled out a card from the fabric behind him.

---

When Tsukino Takashi saw the card, his face darkened.

It was a white card with black text and a pattern of a little man in a top hat...

---

[Warning Letter]

[Sunday, March 27th]

[I will come to Tokyo Big Sight and take your most treasured possession.]

[Looking forward to meeting you—]

[Kaitou Kid]

(End of Chapter)