Chapter 114: Surprised

"Then, without further ado, let's begin the formal investigation now."

Kyouji Toda opened the records from yesterday's film festival case and spoke in a low voice.

"Akikawa, when did you meet Takao Ohga?"

"Miss Yoko introduced him to me during the Suzuki Foundation dinner two days ago."

"What is the relationship between Okino Yoko and you?"

"Uh... Miss Yoko is a senior artist at one of my companies."

Akikawa Kyousuke gently averted his gaze and answered softly.

'The act has begun.'

Toda Kyouji observed Akikawa Kyousuke's overly realistic reaction.

It was exactly like someone who was a terrible liar, trying hard to cover their tracks.

Toda Kyouji had read the car accident case file and knew that Okino Yoko was Akikawa Kyousuke's sister.

'It seems Akikawa Kyousuke places great importance on Okino Yoko.'

'What we don't know yet is whether Akikawa Kyousuke approached Okino Yoko to conceal his identity, or if the two have always been connected.'

To avoid alerting Akikawa Kyousuke, Toda Kyouji chose not to expose his lie.

He continued asking Akikawa Kyousuke about Kosaka Tsunekazu and others while taking notes on paper.

Finally, they reached the topic of Takao Ohga.

"Akikawa-kun, can you recount the full story of how Takao Ohga invited you?"

Akikawa Kyousuke narrated the events of being invited by Takao Ohga after the morning movie screening.

"So, Akikawa-kun, you left for Hota Yoshitoki's private screening room 10 minutes before 1 p.m., correct?"

"Yes, and then I found that no matter how much I knocked or called, there was no response. Afterward, I realized Director Hota's room was still locked."

"Then Miss Yoko dragged me outside, and I met Miss Suzuki and the others."

Akikawa Kyousuke explained.

"That's all. Thank you, Akikawa-kun, for your cooperation."

Kyouji Toda put down his pen and expressed his gratitude to Akikawa Kyousuke.

He then stood up and escorted Akikawa Kyousuke out.

As they walked, he casually chatted with Akikawa Kyousuke:

"But speaking of it, Akikawa-kun, your luck is really bad."

"Two days ago, Miss Yoko introduced you to Director Kosaka at dinner, but an accident happened."

"Yesterday, you thought you could meet a new director, but you were almost targeted instead."

"Yes... my luck is truly terrible."

Akikawa Kyousuke displayed a disappointed expression.

"I suppose Akikawa-kun won't be attending the next film festival, will you? After all, so much has happened."

"Well... no, I think I'll still come tomorrow. After all, I want to try my luck and see if any director might discover me."

"That's the spirit. I believe, Akikawa-kun, you'll succeed."

Toda Kyouji gave Akikawa Kyousuke another kind smile.

"Thank you, Officer Toda."

Akikawa Kyousuke thanked Kyouji Toda and then exited the conference room.

Toda Kyouji watched as Akikawa Kyousuke left the reception area with Misaki Itakura, who had also finished her questioning, then closed the conference room door and sat at the table.

At that moment, Nakajima Takuto entered after lightly knocking.

This was per Kyouji Toda's earlier instructions. After Akikawa Kyousuke and Misaki Itakura left, Nakajima was to come in.

"That Akikawa said he will continue participating in the Minato Film Festival tomorrow."

"This means they'll likely choose to stay at the Harbour Royal Court Hotel tonight as they did the previous two nights."

"Get an unmarked car, follow them, and see if they go straight back to the hotel."

"It's almost dark now, and if they intend to check out, it won't take long, so wait there for a few hours."

"If you find that Akikawa decides to leave, either they've noticed our intentions, or something's on their mind. Inform me immediately."

"Be careful not to get discovered."

Nakajima Takuto nodded and left the conference room.

---

On the other side.

After Akikawa Kyousuke followed Misaki Itakura out of the Metropolitan Police Department, he asked her about the questions she was asked.

It turned out the questions weren't much different from his own.

Akikawa Kyousuke originally assumed Kyouji Toda would send Nakajima Takuto to question Misaki Itakura about his alibi during Takao Ohga's murder yesterday.

Instead, he discovered that this didn't happen.

Moreover, the detective in charge of questioning Misaki Itakura wasn't named "Nakajima" but a detective with the surname "Nishimura," someone he'd never heard of.

When asked if they inquired about Misaki Itakura's future itinerary, the answer was no.

'They're more cautious than I thought. It seems they're wary of raising my suspicions.'

'Or perhaps Kyouji Toda has already judged that even obtaining my alibi would be of little use.'

Akikawa Kyousuke thought to himself.

He and Misaki Itakura hailed a taxi by the roadside and headed to the Harbour Royal Court Hotel.

After returning to the hotel, Akikawa Kyousuke and Misaki Itakura took the elevator to their floor.

Itakura Misaki whispered to Akikawa Kyousuke:

"Mr. Akikawa, when I finish packing, send me a message, and I'll take you home."

"No, let's stay here one more night."

"Eh?!"

Misaki Itakura was greatly shocked to hear this.

She looked around to ensure no one was nearby, then lowered her voice and whispered:

"Mr. Akikawa, didn't you say this afternoon that you wouldn't attend the next film festival?"

"A murder happened here! Aren't you scared? You were almost attacked, Mr. Akikawa!"

Misaki Itakura had already packed her belongings and didn't expect Akikawa Kyousuke to change his mind.

"I'm scared, but hasn't the murderer been caught?"

"Besides, isn't Miss Yoko still participating in the film festival?"

"So I think I should work harder. Maybe I can really establish a good relationship with Director Hota or other directors."

Akikawa Kyousuke smiled.

When Misaki Itakura heard this, she suddenly showed a surprised expression, her eyes changing as she looked at Akikawa Kyousuke.

"Wow~! Mr. Akikawa, you're actually working so hard; I'm a little surprised!"

"Then, you're not leaving?" Misaki Itakura confirmed again.

"Um."

After hearing Akikawa Kyousuke's confirmation, Misaki Itakura bid him farewell and returned to her room.

She suddenly felt that her artist seemed to be working unusually hard.

(End of Chapter)