Chapter 1

Detective Kurumi “A letter arrived from the criminal, the spineless cur, stating that a tragedy will befall this estate tonight.” The man stood in the center of the spacious mansion’s great hall, yet his voice carried a long way. Tall and in his midthirties, he had pleasingly symmetrical features, but the deerstalker on his head, the ulster coat he wore, and the antique pipe he held in one hand made him seem suspicious. “However, please rest assured! So long as I, famed detective Sadayoshi Itami, am on the case, this reprobate shall not be permitted to terrorize these grounds!” he cried, sweeping his hands before him. His whole look screamed “detective.” He was met with hearty applause. “…” Kurumi Tokisaki took in the scene from one corner of the hall, a trickle of sweat running down her cheek. She felt as though she were watching live theater. Or perhaps that would be an insult to playwrights. This sort of detective’s detective didn’t even exist in fiction these days. But this was, without a doubt, reality. At the very least, it was true that a suspicious letter had been delivered to the mansion, and the owner had called in this man to investigate. Unless the owner was being lied to, this man was in fact a detective. His hiring seemed to indicate he was trustworthy to some degree. That didn’t make him look any less dodgy, though. “…?!” Kurumi gasped suddenly. She wasn’t the only one. Everyone in the hall abruptly did the same. This was only natural. After all… “…Hngh. Agh!” …right as everyone was watching, the detective jerked his head back startlingly, and blood poured from his chest. “Eeeaaah?!” “H-he was shot?! Where’s the gunman?!” “Watch out! Everyone, get down! Under a table!” A heartbeat later, the hall erupted into chaos. A cacophony of terrified screams and angry roars filled the air. Panicked footsteps sounded out, tables were overturned, and glass shattered. “Wha…?! It couldn’t be—?” Kurumi stood rooted to her spot, stupefied as she stared at the detective’s lifeless body, which had collapsed to the floor. Then a faint whisper slipped from her lips, “The Magic Marksman…?” Her murmur went unheard, swallowed up in the commotion. It all started one afternoon, three days earlier. “You are Kurumi Tokisaki, yes?!” an overexcited voice called to Kurumi abruptly as she walked across Saito University’s campus. Kurumi didn’t recognize the voice. She turned curiously to find a girl standing behind her. “…” She froze in place and stared. This was only natural. After all, the girl had her long hair set in magnificent ringlets, and the dress she wore seemed quite out of place for a university campus—she was the very picture of a little rich girl. Plus, she had taken on an elegant pose, her left hand on her hip with the right extended toward Kurumi. The pose seemed a little too perfect, making the girl seem fishy. Kurumi thought for a few seconds before she spoke, a smile on her lips. “You must have mistaken me for someone else.” She figured she was better off not getting involved. Kurumi turned and started away. The girl didn’t give up. “Excuse me! Yoo-hoo! Please hold!” She hurried to cut off Kurumi’s path forward, the hem of her wide skirt swinging from side to side. “Wait just a moment, if you please! It’s pointless to feign ignorance! I have done my research! And you are Saito University first-year Kurumi Tokisaki!” “And that would make you…?” Kurumi asked with a huff. It appeared this girl could not be shaken so easily. She would just draw attention if she continued to make a fuss, and Kurumi would much prefer that not to happen. “My name is Matsurika Sukarabe!” the girl cried, looking quite pleased with herself, and snapped a finger out in a sharp pose. “I am also a first-year student here! It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance!” Kurumi gazed at her warily. “What business do you have with me exactly?” “Why, thank you for asking! I have a favor to ask of you!” Matsurika responded instantly as she pulled an envelope from her pocket. “What’s that?” “A mysterious, threatening letter that was delivered to our home the other day!” “…And?” Kurumi stared at her blankly. What was this girl getting at? Matsurika seemed unbothered by Kurumi’s lack of reaction. “I would like you to conduct an investigation to learn the identity of whoever wrote this letter!” she continued. “Of course, I can provide compensation! I’ve prepared a sufficient token of my grati—” “Can we pump the brakes, please?” Kurumi interrupted. “Why exactly do you want me to investigate? Wouldn’t a police officer or a detective be able to help you out?” “The matter has already been reported to the police, and a detective acquaintance of my father’s has also agreed to investigate!” Matsurika chirped. “…Isn’t that enough?” “I, too, wish to contribute to the investigation!” “…I don’t follow your train of thought at all, but I do see what you’re asking,” Kurumi managed, despite the slight headache she felt coming on. “Why come to me for an investigation, though?” “Your name was given to me by a certain someone!” Matsurika cried. “A certain someone?” “A cool and talented woman is all I shall say!” “…” The first person that came to mind was Kurumi’s classmate, Origami Tobiichi. Ever since starting at Saito University, Origami had gained a reputation as a genius. Matsurika had most likely first gone to discuss the issue with her but was turned down and sent Kurumi’s way.