Starting With The Sefirah Castle In The Anime World

"Yesterday, Kaguya went to Tropical Land ?"

This news left the Suzuki couple momentarily stunned.

"Yes," Sonoko confirmed.

"I was wondering why someone like her, a proper young lady who usually spends her weekends practicing etiquette and archery, would suddenly decide to go to an amusement park."

"She said it was to relax, but I think she was acting strange."

"Indeed, she's acting strange," Shiro agreed.

Kaguya's trip to the amusement park, followed by Nagi Sanzenin's visit to her home the next day, and then Mikado Sanzenin's sudden move against the Shinomiya family, these events couldn't just be coincidences.

"There must be a connection. Maybe we can start by investigating Tropical Land," Shiro said, glancing at his wife.

Tomoko immediately caught on.

"Sonoko, the Shinomiya family's way of raising their children is very strict. It's nothing like our family," Tomoko explained.

"Of course I know that," Sonoko replied with a sigh.

"But it seems like Kaguya's upbringing has made her emotionally stiff. She comes across as cold and overly rigid. It's honestly irritating to even look at her sometimes."

Though she wouldn't admit it outright, Sonoko had noticed how strict and stifling Kaguya's life must be. Raised as the perfect princess, Kaguya was undoubtedly groomed to shoulder her family's responsibilities.

It wasn't pity, but more a sense of frustration. Sonoko couldn't figure out how to approach someone like Kaguya, who was so closed off. She was like a frozen fortress, giving no one the chance to get close.

The Suzuki couple exchanged glances, silently acknowledging their daughter's point. They decided to steer the conversation elsewhere.

"Sonoko, you said you accompanied Ran yesterday. Why did you go out again today?"

"Because of those two!" Sonoko exclaimed, her irritation immediately rising.

"After their so-called date at the amusement park, Kudo and Ran haven't spoken a word to each other. It's infuriating!"

Tomoko raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What happened?"

"Don't get me started!" Sonoko fumed. "Mom, do you know what that blockhead Kudo did? He agreed to go to the amusement park with Ran, but the moment a case popped up, he ran off to solve it!"

"Ran was clearly shaken after what happened, but instead of taking care of her, he said, 'I have something urgent to do. You and Sonoko go home together.' Can you believe it?!"

"Kudo's brain must be wired wrong! Shouldn't he have at least walked Ran home? How dense can someone be?"

The more Sonoko thought about it, the angrier she got. She still remembered how lifeless Ran had looked afterward.

"Uh…" Tomoko didn't know how to respond. She hadn't expected the date to end so poorly.

She felt a pang of pity for Ran. Kudo Shinichi might be brilliant, but his emotional intelligence was clearly lacking.

"If only he could apply even a fraction of his reasoning skills to relationships, I'm sure Ran would've confessed to him by now," Tomoko mused.

But Kudo Shinichi was far from that kind of person.

"Sonoko, make sure to keep Ran company for the time being," Tomoko said gently.

"Anyone would feel down after something like that."

"Of course, Mom. That's what I planned to do," Sonoko replied.

"I just hope Kudo actually talks to Ran at school tomorrow. If he keeps acting like this, even Ran won't be able to take it forever."

"Did you try finding Kudo today?" Shiro asked.

"He wasn't home," Sonoko grumbled.

"I went with Ran to look for him, but he wasn't there. He probably ran off somewhere to solve another case, completely forgetting about Ran."

Tomoko sighed. "That boy really is a handful."

But she couldn't help feeling relieved. "At least you don't have a crush on someone like Kudo, Sonoko. Otherwise, your father and I would be pulling our hair out."

She had always taught Sonoko to be cautious when forming relationships, especially romantic ones. Dating was fine, but it had to remain simple. No living together, no rushing into decisions.

After all, as the future heir to the Suzuki family, Sonoko's choice of partner would determine the future of their conglomerate.

Fortunately, Tomoko knew her daughter well. While Sonoko was undeniably a face-con, she had a good head on her shoulders.

Still, Tomoko felt the need to offer some advice.

"Sonoko, if things don't improve, maybe you should try persuading Ran to reconsider her feelings for Kudo."

"If she stays hung up on him, I don't think it'll end well."

As an elder, Tomoko knew it wasn't her place to interfere directly. But as someone who cared for Ran, she couldn't bear to see the girl trapped in a one-sided relationship.

"I've already tried!" Sonoko exclaimed. "But no matter what I say, Ran always ends up thinking about Kudo again."

"I just wish a handsome guy would come along and sweep her off her feet. Then maybe she'd finally forget about that idiot Kudo."

Sonoko's words were blunt, but she meant them sincerely. She truly wanted her best friend to find happiness.

Meanwhile, the person they were talking about was sneezing uncontrollably in a hospital bed.

"Achoo!"

"Achoo!"

"Achoo!"

Shinichi sneezed three times in a row, his head spinning as he tried to recover.

"Let me be clear," he said, rubbing his nose and glaring at his parents. "I'm not planning to run away with you."

Yusaku and Yukiko exchanged troubled glances. Their son's stubbornness was as unyielding as ever.

"Shinichi, the situation you're in is incredibly dangerous," Yusaku said.

"The two men you saw are likely high-ranking members of a dangerous organization. They won't hesitate to eliminate anyone who gets in their way."

"I know," Shinichi replied, his hand instinctively touching the back of his head where he'd been struck.

If the blow had been any harder, he might not have survived.

But even so, he remained resolute.

"Dad, do you really think running away will make me safe?"

***

Bonus Chps for every 100 PS, and if we reach 10 reviews, I'll also drop 5 bonus Chps.