Faced with Sakurako Hanyu's invitation, Conan naturally chose to accept.
Ran, Sonoko, and the others were also interested in Saburo Hanyu's studio. Although they hadn't visited the exhibition room yet, Sakurako mentioned that they are staying here tonight, so they could go there first and visit the exhibition place after dinner.
So, the group of young people decided to head to Lavender Manor, take a look at where the paintings were created, and then go to the Lavender Flower Garden to enjoy the floral scenery.
However, even though they said they were going to Lavender Manor and could see the location of the studio from here, there was still a significant distance to cover.
According to Sakurako Hanyu, it would take about ten minutes on foot, while driving would only take a few minutes.
Ran and Sonoko discussed and decided to walk there. After all, it was an unexplored place, and if they took a car, they might miss out on many scenic views. Besides, the two also wanted to experience the feeling of being in a lavender sea.
"But is it really okay to go to the studio without asking Mr. Hanyu's opinion?" Ran asked with some concern.
"It's fine."
Sakurako Hanyu waved her hand and explained, "When my father is painting, he doesn't allow anyone into the studio. However, if he is not working, he opens the studio as an exhibition space for art dealers or visitors.
Just recently, my father finished the award-winning piece and is taking a break, so the studio is open for visitors now."
As they chatted while walking and admiring different views around, they quickly approached the Lavender Flower Garden.
Arriving here, Senichi didn't dare to activate his super-smell, as even with normal olfaction, the scent of lavender was already strong in the air. If he used his enhanced sense of smell, he might risk drowning in the fragrance.
At this moment, Paulo, who had been following Sakurako Hanyu, suddenly started barking wildly, completely changing from his previously docile demeanor.
"Woof! Woof! Woof!"
Paulo's frantic barking attracted everyone's attention. Before anyone could react, Paulo turned around and ran off.
"What's happening?" Sonoko, watching Paulo's disappearing figure, said worriedly, "Paulo just ran away..."
"Ah, really..."
Sakurako Hanyu looked somewhat helpless as she watched Paulo run away. She then smiled and explained to everyone, "Don't worry, Paulo seems to dislike the smell of lavender. So, as soon as he gets close to this area, he starts barking like crazy and then runs away."
"Huh... there's actually a dog like that..." Sonoko exclaimed in surprise. "This is the first time I've seen something like this..."
Although the dog had run off, it didn't affect them much. The girls continued walking ahead, while Senichi and Ayako strolled behind, immersed in the lavender sea, watching the sunset dye the sky crimson.
Arriving at the front gate of Lavender Manor, the group saw a detective responsible for guarding. After Sakurako Hanyu explained the situation, they were given clearance. When Senichi inquired further, he learned that this detective was assigned by Ginzo Nakamori. As for Nakamori himself, he was nearby coordinating forces for the final arrangements.
Before Senichi could continue talking with the detective, cries of surprise from inside the villa caught his attention, prompting him to quickly walk towards the house.
At the entrance, he found Ran and the others looking panicked. Glancing inside, Senichi noticed the chaotic footprints covering the floor.
"What's going on?" Ran looked at the disorderly ground in shock. "Could it be Kaito Kid?"
This statement seemed to remind Sakurako Hanyu. After surveying the surroundings, she pointed to an empty easel and exclaimed, "Oh no...! Dad's self-portrait is missing!"
"Huh?"
When Senichi and others followed her gaze, they saw an empty canvas.
"That damn Kaito Kid!! He actually released false information!!"
As Senichi frowned while examining the room, Ginzo Nakamori and the detective who was guarding outside, rushed over, having received information. "That damn thief!! He didn't follow the scheduled time from the announcement. Truly a shameless thief!! Inform everyone to conduct a comprehensive search!!"
"Well, well, Detective Nakamori, calm down and assess the situation first."
Senichi comforted him, "You've been Kaito Kid's old adversary. You know that although he's a thief, he's not without limits. And the announcement he released will surely be followed according to the schedule, right?"
"So, Detective Senichi, do you think there's another culprit?" Nakamori glared at Senichi, clearly grasping the meaning behind his words.
"Although I don't have complete certainty, I have this idea." Senichi nodded, "Please, Officer Nakamori, gather everyone."
Although Senichi outwardly claimed not to have complete certainty, he was convinced that this wasn't the work of Kaito Kid.
He became Kaito Kid, stealing gems from around the world, solely because the mysterious organization that killed his father was seeking a gem called "Pandora." So, he stole gems to get ahead of that mysterious organization in finding "Pandora."
As for other works of art, he wasn't interested and wouldn't bother unless there was a special reason, such as the incident with the "Memory Egg."
On that painting, there were no embedded gems or any other special significance. Kaito Kid wouldn't target it as a theft objective. Not to mention that this theft, outside the announcement, was entirely contrary to the modus operandi of Kaito Kuroba.
After hearing Senichi's words, Inspector Nakamori finally nodded, acknowledging Senichi's point. Besides, it was both reasonable and ethical to inform the owner of the lost items.
"Inspector Nakamori!! We've apprehended a suspicious man near the mansion!!"
Right after Nakamori informed Saburo Hanyu of the news, a detective hurried over, reporting a situation that caught everyone's attention.
"What!!"
Nakamori quickly walked out, saying, "Let me see!!"
Senichi and the others naturally followed.
Upon seeing the man, carrying a large bag and looking perplexed, being questioned by Nakamori, he honestly began answering the detective's questions.
According to his self-introduction, he was Yamada Yasuhiro, a freelancer. When the detective found him, he was wandering near the mansion.
According to his account, he just got lost while mountain climbing.
Just as Nakamori was skeptical and was about to pull his face to verify his true identity. Saburo Hanyu and the rest rushed over, having received the news and they came by car.
As Senichi looked at the arriving group, a slight smile appeared on his lips.
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