Chapter 0023: Princess Kiko
Kogoro Mouri followed Shosuke Sato to the VIP box on the eleventh floor, located at the live broadcasting venue. By now, most people had already left the area. Ran Mouri wanted to accompany them inside, but Shosuke Sato stopped her.
"Ran, please wait outside for a moment," Kogoro said, his curiosity piqued by the butler's mention of a princess. Who could this woman be to strike such fear into President Miyamoto?
The two men entered the box, which was lavishly decorated, exuding sophistication and grandeur. Positioned directly facing the Golden Music Festival stage, it offered the best viewing spot.
In the middle of the room, sitting on two light-purple sofas, was an elegant and noble woman. She wore a pristine, form-fitting white gown that accentuated her long, slender legs. A golden embroidered short jacket adorned her chest, featuring a tulip flower motif. Beneath her small European-style hat was an exquisitely beautiful face, as delicate as a porcelain doll.
The woman held a glass of red wine, sipping lightly, her lips turning a rich crimson.
This was none other than Princess Kiko Akishino, a woman of significant standing in this nation. Born from the union of the Emperor's son and a prominent family of the Han lineage in Seoul, she was a figure who graced the spotlight frequently. Known for representing her nation at major events and having recently ventured into politics, she was hailed as a rising political star of Japan. Her vision included bridging Japan and Korea, striving to unite the two nations harmoniously.
Princess Kiko gestured with a wave, prompting the butler, Sato, to leave and stand guard outside the door.
"Mouri-san, I watched your deductions earlier. They were truly extraordinary. I never expected to witness such a thrilling display while taking a break today."
"Princess Kiko, you flatter me. Seeking the truth is merely my duty; it's nothing remarkable."
"Mouri-san, you're too modest. Please, have a seat."
They took seats opposite each other on the two sofas, separated by a small round table. Princess Kiko rose gracefully, picked up a chilled bottle of red wine nearby, and poured a glass for Kogoro Mouri. Her movements were impeccable, a testament to her royal upbringing.
"Your performance during the live broadcast was captivating. Please forgive my audacity in inviting you here, Mouri-san."
Kogoro, visibly pleased by the compliment, responded playfully, "How could I mind? Princess Kiko is so stunning. I imagine countless people in Tokyo are lining up for a chance to meet you."
Princess Kiko's eyes flickered with a trace of surprise. Given her status, few dared to speak so casually to her. She couldn't help but laugh softly, covering her mouth. "Mouri-san, you're quite amusing."
"Ha, beautiful faces are a dime a dozen, but an interesting soul is one in a million. Princess Kiko, not only do you have an intriguing spirit, but your beauty is unparalleled," Kogoro said, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
Princess Kiko was no ordinary person. Kogoro had also activated his achievement system regarding her favorability. However, during their conversation, her favorability fluctuated between positive and negative forty, spending most of the time in the negatives. Despite her pleasant demeanor, she harbored little goodwill toward Kogoro, evidence of her shrewd mind.
"Mouri-san, your wit truly reflects your reputation as a great detective. But, isn't it a waste for someone of your talents to remain confined to a small detective agency?"
At that moment, Kogoro felt something brushing against his leg. Glancing down, he saw it was Princess Kiko's foot gently rubbing against him, her face betraying no emotion.
"The current state of the country is tense but brimming with opportunity. With your intelligence, Mouri-san, why waste your time in a modest agency? Wouldn't you consider assisting me instead?" Princess Kiko smiled brightly, her expression resembling a blooming blood rose.
Kogoro finally understood that the princess valued his intellect and sought to recruit him as an advisor. He politely declined, saying, "My abilities are humble, Princess Kiko. I doubt I'd be of much help to you. Please forgive me."
"Mouri-san, if someone of your intellect is considered humble, then no one in Tokyo could be deemed brilliant," Princess Kiko replied. Hearing his rejection, she withdrew her foot and her demeanor shifted dramatically.
Her smile faded, and she crossed her arms, exuding the aura of a queen descending upon the room. This was a side of her that she never revealed publicly, further evidence of her great ambition.
She picked up a document and began flipping through it. "Mouri-san, refusing me is not a wise decision. Let's see… your agency is located in Beika Town's Fifth District, isn't it? A place associated with the local boss, Koguro Takako."
"Is that a threat?" Kogoro's expression turned icy.
"You have a daughter named Ran Mouri, sixteen years old, quite a lovely girl. Aren't you afraid something unfortunate might happen to her?" Princess Kiko said, completely unaware of the dangerous path she was treading.
Hearing his daughter being used as leverage, Kogoro could no longer restrain himself. Everyone has their limits, and this had crossed his.
He lunged at the princess, pinning her to the sofa. Princess Kiko screamed in panic, shouting, "How dare you defy the royal family!" She reached for her handbag to activate an emergency alarm but was thwarted when Kogoro tossed it aside.
"Princess, do you know what I despise most? Those who act more arrogant than me. Threatening me is one thing, but dragging my daughter into this? That's unforgivable. You might know me as a detective, but I much prefer taking action over thinking," Kogoro said brazenly. Empowered by his system, he felt invincible.
As he tore the golden tulip from her chest, the luxurious sleeve revealed her impressive figure. Princess Kiko had never encountered such a situation before. She realized Kogoro meant business and knelt on the sofa, pleading, "Please, no!"
The chaos in the ornate box continued, with spilled wine staining the carpet and the air heavy with tension.
Meanwhile, outside the box, Ran and the others grew restless. Shosuke Sato checked the time and said, "Princess Kiko and Mouri-san must be having a delightful conversation. They've been inside for two hours discussing important matters. We shouldn't disturb them."
Conan's fish-like eyes narrowed as he muttered, "Ran-neechan, I'm tired. Let's go home."
"Conan-kun, please wait a little longer. Dad will be out soon," Ran said gently.
Just then, the box door opened, and Kogoro emerged, followed by the composed Princess Kiko. The two exchanged polite farewells, their faces calm and smiling.
"Mouri-san, our conversation today has been enlightening," Princess Kiko said.
"It's rare to meet someone as exceptional as you, Princess Kiko. Take care. I look forward to our next meeting," Kogoro replied with a roguish grin as he approached Ran and the others.
"Ran, were you waiting long? Let's head home," he said.
As Kogoro walked away with his group, Princess Kiko's smile vanished. She barked orders at her butler, "Prepare the car. And remember, keep your mouth shut about everything that happened here."
Shosuke Sato broke into a cold sweat as he hurried to carry out her orders.
Once alone, Princess Kiko slumped against the wall, her composed façade finally crumbling.