'Bujin-shū? Does the Metropolitan Police Department have such a division?'
The eavesdropping Conan felt waves of confusion.
As the Metropolitan Police Department's saviour in the newspapers, a famous detective who got along well with police inspectors, formerly known as Shinichi Kudo and now Conan, he'd genuinely never heard of any Bujin-shū division.
Moreover, judging by Kogoro Mouri's implication, Luo Shu seemed connected to this secret Metropolitan Police Department division called Bujin-shū?
A secret police division contacting the wife of an English diplomat? This was clearly suspicious.
Just as Conan was thinking this, he suddenly heard footsteps approaching from behind.
Instantly startled, Conan turned to see a man in brown work overalls, appearing around thirty years old, entering the corridor.
"Hmm?"
The newcomer seemed surprised to see a child and asked:
"Kid, what are you doing here?"
Hearing this, Conan immediately played dumb:
"Mister, which way is the toilet? This place is so big I can't find it."
As they spoke, Robert and Kogoro Mouri, by the window in the corner, fell silent, looking towards the source of the voices before exchanging glances and walking over together.
Upon reaching the corridor, Robert showed no change in expression upon seeing Conan, merely glancing at the overall-clad man:
"Mitsui, what's going on?"
The man called Mitsui immediately replied to Robert:
"I just finished trimming the garden. When I came back to put away the tools, I saw this child who seemed to have lost his way to the toilet."
Mitsui appeared to be the Sawamura family's gardener, hence his respectful manner towards Robert.
Meanwhile, Kogoro Mouri unceremoniously tapped Conan's head - not hard, but enough to show his annoyance:
"You little brat, why do you always wander off?"
"Sorry!!"
Conan apologised while inwardly regretting missing the rest of the conversation.
"Mr Mouri, don't be too harsh. After all, Conan is just a child," Robert soothed Kogoro Mouri before immediately turning to Mitsui: "Mitsui, take this child to the toilet."
As he spoke, Robert bent down and patted Conan's head. "Conan, this time, follow Uncle Mitsui and remember the way properly. Don't go running off again."
"Oh." Seeing this, Conan understood he probably wouldn't hear the rest of the conversation and reluctantly followed Mitsui out.
After Conan left, Kogoro Mouri wore a suspicious expression:
"That brat, why does he always like running around everywhere?"
Muttering to himself, Mouri glanced at Robert, tilting his head to ask if they should continue their discussion.
At this moment, Robert took out some photos from his jacket, flipped through them, and said to Mouri with a grave expression:
"It seems we need a quieter place, Mr Mouri."
With that, Robert led Mouri to a prayer room containing saint statues, then apologised:
"Sorry, there aren't many quiet places in the house."
"No problem at all, it's nothing," Mouri replied while surveying the small prayer room.
The prayer room wasn't large, about 20 square metres.
Directly opposite stood a statue of Jesus, with the Virgin Mary on the right, while a deity statue with outstretched arms hung on the wall.
Before these three statues stood two rows of church prayer chairs; the room was decorated very simply.
Robert walked before the statues, made the sign of the cross, and, after murmuring an apology, turned to Mouri:
"As my family aren't religious, I'm usually the only one who comes to this small chapel to pray on Sundays. Normally, it's kept locked."
"Everyone in the residence knows this habit, so generally no one disturbs this place."
He gestured for Mouri to sit on one of the prayer chairs.
"That's quite convenient - at least we don't need to worry about eavesdroppers," Mouri nodded as he took his seat. "Now then, Lord Robert, let's return to business."
Mouri's expression turned serious.
"While I can't disclose specific details, the gentleman your wife, Mrs Sayuri, has been in contact with is indeed affiliated with a secret division of the Metropolitan Police Department related to the Bujin-shū."
"Therefore, I believe your perspective regarding Mrs Sayuri may involve some misunderstanding."
"After all, when someone from such a division contacts the wife of a diplomat like yourself, it's likely regarding matters that can't be openly discussed."
Having said this, Kogoro Mouri hesitated, concerned about becoming entangled in some international conspiracy, and quickly added:
"Of course, given the limited duration of my investigation, we can't rule out the possibility that your wife's alleged affair partner might be another gentleman entirely."
He deliberately steered the conversation back to the infidelity investigation, preventing Robert from revealing anything potentially compromising.
"...I understand what you're implying."
Robert remained silent for a moment before sighing and sitting himself on a nearby prayer bench, massaging his temples as he said:
"My wife maintains certain connections with Shinto practitioners due to family circumstances, and occasionally assists them in resolving various matters."
"I imagine the gentleman in question became acquainted with my wife through similar channels."
"As for the misunderstanding you mentioned, Mr Mouri, that certainly seems plausible."
"Here's what we'll do - please continue your investigation for now. In due course, I'll speak with my wife about this gentleman's circumstances. If this proves to be a misunderstanding, so much the better."
"It's a relief that you're so understanding."
Kogoro Mouri exhaled in relief when Robert didn't press him about how he'd obtained this information.
Clients who didn't ask too many questions and showed such consideration made his job much easier.
"In that case, as you request, I'll maintain surveillance on Mrs Sayuri until you deem it unnecessary."
Hearing this, Robert smiled and said, "I appreciate your understanding, Mr Mouri."
After a pause, he added, "Regarding compensation - I'll pay triple the agreed amount."
"That's extremely generous!!" Kogoro Mouri's eyes lit up as he hurriedly expressed his gratitude with an ingratiating smile.
Triple the fee? This job would make him rich!
Robert simply smiled at his avaricious display before turning to gaze at the Holy Icon. Drawing a steadying breath, he addressed Kogoro Mouri again:
"Mr Mouri, I believe I require some time to collect myself - to pray to God and express my remorse for having doubted my wife."
Recognising this as Robert's tacit acceptance that his wife hadn't been unfaithful, Kogoro Mouri quickly replied:
"Please don't mind me. Attend to your needs."
With that, Kogoro Mouri took his leave, closing the chapel door behind him. After a final glance at the door, he turned and headed towards the reception room.
...
Meanwhile, on the slope beside the villa.
Eriri stared at Sayuri Sawamura clinging to Luo Shu's arm, then at her own home just steps away, before finally blurting out:
"So what's this urgent matter that required dragging me home?"
After this complaint, she fixed the entwined arms with a deadpan stare and added sarcastically:
"And really, Luo Shu, could you let go of my mother? You've been attached like this the entire way - do I not exist or something?"
Hearing Eriri's blunt complaint, clearly pent-up frustration from the entire journey, Luo Shu couldn't help but spread his free hand with a peculiar expression:
"Does this look like my fault?"