[How boring. What's taking them so long?]
Conan leaned back on the sofa, looking utterly bored. He was surrounded by fake smiles and hollow pleasantries—beneath the radiant facades, who knew what schemes were actually brewing?
Suddenly, a hush fell over the room.
Sonoko stood at the top of the stairs, dressed in a stunning black evening gown accented by a crimson shawl that highlighted her fair skin. Her light makeup enhanced her features, making her look more charming than ever.
Beside her stood Ran and Kazuha. At Sonoko's request, they also wore evening gowns—one white, one pink—radiating their own unique charm.
The three girls stood silently at the landing, glancing back expectantly, as if waiting for someone.
The guests looked on curiously. Wasn't Miss Sonoko the star of the show today?
At that moment, a striking figure in crimson emerged from the hallway.
He looked like a knight stepping out of the shadows. Under the spotlight, the deep red of his suit didn't look gaudy; instead, it symbolized mystery and nobility.
Heiji, dressed in this knight's attire, exuded an air of aristocracy. It wasn't about the price of the outfit; it was the way he carried himself.
"Kazuha, remember our deal? You're lending me Heiji for today," Sonoko whispered into Kazuha's ear, pleadingly.
"Alright. If Heiji doesn't mind, neither do I," Kazuha whispered back.
"Thanks, Kazuha!"
Sonoko smiled sweetly. She turned, taking a graceful step with her long legs. Accompanied by a delicate fragrance, she approached Heiji and gently took his arm. "Kazuha said you're mine for tonight."
He glanced at Sonoko, noting the joy and affection clearly visible in her eyes.
"Shall we, my princess?"
Sonoko held tightly onto Heiji's arm, beaming with happiness.
Clap, clap, clap!
As the pair slowly descended the stairs, the hall erupted in applause.
[I never imagined Sonoko could look so adorable when she actually tries.]
Conan looked at Sonoko in surprise, but upon seeing Heiji by her side, his expression darkened, and his eyes narrowed. That guy, Hattori... isn't he afraid Kazuha will get jealous?
Shiro and Tomoko Suzuki watched the scene with smiles on their faces, exchanging a glance before stepping forward to welcome them.
"Happy birthday, darling."
Tomoko kissed Sonoko on the cheek. "Honey, Heiji is a catch. Don't let him get away," she whispered, her voice low enough that only Sonoko could hear.
Sonoko's face flushed instantly, and she shot a sideways glance at her mother.
"Thanks, Mom."
"Sonoko, happy birthday," Shiro Suzuki said kindly.
"Thanks, Dad."
"Happy birthday, Sonoko."
Ayako Suzuki, also in an elegant evening gown, approached and pinched Sonoko's cheek affectionately.
"Ayako, where's my present?" Sonoko asked, looking at her sister.
"You'll get it later. Tonight, you are the star."
Tomoko guided Sonoko to the small stage and gestured for her to address the guests.
Sonoko glanced briefly at Heiji down below. Her expression turned serious as she began her speech.
At a normal birthday party, a formal speech wouldn't be necessary, but as the heiress to a massive conglomerate, these formalities were unavoidable.
"Heiji, you look so handsome."
Down off the stage, Kazuha hugged Heiji's arm, her eyes radiating deep affection.
"Kazuha, watch out. There are a lot of people around," Ran teased.
"I can't help it! Heiji is just too handsome today," Kazuha said, sticking out her tongue playfully.
"I have to agree. Heiji seems to be the most handsome guy here tonight, doesn't he?" Ran laughed softly.
[Damn it. Even Ran...]
Conan, the king of jealousy, felt the vinegar rising in his chest again.
Heiji smiled faintly but didn't engage in their banter, preferring to quietly savor his red wine.
"Tonight, I hope all our distinguished guests enjoy themselves. Thank you all for coming."
Clap, clap, clap!!!
The hall once again filled with thunderous applause.
"Dear guests, let the banquet officially begin."
With Tomoko Suzuki's announcement, elegant music began to fill the mansion—soft enough to serve as background ambiance.
The lights dimmed, and a giant cake, nearly the height of a person, was wheeled into the center of the room.
"Sonoko, go cut the cake."
Sonoko took the knife her mother handed her. She looked at the cake, then suddenly walked over to Heiji.
"Kazuha, I need to borrow Heiji's help. You don't mind, right?"
She looked at Kazuha apologetically, a hint of expectation in her eyes.
"Of course not. Tonight, I leave Heiji to you," Kazuha said generously.
Heiji remained silent, letting himself be led.
The guests had already taken notice of Heiji. First, Tomoko Suzuki had been very warm towards the young man, and now, the Second Miss Suzuki was acting very enthusiastic.
Could he be Sonoko's boyfriend?
Sonoko led Heiji to the cake and handed him the knife. "Heiji, I'm counting on you."
She stood silently to the side, her face flushed and her eyes shining with happiness.
Heiji took the knife and symbolically cut a piece from the bottom tier, handing it to Sonoko. "Beautiful princess, happy birthday."
Sonoko took the cake, but then suddenly stood on her tiptoes and kissed Heiji. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Heiji froze. It wasn't a polite kiss on the cheek—it was right on the lips.
The atmosphere instantly hit its peak as deafening applause roared through the hall.
"Sonoko must have gotten too emotional," Ran said, glancing at Kazuha apologetically.
Kazuha was stunned for a moment, then forced a smile. "Yeah... she must be really overwhelmed."
As the music swelled, Sonoko looked at Heiji with a flushed face. "Heiji, may I have this dance?"
"Of course."
Like a perfect gentleman, Heiji took Sonoko's hand and led her to the dance floor.
As the birthday girl, the floor was theirs alone. Everyone else watched silently from the sidelines as they moved to the music.
Once the dance ended, the dinner began.
The guests were all titans of society. This was especially true at Sonoko's table, which seated only close allies and relatives of the Suzuki Group.
There was Shiro Suzuki, Tomoko, Ayako, and Sonoko. Joining them was the Tomizawa family, whose conglomerate was on par with the Suzukis.
President Tetsuharu Tomizawa sat with his triplet sons: the eldest, Taichi; the second, Tatsuji; and the youngest, Yuzo, who was also Ayako's fiancé.
Rounding out the table were Heiji, Kazuha, Ran, and Conan.
The table was laden with delicacies, but the centerpiece was a massive platter of bright red lobster.
"Uncle Tomizawa, thank you so much for coming despite your busy schedule. Please, help yourself," Sonoko said elegantly, raising her glass.
"Hahaha! They have my favorite lobster tonight; of course I won't hold back!" Tetsuharu Tomizawa laughed heartily.
"Dad, you have a heart condition. You should go easy on the lobster," his eldest son, Taichi, warned with a smile.
"Mind your own business," Tetsuharu snapped.
"Dad, Big Brother is just worried about you," the second son, Tatsuji, advised.
"That goes for you, too," Tetsuharu glared at him.
"Dad, calm down. My brothers mean well," Yuzo, the youngest, quickly intervened to play peacemaker.
"Hmph. You're barely any better, though at least you found me a good daughter-in-law."
"Alright, Tetsuharu, let's not get worked up. Let's drink," Shiro Suzuki said affably, smoothing things over.
-----------------------
Unlock 400+ chapters across 7+ different novels on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/LEYI396
This Detective Conan novel alone already has 170 chapters available right now on Patreon, so if you want to support the project and enjoy even more exclusive content, I'll be waiting for you on Patreon!
We're entering one of the most mysterious phases of the Detective Conan project — cases that finally connect, secrets that can no longer stay hidden, and plot threads that have been building up for hundreds of chapters are beginning to tie together.
Every clue matters now, and every revelation hits harder than the last 👀
And yes — this project also includes exclusive R18 content.
And of course — many more projects are already in progress!
There's always something new to read.
If you ever spot a mistake or inconsistency, feel free to drop a comment — your feedback helps me improve the story and polish every chapter!
📌 Also, if you write a review or show support for the novel, it helps me a lot — and I'll keep uploading more chapters for those who do. Your support in any form truly motivates me to continue!