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You, Ranpo and Poe walked into the ice cream parlour, the sound of the bell signalling your arrival. The sweet aroma of freshly made waffle cones and various flavours of ice cream filled your noses as the three of you stepped inside. The cosy parlour was filled with the buzz of conversation and laughter as people savoured their frozen treats.
Ranpo's eyes gleamed with excitement as he scanned the flavours behind the glass counter.
As you made your choices and were handed your scoops of ice cream, the three of you found a table near the window, and you settled in to enjoy your treats. You savoured the sweetness of your strawberry and vanilla swirl, while Poe indulged in the richness of his double chocolate fudge. Ranpo, on the other hand, opted for a wild combination of rocky road and mint chocolate chip, which he declared his new favourite.
"Any idea how Tanaka Jr. managed to find out that his sister paid you a visit?" You asked Ranpo, scooping a spoonful of ice cream into your mouth.
"It seems that Mrs. Saito may have felt remorseful for seeking my consultation without first obtaining her husband's approval. Once she returned home, she admitted to her actions and her husband proceeded to inform his brother-in-law." Ranpo responded.
"Her husband sounds like an honest fellow." Poe chimed in.
"Could be," Ranpo shrugged. "But it's also likely that he's simply intimidated by that ruffian."
"Tanaka Jr. really was a rude bastard," you rolled your eyes as you remembered Makoto's terrible attitude when demanding his father's note. "Do you suppose he was anything like his father? God, I hope not."
"Well, it seems like some police officers let their power go to their heads. They act as if they're the rulers of a feudal state rather than public servants in a modern society. Perhaps Tanaka Jr. was angry that his sister disclosed their father's secret to a stranger without consulting him first. It goes against pre-war protocol, but times have changed."
"I think that the Japanese tend to follow authority without question more often than necessary." Poe sighed.
"Out of all the Japanese people I have encountered, Tanaka Jr. had the most unbearable arrogance. One could display him in a museum as an example of a petty autocrat."
You snorted.
"Now," Ranpo began, licking his spoon. "Have we considered all the known facts of the case? We've discussed Yumeko, Hiroshi's second wife, but what about his first wife, Aeri? Have we delved into her background yet?"
"Her maiden name before marriage was Fujieda, and she grew up near Rakushisha in Sagano, Kyoto," you responded.
"Kyoto? Excellent, that will save us some time," Ranpo said.
