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A/N - I highly recommend that you press play on the video above and let the music run throughout this chapter! ;)
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You followed behind Ranpo as he led you through the back gardens, the moonlight casting long shadows on the path ahead. The cool night air was refreshing against your skin, and the scent of blooming flowers filled your nose. You glanced over at Ranpo, his sharp features illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. He wore a small, secretive smile on his face, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue about your destination.
As the two of you made your way through the gardens, you couldn't shake the feeling that you were being watched. The rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig seemed to be following you, causing your heart to race in your chest. But when you turned to look behind you, there was nothing there, just the dark outline of trees against the night sky.
Finally, the two of you reached a wrought-iron gate, beyond which lay a sprawling mansion. The grand structure loomed in the darkness, its silhouette a stark contrast against the dusky sky. The sight of it took your breath away, and you couldn't help but wonder why Ranpo had brought you here.
"Where are we?" You asked him, your voice hushed with wonder.
His lips quirked into a charming, boyish smile. "I have no idea."
You gave him an incredulous look. "What do you mean you have no idea where we are? Ranpo, whose mansion is this?"
"Like I said—I have no idea." His smile broadened, confusing you even more.
"But—"
"Ssshhh," Ranpo placed a finger on your lips. "Quieten down, we don't want to get caught," he whispered, and you almost squeaked when he suddenly lifted you into his arms and effortlessly helped you over the gate, before he too, jumped over the iron bars.
You were completely in awe as you observed the scene in front of you; the mansion itself was an architectural masterpiece, with ornate carvings and intricate details that spoke of its grandeur. The towering columns that lined the front of the house only added to its imposing stature. Even in the darkness, you could make out the immaculate gardens surrounding the mansion, with well-manicured hedges and carefully tended flower beds.
It was obvious that whoever owned this mansion possessed an exorbitant amount of wealth, which led you to surmise that they likely had an incredibly advanced security system at their disposal. Your eyes widened in surprise, because you realised that your detective was trespassing.
Ranpo took your hand and led you around the hedges, careful to keep you hidden from view. It was a thrilling experience, something that you didn't quite expect from Ranpo Edogawa.
