T.A series Volume 7: Feathers of Fury

Chapter 31 - Fun times

With his curiosity piqued, Shinichi decided to strike up a conversation with Veronica.

As the group continued to chat about their respective interests and experiences, he found an opportunity to subtly steer the conversation in a more investigative direction elsewhere around the washroom outside.

"Eh!? Someone tipped off Sonoko's Tousan about my feud with Mouri, Rokuro and her!?" Shinichi gasped as Veronica spilt the beans on him.

Veronica's eyebrows raised in surprise as she glanced at Shinichi. "Oh, you didn't know? Yes, Sonoko's father was informed about the feud, and his wife had expressed her concerns about Sonoko to another friend of mine at another function during their conversation."

Shinichi's eyes narrowed slightly, his detective instincts kicking into high gear. "I see. And did he mention who tipped him off about the feud?"

Veronica hesitated for a moment before answering, choosing her words carefully. "He didn't explicitly mention the source, but it seemed like he had received information from someone who was familiar with the situation."

The Tantei apprentice's mind was racing as he processed Veronica's response. It was clear that someone had deliberately informed Sonoko's father about the feud, and that information had made its way to Veronica's friend at the function.

"Someone familiar with the situation..." Shinichi mused aloud, his voice tinged with a mix of scepticism and intrigue. "Does your friend have any idea who that could be? Someone who might have had access to that kind of information?"

"Judging from that same friend," The 10-year-old V-tuber's expression remained thoughtful as she considered his question, "Sonoko's mother revealed to my friend that the caller ID is someone in Japan."

The 6-year-old apprentice's eyes narrowed further as he digested this new piece of information. If the tip-off had come from someone familiar with the situation and had knowledge of the feud, it was clear that they had some level of access to the events that had transpired.

"Also, the reason I am here is to build for Ranran an alibi."

"Building an alibi?" Shinichi repeated, his brow furrowing. "For what purpose?"

"Remember when we made you sign that contract the permission to ensure Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko don't mess around with Ranran? This is to ensure that Ranran has a solid alibi in case any accusations or suspicions arise. And I am dead certain that whoever the person is who tipped Sonoko's father, did set all of this to get Ranran into serious trouble." Veronica's gaze met Shinichi's, and there was a seriousness in her eyes that matched his own.

"Veronica," Shinichi began, his voice low and intense, "Is there anything else I should know about the caller?"

"It wasn't difficult to pinpoint who it was," Veronica sighed.

"Who do you suspect is responsible?" Shinichi asked, his voice firm.

Veronica's gaze remained steady as she replied, "I think deep down, you too know who is behind this."

His eyes narrowed as he processed Veronica's words. "Mamiko, Ishibashi Mamiko."

Veronica's confirmation of Shinichi's suspicion didn't come as a complete surprise, yet it still sent a chill down his spine. Ishibashi Mamiko, their delusional schoolmate of Teitan Elementary school had a twisted love obsession towards him and had a history of framing Ranran against him multiple times.

"Of course," he muttered, his expression growing more resolute. "Because I know the truth, she has to take her actions to a new level." Pacing in front of Veronica, he rambled, "She had to use Mouri and Suzuki against Ranran.....because she knew those two still blindly believed that Ranran is manipulating me, despite her true nature being out in the open." Clenching his fists, his determination evident. "How is it that now we are in another freaking country, she is still able to do this!?"