#𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐊. ✔️ [kaishin]

Chapter 1

It was a crisp and peaceful morning at the Scarlet Devil Mansion. The grand, gothic halls were filled with a sense of calm, and the mansion's inhabitants went about their duties as usual. But something was amiss. Kuroba Kaito, the owner of the mansion, had noticed that his head butler, Kudo Shinichi, had not yet begun his daily chores. This was highly unusual for the punctual and efficient Shinichi.

Concerned, Kaito decided to check up on his head butler. He ascended the grand staircase and arrived at Shinichi's room, knocking gently before entering.

"Shinichi, it's time to start the day," Kaito called out as he opened the door. What he found inside surprised him.

Shinichi, usually so composed and efficient, was in disarray. He was struggling to get dressed, his movements slow and uncoordinated. He was visibly paler than usual, and his eyes held a tired and pained expression.

"Shinichi, what's going on?" Kaito asked, his concern growing. "not well, are you?"

Shinichi hesitated for a moment, clearly reluctant to admit his condition. "I... I don't feel well, Kaito. I think I've caught a cold."

Kaito's stern demeanor softened as he approached his ailing head. "You should have informed me immediately, Shinichi. You need to rest and recover. You're in no condition to perform your duties."

Shinichi nodded weakly, his usual professionalism giving way to vulnerability. "I'm sorry."

Kaito patted Shinichi's head gently. "Don't apologize. Your health is a priority. Stay in bed, and I'll make sure you receive the care you need. I'll also need to make some changes to our daily routines in your absence."

With that, Kaito left Shinichi's room and headed to the grand hall of the mansion, where he summoned his other loyal residents. Koizumi Akako, Aoko Nakamori, Ran Mouri, Saguru Hakuba, and Conan Edogawa assembled before him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a situation," Kaito began, his tone serious. "Shinichi is seriously ill and needs time to recover. During his absence, we'll need to adjust our responsibilities and duties to keep the mansion running smoothly."

Ran nodded and asked, "What would you like us to do, Master Kuroba?"

Kaito turned to Ran and said, "Ran, I'll need you to temporarily assume the role of head maid. You'll be responsible for overseeing the fairy maids and ensuring that their tasks are carried out efficiently."

Saguru, who had been listening intently, chimed in, "But who will take Ran's place as the gatekeeper?"

Kaito considered the question for a moment before a mischievous smile played on his lips. "Saguru, you'll be the new gatekeeper."

Saguru's expression shifted to one of dismay. "What? Me? But I—"

Before he could finish, Conan waved his hand energetically and exclaimed, "I want to be the gatekeeper! I want to be the gatekeeper!"

Kaito considered his request and eventually relented, saying, "Very well, Conan, you can be the gatekeeper."

Hakuba heaved a sigh of relief, thinking he was off the hook. But Kaito wasn't finished. He turned his gaze back to Hakuba and said, "Saguru, your new responsibility will be to watch over Conan while he's at the gate and make sure he doesn't get into any trouble."

Hakuba's initial relief was replaced by a gulp of apprehension. He hadn't escaped additional duties after all.

Kaito then turned his attention to Akako and Aoko. "Akako, Aoko, your duties in the library will remain the same. If you need assistance, feel free to ask one of the fairy maids."

With the new responsibilities delegated, Kaito made his final announcement. "I'll be personally overseeing Shinichi's recovery and ensuring that he receives the care he needs."

The mansion's residents acknowledged their new roles, and Kaito left the hall, satisfied that the mansion would continue to operate smoothly even in Shinichi's absence.