182 Chapter 182: Christmas
"Ah, I know, that's also one of the investigation routes."
Upon Conan's reminder, Senichi nodded with a smile. "Don't worry, when we go out for work, it's usually in pairs. Since this incident, the nighttime patrols at the police box have also been conducted in pairs."
"The world really isn't peaceful these days."
Haibara, munching on her cake, listened to their conversation and couldn't help but sigh, "Christmas is almost here, and yet such things are happening. It feels like Christmas has been tainted with a hint of blood. Clearly, they don't want people to enjoy the holiday."
"Well, cases like this always happen unexpectedly, but our job exists precisely because of that."
Senichi chuckled helplessly and added with a sarcastic tone, "Especially in this world, it would be strange if cases didn't occur frequently."
After chatting for a while, Senichi bid farewell to everyone and left Dr. Agasa's residence.
The next time they would meet would probably be on the day of Christmas at the opera house.
Since just a couple of days after Christmas is New Year's Day, Senichi and the others, who rarely have cases during this time, also took the opportunity to decorate the entrance hall.
Folding screens, shimenawa made of straw, kadomatsu made of pine branches and bamboo, and mirror-shaped rice cakes with small oranges used for shrine rituals—these items symbolize the New Year, similar to the traditional couplets that Senichi's hometown would paste.
Of course, the New Year in Japan is quite short, only a three-day holiday from the 1st to the 3rd of January. Senichi estimated that after making a trip back home, it would be almost over.
But this couldn't dampen the festive atmosphere leading up to the New Year. Regardless of how the year had been, at least these two days saw an increase in smiling faces.
Of course, the ongoing Christmas celebrations couldn't be ignored either.
In Japan, this day is also quite important. The festive atmosphere is mainly created by the various shops, big and small, on the streets.
Under the banner of Christmas, employees dressed as Santa Claus promote various discounts and offers on the streets.
Especially dessert shops that attract attention would even set up stalls outside their stores for the convenience of customers in the area.
Senichi and the others were no exception. They bought a cake and shared it in the office, taking a little break from their year-round busy schedule.
As they were all adults and didn't have much time to spend at home, combined with the nature of their work, the friendship among colleagues was deep and not like the usual cutthroat competition found in companies.
That evening, since there was no work, everyone in the Criminal investigation division finished their work early and had dinner together. After that, Senichi set off to meet Ayako and the others at the opera house.
....
During winter nights, the daylight hours are shorter, and even though it was barely six o'clock, the sky had already plunged into darkness.
But the city's hustle and bustle, along with the myriad lights, made the night bright and dazzling.
Tonight was Christmas Eve, and people, in the name of celebrating the holiday, embarked on a night filled with laughter and joy.
Countless couples walked on the streets, heading to their designated dating spots, while children played and laughed, eagerly anticipating gifts from Santa Claus.
Even in the hospital, expectant mothers looked forward to the birth of new lives.
After all, that meant one less holiday to endure...
Cough, just kidding—it was a wish for a wonderful future for the children.
"Thank you~"
In the cozy pink hospital room, a young woman with a bulging belly accepted the water cup handed to her by her husband, her face adorned with a gentle smile.
"How are you feeling? Are you okay? Do you feel fine?" The husband sat on a chair beside her, looking at his wife with concern.
"I'm perfectly fine." The woman with a ponytail gently caressed her swollen belly, her face radiating maternal tenderness.
"Oh, by the way, Ryosuke, didn't you say you were going to do the night cleaning tonight?" The woman suddenly seemed to remember something and looked at her husband. "It's already this late. Shouldn't you leave soon?"
"Well... isn't the due date tomorrow? I thought about it, maybe I should just take a day off." The man named Ryosuke looked at his wife and spoke with concern.
"What are you talking about?" The woman chuckled and held the cup, "I'm fine, you're being too worried. Besides, didn't you promise to do a night shift? Do it well."
"That's true." Ryosuke rubbed his nose and looked at his wife, "But don't you want me to be here with you?"
"I'll be fine on my own." The understanding wife smiled gently and then wrapped a scarf around her husband. "Which area are you responsible for cleaning today?"
"I have to clean several areas." Ryosuke stretched his neck to facilitate his wife's actions and replied, "But there's a bus that will pick us up near the opera house."
"Well... I'm leaving. I'll come back tomorrow morning." The man smiled and bid farewell to his wife before leaving.
...
In front of the opera house, as Senichi entered the lobby, he hadn't even had a chance to carefully search for Ayako and the others when he quickly heard enthusiastic calls from Sonoko, "Brother-in-law, over here, over here!"
Following the source of the voice, Senichi soon spotted Ayako and the group.
However, instead of the expected appearance of Kogoro Mouri and Eri Kisaki, there were Heiji Hattori and Kazuha Toyama.
"Today is Christmas, right? Why did you two come all the way here? Don't you need to spend the holiday with your families?" Senichi approached Ayako and smoothly hooked his arm around hers, gently holding her hand, then greeted her with a smile. After that, he turned his head to look at Heiji Hattori and Kazuha Toyama, curiously asking.
"It's all because of our old man. He asked us to visit his friends in Kanto, so Kazuha and I came together."
Heiji Hattori chuckled and explained, "After being guests, I went to the Mouri Detective Agency to pay a visit. I didn't expect to coincidentally catch the free opera performance. Thank you for your hospitality."
"It's no problem. Anyway, my dad absolutely refuses to come, and my mom is working overtime, so I only had dinner with them and didn't have time to come see the opera."
Ran smiled and said, "I was actually worried about what to do with the tickets that Ayako-san gave me, but it's great that you and Kazuha showed up."
"Regardless, thank you for your hospitality. I've always wanted to attend an opera at the Beika Opera House, and I didn't expect the opportunity to come so soon."
Kazuha Toyama smiled and looked at everyone, inviting, "When you come to Kansai to visit, be sure to contact me. I'll take good care of you then."
And just as everyone was engaged in lively conversation, Conan arrived with the three little ones, full of excitement, and joined the group.
--------------------------------
Please consider supporting this translation project by becoming a P@treon member, if possible!
Your support is greatly appreciated!
Available on my P@treon page for just $4!!
Early access to the following translations:-
~Marvel: Little Genius (MLG) - +134 advance chapters & 4 Chapters/Day
~Famous Police Detective in Detective World (FPDDW)- +65 advance chapters & 2 Chapters/Day
p@treon.com/Lightreaper457
--------------------------------
