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Th, That is so that I can defend myself—

[ Susato stops abruptly, if only because Sholmes should know this. He is probably enjoying the embarrassment blooming on her face, though, so at least one them is having a laugh. Despite everything, Susato is still smiling too, if only for how laughable the idea of her as a soldier is.

(Then again, most of Japan would find the idea of women lawyers laughable.) ]

Anyway... he has photographs. Mr 76, I mean. Not many people know about it, but this sniper might be in there. And I remember there being a gorilla.

Defend yourself—if your attackers can get past brave Mr. Asogi and that blade of his. [ He winks. Is it safe to mention Kazuma again? Even if it means cranking up the dial on her embarrassment? ]

Mr. Seventy-Six is full of surprises, isn't he? [ The outlandish dance moves slow to a stop and his iris crown jostles forward. He reaches up to adjust it. ] I shall ask about it; I would love a photographic glimpse into the year 2070. And to hear what business the man had with a gorilla! I'm quite jealous—they have such soulful eyes.

[ ...Hmmm. Nope, she can't say she likes that wink at all, and him bringing up Asogi seems rather out of the blue as well. Then again, it fits perfectly with Sholmes' eccentric nature, so she really doesn't bat too many eyelashes. She may look just a smidge embarrassed, and if her cheeks look slightly more pink, he's surely imagining it.

The dance isn't helping in that department, but she's more worried about the existence of the photos getting back to Reaper, anyway. ]

His name was... um, Winston, I believe. [ Something something training, there was a graduation involved??? #just2070things. ] It is a life he left behind long ago, so please be mindful, if you decide to ask. And make sure it is in confidence. Please.

[ Really, she should have just left it at that, but if you thought the idea of Asogi protecting her would just sit quietly at the back of her mind, well. She'd wish you were right.

She maintains her composure, though, enough of it to tease her idol and his terrible memory, despite his brilliance. ]

And... forgive me for asking, but do you even remember what that blade of his is called?

I will handle that delicate knowledge with the utmost care that you expect from a great detective! [ ... Comforting, right? But no, he files that information away in his brain attic. Maybe he'll find it again. ]

You truly think I would forget the name of such a stately blade? Like many swords of legend—Excalibur, Durendal, Zulfiqar—it carries a name that strikes fear in the hearts of any who would wrong the honorable Asogi clan ... [ Is he yammering to buy more time to think?

Is this long, dramatic pause strategic? Yes.

Finally, with admirable confidence, he declares: ]

Caramba!

......

[ The disrespect. After all that! She knew it. She's no stranger to Sholmes needing a light nudge in the right direction at times, but this felt oddly...personal. She huffs, correcting him with a slight puff of her cheeks. ]

I, It's Karuma. Ka - Ru - MA! The very soul of the Asogi clan, passed down through generations, and you would do well to remember it from now on. [ She clears her throat to keep from adding an or else, but she otherwise softens a moment later, the spike in anger dissipating before long. ]

Thank you... for dancing with me today.

Ka-Ru-MA! Of course! [ He finds her anger endearing—a clear symptom of her strong feelings. Besides, how often was his own anger piqued when acquaintances were wrong about Mikotoba: when they referred to him as "Chinese" or assumed he didn't speak English? Plenty. He shouldn't sink to the level of his countrymen. ] Truly, I meant no disrespect, Miss Susato, for Mr. Asogi or his most sacred heirloom.

[ He offers her a smile before bowing once more. ] And thank you for such a fetching crown—it warms me with fond thoughts of dear Iris.

[ If she was here, she surely would have stepped on his foot at multiple points in this conversation. ]

[ ...She should have stepped on his foot. He would have deserved that much. Susato seems to glance down, as if able to hear his thoughts, but then she simply looks up at her hard work in the form of the iris crown. ]

...You're very welcome. Let those thoughts keep the crown alive, as they do her memory.

Enjoy the festivities, and... do try to avoid any murders. [ JOKING......mostly. Her tone is so dry, but really, please. ]

[ For a moment, Sholmes is afraid Susato can read his thoughts. She had an uncanny knack for doing that with Ryunosuke, didn't she? ... Then again, Mr. Naruhodo also had a terrible habit of muttering—when his thoughts weren't plainly advertised by his overly-expressive face. ]

All crimes and the investigation thereof shall wait until after the festival. [ This is declared with a decisively-raised finger before he's distracted by movement from the stage. One of the musicians is trying to flag him down. ] Ah! My new friends are missing their first-violin! I must bid you adieu, my dear.

[ Sholmes turns, but as if to further smooth over his repeated missteps, he calls over his shoulder: ] Do give Mr. Asogi my regards when you see him. I hope he is in fine enough fettle to enjoy this lovely event!

[ Is that another wink? Maybe. ]

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