Also, I’m worried about how we were cut off before she told me the reason she called last night.
……That’s right. We were cut off, weren’t we?
I’d forgotten a rather basic issue. Depending on the signal, even if I want to call, that doesn’t mean I can.
I turn on my cell and take a look.
It’s okay, the indicator is showing a signal.
*puchi puchi puchi*—— there.
Selecting from the recorded addresses, I dial.
Youko: Yeah, yeah, hello, what’s up? I don’t care what it’s about, just start talking.
Kei: However you might know your caller through custom melody and call waiting, I don’t think those should be the first words out of your mouth.
Youko: It’s all right, right? You and I are pals, Hato-chan—
Kei: Even for close friends, Youko-chan.
Youko: Good morning to you. Nara Youko, at your service. The day has shown me a refreshing morning thus far. Might I inquire as to how it’s fared the honorable Hatou-san under distant skies?
Kei: ……Overboard.
Youko: Come on, you’re being difficult, Hato-chan. I bet you’ll make a great mother-in-law.
Kei: Not a great bride?
Youko: I’m not gonna give you away!!
Kei: Uwa— so I’m skipping the bride and going straight to in-law-hood? That could be tough.
Youko: It’s all good, no problem. Through adoption or whatever, there are ways. Like that homeless girl squatting at your papa-san’s place—— what was it? Not Udzura…
Kei: Tsudzura-chan?
Youko: That’s right, Tsudzura. That one, you said she seemed like a good girl and all. Are you two friendly enough to make her your daughter?
Kei: Mmm……
Youko: What, what, what’s this I’m hearing? Did you get in a fight with her, already, hmm?
Kei: No, it’s not like we’ve fought or anything, but…
Youko: But?
Kei: When I woke up, both Tsudzura-chan and Obana-chan were gone.
Youko: What, so she’s already filed a divorce and gone back to her parents?
Kei: ……If she did, wouldn’t she be my wife and not my daughter?
Youko: …………
Kei: …………
Youko: I see now. I’m taking the case! You came to this Easy Chair Detective Y so I could unravel the mystery of the missing girl and fox, right?
Kei: Wah, your reasoning’s totally missed the premise, you know? Also, did you just ignore my question?!
Youko: In other words, a mystery, right!? It’s summer, it’s the boondocks, with all the trappings of a tradition-minded suspense thriller, it smells like a paranormal occult case!
Kei: I don’t think this follows the original conversation. Are you even listening to me? Don’t tell me you’re just ignoring me on purpose?
Youko: Fu! Fu! Fu! You probably thought of this long ago, but, a mansion! A fox! A traveler seeking one night’s shelter!
Kei: *gikuku*!? (twitch twitch)
Youko: Sooo~ what standard genre combines these three elements?
With pearly whites lined straight, for a moment I can see her Cheshire cat-like smile across the line.
Kei: …………
Youko: Doesn’t this predicament seem quii~te a bit like that to you?
| そんな気がしなくもない | そんなことはない |
| I can’t say it doesn’t. | It’s nothing like that. |