Ryo decided to brush off all that otherworldly nonsense. Isekai this, parallel realms that—he really didn't have the energy for that kind of mess. He was a detective, not some overpowered chosen one… though technically, he had been. Briefly. As the Crimson Gunslinger. Thanks for that, Mr. Grim.
After a grueling 13-hour flight, he was finally just an hour away from landing in Tokyo. Ryo leaned back in his ultra-plush seat, arms crossed behind his head, and let out a sigh.
His mind started drifting again—not toward immortal sorcerers or ancient compasses—but something far more terrifying...
Real life responsibilities.
Ryo rubbed his chin, deep in thought. "Hmm… What the hell am I even gonna do with all that money?"
He let out a soft huff through his nose, thinking about the ridiculous reward King Malik had insisted on transferring to his account. A normal person would've lost their mind with excitement. But Ryo? He was just trying to decide what new furniture to buy.
Suddenly, he perked up and gave a soft smack of his fist into his palm.
"Ah! I got it. First things first… I'm getting a new, NORMAL, comfy king-sized bed. And a high-tech coffee machine—yeah, the AFFORDABLE one. The one that doesn't sound like a spaceship when it brews."
He nodded proudly to himself, eyes closed, arms folded like he'd just solved the hardest case of his life. "Yup. Always keep it simple. That's the way."
Even with a fortune sitting in his account, this detective couldn't shake off his money-saving habits. Years of living a dull, uneventful life before stumbling into the world of mysteries had trained him well. And even now—filthy rich or not—Ryo was still the same guy.
Frugal, practical… and hopelessly stuck in his comfort zone.
An hour had passed.
It was now morning in Japan.
Ryo's private jet finally landed, touching down gently on the runway.
He stepped out of the airport, stretched his arms, and took in a deep breath of the familiar Tokyo air…
And exhaled. "Ahhhh… Home sweet home…"
But before he headed back to his tiny detective office, there was something far more important on his mind—
Buying that new bed and coffee machine.
He made his way to the taxi lane and hopped into a cab.
"Drop me off at the department store in the heart of the city."
Driver nodded. "Okay, boss," he replied, then pulled out of the airport and drove off.
As they cruised through the city, Ryo felt a strange sense of nostalgia wash over him. This was his world—
No kingdoms.
No magic.
No dramatic royal drama or evil spirits crawling out of a gate.
Just normal people living normal lives.
It felt… peaceful.
Eventually, the taxi pulled up in front of the department store.
Ryo paid the fare, stepped out, and walked inside, casually glancing around.
"Hmm… let's see…'"
His eyes scanned the floor until he spotted a female staff member wearing glasses.
He approached and casually asked, gesturing.
"Excuse me, can you guide me to the section where I can find the cheapest king-sized bed that's super comfy? Oh—and also a high-tech coffee machine that doesn't sound like an Alien Spaceship."
The woman blinked. Her glasses slightly cracked from the sheer absurdity of the request.
The helper stammered. "D-doesn't… sound… like… an… alien… spaceship?"
Ryo, realizing how weird that sounded, chuckled awkwardly.
"Ah—sorry about that. Just… please show me a good, affordable high-tech coffee machine. And the bed section too."
The helper recomposed herself, gave a polite bow, and gestured ahead. "Right this way, sir…"
And so, the detective followed, ready to reward himself for saving an entire kingdom…
With a comfy bed and a decent coffee machine.
The helper guided Ryo to the coffee machine section first. As he browsed, Ryo quickly found what he needed—a high-tech, affordable coffee machine with various brewing options. Perfect for his tastes.
He pointed to the machine. "I'll take this one."
The helper nodded and led him to the bed section. After scanning the options, Ryo spotted a soft, king-sized bed at a great price. It looked far more comfortable than the old one he was about to replace.
Ryo, smiling. "I'll take this one too."
The helper nodded again. "Do you want the bed delivered now, or at a later date?"
Ryo, smiling more. "Now, please."
The helper bowed politely and started arranging the delivery.
Ryo walked to the cashier with a box containing his new coffee machine, paid for both that and the bed that would be delivered shortly, and then headed out of the store. He grabbed another taxi and made his way back to his small office, his home.
And once he reached home.
Ryo stepped inside, the familiar sight of his small office making him smile. He missed this place.
He looked around and grinned. "Guess it's time to lie down and relax after that long flight."
A few minutes later, the truck carrying his new bed pulled up to the office. Ryo greeted the delivery staff, telling them to place the new bed in his bedroom and to shove the old one to the side for now—he'd get rid of it later.
The workers quickly set the bed down, and after thanking them, Ryo went to work setting up his new coffee machine. He opened the box and removed the old coffee machine from the coffee station table, replacing it with the new one.
Ryo stepped back, admiring his work.
He sparkled with pride, grinning. "Looking good! Simple and comfy."
Later, after a long day, Ryo went into his small bedroom and jumped onto his new comfy king-sized bed. It was softer than the old one, and the moment he laid down, he felt like he was in heaven.
Feeling satisfied and smiling. "Ahhhh… This is heaven."
The bed was so comfortable that Ryo fell asleep almost instantly, the jetlag and exhaustion from the long flight catching up to him before he even realized it.
Ryo slept well into the afternoon, his body still recovering from the long flight.
Suddenly, his smartphone began ringing.
Ryo, slowly waking up and groggily rubbing his eyes. "Ugh... Who's calling now?"
He checked his phone, squinting at the screen. "Huh? Kaji?"
He tapped the screen, putting the phone to his ear, and immediately—
Kaji, shouting with his usual enthusiasm. "FANTASY-CHAN HERE!!!"
Ryo flinched, startled by the loud voice.
Feeling a bit annoyed but still tired. "Oi, Kaji! No need to be so loud! I can hear you just fine!"
Kaji, laughing heartily. "Hahahahaha, sorry about that, partner."
Still fighting off sleepiness, Ryo let out a long sigh and asked sluggishly. "So... what's up?"
Kaji, recalling with amusement. "I remembered that lady who looked like she came out of an Arabian fantasy. She was hot, but damn, she roasted me hard... Hahahaha. Remember when she called me 'son of a worm'? That was a good one."
Kaji, curious now. "She became one of your clients, right? So how did the case go with her?"
Ryo immediately realized he couldn't tell Kaji about his journey to a hidden kingdom, full of Arabian fantasy, magic, and facing an immortal villain. No, he had to keep that to himself.
Instead, he chose to lie, but just a little.
Ryo, trying to downplay it. "Meh… it's done, just a lost item case. Something called the 'Magical Celestial Compass.'"
Ryo tested the waters, curious if Kaji would buy it.
But then…
Kaji, bursting out laughing. "HAHAHAHA! You're too funny, partner. Did me geeking out on you turn you into a fantasy otaku like me?"
Of course, Kaji didn't believe him. WHO WOULD? It sounded like something straight out of a fantasy novel, not real life.
Ryo, awkwardly chuckling. "Hahaha… yeah... too funny… So, is that all you're calling me for, Fantasy-chan?"
Kaji, suddenly remembering something. "Oh, yeah, almost forgot! There's this convention I want you to come with me to."
Ryo, not impressed, still half asleep. "Huh? Seriously? I don't have time for some anime and gaming convention, dude. I'm so done with those…"
Kaji, excited. "Oh, it's not that, partner…"
Ryo, eyebrow raised in suspicion. "What do you mean? Some other kind of convention?"
Kaji, teasingly, about to drop a bombshell. "Man, you're gonna be surprised by this one."
Kaji, with a dramatic reveal. "We're going to... A Fairytale Realm Garden Convention!"
Silence…
Ryo was speechless, his eyes widened in disbelief.
Kaji, laughing. "Hahahaha… I know that long silence. Did I just shock you, partner? I'm expecting you to overreact like the good old days…"
Ryo, actually shocked. "OF COURSE I'M SUPER SHOCKED, FANTASY-CHAN! WHAT IS THAT? SOME KIND OF FAIRYTALE CONVENTION?!"
Kaji, pleased with the reaction. "WOOOHOOO, your overreactions are the best, like always."
Kaji, grinning. "Yup, it's a fairytale convention! It's gonna be full of stuff relating to old fairytale books. It's buzzing all over social media, man, everyone's hooked—even me. Why? Because it's never been done before!"
Ryo, confused. "Holy moly... so this isn't something that came out of a fairytale amusement park? But a convention?"
Kaji, grinning wider. "Yup, and it's gonna take place in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden!"
Ryo, shocked again, practically yelling. "HOLD UP! THIS ISN'T IN A BUILDING?!"
Kaji, laughing with excitement. "No, buddy! It's at that garden! Looks like the event organizers want to give it more of a fairytale vibe, so they picked that place as the venue. It's got that magical, nature-filled vibe, you know? WOOOOOOOH, I'm so hyped! And the convention's gonna start in a couple of days! So, what do you say, partner? I'll pick you up with my car if you're interested!"
Ryo, now super curious, couldn't help but remember how much he hated those anime and gaming conventions Kaji always dragged him to. Kaji geeked out so hard, he once said he wanted to get hit by a truck and wake up in another world as an overpowered isekai harem protagonist. Ridiculous—even for Fantasy-chan.
Ryo, sighing in defeat. "Fine... I am super curious about this fairytale convention. Alright, I'll go with you."
Kaji, super pleased. "THAT'S MORE LIKE IT! I'll pick you up at 9 AM. See you then!"
And with that, the phone conversation ended.
Ryo, still lying on his bed, impressed and a bit amused. "What the heck… a fairytale convention, huh…"
Then feeling slightly worried, remembering a certain trauma…
"I really hope Fantasy-chan doesn't start proposing to the fairytale cosplayers like back in the anime and gaming con days…"
Two days later…
It's 9 a.m. The Fairytale Realm Garden Convention is about to begin.
Kaji was driving through the morning streets in his roofless convertible, wearing cool shades that gleamed under the sun like he thought he was starring in an action movie.
…But then there's his shirt….
Kaji arrived and parked right in front of Ryo's office.
He shouted loud enough to wake the next block. "HEY SHERLOCK, FANTASY-CHAN IS HERE!!"
Ryo opens his office door slowly, twitching like a man who's seen too much…
Feeling annoyed. "Dude, can't you at least knock? Why do you always gotta scream our nicknames like that? What do you think my neighbors will say?"
Kaji, laughing it off. "Hahahaha sorry about that, buddy…"
Ryo's eyes lowered... and lock onto The Shirt.
He was stunned, pointing. "Is that shirt… the face of Sleeping Beauty?"
It's bold. It's bright.
It's got Sleeping Beauty's face printed across the entire front, complete with glittery hearts and the words "MY 4EVER WAIFU PRINCESS."
Kaji, beaming with pride, rubbing the fabric like it's sacred. "Yup! Sleeping Beauty is my waifu!"
Ryo, throwing his hands up in mock frustration, groaned sarcastically.
"OH GREAT! Another convention, another marriage proposal attempt. How fascinating! I cannot wait to see you get escorted out by security again. Be sure to tell me how it goes when you kneel in front of a Sleeping Beauty cosplayer and cry, 'Marry me, oh princess of my dreams!' I'm SOOO looking forward to her reaction."
Kaji, cackling. "HAHAHAHA! Your legendary jokes never disappoint! But don't worry—this time, it's gonna work! I got the toy ring ready!"
Ryo's eyes squinted. "Suuuuuuuure… good luck with that, Oh Fairytale Prince."
Kaji, gesturing to the passenger seat. "Hop in my ride, Sherlock! We're gonna have a blast!"
Ryo, rubbing his temples as if bracing for impact. "Okay… let's go."
He climbed into Kaji's car, the door shutting with a soft click.
And with that, the two ridiculous best friends drive off to the Fairytale Realm Garden Convention—one full of dread, and the other full of delusional romantic hope.
Then…
After a 15-minute drive, they finally arrived at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the venue for the long-awaited Fairytale Realm Garden Convention—and it was already swarming with people.
Even from outside, the sheer beauty of the garden peeked through the crowd:
Lush green trees swaying in the breeze.
Floral arches trimmed like something out of a dream.
Colorful decorations shaped like castles.
Crystal shoes.
And enchanted roses scattered throughout the grounds.
Ryo, eyes widening. "Woooaaah… the entire garden's super crowded already… and the lines are sooo long…"
And he sighed, resigned. "Guess it's gonna be another long queuing nightmare like the good old convention days…"
Kaji, smirking like a smug anime protagonist, slowly removed his shades. "Don't worry, Sherlock. Me, the fantasy hero, always carries a 'cheat skill'."
Ryo, side-eyeing him. "And what 'cheat skill' is that, Mr. Gamer Protagonist?"
Kaji reached into the car's glove compartment and proudly whipped out two shiny laminated tags, practically shoving them into Ryo's face.
Kaji: "Boom! Two priority passes, just for us! One of my fantasy geek friends works with the organizers—hooked me up last week."
Ryo, suddenly looking like he'd just been blessed by a fairy godmother.
"Oh, thank god… my legs don't have to suffer another four-hour line like last year…"
Kaji handed over one of the golden-edged pass tags to Ryo, parked the car at a nearby lot, and the two bypassed the hordes of attendees lining up outside.
As they stepped through the vine-wrapped archway entrance, a Magical World opened up before them. Ryo's jaw dropped.
The Shinjuku Gyoen Garden had transformed into a living fairytale.
White cobblestone paths twisted through glowing trees and flowerbeds shaped like hearts, towers, and carriages. Brightly colored tents and cute cottages were spread out like something from a fairy tale. Each one sold fun, magical items—
Glass slippers, roses in jars that glowed, and shiny bottles of potions with labels like "True Love," "Eternal Youth," and "Royal Courage."
Everywhere they looked, there were cosplayers of beloved fairytale characters—
Cinderella
Snow White
Sleeping Beauty
Beauty and the Beast
Little Red Riding Hood
The Little Matchstick Girl
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Wandering Mermaid
Jack and the Beanstalk
The Snow Queen
The Frog Prince
King Arthur
Pinocchio
There were live musical performances, puppet shows, a petting area with 'enchanted' talking animals (clever puppets and voice-acted costumes), and interactive activities like 'Match the Lost Shoe,' 'Lift the Sword of Legends,' and of course—the Sleeping Beauty's Enchanted Maze.
Ryo, stunned, mouth slightly open. "Duuuuude… I feel like I just stepped into a storybook…"
Kaji, grinning ear to ear. "Right? Let's go hit up an activity and buy some fairytale merch!"
Of course, their first stop had to be Kaji's waifu shrine—the Sleeping Beauty booth.
They approached the elegant display wrapped in sparkling vines and roses. Standing gracefully beside the booth was a beautiful Sleeping Beauty cosplayer, clearly one of the official staff.
She had long white hair, shimmering like moonlight, styled in soft waves. Her dark red glittery gown flowed like silk, sparkling with every step.
A lavender-purple crown rested upon her head, completing the image of an enchanting fairytale princess. As they arrived, she gave a refined curtsy, gracefully spreading the edges of her gown.
Sleeping Beauty, with a soft, regal smile.
"Greetings, noble guests. Are you here to awaken me from my 100 years of slumber? If you dare to enter the enchanted maze and reach the heart within, you must place a kiss upon my image to break the spell. A worthy prize awaits the hero who succeeds."
Ryo blinked. "Wow... She even talks like royalty"
Kaji, without hesitation, dropped to one knee, pulling out the toy ring he'd clearly brought just for this.
And dramatically… "The prize is already in front of me… Oh Aurora, my graceful princess…"
The cosplayer blinked, caught completely off guard by the sudden romantic ambush.
Ryo, already facepalming. "Great… here we go again…"
Kaji, continuing like a shoujo drama character. "…Will you please marr—"
SMACK!
Before he could finish, Ryo slapped him upside the head with classic comedic timing and dragged him away by the collar like a disappointed older brother.
Ryo, waving back apologetically. "Sorry Princess Aurora—my friend Prince Kaji here gets a little too lost in his dreams."
Kaji, flailing dramatically with ring in hand. "WAIT SHERLOCK! I HAVEN'T FINISHED MY PROPOSAL!!"
Ryo, thoroughly annoyed.
"I am NOT getting kicked out of another convention AGAIN! Last time they booted me out too just for being with you!! I'm NOT reliving that shame, man!"
Kaji, being dragged off, wailing like a theater kid. "MY PRINCEEEEEESSSSS!!"
The Sleeping Beauty cosplayer chuckled softly behind her gloved hand, clearly amused, then straightened her crown and gracefully returned to her booth duties.
Meanwhile, Ryo and his overly passionate, delusional prince of a partner vanished into the maze—on a quest to find an image of the princess for Kaji to kiss as a slightly less chaotic substitute.
Kaji sighed, arms hanging low, looking genuinely defeated. "Really, Sherlock? That was my moment."
Ryo rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed.
"Yeah… the most beautiful moment of getting dragged out of the Fairytale Convention. You seriously gonna let our priority passes go to waste?"
Kaji mumbled, head down. "My princess…"
Ryo placed his hands on his hips, now surveying the tall hedges in front of them inside the maze.
"Alright then. Let's find a way through this thing so you can get that kiss with your imaginary fairytale waifu."
Kaji chuckled, closing his eyes and raising a finger like he was revealing a master plan.
"Don't worry, Sherlock. This maze? It's all about solving clues. All we gotta do is answer questions, and each answer leads us through the right path."
Ryo crossed his arms. "And what are these magical clues, Prince Kaji?"
Kaji grinned with confidence.
"Every question is based on the original Sleeping Beauty story—the one with the thorns, curses, and the long nap. We answer right, we move forward."
Ryo smirked. "Sounds like a challenge. Right up my alley."
Kaji gestured forward like a guide leading an expedition.
"Come, Sherlock! It's time to find her so I can wake her with my legendary prince-like kiss! I'll lead the way. Don't need your help."
Ryo narrowed his eyes. "Yeah yeah…"
They walked deeper into the hedge maze, the warm sunlight flickering through the leaves overhead. Around them, scattered groups of people looked hopelessly confused, stuck at signposts and scratching their heads at trivia boards.
Fifteen minutes in, Kaji stood frozen in front of a question board, a bead of sweat on his brow.
Question #3:
"What gift was the twelfth wise woman unable to give the princess in the original tale?"
a) Beauty
b) Wit
c) A beautiful voice
d) She didn't give one at all
Kaji stared at it, his eye twitching. "I know this… I read the book… I know this…"
Ryo raised an eyebrow. "Stuck already, oh noble prince?"
Kaji groaned. "These questions are vague! Are they trying to keep me away from my sleeping bride?"
Ryo casually stepped forward. "How about I take over?"
Kaji blinked. "Wait—you read the original book?"
Ryo smirked with a sharp glint in his eye. "Yeah. When I was a kid. Got the whole thing memorized."
Kaji folded his arms, doubting. "Hmm… okay, Sherlock. Let's see what you've got."
Ryo cracked his knuckles and stepped up to the question board.
"She didn't give a gift at all. She was cut off before she could."
He tapped the final option.
The lights on the board flashed green, and the path ahead opened with a soft chime.
Kaji gawked. "You remembered that?!"
Ryo smirked. "Fairytales are just another case file."
They continued forward. As Ryo answered more questions with ease, other guests started trailing behind them—clearly stuck, lost, and noticing how smoothly Ryo was navigating.
Question #4:
"How long did the princess sleep?"
Ryo: "A hundred years. Straightforward."
Question #5:
"What caused the princess to fall into the deep sleep?"
Ryo: "She pricked her finger on a spindle, fulfilling the curse."
Question #6:
"Who discovered the sleeping princess after all that time?"
Ryo: "A prince who'd heard rumors of a hidden castle deep in the forest."
Question #7:
"What surrounded the castle during the long sleep?"
Ryo: "A wall of thorns, which only parted for the destined prince."
With each correct answer, another green light lit their way, the maze guiding them forward. The crowd behind them grew, whispering in amazement.
"That guy's solving it all!"
"I was about to give up. Thank goodness we followed them."
"He's like a fairytale genius or something!"
Ryo didn't slow down. Calm, focused, and sharp as ever, he continued like he was cracking a classic mystery.
Finally, the maze opened up to a lovely clearing. A sign stood tall beside a decorated stand where an elegant illustration of the Sleeping Princess rested beneath a floral arch.
Underneath was a carved wooden plaque:
"Awaken the Princess with a kiss, and claim your reward."
The crowd behind them clapped and cheered.
"Thank you!"
"You saved us so much time!"
"You should be a real fairytale detective!"
Ryo rubbed the back of his head, a bit flustered. "Aww, it's no biggie. Glad I could help."
Kaji, arms crossed, whistled. "Guess I underestimated you, Sherlock. Didn't think you could actually handle a fairytale challenge."
Ryo grinned and looked back at him. "As a detective, you've gotta keep a wide range of knowledge. Even cursed sleeping girls in thorns."
He pointed to the illustration, expression flat. "Now go on. Kiss your one true love, Prince Kaji."
With no hesitation, Kaji stepped forward, held the edges of the stand with both hands, and kissed the image passionately.
The staff standing nearby clapped cheerfully.
One of them approached with a tray and bowed politely. "Congratulations, noble prince. Please accept your prize."
A shining crown-shaped keychain, modeled after the Sleeping Princess's crown, sparkled atop the tray.
Kaji lifted it like he'd just been knighted. "A symbol of love… from my slumbering waifu."
Ryo let out a small laugh. "Alright, Romeo. Let's move on before you start asking the staff for a royal wedding."
Kaji tugged Ryo excitedly toward the next booth. "Come on, Sherlock! You're gonna love this one—it's the Little Red Riding Hood game!"
They arrived at a cozy little setup styled like a forest clearing, with a wooden cabin backdrop and a faux grass floor. Standing right at the entrance was an adorable girl cosplaying as Little Red Riding Hood, no older than eight, bouncing up and down with excitement.
She wore a red hooded cape, held a tiny basket full of wrapped cookies, and greeted them with a proud sparkle in her eyes.
Red Riding Hood, hopping cutely. "Hello, big brother! Welcome to Grandma's house!"
Kaji, placing a hand on his chest like he'd been struck by love.
"Awwwwww, did you hear that, Sherlock? She called me big brother! I feel so warm inside my heart…"
Ryo, arms crossed. "Yeah… good for you, prince bro."
The little Red Riding Hood puffed her cheeks in a pout, then declared with mock-seriousness and a tiny stomp.
Red Riding Hood, adorably determined.
"You know what? My grandma is in danger! The big bad wolf locked her in a cage! We gotta save her!"
Kaji, dropping into a dramatic pose.
"What should we do, Red Riding Hood? Your big brother's here, and I swear on my sword of justice—I will save your grandma!"
Red Riding Hood spun on her heel and pointed dramatically at the booth beside her—a toy shooting gallery made to look like a forest, where a cardboard cutout of a wolf popped in and out from behind trees.
Red Riding Hood, cutely serious. "Right now, you gotta become the hunter! Use this toy shotgun to shoot the big bad wolf! But be careful—he's super fast, and nobody's been able to hit him yet!"
Ryo chuckled softly. "She accidentally said 'toy shotgun' out loud. She's supposed to act like it's real. That's adorable…"
Red Riding Hood, smiling wide with gleaming eyes.
"Come on, big brothers! Let's show that big bad wolf who's boss and save Grandma! Whoever wins gets a cookie and gets to give me headpats!"
Kaji, eyes blazing like fire. "UUUUUWWWWAAAAAA!!! BIG BROTHER HERE IS GONNA GIVE YOU THE BEST HEADPATS EVER!!!"
Ryo, narrowing his eyes, unimpressed. "Chill... Prince Hunter."
Kaji picked up the toy shotgun, took a stance, and fired.
Miss.
He reloaded, tried again.
Miss.
Over and over—miss, miss, miss.
Kaji groaned, lowering the shotgun in defeat. "I give up… Big brother here is no match for the big bad wolf. He's too fast…"
Red Riding Hood, cheeks puffed and eyes big with disappointment. "Awwww… that's too bad, big brother…"
Then she turned her head toward Ryo, her expression brightening instantly.
Red Riding Hood, pointing at him. "How about you, other big brother?"
Ryo blinked, pointing to himself. "Me, kid?"
Red Riding Hood, smiling with hopeful eyes. "Yeah! Big brother, come on! I believe in you!"
Ryo smirked, stepping forward casually. "Alright, kid."
Kaji snickered behind his hand. "Hihihihi… I don't think you're gonna hit it, Big Brother Sherlock."
Ryo, raising one eyebrow, relaxed. "Well… guess we'll see."
He stepped forward and picked up the toy shotgun.
Aimed…
TIME SLOWED.
He analyzed the movement pattern of the wolf cutout—each pop, each angle, each delay.
He waited.
Bang! — direct hit.
Bang! — another.
Bang! — Then another.
Bang! — And another.
Kaji's jaw dropped. "WHAT?!"
Even the Red Riding Hood cosplayer's mouth fell open.
Ryo kept firing—precise, calculated, unstoppable. He might as well have been a professional sniper at a fairytale convention.
Soon, a crowd started gathering again—fairytale cosplayers, staff, and guests alike—watching in awe.
"Who is this guy?!"
"Dude's got aim like a royal assassin!"
"Bro, is he… hacking real life?!"
But then…
Ryo started attracting attention from female cosplayers who were…
… kinda into him, and way too into character.
"I left behind a slipper, not my heart—but you might just change that." muttered a Cinderella cosplayer.
"Are you sure you're not the prince? You just woke something in me." muttered a Snow White cosplayer.
"He woke me up without a kiss. That's talent." muttered a Sleeping Beauty cosplayer. (Too bad Prince Kaji)
"If you're the beast, I'm definitely not running." muttered a Beauty and the Beast cosplayer.
"I was told to stay on the path—but you're way more tempting." muttered an olderRed Riding Hood cosplayer.
"In this cold world, your sharp gaze is the only warmth I need." Muttered an olderLittle Matchstick girl cosplayer.
"Mad tea parties? I'd rather have a mad date with you." muttered an Alice's Adventures in Wonderland cosplayer.
"I gave up my voice once… but I'd speak to you just to say please marry me. Kya~! I said it!" muttered a Wandering Mermaid cosplayer.
"I could hand you Excalibur… or my number." muttered a female knight from King Arthur cosplayer.
DING DING DING!
He hit every shot.
The crowd erupted into cheers and clapping.
Red Riding Hood, bouncing up and down with joy.
"WOW, BIG BROTHER!!! YOU'RE THE FIRST ONE TO HIT IT—AND YOU HIT IT EVERY TIME!!!"
"YOU SAVED GRANDMA!!!"
Ryo rubbed the back of his head, a bit bashful. "Naaah, this is nothing…"
Kaji, still shocked. "What do you mean that's nothing?! You didn't miss a single one!"
Ryo turned to glance behind him at the clapping crowd. "Seriously… why do crowds keep following me?"
Then, he started noticing all the flirty glances from the female cosplayers—and now, he was starting to look worried. "Uhhhhh… ladies… why are you looking at me like that?"
Then suddenly—
Red Riding Hood lunged at Ryo, hugging him tightly with the biggest smile on her face.
"You may now claim your prize! Gimme nice good headpats, Big Brother!"
Ryo chuckled, patting her head gently. "Alright, alright. Calm down, kid."
She giggled brightly, leaning into the headpats like the happiest little sister in the world. Then, from her basket, she handed him several neatly packed cookies tied with red ribbons.
Kaji grumbled, arms crossed, jealous and utterly defeated.
"Ugggghhh… Guess I gotta practice more at the police station's shooting range…"
Kaji still looked defeated from his loss at the shooting booth, dragging his feet as he led Ryo to the next attraction.
But before they could reach it, a small girl—around twelve years old—rushed from a nearby booth and accidentally bumped right into Ryo.
Ryo, surprised. "Oh—! I'm sorry, kid!"
The girl fell back but quickly shook her head. "Oh no, it was my fault. I wasn't paying attention."
Kaji, sighing like a disappointed dad. "Come on now, Sherlock. Don't go around bumping into little girls."
Ryo panicking. "S-sorry, kid! Here, let me help you up!"
He reached out, and the girl gently took his hand. Ryo pulled her back to her feet.
The girl, looking awkward. "Umm… thank you so much."
Ryo offered a kind smile. "You're welcome, kid."
But then—
???: "WENDY DARLING!"
A man dressed like a pirate—with a right hand replaced by a hooked prop—marched over, voice booming.
Wendy gasped, startled. "Oh! Captain Hook!"
The pirate stepped closer, arms crossed.
Captain Hook-like man. "You better watch where you go, young lady. No running into people."
Wendy, eyes darting nervously. "Y-yes… apologies for that…"
Ryo and Kaji exchanged confused looks, silently watching the two fairytale cosplayers interact like they'd actually stepped out of a storybook.
Kaji, tilting his head. "Wendy Darling? Captain Hook?"
Ryo, casually guessing. "They're probably fan cosplayers from that 'Neverland' fairytale story."
Both "Wendy" and "Hook" froze.
Captain Hook, awkward laugh, eyes shifting. "Uhhh hahahaha… yeah… we're totally cosplayers. Just acting! Right, Wendy?"
Wendy, trying to play along with a fake smile. "Oh, um, yes! Cosplayers. Totally. Also actors! I think… Ha… ha…"
Ryo squinted, eyes narrowing just slightly. Something about these two felt... off.
Captain Hook, turning to Wendy quietly. "So, did you find him yet?"
Wendy shook her head. "No… I can't find Petyr anywhere…"
Kaji blinked. "Petyr?"
Wendy and Hook, startled, realizing they'd forgotten Kaji and Ryo were still there.
Wendy feeling nervous. "Oh! Uh, it's nothing. Just… trying to find a friend, he's cosplaying a Pann-like character! Hahaha…"
Captain Hook nodded quickly, nervously. "Yeah. He's, uh, lost."
The two suspicious "cosplayers" started to walk away, trying to act normal.
Wendy glanced back, waving politely. "We'll be going now. Apologies again for bumping into you."
And then they were gone.
Kaji, still puzzled. "Hmm… what's with those two cosplayers…?"
Ryo didn't answer. He was watching them walk off, eyes sharp. There was something strange about them—too in character. Too rehearsed. His instincts prickled.
Kaji rubbed his temples. "Oh well. Let's head to the next booth, Sherlock."
Ryo nodded, quietly. "Yeah…"
As they approached the next booth, a young man in black walked by—cosplaying a Pann-like character. His face was darkened by the shadow of his hat, but he gave off a strange energy. He passed Kaji without a word.
But as he walked past Ryo, he suddenly slowed—his lips curling into a wide, sinister smug.
His voice—ominous, guttural, venomous—whispered directly into Ryo's ear.
???: "Welcome to the Fairytale World… Detective…"
Ryo's eyes widened, a cold sweat breaking across his forehead. He instantly turned around—but the Pann-like man was gone.
Vanished.
Ryo, breathing heavily. "What… was that all about…?"
Kaji turned, raising an eyebrow. "What's wrong, Sherlock? You look like you're about to piss yourself. Need to stop by the toilet?"
Ryo took a deep breath, trying to shake off the chill crawling up his spine. "No… I'm good. Let's continue."
Kaji shrugged. "Okay, Sherlock."
But as they walked toward the next fairytale booth, Ryo couldn't stop thinking about it.
That creepy voice…
And the words…
"Welcome to the Fairytale World…"
And how did that man know Ryo was a detective?
And more importantly… why did it sound like a warning?
These questions swirled in Ryo's mind as the fairytale convention around them continued in cheerful bliss.
Unaware of the storm quietly rising in the background.
Kaji and Ryo went from fairytale booth after booth, snapping pictures with the fairytale cosplayer staff and enthusiastic fans, capturing whimsical memories in every frame. They tackled challenge after challenge—each one bursting with color, magic, and mischief.
Unfortunately for Kaji… he failed every single one.
As for Ryo? He won. All of them.
By the time the sun dipped low into the horizon, casting a warm orange glow across the fairytale convention, the event had come to a close.
Their bags were full—especially Ryo's, now stuffed with prizes from every single booth he won at, making them heavy with his growing mountain of victories.
Kaji, looking absolutely defeated, dragged his feet and muttered.
"Sherlock… dude… are you some kind of fairytale genius monster?"
Ryo, chuckling as he adjusted the straps on his bag.
"What? Not my fault I'm all witty and full of fairytale knowledge. My apologies, oh glorious Prince, for stealing your spotlight."
Kaji, clutching his chest like he'd been betrayed. "Ughhhhhhh…"
They headed to the parking lot, hopped into Kaji's car, and began the drive back home. The sky slowly deepened into evening, shadows stretching across the road. Kaji was quiet, humming along to a song on the radio, but Ryo…
Ryo wasn't at ease.
He rested his elbow on the window ledge, fist gently against his cheek, eyes lost in the horizon. That voice… that whisper from the strange Pann-like character earlier… it refused to leave his mind.
Ryo, quietly, with worry in his voice. "What the hell is about to happen…?"
And so, after a day filled with laughter and whimsical memories at the Fairytale Realm Garden Convention, Kaji and Ryo drove home—memories made, pictures taken, and prizes claimed.
But for Ryo… something darker lingered. A creeping feeling that something was just beginning.
Meanwhile…
In a land far, far away…
in a world not found on any map…
A woman, a lady… ran—desperate, determined.
"WHERE ARE YOU!?"
Her breath came in sharp bursts as her feet pounded against the cobblestone paths of a village cloaked in the dimming twilight.
She stormed through the quiet streets—steps quick, eyes wild—scanning every corner. From cozy cottages to crowded markets, to the soft-smelling bakery lined with pastries, she pushed through, ignoring the strange stares from passersby.
People whispered behind her back, watching this breathless woman stumble through their streets like a madwoman from a forgotten tale.
"Please… be okay…" she gasped, her voice cracking as she moved.
She ran toward the forest, past the tree line, brushing through branches that tugged at her dress like fingers trying to hold her back.
"PLEASE… CALL OUT TO ME!"
She stumbled to a halt in a moonlit clearing, gasping for air. Her hands clutched her knees. Her shoulders shook.
"No… no… no… this can't be happening…"
Her heart thundered. Her mind raced. Her body trembled.
No matter where she searched, no matter how far she wandered—there was no trace of the person she was looking for.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, hot and heavy.
"Please… don't die…"
She rose again, shaking, stumbling—but still moving. Still hoping.
Then her voice ripped through the trees—raw, agonized.
"WHERE ARE YOU!!?"
And suddenly…
With all the pain in her heart, a name—one so legendary it echoed like a spell from the past—escaped her lips in a cry filled with anguish, the name she feared she'd never see again.
"CINDERELLA!"
The forest went still.
Not even the wind dared to move.
Something had gone missing from the fairytale world… and someone was beginning to realize it.