Kudo Yukiko's eyes widened.
Her hand trembled on the phone.
On Eri Kisaki's end, sharp rebuke cut through the line.
Yukiko Kudo stammered, unable to respond to her friend's measured fury.
Across the room, Shinichi Kudo watched his mother's shock.
Yukiko's glare turned to him. "Eri, I…I apologize!"
"You owe no apology to me," Eri's voice crackled.
"Apologize to him!" Eri demanded.
Yukiko hesitated. "I will—personally."
Eri laughed, low and scornful. "An apology means nothing without action."
Silence fell, leaving Yukiko without retort.
"You'll honor the lawyer's letter!" Eri's final words rang out.
The call ended.
Yukiko exhaled with a shudder.
"Mom, what happened?" Shinichi asked.
"That boy…he's my nephew," Yukiko whispered.
"You should apologize to him properly," she continued.
Shinichi's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Well, hire another lawyer," Yukiko decided.
"We've suffered a loss, but we'll fight on," she vowed.
"And you must learn from this," she scolded.
"Your words affect lives—never forget that."
Shinichi nodded, chastened.
"Who is Akihiko Tou, to best you thrice?" Yukiko asked, curiosity edging her tone.
"He's a third-year student—already guaranteed admission to Tokyo University," Shinichi replied.
"First in his class, with published papers in biochemistry and mathematics."
Shinichi's quiet research had unveiled Akihiko's brilliance.
Popularity only hinted at his true strength.
He published cutting-edge research—beyond Shinichi's grasp.
Embarrassment flickered across Shinichi's face.
His genius had a blind spot.
"So a prodigy," Yukiko murmured.
"And a master of forensics," Shinichi added.
"I skimmed medical texts—they're useless without practice."
"Practice makes the expert," Yukiko concluded.
She now regarded Akihiko with newfound respect.
…
"Thank you, Aunt Eri," Akihiko said softly.
He'd never felt such support from two stalwart women.
Eri Kisaki's loyalty to him had outweighed years of friendship.
She'd always protected him without hesitation.
"You're welcome, stinky boy," she teased.
"Even for a stranger, I'd defend you," she smiled.
Akihiko knew her kindness was genuine.
She'd rescued him when he was alone and injured.
"Actually," Eri said, "I could use a favor."
"Anything, Auntie!" he replied.
"I've prepared kaiseki tonight—will you taste?" she asked.
Cold sweat pricked at Akihiko's brow.
Dark cuisine from Aunt Eri was legendary—and notorious.
He winced inwardly.
Eri's eyes sparkled. "Eat, or I'll be hurt."
With trepidation, he agreed.
Over the next hour, he endured course after course.
Eri beamed at his polite acceptance.
He imagined Shinichi's face devouring her creations—comical and cruel.
At last, dinner concluded.
Night study awaited him.
As he entered his room and sat at his desk,
A soft chime alerted him.
"Case solved—congratulations on your random system reward!"
Akihiko smiled, closing his eyes to savor a rare moment of peace.
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