Released on February 6, 2025

As a maid, Hayasaka likely had plenty of work to handle. It was best not to wear anything on her hands, since it could interfere with her duties.

Sonoko rarely did any housework at home, so she didn't have to worry about that.

The same applied to Aizawa Sakuya. As a young lady, she didn't have to consider housework either, so she could wear accessories on her hands without issue.

So, Ren selected three gifts:

A silver necklace inlaid with green gemstones.

A silver-toned women's wristwatch.

A silver Ouroboros ring.

"Necklace, watch, and ring..."

Miwako glanced at the three gifts Ren had chosen. The meanings behind the necklace and watch were relatively neutral, but the ring was a different matter entirely.

"Are you planning to give the ring to your girlfriend?"

"Yes."

"...Then hear me out. Don't give the ring just yet."

Miwako cut him off firmly.

"A ring carries a certain implication. Giving it as a birthday gift is a little much. Rings should be given at the right time and under the right circumstances."

She lowered her voice slightly.

"And you don't have just one girlfriend. What would your other girlfriends think if you gave a ring to just one of them?"

"Even though all of you are extraordinary, and your circumstances are extraordinary, that's exactly why a ring shouldn't be given so casually. If you're going to give a ring, then give one to everyone."

"For now, bracelets or earrings are better for birthdays."

Hearing Miwako's advice, Ren paused for a moment, then nodded.

A ring did carry complicated meaning, and it wasn't really appropriate for a birthday gift.

Aside from Sonoko, there was also Ran and Kaguya. If only Sonoko received a ring, that would definitely be hard to explain. It was better to change it.

"Then I'll go with this one."

Ren pointed at a silver bracelet adorned with blue crystal from the display case.

"That one's good."

Miwako looked satisfied. At least Ren wasn't being stubborn.

Rings were just too sensitive. Their meaning was too specific.

In Miwako's view, such gifts needed careful handling. If you were going to give one, you had to give them equally to everyone.

"Miss, could you please help me wrap these?"

"Of course. Please wait a moment."

After paying, Ren stood by as the three gifts were carefully wrapped, which would take a few minutes.

While waiting, Ren turned his attention back to Miwako.

"Miwako, sorry to trouble you today. It's your birthday, and I still had you help me shop for gifts."

"It's fine."

Miwako smiled openly and raised her left hand.

"I got a gift too."

For her, something worth over 120,000 yen was a luxury. Even if she liked it, she wouldn't normally buy it. Besides personal preference, she had to think about her financial situation too.

"Ren, when's your birthday?"

"September 29."

Still half a year away… Miwako mentally noted the date. She intended to prepare a gift for Ren when his birthday came around.

"Come to think of it, those two watching us outside the store just now—are they your colleagues?"

Ren turned and glanced toward the storefront, his gaze directed at the two pairs of eyes watching from a distance.

My colleagues? Miwako turned as well and saw two men peeking into the store from outside.

They didn't realize she had noticed them, but Miwako understood immediately—this was just like what had happened at the family restaurant before.

"Shiratori Ninzaburo. Deputy Inspector in the First Investigation Division. Career track. Highly capable."

"Chiba Kazunobu is also from the First Division, though he's now a patrol sergeant. I remember Inspector Juzo assigned Chiba to mentor Takagi. Takagi's improved at work lately, likely thanks to him."

"As for why they're here, they're probably on patrol."

"The Shinjuku bombing happened just a week ago. And yesterday, a certain thief made a move on museum exhibits, which caused the nearly relaxed patrol schedule to tighten again."

"I doubt they'll get any time off in the coming week."

Originally, she had been one of the hard-working patrol officers. But after her promotion last week, she had just entered the Inspector track, and her patrol responsibilities had been reduced.

Ren nodded slightly. With Miwako's explanation, he committed the names and appearances of the two officers to memory.

But Chiba was mentoring Takagi? That surprised Ren a bit.

"Takagi's a new criminal detective? He still needs to be mentored?"

"Well…"

Speaking of Takagi Wataru, Miwako didn't quite know how to describe him.

"Actually, Takagi was transferred from the Traffic Department to our Investigation Division only six months ago. He's still new."

"His skills aren't especially strong. Thankfully, he works hard. The problem is, when he's assigned tasks, he tends to get distracted, so he makes frequent mistakes. I heard from Inspector Juzo that there was even talk of sending him back to Traffic."

"Gets distracted… transferred from Traffic to Investigations, and still can't focus? Does he want to stay in Traffic forever?"

Ren's confusion made Miwako sigh slightly.

"Honestly, I think the reason he gets so distracted… is probably me."

Ren paused, then turned to look at Miwako. After a moment, he nodded.

"That makes sense."

"Capable female officers are probably rare in the Metropolitan Police Department. And someone like you—both competent and attractive—must be even rarer. It's not that strange for a newcomer from Traffic to be dazzled."

"Don't make it sound like I'm some kind of rare animal."

Miwako rolled her eyes.

"Instead of staring at me all day, he should just focus on his job. That's why Inspector Juzo even warned me not to give him false hope."

As she spoke, Miwako's face twisted into a look of frustration.

"I haven't worked with him directly or even talked to him properly, but I still got warned because of him."

Because of that, Miwako didn't have a particularly favorable impression of Takagi.

(To be continued.)

***

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