Episode 1: Background Checks are Fundamental to Investigation
Scene: The Kaon guild house.
Makoto
Hey, Kasumi! Come out real quick!
Kasumi
Huh? What're you shouting about, Makoto?
Kasumi
Oh, if it isn't my assistant, Yuuki. Weren't you supposed to be at work today?
Kasumi
Okay. Let me deduce the reason you're here! Hmm... If you're together with Makoto, then that means...
Kasumi
Whatever it is, it doesn't have anything to do with romance.
Makoto
Some help that is!
Makoto
More importantly, Kasumi! We've got a mystery we want you to solve. It seems like someone is aiming for Yuuki's life.
Kasumi
Aiming for his life? That's a big deal. All right, let me hear it.
Later.
Kasumi
Hmm... I see. The first time you felt like something strange was happening was when that plate shattered at the restaurant without you touching it. And it was within the past few days when you started feeling like you were in danger.
Yuuki
1. "Maybe someone is aiming for my life after all."
2. "It could just be bad luck."
Option 1.
Kasumi
From what I've heard, that theory carries a lot of weight. But... Makoto, there wasn't anything unusual about the surrounding area, was there?
Makoto
There wasn't. We beastpeople are sensitive to these kinds of things. I didn't feel anything different about the area.
Option 2.
Kasumi
Sure, maybe you were struck by some magical curse. Or maybe some evil fairy has possessed you...
Makoto
But physically, you've been feeling normal, right? You don't look unwell at all.
End of branches.
Kasumi
Hmm. As far as motive and mode of operation goes, it's clear that they mean to make these happenings appear indistinguishable from simple accidents.
Kasumi
Heh heh... Heh heh heh! That means we've got a real mystery on our hands! And you've got just the right person to solve it!
Kasumi
Yes, my assistant! Let us tackle the grand mystery before us, head-on!
Kasumi
... That's what I'd like to say, but this isn't something to get too happy about. My assistant is in danger, so we need to approach this with some urgency.
Kasumi
First off, we should get a better understanding of the situation.
Kasumi
All right, let's begin the investigation right away! Assistant, Makoto, we're off!
Scene: The Landsol town square.
Makoto
I'd thought we were just heading to town, but now we're having Yuuki walking ahead on his own, while the two of us hang behind... What are you thinking? Kasumi.
Kasumi
When I heard that someone might be aiming for my assistant's life, one possibility first came to mind.
Makoto
One possibility?
Kasumi
That this might be a jealous woman taking her grudge too far.
Makoto
A grudge against him? But I don't think anyone would have that kind of grudge against Yuuki.
Makoto
I mean, well... It's true that he's always surrounded by girls. It's not impossible that someone could be bitter about that, but... Huh.
Kasumi
Ha ha. True, when I think about my assistant's personality, I also find it hard to believe that someone would begrudge him like that. But people develop unhealthy obsessions all the time.
Kasumi
That is to say, I think my assistant might be the target of a stalker.
Kasumi
Ah, look, Makoto. Right as I'm saying it, I can hear my assistant talking to someone.
Makoto
A stalker wouldn't strike up a conversation on their own, right? But well, I guess all we can do is watch. We might find some clues about the perp.
Yuki
Ah, if it isn't Yuuki. How nice to see you.
Yuki
Could it be that you came out to town because you were unconsciously drawn to me, like a bee to honey? Ha ha, my, what a sinful being I am.
Yuki
Ahhh... Take a look at this. My face, reflected so casually in the windows of the storefronts... How beautiful!
Makoto
Hey, isn't it weird how close her face is to him? It's like she's trying to seduce him...
Makoto
Dammit, you've already got Yui, you know!
Makoto
And me... Wait, never mind about me!
Kasumi
Please, calm down. I don't think any seduction is going on at all.
Io
Good afternoon. Have you well? I wonder, are you here to buy some reference books?
Io
... Ha ha. That's some impressive bedhead, isn't it? Personal grooming is important, you know. Here, let me fix that up... Kya!
Io
S-Sorry. I tripped... Thank you for catching me.
Io
Ah... I'm sorry for clinging to you. I need to be more careful...
Makoto
She doesn't seem dangerous, but... Isn't she being way too sweet on him?
Kasumi
For all the cooking you do for him, I could say the same of you. But in any case, that person does have a mysterious charm about her.
Kasumi
I guess boys tend to prefer these kinds of sexy teachers...
Mimi
Boing, boing! Ah, it's Yuuki!
Mimi
I'm really happy to see you, Yuuki! Hey, hey, do you wanna play together?
Makoto
This is sure different from before -- this time, he's talking with a little girl.
Kasumi
They really seem to get along. It's like they're siblings.
Later.
Kasumi & Makoto
Sigh...
Makoto
In the end, we didn't see anyone who seemed like a stalker. All we got to see was a bunch of scenes of him getting along with girls... I can't let Yui get wind of this!
Kasumi
Hmm, certainly... The only information we gathered was that my assistant is acquainted with a staggering number of women. They were of all different races and ages, but none of them seemed at all like suspects.
Makoto
Could this guy know every girl in Landsol...?
Kasumi
Everyone loves a hero, and my assistant might have the look of one.
Makoto
A hero... Now that you mention it, the "horse race hero" who's drawn on that poster over there does look like him, huh?
Kasumi
It's hard to deny, isn't it? Horse races have been hugely popular events for a long time. Everyone on Astraea knows about this race.
Kasumi
Anyone who's featured in the race is sure to be a girl magnet. Just like my assistant is now.
Makoto
Well, I can't say I don't get it... A hero, huh.
Ayumi
... Stare...
Kasumi
Huh?