Chocolate Fic for awa_naj
To: awa_naj
From: tsunderellasays
TITLE: When Paths Separate
PAIRING: Platonic KageyamaxReiko (Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de)
RATING: G
SUMMARY: Kageyama is forced to make a decision between what he is enjoying at the moment and what he has loved for a long time.
A/N: Written for awa_naj. Also has a slight crossover with Lucky Seven. This is my first attempt on writing a het fic, so please bear with me. Knowing the person I’m writing it for, she’ll be glad to know that I’m planning a sequel for this. :3
Kageyama thought that this was just going to be an ordinary day in following Lady Reiko’s line of work. He would just drop her off at the crime scene, park the limo somewhere secure, change into a disguise so he could look for clues while Lady Reiko is out getting evidence from the witnesses and possible suspects. After teatime, he would pick Lady Reiko up, drive her home, serve her dinner while she relates to him the details of the case, as well as her far-fetched hypothesis. He would then berate her, and, after she has calmed down, he would relate his hypothesis, which would usually be on the mark. Lady Reiko would then tell him to get the car so that they can confront the suspect.
He had himself disguised as a street cleaner, hanging around in a luxurious apartment building. The victim was a fifty-year-old man; there was blood on the scene but no wounds on the victim. On the wall near where he was found dead was the number four, written in blood. Inspector Kazamatsuri had suspected a ghost, since the apartment had sightings of ghosts in the past, but Lady Reiko had dragged him to interrogate possible suspects. Kageyama, meanwhile, after sneaking past the crime scene, was now sweeping the streets with the hopes of finding at least one important clue.
As he was sweeping, he couldn’t help but notice a woman idling by the apartment, staring at him. She looked in her thirties, and she was dressed in a polo and slacks, an indication that she was a white-collar worker though something told him that her work time was flexible, and she must be in a high position in her work. He didn’t know why she was staring at him, but he shrugged it off and went back to sweeping.
And then, he heard a sweet, light voice. “I believe you are looking for this?”
He looked up and almost jumped when the woman was now standing right in front of him. And she was holding in her hand a ring-the important clue that Kageyama was looking for.
But how did she know that he was looking for a ring?
“It’s a story of revenge, isn’t it?” she added. “The suspect killed the victim to avenge something related to(?) his loved one, and he dropped this ring while fleeing the scene. The suspect should come back some time to look for it.” She cocked her head to one side and smiled at him triumphantly. “That’s your theory, isn’t it?”
Kageyama merely stared at her, flabbergasted. Not only did she know that she was searching for the ring, but she also had the same hypothesis as he did. Who is she? And how did she know that he’s investigating the murder?
She laughed. “I happened to pass by the crime scene-I live here, you see. I took a look around the scene myself, and I saw you sneaking around. Then, I followed you here.”
Kageyama raised an eyebrow. “With all due respect, Ma’am, but who exactly are you?” he asked.
She smiled mysteriously once more as she adjusted the bag in her shoulder. “Would you like to have some tea?”
*
Kageyama didn’t know why a complete stranger was asking him out for tea, but he nevertheless accepted the offer; it was teatime, after all. He followed the woman in a small café nearby, and they drank their Earl tea and ate their scones in silence before she spoke up.
“How rude of me. I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Fujisaki. Fujisaki Touko.”
“And I am Kageyama.” He bowed.
“Drink up. I’m sure you butlers love your teatime-ah! Here it is!” She fished a business card out of her purse and handed it to Kageyama. The logo in the business card was a pair of googly eyes wearing a bowler hat. The headline read “Lucky Detective Agency.” Fujisaki Touko is the head, apparently.
“There are seven of us in the agency,” she said, “but I think adding an eighth member to the team is just what we need.”
Kageyama looked up at her in surprise. “Pardon me, Fujisaki-san … but are you offering me a position in your detective agency?” he asked.
Fujisaki smiled and nodded. “I think you’d make a great asset to the team,” she said. “Our group is a rowdy one; it would be nice to have someone like you to strike a balance.”
He read through the card once more, some unexplainable feeling rising through his chest. It was the type of feeling that he got whenever he was on a crime scene with Lady Reiko, only ten times stronger.
He heard the sound of the chair scraping across the tiles of the café floor, and Fujisaki was getting ready to leave, already setting down some bills on the table. “I’m not giving you a deadline for a decision,” she said. “You may have all the time in the world to think. Whether you’re in or out, you may contact me through the number in the card. My lines are open all day.”
And she left, leaving Kageyama to stare at the Lucky Detective Agency business card.
*
Two weeks have passed, and Kageyama couldn’t stop thinking of the job offer at Lucky Detective Agency. He hadn’t made his mind up yet. Being a butler for an occasionally clueless detective had its perks, too, though it would be nice to be among like-minded people. (He assumed they were like-minded, from Fujisaki alone.)
“Kageyama!” came Lady Reiko’s shrill voice. “Are you listening to me?”
But the thinking was affecting his work as a butler, and it was embarrassing, to be quite honest. These days, it was him who was getting the most lectures, not Lady Reiko, and she was getting smug about it.
“I apologize, My Lady,” he said for the nth time in two weeks.
The frown on Lady Reiko’s face remained, however. “What has gotten into you, Kageyama?” she asked as she took a sip of wine. “Your heart hasn’t been in your work these days.”
“I’m deeply sorry, My Lady,” he apologized again. “I seem to be having … personal troubles.” It was a vague excuse, but it was true, and he couldn’t just reveal to his current master that he’s actually considering a job offer in another line of work.
Lady Reiko seemed to have perked up and was now looking at him nosily. “Personal troubles?” she repeated. “Kageyama, could it be … you’re in love?”
At that, Kageyama couldn’t resist rolling his eyes. “With all due respect, My Lady …” He leaned so that their faces were close. “Are you stupid?”
As expected, Lady Reiko blew up despite her best efforts not to. And, as usual, Kageyama tried to calm her in her fits of screaming “You’re fired!” until she had finished her dinner and had climbed upstairs to get ready for bed.
After making sure that everything was in order for the night, Kageyama retreated to his room. He was surprised when Lady Reiko was standing outside, shuffling her feet on the carpeted floor.
“My Lady?” he said, causing Lady Reiko to turn around. “Is there anything you need?”
Lady Reiko seemed to hesitate before finally speaking. “Kageyama, I want you to take a day off.”
To say that Kageyama was surprised was an understatement. Lady Reiko had never asked him to take a day off before. It was usually him asking permission. “A day off, My Lady?”
“Yes, when you’re supposed to rest,” Lady Reiko replied dryly. “You’re obviously distracted by this ‘personal trouble’ that you’re not doing your job properly. I’m giving you a day to fix whatever it is that needs fixing.”
Somehow, he felt touched by Lady Reiko’s gesture. Although annoyance was why she asked him to take a day off, he somehow had a feeling that Lady Reiko was also concerned about his well-being. (It made him feel guilty about considering the detective agency job offer, to be quite honest.)
“You are kind, My Lady. Thank you for your concern. Rest assured that I will do my best to resolve this personal trouble as soon as possible.” He bowed.
Lady Reiko raised her nose in the air snootily. “You better,” she said as she turned to leave. “I can’t focus on solving cases if my butler is being inefficient.”
Kageyama snorted quite loudly, and he slammed the door to his room following Lady Reiko’s shrill words of “You’re fired! You’re fired! You’re fired!” whilst laughing.
*
On the morning of his day off, he decided to contact Master Housho regarding his current dilemma. After all, the Master is kind and open-minded. Surely, he will be sympathetic to what was troubling him.
Fortunately, Master Housho was in town; he was in the Hilton Hotel for a business meeting that wouldn’t start until four in the afternoon. They had lunch in the hotel restaurant, during which Kageyama told his master what has been bothering him for the past couple of weeks.
When he had finished, Master Housho nodded sympathetically. “Reiko-chan did tell me about your amazing deductive skills,” he said.
Kageyama blinked in surprise. “The Lady … told you that?” he clarified. He thought that Lady Reiko’s pride wouldn’t allow her to tell anyone, especially her father, that her butler has been solving her cases for her.
Master Housho laughed heartily at Kageyama’s astounded expression. “Reiko-chan tells me everything! Despite what she shows you, I believe she looks up to you, and not just because you help her in her cases.”
The statement that came from Master Housho warmed Kageyama’s heart. It was surprising, though nevertheless moving, that Lady Reiko regarded him in that way.
“But we’re swerving from the topic.” Master Housho munched on a biscuit before continuing. “Kageyama, do you enjoy being a butler?”
Kageyama frowned; it was something that he had never been asked in his years of butlership. He remembered waiting on spoiled brats, not being appreciated for his efforts (the Housho family was an exception) … “It is difficult,” he admitted, “but I have learned to enjoy it.”
Master Housho nodded. “Do you enjoy it as much as you enjoy playing detective with Reiko-chan?”
No … Kageyama was surprised that the answer came to him almost immediately. The thrill of being on the crime scene, deducing … it surpassed the feelings that he had of serving dinner, waiting on his master … It was something that he saw himself doing for a long time … Maybe forever …
Master Housho smiled knowingly at his expression. “I see you have your answer now,” he said. “You know, Kageyama, you’re one of the best butlers we’ve had in the family, and it will be saddening to see you go. Now, don’t apologize”-he interrupted when Kageyama opened his mouth to speak-“I didn’t deprive my daughter in pursuing her passion, and I’m doing the same with my employees. If this career change will make you happier, then so be it.”
Kageyama couldn’t even find the right words to say, so he hoped that a grateful bow would suffice.
“However,” Master Housho spoke up. “I’m giving you thirty final days, to find and train your successor and to make sure everything is order before you leave.”
“I understand, Sir.” Kageyama nodded.
“And …” Master Housho looked more sympathetic than ever this time. “You have to tell Reiko-chan.”
Kageyama gulped. For some reason, telling Lady Reiko that he was planning to leave sounded more frightening than thinking about changing careers.
*
Kageyama went home afterwards and phoned Fujisaki Touko regarding his decision. “You’d be happy to know, Fujisaki-san, that I have made my decision to join your agency,” he announced.
“That’s good to know,” Fujisaki said. She sounded pleased though not awfully surprised that he made such a decision. “When will we be expecting you?”
“Next month. My master has allotted me that much time to look for my replacement. Till then, I will continue my duties as a butler.”
“That’s all right,” Fujisaki replied. “And I suppose you’ll make the most of tagging along with your master while she solves her cases?”
“It will be fun while it lasts,” Kageyama replied, chuckling a bit sadly.
“Our work in Lucky Detective Agency doesn’t involve solving murders, Kageyama-kun; that’s up to the police, and we aren’t affiliated with them,” she added. “Our clients have us investigate people whom they suspect of something, we report our findings, and we do our best to solve the case without anyone getting arrested or reported to the police … as much as possible, anyway.” She sighed, as if remembering a bad incident. “Are you still up for it?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Kageyama answered almost immediately. He need not think twice. He had put much thought into this decision, and this was what he wanted.
“Good!” Fujisaki said, more pleased this time. “I’ll be expecting you in a month with the usual employment requirements. Oh … and Kageyama-kun?”
“Yes?”
“Do call me Touko-san from now on,” she said. “All of my coworkers call me that.”
A small smile spread to his face. “As you wish, Touko-san.”
“Well, I suppose we better end this conversation. I have to request for another desk in the office. Goodbye, Kageyama-kun.” And with that, she hung up.
*
Kageyama resumed his life as a butler. He waited on Lady Reiko and attended to her every need. He followed Lady Reiko at work, assisting her in her every case and berating her for being so simple-minded and occasionally stupid.
To be fair to Lady Reiko, however, she seemed to have shown improvement. Lately, her assumptions on the cases grew less and less off the mark, and Kageyama wondered if he was going to take this as a sign that Lady Reiko won’t eventually need his help anymore. While he was relieved and proud, part of him felt gloomy about the thought.
“Kageyama, are you listening to me?”
He had twenty days left before leaving when this case came up. The ambassador of Japan to the United States was found dead among the trees in the grounds of his country house. The cause of death looked like a heart attack, and the household help had confirmed that he was not feeling well for the past couple of days.
“Of course, my lady,” Kageyama replied, snapping back to reality. He had been on the scene of the crime disguised as a gardener, and, after further investigation, he had managed to find out who the killer was-it was the ambassador’s son. Father and son coincidentally met outside the house, though somewhere private, and confronted each other regarding the fortune that the son was to inherit. They had gotten into a heated argument, and the ambassador suffered a heart attack. The son drove home early to establish an alibi for himself, then, sometime later, took his father’s body out his car and dragged it in their garden to make it look like an outside job.
“Do you want to hear my hypothesis?” Lady Reiko asked hopefully, batting her eyelashes, an indication that she was quite proud of what she had come up with.
“Most certainly, My Lady.” Kageyama nodded. “Pray do tell who you think the killer is.”
Lady Reiko took her breath and related her hypothesis. And it blew Kageyama away. It was his exact hypothesis, down to the very last detail.
He didn’t know how long he had been silent and stunned, but Lady Reiko was already standing up and facing him with her hands on her hips a conceited smile on her face. “Well, Kageyama, what do you think?”
And he smiled. It wasn’t cocky this time but maybe a proud one. “I am impressed, My Lady,” he said. “Your hypothesis is the same as mine. I’d like to congratulate you for coming this far.”
Suddenly, Lady Reiko spun around and did an unladylike victory cry with a fistpump and some strange dance. Kageyama couldn’t help but chuckle. Truly, he was proud of the Lady for finally managing to earn the deductive skills that a detective should have. “I’ll get the car,” he said, strolling away.
As they had theorized, the ambassador’s son was the killer. They had confronted him in his home and had convinced him to turn himself in, saving Lady Reiko, as well as himself, any of Kazamatsuri’s disgusting advancements towards “Ho Shourei.”
It was when they were driving home when Lady Reiko ordered to have the car parked somewhere. Though confused, Kageyama did as he said so, parking the car in a 24/7-open parking lot. He looked over his shoulder and saw that Lady Reiko was staring thoughtfully outside. “What do you wish to do, My Lady?” he asked.
She didn’t reply immediately; she continued staring out at the window. She looked sort of sad, and it bothered Kageyama. Was there something about the case that left an impact on her? He racked his brains, thinking of some words of wisdom that he could give to her.
“Kageyama,” she said, finally, in a low voice, “I solved the case on my own, didn’t I?”
Kageyama smiled. “Of course, My Lady,” he replied. “It seems that you have now grown into a full-fledged detective.”
“I did, didn’t I …” Lady Reiko sounded less thrilled than when she was in the mansion earlier.
“My Lady,” he said, “do you wish to tell me what is bothering you?”
Once again, she didn’t reply immediately. Though she finally faced him, her expression blank, a forced smile eventually forming on her face.
“That’s good, isn’t it?” she said. “That means that I won’t need your help anymore, right?”
The statement in itself hit Kageyama hard like a bullet train suddenly halting. It was true. Lady Reiko will now be able to solve complicated cases without his help. Maybe it is time to tell her that he will be leaving. “Yes … I suppose so, My Lady …” he said, unable to mask the sadness in his voice.
He was surprised to see tears brimming in Lady Reiko’s eyes. “Good,” she said. “Now I can outsmart Inspector Kazamatsuri into being the head detective of the Kunitachi Police Station …” She sniffed. “And now you can pursue your dream of being becoming a detective yourself.”
Kageyama was thankful that Lady Reiko had him park the car because he thought he would have stepped on the breaks so suddenly if she hadn’t instructed him so. “I … I beg your pardon, My Lady?” he stammered.
Lady Reiko shook her head in disbelief. “Don’t play dumb with me, Kageyama. I know your secret. I don’t get why you’re delaying on telling me that you’re leaving to become a detective.”
Kageyama blinked in surprise. “How … did you know?”
“Remember when I told you that you should get a day off? I followed you until you talked to Father in the hotel restaurant.” She chuckled. “For someone being smarter than me, I thought you’d recognize me or sense my presence, but apparently, you’re not so smart after all, aren’t you, Kageyama?”
Kageyama rolled his eyes. He would have recognized her if he wasn’t so troubled. “Yet, you didn’t confront me about it, My Lady?” he said, suddenly confused.
“Of course not! It is your personal trouble, not mine!” Lady Reiko snapped. “However, after overhearing your conversation with Father, I resolved that I will try to be least as half as good as you in solving crimes before I confront you about your new, upcoming job.” She brightened up. “And I did it.” She paused, wiping her wet cheeks with the back of his hand. “But tell me, Kageyama, did you hesitate because you think that I can’t be good on my own as a detective?”
Kageyama sighed and nodded. “That is true, My Lady,” he said. “Also, I feel sorry for the people who might get wrongly accused in the hands of you and Inspector Kazamatsuri -“
He received a swat from Lady Reiko in protest. “Don’t. Ruin. The. Mood,” she said in the most threatening way (for her, at least) possible, and Kageyama just shrugged it off, stifling his laugh.
“But I suppose, given that you have solved a case without my help, that I can leave the Housho household without any worries.” Kageyama smiled at her reassuringly. “What are your opinions on it, though, My Lady? On my decision to change careers?”
“Do it,” Lady Reiko replied, now smiling, and Kageyama could sense the rare affection in her voice. “My father didn’t deprive me of pursuing my dreams, so I shouldn’t deprive you of it either. Do what you love to do. And besides, you are perfect for being a detective. You’d love it.”
“I am flattered you think that way, My Lady,” Kageyama said, bowing before his emotions could betray how touched he was. “And thank you for supporting my decision even though it seemingly pains you.”
“It doesn’t pain me, what are you talking about?!” Lady Reiko snapped, sniffing again. “Now, drive me back home! My dinner is getting cold!”
Kageyama chuckled fondly, starting the engine. “As you wish, My Lady.”
*
Time flew too soon, and the next thing he knew, he was in his final day inat the Housho mansion. He was in his room for the final time, ready to move to his new apartment that he had secured with some help from Master Housho. (Being one of the favorite employees of the Housho household had its benefits, after all.) His books, his Queen Q standee, and most of his precious belongings were all shipped out yesterday. Now, it was his luggage with some of his clothes.
It was ten in the morning, and he was getting ready to leave his room, when there was a knock on the door. It was Lady Reiko; she was dressed in her detective uniform, though she showed no indication of leaving yet. “My Lady? What can I do for you?” he asked.
She took a deep breath first. “I’ll be leaving for work now,” she announced.
“Understood. I wish you the best of luck in solving the case.” He bowed.
As soon as he looked up, Lady Reiko was giving him a fond look. “You know,” she said, “you should stop calling me Lady Reiko. It’s Reiko now. I am not your master, and we are in more or less equal footing already.”
Kageyama raised an eyebrow. “More or less?” he asked dryly.
She crossed her arms. “Of course. I am a high-class lady, and you are a commoner. But we are both detectives. I don’t think it is appropriate that you still call me ‘My Lady.’”
Kageyama chuckled. “Of course … Reiko-san.” Calling her that was strange to his lips, but he figured that he should get used to it. He is no longer a butler, no longer a butler to her.
“We …” An embarrassed blush crept to Reiko’s cheeks. “We will keep in touch, right?”
“Yes, of course, anytime you are available,” Kageyama replied. “We can talk over dinner, if you want.”
“Just like old times, huh?” Reiko laughed.
Kageyama nodded, and he couldn’t resist smiling. “Just like old times,” he replied.
And then, he was caught in surprise when Reiko stepped forward, presumably to hug, but she ended up grabbing his arm, just like the last time, when they had solved the case on the victim with the missing hat. “R-Reiko-san …?” he said.
She looked up, face tear-stained again. “I will miss you, Kageyama,” she said. “You being so efficient, you being so deductive … and even you and your insults.”
He smiled warmly, having the audacity to pat her head. “This isn’t entirely goodbye, Reiko- san,” he said. “We will cross paths soon enough.”
Reiko soon got a hold of herself and nodded. She fished a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed her eyes with it before saying “Shall we go out of the house together?”
He nodded and bowed once more, the final time that he shall bow to her as his master. “As you wish.”
They stepped out of the Housho mansion and were greeted by a clear sky and cherry blossom petals gusting in front of them. It was a fresh start for the both of them, but nothing had to change. They may no longer be butler and master, but they can be both friends … friends on equal footing.
Reiko spun towards him and adjusted her glasses before giving her a pleasant smile. “Well, I’m off,” she said. “I’ll see you soon?”
Kageyama returned the smile and nodded before giving her a small wave. “I’ll see you soon. Goodbye, Reiko-san.”
And they both turned on their heels and walked their separate ways.
From: tsunderellasays
TITLE: When Paths Separate
PAIRING: Platonic KageyamaxReiko (Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de)
RATING: G
SUMMARY: Kageyama is forced to make a decision between what he is enjoying at the moment and what he has loved for a long time.
A/N: Written for awa_naj. Also has a slight crossover with Lucky Seven. This is my first attempt on writing a het fic, so please bear with me. Knowing the person I’m writing it for, she’ll be glad to know that I’m planning a sequel for this. :3
Kageyama thought that this was just going to be an ordinary day in following Lady Reiko’s line of work. He would just drop her off at the crime scene, park the limo somewhere secure, change into a disguise so he could look for clues while Lady Reiko is out getting evidence from the witnesses and possible suspects. After teatime, he would pick Lady Reiko up, drive her home, serve her dinner while she relates to him the details of the case, as well as her far-fetched hypothesis. He would then berate her, and, after she has calmed down, he would relate his hypothesis, which would usually be on the mark. Lady Reiko would then tell him to get the car so that they can confront the suspect.
He had himself disguised as a street cleaner, hanging around in a luxurious apartment building. The victim was a fifty-year-old man; there was blood on the scene but no wounds on the victim. On the wall near where he was found dead was the number four, written in blood. Inspector Kazamatsuri had suspected a ghost, since the apartment had sightings of ghosts in the past, but Lady Reiko had dragged him to interrogate possible suspects. Kageyama, meanwhile, after sneaking past the crime scene, was now sweeping the streets with the hopes of finding at least one important clue.
As he was sweeping, he couldn’t help but notice a woman idling by the apartment, staring at him. She looked in her thirties, and she was dressed in a polo and slacks, an indication that she was a white-collar worker though something told him that her work time was flexible, and she must be in a high position in her work. He didn’t know why she was staring at him, but he shrugged it off and went back to sweeping.
And then, he heard a sweet, light voice. “I believe you are looking for this?”
He looked up and almost jumped when the woman was now standing right in front of him. And she was holding in her hand a ring-the important clue that Kageyama was looking for.
But how did she know that he was looking for a ring?
“It’s a story of revenge, isn’t it?” she added. “The suspect killed the victim to avenge something related to(?) his loved one, and he dropped this ring while fleeing the scene. The suspect should come back some time to look for it.” She cocked her head to one side and smiled at him triumphantly. “That’s your theory, isn’t it?”
Kageyama merely stared at her, flabbergasted. Not only did she know that she was searching for the ring, but she also had the same hypothesis as he did. Who is she? And how did she know that he’s investigating the murder?
She laughed. “I happened to pass by the crime scene-I live here, you see. I took a look around the scene myself, and I saw you sneaking around. Then, I followed you here.”
Kageyama raised an eyebrow. “With all due respect, Ma’am, but who exactly are you?” he asked.
She smiled mysteriously once more as she adjusted the bag in her shoulder. “Would you like to have some tea?”
*
Kageyama didn’t know why a complete stranger was asking him out for tea, but he nevertheless accepted the offer; it was teatime, after all. He followed the woman in a small café nearby, and they drank their Earl tea and ate their scones in silence before she spoke up.
“How rude of me. I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Fujisaki. Fujisaki Touko.”
“And I am Kageyama.” He bowed.
“Drink up. I’m sure you butlers love your teatime-ah! Here it is!” She fished a business card out of her purse and handed it to Kageyama. The logo in the business card was a pair of googly eyes wearing a bowler hat. The headline read “Lucky Detective Agency.” Fujisaki Touko is the head, apparently.
“There are seven of us in the agency,” she said, “but I think adding an eighth member to the team is just what we need.”
Kageyama looked up at her in surprise. “Pardon me, Fujisaki-san … but are you offering me a position in your detective agency?” he asked.
Fujisaki smiled and nodded. “I think you’d make a great asset to the team,” she said. “Our group is a rowdy one; it would be nice to have someone like you to strike a balance.”
He read through the card once more, some unexplainable feeling rising through his chest. It was the type of feeling that he got whenever he was on a crime scene with Lady Reiko, only ten times stronger.
He heard the sound of the chair scraping across the tiles of the café floor, and Fujisaki was getting ready to leave, already setting down some bills on the table. “I’m not giving you a deadline for a decision,” she said. “You may have all the time in the world to think. Whether you’re in or out, you may contact me through the number in the card. My lines are open all day.”
And she left, leaving Kageyama to stare at the Lucky Detective Agency business card.
*
Two weeks have passed, and Kageyama couldn’t stop thinking of the job offer at Lucky Detective Agency. He hadn’t made his mind up yet. Being a butler for an occasionally clueless detective had its perks, too, though it would be nice to be among like-minded people. (He assumed they were like-minded, from Fujisaki alone.)
“Kageyama!” came Lady Reiko’s shrill voice. “Are you listening to me?”
But the thinking was affecting his work as a butler, and it was embarrassing, to be quite honest. These days, it was him who was getting the most lectures, not Lady Reiko, and she was getting smug about it.
“I apologize, My Lady,” he said for the nth time in two weeks.
The frown on Lady Reiko’s face remained, however. “What has gotten into you, Kageyama?” she asked as she took a sip of wine. “Your heart hasn’t been in your work these days.”
“I’m deeply sorry, My Lady,” he apologized again. “I seem to be having … personal troubles.” It was a vague excuse, but it was true, and he couldn’t just reveal to his current master that he’s actually considering a job offer in another line of work.
Lady Reiko seemed to have perked up and was now looking at him nosily. “Personal troubles?” she repeated. “Kageyama, could it be … you’re in love?”
At that, Kageyama couldn’t resist rolling his eyes. “With all due respect, My Lady …” He leaned so that their faces were close. “Are you stupid?”
As expected, Lady Reiko blew up despite her best efforts not to. And, as usual, Kageyama tried to calm her in her fits of screaming “You’re fired!” until she had finished her dinner and had climbed upstairs to get ready for bed.
After making sure that everything was in order for the night, Kageyama retreated to his room. He was surprised when Lady Reiko was standing outside, shuffling her feet on the carpeted floor.
“My Lady?” he said, causing Lady Reiko to turn around. “Is there anything you need?”
Lady Reiko seemed to hesitate before finally speaking. “Kageyama, I want you to take a day off.”
To say that Kageyama was surprised was an understatement. Lady Reiko had never asked him to take a day off before. It was usually him asking permission. “A day off, My Lady?”
“Yes, when you’re supposed to rest,” Lady Reiko replied dryly. “You’re obviously distracted by this ‘personal trouble’ that you’re not doing your job properly. I’m giving you a day to fix whatever it is that needs fixing.”
Somehow, he felt touched by Lady Reiko’s gesture. Although annoyance was why she asked him to take a day off, he somehow had a feeling that Lady Reiko was also concerned about his well-being. (It made him feel guilty about considering the detective agency job offer, to be quite honest.)
“You are kind, My Lady. Thank you for your concern. Rest assured that I will do my best to resolve this personal trouble as soon as possible.” He bowed.
Lady Reiko raised her nose in the air snootily. “You better,” she said as she turned to leave. “I can’t focus on solving cases if my butler is being inefficient.”
Kageyama snorted quite loudly, and he slammed the door to his room following Lady Reiko’s shrill words of “You’re fired! You’re fired! You’re fired!” whilst laughing.
*
On the morning of his day off, he decided to contact Master Housho regarding his current dilemma. After all, the Master is kind and open-minded. Surely, he will be sympathetic to what was troubling him.
Fortunately, Master Housho was in town; he was in the Hilton Hotel for a business meeting that wouldn’t start until four in the afternoon. They had lunch in the hotel restaurant, during which Kageyama told his master what has been bothering him for the past couple of weeks.
When he had finished, Master Housho nodded sympathetically. “Reiko-chan did tell me about your amazing deductive skills,” he said.
Kageyama blinked in surprise. “The Lady … told you that?” he clarified. He thought that Lady Reiko’s pride wouldn’t allow her to tell anyone, especially her father, that her butler has been solving her cases for her.
Master Housho laughed heartily at Kageyama’s astounded expression. “Reiko-chan tells me everything! Despite what she shows you, I believe she looks up to you, and not just because you help her in her cases.”
The statement that came from Master Housho warmed Kageyama’s heart. It was surprising, though nevertheless moving, that Lady Reiko regarded him in that way.
“But we’re swerving from the topic.” Master Housho munched on a biscuit before continuing. “Kageyama, do you enjoy being a butler?”
Kageyama frowned; it was something that he had never been asked in his years of butlership. He remembered waiting on spoiled brats, not being appreciated for his efforts (the Housho family was an exception) … “It is difficult,” he admitted, “but I have learned to enjoy it.”
Master Housho nodded. “Do you enjoy it as much as you enjoy playing detective with Reiko-chan?”
No … Kageyama was surprised that the answer came to him almost immediately. The thrill of being on the crime scene, deducing … it surpassed the feelings that he had of serving dinner, waiting on his master … It was something that he saw himself doing for a long time … Maybe forever …
Master Housho smiled knowingly at his expression. “I see you have your answer now,” he said. “You know, Kageyama, you’re one of the best butlers we’ve had in the family, and it will be saddening to see you go. Now, don’t apologize”-he interrupted when Kageyama opened his mouth to speak-“I didn’t deprive my daughter in pursuing her passion, and I’m doing the same with my employees. If this career change will make you happier, then so be it.”
Kageyama couldn’t even find the right words to say, so he hoped that a grateful bow would suffice.
“However,” Master Housho spoke up. “I’m giving you thirty final days, to find and train your successor and to make sure everything is order before you leave.”
“I understand, Sir.” Kageyama nodded.
“And …” Master Housho looked more sympathetic than ever this time. “You have to tell Reiko-chan.”
Kageyama gulped. For some reason, telling Lady Reiko that he was planning to leave sounded more frightening than thinking about changing careers.
*
Kageyama went home afterwards and phoned Fujisaki Touko regarding his decision. “You’d be happy to know, Fujisaki-san, that I have made my decision to join your agency,” he announced.
“That’s good to know,” Fujisaki said. She sounded pleased though not awfully surprised that he made such a decision. “When will we be expecting you?”
“Next month. My master has allotted me that much time to look for my replacement. Till then, I will continue my duties as a butler.”
“That’s all right,” Fujisaki replied. “And I suppose you’ll make the most of tagging along with your master while she solves her cases?”
“It will be fun while it lasts,” Kageyama replied, chuckling a bit sadly.
“Our work in Lucky Detective Agency doesn’t involve solving murders, Kageyama-kun; that’s up to the police, and we aren’t affiliated with them,” she added. “Our clients have us investigate people whom they suspect of something, we report our findings, and we do our best to solve the case without anyone getting arrested or reported to the police … as much as possible, anyway.” She sighed, as if remembering a bad incident. “Are you still up for it?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Kageyama answered almost immediately. He need not think twice. He had put much thought into this decision, and this was what he wanted.
“Good!” Fujisaki said, more pleased this time. “I’ll be expecting you in a month with the usual employment requirements. Oh … and Kageyama-kun?”
“Yes?”
“Do call me Touko-san from now on,” she said. “All of my coworkers call me that.”
A small smile spread to his face. “As you wish, Touko-san.”
“Well, I suppose we better end this conversation. I have to request for another desk in the office. Goodbye, Kageyama-kun.” And with that, she hung up.
*
Kageyama resumed his life as a butler. He waited on Lady Reiko and attended to her every need. He followed Lady Reiko at work, assisting her in her every case and berating her for being so simple-minded and occasionally stupid.
To be fair to Lady Reiko, however, she seemed to have shown improvement. Lately, her assumptions on the cases grew less and less off the mark, and Kageyama wondered if he was going to take this as a sign that Lady Reiko won’t eventually need his help anymore. While he was relieved and proud, part of him felt gloomy about the thought.
“Kageyama, are you listening to me?”
He had twenty days left before leaving when this case came up. The ambassador of Japan to the United States was found dead among the trees in the grounds of his country house. The cause of death looked like a heart attack, and the household help had confirmed that he was not feeling well for the past couple of days.
“Of course, my lady,” Kageyama replied, snapping back to reality. He had been on the scene of the crime disguised as a gardener, and, after further investigation, he had managed to find out who the killer was-it was the ambassador’s son. Father and son coincidentally met outside the house, though somewhere private, and confronted each other regarding the fortune that the son was to inherit. They had gotten into a heated argument, and the ambassador suffered a heart attack. The son drove home early to establish an alibi for himself, then, sometime later, took his father’s body out his car and dragged it in their garden to make it look like an outside job.
“Do you want to hear my hypothesis?” Lady Reiko asked hopefully, batting her eyelashes, an indication that she was quite proud of what she had come up with.
“Most certainly, My Lady.” Kageyama nodded. “Pray do tell who you think the killer is.”
Lady Reiko took her breath and related her hypothesis. And it blew Kageyama away. It was his exact hypothesis, down to the very last detail.
He didn’t know how long he had been silent and stunned, but Lady Reiko was already standing up and facing him with her hands on her hips a conceited smile on her face. “Well, Kageyama, what do you think?”
And he smiled. It wasn’t cocky this time but maybe a proud one. “I am impressed, My Lady,” he said. “Your hypothesis is the same as mine. I’d like to congratulate you for coming this far.”
Suddenly, Lady Reiko spun around and did an unladylike victory cry with a fistpump and some strange dance. Kageyama couldn’t help but chuckle. Truly, he was proud of the Lady for finally managing to earn the deductive skills that a detective should have. “I’ll get the car,” he said, strolling away.
As they had theorized, the ambassador’s son was the killer. They had confronted him in his home and had convinced him to turn himself in, saving Lady Reiko, as well as himself, any of Kazamatsuri’s disgusting advancements towards “Ho Shourei.”
It was when they were driving home when Lady Reiko ordered to have the car parked somewhere. Though confused, Kageyama did as he said so, parking the car in a 24/7-open parking lot. He looked over his shoulder and saw that Lady Reiko was staring thoughtfully outside. “What do you wish to do, My Lady?” he asked.
She didn’t reply immediately; she continued staring out at the window. She looked sort of sad, and it bothered Kageyama. Was there something about the case that left an impact on her? He racked his brains, thinking of some words of wisdom that he could give to her.
“Kageyama,” she said, finally, in a low voice, “I solved the case on my own, didn’t I?”
Kageyama smiled. “Of course, My Lady,” he replied. “It seems that you have now grown into a full-fledged detective.”
“I did, didn’t I …” Lady Reiko sounded less thrilled than when she was in the mansion earlier.
“My Lady,” he said, “do you wish to tell me what is bothering you?”
Once again, she didn’t reply immediately. Though she finally faced him, her expression blank, a forced smile eventually forming on her face.
“That’s good, isn’t it?” she said. “That means that I won’t need your help anymore, right?”
The statement in itself hit Kageyama hard like a bullet train suddenly halting. It was true. Lady Reiko will now be able to solve complicated cases without his help. Maybe it is time to tell her that he will be leaving. “Yes … I suppose so, My Lady …” he said, unable to mask the sadness in his voice.
He was surprised to see tears brimming in Lady Reiko’s eyes. “Good,” she said. “Now I can outsmart Inspector Kazamatsuri into being the head detective of the Kunitachi Police Station …” She sniffed. “And now you can pursue your dream of being becoming a detective yourself.”
Kageyama was thankful that Lady Reiko had him park the car because he thought he would have stepped on the breaks so suddenly if she hadn’t instructed him so. “I … I beg your pardon, My Lady?” he stammered.
Lady Reiko shook her head in disbelief. “Don’t play dumb with me, Kageyama. I know your secret. I don’t get why you’re delaying on telling me that you’re leaving to become a detective.”
Kageyama blinked in surprise. “How … did you know?”
“Remember when I told you that you should get a day off? I followed you until you talked to Father in the hotel restaurant.” She chuckled. “For someone being smarter than me, I thought you’d recognize me or sense my presence, but apparently, you’re not so smart after all, aren’t you, Kageyama?”
Kageyama rolled his eyes. He would have recognized her if he wasn’t so troubled. “Yet, you didn’t confront me about it, My Lady?” he said, suddenly confused.
“Of course not! It is your personal trouble, not mine!” Lady Reiko snapped. “However, after overhearing your conversation with Father, I resolved that I will try to be least as half as good as you in solving crimes before I confront you about your new, upcoming job.” She brightened up. “And I did it.” She paused, wiping her wet cheeks with the back of his hand. “But tell me, Kageyama, did you hesitate because you think that I can’t be good on my own as a detective?”
Kageyama sighed and nodded. “That is true, My Lady,” he said. “Also, I feel sorry for the people who might get wrongly accused in the hands of you and Inspector Kazamatsuri -“
He received a swat from Lady Reiko in protest. “Don’t. Ruin. The. Mood,” she said in the most threatening way (for her, at least) possible, and Kageyama just shrugged it off, stifling his laugh.
“But I suppose, given that you have solved a case without my help, that I can leave the Housho household without any worries.” Kageyama smiled at her reassuringly. “What are your opinions on it, though, My Lady? On my decision to change careers?”
“Do it,” Lady Reiko replied, now smiling, and Kageyama could sense the rare affection in her voice. “My father didn’t deprive me of pursuing my dreams, so I shouldn’t deprive you of it either. Do what you love to do. And besides, you are perfect for being a detective. You’d love it.”
“I am flattered you think that way, My Lady,” Kageyama said, bowing before his emotions could betray how touched he was. “And thank you for supporting my decision even though it seemingly pains you.”
“It doesn’t pain me, what are you talking about?!” Lady Reiko snapped, sniffing again. “Now, drive me back home! My dinner is getting cold!”
Kageyama chuckled fondly, starting the engine. “As you wish, My Lady.”
*
Time flew too soon, and the next thing he knew, he was in his final day inat the Housho mansion. He was in his room for the final time, ready to move to his new apartment that he had secured with some help from Master Housho. (Being one of the favorite employees of the Housho household had its benefits, after all.) His books, his Queen Q standee, and most of his precious belongings were all shipped out yesterday. Now, it was his luggage with some of his clothes.
It was ten in the morning, and he was getting ready to leave his room, when there was a knock on the door. It was Lady Reiko; she was dressed in her detective uniform, though she showed no indication of leaving yet. “My Lady? What can I do for you?” he asked.
She took a deep breath first. “I’ll be leaving for work now,” she announced.
“Understood. I wish you the best of luck in solving the case.” He bowed.
As soon as he looked up, Lady Reiko was giving him a fond look. “You know,” she said, “you should stop calling me Lady Reiko. It’s Reiko now. I am not your master, and we are in more or less equal footing already.”
Kageyama raised an eyebrow. “More or less?” he asked dryly.
She crossed her arms. “Of course. I am a high-class lady, and you are a commoner. But we are both detectives. I don’t think it is appropriate that you still call me ‘My Lady.’”
Kageyama chuckled. “Of course … Reiko-san.” Calling her that was strange to his lips, but he figured that he should get used to it. He is no longer a butler, no longer a butler to her.
“We …” An embarrassed blush crept to Reiko’s cheeks. “We will keep in touch, right?”
“Yes, of course, anytime you are available,” Kageyama replied. “We can talk over dinner, if you want.”
“Just like old times, huh?” Reiko laughed.
Kageyama nodded, and he couldn’t resist smiling. “Just like old times,” he replied.
And then, he was caught in surprise when Reiko stepped forward, presumably to hug, but she ended up grabbing his arm, just like the last time, when they had solved the case on the victim with the missing hat. “R-Reiko-san …?” he said.
She looked up, face tear-stained again. “I will miss you, Kageyama,” she said. “You being so efficient, you being so deductive … and even you and your insults.”
He smiled warmly, having the audacity to pat her head. “This isn’t entirely goodbye, Reiko- san,” he said. “We will cross paths soon enough.”
Reiko soon got a hold of herself and nodded. She fished a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed her eyes with it before saying “Shall we go out of the house together?”
He nodded and bowed once more, the final time that he shall bow to her as his master. “As you wish.”
They stepped out of the Housho mansion and were greeted by a clear sky and cherry blossom petals gusting in front of them. It was a fresh start for the both of them, but nothing had to change. They may no longer be butler and master, but they can be both friends … friends on equal footing.
Reiko spun towards him and adjusted her glasses before giving her a pleasant smile. “Well, I’m off,” she said. “I’ll see you soon?”
Kageyama returned the smile and nodded before giving her a small wave. “I’ll see you soon. Goodbye, Reiko-san.”
And they both turned on their heels and walked their separate ways.