File 02 - Okina City Jewel Heist [Case Closed!]

[truthinfortune]

My grandfather once told me to "never discount the butler on principle alone". I imagine he'll be quite amused when he learns that the butler really did do it this time.

Comments

[stripping]

So that's what it was... You were right that the jewels taken were part of the same collection, then. Congratulations on a successful conclusion to the case.

I can understand that sort of loyalty very well.

[truthinfortune]

Thank you, but I was merely doing my job. And I've been paid for my services quite handsomely.

...you do?

[stripping]

Still, money isn't everything. I'm sure satisfaction at a job well done plays a part.

To my friends rather than to my employers, but it's similar enough.

[truthinfortune]

Of course. I do derive a great deal of enjoyment from my work. And it's not as though I really need the money, but I feel as though I should earn my keep. I can't depend on Grampa to take care of me forever. I'm just happy that I was able to find the truth that was shrouded in mystery. There's no greater feeling of satisfaction than solving a puzzle on your own.

I see. You're fortunate to have such close friends.

[stripping]

That's good to hear. Everyone should be able to find enjoyment through their work.

I know. If there's anything I'm grateful for, it's their friendship.

[truthinfortune]

Being a detective... it's something I was born to do. Why shouldn't I find enjoyment in that?

Friends are a precious commodity. Especially good friends. Treasure them well.

[stripping]

It's not as simple as that, I'm afraid. Being born with the talent or the legacy does not always mean being born with the inclination.

I will. Don't worry.

[truthinfortune]

In my case, it's true. I can't imagine myself doing anything other than what I'm doing now.

Did you find it easy to make friends when you were younger?

[stripping]

I feel the same way about my profession, so I suppose we're lucky in that regard.

No, I can't say that I did. I made one close friend in early high school, but it's only here that I've been able to open up.

[truthinfortune]

I don't understand those that rail against their fate. If you were born with a talent and a purpose, then why squander it?

Hm. What would you say was most difficult for you in attempting to make friends? And how did you manage to garner this one particular friend's interest and cultivate a relationship?

[stripping]

Some people crave their freedom and find having a predetermined occupation too restricting. At least, that's what I've been told.

I suppose it was finding enough things in common with someone else to strike up a friendship that was the problem. Even back then, I was the most serious child in the school, and I was more concerned with books and becoming a monk than with other things. As for my friend... Shirou's special. It was impossible for me not to like such a selfless person, although I started out worrying over him more than anything else.

Naoto, you're such a hypocrite...

[truthinfortune]

Fish are born to swim, and birds were born to fly. What sort of freedom can one find in suffering? A fish trying to fly only finds bitter disappointment in such an endeavor.

Then your experience was not so different from my own. Did your friend, Shirou, initiate the friendship? In other words, he reached out to you?

It's okay, we understand.

[stripping]

That assumes that humans always take the most logical action, or even have control of what they desire. If a fish wishes to fly, he may not be able to keep from dreaming of the skies, despite knowing that he's destined to remain in the ocean.

Hmm, it's been a while now, but I think it was him who spoke to me first. We sat next to each other in class, and he would often talk to me before our teacher arrived.

[truthinfortune]

It's a pitiable existence. To long for something you can never have, to dream of being something you can never be...

So, I suppose the best friendships are often the result of chance meetings. Most fortuitous.

[stripping]

It is. At least things are better now than they were in the past, when people had much less freedom and opportunity.

Any friendship can grow to the point of that kind of loyalty if you just work at it long enough. I'm sure if you ask the other people in this community, they'll tell you that their truest friendships were forged while saving the world from certain destruction, or something like that.

[truthinfortune]

Yes, I suppose you're right.

Hm, I highly doubt that I'll be forging any friendships while "saving the world." My world is quite ordinary and uneventful compared to what I've heard about others.