Tokyo Unnatural Forensics

Chapter 517, The Night of Leaving the Palace

P.S.: A typhoon is approaching! The Emperor has to stockpile food, water, and sigma in advance, so today's update will be a combined 5200-word chapter. Please forgive me!
PS2: Please describe for me a spectacular scene from the LPL annual finals where my brother gets a pentakill and lifts the Silver Dragon Cup, no more than 5000 words! QAQ!

Midway through the banquet, the Chief Cabinet Secretary and Imperial Household Agency Secretary Maeda exchanged a glance and slowly rose to their feet. The entire room immediately fell silent.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Onoda's expression was solemn, and his voice was steady and powerful:
"Gentlemen, on behalf of the Prime Minister and all cabinet members, I would like to express my deepest and highest gratitude to the members of the Special Missions Unit of the Metropolitan Police Department. Your loyalty, courage and outstanding professionalism in the face of this sudden national crisis have safeguarded the dignity and peace of the nation."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "In view of your extraordinary achievements, the Cabinet has made a preliminary decision."

"Awarding all members of the Special Missions Unit the 'Certificate of Commendation as Prime Minister' and a bonus!"

"Inspector Kai Kyou is hereby awarded the 'Special Award for Chief Cabinet Secretary' and a corresponding bonus!"

"The Cabinet will formally pass a resolution: the Metropolitan Police Department's Special Missions Unit will be retained and strengthened as a permanent agency, and Superintendent Minami Watanabe will continue to serve as its managing officer!"

"The plan is to be issued immediately!"

Immediately afterward, Imperial Household Agency Commissioner Maeda stepped forward, his tone even more emotional and solemn: "On behalf of the Imperial Household Agency, and... all His Majesty and members of the Imperial Family whom we serve, I extend my deepest gratitude to you all. What you have protected is a treasure beyond measure. Therefore, His Majesty bestows upon you a set of silver cups to commend your loyalty and bravery. At the same time, the Imperial Household Agency will grant you lifetime special access to the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace as a token of our appreciation."

"The Imperial Household Agency will soon personally visit the Metropolitan Police Department to publicly present the Special Missions Division with a 'highest level certificate of appreciation'."

"We will apply for a portion of the Royal Special Fund to establish a special assistance fund to reward those who have risked their lives for the safety of the Royal Palace!"

"Mitsukoshi Isetan Department Store has agreed to cooperate, and we will send another gift. Please look forward to it!"

Although it was only read aloud, its weight made all those in the know understand the enormous political capital and hidden privileges represented by these rewards.

Uesugi Muneyuki and Date Nagamune both noticed that Maeda Riyu glanced at them, and knew that this was an unspoken understanding within the aristocracy. In a sense, the Yonezawa Uesugi family and the Uwajima Date family had saved the Kanazawa Maeda family's life this time.

The Maeda family of Kanazawa also faces the problem of having no successor. Maeda Risuke's son currently serves as a director of the Japan Foundation Policy Research Association and the chairman of the Ishikawa Prefectural Human Relations Association, a position roughly equivalent to the head of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Criminal Investigation Department. Compared to a political appointee like the Commissioner of the Imperial Household Agency (who, to some extent, holds a higher position than the Commissioner of the Financial Services Agency and the Commissioner of the National Police Agency), the difference is like heaven and earth.

If Maeda Toshiyuki falls here, then while it may not be accurate to say that the Kanazawa Maeda family has fallen from grace, the absence of a powerful figure at the level of a department head will inevitably diminish the Maeda family's influence and prestige in high society.

This was also something that my grandfather, Uesugi Kuninori, had always worried about. If it weren't for Uesugi Muneyuki's sudden rise to power, the old man would have been worried about what would happen to the main family after I retired (or died).
Therefore, from a certain perspective, although the bureaucratic system has many drawbacks and problems, it is the best system that mankind has explored so far, as it can largely avoid the so-called hereditary succession of power.

At the banquet, after announcing a series of awards, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kimiaki Onoda and his younger brother Kimiaki Onoda stood together, watching Eiji Watanabe and Mineki Kai, who were talking in the corner.

Kai Mineaki, a high-ranking official of the same rank as the Vice-Minister of Justice, was bowing and thanking Watanabe Eiji carefully as he spoke to him. Although his old face still showed an expression of "my son is useless and has caused you trouble," the upturned corners of his eyes and mouth hinted at how happy he was.

As the person who agreed to transfer Kai Toru to the Special Missions Unit, Kai Mineaki would forever owe a debt of gratitude to Watanabe Eiji and the Special Missions Unit, not to mention that his own son was now being held hostage by the Special Missions Unit to perform unparalleled merits that would reach the highest levels of government.

The old man is very happy!
Today, we're happy!

"Tsk tsk tsk, the Financial Services Agency, the Ministry of Justice, Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Group, the Metropolitan Police Department, plus the Kasumigaseki no Kagoshige clan, I feel an iron curtain slowly descending on Sakurada Gate~ Brother." Onoda Kimiaki said calmly, he was a little jealous, but also a little convinced.

"Having made such a great contribution, Kai Minamoto might be promoted to Parliamentary Minister of Justice after this term ends." Onoda Kimiaki said calmly, "After all, Kai Toru made a meritorious contribution that goes unrewarded. I have read the Public Security Bureau's report. The bomb was real, and the detonator was real. He risked being blown up to rush in! It's just that this kid is currently in a promotion freeze period, so it's not easy to make an exception. In that case, we can only promote his father to Parliamentary Minister of Justice."

The position of Parliamentary Vice Minister of Justice might be hard to understand, but if I say Vice Minister of Justice, everyone should understand immediately. The Ministry of Justice has one Minister of Justice, one Vice Minister, three Parliamentary Vice Ministers, and one Administrative Vice Minister.

“We all know who Kai Kyō and Watanabe Eiji relied on.” Onoda Kimiaki turned his gaze to Uesugi Muneyuki, who was engrossed in eating: “Truly… remarkable Uesugi. The Kazoku has produced a talent after all, though he’s a bit one-sided.”

"He's still a bit unruly. He didn't even bow or greet me when he saw me. But geniuses always have some quirks. I've forgiven him. And now... he's already shaken hands with the Emperor Emeritus, and the Emperor Emeritus remembers his name. Does it even matter if he bows to me?" Onoda Kimiaki smiled. "I owe Uesugi a favor. Kimiaki, you also owe Uesugi a favor."

“Speaking of favors, for a police organization like ours, Uesugi’s kindness is so great that it’s impossible to repay it all,” Onoda Kimiaki remarked, and the two brothers exchanged a smile.

"So, you've already made arrangements, brother?" Onoda Kimiaki couldn't help but bring up the old matter again.

“There’s no other way. For now, only Eiji can handle Uesugi. That kid is a sharp double-edged sword; if you don’t use him properly, he’ll hurt himself.” Onoda Kimiaki nodded: “He has his daughter as a scabbard. Kimiaki, what do you have?”

"Actually, the Public Security Bureau did not come away empty-handed..." Onoda Kimiaki's eyes gleamed as he recalled the report from Inspector Kinoshita of the Security Department and his discussion with Security Chief Kamishiro.

Is it a scabbard?

Our police force can also provide that!

After a brief discussion, the Chief Cabinet Secretary and the leaders of the Public Security Police Force decided to let Eiji Watanabe finish his term and then arrange for Kimiaki Onoda to be promoted to Superintendent General of Police to succeed Eiji Watanabe!
This position is too important! Uesugi Muneyuki is too important!

He and his Special Missions Group have become an undeniable force in the entire Kanto political arena!

........................

Meanwhile, after the banquet, everyone was led to luxurious guest rooms to rest.

As night falls, Akasaka Imperial Villa, bathed in the meticulously maintained gardens and softly illuminated by landscape lighting, resembles a white European-style castle suspended in the heart of modern Tokyo, serene and majestic.
Minami Watanabe and Erena Ikeda walked silently down the corridor and stopped in front of the gleaming guest room door. Both of them were thrilled by this sudden and high-profile invitation, and their faces showed an undisguised nervousness and excitement.

They really moved into Akasaka Imperial Villa!
I've eaten at state banquets four times!
I even performed a great service! I shook hands with the Emperor Emeritus! The Imperial Household Agency bowed to me! The Chief Cabinet Secretary thanked me!
Minami thought to herself, "This time, I'll have something to brag about!"
Uesugi Muneyuki, on the other hand, appeared very calm, smiling as he watched the two beauties, one tall and one short, enter the guest room one after the other.

Due to the suddenness of the event and the need for secrecy, their attire was entirely arranged and provided by the Imperial Household Agency.

At this moment, they were wearing evening gowns carefully selected by the Imperial Household Agency, appropriate for the occasion, and extremely well-fitting.

Minami Watanabe wore a soft cherry blossom pink taffeta knee-length dress.

The skirt is A-line, elegant yet lively, and the neckline is a dignified boat neck, which perfectly showcases her slender and beautiful collarbone.

The sleeves were slightly puffed short sleeves, with the cuffs gathered at the sides with soft gauze in the same color, adding a touch of girlish romance. Her long hair was neatly styled, leaving a few slightly curled strands to frame her exquisite face, which was hailed as the "face of the Metropolitan Police Department"—clear and bright eyes, a small and pert nose, and lips as soft as flower petals, all of which appeared even more pitiful under her light makeup.

Her legs were gently wrapped in a layer of almost transparent, slightly sheer flesh-colored pantyhose, making her leg lines appear even more symmetrical and smooth. On her feet were a pair of satin pointed-toe high heels in the same color scheme as her dress. The heels were slender and of moderate height, making her walk even more upright and graceful, like a princess who had stepped out of a classical painting, with a touch of shy nobility.

Standing beside her, Ena Ikeda exuded a different kind of charm. The Imperial Household Agency chose a sophisticated yet slightly aloof lavender velvet fitted dress for her. The V-neck design subtly revealed her skin, highlighting her long, fair neck and clear, beautiful collarbones, while also adding a touch of mature charm to her striking, mixed-race features.

The fitted cut follows the curves of her body downwards, cascading gracefully below her hips into a fishtail skirt that is both modern and elegant.

Her signature light brown hair was swept to one side, revealing her smooth forehead and light-colored eyes that carried a hint of languor and mystery. Her high nose bridge and full lips outlined an infectious smile.

Her legs were encased in dark skin-colored pantyhose with a slightly low sheen and a delicate silky sheen, which complemented the velvet material perfectly, enhancing its luxurious feel. On her feet were a pair of black suede stiletto sandals, with delicate straps wrapped around her ankles, which not only perfectly accentuated her superior ankle lines and arch curves, but also added a touch of aloof and unapproachable aura.

Two stunningly beautiful women, each with a distinct style, dressed in gowns provided by the Imperial Household Agency, were guided by officials. Slightly nervous, they adjusted their breathing and, with elegant steps encased in pantyhose and sculpted by high heels, strode across the gleaming marble floor toward the state-level gate that was about to open to them—a gate that embodied power and history. Their skirts swayed slightly, their heels tapped softly, each step a mixture of surprise, trepidation, and boundless anticipation.

The suite is in a typical European classical style, with a dazzling crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling.

The walls are covered with warm-toned silk wallpaper and hung with huge Western oil paintings. In the center of the living room is a luxurious sofa set made of velvet, next to which is an exquisite marble fireplace with a simulated fire burning.

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows is the dazzling Tokyo night view, while on the other side stands an exquisite Japanese-style screen, subtly suggesting the fusion of East and West. The entire space is luxurious yet tranquil, filled with a solemn atmosphere that makes people unconsciously slow down their footsteps.

Minami Watanabe dropped her dignified facade, collapsed onto the soft sofa, let out a long sigh, and then pouted somewhat resentfully:
“Sigh, really… ‘Prime Minister’s Award’, ‘Silver Cup’, ‘Special Permit’…it all sounds pretty impressive.”

Miss Minami pouted, "But in the end, most of it is just symbolic. If it weren't for this damn 'promotion freeze,' I definitely could have taken another step up this time. And the bonus, although it's not small, is nothing compared to the risks we took..."

Her words carried the pragmatism of a professional elite and her desire for promotion.

Uesugi Muneyuki, who was gazing at the night view of the palace from the window, turned around upon hearing this, a gentle and playful smile on his face. He walked to his fiancée's side and gently put his arm around her shoulder.

“Minami, you really are the daughter of the Superintendent General of Police. Your way of thinking is still so… ‘nouveau riche’.” He deliberately used this word to tease her.

"Hey! What did you say?" Minami glared at him, feigning anger. "Ikeda, get him!"

Erena admired the interior of the room. The tall beauty was staying in a VIP suite on her first visit to the palace. When she heard Minami say this, she smiled slightly, but immediately responded by throwing herself into Uesugi Muneyuki's arms and hugging his waist, while a blush rose on her face.

These past two days have felt like a dream!
Holding Ikeda Ena's curvaceous body in his arms, Uesugi Muneyuki smiled and pulled Minami up as well, bringing the two beauties, one big and one small, into his embrace. At this moment, he was filled with satisfaction.

He lived in a detached palace, ate state banquets, received honors and rewards, met the retired emperor, and finally enjoyed the company of Minami and Erena.

"As expected of a detached palace, this must be what they call a privileged class." Uesugi Muneyuki couldn't help but sigh to Minami and Erina, while also feeling a bit of something else in his heart.

The matter of Horikawa Nen still lingered in his mind. He wanted to tell Minami and Erena, but he needed to keep it a secret, so in the end he could only sigh.

"What privileged class? Uesugi, aren't you the biggest privileged class?" Miss Minami put her arm around Uesugi Muneyuki's waist, smiling and complaining with a hint of incomprehension: "Didn't you offend Professor Zaizen and the patient back then because of your grandfather's connections that you were able to become a forensic doctor? In the early cases, you relied on invoking the name of Duke Kenshin to intimidate people. After you met me, it became even more so. Putting aside how much of your entry into the Metropolitan Police Department and Tokyo University was based on your own abilities, just the fact that you led a team into the Imperial Palace, if you weren't a descendant of the samurai family, the Imperial Household Agency really wouldn't have been able to arrange for us to enter the palace normally."

"The last meeting was the same. It's one thing for Father, but we were only able to get close to the Emperor and shake hands because you're of the Han Chinese! I could only get close to you because I was a lady of the Han Chinese family!"

"You can't just lament about the privileged class when you're staying at the Imperial Palace, can you? Aren't you, the top student at Uesugi University and an authority on forensic medicine at Tokyo University, the biggest privileged class?" Minami murmured with a hint of jealousy.

There was no way around it; her family was a political upstart that rose to prominence only after World War II, and her mother had been struggling with this for a long time.

Now they've finally managed to steal Zongxue's surname through marriage with the old Han Chinese!
Actually, I've been a member of Uesugi's faction for a long time!

When Uesugi Muneyuki heard Watanabe Minami say, "You are the most privileged class," he was struck dumb!

He opened his mouth, instinctively wanting to defend himself.

Watanabe Minami's words were like a cold dagger, piercing through Uesugi Muneyuki's righteous indignation.

Yes, Minami, and everyone in the palace tonight are all part of this system and beneficiaries of it.

Maintaining it is maintaining the very foundation of our existence.

This is not a choice, but an inevitability for survival.

Before this, Uesugi Muneyuki had always subconsciously felt that he was different from others!
It's not that he has some leftist ideology or thinks he can speak for the people on behalf of the underprivileged. He's not that obsessed or bored. Rather, it's because, in his subconscious, he's from the other world!
His current status is not based on bloodline or inheritance, but on his ability in the underworld, which allows him to make death contracts and flashbacks, and he has solved countless cases with this ability!
I relied on my own abilities!
However, Minami's words jolted him awake.

What good is ability if he doesn't have a platform to utilize it? Could he have gotten to where he is today?
Just like entering the Imperial Palace, if he and Date were not descendants of the samurai family, the Imperial Household Agency could not have arranged for them to enter the Forbidden Garden. Then there might not have been the brainstorming session in the early morning, and Horikawa Nen might have really exploded!
That's right, there's no such thing as absolute fairness in the world!

But there aren't enough livers in the world!

Resources are always scarce, and humans are endlessly greedy creatures. Even if the Earth's resources are enough to meet everyone's survival needs, what humans always want is to possess more resources.

Some people eat potatoes three times a day, while others' dogs eat tomahawk steaks every day.

Privileges, opportunities, even the chance to survive, are like that one and only liver.

So-called fairness is simply about distributing resources as reasonably as possible within the framework of rules. And the 'system' he's currently in is one of those rules that has been in operation for thousands of years.

It may not be perfect, but it provides order.

Forget about the stars and the sea, distribution on demand, or psionic ascension; his first priority is to ensure the safety and interests of himself and those he wants to protect!
At least when faced with a real need for a liver, he and the people he protects will always be in a position to be allocated a liver, rather than waiting for one!

"Ha, hahahaha~" Uesugi Muneyuki suddenly burst into laughter. He held Minami and Erina in his arms, nodding frantically, his laughter tinged with tears. He couldn't imagine how he would react if something happened to Minami and Erina one day.

You've lived two lives, so stop being so hypocritical!

“You’re right, Minami. I’m overthinking it. I’m a privileged class, so there’s no need for me to deliberately avoid that fact. I am who I am, and I will always be who I am.”

"I'm just a forensic pathologist. All I have to do is explain things clearly, that's all!"

(End of this chapter)