Conan: Above all force, there is truth!

Understanding Eri's concerns, Ryūno casually waved his hand: "More important than money are Ran and your smiles, aren't they? Besides, if we're being honest, you're my mother too, aren't you?"

At this point, Longye smiled and glanced at Xiaolan beside him.

Upon seeing Longye's meaningful gaze, Xiaolan's face, which had just calmed down, began to blush again.

This time, however, Ran didn't lower her head like a kangaroo. Instead, she stared intently into Ryūno's eyes, her gaze tender and gentle.

Seeing their expressions, Eri Kisaki smiled gently and said, "In that case, I'll accept the gift. But I must remind you two—this is a public place, after all."

Upon hearing her mother's words, Xiaolan immediately turned her head and looked around.

At this moment, many customers in the store noticed their commotion and looked over at them with smiles on their faces.

Upon seeing this, white smoke instantly billowed from Xiaolan's head, and she buried her head directly in Longye's arms.

Just then, a waitress came over with desserts, her face beaming with smiles.

"Your dessert has arrived. By the way, would you like some music? We happen to have a violinist on staff here..."

Chapter 202 What?! Released?!

After quickly finishing their dessert, Ran pulled Ryuno and Eri Kisaki away from the restaurant.

Xiaolan slowed her pace only after the restaurant had disappeared from sight.

Seeing her daughter's slightly blushing face, Eri smiled and shook her head. Then, she put away her smile and looked seriously at Ryūno beside her, her tone becoming more serious: "Ryūno, I'm entrusting Ran to you from now on."

Both Longye and Xiaolan were taken aback upon hearing these words.

Although Eri Kisaki had said similar things before, she always said them in a joking tone. She had never said them so seriously and earnestly before.

Seeing Eri's serious expression, Ryuno withdrew his casual demeanor and nodded earnestly: "Please rest assured, I will definitely take good care of Ran!"

After hearing Ryuno's answer, Eri Kisaki gazed at him quietly for a few seconds, then chuckled softly, "That's good! With you by Ran's side, I can finally relax. You know, Ran often mentioned you to me when she was still in elementary school. She probably already..."

"Mom!" Before Eri could finish speaking, Ran immediately pulled her aside shyly.

Ran's shy demeanor made Ryuno and Eri Kisaki chuckle.

Seeing this, Eri Kisaki stopped teasing Ran and instead smiled at the two of them, saying, "Besides, I can tell that you two always have happy smiles on your faces when you're together."

After saying that, Eri patted Ran's head and waved to the two of them.

"Alright, it's getting late, you should all head back now. Next time I have time, I'll cook you a meal myself!"

Xiaolan: "..."

Longye: "..."

……

A week later

Teitan Elementary School, Class 1-B.

Today's lessons have all ended.

Mitsuhiko and his two friends surrounded Conan, chattering away.

"Conan, have you heard? That hot case lately!" Mitsuhiko looked at the three of them and said excitedly.

Upon hearing this, Ayumi immediately raised her hand: "I know! I know! It's the case of that female restaurant owner, right? That auntie is really pitiful."

"Yes, thankfully she won her case in the end. Otherwise..."

As the three discussed the matter, Conan's expression gradually became serious.

Ever since the lawyer named Masato Sakai became Mrs. Kameda's defense attorney, this case has inexplicably come into the public eye.

In no time, news about how the boss's son died at the hands of the "victim Hirasawa Tsuyoshi" and how "Hirasawa Tsuyoshi" escaped legal punishment spread more and more widely.

Many people felt great sympathy for the couple after hearing about the incident. Some women with children even spontaneously formed a small group and marched in protest outside the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office.

As the incident unfolded, "certain" groups even used it as a pretext to incite the public to criticize the legal and prosecutorial systems.

Although the case has not yet gone to trial, public opinion has already shifted towards the view that the "boss's wife is innocent".

Every day, a large number of reporters follow Prosecutor Kujo, who is on the prosecution's side, wanting to interview him and learn more inside information.

Although the trial has not yet begun, the prosecution, the judge, and even a police station in Beihu Township have already been thrown into disarray by the public and the media.

In this situation, the lawyer named Masato Sakai actually gave a public interview and delivered a "vivid speech," stating that he would definitely work hard for the couple's future and happiness.

In an instant, the lawyer named "Sakai Masato" gained recognition and praise from the media and the public, becoming a "messenger of justice" in the eyes of the people.

What was originally a simple "case" has turned into a battle between "justice" and "evil".

When Conan first learned of this, he didn't pay much attention. He already knew the "truth" of the case; based on his previous investigation and what the landlady said in court, she was definitely the culprit.

Since she's a criminal, she can't escape the punishment of the law! Although the proprietress's plight is indeed worthy of sympathy, a criminal is a criminal, and she cannot escape the punishment of the law!

At most... a few years' reduction in sentence at the discretion of the court.

Having thought this through, Conan, who believed he had seen the truth and the ending, turned his back on the case.

But just yesterday, he and Uncle Mori accidentally saw the news on TV and learned the outcome of the case.

—That Mrs. Kameda was actually released in the end because the chain of evidence was incomplete!

Just as Conan was lost in thought, Sakai Masato's smug smile appeared on the TV screen.

Upon learning the outcome of the case, Kogoro Mouri stood up and cheered, shouting that he could once again enjoy drinking while admiring the beautiful proprietress.

At this moment, Conan paid no attention to Uncle Mori, but instead blankly held his head and began to question the meaning of life.

Even now, after hearing Mitsuhiko and the others' discussion, Conan has fallen into deep thought again.

After a moment, he suddenly shouted, "Impossible! The criminal must be punished by law! I absolutely cannot accept this outcome!!"

Conan's shout instantly attracted the attention of the entire class, and Mitsuhiko and the other two who were closest to him immediately started a debate with him.

"Conan, that aunt is so pitiful, why does she still have to be punished by law?"

"Yes, Conan, the lawyer has already proven that the evidence the police have is insufficient. That aunt might not be the murderer at all!"

"..."

After listening to Mitsuhiko and the others, Conan's expression gradually turned angry: "She's the culprit! Whether it's the motive, the evidence, or even her alibi, it all points to her being the culprit!"

Although he didn't know why Conan was suddenly angry, Mitsuhiko still explained, "That evidence and alibi have already been proven invalid by the lawyer..."

Conan: "..."

Just as Conan was about to speak again, Ai Haibara walked over: "Oh? Edogawa-kun, don't you believe the court's verdict? Or... do you think that those who make mistakes will always be punished, and good people will always be happy? This world isn't as perfect as you imagine~"

After saying that, Ai Haibara slung her backpack over her shoulder and walked out of the classroom, leaving everyone with a memorable image of her back.

Watching Ai Haibara's retreating figure, Mitsuhiko and the other two were stunned for a moment: "Haibara-san's tone of voice is so mature, just like an adult..."

Conan watched in silence as Ai Haibara's figure disappeared, his clenched fists the only testament to the complexity of his emotions.

Even after his mood gradually calmed down, Conan's mind kept replaying Ai Haibara's words.

"That girl...could she really be..."

Chapter 203 Yukiko is not a little devil

Teitan Elementary School

Upon seeing the familiar figure before her, Ai Haibara immediately stepped forward with light, graceful movements.

"Why is it you again? Where is Sister Xiaolan?"

After taking Ai's hand, Ryūno chuckled softly.

"Sister Xiaolan? You're calling her that so naturally now~ Speaking of which, you should be older than Xiaolan..."

"Shut up! Discussing a girl's age in public is very rude!"

"Hahaha!"

After a few lighthearted banter, Ai Haibara spoke up: "Kudo seems quite dissatisfied with the outcome of that case."

"That's understandable. After all, he's a pure-blooded detective. Deducing the truth and arresting criminals are things that are ingrained in his mind. Seeing the criminal he believes to be released must have been incredibly frustrating for him."

Indeed, his resentment was practically written all over his face.

"In his mind, the world is either black or white, with no middle ground. As a detective, he naturally believes in the theory that 'there's only one truth.' But this world is not just about black and white..."

Upon hearing this, Ai Haibara smiled sweetly: "What a coincidence~ I just said something similar to him."

"Oh? As expected of my daughter!"

"Cut~"

At this point, Ai Haibara suddenly stopped and looked up at Tatsuno: "And you? What color are you?"

The next second, Ryuno hoisted Ai Haibara onto his shoulder: "Me? Well~ I'm actually yellow... no, I'm colorful~"

……

The next day

Since it was the weekend, Ai Haibara was picked up by Sachi Haibara, who came to her door.

Ryūno then planned to go with Ran to try out the newly opened restaurants in the area.

Just as the two were about to leave, they received a call from Eri Kisaki, who wanted to invite Tatsuno and Ran to her apartment so she could cook them a delicious meal herself.

Because of the unexpected impact of that previous case, many cases that were originally scheduled for trial recently have been postponed. Therefore, Eri Kisaki is not very busy lately and has finally had some free time.

Upon hearing this news, Longye quickly glanced at Xiaolan. Although she didn't say anything, Xiaolan immediately understood what Longye meant.

"Great, Mom! The cooking class isn't over yet, we..."

The call ended shortly afterward. Ran said she would go to the cooking class with Eri for another round of "training."

As for Tatsuno, he had absolutely no interest in the cooking class, so he did not accompany the two of them.

After seeing Ran off, Ryuno prepared to go out for a stroll in Haruhabara, where he heard that a very interesting handheld game console had recently been released.

Just then, there was a sudden knock on the door.

"dong dong dong"

After the door opened, a mature woman with a touch of innocence appeared in front of Longye.

"Yukiko-neechan?! What happened to you...?"