Chapter 4 The Case at the Mount Kurama Lodge

It’s the beginning of July, the time when leaves turn a deep green.

When I said I was going to Mount Kurama, Holmes said, “Would you like to go together?” and my chest tightens every time I remember the gentle smile on his face.

Friday evening after school, I went to Teramachi-Sanjo’s antique store Kura for my shift. My heart was secretly aflutter as I diligently cleaned the dust from the valuable goods.

Today was unusual because both Holmes and the manager were at the shop. Holmes was doing the accounting, while the manager was engrossed in his manuscript as always.

“Oh right, Kiyotaka, Aoi,” the manager said, pausing his writing and looking up.

“Yes?” we both replied.

“You said you were thinking of going hiking in Kurama in July, right?”

Since it was going to be on a weekend when I was likely to have a shift, we had told the manager in advance.

“Yes. Now that I think about it, it’s already July.” Holmes looked at the tabletop calendar as though he’d just realized. Meanwhile, I’d been looking forward to July this whole time…

“I know this is sudden, but could you take your trip tomorrow?” the manager said with a serious expression, surprising the both of us. “You see, one of my author friends has a mountain lodge there.”

“Right,” Holmes said with a nod. “Kajiwara, was it? I heard he passed away three months ago.”

“Yes, and his family would like to consult with you about something. Could you stop by their place after your hike?”

Holmes hesitated before answering with an unenthusiastic “Fine.”

“Sorry about this, Aoi. Oh right, you and Kiyotaka can have lunch at one of Kibune’s river terraces. I’ll make a reservation for you,” the manager said as if to sweeten the deal. He probably felt bad asking us to do him this favor on our day off.

“A Kibune river terrace? Really?” I asked in disbelief. When it comes to river terraces, the Kamo River comes to mind first, but Kibune’s are a whole other beast. They’re called the epitome of summer luxury, with clear water flowing beneath the floor. I saw them on a travel show and was enchanted, wishing I could go just once in my life. I never would’ve thought it’d actually be possible. Going to Kurama and eating lunch on a Kibune river terrace would be like a dream come true!

While I was off in my own little world, Holmes sighed. “All right, it seems like Aoi doesn’t mind, so I’ll do it.” He shrugged halfheartedly.

“I’m sorry to impose this on your hiking trip,” the manager said, although he looked relieved. He made it sound like he’d suddenly remembered, but he definitely could’ve been waiting for a chance to ask. Maybe he has difficulty asking Holmes to do things, unlike the owner?

“It’s okay. We’re just stopping by on the way back, so it’s no big deal,” I said, waving my hands. Honestly, I was happy that we could go so easily.

At the time, we weren’t aware of the bizarre mystery that’d occurred at the Kajiwara mountain lodge or the family trouble that we were going to get pulled into.