Phantom Thief of Heart!but conan

Chapter 838: Unhappy Retribution
"An ambulance, call an ambulance quickly--"

"Grandpa, Grandpa, are you okay?!"

"Oops, his breathing is slowing down..."

As Shitara Gensaburo rolled to the cold ground as if destined by fate, the entire banquet hall suddenly fell into chaos.

Hanega Kyosuke, who had been watching the scene coldly, walked down the stairs at this time. He accompanied everyone to carefully check Shitara Gensaburo's condition and prepared to send him to the hospital.

Conan, who rushed over the moment he heard the scream, only now managed to get through the crowd with difficulty and approached Genzoro, who was breathing more than breathing in and whose face was becoming increasingly pale.

He reached out and secretly felt the pulse on the other person's neck, then leaned over and pulled his eyelids, his brows furrowed.

Having been exposed to so many scenes, he has sufficient judgment in this regard.

Considering Shitara Gensaburo's advanced age of 60 years old and the bleeding on the ground, although he has not died immediately, the situation is not optimistic and it is likely that he will have a hard time making it to the hospital.

He quickly recalled in his mind the positions of everyone when the lights came on, and then his eyes were fixed precisely on Yuga Kyosuke.

It's not his fault that he had a preconceived notion. It's just that the way Shitara Gensaburo died was too similar to the way Danjiro died, and coincidentally, Yuga Kyosuke was standing at the top of the stairs at that time...

Thinking of this, he lowered his head and looked at Shitara Gensaburo, whose breathing was weakening, and felt something was wrong again.

Shitara Gensaburo believed in the so-called curse so firmly, he must have known how dangerous it was to stand in such a position in the dark. Why would he go over there? There is no reason.

"There are cameras on the second floor to record the evening's performance." Tang Ze, knowing what he was worried about, leaned over and whispered, "It should be able to capture what's going on over there."

Conan slapped his forehead, quickly left the crowd, and moved towards the camera.

After all, it is not thirty years ago now, and everything will no longer be left without any evidence like it was back then with Danjiro Shitara.

Tang Ze did not follow them, but exchanged a glance with Asai Narimi from a distance, and then blended into the busy crowd as if nothing had happened, pretending to help.

Of course, the cameras had to already exist. Even the idea of ​​setting up the cameras was something he hinted to Renki Shitara, who accepted his suggestion and then installed them.

It would be a pity if this "revenge" prepared for Haga Kyosuke could not show that the deceased deserved the punishment for his crime.

Yuga Kyosuke did not kill anyone. At this stage, he cannot use his abilities, so even if he wanted to, he would not have the chance.

Just like what they did on Tsukishiro Island, the Phantom Thieves took advantage of Shitara Genzaburo's palace to cause him to have severe hallucinations and auditory hallucinations. Combined with the fact that Hanega Kyosuke was dressed like his father, Genzaburo was unable to distinguish between hallucinations and reality, and thus committed his final act.

They had discussed these settings with Hagi Kyosuke, whether to kill the person directly or to wait and see the other person's nature and true inner thoughts. Of the two options, Hagi Kyosuke chose the latter.

After all, they are his relatives. He has been living with them for thirty years without knowing the grudges between them. Deep down in his heart, he still wants to think the best of these people, so except for the real culprit, Shitara Choichiro, he left some room for other people, Haneda Kyosuke.

However, considering what they did in the first place, considering that they would rather seal the things in the storage room than show the slightest guilt to Yuga Kyosuke, the real victim, this development was almost predictable.

When everything started over again, time went back to that night thirty years ago, giving him enough opportunities to stop the situation from developing. Standing in front of his two brothers who were arguing with each other, Shitara Gensaburo, who knew where the future would go, still followed the temptation of the devil in his heart and stretched out his hands.

Pushing himself into the endless abyss.

"The ambulance is here, hurry up, make way!"

The shrill sound of sirens was gradually approaching with a long echo. Yuga Kyosuke, with a solemn expression, seemed to be brought back to his senses by the shrill sound. He covered his ears and took two steps back.

He took the opportunity to turn his head and look at Shitara Choichirō, who was sitting in the main seat below the stage and had finally calmed down by pressing his chest.

Shitara Choichiro's face was pale and haggard. It was obvious that the accident that happened at his birthday party had dealt a great blow to his spirit. At this moment, one of his hands was tremblingly pressing on his chest, and the other hand was tightly clasping the wrist of Shitara Renki who was supporting him.

Yuga Kyosuke knew that what he was holding was not the anxious and sad Shitara Renki, but the Stradivarius in her hand, who had just finished the performance and had not had time to put down the violin.

At this time, at the end of his life, seeing a relative fall at his feet in a strange and similar way, what he cared about was still the piano.

"It's like the Lord of the Rings." Tang Ze, who had already withdrawn from the chaotic scene, whispered to Asai Chengmi who was not far away, "Forget it, let's not worry about this crazy family for now. Has anyone from the palace come out?"

Asai Narumi did not make any eye contact with him. The two of them seemed to have just stood in a close position unintentionally. Their eyes were fixed on Shitara Gensaburo who was being carried onto the bed. When he heard Karasawa's question, he just nodded slightly.

"Don't tell me yet. Let me guess. Is the secret treasure another replica of the harp?"

"Yes."

"Good boy, if we go there tonight, will we have a batch of mass-produced Stradivarius in our hands?"

“…It sounds quite attractive.”

"so weird."

When the two thieves were secretly gathering together to exchange strange information, they heard the sharp siren of an ambulance outside the door. Shitara Ayane suddenly raised her hands and hugged her head, letting out a shrill cry even sharper than that sound.

Now, everyone's attention was drawn to her.

"Grandma, grandma..." Shitara Renxi turned her head and wanted to check on Ayane's condition, but her hands were tightly held by Diao Yilang and she couldn't break free at all. She turned her head helplessly and looked at her grandfather's expression.

"She must be a little afraid of ambulances." Facing his granddaughter's surprised look, he reluctantly explained, "Yongmei two years ago, and your father a year ago, both died in ambulances. She is somewhat shocked."

Shitara Ayane, holding her head tightly with both hands, ignored his words and just started crying, her voice getting louder and louder until she was almost crying.

"Curse, this is not a curse, this is retribution, Diao Yilang, this is retribution..."

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Shitara Choichiro raised his eyebrows and scolded, but when he saw his granddaughter's puzzled look beside him, he barely suppressed the urge to retort harshly.

He signaled Shitara Renki to hand the piano to him, then held it in both hands and approached Shitara Ayane. Shitara Ayane used to be a pianist, and she actually had no obsession with Stradivari.

But she has an absolute weakness, that is her only son who surrendered.

Thirty years ago, she chose to become her husband's accomplice for the sake of her son. Because her son was extremely eager for Qin, she went against her conscience and watched her upright brother-in-law bleed to death bit by bit.

Now, having lost her son, her connection with the world has become weaker and weaker, so the piano that her son cherished has also become a symbol of her grief.

She took the piano with trembling hands, and said nothing else. Her crying gradually subsided.

The noise here subsided and the atmosphere became sad and solemn again. Yuga Kyosuke, who had been paying attention to their movements and wanted to hear the truth and thoughts from Shitara Ayane, slowly cooled his eyes.

Those who blindly help the evil because of love and become accomplices because of love have themselves become accomplices.

Shitara Gensaburo was carried into the ambulance and the car slowly drove away.

Although it takes a clear judgment from the hospital to determine whether Shitara Gensaburo is dead, anyone with a discerning eye knows that his chances of survival are very slim.

His breathing had basically stopped, and his pupils had lost their response to light when he was carried into the car. Even though the hospital tried to rescue him, it was mostly for comfort purposes.

Since such an unexpected event had happened at the banquet, it was difficult to continue the reception. However, for the purpose of comforting the host, most people did not leave immediately, but came up to chat with the people of the Shitara family to express their comfort.

Half an hour later, news came that Shitara Gensaburo's rescue efforts were ineffective and he was confirmed dead. This birthday party once again became a memorial day. The guests who knew about the Shitara family's situation looked at each other. Although they did not say it directly, looking at their expressions, it was obvious that they had some thoughts about the situation in their hearts.

Tang Ze raised his hand to cover his mouth as he was about to tell a joke, and he clearly received the emotions that these people did not express out loud.

You don’t say it, you really don’t say it, although today is only Shitara Choichiro’s birthday, it is already the death anniversary of three people in the Shitara family!
According to this calculation, after Shitara Choichiro dies, even if his family can't celebrate his birthday on this day, it's not impossible to change the name and hold a memorial service. Maybe the tradition of the banquet can continue...

"Uncle Kyosuke..." Shitara Renki, who was sitting on the side in a daze, felt the shadow cast on her body. She raised her head and saw the face of Hanega Kyosuke. She seemed to have finally found support and her eyes were instantly filled with tears.

Today should have been her chance to make a good appearance. After being entrusted with the important task, she had been cautious enough, and even invited a detective, preferring to believe it rather than not. She thought that she could finally break the so-called curse and officially start the performance of the new generation of the Shitara family on the stage. However, she did not expect that the tragedy just changed the carrier and came without any pause.

Even though it was not her decision to take out the piano to perform and it was not something she could control, she still felt confused and uneasy.

"It's okay, Renxi, it's not your problem." Yuga Kyosuke raised his hand and gently patted his niece's collapsed back.

Among all the people of the Shitara family here, even himself, is an evil demon with blood on his hands in pursuit of revenge. The only truly innocent person left is this thin-backed girl.

I'm afraid the name Shitara will end tonight. I hope this girl can put aside the haze and the burden imposed on her by the so-called family and move towards a future that truly belongs to her.

"Let me perform the Requiem tonight, okay?"

Conan walked back to the stage and was about to talk to Karasawa and Maori Kogoro about what he had seen when he heard what Haneda Kyosuke said.

"This is a tradition of the Shitara family." Seeing the different expressions on the detectives' faces, Tsukuro Hongseo adjusted his glasses and explained, "Whenever a family member dies, relatives will play a requiem for them to express their grief and condolences. Tonight is no exception."

Kogoro Mori was just about to nod his head to express his affirmation of their tradition, but when he heard this, his brows twitched immediately.

Is it a "custom" to play the Requiem at Choichiro's birthday party? No wonder Yuga Kyosuke was so sure...

"Last year, it was Grandpa Genzaburo who played it. It's hard for Grandpa and Grandma to do this now, so, then I will..."

"Let me do it." Yuga Kyosuke patted Shitara Renki on the shoulder. "I should have been the one to do it. Isn't it written on the repertoire? However, I originally wanted to play it for your father. The situation was too chaotic last year. When Uncle Genzaburo played, my uncle and aunt were unable to come and listen. I didn't expect..."

"So that's how it is." Shitora Renxi lowered her head, her fingertips tightly gripping the edge of the chair, "Then, I'll go get the Stradivarius..."

"No need. My hands will tremble if I pick up such a valuable authentic instrument." Yuga Kyosuke joked, pointing to the violin case he brought back. "I brought my violin. Although it is not as good as the famous violin made 300 years ago, it is the only relic my father left me, and the sound quality can still be guaranteed. Besides..."

He quickly glanced at the table on the other side and lowered his voice: "Let's not talk about the bad luck first. If you bring that piano over now, Aunt Xuanyin will definitely be unhappy."

Not far from them, Shitara Choichiro and Shitara Ayane, who were sitting dejectedly at the table, were both in a daze in silence. Shitara Ayane was holding the piano gently in her arms as if she was holding a baby, with a strange gentleness and kindness between her eyebrows.

"Before he passed away, the young master Jiangren also played the zither in front of the master. Madam seems to have regarded the zither and the young master Jiangren as one and the same." Jin Qu Hongsheng nodded and added.

Hanega Kyosuke went to get his piano, and Conan took advantage of the opportunity to briefly explain what he saw in the video.

"It wasn't a shove or physical fight that caused the fall." He said simply, "I checked the ground and the stairs. Shitara Gensaburo definitely lost his footing."

"Is it really an accident?" Maori Kogoro said with a sigh, "Is there really such a thing as a curse?"

"It can't be considered a complete accident..." Conan said ambiguously.

To be more precise, he is not a victim, he is a perpetrator who wants to do something bad.

From the video, although his movements in the dark cannot be clearly distinguished, because the light source on the stage would illuminate that area from time to time, we can see that after Haga Kyosuke talked with Tsugaku Akio, they stood near the railing beside the stairs, and Shitara Gensaburo made a very obvious movement of approaching and stretching out his hands.

Hanega Kyosuke seemed not to notice the movement behind him. He just slightly changed his center of gravity and moved twice on the spot, causing Shitara Gensaburo to pass by him and fall down.

These are all visible facts, but after all, Genzoro had just been confirmed dead, and those standing in front of him were his relatives, so he just swallowed some impolite words.

As they were talking, Yuga Kyosuke took out his violin, tidied his appearance, and stood on the stage holding his violin.

Renxi Shitara diverted her attention and looked at him intently. When she saw him holding a harp, she was stunned and her expression was a little hesitant.

She hadn't been in contact with Stradivari for a long time, but after practicing with it for several days, she was somewhat familiar with it.

"Is that Uncle Xiangfu's piano? Why do I feel that..." she stammered.

So what about, say, Stradivari?
(End of this chapter)