The next day, it turned out that Yuuya's entire family had been murdered.

No one knew for what reason they were murdered, supposedly the Hironiwa clan was involved - at least that's what the rumors said.

Sakakibara became ignored by the rest, making friends with Mei as a result.

Kouichi was at Mei's house, they were alone since Naoki was temporarily away.

Kouichi: At first you seemed like Naoki to me, but I see that you are a good person.

Mei: Naoki has been through a really tough time...

He lost his family when he was just 4 years old, then was raised by a paternal uncle who probably abused him.

I don't even know if he didn't kill him himself.

Anyway, he is officially my cousin.

Kouichi: A cousin?

Mei: His mother was my father's sister.

Kouichi: So why you don't just call him cousin but official cousin?

Mei: Let's go outside.

Kouichi and Mei sat near the riverbank.

Mei: You know, I'm not my parent's biological child either.

Kouichi: Oh..

Mei: I never known how it is to have a real loving family, despite I officially had one, my father is working all the time, and my mother treats me more like a doll than a living human, they never had time for me when I was younger, I was almost alone all time.
May I ask how this feeling is?
How is your mother?

Kouichi: My mother died soon after giving birth to me, so I was mosty raised by my father, so I pretty know this feeling too.

Mei: Was she from here?

Kouichi: Yes, my parents met each other at college.

Mei: Do you remember when your mother attended this class?

Kouichi: I think it was in 1972, but I'm not sure.

Mei: We can check it tomorrow.

Kouichi: Sure.

The next day, all three had lunch on the roof. Mei sat next to Kouichi, and Naoki sat further away.

Kouichi: Why Muneyoshi-kun is not having lunch with us?

Mei: He's probably embarrassed.

Kouichi: Embarrased? Why?

Mei: He has spent most of his life in Europe and cannot use chopsticks.

Kouichi: Europe?

Mei: Germany or France I guess.

Kouichi: I would like to go to Germany someday, specifically to Heidelberg.

Mei: Why?

Kouichi: It is very nice there, especially the old town and the castle.

Mei: I see.

Kouichi: Where would you like to go someday?

Mei: I don't know..

Kouichi: Oh I see.

Mei looked at Kouichi's lunch.

Mei: Do you know how to cook?

Kouichi: I attended extra cooking classes at my previous school.
So i guess I can cook something

Mei: Can you one day cook something for me.

Kouichi: Yeah, no problem…

As Naoki finished lunch, he joined Mei and Kouichi.

Naoki: We will probably be questioned by the police soon.
Sakakibara, act like you don't know anything about his killer.

Kouichi: But why?

Mei: Do you think this is made by the Clans?

Naoki: I'm sure the Hironiwa are behind this.

Kouichi: Why would the Grand Clans kill Mochizuki?

Naoki: I have no idea, probably he or someone from his family knew too much.

Mei: His sister worked at the cafe, and it's possible she heard something while working.

Kouichi: And that's why she was killed, and the rest of her family?

Naoki: Yomiyama is ruled by a council of three heads of Great families, formerly there were four, however since my father disappeared and I was forced to live in Switzerland, my clan was left out of this.

Besides, Kaito probably didn't want to participate.

Sakakibara, keep this knowledge to yourself, otherwise you may die.
On paper, Yomiyama is an ordinary small city.

However, it has actually been ruled by a tetrarchy since the city's beginnings and even before its founding.

This system of government even survived the abolition of the aristocracy.
And as long as there is at least one Great Clan, this system will persist.

Kouichi: So the Clans are behind Mochizuki's death?

Naoki: Most likely.

Police began questioning all students in grades 3-3.

Naoki and Mei testified as agreed.

However, the police officer who questioned Kouichi was different.

Police officer: Sakakibara Kouichi right?

Kouichi: Correct.

Akira: Officer Akira Kobayashi, I have a couple of questions for you…

Kouichi: I know, however I was in my class when it happened.

Akira: Fine…
So, have you noticed any suspicious behavior from any of your classmates?

Kouichi: No, to be honest.

Akira: You are lying.
One of your colleagues testified about the suspicious behavior of Naoki Misaki and also his sister Mei.

He also testified that you hang out with them Sakakibara-kun.

Kouichi: W-what? B-but that's impossible…

Akira: It's not that I suspect you of anything...

You are not even from here so you sure don't know anything...

But you might be hiding something from me that could be crucial to the case.
It's not that I suspect you of anything...

You are not even from here so you sure don't know anything...

But you might be hiding something from me that could be crucial to the case.

Terauchi-kun, will you leave us alone?

Sakuya: Sure Kobayashi-senpai

After Sakuya left, Akira descended to a less official tone of voice.

Akira: Did the Clans pay you for silence?

Kouichi: W-what?

Akira showed Kouichi a couple of photos
Did any of these men offer you money, for giving a convenient testimony?

Kouichi: No.. I don't even know who they are..

Akira: But I see that you know about the Great Clans.
Otherwise you'd be asking to ask a question about them, right?

Kouichi: I read old newspapers out of boredom...

Akira: So you know what a problem the Great Clans are for the city.

So? Will we cooperate?

Kouichi: But officer, I really didn't see anything suspicious in Naoki Misaki's behavior, as well as Mei Misaki's.

Akira: Do you have enemies Sakakibara-kun?

Kouichi: N-no I guess..

Akira: Alright, here's my number, feel free to call me if you discover anything.

Akira whispered in Kouichi's ear.

The police in Yomiyama are riddled with corruption, you're new to the city, so I can trust you.

Kouichi: Thank you officer, goodbye.

Akira: I hope so..