"The Queen’s Crown? You’re saying Lupin’s after that? No way... So Lupin the Third actually exists!?" On a flight bound for the Kingdom of Ves
"The Queen’s Crown? You’re saying Lupin’s after that? No way... So Lupin the Third actually exists!?"
On a flight bound for the Kingdom of Vespania, Kogoro Mouri shouted in shock:
"I always thought he was just a character from a novel or a manga!"
"And you call yourself a great detective, not knowing about Lupin!?"
A man in a khaki military coat raised his voice in disbelief.
His na was Koichi Zenigata.
An inspector of the Tokyo tropolitan Police, he was also a dedicated ICPO officer assigned exclusively to the pursuit of Lupin III.
He had spent his entire career chasing just one man — Lupin the Third.
He was much like Inspector Nakamori chasing after Kaito Kid... except Zenigata was actually competent.
But Kogoro Mouri had no real interest in Lupin III. All he cared about now was fulfilling Keith’s request.
"Ten million... and in US dollars, no less..."
Kogoro rubbed his hands together in delight.
Keith hadn’t only reached out to Hayashi Yoshiki; he had also approached Kogoro Mouri.
Persuaded by the argunt that it was "for Ran’s safety," Kogoro ultimately agreed — mostly because of the money.
And so, the next morning, the group boarded the Vespania royal private jet.
Zenigata had rushed over as soon as he heard about Lupin’s involvent.
"Inspector Zenigata."
Hayashi Yoshiki closed the book he had been reading and looked up.
The officer Lupin affectionately called "Old Man" raised his eyes.
"What is it?"
"People say Lupin’s face is actually a monkey mask he always wears. Is that true?"
"Hmm... I don’t know what he really looks like, but I can confirm the face he shows the world is indeed a mask."
"I see."
The idea of Lupin’s monkey face being a mask was sothing added in later stories.
Even Hayashi Yoshiki hadn’t known if the face seen today was the real one.
But considering Lupin’s humorous personality, it wouldn’t be surprising if the monkey face was actually his own.
After another five hours, the royal plane finally arrived in Vespania.
The group was escorted to a resting chamber inside the palace.
In the spacious room, except for Zenigata — who imdiately dashed off to prepare for the Lupin hunt — everyone else gathered around the sofa. A new face had joined them:
Daisuke Jigen.
Lupin’s partner and the world’s deadliest marksman — currently acting as the head instructor for the Vespania military.
"I’ve been briefed. Sounds like quite the ss you’re in."
Jigen leaned back with his feet on the table, hands in his coat pockets.
"It was Lord Keith’s decision to return to Japan during such a ti. It led to the princess being targeted. Clearly, there’s a traitor among the royal bodyguards," one of the guards said.
"I’ve done so research into this country," Hayashi spoke up.
"If the princess disappears, the only one who benefits is the next heir to the throne."
"Exactly. It’s Duke Gerard," said Keith.
"He arranged the queen and prince’s deaths to look like an accident."
"Then why not just search his residence!?" Kogoro Mouri stood up.
"No... We have served the royal family for generations — including Duke Gerard. And only the Queen herself has the authority to punish a royal."
"I see..."
Hayashi Yoshiki gave a dry chuckle.
This nation’s legal system might as well be a joke — like sothing out of the 19th century.
"So we must rely on you all to uncover hard evidence of Duke Gerard’s treason. Princess Mira’s coronation parade is the day after tomorrow. Please, we don’t have much ti."
"Let make sothing clear,"
Hayashi looked at Keith.
"Don’t even think about sending Ran to take the princess’s place in the parade if Mira doesn’t co back."
"Of course. I understand."
Keith nodded.
Hayashi didn’t care whether he ant it or not.
If Keith did have such a plan, well... there were always ways to get soone’s na into the Death Note.
anwhile, Duke Gerard also learned that Keith and the others had returned.
Naturally, he assud that Princess Mira was with them — there was no way soone like Keith would leave the real princess behind and bring back a fake.
But... what was going on with those people from the Organization?
They had made big promises, and yet they couldn’t even take care of a little girl.
And they claid to have the best sniper around?
Gerard was growing irritated.
He picked up the phone again.
"The coronation parade is the day after tomorrow. If she’s not dealt with by then, forget our deal!"
"Tch. That’s what I hope too."
"Don’t let down again."
Gerard spoke as he gazed out the window.
Clear skies stretched endlessly.
At that very mont, in a small, unregistered airport outside the Vespania capital, a plane descended silently onto the runway.
Once it landed, the first to disembark was a tall figure in a black trench coat, with long silver hair.
He was followed by a dangerously seductive woman.
"Vespania ore... What an incredible resource."
Vermouth looked back at the seemingly ordinary aircraft.
"In an age where everything can be spied on from space, true privacy is basically cheating."
"That’s why the Organization wants this mission to succeed no matter what."
Gin smiled coldly.
Rum had originally wanted to claim the glory for himself.
But after sniper Glappa failed and Gerard started to panic, Rum had no choice but to call Gin.
"So what’s the plan? Set up a trap along the parade route?" Glappa asked.
"No. We go straight to the palace," Gin replied.
"They’re bound to tighten security along the parade route now that there’s a known threat to the princess. Sniper points will already be under surveillance."
"Which is where I co in, right?"
Vermouth grinned.
"I’ll sneak inside and wait for the perfect mont."
As she climbed into the vehicle waiting for them, she pulled out the mission photo.
In it was Princess Mira, dressed in royal garb...
She looked just like that girl.
Vermouth couldn’t help but feel a pang of emotion.
But... it was only a resemblance.
Even if she felt so pity in her heart, Vermouth wasn’t the type to go soft.
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