dmims Chapter 86 Almost a Treasure Hunt for a Doll
Chapter 86 Almost a Treasure Hunt for a Doll
Perhaps she got too engrossed in chatting last night, because even though it was already Monday, a workday, Bilan still hadn't switched back to work mode.
At this moment, she stood in front of Detective Hugo's desk, rubbing her sleepy eyes, looking as if she might fall asleep at any moment. Little Eevee followed beside Azure, equally drowsy, its big tail dragging limply behind it.
It's strange, though. The chair in front of the desk is supposed to be Azure's exclusive spot, but today someone is already sitting in that high-backed office chair.
Sitting in her seat was a young girl wearing a white sun hat, a light blue sleeveless top, and a red skirt, with long, flowing chestnut hair. A cute Eevee was perched on her shoulder, turning its head to give Azure a mischievous grin.
"Good morning, Ditto, you're so energetic." Azure ignored the Pokémon's prank and shooed the girl who looked exactly like her off the chair. Azure's imposter instantly turned into a purplish-red slime, along with the Eevee on her shoulder.
"Ditto was just trying out Pokémon food," Hugo said, pointing to the empty plate behind his desk. "It's probably because it's a Normal-type Pokémon, and it seems to prefer the one Eevee is currently eating."
"That guy also likes to eat Peach Blossom Jam, and he loves anything sweet." Azure, who knew her Pokémon inside and out, added without thinking, then casually asked, "But Hugo, aren't I in charge of preparing the meals for the Pokémon in the agency now?"
“I’m considering whether to transplant a few more fruit trees in the yard. Originally, these fruit trees were supplied to Douzi as a bargaining chip for the rent, but now with the daily consumption of these Pokémon, we’re starting to run into a deficit.”
"I see." The girl nodded. "So, are there any miscellaneous tasks at the office today that require my attention as their only employee?"
Hugo wasn't a demanding boss, and didn't assign any new work: "The investigation into the dark web and black market is now being handled by Grandpa Tie Xuan. There aren't any cases worth noting at the Feiyun Police Station for the time being. If no client comes this morning, you can rest on the sofa."
"Thank you so much." Azure yawned as she walked towards the rest area, while Eevee wagged its tail and jumped onto the sofa first, curling up to take a nap.
Even detectives can't muster any energy on that dreaded Monday morning. Hugo opened the agency's public email and listlessly browsed the messages.
Despite the media backlash against Hugo, the firm still had the prominent publicity of the Yu Xi Mansion and Touko's mother. While the workload wasn't overwhelming, it was certainly steady.
First, decline any requests that seem too troublesome. For example, vaguely defined surveillance investigations, obviously baseless infidelity investigations, or outlandish field investigations where a detective is hired to find a legendary spirit…
If a detective takes on such troublesome cases casually, he may not only end up making a wasted trip without receiving payment, but he may also have conflicts with those involved in the case, ultimately leaving both parties unhappy.
Then there are the requests to reject those that are completely impossible to complete. For example, a request for a detective to investigate the United Federation's shady dealings free of charge out of a sense of social justice; a request to travel across half the globe to investigate a giant corporation's alleged smuggling activities; and a request to persuade a cheating husband to change his mind...
Hugo carefully read through these letters, then wrote some specific suggestions as concisely as possible, and politely declined.
Even if a detective wanted to intervene in these kinds of cases, they would be powerless. For cases involving a large scale, the detective would still recommend reporting them through police procedures. As for some age-old family problems, Hugo would suggest that they seek mediation from local community organizations.
The rest are some very simple requests, with missing Pokémon cases making up a large proportion of them. Detectives wouldn't normally take on these kinds of requests, but now they can let Azur Lane and the Turtwigs run around doing it.
In addition, there were several routine background check requests. Hugo planned to conduct preliminary online investigations in the morning, and then contact the clients to confirm acceptance of the requests.
Hugo picked up his coffee and took a sip. Just as he was getting lost in the mundane routines and beginning to lament the lack of innovative crimes in the world—
Outside the gate of Yuqi Residence, there was a loud banging on the door.
The knocking wasn't loud, just a little louder than a normal knock, but it was enough to startle the people inside—because Yuxi Residence has a courtyard and walls, and usually when guests visit, the doorbell should ring instead of the knocking.
Having clearly taken a nap, Bilan hurriedly rushed to the firm's office area, unsure of what to do as she looked at the rattling door.
"Could it be that our enemies have come knocking on our door?"
Eevee and Ditto beside the girl were ready for battle.
The detective stood up and calmly walked towards the door.
"The knocking wasn't loud or soft; it wasn't the kind of knocking that comes from anger, but rather a subconscious action from someone who was nervous. We didn't turn on the main lights in the morning, so the person outside probably wouldn't know what was going on inside, but they kept knocking without hesitation, which means they were familiar with our working hours. Finally, considering that they were able to get through the gate and into the yard, it was quite clear who was standing outside."
Azure then remembered that Hugo had once said he could discern a visitor's identity and purpose from the rhythm of their knocking. So he wasn't just boasting.
Hugo opened the door, and standing outside was an anxious, short-haired older woman.
Azure recognized this person; she was Reina, the eldest sister who was employed to take care of the fruit trees in the courtyard of the Feathered Residence. Azure had seen her a few times before. Azure remembered that Reina also had a very cute little doll, which would always help Reina with its cultivation tools when she was tending to the fruit trees.
“This is our client for today,” Hugo said to Azure, then turned to Reina—
“Miss Tree Berry Cultivator, I can tell you’re a little flustered, but I suggest you take a few deep breaths first. It will help you express your purpose more clearly. Also, it would be best to wait for your 'Almost Doll'. You ran too fast on the way here, and it’s still closing the gate for you at the courtyard entrance.”
Five minutes later, a Pokémon with large, bright blue eyes entered the main hall of the Featherwood Residence. It politely waved and greeted Azure and Hugo, then sat down next to the trainers.
The little fire monkeys had gotten up sometime earlier and, as usual, served hot tea to the guests.
Sitting on the sofa reserved for clients, Rena took a deep breath and explained to Hugo the reason for her hasty visit—
“Detective Hugo, Miss Azure, I’ve run into a really bad situation, and you two have to give me some advice. Look, my partner, Almost Doll, and I found this on the roadside today.”
The short-haired woman opened her clenched fist in front of the detective and his assistant, revealing the contents inside.
It was a crystal-clear object, like a glass bead, with pink patterns in the shape of a gene spiral.
Azure looked astonished: "Could this be... a Mega Evolution Stone?"
I never expected that after having a super evolution battle in a video game just yesterday, related items would appear in the real world today.
"I heard that Mega Stones attract the corresponding Pokémon, and this stone is pinkish-white..." Hugo stroked his chin, "Could it be the Mega Stone that corresponds to a doll?"
"I don't know. This glass bead starts flashing when it touches a doll. I was wondering if it's some kind of valuable battle item, so I came to discuss it with you." The gardener shook her head vigorously, then looked at Hugo with a puzzled expression—
"By the way, what exactly is that Mega Evolution Stone you guys are talking about?"
The assistant stared blankly, looking like she thought, "No way!" The detective rubbed his forehead and explained—
"A Mega Stone is an item that can temporarily change the form of a Pokémon, and only certain Pokémon can perform this miraculous Mega Evolution. These stones are more common in the Kalos and Hoenn regions, but they don't seem to be found in Unova, which is probably why they're not well-known. Currently, the only Unova Pokémon known to be able to Mega Evolve are..."
The detective pointed to the gardener's side, to the pink Pokémon with its innocent-looking big eyes.
"There is only one Pokémon, the 'Almost Doll'."