The Swindler, the Vanishing Man, and the Pretty Boys
27. Disguises
Fudatsuki’s evil scheme had started with counterfeit bills, so I figured we would repay him by making counterfeit invitations, but Sotoin’s plan was focused on the part of his evil scheme that involved the invisible kuroko─and we would repay him by becoming as invisible as the kuroko ourselves, and infiltrating the casino that way.
This explanation has probably left my readers quite confused, and indeed, I was quite confused myself, but perhaps thanks to his silent connection with Sotoin, the child genius sprang immediately into action─and while his face was blank, I suppose his heart may have been brimming with enthusiasm to carry out the leader’s order.
I, however, was still in the dark.
“I see. In other words, you intend for us to melt into the scenery─in which case, we won’t even need four invitations, let alone six.”
It was only thanks to Sakiguchi’s explanation (translation) that my dull mind finally grasped the whole plan.
“The staff entrance was around back,” added the delinquent, who apparently had scoped out the layout on our last visit─although I’m not sure if he did so because he’s thorough, or because he was considering possible escape routes after losing all his cash.
“The staff entrance? Huh? What do you mean?”
Mr. Bare-Legs seemed to be the only one who still didn’t get it─which made sense, since I suppose he alone had some unresolved issues on the table.
The staff entrance.
In other words, Sotoin’s plan wasn’t for us to sneak into the Reasonable Doubt as guests, but to disguise ourselves as staff─after all, the art of disguise is a fundamental skill for detectives.
Be a detective.
The third rule of the Pretty Boy Detective Club.
We’d just fled the place in disgrace, and everyone knew our faces. We could go back in disguise, but even if we somehow fabricated two more invitations, if we went as guests the staff would probably be watching us like hawks.
And if they saw through our disguises, maneuvering would be that much harder─but if we went in as staff, well, that wasn’t just a bold plan, it would hit them right in their blind spot.
We’d naturally be able to blend in, and as long as the other staff didn’t recognize us, they wouldn’t have their guard up─which meant we’d be free to carry out our sleuthing unhampered.
Plus, we wouldn’t need invitations.
Well, it was true that we wouldn’t need four, but we would need one. Even if five of us played back-up as staff members, someone had to face off with the maestro on stage.
The question was, who would it be─
“Ahem. I suppose it must be me.”
The leader stepped forward.
…Part of me felt like this was insanely risky, but it also seemed like it might be our only option.
Sakiguchi had already been on stage, so he was out, and the delinquent specialized in losing, so he wouldn’t do either─I could just imagine Michiru the Epicure being eaten alive.
Mr. Bare-Legs seemed more suited to physical activity and fooling around than an onstage showdown.
What about me, then? Well, I didn’t even know the rules of the games, which meant I’d be more use assisting as “Mayumi the Seer.”
The child genius seemed like he’d be able to apply his genius to gambling, but he and I couldn’t communicate, which would render my assistance useless.
Which left Sotoin.
The leader himself would lead the attack.
Of course, he’d have to wear a disguise since they already knew his face.
“Very true, young Dojima. Indeed, since all eyes will be on me, including those of the overseer sitting directly across from me, I’ll probably need the most carefully constructed costume of all─hmm. Yes, that appears to be my only choice.”
What does?
I found out soon enough.
And then we set off for Kamikazari Middle School once more.