The First Investigation of Rookie Career Police Officer Akechi - Chapter 17
Chapter 17 : Troublesome Presence
“So, what Takayanagi-san meant by ‘In’ was the ‘Institute’ of the Board of Audit, right ?”
The day after their visit to the izakaya ‘Noro-chan’, Nakamura seated in a pipe chair within the document storage room, quietly whispered.
…The Board of Audit. It was established in the 13th year of the Meiji era as an agency directly under the predecessor of the Cabinet, the Tairo (Chief Minister). Subsequently, under the Imperial Constitution of the Empire of Japan, it held a unique status as an institution directly accountable to the Emperor and separate from the Prime Minister, and after the war, it continued to exist as a constitutionally independent body not belonging to the Diet, Cabinet, or Judiciary. While its true nature is mostly unknown to the general public, its authority is immense. It conducts on-site inspections of organizations and individuals regarding the use of state funds, supervises financial accounting, ensures its propriety, and seeks corrections…
“…And it meticulously pokes at every nook and cranny of the box, even to the point of destroying the entire box. A menacing presence that keeps all government employees at bay. It’s truly terrifying, terrifying…”
As Nakamura delivered his dramatic explanation, Kobayashi, sitting across from her, turned to Akechi, who was seated next to Nakamura, and spoke.
“But seriously, Akechi-kun, your sister working at the Board of Audit is quite surprising.”
Akechi responded with a wry smile.
“I heard she was promoted to investigator in the same department back in April, but I never expected it to be in the Ministry of Defense, and to think she was at that gathering with Yoshida-san and the others. It’s truly surprising.”
“However, this could be a chance. If we can talk to your sister, we might get one step closer to the truth. Do you think it’s possible to meet her?”
“She’s frequently away on weekdays for inspections, but weekends might work. However, there’s a small… problem.”
“A problem? Is there something that could be concerning?”
Akechi hesitated in his speech, and Kobayashi asked with concern. After a brief pause, Akechi responded.
“…It’s a little complicated, or you might say there’s something unusual about her. Is everyone fine with it?”
“I’m used to dealing with peculiar people, so it’s okay.”
Kobayashi answered while looking at Nakamura, who had a bewildered expression on her face.
†?†?†
On Saturday, the three of them arrived in front of Akechi’s sister’s residence in Komagome. As they peeked through the gate that resembled a traditional inn, they saw a single-story mansion at the far end of the garden. Nakamura, appearing stunned, asked Akechi.
“Eh, isn’t this Rikugien Garden?”
“Rikugien Garden is over there, isn’t it? This is my sister’s house.”
“So, this is Akechi-kun’s sister’s place, huh? It’s certainly out of the ordinary.”
“Eh… Ah, this house was used by my father when he stayed in Tokyo, and now my sister is using it. It’s a bit large, like a company residence. The uniqueness comes from my sister herself.”
While Akechi was explaining in haste, an elderly woman dressed in a traditional kimono approached from the other side of the gate. She stepped in front of Akechi and gave a bow.
“Young master Keiichirou, it’s been a while.”
“Ohh, Nanny, I’m relieved to see you in good health. Please take care of us today.”
“There it is, ‘Nanny’.”
“Who would have thought we’d actually encounter ‘Elderly Manservant’ and ‘Nanny’ in real life, huh?”
“N-no, that’s not it! This person is more like a caretaker for the company residence… Right, Nanny?”
“That’s correct.”
As they talked like that, the group walked along the garden’s stone path and were guided to the reception room right after entering the house.
The reception room was designed in Western style. Upon entering, a large fireplace adorned the left wall, with a spacious coffee table placed in front of it. Sofas were arranged in a U-shape around the table.
Kobayashi and the others sat down in a row facing the fireplace. Kobayashi took the middle seat with Akechi to his right and Nakamura to his left.
It didn’t take long before the nanny had tea and cookies ready. It wasn’t overly flashy, but the furniture in the reception room seemed undeniably high-quality. Looking out the window to the right, they had a magnificent view of a Japanese garden.
“Thank you for waiting.”
Akechi’s sister entered the reception room. Kobayashi and the others were amazed by her glamorous appearance in an elegant kimono.
Hi, If you like the novel, please let me know by leaving a rating or review for this series on Novel Updates (?? ? ??)
Translated by : Cutae30