SCIAW: Chapter 308: Being Seen Through Little Thoughts

After settling her emotions, Kisaki Eri did her best to calm down. Otherwise, she might not be able to stop herself from beating that kid to death.

"Do you know anything about that organization?"

"I don’t. All I know is that their goal seems to be developing a drug that grants immortality."

Immortality… Kisaki Eri could only feel a pounding headache now.

Immortality was something pursued in every era. It existed in the past, and it’s no exception now. She just didn’t expect that brat, who had turned into a child, to be tied to such a drug.

"If that’s the case, then that brat must never be exposed. If anyone finds out he’s still alive, something major will definitely happen. And it won’t just be him in trouble. Anyone connected to him will probably be dragged into it as well."

From a normal standpoint, Kisaki Eri would never believe something so ridiculous.

Seeking immortality through drugs? Isn’t that just nonsense?

If a fantasy like that actually worked, every powerful organization in the world would be scrambling for it.

But with Edogawa Conan—such a real and living example—in front of her, she couldn’t help but believe it. Just like how her daughter had developed superpowers.

"Mom, didn’t Aunt Yukiko say when she left Edogawa Conan with Dad that Kudo Shinichi had died in an accident?"

With Ran’s reminder, Kisaki Eri recalled that it was indeed true.

"Was his death confirmed? That brat really went all in."

No need to say it. Kisaki Eri knew this definitely wasn’t something Yukiko or Yusaku would have decided on their own.

The only one who would go so far as to completely erase Kudo Shinichi’s identity was Shinichi himself. And it’s something that required a lot of determination to pull off.

"Yusaku must have taken care of the fingerprint and blood type issues. With his connections, he probably replaced them long ago. Kudo Shinichi’s identity is effectively a suicide."

"At the very least, those two wouldn’t make any mistakes when it comes to this kind of thing."

Yukiko might not be that meticulous, but Yusaku definitely was. That’s something Kisaki Eri could agree with.

"Ran, your reaction earlier was very good. From now on, just treat Kudo Shinichi as dead. Don’t think about him anymore."

At this point, Kisaki Eri wanted to cut off all lingering thoughts her daughter might have.

"Mom, I already knew Shinichi had that plan and intended to use that method to enter our home. I knew… but I couldn’t accept it."

Ran understood her mother’s concerns. That’s why she decided to be honest now.

The moment Kudo Shinichi chose to erase his identity, their fates were sealed.

If he had just told her before that fateful roller coaster ride, maybe something could’ve changed.

But now, it was too late for regrets.

No matter how much patience she had, she couldn’t let herself be dragged down anymore.

And when Kudo Shinichi’s identity was truly dead and gone, she had already made up her mind to let go.

"That’s good."

Kisaki Eri had been worried that her daughter might go back on her resolve. But now, it looked like she didn’t need to worry.

"Let’s leave that brat's matter here. Don’t bring up Kudo Shinichi’s name again. If someone hears it, it could lead to unnecessary trouble."

After giving more instructions and confirming that her daughter nodded along, Kisaki Eri finally moved on from the topic.

"Now, let’s talk about your superpowers. Ran, this was the main reason you wanted to talk to me today, right?"

"Yeah."

Ran didn’t deny it. Shinichi’s issue was just a side matter. There were other things her mother needed to know, at least so she wouldn’t be too surprised if something unusual happened in the future.

"I… or rather, we all got special powers."

"We?"

"We gained powers through certain special means. Besides me and Sonoko, there are a few other girls as well."

After hearing her daughter’s explanation, Kisaki Eri finally understood why the Occult Research Club had outdoor activities every week. So it was actually a gathering of those with powers.

"So, how exactly did you get those powers?"

"That… I can’t say for now."

Ran hadn’t given her any specific details, but Kisaki Eri wasn’t upset. Some things naturally came with restrictions. And she could sense that this path didn’t just involve Ran, but many others too.

Kisaki Eri just nodded lightly.

"So, why did you decide to tell me today?"

"Because… many of the other girls’ families already know. People in Fujiwara Chika and Sonoko’s families probably already found out. I figured I couldn’t hide it from you either, so I wanted to be honest about my situation."

"Hmm..."

Kisaki Eri gave a light nod. She could accept what Ran was saying.

In fact, having the family know about these things was better. At least the parents wouldn’t be overly anxious when their kids acted out of the ordinary.

However, Kisaki Eri folded her arms and crossed one leg, calmly thinking through the situation.

"Ran, you’re not good at some things, especially improvisation. And you’ve never been good at lying."

Kisaki Eri had already picked up on the lie in her daughter’s words.

"You’ve always been a gentle child since you were little. Both Kogoro and I could always trust you. If you thought we needed to know something, you’d have told us right away. So this time, I’m sure this wasn’t your idea. Someone told you it was okay to tell me, and that’s why you did."

The sudden sharpness in her tone made Ran's eyelids twitch. She knew her mother could see through her lies, but she didn’t expect her to call it out so directly.

Normally, Kisaki Eri wouldn’t expose her daughter’s little white lies. After all, who doesn’t hide things now and then?

But this time was different. The nature of the situation was different, and she needed to know more.

Under her mother’s piercing gaze, Ran could only admit awkwardly:

"Yes, someone else told me to say it."

"Was it someone important?"

"Yes..."

"Is it related to your path?"

"!?"

Seeing her daughter’s startled expression, Kisaki Eri confirmed her guess. Then, she moved on to another question she needed to verify.

"It’s a boy, isn’t it?"

"!!!"

I knew it… Kisaki Eri let out a quiet sigh. No wonder her daughter had been acting shy. So it really was because of a boy.

(To be continued.)