I’ve gotten a bit drunk. Junko thought to herself as she reached the restroom and coated her eyes with a moist handkerchief. Whereas the high-priced champagne was a deal with, she was inclined to overindulge, maybe out of a way that it will be a waste if she didn’t benefit from the champagne now.

To the fitting of the entrance entrance was the restroom. Subsequent to it was a stairway main as much as the second ground. On the left was the kitchen door with direct entry to the eating room, and straight forward from the doorway was the corridor door.

When Junko returned to the corridor, Tokizane was watching the radio clock on the wall.

“It’s 8:50 now. Assuming that the clock is correct, I suppose we’d higher get began. Are you all prepared?”

A number of of them dropped their eyes to their wristwatch. Junko additionally checked out her TAG Heuer wristwatch and located that the time was exactly constant, not a minute off.

Because it was a radio clock, absolutely it will be spot on. Though she puzzled why he was so sure that the radio clock was correct, she was extra intrigued by what was to unfold.

“Thanks to your endurance. I’ll now current to you among the most distinctive items within the Mori Reiko Assortment. These are uncommon items that even artwork exhibitions would occasionally show… Please, Sasaki.”

A stunned expression crossed Natsumi’s face, however she picked up one thing like a distant management and handed it to Tokizane.

“Reiko she… No, I imply, shouldn’t we wait to your spouse?” Kumakura arched an eyebrow in suspicion.

“Whilst you guys had been ready, she informed me to let everybody check out her assortment.”

Tokizane beamed, pointing the distant management at a cupboard on the wall on the west aspect.

Accompanied by the faint sound of a motor, your entire cupboard moved to the south, revealing a big hole within the wall.

From there, a 70-centimeter-high show desk slowly rose to the entrance.

A pant of amazement could be heard.

Eight desk clocks had been organized in a row on a pink carpet, dazzling within the gentle.

“Everybody, please be at liberty to return nearer and take a look.”

At Tokizane’s voice, everybody gathered in entrance of the show desk.

Regardless of Junko’s restricted data of vintage clocks and watches, she was instantly satisfied that every of the items on show was a worthwhile cultural asset.

In entrance of every clock was a nameplate with a short description. On the very entrance was [① Rhinoceros Clock]. With a bronze rhinoceros carrying a gold leaf clock on its again, the outline indicated that it was the identical sort of clock just like the one displayed on the Louvre Museum. Subsequent was the bronze [② Camel Table Clock], which was completely adorned with gold leaf. Whereas [③ Métiers d’Arca] was a product of Vacheron Constantin utilizing massive crystal blocks, [④ Table Clock by Émile Gallé] was not a famend glasswork, however a Rococo-style ceramic clock.

On the heart was the [⑤ Myriad Year Clock], the one Japanese-style clock. The glass dome on the prime drew a touch of robot-like high quality from previous sci-fi motion pictures, regardless of the three-layered pedestal and dial being weighty and artisan-like.

The clocks from ⑥ to ⑧, which had been the furthest away from the desk, had the mystifying identify, “Thriller Clock”. These three clocks garnered the majority of the company’ consideration.

“Unbelievable! Are these all genuine?”

Even that Hikijii had been fully drained of his venomous nature.

“Effectively, I by no means thought a single particular person might amass such a exceptional assortment… Mori by no means shared a single phrase about it with me. Would you be occupied with doing a characteristic article about these for my firm’s journal subsequent time?”

Motojima’s voice was additionally abnormally low as if he was striving to keep up his emotion in test.

“I’ll go the message on to her,” Tokizane casually mentioned.

“Is a thriller clock actually that extraordinary?” Junko requested, to which all of them exchanged a glance of bewilderment.

“Effectively, if I can nu[i]… acquire this, my life might be at a degree the place I’m freed from regrets,” mentioned Enomoto, who was additionally overwhelmed by the state of affairs, his tongue unusually twitching.

…However, she puzzled who would mistake the phrase “acquire[ii]” for “nushu”? If that was not the case, what did “nu” imply? What sort of verb begins with “Nu”?

“The inventor of the thriller clock is Robert Oudin, a watchmaker-turned-magician who is named the daddy of recent conjuring,” Tokizane elaborated with nice gusto.

Cartier had created a couple of hundred distinct thriller clocks, all of which had been unparalleled of their aesthetics. The primary thriller clock produced by Cartier was in 1912, [⑥ Model A], with its easy, box-shaped kind and refined magnificence. The bottom was composed of white agate, whereas the dial was made from quartz and the needles had been original of platinum and diamonds.”

When Junko drew nearer and considered the three clocks, she was struck by their magnificence.

Not solely [Model A] but in addition [⑦Chimera] and [⑧ Panthère] proved to be within the realm of the best degree of artwork craftsmanship. Moreover, these works weren’t merely stunning.

“As you’ll be able to see, the needles are put in within the heart of the crystal dial, and there’s no indication of motion round them. So how is it potential to make the time tick? That is what distinguishes the Thriller Clock as a thriller.”

Certainly, how might the needle function in such a manner?

“Enomoto, do you grasp the trick?”

“In spite of everything, the precise product is true in entrance of your eyes. That is a lot simpler than the locked room trick,” Enomoto remarked conspiratorially.

“Placing apart the problem of the puzzle, it’s important to admire the truth that somebody has really reworked an ingenious thought―  and turned it into such a fantastic murals.”

Regardless of her brainstorming, Junko couldn’t fathom the mechanism.

“Are these three clocks working now?” 

In response to Junko’s query, Tokizane shook his head.

“Sadly, the one one that may be operated presently is [Model A] nevertheless it has been put to a cease due to the pressure it was imposing on the mechanism.”

Talking of which, all the clocks had been indicating the hour at 10:09. As in many of the commercial images of watches, the positioning of the lengthy and brief palms was most likely probably the most stunning time to view it.

“Now, women and gents. Truly, that is the place the actual enjoyable begins,” Tokizane continued with a beaming smile.

“Please guess the sequence wherein the eight clocks’ costs are listed. One in all you’ll earn a unbelievable prize as an early Christmas current do you have to get it proper. Whereas the reward shouldn’t be as putting as the opposite eight clocks, it’s a beautiful desk clock that could be the focus of an artwork exhibition. Whether it is auctioned off, there isn’t any doubt that it’ll garner a really excessive value.”

Natsumi’s mouth dropped open whereas she stared at Tokizane as if she hadn’t been briefed on the topic beforehand.

“How would the winners be chosen if there are a number of correct solutions?” Kawai licked his lips as he inquired. He was all of a sudden fired up.

“They’ll be decided by drawing tons in such occasion, however it is a very difficult puzzle. I doubt that greater than two folks will get it proper,” Tokizane confidently answered. “Subsequently, I wished everybody to expertise these eight masterpieces by means of all your 5 senses. The concept is to help you view the works from an in depth distance, not by means of glass, and to the touch them along with your palms.”

“Tokizane. That’s not…” 

Tokizane dismissed Natsumi with a wave of his hand simply as she was able to say one thing.

“It’s high quality, I obtained permission,” Tokizane mentioned as he walked over to the show desk. “Nevertheless, please don’t take any photos. Reiko has already given me express directions on this level. I wish to ask you all to protect this soul-stirring magnificence in your minds and hearts as a dream for the night.”

Tokizane opened a drawer within the show desk and retrieved a big jewellery tray and a pair of white gloves.

“Additionally, please take off your rings, cufflinks, and wristwatches, as a result of if the clocks get broken, there’s no solution to recuperate them. Please depart them with me… I offers you all a pair of gloves.”

After receiving the white gloves from Tokizane, Natsumi distributed them to everybody. Apparently, he had ready enough gloves for the variety of folks. Within the meantime, Tokizane collected their wristwatches.

“I feel that this one gained’t be broken since it’s completely made from resin.” 

When Enomoto pointed on the G-Shock and requested, Tokizane mentioned it was simply in case, and insisted that he take it off. After inserting the watches and rings on a tray, he put them within the drawer of the show desk and locked it.

Why is it essential to be so stringent? Junko’s faint doubts had been as soon as extra overshadowed by the fun in her coronary heart. Sorting by means of the eight clocks in value order should be no cakewalk, however the thriller clocks most likely ranked within the prime three. So long as she does effectively, she might have an honest probability of getting it proper.

Tokizane whispered one thing in Natsumi’s ear. Natsumi nodded tentatively. Maybe he was reminding her to be on the alert to forestall theft or accidents from going down.

As Junko turned her consideration again to Enomoto, she was startled. His habits appeared much more suspicious than earlier than. Might it’s that he was making an attempt to grab this chance to steal it? Even when he had been to bump into considered one of this stuff in full view of the general public (which might be unattainable in itself), it’s extremely unrealistic to imagine that he would have the ability to abscond with it or conceal it elsewhere.

Nonetheless, it’s troublesome to discern what he’s pondering. I’ve to keep watch over him. This was a uncommon alternative, and she or he wished to focus on the worth estimation, however she involuntarily clicked her tongue slightly. As Natsumi’s eyes met hers in astonishment, she tried to go it off with the best diploma of a smile she might muster.

Junko was in a position to objectively analyze the environment of the state of affairs, presumably because of her warning in direction of Enomoto. The company appeared totally enthralled by the sport.

Particularly, Kawai Masahiko’s eyes appeared to shift coloration as he stroked and rubbed the clock with the fingers inside his white glove. Is that this as a result of he might inherit the property? Or maybe he was in monetary constraints and desired the clock as a prize at any value.

As for Motojima Koichi, he was continually sighing and racking his mind. It appeared like he actually hadn’t heard something about this assortment from Mori Reiko.

Kumakura Shogo glared on the [Rhinoceros Table Clock] as if he was leering at it together with his eyes. He sometimes faucets his fingertips as if palpating, which could have stemmed from his occupation.

Hikijii’s palms had been trembling in a manner that was evident to anybody who noticed him. For some motive, Junko didn’t really feel any concern that over-excitement could be adversarial to his coronary heart however feared that he may knock over the clock together with his fist.

Enomoto’s eyes, like these of a cat stalking its prey, had been riveted on the three mysterious clocks.

He appeared to be particularly obsessive about [Model A]. He would stare upon it from totally different angles, up and down, left and proper, after which he would go behind the show desk and peer by means of the quartz dials.

Earlier than Junko was conscious of it, she too was absorbed within the technique of analyzing the eight clocks.

In spite of everything, the three thriller clocks had been probably the most important. Amongst them, [Model A] stood out for its magnificence. The 2 leopards going through one another in [Panthère] had been additionally breathtakingly resplendent with high quality jewellery, and their opulence was second to none.

In any occasion, the primary three locations have been established. Then, which can occupy the fourth place, [Rhinoceros Table Clock] or [Métiers d’Arcas]? The unreadable [Myriad Year Clock] would most likely fetch an astronomical value if it had been to be thought of a historic worth. Effectively, given the situation of the piece, one has to suspect that it could be a duplicate.

Tokizane, who had been standing again and watching the company, silently went out at that time. Junko couldn’t assist however discover his footsteps due to his stealthy motion.

As Tokizane approached the backyard terrace, he gingerly pulled open the curtains. The complete moon could possibly be noticed within the southern sky.

Subsequently, he opened the wood sash and stepped out into the backyard, propped up on what seemed like a sandal. At that prompt, Junko seen that Tokizane was holding a satellite tv for pc cellular phone in his hand. It appeared that he was planning to name somebody.

Tokizane closed the sash and pressed the satellite tv for pc telephone towards his ear. After conversing with somebody for some time, he opened the sash once more and known as out to somebody inside.

“Motojima. President Shimizu is on the road. Please communicate to him.”

It turned out that the particular person he was speaking to was Shimizu Takashi, the president of Tobishima Bookstore.

Motojima’s face grew to become blatantly aggravated. A salaryman who wished to speak to the president even when on a visit could be as uncommon as a thief who picks up a pockets and delivers it to a police station. To not point out the truth that he was now preoccupied with making an attempt to guage the costs of the vintage watches.

Even so, Motojima flashed a smile straight away and strode over to Tokizane. After receiving the satellite tv for pc telephone, he repeatedly lowered his head whereas saying a couple of phrases. Though it was not a videophone and he might lie on his again with legs outstretched, it should have been a behavior in his line of labor.

When Junko seemed again, the radio clock on the wall met her eyes.

It was 9:08 pm. Eighteen minutes had handed because the recreation of guessing the costs had begun.

Whereas speaking on the satellite tv for pc cellular phone, Motojima was nodding his head. Junko all of a sudden furrowed her forehead on the sight of this.

She puzzled what sort of output energy the satellite tv for pc cellular telephone emitted. Contemplating that they had been speaking with a satellite tv for pc orbiting far above the Earth, the sign should be far more intense than abnormal mobile telephones.

After all, because the backyard terrace and the corridor the place Motojima was chatting had been separated by a sash, it was unlikely that this could have an effect on them, however there was no manner that Hikijii would stay silent when he witnessed this.

As he circled, Hikijii had simply set his sights on the backyard terrace.

He ought to have seen Motojima was utilizing a satellite tv for pc cellular phone. Junko watched with bated breath, anticipating him to burst right into a match of rage at any second.

Nevertheless, opposite to Junko’s expectations, Hikijii didn’t exhibit any response. He shifted his gaze to his hand, and whereas stroking and rubbing the [Camel Table Clock] together with his quivering hand, he stored racking his mind and mumbling one thing. He apparently possessed sly adaptability to the prevailing state of affairs and was not involved in regards to the cellular phone sign in the mean time.

After all, it will be preferable if no issues arose, however the feeling of betrayal infuriated her. She puzzled how he would reply if she walked as much as him and turned on her telephone proper now. Nevertheless, she lacked the braveness to truly do it. For the reason that sign was out of vary, it wouldn’t make any sense.

Motojima returned to the corridor at a fast pace, as if he had been racing, after returning the satellite tv for pc telephone in a well timed method. As anticipated, he wished to get again into the sport as quickly as potential.

At one level, Tokizane stored up the dialog, however then walked away and disappeared from sight.

When she puzzled the place he had gone, Sasaki Natsumi cleared her throat and mentioned, “Then, I’m going to modify the lighting. Please have a look at the halogen footlights. By altering the lighting, you need to have the ability to understand the masterpieces in a distinct gentle.”

With a press of the distant management change, the ceiling cove’s oblique lights dimmed and the room grew to become pitch black aside from the pink embers left by the hearth. From someplace, a faint digital beeping sound could possibly be heard. The footlights on the show desk had been illuminated in a matter of seconds.

Everybody let loose a sigh of admiration.

Eight small but extremely luminous halogen lighting dazzled the eight show clocks within the planetarium-like darkness. Amongst them, the great thing about [Model A] and [Panthère] was past description. Merely beholding them was like being lured into one other world.

“I suppose that is within the first place in any case…” Kawai whispered as if he was overcome with emotion.

There could be little question about it. Junko nodded in settlement. This was a masterpiece created by human palms.

Even Enomoto might perceive why he wished to “nu-shu” it.

Everybody was completely spellbound by the eight masterpieces whereas additionally being pushed by avarice that that they had fully misplaced observe of time.

When Junko felt the presence of somebody within the backyard, she lifted her eyes.

It appeared that Tokizane had returned. Via the sliding glass window, Tokizane can nonetheless be seen speaking on the satellite tv for pc cellular telephone. As quickly as Tokizane completed his name, he opened the sash and entered the corridor.

“Effectively, how is everybody doing? Have you ever drawn to a conclusion?” Tokizane requested pleasantly.

“Effectively, I kind of figured it out… However who is aware of whether or not it’s right?”

As Kawai folded his arms, he shook his head faintly. He appeared to be below the pressure of unbounded uncertainty.

“Anyway, this one shouldn’t be really easy to unravel, proper? Possibly there’s a particular trick to it?”

Kumakura’s tone was 50 p.c extra tenacious.

However, all of them should be on the identical web page this time. Tokizane had talked about that if anybody obtained the reply proper, it will be just one particular person. If that had been the case, not less than one of many clocks would have been unexpectedly low-cost or costly. In different phrases, this was a trick query.

“Oh effectively. It’s truthful to imagine you don’t belief me, however I’m not taking part in tips. Should you can see with an unprejudiced thoughts, you need to have the ability to discover the fitting reply… So, are you able to flip the lights again on?”

Beneath Tokizane’s instruction, Natsumi operated the distant management. Roughly the identical time because the halogen lamps had been turned off, the white gentle of the LED oblique lighting enveloped the company and snapped them again to actuality.

“It’s now 9:39,” Tokizane mentioned, wanting on the radio clock on the wall.

“Thus far, 49 minutes have elapsed because the recreation started at 8:50 p.m. I can think about that it should have been fairly a battle for you all, however given the truth that everybody was in a position to observe it so attentively, it is going to now be as much as your discerning eyes to guage the rating.”

Tokizane’s tone of voice sounded considerably exuberant.

Even Junko checked the time and contemplated if 49 minutes had elapsed. It felt as if it has flown by within the blink of a watch, however then again, it additionally left her with a way that it had been a prolonged and intense interval.

“Is Reiko nonetheless working?” 

Natsumi affirmatively nodded when Tokimi requested.

“Are you able to go and test on her? From this level on, it’s lastly time for the climax and we’re going to verify the solutions of the sport.”

Natsumi’s expression grew startled but once more.

“Um, however she has talked about that in work, no person can disturb her.”

“It’s okay. Tonight is particular.”

“However…” 

Natsumi couldn’t disguise her consternation.

“Come on, we don’t wish to preserve our company ready, proper? Don’t fear. I’ll take full duty.”

“I perceive.” 

With a considerably glad look on her face, Natsumi opened the door and walked out of the corridor.

“Now! Let’s hear your solutions now. On this poll, please write the numbers from ① to ⑧ within the order you deem the costs to be the costliest.”

Tokizane handed out a sheet of paper to every of the company. Though the papers gave the impression to be abnormal notepapers, upon nearer inspection, the signature of Tokizane Genki was stamped in vermilion on all of them.

“As for the remainder, it goes with out saying, however it is a write-in poll, so please write your identify down. Lacking names is not going to disqualify you, but when there are a number of ballots with out your identify and considered one of them is right, there could also be a dispute over the awarding of the prize.”

What ought to I do? On the final minute, Junko was significantly considering her resolution.

Ought to she persist with her authentic intention and choose the three thriller clocks, [⑥ Model A], [⑧ Panthère], and [⑦ Chimera], as the highest three? However she couldn’t determine what to do after that. It could be protected to decide on [① Rhinoceros Table Clock], [② Camel Table Clock], and [③ Métiers d’Arcas] in that order, however then the solutions would sure to be the identical as another person’s. Will probably be crucial for the reply to be authentic or to be progressive someplace. The [④ Table Clock by Émile Gallé] was ceramic, not the favored glass one, and the [⑤ Myriad Year Clock] appeared too pretentious to be the best choice…

Abruptly, a scream resounded from someplace. It was a girl’s voice. All people raised their heads in shock.

“What was that?” Motojima requested Tokizane, leaning ahead and scanning the world like a meerkat on the prowl for international intruders.

“Effectively, I ponder what that was.” Tokizane unfold his palms out as if he had no clue what was occurring.

The corridor door was violently shoved open, and Natsumi dashed in, following the sound of footsteps speeding down the steps.

“What’s occurring?” Tokizane remarked as if to criticize her for her impertinence.

“Reiko… Reiko is!” Natsumi was so shocked that she coated her face together with her palms.

“What occurred to Reiko? Converse correctly.”

“Let’s go! Is Mori in her research?”

Motojima, Kawai, and Kumakura bolted from the corridor in that order. Junko instantly adopted, however then she realized and checked out Enomoto. This man couldn’t be left behind with the priceless paintings.

As soon as Enomoto’s eyes locked with Junko’s, he all of a sudden began working with gentle footsteps. Junko was proper behind him and stored a watchful eye on him. When she glanced again on the prime of the steps, she discovered Hikijii in a wheelchair and Tokizane with Natsumi exiting the corridor.

As Enomoto stormed up the steps, he rapidly caught up with them.

Whereas Junko almost misplaced management of her steps when her slipper slipped off, she managed to carry on to the handrail and keep away from falling down.

As soon as upstairs, they discovered Motojima and the others paralyzed in entrance of the room on the finish of the corridor. That they had left the door open.

She caught a glimpse of the within of the room as she approached from behind. The research, which was most likely greater than 33.058 sq. meters, consisted of built-in bookcases, a settee for resting, and a desk with a pc.  

Then, behind the desk, there was an individual mendacity face down on the ground. 

Though she couldn’t see her face, the deep crimson cocktail costume was recognizable.

It was the costume worn by Mori Reiko. 

T/N:

[i] The phrase “nu” is related to [ii]

[ii] Acquire in Japanese is “入手” (Nyūshu) whereas Nu is ぬ. For many who are curious, the synopsis already talked about that Enomoto is a thief and steal in Japanese is 盗む (Nusumu)