"This is what I'm most proud of—it's a magic trick that only twins like Lynette and I can pull off!"
"We put a lot of effort into perfecting this performance."
Lyney continued explaining in detail.
"The whole process is actually quite simple, but every little detail matters."
"Lynette steps out of what appears to be an ordinary box, and just before the box is lifted onto the platform, she quickly dives into a hidden tunnel we prepared in advance, slipping out of sight."
"At the same time, I emerge from another identical box placed among the audience. And with that, the trick is complete…"
"Everything should've gone smoothly, just as we rehearsed."
At this point, Lyney frowned, a look of helplessness and confusion clouding his face.
"But who could've predicted what actually happened? When the box was opened again, it wasn't the lucky audience member chosen to participate who was inside—it was Mr. Cowell!"
"And the truly bizarre part? The original participant just vanished—without a trace, like they were erased from existence."
Lynette spread her hands in confusion, just as baffled.
"We have no clue what's going on."
Navia clapped lightly and praised them.
"If it weren't for these unexpected twists, there's no doubt this would've been a truly spectacular and breathtaking magic performance. Honestly, if I hadn't seen it myself, I wouldn't believe such a trick could even be possible. But unfortunately…"
She paused, her tone turning grim.
"What's even more shocking is that someone actually used such a sophisticated trick to commit a crime…"
"Can we look around a bit? I think we might find more clues."
Furina nodded.
"Of course. But don't tamper with the scene."
"Obviously!"
…
"So these are the new clues."
A shattered water bottle—its shards glimmering faintly under the light;
A hook, dropped and lying on the floor;
And the crumpled clothes of the lucky participant, discarded messily on the ground…
"This is getting boring."
Shajin stretched with an exaggerated yawn, his tone languid and indifferent, as if none of this truly interested him.
Furina blinked her large, curious eyes and asked,
"Shajin, don't tell me… you've already figured out what happened?"
Shajin arched an eyebrow, half-amused.
"What, don't tell me you haven't, Miss Furina?"
Startled, Furina leaned back like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, stammering in defense.
"I-I obviously knew too! I was just… testing you!"
Shajin chuckled softly, a playful glint in his eye.
"Oh? Is that so? As expected of the brilliant Lady Furina~"
Furina pouted, grumbling inwardly.
Hmph! She had known from the start this Shajin guy had a rotten personality—so smug!
At that moment, all eyes turned toward Shajin as he casually strolled over to the ventilation duct. With a dramatic flair, he called out loudly,
"Now then, everyone, keep your eyes wide open! It's time for my version of the Great Vanishing Act!"
As his voice dropped, the room fell silent. Everyone held their breath in anticipation of what was to come.
"This… is the moment of truth!"
With a sudden shout, Shajin spun and kicked the iron panel covering the ventilation duct.
BOOM! The heavy metal plate blasted off like a cannonball, slamming into the distant wall with a thunderous CRASH.
Inside the duct—was the missing lucky audience member, eyes wide with terror and disbelief.
Shajin waved casually.
"Hey there~"
Navia reacted instantly.
"Melus! Silver! Seize her—now!"
Furina jumped up in excitement.
"Shajin, that was amazing!"
Shajin gave her a knowing, cryptic smile.
"Don't get too excited. The real show's just beginning~"
…
The next day, the opera house was packed with spectators awaiting the trial.
Lively chatter filled the air as everyone exchanged theories.
"Silence! Silence!"
Clack—Clack.
Neuvillette struck his cane against the floor atop the high platform.
"Now calling the prosecution and the accused to the stage."
Furina stood in front of Shajin, chin raised, eyes fixed on Lyney and Lynette across the courtroom.
"Well, don't you look miserable. Let me guess—you found nothing during your investigation?"
"Not surprising. A guilty party could never find proof of their own innocence."
"But don't give up just yet. You're the opponents I've pinned my hopes on. If you surrender this easily, I'll be sorely disappointed."
Neuvillette clapped.
"With both sides present, the trial regarding the sudden incident during the magic performance shall now commence."
"To begin, Mr. Lyney, for the clarity of all present, please explain the mechanics of your trick."
"Of course, Chief Justice."
…
"I see."
"Then Mr. Lyney, based on your testimony… you hid in the box located in the audience from the very beginning of the trick, meaning you couldn't have committed the crime—is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Miss Furina, as the prosecution, do you have a rebuttal?"
Furina crossed her arms confidently.
"Absolutely, I do!"
"I'll light the first spark—Mr. Lyney, you're lying."
"You couldn't have been in the box the whole time if you kidnapped Halsey and killed Cowell. In fact, you were away from both the box and the tunnel for quite a while."
Lyney remained calm.
"You're simply assuming I'm guilty and building a theory on top of that assumption."
"Oh really? Then tell me—what did you hear while you were in the box?"
"The countdown, loud and clear. I timed my entrance with it to create the surprise."
"And only the countdown? Nothing else caught your attention?"
Lyney shook his head.
"Nothing else."
Furina smirked.
"But during the countdown—around the thirty-second mark—there was a loud bang. I'm sure everyone in the room heard it."
The audience began whispering.
"I heard it too."
"Same here."
"How could anyone not hear it?"
_
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