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L.A.D. Riddle

L.A.D.谜题

19 chapters · 1031 lines · English and Chinese below. Japanese and Korean, voices and theatre mode are in the reader.

Probability Analysis 概率分析

At the Oasis, in the Ops Room.绿洲，指挥中心。

PersicariaStill no leads, Professor?还是没有头绪吗，教授？

ProfessorI wouldn't say that. I've got a few people in mind already. But ideally, we'd have someone who's... Tsk.倒也不是完全没有，人选已经有一些了。但最好能有一个……啧。

PersicariaYou've been agonizing about this for days now. Would you like to take a rest? I made you some coffee.您已经为此苦恼了好几天了，要不要休息一下呢？我给您泡了咖啡。

Persicaria sets a steaming cup of coffee down and its fragrance fills the air between us.帕斯卡放下一杯热腾腾的咖啡，香气弥散在两人之间。

ProfessorAlright, thanks. Let's put this aside for now. What were you going to tell me earlier?也好，谢谢。先不提这个了，刚才你是要和我说什么事？

PersicariaAh, it's like this. We just received a report from one of our scouting agents that we sent to a nearby Null Area.啊，是这样的。刚刚有一条报告，来自我们外派到附近空值区的侦察型智能体。

PersicariaIt seems they picked up a signal from a former resident of the Neural Cloud Sector not long ago, but we're not too sure about the specifics. Perhaps we should send someone to pick them up.似乎是原云图扇区的智能体前不久发来了讯号，具体情况还不明晰。或许我们得派人去接应一下。

ProfessorLet me see, so it's a new friend of ours. And this agent's name is... Dupin?我来看看，新的伙伴啊。这位智能体的名字是……渡宾？

ProfessorWhy don't we send over one of the resting squads? As it happens, Magnhilda...就让休整中的小队前去吧，正好玛吉西尔达……

A series of knocks suddenly comes from the door to the Ops Room, and then a familiar tall figure pokes his head out from behind it.指挥中心的门忽然被敲响，随即，一个熟悉的高大人影从门后探出头来。

AkiProfessor, I'm here to turn in our dispatch work diary—if there's nothing else, can I go back to sleep?教授，我来交外勤工作日志——如果没什么别的安排，我就回去睡觉了？

ProfessorWhy the rush? It just so happens that there's a dispatch job that needs you to do a handover with Magnhilda.先别急，正好外勤部分的工作内容需要你和玛吉西尔达做交接。

Aki(Yawn) Professor, you DO know that working for more than 6 hours will impact my swordsmanship training, right—呼啊，工作时间超过六个小时可是会影响剑术修行的啊教授——

Aki lazily accepts the file that I hand him and settles down in a nearby chair, but he bolts back upright the moment he sees the name on it.秋懒洋洋地接过我手中的资料边准备坐下，却在瞥到文件上名字的时候猛地站了起来。

Aki—Hm?——嗯？

ProfessorHm?嗯？

AkiHm? Is this Dupin?嗯？是渡宾吗？

ProfessorYes, that's right. Do you know each other?对，没错。你们认识？

AkiHahaha, you could say we're old friends! Did we find him?哈哈哈，也许能算老朋友吧！我们找到他了？

PersicariaI can't be fully certain, but the signal we received was definitely sent by him...还不能完全确定情况，但传回的讯号的确是他发出的……

AkiWell, I'm wide awake now!说这个我就不困了！

AkiHave you assigned a dispatch team to this task yet? Let me lead them.教授有指定外勤小队吗？我领队去吧。

Persicaria...Huh? This, Professor...?……诶？这，教授……？

ProfessorLooks like there's a story here we don't know about.看来有什么我不知道的故事啊。

AkiGiven my understanding of that chap, he wouldn't send a signal to anyone that he hadn't already fully investigated... Unless he ran into a particularly thorny problem.以我对那家伙的了解，他可不会轻易向没有探明底细的对象发送讯号，除非遇到了什么棘手的问题。

AkiHe always acted so cool and unflappable no matter what he encountered in the past. Now it's time for me to save him. Just you wait!之前无论遇到什么事都面不改色的，这下可轮到我去救他了，等着吧！

ProfessorGlad you understand. I've just sent the coordinates and the relevant info to your terminal.很了解嘛。那么，坐标和相关信息已经发送到你的终端上了。

AkiNo problem! I'll head out right now, and hopefully I'll be home in time for some omurice.没问题！我这就出发，回来之后没准还能吃上一份蛋包饭。

AkiOh yeah, I could try bringing that guy over, although I don't know if he'll agree or not...对了，还可以拉上那家伙，虽然不知道会不会同意……

Aki leaves with the information, rushing out of the Ops Room like a gale.秋带着讯息，风风火火离开了指挥中心。

PersicariaHehe... From Aki's reaction, it seems he must be a very good friend.呵呵……看秋的样子，似乎是很值得期待的伙伴呢。

PersicariaAlthough I don't know how Aki met a detective Doll like him...虽然不知道秋是怎么结识这位侦探人形的，不过……

Professor...Hm? He's a detective?……嗯？侦探？

PersicariaYes, he is. Our files say that he's a very famous detective. Is something the matter, Professor?是这样没错，资料显示是非常有名的侦探呢。怎么了吗，教授？

ProfessorExcellent! This is exactly what I need!妙啊。这可真是一瞌睡就上赶着送枕头！

PersicariaHuh? Could it be...咦？难道说……

ProfessorHahaha, let's wait until Aki brings him back. If he's what I think he is, then there's no better choice than him.哈哈哈，先等着秋把人带回来吧。如果和我想的一样，那他再合适不过了。

Dupin......………………

Attempting to collect environmental information... Attempt failed, insufficient operands.收集环境信息……失败，算量不足。

DupinI'm...我这是……

Sorting memory data... Operating in low-power mode.整理记忆信息……低功耗运行中。

DupinSo I'm in hibernation... Was that because of the enemies I met earlier?休眠状态么……是之前遇到敌人的结果啊。

DupinUsing up all my operands after fighting alone doesn't sound like a proper end for a detective.孤身作战用尽算量这种事，听起来可不太像侦探应有的结局。

DupinNow that I'm so close, the "Oasis" I've heard so much about should have gotten my signal. As for the rest...离传闻中的“绿洲”已经这么近，他们应该能收到讯号了。剩下的安排……

Attempting to collect environmental information...收集环境信息……

Operand infusion detected. All modules functioning normally. Canceling hibernation mode...算量注入中，各模块正常运转，休眠状态解除中……

DupinThis is—这是——

???Yo, old friend.哟，老朋友。

Environmental sensory input module has resumed normal function.环境感知模块已恢复运转。

AkiI had a hard time finding you, Dupin!找到你可真不容易啊，渡宾！

His field of vision brightens again, and Dupin sees the barren landscape of the Null Area before him as well as the "old friend" he hasn't seen in a long time.视野重新亮起，渡宾眼前是空值区荒芜的景色，以及许久不见的“老朋友”。

Right now, even his old friend's seemingly thoughtless smile seems particularly pleasant to him.此时此刻，旧友看起来没心没肺的笑容也显得格外讨喜。

AkiOkay, was that enough operands for you? That should be enough for us to head back together, right?好了，这些算量够了吗？应该能一起回去了吧。

DupinAki?秋？

AkiYes, it's me. Is there a problem with that?嗯，是我，有什么问题吗？

DupinNo, it's fine. I just didn't expect you to be the one who would come.没什么问题，我只是没想到来的人会是你。

AkiHahahaha, so, how does it feel to wake up and have me be the first person you see?哈哈哈哈，一觉醒来看到我的感觉怎么样？

DupinI'd be lying if I said I wasn't surprised. After we all parted ways, the fact that we ended up going to the same place and that the one who came to pick me up was you—很难说不意外。在大家各自分散之后，我们能前往同一个目的地，而且来接应的还正是你——

DupinIt seems there are some things in this world that can't be computed through probabilities.在这个世界上，的确有些事情不是可以通过概率计算的。

AkiOf course. After all, I seized this opportunity myself.那当然，毕竟这可是我自己抢来的机会。

AkiAnd judging by how I managed to surprise you, I can safely say that it wasn't a wasted trip! How do you feel now?能让你亲口表达惊讶，也不虚此行了！现在感觉如何？

DupinSurely you'd be disappointed if I didn't express some happiness, right?如果我不表达出一些惊喜的态度，你会失望的吧。

DupinThanks to you, my head is much clearer now.托你的福，我现在头脑清醒多了。

AkiAlthough, I have to hand it to you for managing to hibernate in time right as your operands ran out.不过，竟然在算量濒临用尽的时候选择了及时休眠，不愧是你！

AkiFrankly speaking, I was kind of looking forward to seeing you limp into the Oasis with a faceful of dust.说实话，我还有点期待你强撑着一路灰头土脸抵达绿洲的样子呢。

Dupin...What a shame that didn't happen, then.……没有如你所料真是太遗憾了。

AkiAfter all, I hardly ever get to see you like this! That said, the important thing is that you're safe.毕竟你狼狈的样子实在是很难见到啊！不过，还是安全最好。

AkiI didn't expect there to be Entropics here. Fortunately you weren't hurt, otherwise things would have been tricky.没想到这里会有熵出没，还好你没有受伤，不然可就难办了。

DupinSo they're called "Entropics", hm... A very interesting name indeed.原来它们被叫做“熵”么……很有意思的名字。

DupinIn any case, it looks like the Oasis received my signal and took action. Thank you all for that.总之，看来绿洲确实是收到了我的讯号并付出了行动，谢谢你们。

AkiBut of course! The Professor's never...那是自然！教授可从来没有放……

AkiAH CHOO!阿嚏！

AkiAlthough there's nothing here, the weather's still better in the Oasis.虽然这里什么都没有，但总觉得不如绿洲的气候好啊。

A white rose inserts itself between the two of them, held between the delicate fingers of a soft hand. Looking in the direction of the rose, they see a familiar girl who showed up while they were not aware.一支白蔷薇插入两人之间，握着白蔷薇的柔软手指轻轻晃了晃。顺着手臂望去，那是不知何时出现的，熟悉的少女。

SakuyaSo, shall we head back first before reminiscing about the past? The environment in Null Areas is worse than in the Oasis...所以我们不先回去再叙叙旧吗？空值区的环境实在是有些糟糕……

SakuyaWhile raising roses isn't exactly difficult, it's still better to protect them.蔷薇花虽然培育起来不算困难，但还是细心呵护为好哦。

Dupin...Well said. It's been a while, Sakuya.……说得没错。好久不见，咲耶。

AkiFrom that look on your face, you must be recalling a lot of things. I brought her here!看你的样子，回想起了不少事嘛。是我叫她一起来的！

AkiIn any case, we'll take you back to the Oasis first.总之，没什么其他事的话，我们先带你回绿洲。

DupinBack, you say... Very well.“回”么……没问题。

SakuyaHehe... let's discuss the rest while we're on the road.呵呵……剩下的话，就在路上说吧。

At the Oasis, near the Ops Room.绿洲，指挥中心附近。

AkiAlright, we're done with registration. Where do you want to look next? While I'd rather get something to eat...好——登记和检测也结束了。接下来再去哪看看？虽然我更想去吃点料理什么的……

AkiAfter feedback and revision from Millau, the omurice here has been getting rave reviews throughout the Oasis.米约尔改良过的蛋包饭配方，可是得到了绿洲的一致好评。

SakuyaHowever, the Professor just sent word. They'd like to have a word with Dupin.不过，教授刚刚捎来消息，说要和渡宾谈谈。

DupinYou mean the "Professor"? Very well. As it happens, there are some things I would like to know as well.就是那位“教授”？正好，我也有想知道的事。

AkiLet's head straight to the Ops Room, then. What do you think about the parts of the Oasis that we just passed through?那直接往指挥中心去吧。绿洲的环境我们刚才已经逛过了，感觉如何？

DupinThis place is much more relaxed and accommodating than I expected. I have to say, I'm mildly surprised.这里是比预想中更宽松包容的地方。不得不说，我多少有些意外。

AkiHow so? It's a good thing, right?是吗？总之是好话对吧。

SakuyaI didn't expect that I could immerse myself in tending to the Oasis' plant life either...我也没想到过能尽情地沉浸于打理绿洲的植物呢……

SakuyaAlthough it might seem like a waste of operands to some, seeing greenery in the environment does delight the heart.虽然在有些人看来是浪费算量的行为，但环境中的绿植还是能使人身心愉悦。

Where Sakuya has passed, the white roses that she casually grazed with her hands begin to shed their petals, which rain down on the path in their wake.咲耶经过之处，被她随手别在衣上的白蔷薇不知不觉散落，片片花瓣落在三人经行的道路上。

DupinSo you were allowed to continue your horticulture work... That sounds most interesting.继续园艺工作么……听起来不错。

DupinStill, the Oasis doesn't have a detective agency, does it? I doubt I'll be able to ply my trade here.不过，绿洲应该没有侦探事务所吧？我的本职工作大概就不太好施展了。

AkiA detective agency? You're right, we don't. After all, there haven't been any major cases or incidents in the Oasis...侦探事务所？那的确没有。毕竟绿洲又没有什么重大案件发生的理由……

AkiDoes this mean you've got other plans for what you're going to do in the Oasis?这么说来，你在绿洲有什么其他的打算吗？

DupinOther plans...其他的打算……

DupinDo you think that Professor would mind if I set up a detective agency in the Oasis?如果我决定自己开一个侦探事务所，你觉得那位“教授”会同意吗？

SakuyaHuh?咦？

AkiHah?哈？

SakuyaBut why would you...但是你为什么要……

DupinIt seems we've arrived. Is it up ahead?看来我们快到了。是前面吗？

AkiThat's right, this is the place...没错，就是这里……

AkiNo, wait a minute! A detective agency?! Are you serious!?不对啊！侦探事务所？！你是认真的吗？

SakuyaAh, Miss Persicaria is here.啊，帕斯卡小姐来了。

PersicariaThank you, everyone.辛苦了，各位。

PersicariaGood afternoon, Mr. Dupin. The Professor has been expecting you for a while now.下午好，渡宾先生。教授已经期待着你的到来很久了。

DupinExpecting me? But why?期待我吗？为什么？

PersicariaHehe... Perhaps you'll need to discuss that with the Professor in private.呵呵……更多的事，也许需要你与教授单独聊聊。

DupinSuits me just fine.正合我意。

PersicariaAki, Sakuya, let's wait outside for a bit.秋，咲耶，我们先出去稍等一会儿吧。

Aki...But why... a detective agency...……为什么要……侦探事务所……

AkiAhem. Sure. Let's go then, time for some omurice—咳咳，行。走吧走吧，去吃蛋包饭——

SakuyaDupin really is the same as always.渡宾还是老样子呀。

AkiYup. He doesn't say much, and it's hard to figure out what he's thinking!没错，三言两语实在摸不清他的想法啊！

AkiStill, that's fine. We just have to believe in him, like before.不过倒也无所谓，和以前一样，相信他就够了。

PersicariaIt seems the three of you have an interesting relationship. I believe you said... he was a friend of yours in real life?你们之间好像有很有趣的过往呢，记得你说……是在现实中的朋友？

AkiYup. He was quite surprised the first time we met, haha.没错。我们第一次见面的时候，他可是着实吃了一惊啊，哈哈。

AkiAlthough you can't tell from his face, you'll know what kind of person he is after you get familiar with him.虽然那家伙表面上看不出来，但熟了之后，就能知道他是怎样的人了。

AkiLet me think, where should I begin...让我想想，那件事从哪里说起好……

Cognitive Dissonance - 1 认知偏差-1

This is a quiet courtyard. The vegetation here stands in silence, which is only interrupted by the two sets of footsteps winding through them.这是一处幽静的庭院。草木郁郁葱葱，只有两串脚步声交错于其中。

保镖This way please, Mr. Dupin.请随我来，渡宾先生。

Dupin observes the courtyard as he moves forward. The lighting within this semi-open space has been carefully designed, and the courtyard is spotlessly clean. Clearly, it has seen many guests before.渡宾一边前行，一边观察着院落的环境。半开放空间内的灯光经过精心设计，庭院中各处角落也打扫得十分干净，显然招待过不少客人。

Several mini-robots appear at the end of the path as he moves forward. However, they disappear into the densely packed vegetation before Dupin can get a clear look at them.随着前进的步伐，道路尽头似乎出现了几台小型的机器人。但没等渡宾看清，它们已经转悠进了错落有致的植物之间。

保镖What's wrong, Mr. Dupin?怎么了，渡宾先生？

Dupin...I was simply admiring the courtyard's design. Although it's just a temporary residence, their placement and trimming have been very well done. Truly breathtaking.……只是惊叹于庭院的设计而已。明明只是临时住所，这些植物的安置与修剪却能体现出水平，真是令人叹服。

保镖That would be thanks to our horticulturist. Perhaps you'll be able to see her later...这可要得益于一位园艺师小姐了，或许您之后就能见到她……

保镖But perhaps we should discuss that later. We've almost arrived; the master of the house is waiting in the drawing room.不过这些稍后再谈吧。我们马上到了，家主正在会客间等候。

DupinThank you very much.非常感谢。

The bodyguard leading the way does not speak any more. The two of them walk past the vegetation in the courtyard, and the white flowers exude a faint fragrance.带路的保镖不再言语，两人穿过庭院中的灌木，白花在其间散发幽幽香气。

As he observes his surroundings, Dupin's mind wanders, and he considers the entire matter from start to finish.渡宾一边在行走间观察环境，一边分神思考着事情的始末。

事务所老板Did you see that challenge letter, Dupin?那封挑战书你看了吗，渡宾？

DupinI did. To think that the Phantom Thief LeBlanc would set his eyes on an Oriental antique...看过了。没想到怪盗“勒布朗”这次竟然会盯上东方的古物……

A set of opened files lies on the agency desk. An exceptionally eye-catching letter with a wax seal lies on top of the pile. Below the letter is a rose, which has withered over the course of its long journey.事务所的桌上放着一袋打开的资料档案，其中一封烫金的信笺格外醒目。信封下压着一支蔷薇花，在长途运输中已经枯萎变色。

事务所老板Well, it's the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu we're talking about. It's no surprise that someone with LeBlanc's taste in art would choose it.毕竟那可是数珠丸恒次啊。以勒布朗对艺术品的鉴赏能力，会选中它也不奇怪。

事务所老板Surely the exhibition of such a world-class treasure must have caused quite an upheaval, right?这种传世之宝要进行展出，蠢蠢欲动的人应该很多吧。

DupinStill, weren't the "Tenka-Goken", the Five Greatest Swords Under Heaven, all lost in battle? Why would one of them, the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu, show itself again all of a sudden?不过，“天下五剑”不是都已经散失在战争中了么……作为其中之一的数珠丸恒次怎么会忽然面世？

事务所老板Supposedly, someone bought it from a black market on the cheap and gave it to a local sword master as a gift.据说是有人从黑市低价收购到的，还作为人情赠送给了当地的一位剑术大师。

事务所老板However, that sword master has been living in seclusion for a long time now, and the gift of this sword is sure to bring people to his doorstep. My guess is, the master is probably fed up with this...不过，那位大师本来隐居已久，没想到又被这样一把刀剑引得人踏破了门槛。我猜大师应该已经不堪其扰了吧……

From the files at hand, this sword master, named Yagyu, is reclusive and mysterious by nature.从已有的资料上看，贵为家主的剑术大师柳生性格相当孤僻，深居简出，作风也有些神秘。

Since he retired from society early on, there are no pictures that can be used for reference.由于发迹和避世都较早，这位家主并没有什么可参考的影像留存。

DupinI see. So donating the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu is essentially him washing his hands of the matter.原来如此。那么大师将数珠丸恒次捐献出来，大概也算是解脱之举了。

事务所老板Indeed. However, the situation's gotten big enough that LeBlanc is involved, so the original exhibition plan is going to be affected. Otherwise, the organizer wouldn't have asked you to come here.没错。但现在事情闹得这么大，把勒布朗都引来了，原定的展出计划也要受影响。不然，主办方也不会匆匆求助到你这里来了。

事务所老板How many times have you clashed with LeBlanc already?算起来，这是你和勒布朗第几次交手了？

Dupin...I'm pretty sure we both know the answer to that question.……我想这个问题，我们都很清楚吧。

事务所老板Hahaha, alright, enough messing with you. Go, give him your answer! Accept his challenge in the Far East.哈哈哈，不逗你了。去应战吧！去遥远的东方接下挑战。

事务所老板Perhaps this time you'll be able to put an end to the dark fate that binds you both, no?也许这一次，就能终结你们之间的孽缘也说不定呢？

DupinYou don't need to tell me that. I'll settle things between myself and LeBlanc once and for all.不必您言说，我和勒布朗之间注定会分出个胜负。

Dupin...Of course, it would be best if you could use another word to describe our relationship instead of "dark fate".……当然，如果您能换个“孽缘”以外的词，就更好了。

Dupin(A sword like the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu would be a priceless collector's item, especially to a phantom thief.)（像数珠丸恒次这样的刀剑，对收藏家而言是无价之宝，对那个“怪盗”而言更是如此。）

Dupin(I wonder what LeBlanc will use to try and seize it. I need to be prepared...)（不知这次勒布朗会使用什么样的手法，一定要早做准备……）

???Master, Master! Sir!大师、大师！老先生！

DupinHm? That's...嗯？前面是……

保镖It's a guest of the master. He was supposed to leave half an hour ago.是家主的客人。原本预定半小时前就结束拜访的。

DupinWhat happened?发生什么事了？

保镖I'm sorry, we're not too sure either.抱歉，我们也不是很清楚。

???...Please reconsider, I'm sincere about buying it!……您再考虑一下吧，我真的是诚心求购的！

???(Sigh) Forget it, as they say in the East, haste makes waste. Perhaps if I come again...唉——算了。欲速则不达，这也是东方的古话。也许再来一次就……

???Hm? Sorry, I was in your way. Are you also guests of Master Yagyu?嗯？抱歉，我挡路了。你也是柳生大师的客人吗？

DupinI can wait for a while if you have pressing business.如果你有急着完成的事，我可以暂时等候。

???No-no-no, I'm already imposing on the master. I'll just visit some other time.不不不，我现在已经是强求了，还是下次再来拜访吧。

???Oh yes, my name is Ratchett, and I'm a businessman. You would be—对了，我叫雷切特，是个生意人。请问这位——

DupinI simply have an appointment with the master of the house. Please, call me Dupin.我只是与此家的家主有事相约。至于称呼，请叫我渡宾。

雷切特Dupin? You mean you're that... the outstanding Doll detective...?渡宾？难不成你就是那个……大出风头的侦探人形……？

DupinHardly outstanding. I'm just doing my job.算不上大出风头，只是侦探本职而已。

雷切特Dolls nowadays are so highly-placed...现在有些人形，地位可真高啊……

雷切特Ahem, I should be going. I can't interrupt your meeting. May we meet again, Mister... Dupin?咳，那我就先走了，不打扰两位会面。有缘再见，渡宾——先生？

DupinGoodbye.再见。

After the brief farewell, the businessman hurries out of the courtyard.简短告别后，商人匆匆离开了庭院。

保镖Please enter. The master is waiting within.请进，家主正在里面。

The door to the drawing room opens, and the bodyguard steps aside. Dupin removes his shoes, in keeping with local practices, and enters the room. A man is seated within—会客间的门拉开，保镖也退到一旁。渡宾按照当地习俗换下了鞋子，步入室内。屋里正坐着一个身影——

?(Sips)嘶……

?(Slurps)吸溜。

?Ohhh— The soba noodles here are great!唔哦——这里的荞麦面果然不错！

?Hm? You're... Oh, you must be that detective, right? Welcome, welcome!嗯？你是……哦哦，你就是那个侦探对吧。欢迎欢迎！

Although age is not a prerequisite for talent with the sword, this young man seems a little too young to be a world-famous sword master.虽然剑术天赋不分年龄，但作为一位名满天下的剑术大师，眼前的人显然有些过于年轻了。

保镖Please come in. The Master is within.请进，家主正在里面。

Dupin stands still and reflects on what the bodyguard said. The person before him is not "the son of Master Yagyu" as indicated on the picture record, but he is not the master of the house either.渡宾站在原地，回忆起保镖说过的话。眼前的人并不是照片资料上“柳生大师的儿子”，但显然也并非家主。

But if he's not the master, then who could possibly be sitting at the master's place in his house while proudly eating noodles?如果此人不是家主，能坐在主人屋内的主位上大大方方吃面条的又会是谁？

?What's the matter? Why are you standing around?怎么了，愣在那做什么？

?...Do I have soup on my face?……我脸上沾了面汤吗？

For a moment, Dupin seriously considers whether this man is a youthful Master Yagyu. However, the conversation continues.一时间，渡宾甚至开始慎重思考此人是青春常驻的柳生大师的可能性。但显然，对话仍要继续。

DupinNo, pardon me. I am Dupin, and I have arrived as arranged.不，是我失礼了。渡宾，应约而来。

DupinForgive me, but, would you be... the master of the house...?冒昧地问，您就是……家主吗……？

The air is strangely silent for a moment.一时间，空气陷入诡异的寂静。

?Hah? Me?啊？我？

DupinYou...您……

?Oh, I get it! You're looking for the old man, aren't you!噢，我明白了！你是在找老爷子对吧！

The young man puts the bowl down and smacks his fist into his palm as it suddenly hits him. In response, Dupin recovers from his shock.青年放下面碗一锤掌心，恍然大悟。相应地，渡宾也终于从震惊中回过神来。

?Here, you should come in.来，你先进来吧。

After saying so, the young man beckons and Dupin moves forward as told. It is only after inspecting him up close that Dupin realizes that this young man who enjoys his soba very much is not, in fact, human.青年说着起身招呼，渡宾依言上前。走近观察时他才意识到，面前这位对荞麦面表现出极大热情的青年并不是人类。

?The old man's resting inside, and he can't be bothered to meet guests, so he asked me to wait here for you.老爷子在里屋休息呢，说是懒得见客，让我在这等着你。

AkiSo your name's Dupin? Call me Aki.渡宾是吗？你就叫我秋好了。

Cognitive Dissonance - 2 认知偏差-2

Shortly afterwards, at Master Yagyu's temporary residence.一段时间后，柳生大师的临时宅邸。

Dupin...And that is all the information I have at the moment.……我目前获得的信息就是这样。

AkiI see, the organizers got their pants in a twist because of that LeBlanc fellow. Still, we've already sent the sword over...我明白了，都因为那个叫勒布朗的家伙，所以主办方现在也慌了神。不过那把刀已经送过去了……

DupinI oversaw the handover before coming here. The Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu is safe for the time being.我来之前刚检查过交接工作，数珠丸恒次目前还是安全的。

AkiHahaha, aren't you reliable? With a detective like you on the job, it looks like the old man's trip out here won't have been a waste.哈哈哈，真是可靠啊。有你这样的侦探，也不枉老爷子亲自出山这一趟了。

DupinIs the Master still resting? It's afternoon now, and senior citizens ought to be more active around this time.那位家主仍在休息吗？现在是下午，按理应该是老年人比较有精力的时间。

DupinI can investigate on my own if the Master is not yet ready and share my findings later.如果家主精力不济，我可以先独自调查，再前来交流信息。

AkiWell, that's just the way he is! He won't entertain any guests if he's tired or annoyed. Don't worry, it's no big deal.他就是这种脾气！烦了累了都会谢绝见客，放心吧，没什么事。

AkiThe old man said that the display and protection of the Juuzumaru would be our job. How does that sound?老爷子说了，这次数珠丸恒次的展出和保护，就由我负责跟你合作。怎么样？

DupinI have no objections as long as you're willing to work with me.如果你能尽量和我保持配合，我没有意见。

AkiOf course. I may not look it, but I'm a bona fide bodyguard Doll, you know.当然可以。别看我这幅样子，我可是货真价实的安保人形。

AkiI've been protecting the sword all the way until now. I know everything there is to know about the job.这一路的运送保障也都是我在负责，该知道的事，都在这里了。

Aki indicates himself as he says this and flashes Dupin a smile.秋说着指了指自己，向渡宾露出一个笑容来。

AkiSo, when do we move out? I'm rarely this full of energy!所以，咱们什么时候行动起来？我可是难得这么精力充沛！

DupinAre you... happy?你似乎很高兴？

AkiOf course. The old man said that this would be a great chance to put my skills to the test in the outside world.那当然了，老爷子说过，这是我入世历练的好机会。

AkiBoth training my swordsmanship and experiencing the world are good options for me, but now I get to do both and help the old man out. Isn't that even better?无论是剑术修行还是世事修行，对我来说都是好选择，能帮上老爷子的忙不是更好吗？

AkiHe might not be saying it, but the truth is that the old man's pretty concerned about this donation he's making. He agreed pretty quickly when I said I wanted to join the investigation.老爷子虽然嘴上不说，但还是挺重视这次捐赠的。我提出要参与调查的时候，他可是很快就答应了。

DupinThat was most straightforward and generous of him... I see.真是坦率大方的作风啊……我明白了。

Dupin—Then let's not waste any more time. I was planning to investigate the venue and its surroundings after this. What about you?——那么事不宜迟，我打算现在动身去场馆附近巡查。你呢？

AkiYou're going right now?这么快？

DupinThe exhibition is tomorrow, and given the way LeBlanc operates, we can't be too prepared.展出就在明天，以勒布朗的作风，即使做万全准备也不为多。

AkiOh, he's that good, is he? All I know is that he's a phantom thief and nothing else.喔，这么厉害吗？我只知道他是个怪盗，其他的还一无所知呢。

DupinHe's a tricky opponent, for sure... But I have to admit, he's smart and cunning, and he's left many others tied up in knots.这是个难缠的家伙……不可否认，他很聪明，也很狡猾，让很多人束手无策。

DupinYou need to be on your guard when encountering him, because he might get the better of you if you're inattentive for just a moment.在遇到他的时候要打起十二分精神，一不留神就有可能被得手。

AkiSounds like he's a really tricky opponent if you're that wary of him.能被你这么重视，看来会是个棘手的对手啊。

AkiRight, then let's...好，那我们……

Crash—轰——

A loud noise comes from the courtyard before Aki finishes speaking.秋话音未落，外面的庭院传来巨大的响动。

小机器人A[(〝▼皿▼) I TOLD you to be careful when shifting the plants!]【(〝▼皿▼)我说过了！移植作业！要小心啊！】

小机器人B[( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜ Oh no, Little A's mad! Quick, clean up the bits of the broken bonsai pot!]【( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜小A生气了！快把盆栽碎片收拾干净！】

小机器人C[⊙０⊙ Cleaning— Cleaning—]【⊙０⊙收拾干净——收拾干净——】

DupinWhat's... going on?这是……怎么回事？

Dupin(Judging by their models, they must be the ones I saw when I just entered the courtyard...)（看这个型号，应该是刚进庭院的时候看到的那些……）

DupinThese robots appear to be Svarog products, judging by their labels. What are they doing here?这种机器人从标记看应该是火神重工的产物，怎么会出现在这里？

??My apologies. They've only just been retuned, so they're not too nimble right now.抱歉，它们刚刚完成调试，现在可能还不太灵光。

??These are general-purpose Svarog machines. I asked someone to modify them into landscaping models.这是火神重工的通用机型，我托人把它们改装成了园艺用型号。

A girl holding a pair of gardening shears emerges from another room, bending down to pick up fallen stalks before handing them to the robots.手持枝剪的少女从另一个房间走出，从地上拾起残落的花枝，交还到机器人手中。

??Good afternoon, gentlemen. I am Sakuya.午安，两位。我是咲耶。

DupinI am Dupin. Judging by your attire, I take it we have you to thank for the care and trimming of these plants?我是渡宾。看您的装束，这里植物的修剪与照顾应该都多亏您了吧？

SakuyaHehe, I'm not employed here. I simply took care of them in my spare time. My responsibility is the landscaping of the greenery for the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu exhibition.呵呵，我并不就职于此处，这些只不过是闲时照顾一下而已。我负责的，是本次数珠丸恒次展出的绿植造景。

AkiAfternoon, Sakuya. Looks like these little dorks are much smarter than before.下午好啊，咲耶。这些小家伙已经比之前聪明多了嘛。

AkiAllow me to introduce you to each other! Dupin is a detective we hired to provide security for the exhibition, and Sakuya—给你们互相介绍一下吧！渡宾是我们为了展会安全请来的侦探，而咲耶——

AkiShe's a horticulturist hired by the organizer. The old man thinks quite highly of her and asked her to do up the courtyard of his place.她是主办方特意邀请的园艺师，老爷子也对她大加赞赏呢，还拜托她给自家的庭院做设计。

DupinSo that's why you're under the same roof. I see.所以现下才一同暂居于此么，我明白了。

SakuyaYup. As it turns out, this courtyard is perfect for me to fine-tune the horticulture robots I'll be using for the venue itself, so I'm killing two birds with one stone.是呢。正好这里的庭院也适合我调试能用于会场的园艺机器人，这是一举两得的事。

SakuyaWhile they're not too suited for delicate work with plants, they're still very helpful for assisting with basic gardening tasks.虽然它们不适合细致地养护植物，但辅助基础的园艺作业还是十分有效的呢。

Sakuya gathers a bundle of flower buds while she was speaking. Several white flowers sway gently in the middle of their petals as she walks.说话间，咲耶抱起一束整理好的花卉。几支白色的花朵包裹在绿叶之间，随着她的步伐微微摇晃。

SakuyaIt seems you're about to leave, so I won't be keeping you.你们似乎有事要出门，我就不再打扰了。

AkiAlright! We'll be heading out, then!好！那我们就先走了。

AkiAre we going right now, Dupin? Any ideas where we'll be heading first?渡宾，现在就出发吧？先去哪，你心里有数吗？

DupinWhile I'd prefer a more mature and experienced partner... Well, this isn't bad either.虽然我想有一个更沉稳老练的搭档……算了，也不错。

DupinLet's go check the area around the venue first.先检查会场周围的环境，走吧。

Cognitive Dissonance - 3 认知偏差-3

AkiSo this is what the area around the venue looks like... Quite the lively place.原来会场附近是这样啊……还挺繁华的嘛。

DupinBeing lively is just part of it. I looked it up before I came; while this district is famous for its arts and entertainment industry, it's got a long, checkered history to it.繁华只不过是它的其中一面而已。我来之前搜集过资料，这条街区虽然以艺术文娱闻名，但也是鱼龙混杂的老街区。

DupinThere's a garbage dump and a pauper's district not far off. It's only this part which was recently built by the corporations.附近不远处就有贫民聚居区和垃圾处理站，只有这一带是财团主导新建成的。

AkiHm? I see. The old man and I don't really know this stuff, being secluded in the mountains and all.嗯？是这样啊，我和老爷子整天住在深山老林里，离这些信息都挺远的。

AkiStill, I can't believe you looked up this information too... Are you always this careful when you work?不过，就连这种资料也会事先收集……你做事总是这么仔细吗？

DupinComes with the job of being a detective. Plus, there are some problems you can't solve just by gathering information alone.侦探的职业要求罢了。有些事情，也不是搜集资料就能解决的。

AkiOh? Such as?嗯？比如呢？

DupinFor instance... Your master, as one of my clients. There are hardly any pictures of him available.比如……你们的家主，作为我这次的委托人之一，就几乎没有影像资料。

AkiOh yeah, that's right! The old man hates having his picture taken; he's really strict about it.噢，的确！老爷子不喜欢拍照什么的，管得很严啊。

AkiIf you had a picture to consult, you wouldn't be so confused when you just met him, right?如果有照片做对比的话，刚遇到的时候就不会把你弄糊涂了吧？

DupinIndeed, there's just too little information available about him. For a moment, I even wondered if you were the master's heir...资料实在是太少了，我当时甚至在思考你是不是大师的二代传人……

AkiHahahaha, I doubt that. Ultimately, we're just master and servant.哈哈哈哈，那是不可能的吧。归根结底，我们只是主从关系而已。

AkiThe old man has a kid of his own... though they don't live together.老爷子也有自己的孩子……虽然他们没有住在一起。

AkiI was actually a little sad to hear that at first. Looks like I'm just a spoilt brat after all.刚意识到这事的时候我还有点沮丧，看来我也不过是个被惯坏的家伙嘛。

DupinDo you really think so?你真的这样认为吗？

AkiHm? You mean you see it differently?嗯？这么说你有什么别的看法？

DupinWhile I've never seen the Master before, it doesn't seem like he treats you as a servant.虽然没有正式见过家主，但在我看来，他可不像是在用主从关系对待你。

AkiOf course I know that, I'm not dumb. The way the old man treats me isn't simple generosity.那当然了，我也不是傻子。老爷子对我，已经不只是宽厚了吧。

AkiSome people in the household address me as "Young Master" too. I couldn't really get used to that at first.家里也有人用“少爷”称呼我，说实话一开始还挺不习惯。

DupinThat's not all. I took a look at the order and angle at which the shoes were arranged when I entered the estate. From that—不止于此。我在进屋的时候有关注到鞋子的摆放顺序和角度，如果按照常理推算——

DupinThere are times when you enter the house ahead of the "old master", am I wrong? That would be almost unthinkable for the masters of most Dolls.你有时候应该是走在那位“老爷子”前面进家门的，没错吧？在很多人形的“主人”眼里，这几乎是不可想象的事情。

AkiHahaha, I can't believe you noticed all that. You really are a great detective!哈哈哈，这种细节都能注意到，不愧是侦探啊！

AkiBut what if I told you the old man wasn't the sort to put on airs?但如果说，老爷子本人就是一个不爱摆架子的人呢？

DupinIf he truly acted that way, then the other security Dolls and visitors would not be so formal and polite around him.如果完全不摆架子，其他的安保人形和往来的访客，就不会是那样恭谨的态度。

DupinAlso, when we were talking in the drawing room, you mentioned the master of the house was resting in his room, but I noticed the cane leaning against the rack by the doorway.另外，刚才在会客间谈话时，你说家主在里屋休息，我看到了门边架子上靠着的手杖。

DupinIt was finely-made, but didn't seem to provide much in the way of stability. To my knowledge, that's not the sort of cane a senior citizen would use to help them walk.那种豪华但并不强调稳定性的手杖，据我所知并不是用来支撑老人身体的设计。

DupinIn traditional culture, such canes are a symbol of power and authority, not ease of movement.在传统文化中，那更接近于一种权威位置的象征，而不是辅助行动用的。

AkiYou DO have a keen eye! Yeah, the old man's fit as a fiddle, but this is the first time I've seen someone who could tell that from his cane alone.你倒是观察仔细啊！老爷子身体可是硬朗得很，我还是头一次遇到从手杖上看出来的。

DupinThat cane showed signs of use, and it was clearly not something kept in a storage case to be taken out for special occasions.那支手杖有轻微的使用痕迹，并不是从收藏盒里临时拿出来撑场面的工具。

DupinSenior citizens who use such canes usually place great emphasis on their social position.惯常使用这种手杖出行的老人，大部分都有对于地位的强调需求。

DupinFor a master like that, anyone that he would allow to walk by his side or ahead of him would either be very much in his favor... or someone he dotes upon deeply.对这样的家主而言，能信步与他并肩或者走在他前方，是非常看重……或者爱宠的表现。

Aki...Dotes upon?……爱宠？

AkiWait, you mean like, I'm a dog or something?等等，意思是我像狗吗？

Dupin...That was not what I meant.……我不是那个意思。

DupinBut to me, the master of the house treats you like a child who grew up in the household.在我看来，家主更像是用对待成长中的自家孩子一样在对待你。

DupinThe fact that he entrusted the protection of such a precious treasure to you also shows his trust in you.将贵重的宝物护送全权交付给你，这件事也充分说明了他对你的信任。

AkiHahaha, now that sounds grand indeed! Well, it would be better if he could give his kid less work—哈哈哈，听起来真好啊！如果能减少一点给孩子的课业就更——

DupinAlright, we've finished checking this street.好了，这条街已经检查完了。

AkiWhat?什么？

AkiAlready? Weren't we chatting all this while?这么快？咱们不是一直在聊天吗？

DupinI was designed with terrain scanning and clue logging technologies that could be used in tandem with daily activities.我的型号设计里，地形扫描和线索记录技术，本来就是可以和日常行动同步运行的。

DupinBeing able to multitask the use of my recording, analysis and cogitation modules, alongside linguistic processing modules is a basic requirement of the job.录入模块、分析思考模块和语言处理模块多线同步运行，这是侦探的本职要求。

AkiDamn, that's really something else... I have to say, that's some impressive processing power you've got there.这可真是不得了……多让人羡慕的运算能力啊。

AkiSo, given your professional skills, is there really a case you can't crack? The only thing standing in your way is just a lack of information, right?以你的专业能力，真的有解不开的谜案吗？充其量只是会被信息不足拦住脚步吧？

DupinNo, of course such things exist.不，当然有。

DupinA detective's job isn't just to respond to things that have already happened. Sometimes, you need to outpace your opponent.侦探的工作可不一定是处理已发生的案件。有时候，还需要紧追敌人的脚步。

DupinThat's why I came here, in fact.这一次，我也正是为此而来的。

AkiOh, you mean... That LeBlanc chap?噢，你是说那个……勒布朗？

DupinYes. Ever since I heard of his "exploits", I...是。从第一次听到他的“大名”以来，我……

???What the hell, still putting up a fight, are you!?你这家伙，怎么还在反抗啊！

AkiThat's—!那是——！

Around a nearby corner, inside a cramped alley, a couple of punks seem to be surrounding someone and threatening them.不远处的拐角、逼仄的巷内，几个小混混整似乎围在一起戏耍着什么。

The pedestrians hurrying by pay it no heed. It seems things like these are a common occurrence not far from the prosperous regions of the district.匆匆路过的行人对此无动于衷，在这距离繁华街道不远的地带，这种事似乎时有发生。

小混混Hahaha, so what if you have an owner?哈哈哈，有主的人形也不怎么样嘛！

不良青年You may be dressed to the nines, but you're still leashed here like a dog, aren't you?穿得可真是金贵，还不是和狗一样被锁在这里？

小混混What's that? Going to make a call? Going to sound the alarm? Well, do it then! Do it loudly!要传讯吗？要报信吗？求救啊！大声点！

???...No, I...……不，我……

不良青年The hell are you whimpering about? And you were going to run?扭什么扭啊，还敢想着跑！

小混混Get that stick of yours and give this hunk of junk a good whack before someone comes along...来，你那根棍子呢，照着这玩意的脑门来一下。趁那些大老爷赶到之前……

AkiWhat the hell are you doing!?你们在做什么！？

As Aki and Dupin arrive, the punks turn pale.随着秋和渡宾的赶到，小混混们的脸色也跟着变了变。

The one in front shrinks back at the sight of this resistance, but the other seems to be driven by his emotions.为首的见有人干涉略有些退缩，而其余人却显然有些情绪上头。

小混混I, I just said...我，这，我才刚说了句……

不良青年I TOLD you not to go raising weird flags or whatever! Ah, forget it, there are only two of them anyway...早说了不要乱立FLAG！算了，对方也只有两个人……

不良青年How dare you Dolls dress up like people and walk around in our streets! You want a beating, is that it?!这帮人形穿得人模狗样，还敢往我们这种街区里钻，不是讨打吗！

小混混...So we're going to beat them up?……那给也他们点教训尝尝？

AkiTsk, why you!啧，这帮家伙！

AkiQuit standing around, Dupin! Get them!渡宾，别愣着了！我们上！

Dupin...So we're going to fight, just like that?……就这样打起来？

AkiWe don't need to be polite to people like them, do we?面对这些家伙，就不用维持什么风度了吧？

AkiIf you want to be reasonable, then save it for people who can see reason!就算要讲道理，也要讲给听得懂的人啊！

Aki rushes forward, and Dupin swallows the veiled threat that he'd thought up and sighs in resignation.秋冲上前去，渡宾也吞下了酝酿好的语言交涉和威胁，只发出一声略为无奈的低叹。

DupinI just... Oh, forget it.我只是……算了。

Hesitating any further would only be a waste of time. Sometimes, direct action is better than extended introspection.此时再犹豫，就有些瞻前顾后了。也许有时候，直接的行动比反复审时度势更好用。

As a blade clears its sheath, twilight falls, and the night birds flutter off in fright. The detective calmly draws the sword from his cane.利刃出鞘，薄暮笼罩，夜鸦惊飞。侦探施施然抽出杖中剑。

Cognitive Dissonance - 4 认知偏差-4

小混混Dammit... You Dolls interfering again! Run for it!可恶……又是人形坏事！跑！

不良青年You'll be thrown away sooner or later, you scrapheaps!你们早晚会被扔掉的！破铜烂铁！

These street punks talk a good game, but they are clearly no match for the combined power of the two Dolls.虽然嘴上骂得欢，但街头混混的战斗力显然抵不过两位人形合力。

Aki...They ran off. Forget it, then.……跑掉了啊。算了。

DupinThey knew just how far they could go. After all, we can't attack humans unless they take actions intended to damage us first.他们很清楚审时度势吧。毕竟在没有伤害行为的前提下，我们是无法对人类发起攻击的。

DupinCivilian Doll programming only extends to allowing us to retaliate to a limited extent.充其量能做出一定限度的反击，民用人形的程序限制就摆在这里。

DupinThat's why I was thinking of how to reason with them first, you know.就是因为这个，我刚刚才想着先尝试沟通啊。

AkiHm? Is that so? Then I...嗯？是这样吗，我怎么……

???(Coughs heavily)咳、咳咳……

AkiLet's leave that aside for now and help their victim out. Hey, are you okay...先不说了，救人要紧。喂，你没事吧……

Aki...Wha!? Sakuya!?……嗯！？咲耶？

DupinYou certainly rushed in quickly enough... Did you only realize it was her just now?你倒是冲得快……现在才注意到是谁遇险吗？

DupinStill, it seems everything turned out well. Are you alright, Miss Sakuya?不过，就结果来看也不错。你还好吗，咲耶小姐？

Sakuya(Winces) Thanks for the rescue. I apologize for embarrassing myself in front of you again...嘶。感谢救助，抱歉又让你们看到了失礼的一面……

AkiYour neck... Tsk, they were using such a cheap code lock in this day and age?!?你脖子上的这是……啧，都什么时代了，怎么还有这种廉价的密码锁！

SakuyaPerhaps... There's no rhyme or reason to the malice of certain humans...或许……有些人类释放恶意是没有什么规律可言的……

The girl's neck is securely shackled to a broken fire hydrant, and the short length of the chain only allows her to lean against it. She can't fully get to her feet, but her petite body means she can't sit all the way down either.少女的脖颈被牢牢锁在坏掉的消防栓上，不长的链子让她只能半靠在一旁贴住。人形无法站起来，娇小的身躯使她也无法坐到地上。

AkiThose bastards... I should have beaten them up more just now!可恶的家伙……就该再揍他们一顿的！

AkiAnd the lock's fastened so tight that I can't cut it off either... Dupin, stay here and watch over Sakuya. I'll go find something I can use.锁这么紧，用刀也不能解决……渡宾，你先在这里看着咲耶吧，我去找找东西。

DupinHold on, let me try.先不用，我来试试。

Dupin begins fiddling with the lock, and he enters a stream of codes into it. The lock lets out a series of electronic noises, repeatedly flashing a "wrong code" error message.渡宾上前摆弄起锁头，尝试着输入了几个字符串。密码锁发出了几声电子音，反复闪烁着输入错误的警报。

DupinThat's not it either, then it should be...这个也不对……那应该是……

AkiAre you trying to solve the code? How long is THAT going to take... Ah, no, that's not right.你在试密码吗？这要试到什么时候……诶，不对。

AkiDid you see something just now? With your... powers of analysis?你是不是刚才看出什么东西来了？用你的……分析能力？

DupinYou can say that. I'm not entirely sure of it either.算是吧，我也没有完全确定。

DupinJudging from their accents, they were probably immigrants from the north or the descendants of refugees.我分析了刚才那几个人的口音，应该是北方的移民，或者说迁徙的难民后代。

DupinTheir local culture has certain slang terms in common with the area, or perhaps... profanities.他们的地方文化里有几句常用的俚语，又或者……脏话。

He enters another series of characters into the lock, and the lock indicates that the sequence is wrong. Fortunately, this old lock is simply designed and has no upper limit on the number of tries for code entry.交替着输入了几次字符，密码锁都重复着刺眼的报错，所幸这把旧锁设计得简单，并没有输入次数上的限制。

DupinStill no good. But if I'm not wrong...还是不行。如果我猜得没错的话……

Dupin knots his brow and grunts, then enters a two-word phrase.渡宾拧起眉头，略一沉吟，尝试着输入了两个组合词。

Beep—滴——

AkiYou did it!成功了！

AkiSakuya, are you alright? Here, take my hand.咲耶，你还好吗？我拉你起来。

Sakuya(Coughs) ...Thank you very much.咳咳……非常感谢。

The girl pulls heavily on Aki's hand as she rises from the ground, then dusts her skirt off. The ornament-like petals on her garments fall off as well.少女借力从地上站起身来，拍了拍裙摆，身上收纳的装饰性花叶也落了几片在地上。

Dupin looks toward the corner of the street, at the entrance to the rich district. Several white petals are scattered there. Sakuya should have come from that direction—渡宾移开视线望向街角，在这条暗巷转向繁华街道的路口，散落着几片白色花瓣。咲耶应当就是从那里——

He suddenly thinks of something and stares at the crushed white flowers until Aki's voice recalls him to his senses.他忽然想起了什么，凝神注视着被揉碎的白花，直到被秋的呼唤拉回注意力。

AkiDid those guys do anything to you? Come take a look too, Dupin!那帮家伙没对你做什么吧？渡宾，你也来看看！

Dupin—I didn't detect any obvious bodily injuries. How are you feeling, Miss Sakuya?——我也没有发现明显的体表损伤。咲耶小姐，你现在感受如何？

SakuyaDon't worry. I just ran a body diagnostic and there's nothing wrong.请放心，我运行了素体自检，没有什么异常。

SakuyaThe two of you were just in time. Thank you very much. Any later and...你们赶到得太及时了，非常感谢两位。如果再晚一点……

AkiThe important thing is that you're okay! Heroic interventions are a swordsman's bread and butter, right, Dupin...你没事就行！见义勇为可是剑客的准则，对吧渡宾……

Aki...Oi, Dupin, why are you spacing out?……喂，渡宾，你在发什么呆呢？

Dupin...It's nothing.……没什么。

Dupin shakes his head, but after muttering briefly, he says no more.渡宾摇摇头，沉吟片刻没有再接话。

Cognitive Dissonance - 5 认知偏差-5

AkiOh yeah, Dupin, what was that code you entered just now?对了，渡宾，你刚才输入的密码到底是什么？

DupinIt was a very unpleasant phrase. You're better off not knowing.那是很难听的词，你还是不要知道为好。

DupinThe dregs of society are fundamentally the same as those from the upper echelons. They have their own circles, their own jargon, and preferred turns of phrase...底层民众本质上和上流社会并没有区别，他们都有自己的生活圈层，以及对应的俚语和惯用词……

DupinI once encountered punks in Europe, and if they think the same way in the Orient as they did over there, then they'd probably use the same language when going about their pranks.我也曾经和欧洲的混混有过接触，如果东方的这些群体思维模式相似的话，他们恶作剧的时候会使用的词汇也是类似的。

SakuyaI see...原来是这样……

AkiHuh, I never thought of that! You were always so prim and proper, so I thought you'd have a snobby personality that was hard to figure out.没想到啊！你一直表现得循规蹈矩的，我还以为你会是很难搞的贵族性格。

AkiAs it turns out, you DO understand how the world works. You're nothing like how you look.原来是很了解世道的家伙嘛，和你的个人风格可不太一样。

DupinActually, you wouldn't be wrong to think that way. One's appearance primarily derives from the traits of one's neural cloud and a Doll's initial settings.实际上，你想得也没错。外观装束的审美，主要取决于心智特征和人形的初始设定。

DupinBut unlike what you might have thought, I was designed from the ground up as an assistant for a detective agency.但与你不同的是，我是从侦探事务所最基础的助手做起的。

DupinMy job was to do all the dirty work that humans wouldn't bother doing and meet with people that others would shun.在人类眼里不值得做的脏活累活，还有不愿接触的人，起初都是我在处理。

AkiWhen I think about the places you might have worked in, I can't imagine you had a good time at your firm.联想到案发现场这种地方，打杂能干的怎么想都不是什么好活啊……

DupinStill, that period of time was quite worthwhile. I gained much unconventional wisdom from it.不过，那段时光还是很有价值的，我从中学到了很多冷门的知识。

DupinA detective can't solve truly strange cases without understanding the strange corners of the world.侦探如果不够了解这个世界的边边角角，就无法破解那些千奇百怪的疑案了。

SakuyaHehe... It seems you enjoy your work, Mr. Detective.呵呵……侦探先生看起来很喜欢这份工作呢。

DupinIt was why I was created, after all. Still, Miss Sakuya... Why did you end up on this street?我就是为此而生的。不过，咲耶小姐……你为什么会转到这条街区来？

DupinTravelling alone through such unsafe alleys is not exactly a wise decision.独自穿行于这种治安不佳的巷口，并不是明智之举。

SakuyaI was going to buy flower seeds on that street. They were from a very rare species, though the humans who sold them might not agree.我是去那条街区购置花种的，那是非常稀有的类别，虽然人类不一定这么认为。

SakuyaWar and disaster have ruined far too many natural resources, and some ancient plants have long since gone extinct...灾难和战争破坏了太多自然资源，有些古老的植物早就已经消失了……

SakuyaBut I heard there was a flower store here that sold uncommon seeds that were unavailable elsewhere.但我听说这里还有一家花店，在出售别处已经绝迹的冷门品种。

DupinI see...是么……

AkiStill, this place doesn't look too safe. Make sure you travel on more secure roads next time.不过这种街区看起来也不安全，以后记得走治安更好的道路啊。

AkiNeed us to send you back?需要我们送你回去吗？

SakuyaThanks, but no thanks. I just need to head back to the shopping streets and take a different road back.谢谢你，不过不用了。我从这里回到商业街，换一条路走就好了。

SakuyaIf there's nothing else, shall we bid each other farewell for now?如果没什么别的事，我们就在这里告别吧？

Dupin lowers his head, lapsing into contemplation once again.渡宾略一点头，重新陷入思考。

Before this riddle has been solved, another one has already appeared in the mists of twilight.谜题尚未解开，新的迷雾又已经出现在了暮色之中。

Attribution Theory - 1 归因理论-1

At the exhibition hall.展厅。

AkiAh~ Inspecting the surroundings is such a pain.啊——啊，检查环境意外是件累人的事啊。

AkiI guess my model just isn't suited for intellectual work...大概是我的设计型号的确不适合情报相关工作吧……

DupinI've finished examining the venue. No problems were found. Do you remember the contingency plan I shared with you just now?会场也检查完了。没有什么问题，刚才的应急预案你都记住了吗？

AkiOh, that was easy. Carrying out orders is way easier than running an analysis.这倒不难，执行指令比搞分析可轻松多了。

AkiAfter we go back, I'm going to have a nice big helping of gyutan-don...回去之后，我一定要好好吃上一碗牛舌饭……

DupinYou have quite the obsession with eating...你对吃的执念真是格外地深……

小机器人A[(〝▼皿▼) Reporting! Scan complete! No abnormalities found!]【(〝▼皿▼)报告！检查完成！没有异常！】

AkiHm? Isn't that one of those mini-robots that's assisting Sakuya?嗯？这不是咲耶的那帮小机器人么？

小机器人C[︿(￣︶￣)︿ Sakuya, Sakuya! Miss Sakuya lent us to her new friend!]【︿(￣︶￣)︿咲耶，咲耶！咲耶小姐把我们借给了新朋友！】

小机器人C[ヾ(°∀°ゞ) We're the same model with the same great function mods!]【ヾ(°∀°ゞ)同样的型号，同样酷炫的功能改装！】

DupinIt seems the organizer likes the way these robots work.看样子，主办方是看上了这批机器人的工作模式。

AkiThese little munchkins might look flighty and unreliable, but they carry out instructions faithfully.这些小家伙看起来一惊一乍的，执行指令倒是很稳妥嘛。

DupinConsidering how dangerous it is to perform maintenance work in high places, it's plain to see that these mini-robots have taken on quite a weighty task.维护安保装置的高空作业毕竟危险，这些机器人显然承担了相当一部分工作。

小机器人C[(～￣▽￣)～ Svarog Heavy Industries~ Satisfaction Guaranteed~]【(～￣▽￣)～ 火神重工~品质保障~】

小机器人B[(´ ▽ `)ﾉ Look over here! The treasure, the treasure's where it should be!]【(´ ▽ `)ﾉ 看这里！宝物，宝物，没有异常！】

The display rack holding the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu has been placed under a bright spotlight in the spacious exhibition hall.在宽阔的展厅之内，用于装数珠丸恒次的支架被安放在明亮的灯光之下。

A decorative canopy hangs neatly over the display space, helping to showcase the exhibition items along with the other ornaments. Various security devices equipped with roller wheels, chains, and collapsing lattice fences are concealed in secret compartments around the display areas.装饰帷幕整齐悬挂在场中，与各类装饰一起衬托得展品格外醒目。展出物之外的角落，多重安保装置带着轮滑、锁链和栅栏结构隐藏于暗处。

DupinWe don't have any more clues for the time being. This place looks safe enough, but if LeBlanc's going to try something...一时间也没有更多的线索了。看起来很安全，但如果是勒布朗行动……

DupinNo, I need to do more research before I can arrive at a conclusion.不行，还是要再研究一下之前的案例才能得出结论。

AkiIsn't security tight enough... And don't you need to take a break?已经够严密了吧……而且你都不用休息的吗！

AkiIs detective work always this tough, or are you the only one who goes to such lengths?侦探工作总是这么难吗，还是只有你这样？

DupinIt's always like this.都这么难。

AkiOh, come on... That said, I think you've probably researched all his methods already.行吧……虽然我总觉得你早把他的手法都研究遍了。

DupinIt's not enough to just review the data on LeBlanc. Let's head back for now to organize the information we have and come up with a course of action.光靠观察获取信息还不够，我们先回去整理一下手头的信息和行动方案吧。

DupinPerhaps my thoughts will become clearer once night falls.也许入夜以后，我的思路会更加清晰。

AkiSure, I guess (yawn). Man, I've been running around all day. I'd be glad to take a good, long bath before taking a nap.也好，也好——呵欠。忙了一天，我正好也回去泡个澡，好好睡一觉。

AkiStill, you need to take a break when you ought to rest! All work and no play makes Dupin a dull boy and all that.不过你该休息的时候还是要歇歇。正所谓张弛有度嘛！

AkiIf there's anything you can't figure out, why not clear your head and soak in a hot tub? Who knows? That might do the trick. Give it a shot!有什么事想不明白的话，泡个热水澡放空一下，说不定就好了，试试看吧。

DupinBut I still have no idea where to begin with LeBlanc, so even if I wanted to relax...但勒布朗的事还没有头绪，我就是想放松也……

AkiIt'll all sort itself out in the end! Being responsible is one thing, but you also need to treat yourself right.船到桥头自然直嘛！有责任感是好事，但世间万事，首先是问心无愧。

AkiI'm not asking you to ditch your responsibilities, but you've tried your best, right? You won't get anywhere bashing your head against a brick wall, and you might end up getting hung up on pointless trivia.我倒不是让你抛弃责任，可你已经尽力了吧？一直闷头想，没准会钻牛角尖的。

AkiI mean, you've got no clues either, so why not give yourself a break?反正现在也没有思路，不如暂时放自己一马吧？

Dupin...Well, that certainly does sound like a very "you" way of doing things. Alright, we'll head back for now.……还真是有你风格的观点。总之，我们先回去吧。

Attribution Theory - 2 归因理论-2

In Master Yagyu's temporary residence.柳生大师的临时宅邸。

AkiThe courtyard here is most pleasing to the eye. We have Miss Sakuya to thank for that.这个庭院看着真是让人赏心悦目啊，还真是多亏了咲耶小姐。

DupinHm? That's...嗯？前面那是……

雷切特We meet again, Mr. Aki and Mr. Dupin.又见面了，秋——先生，渡宾先生。

AkiAre you here looking for the old man again?你又来找老爷子？

AkiYou're the first one I've seen who's been this persistent, seeing as you've been coming over the past few days.这几天总跑过来，我还是第一次见到你这么执着的。

雷切特Well, I AM a businessman, after all. One can't do business without sincerity.我毕竟也是生意人，如果心不诚可是谈不成事的。

雷切特So a few extra trips don't mean much. And even if the deal falls through, we can still build a connection.多跑几趟而已，算不了什么。就算谈不成，也能结交一下嘛。

雷切特Oh yes, were the two of you just coming back?对了，你们这是刚出去回来？

Since telling him about Leblanc isn't wise, Dupin is thinking about a suitable excuse to make when Aki fields the question as naturally as breathing.勒布朗的事不宜告知外人，渡宾正思考着合适的措辞，秋已经态度自然地接过了话头。

AkiYep, we just finished our routine security check.是啊，我们刚结束例行安全检查工作。

Dupin...Indeed. Master Yagyu hardly ever travels abroad, so we must ensure his safety.……没错。柳生家主难得出行，我们必须保证他的安全。

Dupin briefly freezes up, but quickly picks up where Aki left off.渡宾微微一怔，很快反应过来接上对话。

Aki is far more of a bodyguard than his casual demeanor might suggest. Thanks to his nature, even an excuse that was hastily cobbled together at the last minute seems more believable.秋作为安保人形的职业素养极高，远大于他大大咧咧的性格。得益于他的真性情，临时找出的借口也显得更为可信。

Dupin(Is that one of his personal advantages... He's more professional than I expected.)（这也是个人优势么……比预想中还要专业啊。）

雷切特My, how dedicated to your job you are. I expected no less of the Master's guardian. Clearly, you're a cut above the average security team.真是尽职尽责啊。不愧是大师身边的安保，果然比普通团队还要纪律严明。

AkiHaha, but of course. The old man always says that he doesn't run a charity, and he has a lot of Doll bodyguards like me in addition to human ones.哈哈，那是当然了。老爷子说他不养闲人，不止有人类保镖，像我这样的安保人形也不少。

雷切特Hm! Well, don't get too comfortable just because you have Doll security. I heard a rumor lately...唉！可别因为有人形做安保就放松警惕，我最近刚听说过一个传闻……

DupinA rumor?传闻？

雷切特Oh yes. Supposedly, there's a new hacking program making the rounds that can seize control of a Doll's neural cloud.是啊，据说最近好像出现了一种新兴的黑客程序，能控制人形的心智。

AkiIs that so? I'd better be careful, then.还有这事？那是该注意一点了。

AkiStill, I doubt controlling a Doll would be that easy.不过，就算要控制人形，应该也没那么简单吧。

DupinDoing that would require technological means far more advanced than the current Doll neural clouds.要做到这种事，需要远高于现有人形心智设计水准的研发能力。

DupinNot that it's impossible, but...虽然也并不是没有可能……

雷切特Hahaha, well, I'm just repeating a rumor. In any case, since you're both protecting a VIP, I hope you'll be careful.哈哈哈，我也是道听途说。总之，既然是要保护大人物的安全，还是小心些好。

雷切特Dolls are merely machines after all, and how safe they are to use...人形毕竟只是机械产物，安全性这种事……

雷切特Ah, my apologies, I meant nothing by that. I apologize if I've offended you.啊，抱歉抱歉，我没有别的意思。是我一时失言，冒犯了。

Ratchett smiles unnaturally before patting Aki's shoulder in mock familiarity, trying to defuse the awkwardness in the air.雷切特露出不自然的笑容，故作熟稔地拍了拍秋的肩膀，试图缓解尴尬。

雷切特I'm sure a Doll like Aki must have cost a lot, and ordinary folks wouldn't be able to afford him.像秋这样的人形，造价想必十分昂贵，一般人家也承担不起吧。

AkiAhhh, forget it, just be on your way.算了算了，你赶紧走吧。

AkiOh, and thanks for the reminder. We'll pay close attention to affairs regarding the old man, and I'll be around in any case.唉，还是谢谢你的提醒。老爷子的事我们会多加注意的，凡事有我在。

AkiBesides, we've got another capable man on the team now, no?更何况，这次我们可是有了一个得力干将，不是吗？

Dupin...I would have agreed with you if you hadn't held me up so suddenly.……如果你不像这样突然揽住我，我原本是打算赞同你的。

Attribution Theory - 3 归因理论-3

Night falls. By the order of Master Yagyu, Dupin will be spending the night in a guest room on the estate.夜幕降临。在柳生大师发话安排下，渡宾也入住在庭院中的客房过夜。

The exhibition is tomorrow. However, Dupin stays up well into the night, going over information and plans inside his suite.次日就是展出当天。渡宾迟迟未休息，而是留在套房内持续整理着资料与思路。

DupinA rematch with LeBlanc, hm...与勒布朗的再一次决胜么……

The light from inside the room streams into the courtyard, and his dark surroundings cause Dupin to lose himself further in his thoughts.房间的灯光从窗户滑进庭院，窗外幽暗的环境让渡宾更深地沉浸在思考中。

Dupin(The security systems and personnel are largely mechanical in nature. While they're hardly smart devices, they're highly resistant to the electronic disruption that LeBlanc favors...)（安保装置以机械类为主，虽然操作上不够智能，但也能最大限度杜绝勒布朗擅长的设备电子干扰……）

Dupin(I checked all the security Dolls at the venue while doing my inspection today. In theory, all the exits are secure, and the raising and lowering of the canopy can be done by hand...)（今天确认的时候，会场的安保人形也做过了检查。理论上是保障了各个出入口的安全，帷幕升降也可以手动操纵……）

Dupin(I've also made a record of the structures and access routes for the venue. After eliminating 266 low-likelihood possibilities...)（会场周围的建筑和路线也刚做完实地记录和整合，筛选掉266个可能性过低的行动方案之后……）

Ding. His communicator suddenly goes off, the sound of its alert particularly crisp in the silence.叮。通讯声忽然响起，在静夜中格外清晰。

A feeling of foreboding fills Dupin's heart as he answers.渡宾忽然升起不祥的预感，立刻接了起来。

?Do you think this counts as our first time exchanging contact information?这算是我们第一次交换联系方式吗？

?—Dupin?——渡宾。

Dupin...LeBlanc.……勒布朗。

勒布朗I expected nothing less of the great detective. You immediately realized it was me—it would seem you received my invitation.不愧是大侦探，立刻就认出了我——看来你收到我的邀请函了。

DupinDid you call me at this hour just to wax nostalgic?在这个时候给我打通讯，就是为了叙旧吗？

LeBlanc speaks in a leisurely tone, like a violin chord echoing through the night. Dupin subconsciously tightens his grip around his cane, focusing all his efforts on trying to discern LeBlanc's plan as opposed to going around in circles with him.勒布朗的语调不紧不慢，如同在夜色中被拉响的弦。 渡宾下意识摩挲着手杖，全力运转推测起勒布朗的意图，并不打算与他一同原地绕圈。

勒布朗Oh, how cold. You ought to be more romantic. That would make you more interesting.真是冷淡，你应该再浪漫一点，才能变得更有趣。

DupinYou sound like you have a great deal of confidence in your little show tomorrow.看来你对自己明天的“演出”很有把握。

勒布朗—Tomorrow?——明天？

勒布朗Surely the curtains have already risen on the thrilling opening act, no?精彩的剧目，不是已经开场了吗？

DupinYou're trying to get me to ask you a question. What do you want to say?你在引导我向你询问。你打算告诉我什么？

勒布朗"A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet."“蔷薇换一个名字，也同样芬芳。”

勒布朗And more than one show can take place on the same stage.同一个舞台，也不止同一场剧目。

勒布朗I wonder... Will you be able to catch up to me this time?我很好奇，这一次，你能不能追上……

Ding.叮。

The call cuts off right after that one-sided announcement that sounded more like a prank than a conversation. Dupin swiftly takes stock of the current situation, reaches a conclusion on what LeBlanc is trying to do, and immediately calls the organizer to verify it.通讯被挂断了，恶作剧般的通话单方面宣告结束。渡宾快速整理起现状，推断着勒布朗的用意，立刻向主办团队打去了通讯确认。

安保负责人The Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu? It's fine. We didn't spot LeBlanc.数珠丸恒次？一切正常啊，没见到勒布朗来。

DupinJust in case, please patch a live feed of the exhibit through to me.以防万一，请帮我连接影像观察一下展品。

安保负责人Sure, no problem... See? Safe as houses.好好，没问题……看，我们的安保也守着呢。

小机器人A[(╬￣皿￣) What happened!?]【(╬￣皿￣)发生什么事了！】

小机器人B&C[⊙０⊙ What happened!? What's going on!?]【⊙０⊙发生什么事了！发生什么事了！】

安保负责人We're going to check all the security measures again!现在开始再检查一遍各部分安保措施！

小机器人们[Σ(☉▽☉ Move out! Protect the exhibit!]【Σ(☉▽☉运转起来！守护宝物！】

Dupin...Thank you.……辛苦了。

安保负责人There'll be lots of big names attending the exhibition this time round, so we'll have a lot on our plates. Still, we'll do our best.本次参展的名流众多，安保工作本来就沉重，我们会尽全力的。

Dupin...Looks like there's nothing wrong with the exhibition hall.……展厅那边看上去确实没有什么异常。

DupinWas LeBlanc just pranking me? No, given my understanding of him...难道勒布朗只是为了恶作剧？不对，以我对他的了解……

DupinNo, I need to head to the exhibition hall just in case, and contact Aki ASAP...不行，以防万一还是得去展厅一趟。得赶紧联络秋出发……

As Dupin puts his notes away, he puts the call through. However, even after his files have all been neatly packed and he's ready to head out, there's still no response from the other side.渡宾边整理资料边开启通讯。然而资料早已准备好，一切出发所用也收拾妥当，通讯另一头却仍然未被接起。

系统音Beep— Beep—滴——滴——

系统音—Beep —Nobody picks up.——滴——未接通。

Dupin...Considering the time...……这个时间点……

DupinPerhaps my thoughts will become clearer once night falls.也许入夜以后，我的思路会更加清晰。

AkiSure, I guess (yawn). Man, I've been running around all day. I'd be glad to take a good, long bath before taking a nap.也好，也好——呵欠。忙了一天，我正好也回去泡个澡，好好睡一觉。

DupinNever mind, I'll try contacting him through the other bodyguards. Hopefully, they'll be able to get him up...算了，通过保镖联络吧。希望能把他叫起来……

系统音—Beep.——滴。

Dupin...No, this isn't right.……不，不对。

保镖Master Aki? The light's still on in his room, so he should still be up. At this time, though...秋少爷？他屋里的灯还亮着，应该没睡。虽然已经这么晚了……

保镖Master Aki?秋少爷？

Knock, knock.叩叩。

DupinIt's alright. Let me do it.不必敲门了，我来吧。

Knock, knock.叩叩。

DupinAki?秋？

DupinTsk.啧。

Dupin reaches out to grab the doorknob, thinking about Aki's relationship with the master of the house as he focuses on the door and its lock. However, the moment he touches the door, it swings right open.渡宾伸手去拧秋的房门，一边观察门锁一边考虑着与家主联系。门被轻轻一碰，却立刻向内打开。

The door is unlocked, and the room is empty.门没有上锁，屋内空无一人。

DupinAki...!秋……！

Attribution Theory - 4 归因理论-4

Dupin stands outside the door. He does not enter right away. His detective instincts are urging him to gather as much information as possible.渡宾停在门口，没有立刻走进屋内。侦探的职业素养推动着他尽快收集信息。

Dupin...Aki didn't tell you about where he'd be going or what he'd be doing, right?……关于秋的去向，他没有和你们提过，是吗？

保镖The Young Master went back to his room to rest after eating and didn't say anything... Everyone knows that he sleeps a lot.晚饭过后秋少爷就进屋休息了，什么也没说……他平时睡得很多，这是大家都知道的事。

DupinWhich is why nobody kept watching him... I see.所以才没有人持续关注他……原来如此。

DupinPlease give me a moment. I'd like to investigate this. If need be, you should report this to Master Yagyu.请稍等片刻，容我调查一下。如果有必要，你们再上报给家主。

Dupin(Did he leave on his own, or did something happen to him... And what does this have to do with LeBlanc's challenge?)（是主动离开，还是遇到了突发事件……这件事和勒布朗的挑战有什么关系？）

Dupin(Or did Leblanc call to inform me about this?)（还是说，勒布朗的通讯，就是为了提醒这件事？）

保镖Mr. Dupin?渡宾先生？

DupinGive me a moment. I'm going inside to check the room.你们先等候片刻，我进屋检查一下情况。

Dupin enters and observes his surroundings. The suite's layout and decor are much the same as Dupin's own.渡宾步入屋内观察起现场，套房的设施和渡宾居住的房间并没有什么区别。

There are signs that a Doll was living here and using this room, and Aki's blade is still at the foot of his bed. An unfamiliar-looking letter sits quietly beside it.房间里还有人形生活和使用过的痕迹，而秋的佩刀被遗留在了床脚。一个陌生的信封正静静躺在那把刀旁边。

DupinThat's...这是……

保镖Is something the matter, Mr. Dupin? Shall I make a report to the Master now?有什么消息吗，渡宾先生？需要我现在上报给家主吗？

Dupin...Looks like you'll have to make that report. This letter is a threat...……看来必须上报了。这是一封威胁信……

DupinAki's been kidnapped.秋被绑架了。

保镖—Say what!?——什，什么！？

保镖But Young Master Aki's a Doll, and he's learned the Master's teachings! All of us guards together couldn't hope to defeat him!但秋少爷是安保人形出身，又深得家主真传，我们保镖加起来也打不过他啊！

保镖He's the one who's been protecting the Master all this time... There's no way he could have been kidnapped.家主的安全保护也一直是他……他没道理会被谁绑架啊。

DupinThe letter says that we should wait for the kidnapper to contact us again. You can take it and show it to the Master during your call.信件中让我们等待劫匪的下一步联络，你可以拿去，传进通讯影像。

DupinEvents are already in motion, so please hurry.事情已经发生了，请尽快。

As the bodyguard makes his call, Dupin begins a more in-depth examination of the room. As he collects information related to the case, he contemplates the sudden turn of events.在保镖通讯的同时，渡宾在套房中展开观察，一边收集案件遗留信息，一边推测起事件的急剧变化发展。

Dupin(LeBlanc... It seems this matter is closely linked to him. But given the modus operandi of his previous cases, he's not the sort to make threats with people's lives at stake...)（这件事……看起来和勒布朗脱不了干系。但按照以往的案件综合来看，勒布朗并不会拿他人的安危做筹码……）

Dupin(Even if we consider the urgency of the situation, he'd have no reason to let things go this far. So who could the real kidnapper be...)（就算把情急行事的因素算在内，也并没有让事态发展至此的理由。绑架者的真实身份究竟……）

Height. Body type. Sex. Identity. Footprints. Note. Exit. Opportunity. He begins stringing the clues together, but they're nowhere near enough.身高，体型，性别，身份。脚印，信件，出口，时机。 信息线索一点点连接起来，但还远远不够。

The true identity of the kidnapper and the motive for doing so remain a mystery.真实身份，还有作案动机，一切都陷在谜团之中。

DupinDid he do it to distract me from the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu?是为了拖住我，分散对数珠丸恒次的注意力？

No, that would be too simple. If it were LeBlanc, he'd have some other goal in mind...不，这种动机太简单了。如果是勒布朗的话，应该至少会另有所图……

保镖Mr. Dupin! The Master has been informed and he'll be here right away! Please...渡宾先生！家主已经了解情况了，马上就到！请……

嘎吱嘎吱——(Grind, grind, grind...) The noise of a mini-robot running fills the air, and the other temporary residents finally emerge in response to the disturbance in the courtyard.小机器人运作的声音响起，随着庭院中的动静，暂居于此的其他住客也陆续醒来。

Sakuya(Groans)唔……

The horticulturist Doll emerges from another room, her eyes still filled with sleepiness.园艺人形从另一间屋子走出，神情还带着些惺忪的睡意。

SakuyaWhat time is it, anyway... May I know what's going on?这么晚了……请问，发生什么事了吗？

SakuyaHuh? Dupin?咦，渡宾？

False Dichotomy - 1 伪二分法-1

After Master Yagyu arrives, the chaotic courtyard finally goes silent again for a while.随着家主赶到，没过多久，有些混乱的庭院沉入了短暂的寂静中。

Dupin—And that is why we cannot involve the local police forces for the time being.——所以，目前我们暂时不宜惊动地方警卫力量。

柳生大师...I see.……我明白了。

柳生大师Despite all the strength in these old bones of mine, I'm powerless in a situation like this... All I can do is stand aside and not get in the way.我这把老骨头空有一身力气，这种事却什么都帮不上……只能姑且不在旁边碍事。

柳生大师I've taken down my share of villains in my youth, but as time marches on, all I can do now is sit back and worry.虽然年轻时也与恶徒打过交道，但毕竟时过境迁，现在也只有干着急的份。

柳生大师I'll be counting on you to take care of Aki.秋这孩子……就拜托你了。

DupinI'll do my best.我会尽我所能。

Master Yagyu nods, then turns to leave. The old man came in such a rush that he didn't bother with his cane. While he clearly looks fit enough from behind, his worries make him look a little frail.柳生大师点了点头，转身离去。老人来得很急，来时没顾得上拿手杖。背影分明身体康健，却因忧虑重重而显得有些蹒跚。

SakuyaMaster Yagyu really does dote on Aki like a child...柳生大师对秋的感情，真的很像长辈对孩子呢……

Dupin(I've tried the usual methods, but they've led to a dead end... there were no traces left on the letter, which makes following its trail difficult.)（几种常见的分析都已经进入死胡同了……威胁信也没有留下什么痕迹，很难继续追踪。）

SakuyaMr. Dupin?渡宾先生？

DupinThere are too many questionable points about this whole matter. I need more information.这件事……疑点太多了，我需要更多信息。

SakuyaBut the person who kidnapped Aki hasn't contacted us until now...但是，绑架秋的人到现在也没有联系我们……

DupinAnd we don't know how they'll contact us either. Still, judging by the letter, it seems they'll keep him safe for the moment.也不知道对方会用什么方式联系。但从对方留下的信件来看，他们暂时会保证秋的安全。

SakuyaThank Heaven for small mercies.如果这能这样，那是不幸中的万幸了。

DupinAt the very least, we can be sure that whoever's behind this, Aki isn't in great danger for the time being. They probably won't do anything too drastic if we look like we're cooperating with them.至少我们可以确定，无论背后是谁，秋现在暂时还没有太大危险。只要我们表现得配合，对方不会做出过激行为。

Dupin(If LeBlanc did all this... No, this doesn't suit his style.)（如果这事是勒布朗一手主导……不，行事风格也对不上。）

Dupin(But I can't rule out the possibility that he's deliberately acting out of character. I wouldn't put that past him.)（也不能排除他故意改变手法。这种事，勒布朗不是做不出来。）

Dupin(But then why would he strike at Aki... What value does this have to him?)（但勒布朗到底为什么对秋……这件事对他而言到底有什么价值？）

Dupin(From LeBlanc's perspective, Aki is only the supervisor for the transfer. There are many other handier ways to deal with him. But from Aki's point of view...)（从勒布朗的角度看，秋应该只是普通的捐赠方负责人，要制约他还有很多更便利的办法才对。但从秋的角度看……）

Dupin(...Aki's point of view?)（……秋的角度？）

AkiSo why does LeBlanc want the sword anyway? Is it because it's valuable?所以勒布朗为什么会盯上这把刀？就因为值钱吗？

DupinNo. If that were the case, the treasures he stole would have been sold on the black market or to someone else in short order.不，如果是这样的话，被他盗走的宝物应该会快速进入黑市或者被转手。

DupinGiven his style, it's more like he genuinely appreciates those items, and also because... he enjoys causing problems for others.按他的作风，更像是一方面真心欣赏这些宝物，一方面又……乐于给其他人找麻烦。

AkiSo he makes life interesting for himself and others? No wonder he's an old foe of yours; you certainly know him very well.给自己和你们都找找乐子？不愧是你的老对手啊，你倒是很了解他。

AkiAnd his methods are pretty interesting too. When you put it that way, LeBlanc doesn't sound like a total villain.他那些手法也很有意思嘛，听起来，勒布朗也不像什么彻头彻尾的坏家伙。

DupinI can't deny that his actions have never extended to endangering others.我无法否认，他的行动从不以任何人的安危为代价。

AkiI knew it! But why is he so fixated on you?果然嘛！不过，他为什么就盯着你不放？

DupinMe...? Strictly speaking, he hasn't really been obsessed with me.我……？严格来说，他并没有盯着我不放。

AkiThat's strange, then; why are YOU so obsessed with him?那就奇怪了，你又为什么总盯着他？

DupinMe? Obsessed? I haven't done that either. As a detective, I've never once...盯着他？我也没有这么做。侦探的本职工作我从来……

AkiYou haven't?没有吗？

AkiBut we've done nothing but talk about LeBlanc since just now.但从刚才开始，我们的话题都没怎么绕开过勒布朗吧。

AkiLogically speaking, there ought to be many other strange cases we could discuss apart from one exceptional fellow.按理说，除了一个特别的家伙之外，应该还有很多离奇的案件可说才对啊。

Dupin...Indeed, you're right. LeBlanc's challenge has been occupying much of my attention over the past few days...……的确如此。这段日子以来，勒布朗的挑战已经占据了我过多的注意力……

AkiHahaha, looks like my instincts were right after all.哈哈哈，看来我的直觉还是没错的。

AkiRelax, relax—I sometimes end up focusing too much on a single sword stroke myself. At times like these, you ought to turn your attention to something else.放宽心，放宽心——我也在一个剑招上钻过牛角尖，这种时候就该转移一下注意力。

AkiGo with the flow! Act natural! Once you finish practicing every single strike, you might figure out where the problem lies.顺其自然！全部练完之后，说不定就知道问题出在哪了。

AkiOn that note, have you met any other interesting weirdos on the job?这么说起来，你工作的时候还见过其他有趣的怪人吗？

Dupin(Other...)（其他的……）

Dupin(Other people?)（其他的人？）

Dupin...I was looking in the wrong direction.……是我想岔了。

SakuyaIn the wrong direction?想岔了？

DupinI shouldn't have put all my focus on LeBlanc...我不应该把注意力全部放在勒布朗的身上……

事务所老板Surely the exhibition of such a world-class treasure must have caused quite an upheaval, right?这种传世之宝要进行展出，蠢蠢欲动的人应该很多吧。

安保负责人There are going to be lots of famous people at this exhibition, which means this job is going to be hard enough as it is. We can't afford any screw-ups.本次参展的名流众多，安保工作本来就沉重，不能让各位有什么闪失。

DupinHe was right... My view does broaden up tremendously once I take my eyes off LeBlanc.果然……如果把视线从勒布朗身上暂且移开，视野就开阔多了。

SakuyaYou're saying...你是说……

DupinLeBlanc's not the only one who's seeking a prize here. Apart from one of the Tenka-Goken, there are other things a thief might seek to claim in the confusion.对珍宝蠢蠢欲动的恐怕不止勒布朗。就算目标不是天下五剑，其他的东西也有可能被趁乱盯上。

DupinWith everyone's eyes on the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu, other items and even people might end up being drowned out by the obvious "treasure" on display...在所有人都紧盯着数珠丸恒次的时候，其他的事物乃至其他的人，都有可能被明面上的“宝物”的光芒掩盖……

DupinAt times like these, someone keeping an eye out for a chance to seize them would have a better chance of getting their way.这个时候，觊觎任何机会的人都更有可能得手。

SakuyaSo you're saying they were after Aki the whole time?也就是说，对方的目标一开始就是秋吗！？

DupinIndeed. I had tunnel vision and focused too much on my initial picture of the situation.正是如此。此前是我先入为主，钻牛角尖了。

DupinGiven LeBlanc's style, not leaving any hints behind during the planning phase would be strange to begin with.以勒布朗的风格，筹划这种事却不在现场留下任何提示，本来就是不正常的。

SakuyaSo the culprit...那劫匪……

Ding.叮。

保镖Mr. Dupin, we've got a call on our open channel!渡宾先生，我们的通用频道有通讯！

Dupin—Please put it through.——请接起来。

DupinIf I'm not wrong, this is "the next step" we've been waiting for.如果我没猜错，我们等的“下一步”来了。

False Dichotomy - 2 伪二分法-2

DupinStay quiet for now.先不要说话。

劫持者Picked up so soon?这么快就接通了？

劫持者Hahahahahaha, you must have been waiting long enough. How does it feel to be worried?哈哈哈哈哈哈，想必你们也等候多时了吧。着急的感觉怎么样？

The audio is accompanied by an image. The screen shows a darkened warehouse, the kind you can find anywhere. Aki is on the ground, and he seems to be unconscious because he is not moving.随着通讯传来的还有影像。画面中是似乎随处可见的昏暗仓库，秋倒在地上，似乎正处于昏迷之中，没有任何反应。

He was clearly moved to the courtyard from his room, as evidenced by the white petals on the sleeves of the flowers that grow in the courtyard.人形显然是从房中借道庭院被匆匆转移，衣领里还夹着庭院种植的白色花瓣。

劫持者So, where's that insufferable old fool? Isn't he on the verge of tears for his precious little Doll?那个难伺候的死老头呢？没有为他的宝贝人形急掉两滴眼泪吗？

劫持者Answer me!给我说话！！

保镖Why you...!你这家伙……！

DupinDon't disturb the Master. I will deal with him.不要惊动家主，我来和他谈。

劫持者Hm? And who's this? Oh... the detective Doll?嗯？这又是谁？哦……侦探人形？

劫持者I knew you'd be a thorn in my side. You annoying piece of trash... I have all the cards in my hands; how will you deal with me?我就知道你是个麻烦。惹人厌的东西……筹码在我手里，你有什么能跟我谈的？

DupinOh, I'm sure we have lots to discuss... Mr. Ratchett.能谈的很多，雷切特先生。

劫持者What...什……

劫持者Who's Ratchett? What are you talking about!?谁是雷切特？你在说什么东西！

DupinYou can use a voice changer all you like, but it still won't help you alter your speaking habits.很遗憾，虽然使用了变声装置，你的发音习惯却是无法轻易改变的。

DupinNo human can instantly record voiceprints, perform pronunciation analysis, and instantly compare vocal characteristics. Unfortunately for you, I can.声纹记录，发音分析，语音特征对比，这都是人类侦探无法第一时间做到的事。遗憾的是，我可以。

DupinYou only expected to face a human detective in a battle of wits, but you forgot that some things are impossible to hide from Dolls.你们只想着与同为人类的侦探斗智，却忘了有些东西在人形的面前无所遁形。

SakuyaTsk, he's acting cool at a time like this...嘁，什么时候了还忙着耍帅……

DupinMore to the point, I just ran through the list of all the visitors to the estate.更何况，我刚排查过了整个庭院出入访客的名单。

DupinSurely the identity of a businessman who's obsessed with a famed blade would be the perfect cover for you to repeatedly enter the estate without suspicion, no?一个痴心求购名刀的商人，不正是可以反复来访而不被怀疑的身份吗？

DupinI bet your real name isn't even "Ratchett" either.恐怕“雷切特”这个名字，也不是你的本名吧。

劫持者Shut up! SHUT UP!闭嘴，闭嘴！

DupinIf you wanted to case the joint, so to speak, each of your visits would be the perfect opportunity to do so.如果你要踩点探查地形环境，你的每一次拜访都是绝佳的机会。

DupinOnce everyone thought you only had the sword on your mind, who would notice your real objective?当所有人都以为你一心想着名刀的时候，谁会注意到你的真实目的呢？

劫持者...You damn piece of junk!……该死的废铁！

雷切特Ha, haha... And so what? I've already done it!哈，哈哈……那又怎么样？我已经成功了！

雷切特My identity? My methods? So what if you've figured them out? What can you do about them now?身份？手段？这种东西，解出来就解出来了吧。你们现在又能拿我怎么样？

雷切特I already told you that there were hacking programs that could control a Doll's neural cloud.我可是早就提醒过你们了，有控制人形心智的黑客程序啊。

Dupin...I just want to know why you chose Aki.……我只想知道，你为什么会选中秋？

雷切特Heh. My original target was that weird old man.哼哼。我原本的重点照顾对象，是那个古怪的死老头。

雷切特But who would have thought those bodyguards were guarding him so closely? Couldn't even get past them and at that old relic...可谁让他那帮保镖把他守得那么紧？连风都透不过去，老不死的东西……

Ratchett glances at the unconscious Aki and snorts disdainfully.雷切特看了看不省人事的秋，发出一声嗤笑。

雷切特Still, it was all thanks to them, calling this Doll "Young Master Aki" and all...还多亏了那帮没脑子的东西，管这个人形叫什么“秋少爷”……

雷切特If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have realized that the old fool cared so much about him.如果没这回事，我又哪里注意得到这玩意有多受宠呢？

雷切特I did my research, and as it turns out, high-end models like him are worth a lot; every single component gleams with gold.我查过了，这种高端型号可是值钱得很，每个零部件都发着金光啊。

DupinAnd so you changed your target to Aki instead?所以你才转移了目标，把主意打到了秋身上？

雷切特Don't get familiar with me! I'll be giving you a list of things I want with a time limit attached.别跟我拉家常了！我要的东西，我会给你们发个带时限的清单。

雷切特If you're late... You'll just have to look for him on the black market.要是交付得晚了点……那你们可就只能在黑市里找到他了。

雷切特But will you find a few broken parts or a masterless scrap Doll? I wonder indeed!到时候你们会找到几块拆碎的零件呢，还是一个易了主的破烂人形呢？真期待啊！

Ding! Ratchett hangs up and sends over a long list of onerous demands.叮。雷切特很快掐断了通讯，并发来了一长串堪称苛刻的交换条件。

SakuyaAki...秋……

DupinGiven this time frame... We won't make it.这个时间……来不及了。

SakuyaWe won't make it?什么来不及了？

DupinIt's almost impossible to resolve this case before the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu goes on exhibition tomorrow.在明天数珠丸恒次展出之前，要解决这场案件几乎是不可能完成的任务。

SakuyaThen... Then we need to think of a way to save Aki, no matter what!这……无论如何，我们都要尽快想办法把秋救出来才行！

DupinRelax. Gathering the ransom demands isn't hard, but... there's something else I've been thinking about.放心。筹措这些条件并不难，但……我还有一些其他的考量。

SakuyaI don't understand what else there is to think about... Isn't this the most important thing right now?我不明白你还要考量什么……这不是现在最要紧的事吗？

SakuyaIs Aki's safety worth less to you than a sword?在你的心里，秋的安全还比不上一把刀吗？

SakuyaIs this how a detective acts? ...You're more ruthless than I expected.这就是侦探吗……比我想象的更冷酷无情。

SakuyaAlthough I can't do anything myself... I still need to ask this one thing of you.虽然我什么也做不了……但是，我还是要拜托你。

Dupin...You shouldn't say that.……你不必这么说。

DupinYou can do far more than the average person thinks.你能做的事情，比一般人想象中的还要多。

Sakuya...Really? But I...……我吗？可是我……

SakuyaYou and Aki saved me, but I wasn't able to help out when Aki was kidnapped. So I need to ask...是你和秋救了我，但秋遇到绑架这种事，我却一点忙都没帮上。所以拜托你……

DupinIs that what you really think?你真的这么认为吗？

Sakuya...Say what?……什么？

DupinBecause to me, your abilities far exceed those of an ordinary gardener.在我看来，你的能力远远超出了园艺人形的范围。

Dupin—After all, you already lent Ratchett a hand, didn't you?——毕竟，你不是已经帮上雷切特的忙了吗？

SakuyaBut I... I'm sorry, what do you mean?可我……对不起，你究竟是什么意思？

DupinTrying to keep up the act just makes it look forced.再装下去就不像了。

DupinA development like this should be exactly what you want—这样的发展，应该正合你意吧——

DupinMr. Phantom Thief.怪盗先生。

咲耶？Ah— What a shame.嗯——真可惜。

咲耶？To think you saw through me so quickly. I thought I'd be able to keep the act up a little longer...这么快就被发现了啊。我还以为我能表演得更久一点呢……

咲耶？So, how do you intend to begin your deduction, oh great detective?所以，你要如何展开推理呢，我们的大侦探？

Dupin...For starters—……首先。

DupinWipe that smug look off your face and don't do it again.把你那副看戏的表情收起来，以后也少做。

False Dichotomy - 3 伪二分法-3

DupinIf I hadn't been certain before, then it goes without saying now.如果说之前还没有确定，现在就已经不用多说了。

DupinI simply didn't expect you to make an appearance wearing someone else's face, LeBlanc.我只是没想到，你会以别人的形象出现，勒布朗。

勒布朗How is it? Are you surprised?怎么样，惊喜吗？

勒布朗I didn't expect you to see through me, but I've had my fun.虽然没想到会被你看穿，但好在趣味已经足够了。

DupinWell, if this is a new fetish of yours, then I have nothing further to add. I respect your preferences and wish you all the best.如果这是你的新癖好，那我没什么要说的。尊重，祝福。

DupinBut after this is over, I will catch you and have you apologize to this girl.事情结束后，我会逮住你，老老实实跟这位女孩子赔礼道歉。

勒布朗I'd do that even if you didn't catch me. It's only proper, no?没有被逮住我也会的。这不是理所应当的吗？

勒布朗Still, you really are the same as ever. When did you realize it was me?不过你还真是老样子。什么时候开始发现我的？

DupinI'm going somewhere now, and I don't have the time to spare for idle conversation with you.我现在要去找一个地方，没空和你站在这里谈心。

DupinIf you really are curious, you can come with me, and I'll tell you along the way.如果你实在好奇，可以跟着我去，我会在路上告诉你。

保镖W-Wait! Young Master Aki, and this... Aren't you going to arrest this suspicious chap?!等、等等！那秋少爷，还有这个……这个可疑的家伙不抓吗！

DupinI've got an idea regarding where to look. Don't be in a rush to follow me. Wait for me to pinpoint the location and send word.我已经有头绪了，你们不要急着跟来，等我的定位和消息。

DupinAs for LeBlanc... He might appear eccentric, but he's extremely cautious.至于勒布朗……这家伙虽然看起来不着调，但格外谨慎。

DupinThere's no point in capturing the "Sakuya" before us. We might end up falling into another trap instead.只抓住出现在这里的“咲耶”，是没有用的，说不定反而会落入其他陷阱。

勒布朗Hahaha, you know me well, Mr. Dupin.哈哈哈，你还真是了解我啊，渡宾先生。

勒布朗Seeing as you guessed correctly, I shall take the trouble of accompanying you on this trip.看在你猜对答案的份上，我就勉为其难和你走一趟吧。

勒布朗This is...这里是……

DupinNot long has passed since Aki went missing. Ratchett couldn't have gone far while carrying his body.现在距离秋失踪没过多久，雷切特带着他的素体跑不了多远。

DupinEven at night and with a vehicle prepared ahead of time, he'd have been spotted easily if he was moving openly.即使现在是夜晚，就算他准备了运输工具，大张旗鼓地行动也很容易被发现。

勒布朗So you've determined that he's still nearby?所以你判断他们还在附近？

DupinWhen he called just now, I saw the interior of the room and the flooring near the entrance.刚才通讯的时候，我从影像里检查了室内设施和出入口地砖。

DupinAdd the light entering the warehouse, the time, and the angle of illumination...还有照进仓库的光线，从角度、时间和光构成来看……

DupinIt should be in one of the alleys here. I can find it and do a comparison. All I need is time.应该就在这条巷子里的某一处，我可以找到并对比出来。只需要再给我一点时间。

勒布朗Mm, mhm—A very precise deduction. But what does that have to do with how you spotted me?嗯，嗯——很精准的判断。但这和你是怎么发现我的，有关系吗？

Dupin...Not this one either. The next...……这里也不是。下一道门……

勒布朗Hey, answer me!喂喂，回答我的问题啊！

DupinI asked you this question during the daytime. Why would you come here alone when you knew it wasn't safe?白天在这附近，我问过你。明知道这里治安不佳，为什么只身前来。

DupinYou said it was to buy flower seeds. But you didn't answer the other half of the question...你说是为了购置花种。但没有回答我另外半个问题……

DupinWhy did "Sakuya" choose to come here alone?是什么让“咲耶”选择只身行动？

勒布朗That's because...那是因为……

DupinAs a renowned horticulturist with the backing of a major corporation, there'd be no need for her to endanger herself by buying seeds.作为知名园艺师，又有财阀作为后盾，购买花种这种事并不足以着急到只身涉险的地步。

DupinYou were making your move during this time, weren't you?当时应该是你在行动吧？

DupinYou'd have had to pass through here in order to make your move and escape without being detected.要不引人注目地为行窃和逃跑做准备，这里是必经之路。

勒布朗You are a sharp one... I'd have stepped in, even if you hadn't saved Sakuya.真敏锐啊……就算你们不去救助咲耶，我也准备出手的。

勒布朗After all, I couldn't let a cute maiden get into actual trouble, no?不能放任可爱的少女当真陷入危险，不是吗？

DupinThat definitely is your style.的确是你的行事风格。

勒布朗Still, that alone wouldn't have been enough for you to tell that I was LeBlanc, right?不过，就算这样也不能判断这就是我勒布朗所为吧？

勒布朗Surely you're not just blaming me for everything suspicious just because I look like a bad guy!不能因为我看起来是个坏家伙，就把所有可疑的事都推到我头上啊！

Dupin suddenly comes to a halt, and he rubs his forehead as LeBlanc interrupts his train of thought.脚步声一停，渡宾辗转寻找线索的思路被勒布朗打断，忍不住揉了揉额角。

Dupin...That's not what I meant.……我不是这个意思。

DupinThe other suspicious point lies in the kidnapping itself. I've been thinking about it ever since I began speaking to the kidnapper.另一个疑点在这场绑架案本身。从接到劫持者的通讯开始，我就在思考这个问题。

DupinNo matter what his personality is like, Aki is every bit the swordsman and bodyguard that he ought to be.无论秋的性情如何，他作为安保人形、作为剑客，都具备着他应有的素质。

DupinRatchett is just an ordinary human being. Getting him out of his room without anyone seeing or hearing him would be nearly impossible.雷切特只是普通人类，想要无声无息地把他从住处带走，几乎是不可能完成的任务。

勒布朗So you think I covered for him?所以你认为我给他做了掩护？

DupinGiven your way of doing things, Ratchett would have had an easier time getting him out of there if you had knocked him out briefly beforehand.以你的作风，如果能提前让秋暂时昏睡，雷切特把他带走就没那么难了。

勒布朗Very true. But tell me, what would be the point of me helping Ratchett to kidnap Aki.你说得很对，但你说我帮雷切特绑架秋，有什么意义吗？

DupinThat's because you understand me, just like how I understand you...因为你了解我。就像我了解你一样……

DupinNo, it's not this one either. That leaves the last few...不，这个也不对，那就还剩下最后几间……

勒布朗You know, you can search for him after you finish telling me.你可以把话说完再找的。

DupinAnd help you buy time, is that it?正方便你拖延时间是吗？

Dupin has been walking all this time as the two of them move through the darkness.两人穿行在将明未明的晦暗天色中，渡宾始终没有停下脚步。

DupinIt's almost daybreak, and the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu is about to go on display, yet I'm still here looking for a kidnapper.天已经快要亮了，数珠丸恒次马上就要展出，我却还在这里找绑架犯。

DupinYou knew I'd choose to save Aki rather than push his safety over to the police to match wits with you...你明知道我会在这种情况下选择营救秋，而不是为了和你争个高低，把他的安危推给警卫力量……

DupinThis is a trap you set for me, and I was fated to step into it.这是你为我设置的迷局，而我注定会踏进来。

勒布朗Hehe... Very clever, oh great detective.哼哼……聪明的大侦探。

勒布朗Now that I think about it, I guess I revealed myself the moment I approached you of my own accord, right?现在回想起来，在今晚我主动找你的时候，我就已经暴露了吧？

DupinPerhaps ordinary people might not be able to discern genuine worry from intentional misdirection, but I can tell.真实的担忧和有意的引导，一般人或许分不清，但我还是能听出端倪的。

勒布朗So does that mean I was also under suspicion?这么看来，我也成了局中人？

DupinThere were many possibilities, but there was only one person whose motives and means were in alignment—namely you, "LeBlanc".虽然可能性还有很多种，但动机和能力都符合推测的，只有你“勒布朗”一个。

DupinAs for that hacking program Ratchett mentioned... it might exist, but I'm sure it's nothing special.至于雷切特说的那种黑客程序……也许存在，但一定没有那么神奇。

DupinThat's the conclusion I've reached based on current technology. And I think it's more likely that you could have come up with it rather than him being able to use it.这是我综合现在的技术水准得出的结论。与其相信这种人能掌握，不如相信你能研究出一点来。

勒布朗You flatter me, great detective.谢谢夸奖了，大侦探。

勒布朗What he has is a crude, destructive program. It can't control Dolls, but it can wreck their neural clouds.那家伙手上的是一款低级的破坏程序，虽然不能控制人形，但有几率对心智造成破坏。

勒布朗I exchanged it for something a little "safer" while he wasn't looking. Doesn't that deserve thanks?趁他没有防备，我帮他替换成了一点比较“安全”的东西。不感谢一下我吗？

DupinIt would if you had been genuinely helping out as opposed to adding fuel to the fire. Still, that is clearly not the case now.如果你真的帮上了忙而不是推波助澜，我会的。但现在显然不是。

DupinI was wondering how you managed to do it, but from the look of things, you found a way to take over Sakuya's body.本以为你用了什么特殊的手法，但现在看来，你是想办法接管了咲耶的素体吧。

勒布朗And here I was going to say it was a secret. How did you find...我还想说这是秘密呢，你是怎么看出……

勒布朗WAIT A MINUTE, WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT ME LIKE THAT!?等等，你那是什么眼神！

勒布朗I HAVE NOTHING BUT THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR THE BODIES OF BEAUTIFUL GIRLS! I'M NOT KIDDING!我对美丽的女孩子绝对是尊重的！不开玩笑！

勒布朗I didn't do anything funny to her. I only took over her body when she was sleeping, charging, or otherwise idle.我没有做任何多余的事，而且只会在她睡眠、充能或者是放空的时候，才会暂时接管她的素体。

DupinOr rather, you "could only" take over her body during those times.是只有在这种状态下“才能”接管吧。

勒布朗You'd be much more likeable if you didn't keep poking at people's sore spots. Take a hint.少揭人短更讨人喜欢，你最好多学学。

Dupin's footsteps suddenly slow down, as though he's confirmed something. He begins comparing two warehouses as their conversation continues.渡宾的脚步忽然慢了下来。似乎是确定了什么，他开始在两间屋子之间对比，而对话仍在继续。

Dupin...You said you'd have stepped in if anything happened to Sakuya, but when I checked her body back then, I didn't notice any obvious fighting ability.……刚才你说咲耶出事你会出手，但当时我检查咲耶的素体，并没有发现她具备战斗能力。

DupinThat implied you weren't using her appearance, but connecting to her neural cloud.那就意味着，你很可能并不是借用了她的外观，而是连接了心智。

DupinThat would mean your body was nearby, but you didn't step in because Aki and I showed up.所以，当时你的本体也应该就在附近。只不过因为我和秋的到来，你收手了。

勒布朗Hahahahaha, most impressive. If I'd known, I would have gone after Aki instead and not put Sakuya's body in danger.哈哈哈哈哈，真厉害啊。早知道我就去欺负秋了，也不至于让咲耶的素体陷入危险。

DupinIt's more likely that you wanted to do that from the beginning, but your tech wasn't up to the task.恐怕是一开始就想下手，但技术上做不到吧。

DupinDesign-wise, the security level of Aki's neural cloud would have obviously been much higher than hers, so it would have been much harder to hack.从功能设计上说，秋的心智安全等级显然是更高的，你就算想要入侵应该也困难得多。

勒布朗Who knows? I'll go all-out on that aspect in the future. Want to play that little game with me?谁知道呢，我以后会在这方面全力尝试的。你要陪我玩玩吗？

DupinI'll pass.敬谢不敏。

勒布朗Aw, don't shut me down so coldly... Judging by the look of your face, I take it you're close to the objective?不要拒绝得这么干脆嘛……看你的样子，离找到正确目标不远了？

DupinCorrection—I've already found it.纠正一下——是已经找到了。

False Dichotomy - 4 伪二分法-4

雷切特One day... Will one day be enough?一天的时间……一天的时间够吗？

雷切特That old man didn't pick up; does he even give a shit about this hunk of junk...那死老头都没接过通讯，鬼知道他到底在不在意这团废铁……

Ratchett paces back and forth anxiously inside the warehouse. More than once, he entertains the idea of kicking Aki to vent his wrath, but draws back at the last moment.仓库中，雷切特焦急地来回踱步，屡次想要踢秋一脚泄愤，又悻悻收住了动作。

雷切特This Doll isn't cheap stuff like other Dolls; breaking it would ruin its resale value... How much of what that LeBlanc chap said was true, anyway?这种人形可不像之前那些便宜货，弄坏了影响卖价……那个自称勒布朗的家伙说话到底有几分真？

雷切特When you get down to it, the reason why I ran so far away and started a different life wasn't to...说到底，我远渡重洋换个地方生活，可不是为了……

雷切特Hm? What was that noise?嗯？什么声音！

Ratchett hears a faint sound outside the warehouse door and immediately goes on alert, whirling to face it. But before he can approach it, a crisp, metallic noise comes from the lock in the door.仓库门外发出细微的响动，雷切特立刻警觉起来，转身向门口走去。但没等他走近，一声金属脆响清晰地从门锁处传来。

The door to the warehouse bursts open, and two people step through.仓库的门被轰然推开，两个人形随之踏入。

雷切特How did you find this place!?你们怎么找过来的！？

勒布朗So it really WAS here! Where did you learn to pick locks, great detective? That ought to be my field of specialty!还真是这里啊！大侦探，你从哪学的开锁？这可应该是我擅长的领域！

DupinI've seen enough cases to pick up the principles and techniques. Also, you shouldn't be taking pride in illegal activities.案件看多了，手法和原理总是知道的。还有，不要把犯罪行为当成值得骄傲的事。

雷切特Don't ignore me!不准无视我！

Dupin...Sorry, but I have no intention of explaining myself to an evildoer.……很抱歉，我对纯粹的作恶者没有任何解释的意愿。

DupinPlease release Aki at once and cooperate with this investigation. I've already notified the police, and they should be on their way shortly.请解除对秋的束缚，尽快配合调查。我刚才已经通知了警卫力量，想必他们已经在赶来的路上了。

雷切特IN YOUR DREAMS!做你的美梦！

At the end of his tether, Ratchett backs up to where Aki is and grabs him.走向末路的雷切特急怒交加，退到秋的身边将他架了起来。

雷切特So what if you found me? I have the hostage! And as long as Yagyu, that old fool, still dotes on his precious "grandson"...找到了又如何？人质在我手上！但凡柳生那老头还有一丝疼爱他的宝贝“孙子”……

雷切特You'd better let me past!你们就都得给我让开！

Dupin...LeBlanc, what did you do to Aki?……勒布朗，你到底对秋做了什么？

勒布朗Hey, I was innocent this time! I just hit him with a temporary forced-sleep mode program... Once it ends, he'll enter regular sleep.这次我是清白的！我可只设置了一段时间的强制休眠程序……结束后就会进入正常睡眠啊。

勒布朗Logically speaking, it should be over by now, and any normal outside stimuli should have woken him up. Unless...按理说早就结束了，常规的外界影响是能让他清醒的。除非……

勒布朗...Unless...……除非……

Aki(Yawn) Man, what a nap...……呼啊。这一觉睡得……

AkiHm!?嗯！？

DupinAki?秋！

勒布朗How the heck could anyone stay asleep all this time!?怎么会有人形真的一直睡到现在啊！

AkiNow what's going on? Wait a minute, is that Ratchett?!这是什么发展？等等，雷切特！？

雷切特Freeze! You're a hostage now, so act like it!不许动！人质就要有人质的样子！

雷切特You're nothing more than a civilian Doll with restriction programs... However good at fighting you are, you're nothing more than a flower rack without orders from your master!你也不过是有限制程序的民用人形……再高的武力，没有主人的指令也就是花架子罢了！

DupinWhy now of all times... Dammit, let me think of how to get around those restriction programs...偏偏是这种情况下……可恶，让我想想绕开限制程序的办法……

勒布朗Now why do I feel completely unworried?为什么我完全紧张不起来呢。

AkiYou know...我说……

雷切特Don't think you can lay a finger on me!休想动我一根汗毛！

AkiYou know, I really don't understand why you're acting so confident.我说，你在自信什么东西啊。

After quickly taking in the situation, the face of this normally cheerful and big-hearted Doll suddenly turns serious.快速判断完当前形式，平日里乐观大方的人形骤然沉下脸来。

AkiYou want to use me to hassle the old man? Someone's dreaming big today.利用我给老爷子找麻烦？你可真是想得出。

雷切特Shut up! SHUT UP! You two Dolls over there, step aside!闭嘴，闭嘴！那边的两个人形，给我让出路来！

AkiYou're the one who ought to be shutting up.该闭嘴的是你。

Ratchett tugs on Aki's collar in an attempt to get away, but just then—雷切特一把揪住秋试图夺路而逃，然而只在转瞬——

AkiWhere the hell do you think you're going, you son of a b***h?打算跑到哪去啊，你这家伙！

雷切特(Coughs) But, but how...!咳、咳，怎么会……！

AkiWhile I don't know why, I've never felt those restrictions you all keep talking about.虽然不知道具体是什么原因，但你们说的那些限制，我是从来都没有感觉到过。

AkiAnyone I spared only walked away because I LET them leave.我放过谁，只是因为我愿意放过罢了。

AkiNow you're threatening my employer and getting in the way of my friends? Don't think you'll get away in one piece!威胁我的雇主，妨碍我的朋友，就别想全身而退了！

The security Doll shrugs free of the grab and effortlessly pins the man to the ground.安保人形骤然发力挣脱了束缚，轻轻松松将他按倒在地。

Thought Conventions - 1 思维定式-1

勒布朗Wow, Aki's really something else!哇，看不出秋还真有两把刷子！

DupinLook out, he's got a gun!小心，这家伙有枪！

雷切特Freeze!都别乱动！

AkiYou have no right to speak!谁准你自说自话了！

DupinAki—Catch!秋——接住！

A shining edge flashes for just an instant.那是闪瞬的刀光。

Dupin tosses Aki's sword forward, and Aki catches sight of it right away. In the moment that Ratchett turns to look at Dupin in response to the latter's warning, the sword ends up in Aki's hands.秋的佩刀被渡宾向前掷去，秋的目光立刻捕捉。 随着渡宾一声提醒，在雷切特扭头的瞬间，刀已经落在了秋的手里。

勒布朗So that's why you were carrying it all this time...你一路带着这东西，原来是……

AkiHow dare you, Ratchett!雷切特，你这家伙！

雷切特What—什——

AkiNOW TASTE MY BLADE!这一刀，好好尝尝吧！

Like the racing wind, like a cry of unbridled anger, his draw-cut slices through his enemy's gun.如疾风，如怒吼，迎向敌人的枪口，是第一斩。

警卫Right, we understand. Anything else we should know?好的，我们知道了，还有什么要补充的吗？

DupinFeel free to contact me anytime if you need to conduct a follow-up investigation.如果有后续调查需要联系，请随时找我。

勒布朗Marvelous, just marvelous.精彩啊，精彩。

勒布朗So you lifted part of your restrictions... Ratchett probably didn't expect a master to trust his Doll to that extent.解除了部分限制吗……雷切特大概没想到，竟然有雇主对人形信任到这种地步。

AkiBut of course! Still, I have no idea what you were talking about just now.那是当然的！不过刚才说的那些内容，我都没什么概念。

AkiSince the old man never mentioned it to me before, it probably wasn't anything important.既然老爷子没有跟我提起过，大概认为不是什么重要的内容吧。

勒布朗Still, did Dupin take that into consideration as well? What a fearsome fellow he is.不过，渡宾连这些可能性都计算在内了吗？还真是可怕的家伙。

DupinActually, I was just improvising back then. I DID have a backup plan in case it didn't work.事实上，我也只是在尽可能地做尝试。就算不成功，我也还有后招。

DupinBut right now...不过，对现在的我来说……

Dupin looks at the sky outside the warehouse. The sun has brought the light of dawn to this little alley, and the next day has come.渡宾望了望仓库外的天色，日光为小巷带来了新的清晨，第二天已经到来。

DupinSo it's morning... Looks like it's too late.已经早上了么……看来是来不及了啊。

AkiWhat's too late?什么来不及了？

Aki...Ahhh! The Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu!……啊！数珠丸恒次！

勒布朗I'm impressed you could still remember it.难为你还能想起来呢。

AkiSakuya?咲耶？

DupinThat's LeBlanc.那是勒布朗。

AkiLeblanc!?勒布朗！？

AkiWait a minute, why is Sakuya LeBlanc? When did that happen? Is the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu safe now?等等，咲耶怎么会是勒布朗啊？什么时候开始的？所以数珠丸恒次现在安全了？

Before Aki can ask any more questions, Sakuya's body wobbles on her feet.没等秋冒出更多问题，咲耶的素体忽然晃了晃。

勒布朗It looks like this is when she usually wakes up... Alright, miss, I'll return your body to you.看来这是她平时睡醒的时间了……好吧，小姐，我把你的素体还给你。

勒布朗Just... in time, too...时间……也正好……

The girl raises her skirts in a curtsy, although her movements are a little unpolished. After that, "Sakuya" slowly sinks to the ground while leaning against the wall and falls asleep.少女提裙行礼，动作有些生疏。而后，“咲耶”缓缓倚着门坐了下去，陷入沉睡。

AkiSakuya... Ah no, wait, it's LeBlanc, right? How is she? Is she alright?咲耶？……啊不对，应该是勒布朗？怎么了，没事吧？

DupinRelax, Sakuya should be fine. LeBlanc took over her body just now, but he's released control.放心吧，咲耶应该没事。勒布朗刚才控制着她的素体，现在已经收手了。

DupinIt looks like this is his way of being one step ahead. In all likelihood... LeBlanc's real body is now in the exhibition hall.看来这是先行一步的意思。勒布朗……恐怕他的本体已经在会场中了。

AkiCrap. Although there's a lot I haven't figured out yet, things are NOT looking good right now!糟糕。虽然还有很多事没搞清楚，但现在情况怎么看都不容乐观啊！

DupinWe won't make it even if we rush over there right now. LeBlanc ought to be prepared for that. Still...就算从这里赶过去恐怕也来不及了，勒布朗应该已经做足了准备。不过我还是想……

AkiLet's go now, then! We have to give it a try, no matter how things turn out!那我们快走！不管怎么样，也得再试试吧！

DupinYou... You're right, this isn't time to give up yet. Let's go now!你……确实，还没到放弃的时候。我们现在就过去！

保镖Young Master Aki—You're alright!秋少爷——你平安无事啊！

AkiJust in time! Help protect Sakuya for me, and tell the old man I've got something important to do right now!来得正好！替我保护一下咲耶，告诉老爷子，我还有要紧的事！

Thought Conventions - 2 思维定式-2

Hurried footsteps echo through the streets as the pair share what they know about the situation.急促的脚步声回荡在这片街区，两人匆匆在赶路中交换了现状情报。

AkiI see, I get it now.原来如此，我已经完全明白了。

AkiThanks, Dupin! I don't know how long I'd have been stuck there otherwise.谢谢你，渡宾！不然我还不知要在那种地方躺到什么时候。

DupinNo need to thank me. Although LeBlanc did this to delay me, he was counting on the fact that I'd be able to solve this problem.不用谢我。勒布朗虽然本意是为了拖住我，但想必也是算到了我的确能解决这个难题。

DupinThis phantom thief is a villain, but not a monster.这位怪盗虽然顽劣，但并不是什么穷凶极恶之徒。

DupinWhen you get down to it, you were just an innocent bystander who got drawn into this, so I should be the one apologizing.归根结底，你不过是被拉进了勒布朗和我的争斗之中，是我该道歉才对。

AkiOkay, okay, you don't have to keep harping on it. We're almost there!好了好了，不要继续钻牛角尖了。我们马上就到了！

AkiThe more I learn about the security of this place, the more impenetrable it sounds.这一路上越跟你核对就越觉得，这个会场的防护简直是天罗地网。

AkiHow will that LeBlanc chap steal the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu? He's not going to just grab it right out of its case, is he?勒布朗那家伙会用什么手段盗走数珠丸恒次？不会要明抢吧？

DupinFrankly speaking, I don't know either.诚实地说，目前我也不清楚。

AkiHe's pretty skilled, isn't he? If I could go after him too...那家伙很有一套嘛！要是我也能参与抓捕，没准……

AkiAhhhh, in any case, let's get to the exhibition hall first!唉，总之，先进会场看看！

Things are going smoothly at the venue. All seems to be normal under the canopy and the lights.展出的准备正在有条不紊地进行。帷幕与灯光之下，一切似乎都格外正常。

The Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu sits quietly in its display case. Nothing appears to be wrong with it.数珠丸恒次静静陈列在会场中，在安保装置的防护下，没有任何异常之处。

AkiStrange... is he not coming?奇怪……他没来吗？

DupinThere's no way LeBlanc would let all the preparations he made go to waste.勒布朗做了这么多准备，绝不会轻易走空。

DupinLet's start by checking the facilities, and then the exits...先检查一下设备，还有出口……

小机器人B[(oﾟ▽ﾟ)o Inspection, inspection, time to get moving!]【(oﾟ▽ﾟ)o 检查，检查，运行起来！】

小机器人C[(oﾟ▽ﾟ)o I'm fine over here.]【(oﾟ▽ﾟ)o 我这里没有问题。】

小机器人A[(〝▼皿▼) No problems here either—]【(〝▼皿▼)我这里也没有！】

小机器人B[(oﾟ▽ﾟ)o I'm okay too—]【(oﾟ▽ﾟ)o 我这里也——】

As the mini-robots reply, the smoothly functioning canopy's systems suddenly emit a cacophonous grinding noise.随着机器人的报告，原本稳定运转的安保装置忽然发出了刺耳的摩擦声。

小机器人B[( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜ Uwaaaahhh! It snapped! It snapped!]【( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜哇啊啊啊！断掉了！断掉了！】

小机器人C[( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜ Ahhhhhhhh! It's stuck! It's falling down!]【( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜哇啊啊啊缠住了！要掉下来了！】

Several gears and chains tangle up, and the ropes of the meticulously designed and finely machined canopy suspension get stuck and begin pulling in different directions—数条锁链与轮滑绞在了一起。始作俑者显然经过仔细的研究计算，连着帷幕控制装置的部分绳索被挂住，往不同方向拉动——

And as the canopy falls, a chain can no longer bear the strain and breaks.随着帷幕层层落下，有一条锁链终于不堪重负，断裂开来。

DupinLook out!小心！

AkiLet me handle this!放着我来！

Aki's athletic frame immediately becomes an asset as he surges forward almost instantly, grabbing the snapped chain.秋矫健的身形立刻派上了用场，他几乎是瞬间冲上前去，一把拉住了断裂的锁链。

AkiYou can consider this one of my fortes... I'll handle this!这也算我的专业领域……我来处理！

AkiMy database contains information on maintaining devices like this! I'll take care of things here; you do what you have to do!这种装置的维护我资料库里有，把这个交给我，你去管你该做的事！

勒布朗What a marvelous duo you make, agents of justice.真是一对好搭档啊，正义的使者们。

DupinLeBlanc!勒布朗！

The phantom thief's form flashes out from the canopy. Though he looks like he's merely taking a stroll, he moves with incredible speed, and his path is almost impossible to track.怪盗的身影从帷幕间闪过，姿态如同闲庭漫步，却又消失得极快，踪迹几乎无从捕捉。

One, two, three steps later, he draws closer and closer to the exhibition case holding the sword.一步，两步，距离展出的名刀越来越近。

DupinNot so fast!休想靠近！

小机器人A[(〃＞皿＜) Protect the exhibit! Protect the exhibit!]【(〃＞皿＜)守护宝物！守护宝物！】

小机器人C[( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜ Stop the bad guy! Grab his pants!]【( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜拦住坏蛋！扯他裤腿！】

小机器人B[( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜ Move the exhibit before he reaches it! Move it over here!]【( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜趁他还没到！转移宝物！搬到这里来！】

勒布朗Tsk... you annoying little fellows.嘁……麻烦的小家伙们。

Dupin(No, something's not right... But what is it?)（不，有哪里不对……到底是哪里？）

勒布朗Is your concentration drifting? How interesting. What's drawn your attention?你在走神？真有意思，是什么分散了你的注意力？

勒布朗You're disrespecting your adversary, great detective.这可是不尊重对手的表现，大侦探。

AkiHang on... I'll fix this soon enough!再等一下……我马上就修好这玩意！

Thought Conventions - 3 思维定式-3

小机器人B[(oﾟ▽ﾟ)o I got it! I got the treasure!]【(oﾟ▽ﾟ)o 我，我拿到了！宝物，宝物！】

小机器人A[(〃＞皿＜) I've got it! Don't think of taking the treasure away from me!]【(〃＞皿＜)我，我接住了！宝物，谁也别想拿走！】

小机器人C[( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜ Surround the treasure! Don't let anyone get near it!]【( ｣ﾟДﾟ)｣＜把宝物围起来！谁也别想靠近！】

Dupin...At last.……终于。

勒布朗Tsk... All that effort and it couldn't even slow you down...啧。花了那么长时间，还是没能拖住你啊……

DupinSo I guess your lengthy preparations beforehand were to destroy these security systems?你之前花了那么长的时间准备……大概就是为了彻底破坏这几重安保装置吧？

DupinWell, the tables have turned now.现在，是我们之间形势逆转的时候了。

勒布朗—Planning to seize me so soon? Ambitious, aren't we?——这么快就打算抓住我了吗？总想着一步登天可不好。

The phantom thief snaps his fingers and retreats. LeBlanc dodges the heavy cordon with light, easy steps, and he is at the exit in an instant.怪盗打了个响指，向后退去。勒布朗步伐轻盈地闪过重重防护，人影转瞬就到了出口附近。

The canopy hanging over the display area falls, forming a wall that blocks line of sight to him.原本装饰展台的帷幕一层层垂落着，成了一道道阻隔视线的墙。

AkiHm? Trying to escape? Guards! Listen to Dupin and seize LeBlanc!嗯？要逃吗！警卫，听渡宾的安排抓住勒布朗！

DupinOne group, secure the exits. The other group, with me!一批人负责守住出口，另一批人和我一起……

保镖Got it!收到！

勒布朗—Then let the new round of the game begin.——让新一轮游戏开始吧。

Dupin(...No, that's not right.)（……不，不对。）

AkiTsk, actually fixing this thing is annoying as hell!啧，这玩意实际上手修起来可真麻烦！

AkiDupin, how are things on... Dupin?渡宾，你那边……渡宾？

Dupin(Things are going too well. I have a bad feeling about this...)（事情发展得太顺利了，这种违和感……）

小机器人A[(〃＞皿＜) Move the treasure! Move the treasure!]【(〃＞皿＜)转移宝物，转移宝物！】

Dupin(Logically speaking, I should be at ease since the security systems and the robots are working fine.)（按理说现在一切顺利，安保系统和机器人也在正常运作，我应该放心的。）

勒布朗Not planning to chase me? You've changed, Dupin.不打算追上来吗？你也变了啊，渡宾。

Dupin(—No, I can't let myself get fixated on one thing again...)（——不，应该说是……不能再为某一件事钻进牛角尖……）

Dupin(I need to calm down and carefully consider everything. As much as I want to catch him, I can't let that straitjacket my thinking.)（放平心态，冷静再想想，不能为了捉住他再走进死胡同。）

Dupin(What am I overlooking here?)（除了勒布朗本人，究竟还有什么是最容易被忽视的？）

小机器人B[(oﾟ▽ﾟ)o We've rescued the treasure!]【(oﾟ▽ﾟ)o 宝物营救成功——！】

As the security robots announce their protection of their "treasure", Dupin, who has been high-strung all this while, suddenly realizes something.在安保机器人紧密保护起“宝物”的那一刻，始终高度紧张的渡宾忽然从一片嘈杂中回过神来。

Dupin(...I see!)（……我明白了！）

DupinThe answer lies... in the sword itself!谜底是……宝物本身啊！

DupinAki! Lend me a hand!秋！帮个忙！

AkiGive me a bit, I'm a little busy at the moment!马上……我空不出手！

DupinThen lend me your sword!那就借一下你的刀……！

Perhaps it's because he's jumpy, or perhaps it's simply because they have great coordination, but Dupin reaches back to catch Aki's sword as it falls through the air, then turns to face the layers of canopy behind him.可以说是情急，也可说是默契。渡宾反手拔出秋的佩刀，转身迎向背后的层层帷幕。

AkiWait, behind that? Isn't LeBlanc on the other side... Dupin, did you find something?那后面？勒布朗不是在另一边……渡宾，你发现什么了！

DupinI've been thinking all this time...我一直在想……

DupinSituations like these have arisen before, but LeBlanc never ran away because of them.以前也有这种情况，但勒布朗从来没有因为这种麻烦而退缩过。

DupinSo if this is all part of his plan, the most suspicious thing—如果说这也是计谋的一环，那么最可疑的地方——

DupinWould be that lot... Those simple little mini-robots who would never disobey an order!应该是那群……单纯又绝不会违背命令的机器人才对啊！

—The sword clears its scabbard with a flash of light.——剑花秋莲光出匣。

Dupin swings the blade, cutting down layer after layer of fabric with each slash. The light pierces the darkness as the decorative flower petals are cut to pieces as well.渡宾挥刀将层层叠叠的帷幕一一斩落。漆黑的夜中照进光，将装饰的花瓣也切碎。

DupinYou thought you could deceive my eyes with a few pieces of cloth?想用几块布遮住我的眼睛吗？

DupinYour plan has failed this time.这次，你要失策了。

Behind the canopy, the diligent mini-robots are methodically dismantling the security measures.帷幕之后，勤勤恳恳的小机器人正在有条不紊拆卸剩余的安保装置。

They are about to move the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu to a so-called "safe place".安放在会场的数珠丸恒次，正要被它们转移到“安全的地方”。

DupinI knew it.果然如我所料。

DupinLeBlanc used Sakuya's access when he was in her body to rewrite the mini-robots' settings...勒布朗借着咲耶的身份权限，改写了这些机器人的设置……

DupinThere are too many of them, and if I had to take care of them all with my body's specs... Aki!数量太多了，以我的素体性能要处理起来……秋！

AkiThis damn thing is a pain in the ass, but it's fixed now!修好了！这麻烦玩意！

DupinJust in time. Here, your sword!来得正好。刀还你！

DupinAnd if you can trust me, then please listen to my commands.如果你够信任我的话，接下来听我指挥——

DupinWe'll work together and take down our respective targets.我们合作，各个击破。

Thought Conventions - 4 思维定式-4

The swordsman recovers the blade, and the strategist takes stock of the battlefield.剑客取回了兵刃，而谋士指点着战局。

AkiAwright, last one!好嘞，最后一台！

DupinI'm okay here!我这里也没问题！

DupinWhere are you looking, LeBlanc?勒布朗，你在看哪里？

Dupin"Letting yourself get distracted is disrespecting your opponent." —You said that yourself.“走神可是不尊重对手的表现”——这是你自己说的。

AkiWe did it!成功了！

The Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu is once again in Aki's firm grip.刀光剑影之间，数珠丸恒次回到了秋的手中，被他牢牢握住。

DupinAki, check if the blade was swapped.秋，看看刀有没有被替换掉。

AkiAlright—It's the real thing!好——是真家伙！

AkiHahaha, we foiled the phantom thief's plan! Well done!哈哈哈哈，怪盗的计谋没有成功啊！不愧是你！

DupinIt isn't over yet. This is all in a day's work for a detective.事情还没结束，这只是侦探的本职工作罢了。

AkiOh, come on, how many times have you said that already? There's got to be a limit to how modest you can be, "great detective!"这句话出现太多次了吧！谦虚也要有度，“大侦探”！

勒布朗Alright, alright.好吧，好吧。

From the moment the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu returned to Aki's hands, LeBlanc knew that he no longer had any chance of taking it.从数珠丸恒次回到秋手中的一刻起，勒布朗就知道，他的机会已经完全消失了。

With the plan a failure, LeBlanc laughs and spreads his arms. As he does so, a white rope suddenly drops from above and carries him to the top of the exhibition hall.行动宣告失败，勒布朗笑着摊开了手。随着他的动作，一道雪白的绳索忽然降下，将他带上了会场高处。

DupinWhen did he...!什么时候……！

勒布朗Oh, don't let it bother you. A phantom thief always has to leave himself a way out, right?别在意嘛。怪盗总要给自己留下一条退路的，对吗？

DupinThis device... It must have been installed after yesterday's inspection was finished.这个结构……是在昨天检查完成后才吊上去的。

DupinIt looks like that kidnapping you instigated last night was to complete this "way out" of yours, right?看来你一手推动昨晚的绑架案，就是为了完成这条所谓的“退路”吧。

勒布朗Indeed, oh astute great detective. Unfortunately, we will have to meet again some other time.没错，聪明的大侦探。很可惜，我们要下次再见了。

And with that, LeBlanc vanishes from view. Only a loudspeaker hidden in parts unknown continues to transmit his voice.留下这句话，勒布朗的身影已经消失在众人眼前。 只有一个不知藏在何处的扩音器，持续传来怪盗的声音。

勒布朗If you hadn't stepped into my trap, you'd have caught me by now. Do you regret it?如果你不踏进我的小圈套，现在已经捉住我了。后悔吗？

Dupin...Not at all.……不。

DupinIf I hadn't taken the bait, and if I hadn't had Aki's help, I wouldn't have been able to secure the Juuzumaru Tsunetsugu either.如果我不进圈套，没有秋的帮助，现在应该也保不住数珠丸恒次。

DupinThis time round, we're even.这一次，只能算平局。

勒布朗Oh yes. This time, you had Aki's help.是啊，这一次，你借用了秋的力量。

勒布朗Do you think you can stop me with only your own strength next time?单凭你自己，下一次还能拦住我吗？

DupinYou're wrong, LeBlanc.你错了，勒布朗。

DupinEverything I've done, my obsession, my choices, my partners—all of them are my strength.我所做的一切，我的执着，我的选择，我的搭档——都是我的力量。

勒布朗You consider Aki part of your strength?你把秋作为自己的力量？

AkiHm? Can't he? That's how partners are, no?嗯？不行吗？搭档就是这样吧。

勒布朗I see... Is that how you think? I have to say, I'm envious.原来如此啊……这就是你们的想法吗？真让人羡慕。

勒布朗Very well, then. If our places were changed, would Aki have become my strength as well?那么下一次，如果我们位置调转，秋会不会也成为我的力量呢？

Aki...Hah?……哈？

DupinIf there is a next time, I hope you won't treat others as toys to play with and arrange as you wish.如果还有下一次，希望你不要再把别人当作可供摆弄的玩具。

勒布朗Toys... what a lovely way to put it.玩具……真是个好说法。

DupinBefore I met you, I didn't have a rival. Mysteries were too simple for me...在你之前，我也没有遇到过劲敌。谜题对我来说过于容易……

DupinOnly an insoluble mystery could hold my interest. It was an obsession, to the point where I had forgotten myself.只有解不开的谜，才会让我执着，过度的执着会迷失本心。

DupinIn the same way, surely nobody managed to catch you before you met me, right?同样地，在我之前，也没有人抓到过你吧？

勒布朗You're the only one who's come close, aren't you?加上你，不也只有一次而已吗？

DupinSo that's why you taunted me.所以我才成了你的挑衅对象。

DupinWhen you trivialize or even ignore others and keep your eyes fixed on the prize, you end up imprisoning yourself.轻视甚至忽视其他人，一味盯住目标，只会被自己困住。

DupinBut I've risen above one-on-one duels. What about you?我已经从一对一的古典决斗里走出来了，你呢？

勒布朗Humph. You've grown. How interesting.哼。有意思的成长。

DupinIn any case—you were the one with tunnel vision this time, LeBlanc.无论如何——这一次，钻牛角尖的是你了，勒布朗。

Deductive Reasoning 演绎推理

At the Oasis, in the Ops Center.绿洲，指挥中心。

Dupin...After that, I joined Project Neural Cloud at the suggestion of a human colleague.……后来，我在人类同行的建议下接触了云图计划。

DupinThe agency chief supported me joining. He said I could gain experience facing LeBlanc through this test.事务所的老板也支持我参与，说是可以通过这次测试，积累与勒布朗的交手经验。

DupinAfter all, he likes "interesting" things like these...毕竟，那家伙对这种“有趣的事”可是充满了兴趣……

DupinBut all in all, this has been a rare experience.但是对我来说，这本来就是一次难得的体验。

ProfessorIndeed, and if you could gain from it as well, it would be worthwhile.的确。如果能带给你一些新的收获，那就不虚此行。

ProfessorStill, do you really intend to open a detective agency in the Oasis?不过，你真的打算在绿洲开侦探事务所吗？

DupinI saw many Dolls working on their own interests on the way here.我来的时候，一路看到有不少人形都按照自己的兴趣安排着工作。

DupinIf I said that I was interested in this, would you give me your blessing, Professor?如果我说我的兴趣就是这个，教授会答应吗？

Professor(Sigh) Talking to you psychoanalytic types is tiring.……唉。跟你们这些搞心理的聊天真累。

ProfessorI don't think there's a need to keep probing each other after we've been talking for so long... You should have noticed too, right?我们聊了这么久了，就不要继续互相试探了……该观察的你都已经看到了吧？

ProfessorThere's no need to treat me like some scheming devil, you know. Thinking of how to make the agents treat this place as their second home is pretty tiring.不要总把我当成心机深沉的大恶魔啊，让智能体安心把这里当成新家也是很费精力的。

Upon hearing me complain, Dupin leans back slightly in his chair and smiles faintly.听着我的抱怨，渡宾将身体略微靠向椅背，露出一缕不明显的笑容。

DupinWell, I had to see if the rumors about you were true. Of course, I can now say that the answer is "yes".我总得靠自己确认您是否与传闻一致。当然，现在看来，答案是肯定的。

ProfessorI'll take that as a sign that you're satisfied with what you've found.我就当你是总算是得到满意的结论了。

ProfessorWelcome to the Oasis, Dupin.欢迎加入绿洲，渡宾。

ProfessorWe're preparing to set up a new intelligence team, and as for their base of operations—perhaps a "detective agency" would do very nicely.我们正准备成立新的情报小组，至于办公地点——也许“侦探事务所”就很不错。

PersicariaWell, that was an exciting story. So that's how you all came to know each other.真是精彩的故事呢，原来你们还有这样的交情。

AkiYes, but that was ages ago.是啊，不过这都是很早之前的事了。

AkiDupin crossed paths with LeBlanc several times after that. But...后来渡宾和勒布朗又交手过几次。不过……

SakuyaOh dear, I'm so sorry! I was distracted and didn't put my shears away... I'm terribly sorry.抱歉抱歉！我走神了没收好剪刀……真的很对不起。

PersicariaDid that incident cause any problems for you?那次的事，没给你带来什么麻烦吧？

SakuyaNot really... I only found out after the fact that nobody knew about it.那倒没有……我后来才知道，那件事没有让外人发现。

SakuyaAki and Dupin also helped me out a great deal. We picked up the pieces together, and the exhibition went on.秋和渡宾也帮了我很多忙，一起收拾了残局，展出也进行了下去。

SakuyaAlthough LeBlanc was a famous "phantom thief"... He didn't strike me as a bad person.虽然勒布朗是有名的“怪盗”……不过，我觉得他也许不是坏人。

SakuyaAfter that incident, he even gave me buds of many rare plants as an apology... in secret, of course.那件事过去后，他悄悄给我提供了很多罕见的植物花卉作为赔礼呢。

AkiWe know you're happy as long as you have your plants, but we can't let him off that lightly!虽然大家都知道你心里有植物就够了，但也不能轻易原谅他啊！

SakuyaI won't. If we meet again, I'll have him apologize to my flowers in person.不会的。如果之后有机会遇见，一定要他当面好好对我和我的花道歉才行。

PersicariaHehe, then you'll have to stay on guard too.呵呵，以后也要严加防范哦。

PersicariaStill, if a technically skilled agent like LeBlanc showed up in the Oasis... The Professor would take him in hand.不过，如果真有勒布朗这样技术强劲的智能体出现在绿洲……教授也会管理好他的吧。

AkiRelax. All things have their nemeses, and LeBlanc's old foe came before him, didn't he?放心吧，一物降一物，反正勒布朗的老对手不是已经先一步来了吗？

??Before him... you say?先一步……吗？

SakuyaAh, Dupin!啊，渡宾！

PersicariaHave you finished speaking with the Professor? I thought you'd have taken longer.你们谈完了吗？我还以为聊得更久一点呢。

DupinWell, all conversations should end at an appropriate time.无论什么类型的交谈，都要讲究适可而止。

DupinSorry to keep you waiting, everyone.久等了，各位。

AkiWell, since we're all here—Let's get something to eat! How does soba sound?好，既然都到齐了——我们先去吃点东西吧！荞麦面怎么样？

AkiAnd besides, the noodle place is close. I mean, it's so late already—I'm tired and hungry.而且面馆也比较近。都这么晚了，我可是又饿又累。

DupinI'll let you decide.你们决定就好。

DupinI didn't expect the Oasis to have such a lovely night sky... Walking underneath it for a while might not be a bad thing.没想到绿洲也会模拟出这样的美丽夜空……在这样的夜色里，走走也不错。

Dupin's gaze sweeps across the Oasis' skyline, and then it is drawn back to the greenery by the side of the road.渡宾的视线望向绿洲的夜景，又逐渐被吸引到路边的绿植。

In the darkness, the white roses silently bloom.幽暗处，白色的蔷薇正在悄然绽放。

AkiAck.哎嘶。

SakuyaHm? Weren't you going to have omurice at first?咦，一开始不是要去吃蛋包饭吗？

AkiHahahaha, well, he brought back old memories!哈哈哈哈，因为想起了难得的回忆嘛！

PersicariaWhat do you say, Mr. Dupin?那么，渡宾先生觉得呢？

Fan archive of the official game scripts. All story text and art belong to their publishers.