Aozaki Aoko Case File

After a 14-hour flight, Aoko stepped off the plane with Touko, who, despite her young age, had already complained of back pain after taking two naps during the journey.

After catching a shuttle bus to central London, Aoko brought Touko to Browns Hotel, where they had previously booked a room. Located on Albemarle Street, the hotel is surrounded by galleries, upscale restaurants, parks, and various intriguing shops. With over 180 years of history, this legendary establishment exudes quintessential British charm, evident in its understated yet luxurious Victorian-style decor and its courteous, attentive staff.

"Wow, I didn't expect you to have such good taste," Touko remarked, swinging her free hand as she walked alongside Aoko. Dressed in an adorable black dress, she added, "This is London's first-ever hotel—quite famous, you know?"

Touko indeed knew London well, having lived there for two and a half years. Between her magical studies, she had plenty of time to explore the city.

"I just picked it at random," Aoko replied nonchalantly.

"I saw it in a travel magazine once, so I impulsively called to book a room."

"Do you know Lord Byron?"

Touko asked in a knowing tone.

"The poet?"

Aoko mused.

"The one who wrote Don Juan and Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, right?"

"Exactly!"

Touko said.

"After Byron passed away, his estate was given by his wife to his valet, James Brown."

"That's surprising," Aoko said, puzzled.

"Why would she leave all her husband's possessions to a servant?"

"It's hard to understand," Touko nodded in agreement.

"But that valet had quite a business head. Using the house from Byron's estate and four additional properties on Dover Street, he opened London's first 'high-class inn' in 1837, which eventually evolved into this hotel."

"Inn?"

Aoko asked.

"How is that different from a hotel?"

"It's smaller in scale," Touko explained with a wave of her hand.

"This hotel has changed ownership several times over the years, but each owner has maintained its style and philosophy, shaping it into what it is today."

"And this hotel is famous for its privacy, you know?"

Touko teased, looking mischievously at Aoko.

"It's even hosted quite a few magus from prominent families."

"Wow, you're so knowledgeable, Touko-chan," Aoko said, patting her on the head and pulling a lollipop from her magical pocket. She popped it into Touko's mouth, cutting off her chatter for the moment.

"Do you have a reservation, ladies?" the hotel's front desk manager asked politely in English.

"Yes, the Hellenic Suite," Aoko replied, pulling her passport from her pocket and handing it over.

"One moment, please."

The manager checked the reservation list and soon found their names.

"The credit card you used for booking?" the manager asked.

Aoko handed over her card and patiently waited. After a brief moment, the manager returned with a key and directed her to the elevators with a professional smile.

"Enjoy your stay!"

Upstairs, the sisters followed the signs along the walls to their luxurious suite. Aoko unlocked the door, and Touko immediately let go of her hand, running joyfully through the rooms like a freed spirit.

"This looks great," Touko said, bouncing from one room to another.

"But I suggest you check everything thoroughly. Some magus can be nasty, leaving unpleasant spells in places like this."

"No problem," Aoko agreed.

"Let's split up and search."

Aoko activated her magic crest, a green glow shimmering faintly through her shirt and giving her an air of mystique. With a gesture, a wave of emerald light spread outward from her fingertips, scanning her section of the suite.

Finding no traces of magic, she returned to the living room and sat on the sofa to wait for Touko. Before long, Touko joined her, hopping onto the soft couch and kicking off her shoes.

"Anything?"

Aoko asked, silently summoning a Ploy servant to tidy their shoes and coats, replacing them with slippers.

"Nothing here," Touko hummed contentedly, clutching a pillow.

"You?"

"Same here," Aoko replied.

"Have you stayed here before?"

"No," Touko said, a bit sulkily.

"When I was studying at the Clock Tower, money was tight, so I couldn't afford places like this. This time, I plan to enjoy myself!"

"By the way, do you know who stayed in the suite you booked?"

Touko asked, swinging her legs playfully, trying to bait Aoko into grabbing her foot.

Aoko obliged, catching her foot swiftly, which earned a comical glare and a playful struggle from Touko.

"Of course not," Aoko laughed.

"Do enlighten your clueless sister about the suite's history."

"Hmph," Touko pulled her foot back and began her explanation.

"You've heard of Agatha Christie, right?"

"The one who wrote Murder on the Orient Express?"

Aoko asked, surprised by the mention.

"She stayed here?"

"Yes!"

Touko nodded.

"The Queen of Mystery based Bertram's Hotel, featuring Miss Marple, on this hotel and wrote it in this very suite!"

"Wow," Aoko said, though she added, "I'm not really into mystery novels. I prefer Arthur Conan Doyle to Agatha Christie."

"How commoner," Touko critiqued before darting off to the bedroom.

Unbothered by Touko's judgment, Aoko summoned a box from thin air. She retrieved warm food she had prepared in advance, wary of British cuisine. Using her magical Leomund's Secret Chest for storage, Aoko ensured everything stayed fresh and smuggled in her more unconventional belongings.