Chloe et Emma (クロエマ)

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Breaking news on the Okutama serial kidnapping and killing case.

Police report numerous eyewitness sightings.

However, no concrete evidence has surfaced so far.

We had a special fortune reading performed

by Shingetsu Nathan, the practitioner of the Dragon-Surge Style divination.

He has given his predictions on the culprit.

He predicts the killer is a thin, handsome male in his late 30s

with a hunched back. What do you think?

Mr. Nathan has successfully predicted events in the past.

They're here.

Coming.

Do we have a guest?

Miss Emma, please clear the table.

Sure.

Thank you.

-For you. -Thank you very much.

Enjoy.

Thank you.

This is Diane. The architect who designed this guest house.

-It's wonderful to meet you. -Nice to meet you.

And… the salesperson.

I'm Mathew. Shota Mathew. Did you forget my name?

I've been with Diane's architectural studio since her father was in charge.

They will lead the reconstruction of the main house,

so you'll see them around.

Understood.

This is Emma. She's boarding with me for the time being for reasons.

-I'm Sho Emma. It's a pleasure. -Likewise.

-Good to meet you. -Good to meet you too.

-Thank you. -Thank you.

How are your parents, Miss Chloe?

I called to tell them about the fire.

They gave me an earful, saying I shouldn't be living alone,

so I hung up right away.

Your parents live elsewhere?

Miss Chloe's parents

live on an upper floor of a city high-rise.

A newly built apartment in the city center

is more comfortable than an old house where cold drafts seep in.

A salesperson that leaks personal info must be detrimental to your business.

Yes. I'll terminate him.

What? Oh, sorry.

I thought there'd be no harm since you two seem close.

Switching gears. I saw some signage by the entrance.

Did you start a fortune-telling business?

Yes. I'm only open once a week, on Sundays.

Remember when you gave me a reading, and your predictions came true?

Yes. When you were deciding to go independent.

-Yes. -How nice.

Miss Chloe, won't you read my fortune too?

A salesperson who's overly friendly with his clients…

I'll terminate him.

Where do you draw the line then?

-Enjoy. -Thank you.

How considerate. Thank you.

Back to business.

Will this be a total remodeling?

Well…

The main house didn't completely burn down.

I see.

As an architect,

I'd like to make use of the main house's eclectic revivalism features.

Let's preserve those features the best we can, and…

I believe your father is the original architect.

Yes. This is the first house he designed upon returning to Japan.

This provincial-style house inspired by French and Belgian architecture…

I lost them there.

Diane is rather particular about her tastes, you see.

She drives a compact car by a French manufacturer. It's a convertible.

Fancy, I know.

I hear when she separated from her ex-husband--

Mathew?

Was that taboo?

Hold on, I was being mindful to not discuss her personal life…

First of all, don't talk about somebody else's private life.

Sorry. I was just trying to make conversation…

Speaking of someone who's particular, you're very fashion-conscious.

Am I?

But don't you want to wear clothes that put a pep in your step?

I wear something that makes me happy when I'm meeting people.

But when I'm at home, I want to be relaxed,

so I tend to wear silk.

That was silk you wore…

You're picky when it comes to fashion too, Emma.

You wear neutrals for your basic fit, then wear bright pajamas.

Indeed.

I cycle through ten simple items in black, white, gray, or beige.

That way, I can blend in anywhere.

So you're like Steve Jobs.

I don't think hers is quite like Steve Jobs' stoicism.

And she doesn't wear just one outfit.

Since I've been on a job hunt recently,

I'm trying to wear neutrals that won't offend anyone.

And now, I'm boarding rent-free.

I don't have the luxury of wearing the clothes I like.

That's why, at least to sleep, I wear cheery pink polka dots.

I was merely stating facts.

I never said you shouldn't wear flashy clothes.

They say what you wear to sleep

reveals your actual taste in fashion.

Speaking of, I wear a silk pajama to sleep--

-Sorry, shall we continue? -Wait, I--

-Hey, I was-- -Now, please take a look.

-Let me see… -Listen…

I wear a silk pajama.

This is the image of the finished house.

Today, I wore this pink necktie, and…

What about…

-Chloe. -Emma.

-Chloe et Emma. -Chloe et Emma.

CHRONICLE CARD FORTUNE-TELLING SORT

RITSUKO BABA SUGINAMI - APRIL 11TH, 2006

Ritsuko Baba.

Yes.

So, what brings you in today?

I think my boyfriend, who attends the same university as me, is cheating.

You think he's two-timing?

Well, yes. For now.

But I think he wants to get back together.

Get back together?

Yes.

He might be cheating on me with his ex.

Maybe he got tired of me because I'm gloomy and don't stand out.

Although, he's the one who insisted I tone down my looks.

What do you mean?

He doesn't like it when I stand out.

We started dating in high school.

At first, he complimented everything about me.

But recently, he's either critical of or disappointed in me.

My parents

always told me to be careful because men go for girls like me.

Maybe that's why my guard was always up around men.

He was the only one who broke down my walls.

I don't want to lose him.

So you want to know

what the future holds for you two?

Yes.

Understood.

-Thank you. You're good to go. -Okay.

Hello.

-Hello. -Do you have a reservation?

Yes. I'm Masahiko Sorita.

Come have a seat.

Please write down your name, address and birthday.

'Kay.

MASAHIKO SORITA SHINJUKU - JUNE 28TH, 2002

Masahiko Sorita. Are you employed?

Yes.

So…

I like someone, but I can't get her to trust me.

I don't know how to move forward.

Okay.

She works at a café near my work.

I try to approach her, but she brushes me off.

Do you make it sound like a joke?

Not at all. She must know how serious I am.

Well, I'm signed with a modeling agency. I'm a model.

This girl I'm interested in is…

Well, she's not conventionally beautiful or attractive.

That must be why she doesn't believe me.

As in, she doesn't think she measures up to you?

Probably.

Well, I'm not good with the popular type.

I find them intimidating, so I understand where she's coming from.

But I feel at ease when I'm around girls like her.

I don't have to pretend I'm someone else.

I want her to know the real me, not just my looks, and then trust me.

What if you told her that, word for word?

I mean… I already have.

I see.

Then you want to know how you can earn her trust.

I will also read what the future holds for you two.

Please.

First a pretty girl, then a handsome guy.

Who would've known your business would be such a hit?

Maybe your business is a hot topic in the Beautifuls' social circle.

What kind of social circle is that?

I guess… being attractive doesn't stop you from having issues.

Everyone's got issues.

But…

their cards for the near future were the same.

That took me by surprise.

Which card was it?

Thursday, reversed.

Card of Greed.

When this card is in reverse when reading the future,

it usually indicates tumultuous relationships.

Tumultuous?

TRADITIONAL CAFÉ PARIS

You can be attractive and still have rough patches in relationships.

What's the matter, Emma?

You havin' romantic troubles?

Want us retirees to lend an ear?

We're here for ya.

I was making a general statement.

Know what?

Attractive people tend to have more issues in relationships.

They get hit on more, you see.

True. Now that you mention it, yes.