After three days, I returned to this world, and thankfully, everything seemed peaceful without any major incidents or accidents. While it's inevitable that things might happen while I'm away, I would still regret it if something did.

Next week, I have plans to go to a concert with everyone, but aside from that, my schedule is open. Maybe I should consider traveling to some tourist destinations in the other world this time.

"Sigh~"

"What's with the sigh, Mom? Is work keeping you busy?"

The day after returning from the other world, I spent my time leisurely—visiting a bookstore for the first time in a while and reading manga at home. But as soon as Mom got home, she let out a sigh.

"Oh, it’s not work... Say, Masayoshi, do you remember Mrs. Shinozaki, Tora-maru’s aunt?"

"Yeah, of course. Wait, did something happen to her?"

Mrs. Shinozaki, also known as Tora-maru’s aunt, is Mom’s senior colleague. She has taken care of me since I was a child, and I’ve been to her house many times. When I had a fever while Mom was at work, she even came over to check on me.

By the way, Tora-maru was the name of the dog she owned. Now that I think about it, he didn’t look like a tiger at all, but as a kid, I was a little scared of him because he barked at me a lot.

"She’s not sick or anything, but... it looks like she got scammed."

"Scammed!?"

According to Mom, she was tricked out of several million yen. It wasn’t one of those common phone scams where someone pretends to be a relative asking for money. Instead, people dressed as a bank clerk and a police officer came directly to her, saying they needed to take custody of her bank card. She believed them.

They even had fake business cards and police IDs prepared. I can't believe how far these scammers are willing to go.

"She consulted the real police, but the money had already been withdrawn. Unless they catch the perpetrators, she won’t be able to get her money back.

Apparently, she just became a grandmother and was looking forward to buying things for her grandchild… But there’s nothing I can do to help, and it’s really frustrating."

"………………"

A fraud group, huh…

I mentally reviewed the skills and magic I inherited from the Great Mage, but I don’t have anything that could help track down unknown criminals.

Just like with the internet before, the Great Mage's powers don’t seem to be very useful in this world, except for physical abilities and transportation.

However, I do know someone who is knowledgeable about these kinds of crimes. But even for him, would it be possible to gather information on scammers he’s never met?

"…Mom, can I talk to Tora-maru’s aunt to get more details? I have a friend who knows a lot about these things, and I was thinking of consulting him—though it's a long shot."

"Of course, but be mindful of your words. She’s really down about this. But I didn’t know you had a friend like that. Does he work in law enforcement?"

"…Something like that. I have some connections with him."

Come to think of it, what exactly is his job? Well, knowing that cheerful old lady is feeling so down... I might not be able to do anything, but it’s better to consult Mamoru-san first before asking her for details.

The next day, after contacting Mamoru-san in advance, I arrived at his high-end apartment’s top-floor suite.

"Excuse me for intruding."

"Hoo!"

"Tachihara-san, Fūsuke-san, welcome."

"Masayoshi onii-san! Fūsuke-chan! Welcome!"

As usual, Mamoru-san greeted us in a suit, while Fuka-chan was dressed in an adorable, childlike outfit. Since today is a weekday, she must be on summer break already.

"Sorry for dropping by so suddenly after just calling yesterday."

"Oh, no worries at all. Please, come in. And thank you so much for all the souvenirs last time. The fresh whitebait was delicious."

"The dove-shaped sablé cookies and the Yokohama Millefeuille were super tasty too!"

"I’m glad to hear that. I spent a lot of time picking them out."

Once inside, I was once again presented with a luxurious assortment of sweets, cakes, and fruit juices, just like my last visit.

As I enjoyed the delicious cakes and juice, I chatted with the two of them for a bit. Apparently, they’re going on an overseas trip next week. They even invited me to join, but I politely declined. Besides, I don’t even have a passport.

"Now, let’s get down to business. Tachihara-san, please come to my room."

"Oh, sure. Fuka-chan, could you watch over Fūsuke for me?"

"Yay! Fūsuke-chan, come play with me!"

"Hoo!"

Heh, my Fūsuke is popular with the ladies. Grow up strong and let Fuka-chan enjoy all that fluffy softness.

Mamoru-san led me into his room. As always, it was a spacious room filled with numerous PC monitors, tablets, and other high-tech equipment.

"So, I heard that someone you know was scammed?"