Yes, Hakuba’s mother is in town and already digging through the poor young detective’s life with greedy hands. The following is an email sent on behalf of her despairing son.

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Dearest Emi, 

I hope that this letter finds you well, as I am about to ask you for a very important favor. Of course, I completely understand if you’re not able to help, but I do believe that you are the best suited for the task. My name is Marion Hakuba, and I am the wife of the Superintendent General. Our son, Saguru, is a brilliant detective, as you are well aware, but appears to be… struggling in some areas.

To put it simply, he consistently overworks himself and does not leave any time for socializing. I’m not certain if this is because he really has so much work to do (I can’t blame his clients for needing him, but he should show some self-restraint), or if it because he simply does not feel that he fits in here in Japan. I do know that his mixed heritage is cause for some contention among his peers, but Saguru has never let it stop him before when it comes to his studies or work, so I cannot understand why he lacks the foresight to not let it effect his social life.

This said, I really am hoping that you can assist me. The favor that I am asking is for you to go on a formal outing with him. A date, really. He is aware of my intentions and has agreed to my terms, on condition that you be interested and not forced into it. (He’s very much enjoyed his correspondence with you thus far and, in his words, ‘would not tolerate [my] meddling’  with your current working relationship.) 

Why he hasn’t asked you on a date himself by now is beyond me. I think he might secretly be painfully shy. I do know that he has consistently referred to himself as an introvert when I have pressed, and spends an inordinate amount of time reading when he could be interacting with those of his own age. 

Which is why have I come to you, specifically. With an already  established repertoire between the two of you, he is sure to open up… particularly as he is used to journalists and interviewers asking things of him. Your talent and brilliance will impress him, and your beauty (you are quite a darling thing, you know), is sure to engage. 

I hope that this letter does not come across as insulting in any way, but rather as a plea for help. You would make a friend for life of me if you were willing to oblige. My dear darling son really is a sweetheart, but he needs a lot of help. Would you be willing to help draw him out of his shell? 

Regardless of your answer, I do appreciate your time and attention. Please let me know as soon as you can by phone or by email; I won’t be in town for more than a couple of weeks and I would very much like to arrange the perfect evening for you both.

Sincerely yours,

Marion W. Hakuba

(The Meddling Mother)