Episode 21

**Wizard of Far East (Case 4.7)** is the 21st episode of the Great Pretender series.

## Summary

Abigail, Cynthia and Seiji are all revealed to be alive. A meeting between Liu and Akemi is held and the information translated between the two are manipulated by Edamura and Laurent. This is to set up for the final con job of the group.

## Plot

A flashback reveals that Abigail, Cynthia, and Seiji didn't die. As it turns out, the bullets used on them were paintballs and Kim rescued them from the cold sea. The group then talk about Edamura who wasn't privy to the entire plan, but this was due to him unintentionally revealing it. Seiji volunteers to disclose everything to Edamura and Laurent intends to meet with Liu again.

As Liu talks with Chen about the necessity of having a good translator, Chen is contacted by a subordinate that Laurent has arrived. This sudden news amuses Liu and along with Chen, enjoy a crab dinner with Laurent who details what he's been up to since he absence.

Back in Japan, Seiji finishes his story to Edamura who still resents his father for what he's done, but will still follow through with the plan. Meanwhile, Laurent has a brisk meeting with Dorothy who he reassures that the plan will be successful. At Suzaku's villa, Edamura is given a new tie by Suzaku, and he thanks her for it. Also, it's said that the meeting with the representatives from Shanghai is that day and Suzaku is anxious about it.

Later that day, a video conference is held between Suzaku and Liu with Edamura and Laurent acting as their translators respectively. During the conference, Suzaku states that she wants to meet Liu in person. However, Laurent translates it as she wants him to transfer 67% of his company's ownership to her without any conditions. Liu expected this and states that he hopes to negotiate an alternative compromise to that. Edamura, on the other hand, translates it as if she wants the company, buy it for the right price from him. To that, Laurent translates that not only does Suzaku want the 67% ownership, but 100 billion yen in compensation. In Liu's response, he claims that he understands, but how would he transport such a large sum of cash. Edamura translates it as if she brings the money, he'll bow to her.

During the break, Edamura and Laurent talk with Liu and Suzaku to discuss how to handle the situation at hand. Ultimately, they convince their superiors to agree to go with the deal that was translated to them. Once the meeting was over, both sides note that they'll pay the requested money, however, they'll off the other side. Soon after the meeting, Ishigami presents Suzaku with a new chair with a "kill switch" on the right side, but the switch is broken. On the left side, though, is a hidden sword that impresses Suzaku. Meanwhile, Chen gives Liu a ring with a hidden poisonous needle.

Both an inebriated Ishigami and somberly sober Edamura enjoy drinks at a bar where Ishigami gloats how Suzaku will prosper with this deal. Ishigami also details how Suzaku got ownership of the company when her husband died and how devastated she was when she lost her excommunicated with her. Furthermore, the tie that Edamura now wears is the same one that her son once wore.

Laurent contacts Kudo who he and the rest of the team enjoy themselves at a hot spring resort in Hakone, Japan. The big day of the plan is coming soon and while everyone is feeling anxious or some form of hesitance. Especially since Edamura may once again compromise the plan so much that it'd be ruined.

## Characters

* Makoto Edamura
* Laurent Thierry
* Abigail Jones
* Cynthia Moore
* Akemi Suzaku
* Shi-won Kim
* Liu Xiao
* Chen Yao
* Kudo
* Miki Edamura (Mentioned)
* Dorothy (Illusion)
* Ishigami