Hyouka - Volume 03 - The Kudryavka Sequence - Welcome to KANYA FESTA! (1)

However.
After thinking again calmly, this could turn out for be best. Irisu-san's advice
on that was mainly for strangers whom I won't deal with again. But that's not
the case for Toogaito-san. So if I were to build on a trust with Toogaito-san,
then what I did wasn't wrong.
Yes, that's got to be the case.
...For a bit, I felt more resolute in my determination.
039 - ♣13
I first knew of Houtarou's amazing sense of perception in the "Hyouka"
incident. Despite spending all that time with him in junior high, I never knew
he was capable of such feats.
Knowing Houtarou's special abilities, I was full of expectations during the
"Empress" affair, as I could not think of anyone else besides him who could
pull it off. The very least I could do was give him my support. Though he
was also active in other incidents, these were the two main ones that came to
mind.
However, this time, I do not expect anything from Houtarou.
As he is in charge of watching the stall, he is unable to leave the Geology
Room. Knowing Houtarou's motto, he would surely enjoy not needing to
move around, but it also means he would be unable to solve anything, as
much footwork is required for this case. In other words, Houtarou is unsuited
for the "Juumoji" incident.
And what happens when I don't have any expectations from Houtarou?
...That leaves me with no choice but to do the investigation myself.