The Case Book of Arne Episode 10: Different Countries, Different Customs

The episode opens with the unsettling sound of a door being forced open. Distressed voices, a young woman's frantic calls for Eric, suggest a problem inside. The camera pans, building tension, until it settles on Eric Bernard, collapsed in a pool of blood. The horrified screams from the women who discover him underscore the shocking violence. The title card, "The Musician's Locked Room Murder Case," sets the stage for a classic mystery.

Following the dramatic opening, we find Arne, Rin, and Kettoshi already discussing a previous case, their banter playful but sharp. Rin's request for a reward from Arne reveals their established dynamic. Their arrival at the new crime scene is met with a police officer's initial dismissal, which quickly turns to deference upon recognizing Arne as the "Great Detective." Arne's disinterest in Rin and Kettoshi following him establishes his aloof yet powerful persona.

Inside the locked room, the full horror of Eric Bernard's death is laid bare. Rin quickly notes the "thin, blade-like object" injury and the locked state of the room, while Kettoshi subtly guides her observations. The maid and young woman recount their discovery, cementing the "locked-room" narrative. Arne dismisses the idea of a struggle based on the undisturbed shelves and the victim's un-disheveled state, showcasing his keen eye.

The bag of cat food raises questions, as Eric was known to dislike animals. Arne points to a vent near the ceiling, suggesting it as the real entry point. Rin, despite her initial skepticism about its size, quickly grasps the implications. Arne then reveals an ice pick, covered in dust and blood, identifying it as the murder weapon. Rin cleverly deduces the method: the ice pick, attached to a string, thrown through the vent and then retrieved.

Arne and Rin encounter Heinz, a familiar acquaintance, who is comically struggling with a new refrigerator. Heinz, now a chef, expresses his excitement over ice. Rin explains her new role as a detective's assistant, which connects to the ongoing murder investigation. Heinz remembers Eric as a musician at a local bar and recalls an argument Eric had with the bar owner over money, giving Arne and Rin a new avenue to explore.

At the bar, the bartender informs Arne and Rin that the owner is on vacation, effectively eliminating him as a suspect. The bartender downplays the rent dispute, explaining it as a minor misunderstanding between acquaintances. He does mention Eric's popularity with female fans, subtly shifting suspicion. Arne holds up the ice pick, asking if it belongs to the bar, but the bartender denies it.

Outside the bar, Rin encounters an older woman sweeping, who complains about "troublesome cats" rummaging through trash and making noise. Arne's expression shifts. He asks the woman if Eric was feeding the cats. She vehemently denies it, confirming Eric disliked animals. This confirms Arne's growing suspicion about the cats' actual role.

Back at the crime scene, Arne reveals the truth. Eric, a sensitive musician, was trying to kill the cats, not feed them, due to their incessant nighttime meows. The cat food bags were bait. Arne then dramatically identifies the true killer: Kettoshi, who transforms into a formidable cat demon. Kettoshi confesses, stating he only kills those who threaten him, a chilling justification for revenge.