大使館の始末機関The Embassy's Cleanup Agency

What you'll learn

Dr. Kin wakes up in a small tank inside an embassy, notices signs of tampering, transforms the tank into trunks, and goes downstairs to eat breakfast.

Shōbaiseki and Professor Ōsuiken wake up after sleeping for 42 hours due to the sleeping gas meant for Dr. Kin. They argue about the date and plan to use the embassy's disposal mechanisms to kill Dr. Kin.

Dr. Kin and Professor Ōsuiken have a polite breakfast together. Professor Ōsuiken tries to poison Dr. Kin with a special wine, but Dr. Kin drinks it and survives. After breakfast, Dr. Kin goes for a walk as planned.

Key vocabulary

Grammar points you'll meet

• ～てしまう N4Expresses completion of an action, often with a nuance of regret or finality.
  押釦というものは便利なもので、それを指で押すだけで、大概の用は足りてしまう。
• ～かどうか N4Used to express uncertainty or alternatives ('whether or not').
  金博士が睡ったかどうかをみるために、うっかり金博士の部屋に入ったではありませんか。
• ～ことにする N2Indicates a decision to do something.
  腹一杯喰っておくことにしよう。
• ～ておく N4Indicates doing something in advance or leaving something as is.
  腹一杯喰っておくことにしよう。
• ～としても N2Even if; supposing that.
  やれやれ、醤どののためとはいえ、殺生なことをしてしまったわい。

Cultural notes

• 火酒火酒 (fire liquor) is a strong distilled alcoholic beverage, often served in silver cups. The description matches traditional Korean soju or Chinese baijiu, which were introduced to Japan.
• 毒蛇Snakes are typically active in warmer months, but here they are used as assassins in winter. This highlights the fantastical and exaggerated nature of the story, common in pulp science fiction.

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Topics

Short Storymysteryespionageinventionhumoroussuspensefulaozora bunko