Episode 21

A father’s chivalrous deeds is the greatest inheritance.
–British Proverb

“I’ve heard about you from Gregson and Lestrade. They said you were quite helpful in the last case, ‘for an amateur’.”

Though the term ‘amateur’ was dismissive, my solid self-esteem isn’t wounded by others’ judgments.
Instead of wasting mental energy on that, I was pondering how to make use of this man right away.

“It is truly an honor that someone leading an incompetent police force, unable to clear a single corpse without amateur help, remembers my name.”
“Watch your words. I could arrest you as a suspect right here and now. Everyone saw you arguing with Sir Drake’s son earlier, so you have enough motive.”

His eyes showed he wasn’t serious.
This man, a retired colonel, was merely threatening with authority as he had done in the army.
I had intended to ask nicely, but now I had no choice but to take a firm stand.

“That seems difficult. If I were to be falsely accused, letters revealing the truth of the previous Dead Man incident would be sent to all newspapers in London out of sheer injustice.”
“…Dare to do such a thing, and you’ll pay the price.”

Ignoring the growling voice of the Commissioner, I continued.

“If word spreads about this incident, Home Secretary Sir Harkurt will surely have sleepless nights with worry. Sleep deprivation adversely affects mental health. If the Secretary’s mood worsens, I wonder who will bear the brunt of his anger.”

Commissioner Henderson, having taken the decisive blow, sighed deeply as if the ground had given way beneath him before declaring his surrender.

“…Isabelle is attending the Debutante Ball for the first time. Promise me that you won’t escalate things for the sake of my daughter’s honor.”
“As the Defender of London, why not impress the esteemed guests and your daughter with your splendid demeanor?”

The Commissioner nodded.

Unlike Francis Jacob Drake, the Baron who inherited the name and title of Francis Drake but could never shake off the savage pirate nature, Sir Henderson seemed to understand well that chivalrous deeds was the greatest legacy a father could leave.

Such a person deserves appropriate honor.

I discreetly whispered to the Commissioner about who was present at this gathering.

“…Astounding.”
“I told you not to turn your eyes that way. Do you intend to make me out as a loose-lipped, frivolous man?”
“…I will be careful.”

Now, as Commissioner Henderson of the Police was inclined to discuss chivalry, I decided to seek his cooperation.

“Anyway, the important thing is to ensure that no one can leave this building. Whether it’s on the ground, in the air, or underground, everything.”
“…I think I know why you called me.”

Indeed. I had summoned Henderson not merely to borrow the authority of his position as the police commissioner.
He actually possessed the ability to monitor at least a hundred people here in the Willis Room.

“Alright. It seems you have a plan, so I will play along.”
“Yes. Please do.”

Removing his porcelain mask and crushing it with one hand, the police commissioner spun around in place to survey the surroundings.
It was as if he wanted to engrave into people’s eyes exactly who he was.

“I am Edmund Henderson. At this auspicious gathering to witness the growth of our juniors, an unfortunate incident has occurred. By the authority of the Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, I ask everyone present to cooperate with the investigation. Now, although it is an embarrassing skill, let me…”

-Boom!

A Stomping infused with magnificent internal energy.
The Commissioner, having gathered his power, took a whistle from his pocket, put it in his mouth, and brought his index and middle fingers to his temples.

-Peeeeep!

With the sound of the whistle, a mass of internal energy shot out like thin arrows around Henderson.

“Inspectors Assemble!”

It was not a move for destruction.
The whistle sound merged with Henderson’s Lion’s Roar echoing indoors, then pierced through the walls with directed power, scattering in all directions.

“To produce such sound skill without any instrument…!”

The rising prodigies, impressed by the Commissioner’s special move, exclaimed in awe.
The technique Henderson used was a secret technique passed down orally only to police officers of the Commissioner’s rank, Police Telegraphy¹.
The London Metropolitan Police Commissioner could command anyone with a badge in London through this supreme sound skill.

-Rumble…

Exactly 10 seconds later, a vibration shook the ground.

-Kwaang!

Lestrade, with Iron Vest active, broke through the ballroom door and rushed inside.

“Inspector Lestrade of the London Metropolitan Police, at the Commissioner’s command!”

-Clang!!

“Inspector Gregson of the London Metropolitan Police, arrived as per the Commissioner’s orders!”

Gregson broke through the second-floor window and leapt from the balcony, executing the Buddhist Movement.

“London Metropolitan Police’s ―”
“London Metropolitan Police’s ―”
“London Metropolitan Police’s ―”
.
.
.

One by one, the inspectors of Scotland Yard revealed themselves.

MacDonald, Bradstreet, Gregory, and others—all familiar faces to me.

“Deploy the Hundred and Eight Inspector Formation.”
“Yes Sir!!”

Following the Commissioner’s orders, they began surveillance inside and outside the Willis building, even descending into the underground sewers.
Due to their profession, the inspectors possessed much sharper senses compared to martial artists of the same level.
With their internal energy detection abilities extended to the maximum range, they were monitoring the movements of everyone at the ball. No matter how powerful the culprit might be, escape was impossible.

It seems the inspectors arrived at the ballroom quickly because the doting police commissioner had stationed the police force nearby to protect the VIPs.
If not that…

-Thud.

A moment ago, I made eye contact with Lady Sunshine, who had withdrawn from the duel.
Perhaps those serving her household were uneasy about their master’s escapade and applied pressure through the Home Secretary in advance.

“…Makes sense.”

In that case, it was natural for Henderson to quickly accept Lady Sunshine’s identity upon hearing it.
He must have been instructed by the Home Secretary to strengthen the area’s security and had some suspicions.

“Well then, it’s time to ask a small favor of everyone attending the ball.”

In any case, the environment to start the investigation was now complete.

“To everyone on the second floor, please remove your masks and come down to the first floor. Given the circumstances, those on the first floor should also take this opportunity to familiarize themselves with each other’s faces. It is not a common gathering, so it is best to make acquaintances. If you prefer not to, you can refuse, but I fear that the officers and I might harbor unnecessary suspicions.”

I decided to leverage the intimidating presence of the police to get people moving.
Since the Commissioner was cooperating, it would be a waste not to make use of the officers.

“Holmes…!”

As I descended below the ring, Watson approached me quickly.

“How on earth did you find out the Police Commissioner would be here? You never cease to amaze me.”
“There’s nothing difficult about it if you can apply the observed information at the right time and place.”
“The fact that Commissioner Henderson acted as per the words of a first-time acquaintance shows he must be impressed with your wisdom.”
“Thankfully, he’s someone reasonable to talk to. Now, I shall proceed to examine the remaining evidence.”

I was about to head alone to Ring 7, where the corpse remained, when Watson grabbed my tuxedo sleeve.

“Hold on.”
“Hmm?”

As I turned back, Watson hesitated before continuing.

“…I may not be able to catch the culprit like you, but as someone who earns a living through medicine, I’m confident in my skills. I can assist with the autopsy.”
“Watson…”

At that moment, I realized the mistake I had been making.
Since discovering that she was Jane Watson and not John Watson, I had unconsciously been excluding Watson from the role of an assistant.
However, even if their gender is different, it remains unchanged that Watson is my partner, possessing outstanding medical skills, a strong spirit, and considerable combat strength.

She is still my friend, embodying both the power to kill and to save.
Becoming excessively fixated on the name ‘John Watson’ and acting alone would be a grave disrespect to the woman who watches my back.

“…Actually, I wanted to ask for your help. I was merely afraid that blood might stain your dress on a day you’ve dressed as a lady.”
“In that case, do not leave me alone and escort me properly. Such small courtesies are also a gentleman’s duty, are they not? I no longer wish to wait alone for you.”
“Anyway, Watson, you really are something….”

Turning towards the murder scene, I offered my elbow, and Watson’s slender arm nestled into it.

“Shall we go, my lady?”
“Yes. Anywhere, as long as we’re together.”

We walked with dignity towards Ring 7, where a sea of blood awaited, parting the gathered martial artists.

The outline of the case was already vaguely forming in my mind.

“Hey, Lestrade.”

Heading with Watson to Ring 7 where the murder occurred, I spoke to Lestrade, who was nearby.

“Holmes, is it you again? You’ve even dragged the Commissioner into this. I’m already getting a headache.”

The internal injury from the last encounter with the Dead Man seemed to have healed completely, as he looked perfectly fine.
He certainly has an incredible resilience.

“Dragged him into this? What do you mean? I simply used the optimal method to solve the case, as always.”
“So, what’s the matter today?”
“Call for the person who manages the mechanism that moves the ring used in the duel. Also, fetch the representative of Wenham Society. Oh, and find the chaperone of the victim. He should be easy to spot in a naval uniform.”

Lestrade sighed as he wiped his forehead with a handkerchief, having torn it while breaking down the door.

“Ha… Do you only need those three brought in?”
“For now.”
“Once again, you’re planning to keep us in the dark and just have us do the legwork.”

I shook my head sternly.

“Not at all. Once this case is solved, the newspapers will surely highlight the efforts of Scotland Yard inspectors.”
“…Fine. There’s no point in arguing with you any further; it only tires me out.”

Lestrade said with a half-resigned look on his face.

“I can’t understand why he’s so abrasive only towards me.”
“Are you really asking because you don’t know?”

When Watson made that cryptic remark, I shook my head, and their expressions immediately hardened.
What? I don’t think I said anything wrong.

“Hah. A disciple of ‘that guy’, are you?”

It was then. A dry voice, as if squeezed from withered firewood, was heard from behind.

“…!!”

I reflexively turned around, having not noticed the approach at all, to find three masked elders standing in a line, staring at me.