Chapter 84: Behind the Veil

Chapter 84: Behind the Veil

Evening, the day when the outcome of the bet with the professor and Charlotte was finally settled

Mr. Adler.

Ah, I wondered who it was. Its you, then?

Having finally gained his freedom and subsequently returning to his hideout in the back alleys, Adler greeted the first visitor after his release with a gentle smile.

Do you have a moment to speak right now? I hope you can make time if you dont. Its very urgent.

Well, I am a bit busy and have a prior engagement, but how could I refuse a request from my one and only girlfriend?

The visitor, standing before him, was none other than Inspector Gia Lestrade.

I think we need to clarify something before we start talking.

Sure, what is it?

Im not here as your girlfriend, but rather as an inspector of the London Metropolitan Police Department. Keep that in mind.

Lestrade, fully dressed in her police uniform and donned with a gaze of frigid ice, spoke, prompting Adler, busy tidying the papers in his antique desk, to nod quietly in acknowledgment.

I understand.

Then, lets not dilly dally and get straight to the point.

Taking another step forward, she began her speech.

The bizarre disappearance case that occurred in Hampstead a few days ago, youre involved in it, arent you?

Hampstead?

Im referring to the disappearance of Caroline Augustus Milverton.

Adlers eyebrows twitched ever so slightly, his head cocking to the side as he heard the name of the missing woman.

The police have been keeping an eye on her for quite some time already. She is a villain of the worst kind.

Is that so?

We were aware that she possessed a large number of letters intended to be used for blackmail, and more than half of those were the result of seducing young boys.

Seizing the moment, Lestrade began her interrogation; voice sharp.

But a few days ago, when her house was searched following her disappearance, the documents that were presumed to be in the mansions secret space had all vanished without a trace.

And thats not the end. Valuable items were left untouched, and the servants have been reluctant to testify despite continuous questioning and interrogation by the police force.

Before long, she made her way right up to Adlers desk as she continued her speech.

So, we are assuming that the person involved in this case either holds a high position or has a comparable level of influence.

I see.

And I am aware of an individual who was transported from my house to somewhere else a few days ago.

Thats quite a leap. Am I the only suspect in this case?

As she leaned against the desk with her hand placed on top, Adler casually posed a question to his official lover.

Rumor has it that there were a few witnesses

There were indeed a few suspicious people seen climbing over the fence and escaping from the mansion that day.

Frowning, Lestrade slowly recalled the rumored events.

One person was rather short with an overall dark appearance. Another had a medium build and was well-built.

That certainly isnt me. Isnt this just a vague description that could apply to anyone, even Charlotte and Watson?

However, the mana forensics team found traces of at least four different people in the mansion in their investigation.

If there are no fingerprints, no hair, no bloodstains, and no footprints, then its as if no one was ever there. Traces of a persons presence can be manipulated by just about any skilled mage, Miss Lestrade.

Like you, Mr. Adler?

At those words, Adler showed the slightest traces of irritation on his face.

Why are you so desperate to blame it all on me?

Just now, I received pressure from above to swiftly close the case.

Oh, thats unfortunate.

However, as Lestrade leaned in with a stern expression on her face, it prompted Adlers lips to stretch into an awkward smile.

I cant accept such an ending. I feel like I need to uncover the truth, even if by myself, otherwise, I wont be able to clear up this suffocating feeling Ive been having.

Always so righteous, arent you? Miss Lestrade.

So, please tell me properly.

Quietly, she watched him for a few short and fleeting moments, before asking in a whisper, her whole body exuding a deep frigid aura.

Where is Caroline Augustus Milverton right now?

A brief silence flowed between them at her question.

Im starting to feel disappointed now.

Eventually, Adlers voice broke the silence, a note of resentment lingering in his tone.

What makes you so sure that Im the culprit

Crack!!!

Ah.

However, his protest was cut short as Lestrade slammed her hand down on the desk with all her might, causing him to yelp in surprise.

Caroline Augustus Milverton, who had been lying at Adlers feet with a collar fitted on her neck beneath the desk, was staring blankly up at Lestrade through the fissures of the broken furniture.

Will you still deny your crime?

Looking down at the scene with clear contempt in her eyes, Lestrade then shifted her gaze to Adler and asked, her tone holding no emotions.

Thats not Caroline.

Then what?

Its my pet dog.

Adler, avoiding her gaze that seemed to be looking at a disgusting scum, nudged Caroline with his foot while responding.

Bark.

Then, after a moment of seemingly deep contemplation, Caroline, a look of resignation on her face, let out a bark, not dissimilar to a trained dog.

Woof, woof.

.

Despite the shame on her face, she rolled over on her back and showed her belly to them both. Seeing the display, Lestrades face immediately changed colors.

Pant, pant.

See? Its a dog, just like I told you.

Meanwhile, Adler stroking her head as she held up her hands and panted like a puppy, her face turning a deep shade of crimson in shame spoke with a brazen expression on his face.

Deeply, his eyes bore into Lestrades own.

So if you think youre right, then go ahead, even now

Dont sway me

Lestrade closed her eyes, then began speaking with a resolute expression.

My sense of justice remains firm.

Hmm.

I still like you, as per our agreement that day, but I cannot and will not like your actions.

Her voice, previously wavering, soon became clear and confident.

So as an inspector, I will confront you.

Thats unfortunate.

I will strictly separate personal from professional. Please distinguish between Lestrade as your lover and Lestrade as the Inspector of London Metropolitan Police.

At her words, Adler started to show a sincere smile, one he had never shown her before.

Miss Lestrade is indeed a difficult woman.

..

And thats what I like so much about you.

Lestrade, momentarily dazed by his demeanor, quickly turned her head and walked towards the entrance, her voice frigid as she spoke.

Lets see who will win, shall we?

We have a date tomorrow evening. Just to remind you.

However, at Adlers response, she halted her steps with a startle.

I know.

Dont you hate it? To have a date with someone you ideologically oppose?

His voice, teasingly playful, prompted Lestrade to turn her head slowly toward him.

Thats alright.

Then, looking at Adler with a peculiar intensity in her eyes, she spoke.

Because I like you.

With those barely audible words, Gia Lestrade turned her head back and quietly left the hideout.

.

.

.

.

.

Hmm.

Minutes had passed since Lestrade left through the front door, but the lingering feeling still remained.

Shes impressive, as expected.

Yet, facing the situation at hand, I shook off the remaining sentiment with a brief murmur.

Now, please come in.

With a smile, I addressed the figure who had been waiting at the back door.

Creeeak

Fufu~

Then, with an antique smile, the veiled client of this case, now somewhat familiar to me after the frequent encounters, entered the mansion.

As per your request, Ive taken care of all the subordinates in the surroundings. Even Charlotte Holmes and Professor Moriarty are unaware of whats currently happening here.

Your lover seems to be a bit of a prude, isnt she?

I beg your pardon, but lets get straight to the point.

Looking directly at the veil that obscured her face, I gently posed the question.

What is this unfinished business from this morning that warranted a personal visit to my hideout by a royal emissary?

Oh dear. Arent we in a hurry?

Pardon?

I was hoping we could sit down and have a chat over tea, take it slow

With that, the royal emissary, who had come without even an escort, naturally took a seat on the sofa and whispered the suggestion.

Observing the woman, who was clearly a member of the British royal family, I smiled and rose from my seat.

Understood.

You really know how to handle a woman.

With that acknowledgment, I headed towards the kitchen, where the tea cups and tea leaves were ready.

Jill the Ripper shows interest in you.

Warning!

Probability of being Killed 99.99%

Surprisingly, the freshly restored system was sending me a glaring red warning that I could clearly see before me.

Be careful.

Warning!

Erosion Rate 25% 33

It was no easy task to casually inquire about the tea preferences of the worst serial killer in history, who was sitting behind me with a smile behind her veil.

Do you have a preferred type of tea leaf?

If it hadnt been for the subordinates I had previously stationed in the alley outside the hideout, I might have already slipped up.

.

.

.

.

.

Oh, by the way, I asked the guards outside for a moment of understanding and put them to sleep.

I beg your pardon?

Now, finally, its just the two of us. Fufufu~

Oh, fuck!