Chapter 198: The Five Orange Pips (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 198: The Five Orange Pips (4)
Knock, knock, knock—
Several days had passed since Isaac Adler had walked out of the hospital, his expression cold enough to freeze the marrow in one's bones.
"...I don't care who it is. Come in."
The atmosphere inside the boarding house at 221B Baker Street was uncharacteristically chilling. Charlotte, sitting motionless in her armchair, spoke in a low, weary voice.
Creak—
"It was you who summoned me, wasn't it..."
As the door swung open, Gia Lestrade entered, her voice equally subdued.
"...That aside, this is unexpected."
"What is?"
"It’s quite surprising. Even after such a catastrophe, there isn't a single syringe rolling across the desk, nor even a hint of tobacco in the air."
"...There is a reason for that."
At the Inspector's remark, Charlotte offered a faint, exhausted smile while gently stroking her abdomen.
"Drugs and tobacco are harmful to the child."
Grind—
At that nonchalant reply, Inspector Lestrade gritted her teeth. For a fleeting moment, a flash of pure killing intent flickered in her eyes.
"...Why the face, Inspector?"
"Because I find it lamentable. To think that London’s last hope, the greatest detective in the world, is a common adulteress."
"What on earth are you talking about..."
"As it stands, I am Adler’s legal wife. Surely you haven't forgotten?"
Lestrade stepped forward, her expression menacing. Charlotte watched her calmly and let out a long sigh.
"Yours is a marriage of convenience—a mere contract."
"You may not be aware, but all marriages are formed by contract. As far as I know, no such contract exists between you and Adler."
"Ah, I meant a 'contractual marriage' in the literal sense. One devoid of love, formed solely out of necessity."
Lestrade froze. Her expression hardened, and her gaze turned several degrees colder than before.
"On what grounds do you dare utter such blasphemy..."
"Why the sudden act, Inspector? I truly don't understand you."
"……."
"Do you actually like Adler?"
Charlotte tilted her head, throwing the direct question like a challenge.
"...No."
After a momentary hesitation, the Inspector gave an answer that differed starkly from her usual stance.
"How strange..."
"...What is?"
"You used to be so vocal about your affections for him. To hear you deny it so suddenly..."
Charlotte narrowed her eyes, observing the Inspector with a drowsy, calculating look.
"It’s as if you’ve had a complete change of heart."
"Don't jump to conclusions—huh?"
Lestrade, who had been raising her voice in irritation, suddenly blinked in confusion. Charlotte had risen from her seat and leaned in close, peering intently into the Inspector's face.
"...Hah."
A sneer curled Charlotte’s lips. Lestrade’s eyebrows twitched.
"What is it now?"
"Let’s drop this. It's a pointless conversation."
"Everything always has to be your way, doesn't it?"
"I didn't call you here to bicker."
As the tension reached a breaking point, Charlotte spoke in a low tone and returned to her seat.
"...Adulteress."
"...What did you just say?"
"Nothing. I’m not here to fight either, so say what you have to say."
Lestrade looked down at her, muttering under her breath before forcing a thin smile.
“………”
A heavy silence filled the room.
"...Getting angry isn't good for the fetus."
Charlotte stared into the Inspector's eyes for a moment longer before sighing and beginning to organize the papers scattered across her desk.
"Anyway, let’s get to the point. Could you provide a detailed account of the explosion that day?"
"...It was only a few days ago."
Softening her tone, Lestrade began her explanation.
"At the time, I was nursing Adler at home. He was suffering from amnesia."
"...Amnesia?" Charlotte interrupted immediately.
"Yes. You should know the details; the last incident ended unresolved because of his condition."
"...I see."
Charlotte began tapping her fingers rhythmically against the desk, her expression annoyed.
"Regardless, I thought it best to protect Adler at home. It would have been disastrous if some harlot had tried to seduce and rape my poor, amnesiac husband."
"...I thought I said no fighting."
"Just like any other day... I was tending to him."
Ignoring Charlotte’s jab, Lestrade’s voice began to tremble as the horrific memories resurfaced.
"The doorbell rang. When I went to the living room... there was a parcel waiting."
"...The bomb."
"Yes. And... there was an envelope placed on top of it."
"Wait. Before we continue, let’s clarify one thing. Was there truly no one there when you opened the door?"
"That’s correct, but..."
Charlotte’s eyes sparked with analytical curiosity.
"You went to the door the moment the bell rang, didn't you?"
"...I believe so. But the perpetrator dropped the parcel and immediately dove into the nearby bushes. Everyone in the vicinity saw it."
"Hmm..."
Charlotte tilted her head, her brow furrowing as she posed another question.
"...Why would they use such an unconventional method?"
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it. There have been numerous attacks on that house, yet its defenses have never been breached. Your presence inside shouldn't have mattered."
"........"
"Is there a way to neutralize the supernatural defenses surrounding the house without your involvement, Inspector?"
"...Is that question strictly necessary?" Lestrade asked, biting her lip uncomfortably.
"Well, depending on the answer... it could be the crucial piece of evidence that reveals the truth of this case."
"...Then I suppose I have no choice."
She sighed and gave Charlotte the answer she demanded.
"It is because of my younger sister, Gina Lestrade’s ability."
"...Your sister possesses a curse as well?"
"Yes. It is similar to mine, yet different—much like the relationship between you and your sister."
"Explain."
"...While my ability neutralizes all supernatural powers targeted at me, my sister’s ability neutralizes all powers in her vicinity, except those targeted at her."
A sharp smile spread across Charlotte’s face.
"I have to make physical contact or use a weapon to activate my ability, but my sister’s is always active. Fortunately, after years of practice, she can control the range so it doesn't interfere with daily life..."
"So that’s why I couldn't eavesdrop after the first day..."
"...What?"
"I thought Adler had devised a countermeasure, but it seems I was wrong..."
"What are you talking about?"
"Never mind. My question has been answered. Continue."
Lestrade eyed Charlotte’s sinister smile with hesitation before clearing her throat and resuming.
"Anyway, when I opened the envelope on the parcel..."
"...There were seeds inside, weren't there?"
"H-How did you know?"
Lestrade gasped, once again caught off guard by Charlotte’s insight.
"They were orange pips, to be precise. Five of them."
"...I thought as much."
"Do you have a suspect?"
As Lestrade asked the question, Charlotte began flipping through her documents.
"...Before I answer, I have one more question."
"What is it?"
"The recent attempted murder involving Silver Blaze. Are there any updates?"
Lestrade stiffened at the casual remark.
"That case is highly confidential within the department. How could you possibly...?"
"This is why the British police are so ineffective. You must stop making foolish blunders just to avoid immediate social scandal."
"......"
"So? Any updates?"
Lestrade hesitated, then spoke in a low voice.
"According to Watson, who is overseeing Silver Blaze, there was an initial branded into her shoulder. It seems it was done during the attack."
"...Unfortunately, that isn't news to me."
"But now that I think about it... I ignored it at the time due to the chaos, but the envelope I received had something similar written on it."
"………"
"What was it? It was a set of initials..."
As Lestrade struggled to recall the memory she so desperately wanted to erase, Charlotte spoke the answer in a chillingly calm voice.
"...K.K.K."
"Ah, yes! There were definitely three Ks..."
"How do you know that...?"
"Specifically, the Ku Klux Klan. A secret society from the Americas known for its human supremacy, anti-minority, anti-Christian, and anti-Catholic ideologies."
"……!"
"...Most of its members are mana users. Their leader is rumored to be an Archmage."
As Charlotte continued, Lestrade’s face grew pale.
"And interestingly, they send warnings using oak branches, melon seeds, or orange pips..."
"……."
"...You can see where this is going, can't you?"
Charlotte stared intently at her, then stood up.
"Now, it is time to find the hand that is moving these pieces."
"The hand behind them...?"
"According to my Mind Palace—a collection of data I've gathered and filed away over the years to optimize my cognitive function—the Ku Klux Klan was disbanded long ago."
"……!"
"If such an organization is operating this systematically in a foreign country..."
A sharp gleam flashed in Charlotte's eyes.
"...There must be someone else pulling the strings, wouldn't you agree?"
The logic was undeniable, even to Lestrade.
"What should I do?"
.
.
.
.
.
A few minutes later.
"...I will proceed as you instructed."
Creak—
"Take care of yourself."
As Gia Lestrade prepared to leave the boarding house at Charlotte’s request, she glanced back briefly, muttering something under her breath before disappearing into the street.
".....Haaaaah."
In the silence that followed, Charlotte let out a deep, heavy sigh.
"Did you truly think I wouldn't notice you've masked your eye color with lenses?"
She stood up, donned her coat, and prepared to leave.
"...The obstacles are mounting."
Crack... Crackle...
Black mana swirled around her, enveloping everything except her abdomen. She spoke into the empty room, her voice cold.
"Isn't that right, Adler?"
She paused, a sharp edge to her tone.
"Eavesdropping is quite a thrill, isn't it?"
.
.
.
.
.
"...Busted."
Charlotte’s voice cut off abruptly. I scratched my head for a moment, then sighed and focused on the situation in front of me.
"Mmph, mmph...!"
"...At this rate, we'll need to move faster."
The culprits behind the attack on Silver Blaze—whom I had secretly spirited away from the police station to our hidden stronghold—were staring up at me, their faces white with terror.
"Let's start with the shoulders, Moran."
"...Yes, Master."