Chapter 73: Good Shall Be Repaid (3)
Manner Maketh Man
–An Old Proverb
It is anticipated that feeding Watson the by-products, including the horn of the Unicorn Salamander, will slightly increase her overall Yang Qi and help improve her condition.
The horn, in particular, holds a much rougher energy compared to other by-products of the Unicorn Salamander.
If Watson were to consume this without having taken the inner core beforehand, her weakened meridians would rupture, but it is different now.
If an unexpected attack from the meridian disorder were to occur, taking a dose of this would restore the balance of Yin and Yang, saving her life.
While it was a drastic measure that could not be used more than once, having even a single chance was infinitely better than having none.
Ideally, it would be best not to use it at all, but if I prepare a small amount of powder for Watson to carry, we can be prepared for emergencies.
‘After shaving a little from the root for Watson’s powder, I can slowly think about the use for the remaining horn.’
Since I have mastered the Lionheart Method, I can fully absorb the energy contained in it as Essence even if I consume it all. However, since it is possible for me to increase my internal energy with other elixirs, it will not be too late to consider it if I can’t think of a unique use only possible with the Unicorn Salamander’s horn.
Nonetheless, to receive not only fabric woven from the fur of an Ancient Vicuña but also the horn of a Unicorn Salamander, two treasures of such rarity at once.
It felt excessive, even as compensation for resolving three incidents.
“I, Holmes, am overwhelmed by Your Excellency’s generosity. It is a kindness I shall engrave into my long-term memory.”
When I respectfully performed the fist-palm salute, Sir Harcourt replied with the same expressionless face.
“Her Majesty has stated that regarding the matter of the Phantom Fist, she will bestow a separate reward. You may receive your third gift directly from Buckingham.”
As I watched the Minister extend his hand toward the direction of the Forbidden Buckingham Palace, performing a formal gesture of tribute to the Queen, I felt a quiet swell of reverence for Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, rising within me.
“I am deeply humbled by Her Grace.”
I never imagined
that Her Majesty would personally arrange a gift.
To be born a subject of the British Empire and receive such an honor.
It was clear
that Her Majesty had a keen interest in the distribution of telephones.
This was proof of her being a wise ruler who thought of the nation’s progress day and night.
As long as Her Majesty’s reign continues, the future of Britain is bright.
“If you plan to attend the royal ball, you’ll need attire that suits the occasion. With a month left, it would be wise to visit the tailor by tomorrow at the latest to ensure timeous completion.”
“…!”
The moment I heard the Home Secretary’s words, I realized why such a luxurious fabric had found its way into my hands.
Even though Sir Harcourt is a minister holding a significant position in the Cabinet, acquiring such valuable fabric in large quantities is no easy task.
This was undoubtedly Her Majesty’s arrangement for me to wear an outfit made from this fabric to the ball.
Were I to appear at the royal ball in anything less, it would undoubtedly cause a scandal, disgracing the dignity of the Crown.
What would happen if, due to some mishap, the formal attire isn’t completed on time and I attend in different clothes?
If such a thing were to happen,
I might be accused of slighting the Queen’s Victoria Care, her sovereign concern and consideration, a misunderstanding I dared not risk.
“…I shall ensure I am impeccably attired in time.”
“It seems you understand well.”
Was that why he had mentioned Her Majesty in advance?
A warning, though spoken gently. One that, if ignored, could very well end with me not leaving the Palace unscathed.
“In addition, since Clark personally saw the leader of the Church Of Asteroid, he has been tasked with creating a portrait. Once completed, you’ll be the first to receive a copy.”
“That’s good news to hear.”
I was aware that the Moriarty of this world might look different from what I saw before my regression.
I could not say how skilled Sir Harcourt’s aide, Clarke, was with a pencil, but if there was even the slightest chance of gaining additional clues, I had no reason to refuse.
However, there was one thing that puzzled me.
Earlier, Sir Harcourt referred to the leader of the Church Of Asteroid as a ‘young priest’.
But in my memory, Moriarty was well past middle age and approaching old age.
If the so-called priest of the Church Of Asteroid is merely a subordinate of Moriarty’s, it’s not a big issue.
But if he’s Moriarty himself, who has achieved Rejuvenation, we must prepare for the worst-case scenario.
‘It won’t be easy.’
After finishing the conversation, the Minister glanced at the wall clock to check the time and nodded.
“It’s time for the Home Office meeting. Let’s wrap it up here for today. A carriage has been prepared for you, so please take it.”
“I don’t know how many times I’ve said this, but thank you for your consideration.”
“If there’s anything else you want, feel free to say.”
Although there was no noticeable change in his expression, the Minister seemed a bit regretful, as if wanting to offer more.
Feeling fortunate to have gained his favor, I remembered the story I had been hesitant to bring up, surprised by the lavish reward.
“I’m sure you’ll think I’m being shameless, but there are a couple of things I’d like to ask.”
“What do you want? I’ll provide whatever is within my discretion.”
“The first one is Pursuit Powder.”
“…A jar should be possible. What else? Do you want elixirs?”
“I’d be grateful for those as well. However, there is an item I would like to borrow from you, Minister.”
An item I wish to borrow.
At that word, Sir Harcourt openly showed his displeasure.
It seemed he had caught on to my intention.
“…It seems your assistant is more loose-lipped than expected.”
“Please don’t blame Watson. I merely deduced the truth from the eye patch marks on the faces of those involved and the damp hems of their trousers.”
I revealed the true purpose of my visit to Sir Harcourt’s office while looking him straight in the eye.
“I’d like to borrow the key to the underground passage of Scotland Yard.”
“Do you know what lies dormant underground?”
“Yes.”
I answered the Home Secretary, who was glaring at me with furrowed brows, without missing a beat.
“Isn’t it the Shao-Lin Monastery Western Branch?”
The Minister’s face froze in a wide-eyed expression.
It was as if he had turned into a painting of Bodhidharma in Art Nouveau style.
“…Who did you hear this from?”
After a long silence, the Home Secretary finally spoke.
Still in shock, he continued to glare at me with wide eyes.
‘The question about what lies dormant underground was thrown at me with the expectation that I wouldn’t be able to answer.’
Maintaining that state without blinking even once since earlier, it seemed I had touched on a rather sensitive topic as I had anticipated.
“Please calm down. Releasing such blatant killing intent makes it rather difficult for this Holmes to respond, as my body stiffens with tension.”
“Who did you hear about that place from?”
“My master.”
“……”
Upon hearing my answer, the Minister let out a long sigh.
“What kind of person is your master exactly…?”
Sir Harcourt looked at me with a bewildered expression.
“My master was an ordinary English gentleman.”
“Certainly, he was.”
“Actually, I don’t know much about what he does either.”
I could fully understand his sentiment.
If you gather all the nonsensical tales that make you want to question their existence and dress them in skin and clothes, that’s my master.
A person whose very existence is absurd and nonsensical.
Having completed my training under him, I must objectively be a prodigy with both character and talent.
“You don’t know, huh. Words I never expected to hear from you.”
“It’s fine. I’ll find out soon enough.”
It is known that, across the entire European Murim, the only clan that directly inherited the true teachings of Songshan Shaolin is Kingswood.
The Verderers of Kingswood1 were given their status after several defrocked Shaolin monks crossed over to England long ago and settled with royal permission.
The fact that martial artists from Scotland Yard, including Lestrade, were able to learn some of Kingswood’s secret techniques was also possible because they were descendants of the Verderers.
‘There are plenty of people in Europe who covet the martial arts of thr Shaolin Temple.’
All Kung-Fu under heaven originated from Shaolin.2
Many of the Kung-Fu known in the world have their roots in the Shaolin Temple.
Nevertheless, the reason Shaolin’s Grand Kung-Fu, the Seventy-Two Arts is not widely known in Europe is singular.
It is because the Edict of Pigtail3, which triggered the Kung-Fu Exodus, did not apply to monks, as it forced people to braid their hair into queues.
After all the Orthodox and Unorthodox martial artists, including the Nine Great Clans and the Kung-Fu Noblesse, moved abroad, the Shaolin Temple became the undisputed leader of the Midfield Kung-Fu world in Qing.
As a result, the Qing dynasty, which revered Buddhism, prohibited the export of Shaolin Kung-Fu and legally barred further emigration of monks.
This was all to ensure that the essence of Shaolin’s Kung-Fu knowledge would not leak abroad.
“Ah…”
Sir Harcourt suddenly closed his eyes tightly and rested his forehead on his clasped hands.
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“I am praying.”
“Praying, you say…?”
“I am hoping your master didn’t share that story with just anyone.”
Indeed, from his perspective, it was a matter of concern.
Kingswood was a mysterious Kung-Fu clan hidden deep within a forest designated as a royal hunting ground.
And people don’t know which of the dozens of royal hunting forests throughout the United Kingdom is their main base.
In other words, even if foreign masters covet the Kung-Fu of the Verderers, who have inherited Shaolin’s true teachings, there is no way to approach it without searching every forest.
But what if.
If it becomes known that the monks of Shaolin, possessing greater legitimacy than any clan established by renegade monks, are hiding in the underground of Scotland Yard.
And if it is revealed that entrances to the underground passages leading there exist not only at the Metropolitan Police but throughout London, what might happen?
Experts from major British Kung-Fu clans and Nobelesses, as well as those gathered from all over the world, would start digging up London’s underground in search of Shaolin’s secret techniques.
In the process, if even the ruins of Londinium4 were to be unearthed, it would enrich the British Museum, but beyond that, I predict it would have no positive impact on Britain.
Martial artists are those who absolutely believe in power.
Whether they are from the Orthodox path or the Unorthodox path, those blinded by greed would stop at nothing and feverishly commence excavation.
‘What the Minister is concerned about is the chaos that would ensue after the discovery.’
I could not even begin to imagine the sort of disaster that would occur if the secret were to be leaked.
- TL/N: Previously translated as Kingswood Rangers ️
- TL/N: 天下功夫出少林 ️
- TL/N: This refers to the Qing dynasty's order, issued in 1645, that forced Han Chinese men to shave their foreheads and braid the remaining hair into a queue (pigtail) as a sign of submission and to distinguish them from the Manchus ️
- ED: The Latin name for London when it was a Roman city ️