Chapter 97: Royal Cat’s Paw
Could there be a greater fortune than earning the loyalty of a cat?
–Charles Dickens
“Holmes, what on earth is this….”
Meanwhile, Watson had on her usual expression of bewilderment.
“I’ll explain shortly, so just wait a moment. For now, why don’t you observe what brilliant results my judgment brings?”
The reason White Heather kept pinching its nose with its left forepaw and maintaining distance from the priest was simple.
Firstly, due to its high intelligence befitting a Spiritual Creature, it instinctively sensed a life-threatening danger from the lily scent of the Zion Clan warrior.
And its concern that its sword didn’t touch the priest,
potentially hindering Her Majesty’s movement, was the second reason.
An outsider might say that a cat and two dogs stepping in wouldn’t change a thing. No matter how a cat walks on two legs, an amateur might not distinguish it from a circus animal.
However, these three Spiritual Creatures held the potential to fundamentally alter the current standoff.
And that potential does not merely refer to the internal energy they have accumulated.
“Well, it seems that the ‘mere creatures’ couldn’t hold back their righteous indignation at the insolence of the Senior and stepped in.”
As I stepped forward and spoke, Father Brown’s anger-filled eyes turned towards me.
“Loyal animals have taken it upon themselves to be their master’s Champion. What do you plan to do now?”
“…Ha.”
Father Brown, realizing my intention, let out a hollow laugh as if it was absurd.
Her Majesty, having grasped the situation, couldn’t suppress a smile and released the tension from her hand, which was poised to draw her sword.
“Her Majesty withdrawing her force, what on earth…”
“It seems the Zion Clan’s old master has contained his murderous intent.”
“I can’t make heads or tails of what’s happening, really.”
On the other hand, among those observing this scene, most, except for a few experts like Mycroft, could not comprehend what was unfolding.
That was to be expected, as not many here would be well-versed in the doctrines of the Catholic Church.
Even fewer would be aware of the loophole in the regulations of Buckingham Palace.
“I’ve heard that the Zion Clan’s Orthodox doctrine regards animals as soulless beings. Do you agree, Father?”
“…Yes. Animals have no souls. Heaven is not granted to them.”
Indeed.
The law of Buckingham that prohibits drawing weapons against others does not apply to animals.
The rules of the royal palace were meant to control ‘people’ entering and exiting the palace.
The first loophole I exploited to disrupt the situation was precisely this.
“If you truly wish to cross swords with the ruler of the great empire, you must first defeat the Head Chief Mouser, the Royal Cat in Boots, White Heather.”
“Nyah nyah!”
As if determined to see this through to the end, the Angora Cat stood on two legs, bristling its fur, and assumed a warming-up position in front of the priest.
The Vatican’s Cat’s Paw versus the cat’s paw.
A legendary battle at the Forbidden Palace.
The old man laughed incredulously for a long while before slowly bringing his soft sword to his belt.
As he withdrew the True energy from the sword, the thin blade bent and slid into the narrow slit of his belt.
It seemed to be an object that could be stored without a scabbard, as expected of a soft sword.
“The excitement has waned. I shall take my leave now.”
“Please take care on your way, old senior.”
The priest glanced at me once before walking toward the exit.
Leaving behind the young deacon who had accompanied him to Buckingham Palace.
“……”
Until the priest exited the library and the door closed, not a single breath was heard inside.
-Thud.
Only after the enemy soldier closed the door did many of those who had been watching the tense standoff begin to let out sighs of relief one by one.
“Ha… What should we do about this.”
The bespectacled martial artist from the Zion Clan, left alone in enemy territory, sighed heavily and chuckled dryly.
The mysterious murky haze had vanished at some point.
The orchestra, which had been waiting on the first floor before heading up to the second floor where the ball was being held, began to unpack their instruments and play as per the conductor’s instructions, having been caught up in an unexpected situation.
Only then did the atmosphere start to relax.
Her Majesty reached out to the nearby animals and patted them, expressing gratitude for their efforts.
It seemed safe to assume that the crisis had been averted without incident.
“…May I ask again, Holmes? What on earth just happened? The person who seemed ready to fight just moments ago suddenly sheathed his sword and left?”
Then, Watson approached hesitantly and asked me with a puzzled expression.
I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I really needed to explain this, but with Watson looking at the three animals kneeling at Her Majesty’s feet with bright eyes, I had no choice but to speak.
“Father Brown left the ballroom fearing that his and the Zion Clan’s honor might be tarnished.”
“Well, why on earth…”
“That’s strange. It sounds as if you wanted him to wield his sword no matter what. Are you disappointed that there’s less of a spectacle?”
“It’s not that. I just don’t understand.”
“It’s a simple reason, Watson.”
I paused, reaching into my coat for my pipe, but remembered I was inside the palace and stopped.
“Think about it. What would happen to the Zion Clan’s reputation if they fought to the death with a cat?”
“Oh…”
“From their perspective, the opponent is a soulless creature. It’s not a legendary dragon, just a mere animal, and to be crossing swords with a small cat? For the priest representing the Zion Clan here, even fighting bare-handed would be unacceptable.”
“……”
Watson’s eyes drifted upward to the right.
She seemed to be imagining something amusing, smiling slightly.
“You’re right. Now that I think about it, it paints quite a funny picture.”
“Even if the priest emerges victorious, the very act of battling to the death with a cat is disgraceful for them.”
In a tense situation, a passing cat can lighten the mood.
Mrs. Hudson had been wanting to keep a cat, and today, at least, all hail the cat.
Look, people have started chatting as if nothing happened.
Among them, a few occasionally cast discreet glances my way.
It was a gesture of gratitude for resolving the awkward situation smoothly.
Such small evaluations accumulate and spread by word of mouth, eventually reaching the ears of those who might become my allies.
No matter what anyone says, many renowned figures of the martial world, or those closely connected to them, are gathered here.
And above all.
“……”
Seeing Her Majesty glance at me, it seems I might not have to pay the price for the anger my master incurred from her.
When I left the Debutante Ball last time, she seemed to harbor some resentment towards me because of my master, but perhaps her anger has subsided a tad now.
“Meow.”
The Angora Cat, White Heather, nestled in Her Majesty’s arm, was meowing earnestly, pointing this way with its paw as if it wanted to say something to its owner.
“It seems the cat wants to say that I should be commended for my achievements. Indeed, the intelligence of a Spiritual Creature is remarkable.”
“To my eyes, it looks like the cat is telling on you for tossing it.”
“Haha, it’s but a joke.”
Feeling a chill, I turned my head and saw Her Majesty moving her lips as if saying something to me.
Having learned lip-reading, I quickly
understood what Her Majesty was trying to say.
<Well, done, follow, the, cat, later, to, the, office, for, a, chess, game……>
“……”
Her moving lips were clearly saying.
“…Why are you doing this to me? Truly.”
Threatening to shove a Pawn up my nose every time I lose.
As soon as Her Majesty left with the Spiritual Creatures, Watson grabbed me and asked.
“So,
what did Her Majesty say? Come on, tell me, Holmes.”
“…She commended me for resolving an issue that could have escalated into a sensitive diplomatic matter. And she also said she’d grant me the honor of personally feeding Sir White Heather wet food. She suggested we discuss the details slowly over a game of chess.”
“……”
“Why? Don’t you trust what I’m saying?”
“…No. Never mind. Just keep living like that.”
Watson covered her mouth with a shawl, feigning disinterest.
Seeing her fan her face with the newly acquired fan for the ball,
it was clear she was quite anxious after witnessing Her Majesty’s displeasure with me.
“Don’t worry. By the time I leave the palace tonight,
I will be one of the most trusted gentlemen by Her Majesty.”
“It seems a bit late for that. Have you any good ideas?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
“You always postpone your explanations.”
Watson grumbled, but I didn’t respond.
Due to outdated practices like collective punishment, it didn’t make sense for me to be the scapegoat, but since I’m not as strong as my master yet, what can I do?
Well, if it were a duel, I wouldn’t mind, but if it’s a chess match, as long as I don’t lose, it’s fine.
[I will reward you separately for this matter later. I must handle the follow-up, so I shall take my leave.]
Meanwhile, Mycroft discreetly sent a sound transmission and walked off somewhere.
Since I could only see his back, I could not tell what expression he wore, but he was probably smiling.
He must have seen Her Majesty threaten me silently.
‘Anyway, when it comes to enjoying others’ misfortune, there’s nothing like London.’
Considering I grew up with such a straightforward character despite being born as the brother of such a person, I must have been born under the star of a great hero.
No, the constellation of a great hero suits better.
The Great Hero Constellation. Has a nice ring to it.
“I don’t know much about your brother’s character, but don’t you think you’re largely responsible for this incident?”
“I just did what I had to do.”
I think I know what Watson’s flaw is.
It’s that she tends to see everything from a pessimistic angle.
It’s definitely a side effect from facing death on the battlefield and returning from it.
I should continue to support her by her side.
“Didn’t you also hear Mycroft say he’d express his gratitude?”
“Hmm? I didn’t hear that.”
“……”
I don’t understand why that person was able to share sound transmission with Watson earlier, but now sends an unimportant message only to me through a discreet direct message.