Bailonz Street 13

Herschel’s hesitant expression made it clear he was embarrassed even to speak about ‘that matter.’

As expected, Herschel opened his mouth.

“Did Liam, that boy, confess his feelings to you, Miss Jane?”

The way he phrased it, it was as if he doubted it ever happened.

I wanted to laugh. There was no need to treat Liam as a rogue who toyed with women without confessing his feelings. I wasn’t sure what had happened to Liam’s image.

What to do? Liam always complained that I should trust him more than any leader, but it seems neither the leaders nor I really do. Well, that’s on Liam, but Herschel…

What life has Liam Moore led? Reflect on that.

My slight smile finally softened Herschel’s expression.

“There’s the Miss Jane I know.”

“When have I ever not been?”

“You seemed unfamiliar just now.”

I agree. That’s the nature of truth. It’s always unfamiliar.

Even if that truth means I can never return to the past, I can’t regret it once I’ve known it. As I shrugged off an unrepeatable past, I answered Herschel’s question.

“…Yes. He confessed. We are together now.”

“Tog—”

Herschel, upon hearing my answer, seemed as surprised as one could be. I just waited calmly for him to recover from his shock. Herschel, speechless, just stared at me.

“Why do you look so surprised? After all you’ve seen just now.”

Funny man.

As I chuckled quietly, Herschel lightly splashed his face with water, then finally managed to say,

“…He’s absolutely the worst choice for a husband.”

And then he started listing all of Liam Moore’s flaws.

“Of course, Liam is lazy, loves to sleep in, skips meals to delve into murder and cold cases, has very few friends, and makes plenty of enemies with his brusque manner. But maybe it’s hopeful that his essence isn’t all that bad. He’s going to be quite the handful for you, Miss Jane.”

Honestly, I was aware of this. We all knew what Liam Moore was like. But to hear this from his mentor, who usually views people as rocks, and now he finally finds someone he likes, this was his comment. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Professor, is that an insult or a compliment?”

“Both are correct.”

“…Anyone would run away hearing that!”

Then, Liam responded.

“Yeah, unless you’re really trying to ruin my marriage prospects. Right?”

“Exactly…?”

Wait, why is Liam…?

I was startled into silence, my heart nearly stopping as I turned around. There was Liam, his face unabashed. Whether he had run here or not, his shoulders were heaving slightly. Liam’s hand reached out and gently clasped mine.

I had definitely left him to be devoured by the folks at Greenwich, yet how he managed to follow me here was beyond me. How did he even know I was here?

He had apparently managed to shake off the crowd and was now smiling mischievously at me. Herschel started rubbing his temples again, apparently developing a headache from Liam’s unexpected appearance. Liam’s smooth chin rested on top of my head.

“It’s strange. Every time I’m not around, people talk about me.”

“There’s a reason for everything, Liam.”

“Jane!”

What’s with his indignation? Given his usual antics, he should be well aware that he’s hardly suitable marriage material.

Despite knowing this, I poked him in the ribs, finding his obliviousness annoying, as Liam twisted and laughed.

“To be honest, Liam, I think you need to bend over backward a hundred times.”

“Herschel!”

I muttered.

“Hmm. It seems so. William Schofield Moore.”

“…”

Liam silently acknowledged his guilt as Herschel added fuel to the fire.

“My God, my own apprentice could have been a marriage swindler. Miss Jane, perhaps you should reconsider. Just his looks aren’t enough to offset the many demerits. Maybe just date briefly, find someone better…”

Of course, I knew all too well this was all due to Liam’s own doings, and Herschel was merely teasing him.

While saying this, Herschel was actually happy for both of us. He would be the first to deliver a joyous speech if Liam and I were to marry. I wonder if Liam knows that.

The more I thought about how frequently London’s cerebral detective had been verbally thrashed, the funnier it became, and I burst out laughing.

I resolved then: to tease him about his hidden true name for life. I’ll torment him until his hair turns white. Even if he cries that he was wrong, it’s too late. No mercy.

Liam grumbled sheepishly.

“I was going to reveal it. If only the boss hadn’t burst through the wall, I would have, but that’s all because of someone.”

“Oh, you’re going to play it that way?”

“You started it, Herschel!”

“Oh dear, Mr. Moore. Short of words before your superior, are we? Where are your manners…”

19th-century Britons sought propriety. My head hurts.

The argument between the two men showed no signs of ending anytime soon. No, it wasn’t even an argument anymore. They were clearly enjoying the situation. It seemed they often used these meaningless quarrels to air grievances accumulated against each other. Liam over the ‘Dahlia Case,’ Herschel… well, he seemed to have a lot stored up.

The problem was that this could go on for quite some time. They seemed excited just to have the stage set for their exchanges, but I felt like my ears would bleed being caught between them. When Herschel threatened to write a dissertation titled ‘Study on the Impertinent Behavior of My Apprentice,’ I finally separated them.

“William.”

“…!”

Liam instantly quieted down, his eyes wide.

“Professor Hopkins.”

Herschel also fell silent.

Peace at last. I thought, perhaps I should only meet these two men in a formal, official capacity, or maybe only in public settings with many eyes watching. Definitely not in private.

“Good. It’s quiet now. Professor, please get some answers about Liam’s condition. He’ll just tough it out and won’t be honest with me.”

“Understood.”

“And Liam Moore, you…”

Caught like a deer in headlights, Liam looked at me with innocent eyes. That’s cheating. Where does he get off trying to slide by with his good looks?

Unfortunately for me, I’m very weak to his charms. I pulled him by the arm.

“Come with me.”

Liam started walking without a word, clearly delighted that I hadn’t sent him away, his face radiating joy.

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