Becoming Professor Moriarty's Probability

Chapter 85: The Shadow of Britain

"... Hmm."

".........."

In the secret lair, drenched in a heavy aura, the royal emissary held the teacup Adler had prepared for her and took a sip.

"The tea is delicious."

"... Is that so?"

"It doesn't seem to be your first time brewing tea. That's quite unexpected, I must say."

"You flatter me too much."

Then, as she delivered a compliment with a soft smile, Adler, wearing a stiff laugh on his face, responded.

"Why do you seem to be so nervous?"

"Me?"

"For some reason, I get the feeling that you've been fidgeting since I arrived."

The emissary, gazing intently at Adler while taking another sip of tea, began to whisper in a subdued voice.

"The Isaac Adler I know doesn't show such a timid reaction in front of women."

"That's..."

"Did you put something in the tea?"

Filled with curiosity, she posed the question.

"I've heard quite a bit about it. Some kind of enchantment that quickly turns women into captives. I've also heard rumors of such sophisticated concoctions being circulated in the back alleys, products that can't easily be remedied using ordinary magic..."

"Those are just tall tales. I certainly don't have anything like that. And even if I did, I'm well aware that using it on you would be a grave mistake."

"Hmm, why would you think that?"

"Are you truly asking because you don't know?"

Adler threw out his question, filled with double meaning, prompting the emissary to narrow her eyes behind the veil as she smiled.

"Even the reckless Isaac Adler wouldn't dare to meddle with royalty. Is that it?"

"... That might be the reason I can preserve my life in London, unlike Caroline. Besides, you're not even trying to hide it now, are you?"

"Between the two of us, what is there that can't be said?"

Confronted with her straightforwardness, Adler couldn't help but scratch his head, confusion evident in his eyes.

"Are you really of royal blood?"

"Such a sudden question. Didn't you already finish deducing everything about me?"

"It's just strange, no matter how I think about it, for someone of your stature to come to such a dangerous place alone."

Just as he was tilting his head, pondering the hidden face behind the veil of the emissary,

– Swish...

"... Oh."

Quietly, the emissary raised her hand and began removing her veil on her own.

""........""

And before Adler had a chance to turn away, her face was revealed in an instant, and silence thus settled in the hideout.

"Are you certain now?"

"........."

"I was going to reveal my face to you today anyway, so relax. Don't act so agitated."

As the emissary quietly stood and walked toward him, Adler found himself unknowingly beginning to swallow dryly.

"... So you truly were a princess, at the very top of the succession to the throne even."