The Third Holmes (𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘁 𝘅 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗬/𝗡)

CHAPTER 10

Y/N smirked beneath his lace fan, expertly fluttering it to hide the curve of his grin. The ladies around him gushed and giggled, their parasols bouncing with each excited step as they approached the grand gates of Moriarty Manor. It was the day of the annual tea party—an elite event now held at the estate, and one many had waited all year to attend.

In place of his usual pressed suit, Y/N now wore a luxurious, ivory gown embroidered with soft rose motifs. A wide-brimmed floral hat shaded his features, and gloves adorned his hands. He had spent the morning perfecting every detail—down to the delicate perfume that clung to him like mist. He blended in seamlessly with the other upper-class women, all eager to mingle with nobility.

"I can't believe it's finally happening!" one woman exclaimed, bouncing on her heels.

"I know! The Moriarty tea party! I've dreamed of this."

"Not just Albert-sama, but William-sama too! I heard even the servants are beautiful!"

"And the garden!" another sighed wistfully. "Like something out of a fairy tale."

Y/N chuckled under his breath.

You ladies can fawn over the first and second sons all you want. The third one? He's mine.

Inside the grand estate, Y/N found himself in awe despite his mission. The landscape was meticulous—terraced flowerbeds, marble fountains, and that famed rose garden in full bloom. A place as dangerous as it was beautiful.

"This is probably the only time I'll be allowed in here," he murmured to himself. "Might as well enjoy the view."

At the front of the reception, Albert Moriarty raised a glass with practiced ease, addressing the assembled guests.

"Thank you all for coming," he said warmly. "It's thanks to Count Rockwell that we were able to welcome you to our home today. As you may notice, there are many shy people in our family."

You mean, many secrets to hide, Y/N thought with a silent smirk.

"Just standing before you like this makes me nervous," Albert continued. "But please, take this opportunity to enjoy our rose garden. The gardener has worked tirelessly to bring it to bloom."

Y/N glanced toward the garden. It was breathtaking. "Impressive," he admitted.

"And of course," Albert concluded, "there are refreshments for all. Take your time. Talk with us. Enjoy yourselves. Cheers!"

As glasses clinked and laughter bloomed, Albert and William were swiftly swarmed by admirers. It was the perfect distraction.

Now's my chance.

With practiced grace, Y/N slipped away from the chattering crowd and toward the manor's inner halls. Servants were busy tending to guests, offering wine, guiding women through flower paths. No one noticed a solitary 'lady' stepping lightly into the manor's quieter corridors.

"Louis is likely in the kitchen," he whispered to himself.

As he walked deeper into the estate, he couldn't help but admire the elegant furniture, the grand paintings, the quiet opulence of a family that played nobles and masterminds all at once.

When he reached the kitchen, several servants turned in confusion at his appearance. Louis, standing at the center of it all, looked up—and his expression faltered for a second.

"Do you need something, Miss?" Louis asked politely, voice calm, eyes alert.

Y/N tilted his head slightly, putting on a coy smile and an airy voice. "I apologize for interrupting your work, Louis-sama. But may I speak with you... privately?"