Chapter Text
28 June, 1886
I went to the prosecutor’s office today. Luckily, Director van Zieks was able to see me on such short notice, he’s remarkably flexible for a man with such great responsibilities!
“I was actually about to leave for the morgue,” said he. “I suppose it’s better to speak with you when there aren’t cadavers five feet away…”
“I suppose you wanted to speak to me about Genshin…?” I asked.
“I suppose it doesn’t take a great detective to figure that one out,” he chuckled. “But yes… I was hoping you could assist me…? He may be open to listening to an old friend…”
Together, we took a carriage to van Zieks manor, which was a fair distance away from the city proper— I truly don’t know what I expected, but I never expected to feel like a small ant in comparison! The dark and foreboding gothic castle (there’s truly only one way to describe it!) seemed to blot out the sun.
“The seat of the van Zieks family for over five generations,” van Zieks simply said. “It’s alright, you can call it stuffy… I do prefer our hunting lodge in Dartmoor, more homely and, well, like someone can live inside of it…!”
When we entered, a young man, who looked to be about Herlock’s age, was reclined on the settee, and engrossed in a thick tome.
“ Ah, Barok…” van Zieks grinned. “Come, I want to introduce you to someone…!”
The boy had jolted as if someone had jerked him from a deep sleep. He had folded a corner of the page before closing the book and joining van Zieks’ side.
What on earth is in the water in England? Why on earth must they be so tall!
“My younger brother, Barok,” van Zieks said, “And this is Dr. Yujin Mikotoba, a student of forensic science!”
“You’re from the East, are you also a part of Genshin’s study tour?” he asked.
“I am, he’s a close friend of mine,” I replied before bowing. “It’s wonderful to meet you Master Barok.”
“Likewise!” he bowed back. “I hope to pass my examinations as soon as possible to serve the courts like you two and my brother!”
van Zieks laughed and proudly clasped his hand on Barok’s shoulder, much to the latter’s protestations.
“As you can see, once my brother has a goal, he’s blind to anything else that strays from it,” van Zieks grinned. “But first, someone must pass his Greek examinations…!”
B arok excused himself once he was properly flustered by his elder brother and returned back to the book he was reading. Then, van Zieks took me upstairs and down the hall where we were face to face with a very locked door. He nodded his head, giving me permission to rap my knuckles across the door.
“Genshin, are you alright in there…?” I called out.
Just then, the door creaked open, Genshin poked his face out. From what I could see, his windows were barred, and he was working in dim candlelight. His face was pale and sunken, it was clear enough that he had skipped many meals, and had definitely not seen sunlight for even more time.
“What on earth are you doing here?” he gasped. “Don’t tell me he’s here with you…”
I really should talk to my friends about this behaviour. I know that Herlock has made a… less than favourable impression upon them both, but I think it’s rather petty to treat him like some sort of devil! He’s my closest friend here, and… my mind is at ease when we’re on a case… those dreams don’t come as often as they used to… I think I’m
happy
…
Both van Zieks and I attempted to pull him out, I found a use of my cane as an impromptu door stopper! None of us heard Barok coming up the stair, nor the sound his two companions until the former cleared his throat.
“I do hope this isn’t an awkward time,” he simply said.
He was accompanied by two women. The elder was in her forties, a large portly woman with a dower expression who was dressed entirely in grey. She stood between Barok and the younger woman with her. The Latter was about the same age as Director van Zieks with strawberry hair and turquoise eyes. She smiled at him, causing the prosecutor to flush pink.
“ What sort of ruckus have we stumbled upon indeed…” the older woman in grey muttered.
“Dearest! How wonderful of you to stop by!” van Zieks smiled, clasping her hand. “What a lovely surprise…!”
The younger woman laughed, bringing a gloved hand to her lips before replying, “I can’t say it would be much of a surprise if you’ve sent a letter personally inviting me to dine…” (Barok could barely contain the snicker that was building up upon seeing the flustered look of his brother’s face).
“ Ah, of course… Dr. Mikotoba, I have the pleasure and honour of introducing the most wonderful woman in the world, the Lady Henrietta Baskerville,” He continued, bringing her hand to his lips, “and my fiancee.”
In record time, the woman in grey cleared her throat and tapped Director van Zieks’ hand with her fan, before wedging herself between the betrothed.
“And her companion, Mrs. Barrymore,” He said, lacking flourish.
“ It’s an honour to finally make your acquaintance, doctor,” Lady Baskerville said. “Genshin speaks rather highly of you…”
At that moment, van Zieks smiled devilishly and slammed his hand against the door thrice.
“ Genshin…! You simply must join us for supper!” he said. “I’m sure Henrietta would love to hear about your studies!”
Lady Baskerville nodded her head and smiled at me, “I would also love if you could join us, Doctor, I’m sure both you and Genshin have the most wonderful stories to tell of your homeland!”
After she said that, Genshin reluctantly exited from the bedroom clutching a thin rectangular briefcase to his chest. I truly didn’t wish to impose, but both Director van Zieks and Lady Baskerville insisted I stay as a guest (and I’m sure Genshin would have used his katana on me if I tried to weasel out of this…). Barok very kindly sent one of the footmen out to inform Mrs. Hudson that I would be absent for supper that evening.