Moriarty the Patriot (憂国のモリアーティ)

Oh, so here is where you are, El.

Mm-hmm.

Didn't you hear your dad calling you?

I heard him, but I'm at a really good part.

What are we going to do about your appetite for books?

What are you reading this time?

Sherlock Holmes .

I just don't find detectives to be to my liking.

This is the tale of the man who confounded even the great detective Sherlock Holmes...

Professor Moriarty, the Lord of Crime.

The Earl's Crime

Now there's been a seventh victim.

"The townsfolk tremble at the faceless assailant."

It's a dreadful affair, William.

Yeah. They exclusively target young boys for their amusement,

and then, after they're done, slaughter them.

It's hard to believe a human being could do such a thing.

It's human to think that this could not be the work of man.

"Dissatisfaction toward the police is growing as the culprit remains at large."

Apparently, there aren't any clues, and the police have nothing to go on.

Oh, but there are clues.

Huh?

Within this article.

Looking at the child victims and the occupations of their parents,

do you notice anything that stands out?

A clock smith...

A hatter...

A jeweler...

A horse keeper...

A tailor...

And now, whilst his father's business is unknown, we have a messenger boy.

People's fancies do not get taken by that which is out of view.

They want what they see.

Louis, the omelettes you make are exquisite.

Even when I am in the field, whenever I get hungry, that's what I crave.

Well, thanks.

But then, yes, take the example of people in the orient,

ignorant that a dish called an omelette even exists.

I doubt they would ever get such a craving for one.

The occupations I listed earlier all come in contact quite often

with members of the nobility, or those of corresponding upper classes.

Whenever a nobleman purchases meat, he never enters the butcher shop himself.

However...

They do visit the shops to pick out jewellery, and go to the stables to board their carriages.

Correct. And there may be opportunity to see members of their families there.

It is not unusual for a shopkeeper's son

to assist with their father's work as an apprentice.

Nor for them to encounter messenger boys at the clubs to which they belong.

Yes. Our culprit does not wander to and fro in search of his preferred prey.

He has entertained his appetites with those he sees in his own sphere of life.

People want what they see.

Two or three might have been simply a coincidence.

However, once it rises to five or six, those odds grow profoundly lower.

Then you mean...

This may be a case in which we become involved.

Still, one of the victims...

...appears to have been an orphan who slept on the streets. What of him?

Ah, yes. Noblemen and orphans-- there is nothing quite so far removed

as the two worlds in which they live.

Assuming that's the case, it could be the clue that leads us to our culprit.

Why, Lord Albert...

It is my pleasure to welcome you to my shop. What can I do for you today?

The tuxedo you ordered will not be ready for some time yet.

No, that isn't why I'm here today.

Allow me to express my condolences for what happened to Roddy.

If you'd have let me know, I would have attended his funeral.

Out of the question.

You, Lord Albert, an earl, coming to the funeral of commoners such as ourselves?

You're looking a bit careworn. Shouldn't you be getting some rest?

I am very touched by your concern.

However, working helps me to keep my mind off of my grief.

I saw him here in the store a number of times. Roddy was a good lad.

Yes. If you will pardon me, speaking as his father,

he was an obedient, dutiful young boy.

How could he have met such a gruesome fate?

Supposing...

...I knew who did this to him...

I'd like to have a brief word with you.

Would you mind?

Sorry to make such a mess in front of you, sir.

So, what is it you wanted to ask me?

Your instrument there-- it wasn't always yours, was it?

For it being your livelihood, you do not seem accustomed to playing it.

Sir, you're not a cop, are you?

Don't be silly. If I were, I wouldn't be so indirect about this.

Hmm, I guess so.

They haul you off to the station before talking to you.

This is Cass's.

You know about what's happening, right?

It's because of that that Cass ended up like he did.

Anyhow, I'm his mate, so I inherited his business, see?

Anyhow, that spot was unlucky for him, so I found a different corner.

So then, where did Cass make his living?

Oh, that would be... the road two streets over from where I was.