Thunder and the sound of swords are plausible and impressive, but it is the sword tip with the lightning strike that cuts the enemy.

–Mark Twain1

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“I greet Minister Henry Fawcett, the Blue Bat.”

The nickname Blue Bat seemed to originate from his attire that matched the color of the postal workers and the fact that he could not see.

Additionally, I deduced why he enjoyed wearing blue clothes so much that it was reflected in his nickname.

“Sir Fawcett seems to be handling postal delivery duties personally, in addition to the responsibilities of a Postmaster General.”

“Oh. I just delivered a letter personally from Buckingham Palace. But, how did you know?”

“It’s simple.”

I cleared my throat and composed my voice.

“When you ascended the stairs earlier, I observed your shoes, Minister. The color of the mud on the tips and heels was varied. It was the kind of mud you would find at Wigmore Street, Nine Elms Pier, the Tower of London, and near Whitechapel.”

“……”

Sir Fawcett’s expression briefly hardened before slowly raising the corners of his mouth to smile.

“Truly impressive observational skills. I’m not just being polite. I’m a person who’s sparing with praise. I’m becoming more curious about your identities.”

“I apologize for the late introduction. I’m Sherlock Holmes, working as a consulting detective. I received the overly generous nickname of Little Heavenly Demon from my master.”

“Little Heavenly Demon, is it? It’s a somewhat endearing nickname. Then, your friend there?”

“John Watson greets Sir Fawcett, senior of the martial world and Postmaster General. I am known among my friends as Dis…Military Doctor.”

When Watson introduced the nickname, she stuttered a bit, but we showed proper etiquette by clasping a hand over our fist, as we should to a Minister of Cabinet.

It seems that calling herself a military doctor suggests that she doesn’t really like the nickname “Medical Maiden” I gave her during the Debutante Ball.

“Yes, although it’s under unfortunate circumstances, it’s nice to meet you. You said you’re investigating the murder case on Sir Harcourt’s orders.”

“That’s correct.”

Before getting to the main point, I presented the case records.

Sir Fawcett seemed to perceive my movement by hearing the rustling of clothes and accepted the envelope, feeling the seal with his fingertips.

“The seal of the Home Secretary, no doubt. Can you tell me more?”

“I’ll begin right away.”

Since seeing the Postmaster General’s large hands, I never shook off my suspicion about him.

Therefore, even more so, it was necessary to tell him about the case and observe Sir Fawcett’s reaction.

“Sir Harcourt is concerned that this case might cause social unrest. It’s such a bizarre murder case…”

I talked about the ongoing locked-room serial murder case without revealing specific details.

During this process, I maintained a fast and natural tone, intentionally speaking or concealing the names of the areas where the murders took place or details about the crime scene.

If Sir Fawcett mentioned correct information I hadn’t disclosed during the conversation, he must have been involved in the murder.

Even if he didn’t fall for the leading questions, I could immediately notice if he reacted to the incorrect information that came from me.

“I see… A terrible thing has happened…”

Throughout the conversation, I observed Sir Fawcett with all my senses on high alert, but I could detect no signs of deceit from him.

Breathing, complexion, perspiration, and the subtle movements of facial muscles were all normal.

Moreover, there were no unconscious gestures, such as covering the mouth or placing a hand near the lips, which people might do when lying or concealing the truth.

Of course, these are auxiliary means of verification, and skilled criminals can even deceive their own bodies, so it’s too early to conclude that Sir Fawcett isn’t the culprit.

“…Oh, my God.”

While I still looked at Sir Fawcett with suspicion, he was crossing himself with three fingers.

The Great Kunlun Cathedral in Santiago belongs to the Monk Clan.

Hearing the news of such a horrific event and involuntarily calling out the name of the Trinity was a natural reaction.

“I can’t know what kind of grudge exists between the assassin and the deceased, but if news of this case spreads, it’s certain that public sentiment will become uneasy.”

“It’s not like the days of Sir Cromwell, but if an article about headless bodies being found en masse overnight appears on the front page of the morning paper, the citizens of London will certainly have a refreshing start to their day.”

“I doubt Sir Harcourt would have entrusted the resolution of this matter to someone outside the Yard for such a reason. More importantly, you wouldn’t have any reason to visit the Post Office.”

“You are precisely correct.”

“…Could this possibly be related to the Post Office?”

At this point, I hesitated briefly on how to answer.

“I’ll tell you that after I’ve finished questioning Sir Fawcett, the world record holder for long-distance lightness skill. I have something prepared to say to Sir Fawcett, who supports the Cabinet in the position of Postmaster General.”

“Is this a question necessary for the investigation?”

“Yes.”

“So, you would have me answer as one warrior to another?”

“With all due respect, yes.”

“Understood.”

When I answered, Sir Fawcett leaned back into his chair with a more relaxed expression.

“Blue Bat Henry Fawcett, though lacking, will answer the questions of Little Heavenly Demon Sherlock Holmes with all sincerity and effort.”

The Postmaster General said as he removed the gold chain from around his neck.

“That is―”

The moment Sir Fawcett pulled the chain and revealed the pendant hidden beneath his shirt, an exclamation escaped my lips before I could suppress it.

A necklace fashioned from a large seashell, its surface encased in glass.

Within it, preserved beneath the protective layer, lay the withered final joint of a human pinky finger.

“The Shell of St. James…”

“Oh. You know about it.”

“I’ve heard rumors.”

The Shell of St. James, also known by another name, Agakpa (Jacob’s Shell).

It wasn’t referring to the Agakpa (Tooth Horn Plate) made of ivory and horn as an ID card.2

This was a precious item permitted only to a very few pilgrims of Kunlun.

“Then you know what it means that I took this out.”

I nodded silently.

The Shell has been used as a symbol of baptism and pilgrimage since the 12th century.

Therefore, any pilgrim who had been taught Kunlun martial arts carried a large shell with them.

Even the office staff and mail carriers downstairs, sorting mail or bustling about, wore shell necklaces around their necks.

But if you asked whether what they carried was the same shell that Sir Fawcett just revealed, the answer was obviously no.

There are various types of shells that prove the identity of a pilgrim, indicating which pilgrimage route was chosen and how far one walked on that route.

The pilgrims of Kunlun have learned advanced martial arts by passing the trials set by the masters of each village along the chosen path, and the higher the achievement, the more marks are engraved on the shell.

‘The Jacob’s Shell is uniquely distinguished.’

Alcanzador, a title given only to those who have conquered the three pilgrimage routes and reached the main sanctuary of the Santiago Kunlun Clan, the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, three times.

Among the many pilgrims of Kunlun, only the Alcanzador is given a shell necklace containing a relic of one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, St. James, stored in the Cathedral.

And the fact that this has been taken out―

“You are swearing to speak only the truth on the honor of the Kunlun Cathedral.”

The man, known as the fastest in all of Europe, nodded.

“It’s a significant matter, and I don’t want you to waste time doubting me. If my words are false, even if our Lord and the disciples of Kunlun take everything from me, I will not feel even an ounce of injustice.”

“Thank you for your consideration, sir.”

The possibility that this person is the culprit disappeared the moment the Jacob’s Shell was brought out.

He swore even though he didn’t know what I was going to ask yet.

If Watson and I reveal that Sir Fawcett’s words are false, Kunlun will indeed send someone to sever his limbs and abolish his energy center.

I assert that the culprit in this case is not a fool who would take such a risk without even being identified as the culprit.

“Then, I shall ask.”

I began to carefully choose my words.

For long-distance lightness skill, Sir Henry Fawcett was said to surpass even my master who had reached the Unrestrained realm

and Her Majesty the Queen herself.

I couldn’t verify how great his records were since they weren’t detailed in the Public Records Office.

If he is the Ultimate Speedster, known as the best in the martial world, he could provide a definite answer to our question.

“Can Sir Fawcett cover 100 miles in less than 15 minutes?”

The Postmaster General answered without a moment’s hesitation.

“What do the juniors take me for?”

“Does that mean it’s possible?”

I asked, and Sir Fawcett burst into laughter.

“Not a chance. No matter what means you use, it’s impossible. Covering 100 miles in 15 minutes is an unattainable record even for me in my prime.”

This was the answer I had been expecting.

After all, a human can’t continuously run at half the speed of sound for 100 miles.

Moreover, if he had to hit four people beyond the wall with precision without stopping, the difficulty rises significantly.

“Just to let you know, my inability to do it means it’s impossible for other martial experts as well. This isn’t arrogance; it’s an objective fact.”

“…I will keep that in mind.”

“I’m glad your curiosity is resolved. So, can you tell me how this case is related to the Post Office?”

At Sir Fawcett’s question, I recalled the newspaper article I read a few days ago.

An article about a lawsuit on page three of the morning paper provided me with an unexpected clue.

It was just the right time, as I was intending to check the Central Post Office after learning that the best expert in lightness skill in European martial arts was there. It would be good to investigate this side too.

“In fact, while investigating this series of murders, I discovered something peculiar.”

“What is it?”

“All the victims who died at the hands of the perpetrator were killed while they were on the telephone.”

“The telephone?”

“Yes. As it happens, if the information linked to the murders spreads, many will find themselves in a difficult position. For example,

Her Majesty the Queen.”

I didn’t forget and performed a respectful gesture towards the direction of Buckingham Palace and continued speaking.

“Or someone related to the telephone company. If not―”

“…The Post Office would not be an exception either.”

I nodded.

As far as I had confirmed, the Post Office was embroiled in a lawsuit with the telephone company over interests.

“If we don’t catch the culprit soon, I will also be in trouble. If there is anything you need, just let me know. I promise to help as far as my strength allows.”

“Thank you. However, it wouldn’t be too late to discuss the specifics once the identities of the deceased are revealed. Before coming here, I reconstructed the smashed head, so perhaps soon the Yard’s police will―”

-Bang!

“We have identified the victims!”

Before I could finish my words, Lestrade burst into the office.

1. TL/N: The original quote is as follows: Truth is stranger than Fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't ️

2. TL/N: The two items in Korean share the same lettering ️