With Jester Angel leading the way, Iver and Arsene moved swiftly through the Mirror Hall.
They were neither running nor flying.
They merely walked forward at an unhurried pace behind Jester Angel, yet the world around them changed with every step.
It was as if they were filming some kind of music video. Even the lively sound of a piano rang out.
After only a dozen or so steps, they arrived in a room that was almost identical to the previous one.
Sherlock's posture was exactly the same as before—his forehead propped on one hand as he thought intently.
"Look," Jester Angel said, extending a hand gracefully. "The person you're looking for is right here."
At the sound of that voice, Sherlock suddenly snapped awake.
He frowned and looked over.
When he saw that the visitors were Iver and Arsene, he relaxed slightly.
But Sherlock not only failed to stand and greet them; he instead leaned back against his chair, his tone calm and sonorous. "It's been a long time, gentlemen."
It was as if he had been certain from the beginning that Iver would come to rescue him—and that he would definitely be able to find him.
He believed it so firmly that he showed not the slightest surprise or astonishment.
He merely rose politely and sincerely to offer an elegant bow. Only his calm eyes had grown somewhat brighter, while the corners of his lips curved almost imperceptibly. "Thank you very much for coming to rescue me."
—That was indeed the reaction the real Sherlock should have given.
Iver relaxed slightly.
After seeing Sherlock again following such a long separation, Arsene should have had plenty to say.
But the most emotional part had already been said once. If he now reproduced it from memory, it would feel subtly