The Fear That Scared Himself
"...He's still alive."
Old Argon repeated Sherlock's conclusion. "I see..."
He slowly exhaled. His fists clenched tightly, then gradually relaxed. It was as if he had finally let go of some worry or doubt, yet also as if he had expected this all along... or perhaps felt a little disappointed.
--Clearly, this was not the answer the Old Duke had hoped for—or feared.
"If my guess is correct," Sherlock said, looking at Argon with sharp, merciless words, "the answer you want... is probably the organization that the person behind all this belongs to.
"Whether it was a conspiracy by the Hawkeye Organization or the manipulation of another grand duke behind your back... I think simply giving you someone's name would better meet your needs."
Hearing this, Iver froze for a moment before lifting his head to look at the Old Duke.
He was the first to understand the meaning hidden in Sherlock's words.
The Old Duke had "invited" Sherlock here, but perhaps... he had never simply wanted an answer.
--Or rather, his need was not merely to "know the truth." The motive driving him to take such a dangerous step was certainly not curiosity.
"...What do you mean, Father?"
Annie keenly sensed the sudden change in the atmosphere and looked up in confusion.
Arsene opened his mouth, but tactfully closed it again.
As a son-in-law, he had decided to show his father-in-law some respect. After all, there was a great figure present whom even his "expensive father" could not afford to offend. This was not something for him to say.
Iver, however, spoke softly. "It's simple. Suppose there was someone behind this incident, and that person gained enough from it... Then after Sherlock saw through the truth and dragged that person out... wouldn't we have