The Lost Secret Intelligence

The Moriarty family did not employ a live gardener, but instead hired a renowned florist to tend the garden every so often.

Juan Sorensen was a professor of biology at the Royal Law University. He was renowned in knightly circles for his beautifully landscaped garden and excellent flower cultivation.

This is precisely why his status and income actually increased after his retirement—many people wanted to hire Juan Sr. to design their garden layouts, and it even became a trend among the elite. But getting him to do it still required some influence... and that influence was what Old Moriarty., a full professor, possessed. He was Professor Sorenson's old friend.

"Did you have a good trip, Iver?"

Old Juan had practically watched Iver and Edward grow up, so he knew why Iver hadn't been around lately and could address Iver and Edward by their names directly. "You've come back just in time— Edward was unusually home today."

"Didn't he come to work today?" Iver stopped and asked carefully.

"Yes, Edward seems to be entertaining a guest. The man is wearing a naval uniform and looks quite young. He should be about the same age as Edward."

The old gardener thought for a moment, then replied, "He's probably Edward's friend. I think the young man was quite happy to see Edward."

"... It's really rare that my brother actually has friends his own age."

Iver was surprised. "I've never heard of that before."

Given Edward's rigid, serious, and unsmiling personality, the only reason he could befriend Sherlock was because Sherlock was also an eccentric.

Edward's appearance differed from that of Iver and Yulia. He was by no means handsome, but rather had regular features and was neatly groomed. When dressed in formal attire, he exuded a serious and reassuring aura, like a speaker at a conference. However, if he changed into civilian clothes and let his neatly combed-back hair down, he could easily blend into a crowd.

He was a man who didn't like to share his thoughts and secrets with others. Even though he and Sherlock had been friends for many years, he still kept almost all of Sherlock's secrets.

This is also one of Edward's few strengths in interpersonal relationships—at least he is tight-lipped and will never reveal any gossip he hears to others.

He always had a stern face and rarely reacted to other people's jokes or stories, let alone knew when to gauge the atmosphere in situations where he should "show support." He always spoke his mind, and if there was nothing he needed to say, he would remain silent.

He was extremely disgusted by those who approached him merely to flatter him, and if his disgust reached its extreme, he would even get up and leave without giving them face. His status as a widowed man also made him a difficult target for young women who admired him, as they were unsure how to approach him.

As the saying goes, the living can never beat the dead.

This is why, when Edward appeared in a relaxed social setting, even the sounds of others chatting and laughing were drowned out by his presence. Edward soon realized this, so he simply stopped going.

Edward's few hobbies were probably music, which was one of the reasons he became friends with Sherlock. However, Sherlock preferred lyrical and melodious music, which could relax his mind; while Edward preferred a solemn, heavy, and tragic style.

But occasionally they would attend the same concert.

When Sherlock returned, he was noticeably more relaxed; when Edward returned, he became more silent and depressed.

If Edward were in modern times, I feel he would be the kind of loyal user who would open NetEase Cloud Music at midnight without fail.

In contrast to Edward's extreme lack of "friends," he has an excellent reputation in the workplace. He is steady, reliable, decisive, meticulous, and always keeps secrets—which is why he was able to become the Inspector General of Edward Glass Island at a young age.

The Founding Family had little influence in this regard.

After all, the Moriarty Family could only have one heir, while the others ultimately couldn't even keep the Moriarty name. Moreover, they were ultimately just adopted sons with no support, lacking the close-knit network of relationships formed through long-term intermarriage and Marriage Alliance typical of a Founding Family.

Of all the Founding Family, this position ultimately fell to Edward. This is enough to prove his outstanding personal abilities.

Conversely, the fact that such a young and accomplished man like Edward could not find many friends of his own age outside of work is enough to prove how troublesome he is for those who want to get close to him.

The older women, on the other hand, all had a good relationship with Edward and spoke highly of him. He was practically an idol for middle-aged and elderly women. His more composed, slow-paced, egalitarian, and relaxed social rhythm suited the quiet and sensitive Edward perfectly.

Iver became somewhat interested in this "young navy officer," so he followed Lily toward the gate.

The door opened by itself before I even knocked.

The person who opened the door was Edward's personal valet. He had seen Iver and Lily return through the window, so he came over to open the door.

Where is Yulia?

When Iver entered, he was surprised to find that Yulia, who was always the first to greet him, was not there. He also felt a little out of place.

"Miss Yulia is still studying alchemy in the Silver and Tin Palace."

The red-haired youth quickly replied, "Mr. Wade and Mary are with them; they'll be back by evening. The royal family will send a coachman to bring them back... They won't be staying overnight at the Silver and Tin Palace."

Mary was Yulia's personal maid. Old Wade, on the other hand, was James's personal valet.

It sounds like sending a child to an extracurricular class... except that the destination is the royal palace, which seems to be the case.

The original Elf Butler, Oswald, is still missing, so Wade will temporarily take over as the Moriarty Family's butler.

"Actually, it's fine for her to stay overnight," Iver thought for a moment. "Isabel likes Yulia quite a bit. Mr. Wade is getting old, and it's not good for him to travel so far every day... How about letting Mary stay with Yulia in the Silver and Tin Palace? I'll just talk to Her Majesty the Queen or Isabel about it later."

The White Queen District and Red Queen District aren't exactly close. While the Moriarty Family does have a villa in the Red Queen District that they don't usually use, Yulia clearly doesn't want to live there alone. And Isabel, coincidentally, is also looking for a playmate.

The Silver and Tin Palace, which could easily accommodate more than twenty members of the royal family, is now empty. Even if it's not terrifying, it feels somewhat lonely.

Although not seeing her sister, who was always clinging to her, made Iver feel somewhat uneasy and a little lost, Iver was still very happy that her sister had found friends and things she wanted to do.

As for Yulia wanting to see Iver —it would be better for Iver to go to the Silver and Tin Palace to find them. The commute was two hours long, and Iver felt a little sorry for Yulia.

It's just a matter of making a couple more trips. He doesn't need a wheelchair anymore, and the carriage isn't too slow. If he's in a hurry, he can borrow a griffin.

When Iver entered, he saw that the living room was incredibly bright.

He was stunned for a moment before he realized... This was the magical painting "Golden Dawn" that Master Agnes had given him.

A golden glow, mingled with the deep red of the Rising Sun, rose from the center of the sacred, golden building, bathing the two people conversing in the living room. It made time seem to rewind to the moment just after sunrise.

The man sitting on the sofa was indeed about the same age as Edward, just as Professor Sorenson had said.

Hearing someone approaching, he nervously stopped talking.

"You're back."

Edward nodded to Iver, a rare smile appearing on his face.

He looked at the man and said, "Perfect timing, Captain Camus. Iver is back. Repeat your question."

"Is there anything else I need to do?"

Iver said with great interest, leaning back against the side of the sofa where Edward was sitting.

He sized up the young navy man named Camus.

Camus had a neat short haircut and a long, thin face. He had a high nose bridge, prominent cheekbones, and deep-set eyes that should have been bright and piercing, but now looked incredibly haggard.

"It is closely related to you."

Edward turned around and answered seriously, "Do you know anything about that woman named Aleister?"

"...ha?"

Iver paused for a moment.

He didn't know what to say for a moment.

"Let me tell you, Minister... You are qualified to know about this."

Captain Camus was clearly aware of Iver's appointment.

"Because this matter is top secret, involving diplomatic secrets and espionage, it cannot theoretically be told to anyone..."

Camus looked nervously at Lily.

Although he knew there were no secrets to his personal maid, and that Lily could ask Iver if she wanted to know... from Camus's perspective, he had to prevent any possibility of leaks. Or rather, any possibility of leaks originating from his side.

Lily was also very familiar with this situation.

She nodded slightly and left the living room to chat with Edward's personal valet.

"Speak, Captain."

Iver looked at Camus: "What exactly are you trying to say?"

"... I lost a letter."

Camus lowered his head, avoiding Iver's sharp gaze: "It's important intelligence intercepted from Iris— "

"According to feedback from Iris's spies on Star Antimony, Miss Aleister, the Royal Agent of Avalon... is actually a spy for the Stibnite Person."

"...ah?"

Iver was stunned.

Update complete!