The Game Between the Moriarty Father and Son

"The ' Shadow of Avalon ' ritual is itself a counterattack ritual; it can only solve part of the problem."

After explaining the mechanism of the ritual, Shafiya pointed out its shortcomings. "Objectively speaking, the damage to Avalon caused by the Stibnite Person manipulating Drost to assassinate His Her Majesty Sophia was far less than the damage they caused by making the knights kill each other."

"As you said, the knights loyal to the royal family were probably wiped out immediately. Even if Lancelot I be resurrected, he could not possibly send all the remaining knights to their deaths."

"Even though Lancelot I was the founding monarch of Avalon, we are still living in the present. That emperor was neither a celestial being nor an apostle... Even if he were to be resurrected, he would still be just a mortal, and a mortal cannot control an entire country with such meticulous detail by himself. He still needs the knights and officials of today to rule Avalon."

Avalon is, after all, a very large and complex organization.

If everyone in the Round Table Hall were to die suddenly, the entire country would essentially be paralyzed. Even if a new batch of leaders were appointed, they would have to be replaced gradually, one batch at a time; it's impossible to replace everyone at once.

Simply defeating the invading enemy, thwarting their plots, or gaining decisive power like Eternal Pope can only bring "stability" and protection from external enemies; it still cannot solve Avalon's internal problems. Lancelot I can punish corrupt and greedy ministers, but he cannot conjure up a better minister out of thin air.

"His Her Majesty Sophia once said that ' Lancelot ' was merely a talisman to preserve the integrity of Avalon's sovereignty and a last chance to repair the monarchy corrupted by Lloyd Prince. Given His Majesty's character, he most likely wouldn't directly participate in the rule."

"Moreover, getting too close to mortals will only cause the mysterious aura surrounding this 'resurrected monarch' to gradually fade... and the rule of those from the past will also bring Avalon closer to its twilight. Therefore, the future monarch of Avalon will still be Little Isa, and that is unshakeable."

Shafiya answered decisively, "Even if all the knights loyal to the royal family are dead, we must find some of the remaining knights who can be won over."

They could not forcibly pull out a "more loyal to the monarchy" from this group that had clearly already shown signs of betrayal, as a transitional force for temporary rule.

Because everyone's hands were stained with blood, it was impossible to tell from that alone.

Upon hearing the professor's statement that "the Moriarty Family is the only Founding Family completely unaffected by Lloyd's," a new idea suddenly popped into Shafiya's mind, and it continued to grow, becoming clearer and clearer—

—Could we reclassify these ministers based on whether they are willing to obey the Moriarty Family? Professor Moriarty himself is a high-ranking official at Lloyd's, and he can undoubtedly represent the will of Lloyd's.

All that's needed is to separate Professor Moriarty from the faction of leaders within Lloyd's's of London who are subservient to the Stibnite Person, thus dividing Lloyd's's into "Lloyd's's loyal to the Crown" and "Lloyd's's disloyal to the Crown." Win some over, warn others, then punish the rest... Once Avalon is stable, they can be dealt with slowly.

"I remember that Lloyd's's initial vision was to control the royal family through the Marriage Alliance, just like Lloyd Prince did, in order to establish a government system that would benefit businessmen."

Shafiya's thinking was clear, "Compared to being dogs for the Stibnite Person, businessmen would definitely prefer to support Iver, who is also a businessman and will inevitably become Prince. Therefore, the core of Lloyd's's will inevitably return to your side."

"In that case, as long as we remove the influence that Noble Red has exerted on Lloyd's's, and get the 'big spenders' to support Isabel again, those knights will be forced to stand on Isabel's side. Those knights who are being manipulated by the Stibnite Person will then be exposed."

"Even if all these people were hanged, there would be no resistance or fear in Avalon ...it could even strengthen their cohesion. Because they are essentially using other people's lives as bargaining chips to seek their own interests."

Iver and Isabel are a couple who trust each other, so making Iver a Prince would mean that power would indirectly return to Isabel's side...

The more Shafiya thought about it, the brighter her eyes became. And the more she looked at Iver, the happier she became.

Iver simply sighed silently and exchanged a glance with Isabel.

... Without a doubt.

Before she knew it, Shafiya had already been taken control of by Professor Moriarty.

Lawyer York had described Professor Moriarty as having "a wisdom as intricate and invisible as spider silk," and Iver was there for the first time to witness how he operated.

From wariness to trust, to hostility, to relaxation, to openness, to coexistence... Professor Moriarty said almost nothing and used no Extraordinary Ability. With just a few words, he won Shafiya over to his side.

The previously anxious and tense Shafiya was unconsciously instilled with confidence, which calmed her down. She had originally wanted to escape to the Theocracy with Isabel... but now she no longer considered that at all, and even began to plan "what would happen after the success of the Shadow of Avalon".

Iver could understand why she was like that.

Professor Moriarty induced in her a logic of "it's not a loss no matter what" and created a fatally attractive sense of security.

—If Shafiya's attempt to steal the Queen's Remains succeeds in activating the Shadow of Avalon Ritual, Avalon will be reborn from the ashes. Even if she fails and is killed, Isabel will still have a chance to restore the kingdom with the support of the Moriarty Family. Even if she is held up, with the protection of Old Moriarty, Isabel will not be caught by anyone.

In short, it's about making her feel "at ease".

Realizing this, even though Shafiya hadn't retrieved the body yet, she relaxed completely and sided with Professor Moriarty.

"I have an idea, Ms. Shafiya."

Iver suddenly spoke.

Even knowing that speaking at this moment would be tantamount to sending information to his adoptive father, Iver had no choice but to bite the bullet and intervene.

After all, he couldn't just stand by and watch Shafiya run back to her death.

Upon hearing this, both Shafiya and Old Moriarty looked at Iver.

Iver said, "There's a high probability of a trap at the Queen's remains... but that's not why I want to stop you. It's because I know that if you go back like this, you're 100% guaranteed not to get the Queen's Blood."

"The reason is simple. According to you, there is at least one Fifth Level necromancer watching over the Queen's body at the Silver and Tin Palace. Once your intentions are exposed, he will desecrate and contaminate the corpse much faster than you can draw blood."

"... That's how it is."

Shafiya nodded somewhat reluctantly.

She knew in her heart that the chances of success were slim, and rationally speaking, she even thought that the Queen's body had been contaminated... but there was nothing she could do.

—If they don't resurrect Lancelot I, how can they win back these Founding Family and expel these superhumans? Even if they manage to win by sheer luck and barely defeat these people... the number of Fifth Level Transcendent remaining on Star Antimony is still several times that of Avalon.

Ultimately, after Meg's death, Avalon lost its ability to retaliate.

—Moreover, if this ritual is not completed, wouldn't all those royals who were cursed to die have died in vain?

Now we only have one last step left!

"But, Ms. Shafiya, don't forget..."

Iver began, "Because they want to replace ' Isabel,' the Queen's Funeral will inevitably proceed as scheduled seven days later. So if they don't realize your target is the body, they won't destroy Queen immediately. In other words, they will leave the body there as a trap and bait."

"... But as long as I try to claim the remains, there will inevitably be traces."

Shafiya shook her head.

"So," Iver replied calmly, "Our real goal isn't the Queen's remains. We just want them to think we want to take them. That way, their attention will be focused on that."

"But we can complete the Shadow of Avalon Ritual in other ways."

Upon hearing this, Shafiya paused for a moment.

Soon, her pupils constricted slightly in surprise.

She realized the hidden meaning in Iver's words.

—How else can the Shadow of Avalon Ritual be activated without taking blood from the Queen?

Then there's only one way.

That is... assassinating John Du Lac.

Aside from Isabel, the last member of the royal family of Avalon. The posthumous child of her aunt Isabel, a two-year-old infant nursed by a wet nurse in a side hall.

Shafiya glanced at Isabel subconsciously, then looked at Iver with some fear.

What terrified her most was that... for a fleeting moment, she believed that Iver's plan was the most correct and effective.

"As a subject who has sworn allegiance, you cannot lay a hand on the royal family. Therefore, I will bear all the blame—I will be the one to carry out the act, while you will be responsible for distracting them and buying me time."

"I don't need to sneak in; I can accept Minister Drost's invitation and walk in openly."

"If possible, I would like you to rescue Sherlock as well. He is trapped somewhere while trying to send a message to the Queen. If I cannot get out, he can contact you in my place."

Iver said, word by word, "We must act immediately, before Diomedes goes too far. I can still catch up."

Shafiya's expression was somewhat complicated. "This matter originally had nothing to do with you..."

Iver shook his head. "I will do anything for Isabel."

"I will ultimately witness the Shadow of Avalon Ritual as a sinner and murderer. I will accept His Majesty Lancelot's judgment with equanimity. And I am prepared to die for it. As for that traitor... I hope you will leave him to me, to be executed by me personally."

"I want to kill him no matter what."

—This is all the truth.

Iver was indeed prepared to die, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to fool Shafiya.

However, it wasn't "accepting Lancelot's judgment," but rather being killed by the impact of the Shadow Angel's descent.

Shafiya finally realized Iver's extreme nature and couldn't help but gasp.

No wonder... Iver was able to reach the Third Level at such a young age.

As long as the purpose is purely altruistic, even if the cost is not "Harming Oneself," it still falls under the principle of the Dedication Path.

Add to that the willingness and sacrifice to bear one's sins...

These are the followers of the "God of Thorns Binding the Body".

He's absolutely insane...

Shafiya was momentarily speechless.

After Iver finished speaking, silence fell over the living room.

"Iver..."

Suddenly, Isabel grabbed Iver's arm tightly.

She gripped him so hard, it was almost as if she were pinching Iver's flesh. Then, she grabbed Iver's face.

Isabel was absolutely determined, but she lowered her voice and said, word by word, "No matter what you do, I am willing to believe that you are doing it for me."

"Whatever you do, I will be with you."

"No matter what sins you have committed, I will bear them with you..."

She stared into Iver's eyes. "So..."

Iver paused for a moment.

Because in Isabel's eyes he saw only pure seriousness and sincerity.

He couldn't be sure whether Isabel was playing a role or taking the opportunity to say the truth that she was usually too shy to say.

"—So please go ahead and do it."

The girl answered seriously.

She took off the silver necklace hanging around her neck and carefully put it on Iver while standing on tiptoe.

Shafiya watched all of this with a complicated expression.

She knew it was the sacred necklace known as "Isolde's Tears," with a teardrop-shaped emerald pendant.

It possesses the power to bring the wearer back to life; it is an extraordinary item used by Isabel to save her life. It is no exaggeration to say it is priceless.

Since Isabel has handed it over to Iver, it means she has tacitly approved of Iver's plan.

"I don't think this is a sin; at most, it can only be called Necessary Evil."

At that moment, Old Moriarty suddenly spoke up.

He retorted earnestly and seriously, "Ultimately, isn't this the original sin of the Stibnite Person? If their plan succeeds, Prince John will inevitably face death as well. Therefore, using little John to resist the Stibnite Person ' protection can only be considered as hastening his death. Wasn't it the Stibnite Person who first placed his life on the brink of disaster?"

Having said that, he gave Iver a deep look, then waved his hand to end the conversation. "Oswald, you should go with Ms. Shafiya..."

"I'm fine here," Shafiya, temporarily setting aside her inner turmoil and focusing on Iver's safety. "I'm more worried about Iver. Perhaps you could have Oswald go and follow Iver ..."

"I believe in my son."

Old Moriarty said without hesitation, "He is not one to show off. If he didn't say he needed it, then he didn't need it."

"Go quickly, Iver. It's not too late to catch up now."

Hearing this, Iver nodded without changing his expression. "I'll pack up and leave now."

A slight thought crossed Iver's mind.

Very good, we've finally found out.

The adoptive father lured Shafiya to her death in order to test what Iver's mission was, and also to observe Isabel's attitude towards him through Iver.

And similarly...

Iver chose this utilitarian and ruthless plan, which was almost cruel, yet highly efficient and feasible, in order to test his adoptive father's attitude toward "sacrifice" and "pawns".

After all, they couldn't lie to Shafiya.

Therefore, once you open your mouth, it is at least a partial truth.

Now, with the Promotion Ritual as the stage and Shafiya as the mirror, the real Iver and the illusory Old Moriarty gaze at each other.

Like a person standing in the middle of a lake, looking down at their own reflection.

Iver finally got a glimpse of the truth beneath his adoptive father's mask.

He wanted Iver to become like him, which is why he said those things.

This shows that he at least did not regard Iver as a mere tool.

That's good.

only...

"Premature Death" is merely Necessary Evil—

This is the fundamental philosophy that Old Moriarty could not hide. Similarly, it likely reflects his attitude towards people like Iver.

I've got you.

Iver thought to himself.

7,500 words, update complete!