The boy muttered something and was about to leave, but as soon as he turned around, he saw someone standing a short distance away-the very man who had paused outside Detective Sherlock's home earlier. Holding his hat in one hand, the man greeted him.
"!!!"
The boy turned to flee without hesitation, only to discover to his horror that he had lost control of his feet. They began tap-dancing of their own accord. Though he looked utterly ridiculous, he felt as though he had plunged into an abyss, his pupils contracting sharply with fear.
"Huh? It's you?"
Edward stepped closer, surprise appearing on his face.
Edward had met the older boy before.
On his second visit to the Lord of Mysteries World, he had wanted to buy a revolver and Purification Bullets at the Bravehearts Bar, so he had hired the boy to lead the way. He had not expected to see him again today.
A thought struck Edward. He lifted the Dancing Charm and asked, "Are you Ian?"
The boy lowered his eyes, seemingly considering a way to escape. Edward continued, "I'm... a friend of the detective living at 13 Minsk Street. He mentioned you to me."
The boy looked up, but his face remained full of suspicion and wariness. "But when we first met, I didn't know Detective Sherlock yet. Where did you hear my name, then?"
He looked at Ian and said evenly,
"I'd only heard that there was a boy named Ian who often took jobs doing things adults couldn't conveniently do, so I asked in passing... I only came here today to see Detective Sherlock. Shall we go inside together?"
Ian shook his head. "Detective Sherlock isn't home. He's been missing since yesterday afternoon."
"Missing?"
Edward could not help being surprised. Leaving Ian behind, he