A Study in Gray · Chapter 10

In the Foggy Wasteland

The director of the Baskerville Research Institute sought to turn a young girl into a monster, and fled once his schemes were uncovered.

Despite, or perhaps because of this shocking revelation, Henry was quickly able to seize control of the Research Institute.

Henry

To all research personnel.

Director Stapleton was trying to recreate the Hound of the Baskervilles.

You either helped him or turned a blind eye to his crimes.

Yet, I'm no different. I kept quiet because I was afraid.

I was afraid that House Baskerville would lose its status when I'd just succeeded my uncle as its head.

I was afraid that I'd lose everything my family's had built up until now.

My fear made me neglect an innocent child's suffering.

As the family head, the greatest fault lies with me. That is why now, I aim to do my duty as the head of House Baskerville and right my wrongs.

And I'd like your cooperation!

As Henry lowered his head, a few of the researchers walked up and knelt in front of Henry.

Baskerville Researcher

We were forced to help after being threatened by the director.

I know it's late, but I'll do what I can to atone for my sins.

Henry

I've no intention of pointing fingers when time is of the essence.

Let us focus on ending this wretched cycle!

As Henry ended his speech, the Professor slowly clapped and Gwen gently encouraged him.

Henry

This was long overdue.

Please hold on until the automatons in the workshop are ready.

I'll leave the chase to you and my automatons.

I doubt more people mean higher efficiency in that thick fog.

Gwen

Got it. The sooner we leave, the better.

Henry

Here we go.

The automatons made a clacking sound as they waded through the fog in a strange pose.

Henry and the Lampadis Investigations members slowly moved, surrounded by the automatons.

Henry

The automatons will do the scouting and searching.

Please preserve your strength.

Gwen

Are we gonna be able to find Rachel like this?

Henry

These Baskerville automatons have undergone biological organ transplants.

They have eyes with thermal vision that help them locate things in the fog.

However, these special organ transplants reduced their combat potential, so...

Gwen confidently puffed up her chest and spoke as Henry trailed off.

Gwen

Leave the fighting to us.

Henry

I'm relieved to hear that.

Not long after the search began, the automatons found Jack's traces within the fog.

Gwen

Automaton parts, vials, and empty syringes...

Lily

There are both old ones and recent ones.

Henry

It looks like Director Stapleton has been making trips here for a while now. Let's continue forward.

The group kept following the traces that the automatons found.

However, the first day of the search ended in vain.

Henry

I'm sorry to make you ladies sleep outdoors like this.

Gwen

It's fine. Sleeping outdoors is part of the norm when you're on an undercover operation.

Lily

What will you do, Mr. Henry?

Henry

I'll rest, but the automatons will continue looking for Director Stapleton.

After all, they don't need to eat, drink, or sleep as long as they're powered.

Lily

Maybe the real advantage of automatons is their potential to aid in searches or rescue missions like the one we're on now.

Professor M

Fufu. There were others who thought the same.

Many automatons were created to replace nurses, cooks, and the like.

Gwen

Then how come all the automatons I know were only used for combat?

Professor M

There just weren't any advances in technology for non-combat automatons.

The technology only seems to progress when it's related to efficiently killing humans.

Lily pouted upon hearing the Professor's cynical view.

Professor M

Still, automatons with Baskerville's technology are plenty unique.

Not even Faren, the city of puppets, has search automatons capable of tracking targets with heat-sensing eyes.

Henry

That's kind of you to say so. But all credit for the idea must go to my late uncle.

Professor M

Why would someone who achieved something so remarkable want to go even further and recreate the Hound of the Baskervilles, I wonder?

Henry

Oh... You're talking about Director Stapleton. Yes, he was certainly a brilliant magical scholar.

He was the one who developed the technology of inserting biological parts into automatons.

Henry made a hollow smile.

Henry

I'm only third-rate, but I'm still a magical scholar. I do understand that desire and obsession.

The act of accomplishing what others could not.

A kind of omnipotence that makes you feel like a god.

Professor M

A god, you say... Yes, it would be hard to turn back once you get a taste of that power.

Have you ever felt that way, Mr. Henry?

Henry

Unfortunately, no. However, I think that's for the best.

I don't think I'd ever be able to feel content once I experienced that kind of power.

Professor M

Just like Hugo Baskerville.

Henry

...Right. Yes, that is the worst case scenario.

I apologize. I have a lot of pent up grievances against Director Stapleton.

The thought of finally getting back at him made me worked up.

I can't thank you all enough.

I originally intended to ask Detective H to look into this case, if not for the great detective's absence.

Professor M

Then we were lucky, as the opportunity eventually landed on us.

Henry

Please excuse me. I wasn't trying to compare your agency to the detective. You've done so well—

No, allow me to correct myself. I've no doubt that things would not have gone this well, even if Detective H were here.

Gwen

Haha... Mr. Henry?

Henry

Yes?

Gwen

I can't agree with that.

Lily

Boss is quite self-aware when it comes to Detective H, huh?

Henry

Haha. If the rumors are true, it might've taken the detective less time to figure out Director Stapleton's plans.

However, I'm not sure if I would've been given the chance to atone for my sins.

Thanks to you all, I'll be able to preserve what dignity I have left... No matter what awaits me after this.

...I take it you're aware of Samuel Baskerville's end?

Lily

Yes, I am.

Henry

It's true that his fate made me hesitate.

But I think I'll be okay. He was all alone at the time.

As for me, I have the three best detectives by my side.

Lily let out a silent gasp as the Professor nodded.

The atmosphere grew awkward, so Gwen opted to look around. That was when one of Henry's automatons trudged toward them.

The automaton was holding a picnic basket containing all sorts of food and a bottle of liquor.

Henry

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to pack more. I hope this is to your liking.

Please let me know if you need anything else.

I'll be making a fire over there.

Gwen

He's a good person!

Lily

Yeah...

Gwen picked up a piece of bread from the basket.

The Professor took out the bottle of liquor.

Only Lily was staring into the campfire with nothing in her hands.

Professor M

Here's to our head of House Baskerville and his gracious gift. Would anyone like a glass?

Gwen

I'm fine...

Lily

I'm good, too.

Professor M

Fufu... No matter how many times I ask, the two of you always turn me down. Not that I'm complaining.

After all, despite my offer, I was hoping to savor this precious bottle all by myself.

The Professor started elegantly drinking from the bottle.

Lily sat with a heavy-hearted expression while the Professor chugged the bottle.

Gwen chewed on the bread as she scooched closer to Lily.

Gwen

What's wrong, Lily? What's on your mind?

Lily

What do you think Samuel Baskerville was like, Boss?

Gwen

I think he was a brave man. Like Mr. Henry.

Lily

Yeah. Samuel Baskerville was at the forefront in hunting down Hugo Baskerville.

And after that, he had to bear the task of executing his close ones that were on the same side as Hugo.

Among them was his own father.

The shocking truth caused the bread to slip from Gwen's hand.

Gwen

That's too cruel...

Lily

Even after that, people still didn't trust him, so he came back to the house a broken man after undergoing repeated interrogations that were akin to torture.

The Baskervilles—his own kin—treated him like a traitor as well.

In the end...

Professor M

He practically starved to death, with no one caring enough to look after him.

The Professor spoke softly as she took a break from drinking.

Professor M

Nobody mourned his death.

Lily

But Mr. Henry said he was ready... for everything that might happen after this...

Boss... You're stronger than me, and I know you'd always choose to save Rachel with no regret, but...

When I think of what Mr. Henry will face in the future, I don't know if this is the right thing to do. I'm lost.

Gwen

Well, even I would've put more thought into it if I knew that!

After all, he seems like a good person.

But Lily, don't let it get to you.

This was his choice. He made his own decision.

Lily

...I don't want to see anyone resolving to sacrifice themselves anymore.

Lily's gaze was still locked onto the fire, as if her thoughts were of someone else.

As she watched her two companions, the Professor took a sip of her drink and continued speaking.

Professor M

Fufu. I do appreciate how the two of your are true to your own feelings.

Gwen

Huh? What's that supposed to mean, Professor?

Professor M

Oh, I'm just eager to see where that honesty of yours will lead you. Fufu.

Your emotions, wills, and hopes... What will they show me in the end?

Still, I'd advise you not to push yourselves too far.

It would sadden me greatly if anything bad were to happen to the either of you.

Lily

...What brought this on? Are you really the Professor?

Professor M

Fufu. Did I really sound so out of character just now?

Well, regardless... Let's do our best to see this case through to the end.