A Study in Gray · Chapter 3
A Legend Turned Curse
Hugo Baskerville. Founder of the Baskervilles, and the man who made its name both feared and revered.
Though all feared and praised him, he sank deeper into despair each day.
For none of his creations ever satisfied him.
A failed life. A worthless life. Even the filth drifting through the sewers had more value than these failures.
But unfortunately, he was a genius among geniuses. And...
Professor M
A genius driven to the depths of despair eventually arrived at a devilish idea.
Or perhaps a devil truly did whisper in his ear.
Telling him that the fault lay not with his talent, but with the limitations of his materials.
That there was still one material no one had ever tried using to create a chimera.
Gwen
And that material was a person?
Professor M
His first victim was the maid who brought his meals. Then the gardener, cook, errand boy, butler...
By the time his sons realized something was wrong, it was too late.
Gwen
He didn't use his sons as materials too, did he?
Lily
No. It was worse. His sons eagerly joined him.
They took the initiative, kidnapping people and offering them up to their father.
Professor M
Some of them were even children.
Gwen
Guess Hugo and his sons were the ones who belonged in the sewer, huh.
I'd get filth on my whip just from hitting them.
Professor M
Yet his achievement became legendary among magical scholars.
The Hound of the Baskervilles was so revolutionary that every theory on chimeras had to be rewritten.
It could judge for itself and ambush enemies without its master's orders...
As well as deliberately keep dying prey alive to use as bait.
It was a beast born to kill, armed with the full intellect of a human.
A creation that surpassed its creator, just as Hugo Baskerville had always desired.
A masterpiece born to defy the divine itself.
Gwen
...So what happened after that?
Professor M
The Hound of the Baskervilles was eventually slain by an alliance of nobles and knights.
The surviving accounts of the battle are quite vivid.
Professor M
A devil had unleashed a hound of hell upon the mortal world...
And nothing remained but crimson screams of bodies severed, torn, and ripped apart.
Lily and Gwen shuddered at the Professor's gruesome description, but she only smiled.
Professor M
This is the most interesting part.
I take it you two don't share their enthusiasm, Miss Gwen, Miss Lily?
Lily
Sounds good, Professor!
Gwen
Anyway, what happened after that?
Professor M
The beast was slain, and Hugo was executed.
The Baskervilles were then forbidden from ever creating chimeras again.
Gwen
I'm surprised they didn't wipe out the whole family.
Lily
That's because there were people who still had good in them.
Professor M
Indeed. The first person to expose the truth about the Hound of the Baskervilles was Hugo's own grandson, Samuel.
But even after Hugo's execution, rumors about the Baskervilles never stopped.
Rumors that someone was secretly trying to create another chimera.
Lily
Which is why no one wants to touch a mysterious murder in a family like that.
Gwen
Hey now, Lily! Prejudice is bad!
Besides, if they really wanted this covered up, why hire us to solve it?
Professor M
One of your strengths is considering every possibility with an open mind, Miss Gwen.
Gwen
Hear that? The Professor approves of me!
Huh? Wait a second.
Town guards were gathered on the road to NOA's Old Town, where the Baskerville mansion stood.
Lily
Why are the town guards here?
Town Guard
Huh? Ms. Gwen, is that you?
Gwen
Huh? Aaron? You transferred from Public Security to the Town Guard too?
Town Guard
Yes, ma'am! What an honor it is to meet the legendary Inspector Lestrade of Public Security here!
Gwen
Ahem. Oh, come on, I'm hardly a legend. It's been ages since I left Public Security!
Lily
M-Mr. Rabbit! You can't say that! "Ninety-nine percent of the legend was just taking credit"...?!
Town Guard
Oh, that part was well-known, too.
The detective you brought in did the deductions, and you got the promotions.
Gwen
Why you little...! I was still the one running around in the field, you know?!
Town Guard
You were.
That's why I liked the investigation team back when you were there.
"If something looks suspicious, dig into it. If it's dangerous, do it anyway."
"I'll deal with the consequences. That's my job, not yours!"
You looked so gallant, standing in front of us and saying that so confidently.
Lily
You were like that, Boss? That doesn't suit you at all.
Gwen
Ahem! That's all ancient history. Nothing worth talking about.
Despite her words, Gwen rubbed her nose and puffed up with pride.
The town guard continued with a cheerful smile.
Town Guard
I still remember your famous words. "Justice is worth defending!"
Gwen
Damn right!
Town Guard
"If the world is unjust, fight that injustice!"
"I'd rather starve than stand by and watch scum live the good life!"
Gwen
Ehehe, that's enough. I'm not your senior officer or even an inspector anymore.
Then Gwen winked at Lily and the Professor.
Gwen
Not to brag or anything, but I was kind of a big deal back in my Public Security days, as you can see.
Town Guard
"There are two kinds of men in this world! Gentlemen and shameless swine!"
Lily frowned at Gwen.
Gwen cleared her throat.
Gwen
That was something I said when I got a little carried away at a staff dinner...
Town Guard
"The only good swine is one squealing under my whip!"
Lily's expression twisted even further.
Gwen broke into a cold sweat.
Lily
...Boss. Is that the kind of person you were?
Town Guard
And that's when you really became a legend at Public Security.
You whipped the director while shouting, "Shut up, you sow!"
Lily
...Boss. Did you quit Public Security, or did they fire you?
Gwen
I wasn't fired! I mean, I almost was, but I wasn't!
Gwen protested with a bright red face, and the town guard chuckled.
Town Guard
You still did the right thing.
Our colleague was framed, and they told us to look the other way and arrest them ourselves.
Gwen
At least a pig stops eating when it's full.
That director was worse than a pig.
After exchanging a brief smile, Gwen turned to the town guard with a question.
Gwen
We're here about an unsolved murder. You... Oh, same case, I guess?
Town Guard
We're here because of a report from a resident.
Something about the Hound of the Baskervilles returning...
Gwen
Huh? You're not here about the mysterious death of the head of the Baskervilles?
Town Guard
His funeral ended a week ago.
Gwen
WHAT?!
Gwen's jaw dropped, and the Professor cut in.
Professor M
More importantly, if you don't mind, could you tell us what was reported?
Town Guard
Ah, yes. There's an uninhabited wasteland on the outskirts of Old Town...
Town Guard
Apparently, someone heard an animal howling beyond the fog.
The cry was said to sound like a person screaming.
Town Guard
But the fog is so thick that there's no way to conduct a proper search.
We've been here all day and haven't heard a thing, let alone an animal's cry.
So we were just about to pull out.
Gwen
Hmm. Got it. If we find anything, we'll let you know.
Town Guard
All right. Be careful, Ms. Gwen.
You know nothing good comes from getting mixed up with the Baskervilles.
The town guard saluted and left.
Lily rested her chin on her hand and tilted her head.
Lily
Mr. Rabbit finds it strange. A mysterious death, yet the authorities know nothing?
I thought that was why they had to turn to an unknown investigator like you, Boss...
Gwen
You've been awfully rude to me today!
We'll be famous once we solve this case, you know!
Lily
And what's this supposed Hound of the Baskervilles? The chimera from the legends is already...
Professor M
It seems we've drawn the winning ticket, doesn't it? Fufu. Shall we?
The Professor gave a chilling smile.
Gwen and Lily exchanged uneasy looks.
Whatever their misgivings, the die had been cast. There was no turning back.
The three headed toward the Baskerville mansion, shrouded in mist.
Butler
Please wait here. I will fetch the family head.
The butler left the room.
Gwen took the chance to begin looking around the mansion.
Gwen
It looked like a haunted house from the outside, but it's surprisingly normal in here...
Well, except for those creepy automaton dolls.
Automatons stood at attention like soldiers on both the first and second floors.
Gwen
Whoever arranged them like that has weird taste. Is this some rich person thing?
Professor M
It's not about taste. Automatons are House Baskerville's main business.
Gwen
Huh?
Professor M
Faren is usually the first place people think of when it comes to combat dolls.
But Baskerville automatons are quite famous in the underworld as well.
Unlike humans, automatons can be modified freely without any ethical concerns.
There could hardly be a better field for the Baskervilles' cruel creativity to flourish.
Lily
Boss, remember what that Town Guard said earlier?
Gwen
Of course. An animal howling from a foggy wasteland...
Do you think they really recreated the Hound of the Baskervilles?
Lily
Mr. Rabbit says he wouldn't put it past them.
Especially considering that they still proudly use the beast's fang as their family crest.
Gwen
Guess they still haven't gotten over their obsession with the Hound of the Baskervilles.
???
It's not meant to be a symbol of pride, but of penance for our past mistakes.
A voice drifted downward, followed by a young man descending the stairs from the second floor.
Lily and Gwen flinched in surprise.
The Professor inclined her head gracefully in greeting.
Henry
Though I can't deny there are fools in my family who do take pride in it.
Professor M
You must be our client, Mr. Henry Baskerville.
Henry
Yes, I am.
Thank you for making the long journey here.
I've heard much about your reputation.
Gwen
Lily, Professor! Looks like our agency managed to make a name for itself without us realizing it!
Lily
It's just a polite greeting, like "Wishing your company continued success," Boss...
Henry
I'd heard that the Baker Street Detective Agency closed down following the disappearance of Detective H.
But apparently, the Baker Street Detective Agency reopened recently?
You can't imagine how delighted I was to hear the news.
Gwen
Well, thanks. But you know something?
We're not the Baker Street Detective Agency. We're Lampa—
Henry
And to hear that its new owner was none other than Public Security's Inspector Lestrade!
The ace investigator who solved countless baffling cases!
Your reputation precedes you!
Gwen
As expected of a noble young master. You know quality when you see it!
Lily
...Boss, your grin is practically touching your ears. Please show some dignity.
Gwen
All right! In that case, let's head straight to the crime scene!
Inspector Lestrade of Public Security is back!
Just as Gwen finished her bold declaration, the reception room door flew open.
A sharp-featured man entered, pulling a young girl along by the hand.
Henry
Ah, allow me to introduce him.
This is Mr. Jack Stapleton, director of the Baskerville Research Institute.
Director Stapleton, these are my guests.
Jack answered Henry's introduction curtly.
Jack
Carry on with your business. I'll leave you to it. Come along.
Gloomy Girl
...Understood.
Gwen stopped Jack as he tried to walk past.
Gwen
Hold it! What happened to that girl? Why is she so badly hurt?
Jack shrugged at Gwen's question.
Jack
She was in a serious accident that nearly killed her. She only pulled through a few days ago.
Gloomy Girl
...
Jack
She needs rest now, so we'll be going. Good day, sir.
The girl showed neither caution nor curiosity toward the strangers. She simply stared blankly and followed Jack listlessly...
Lily
...What kind of accident was it?
While dragging the girl away, Jack froze in his tracks.
Lily
What kind of accident leaves injuries only on someone's face and arms?
Jack's expression darkened at Lily's question, and the girl shrank back.
Lily
What's more, her mental distress seems even worse than her physical condition.
Jack
I'd heard some fools were skulking around despite the Baskerville name...
But you're even worse than I imagined. Fake detectives posing as the Baker Street Detective Agency?
Lily's expression hardened at Jack's sharp response.
Henry
Director! These people are my guests!
Jack
To me, they're nosy interlopers prying into another family's affairs.
I'm warning you. Keep them out of my workshop.
You were the one who said that place was my kingdom, were you not?
Gwen
Oh, so that's how you want to play it? Mister, you just made a big mistake.
Back when I was a Public Security Inspector, I wasn't allowed to beat up civilians...
Gwen toyed with her whip.
Gwen
But Gwen Lestrade the civilian can string up a suspect and get a confession out of them without having to write a single report!
Jack
Oh, you used to work for Public Security? And now you've quit to play detective.
You're an even bigger fool than I thought.
Gwen
Let's see if you can still talk like that once you're trussed up in the interrogation room!
*Click* *Whirr*
Just as Gwen lunged at Jack, the automatons lining the second floor corridor and reception room walls turned their heads in unison with a mechanical whir.
Each automaton drew a weapon from its grotesquely bent joints and aimed it at Gwen.
Lily
Boss, these dolls...
Professor M
So they weren't decorations after all.
Gwen glared from one weapon-wielding automaton to the next.
Gwen
What's with the attitude? We only asked about the accident. Overreacting, much?
Jack
I take it you've never heard about curiosity killing the cat?
As tension tightened between the automatons and Gwen's group, the girl spoke.
Gloomy Girl
It was a carriage accident.
Gwen stared at the girl in surprise.
Everyone else looked equally startled.
With everyone's attention on her, the girl calmly explained.
Gloomy Girl
The carriage overturned while we were traveling.
I was hurt in several places.
Director Stapleton treated me.
Gwen
I-is that so? But... you—
Gloomy Girl
...I'm fine.
The answer came without a moment's hesitation, making it sound all the more unnatural.
Yet there was such desperation in her voice that no one there could bring themselves to ask whether she really was fine.
Gwen awkwardly lowered the hand holding her whip.
The girl let out a relieved breath and looked up at Jack.
Gloomy Girl
Director Stapleton, I think I need to rest now. Is that all right?
Jack nodded, then sneered.
Jack
I appreciate your passionate concern, taking time from your busy schedule to meddle in another family's affairs.
But she wants to rest, so try not to pry too much.
Have a pleasant evening, dear guests.
Gwen looked furious at Jack's mocking words.
But she said nothing.
Only after Jack disappeared into the mansion did the automatons return to their original positions with a grating mechanical screech.
Professor M
You showed admirable restraint, Miss Gwen.
I can't tell whether he was testing our abilities or had some other motive.
But there's no reason for us to play along.
Gwen
For a second, I thought about just going for him.
But I didn't want to fight in front of the kid.
Lily
Yeah. You did the right thing, Boss.
As the Professor and Lily reassured Gwen, Henry bowed his head as well.
Henry
...I suppose our family's reputation has sunk even further. My apologies, everyone.
Gwen
What's that guy's deal? Why's he acting like he's in charge? Aren't you the family head?
Henry
Director Stapleton is a brilliant magical scholar who built the Baskervilles into what it is today alongside my uncle.
Whereas I'm just some upstart who suddenly became head of the family.
Even the Baskerville researchers fear Director Stapleton more than me.
Gwen
Is that girl really okay?
Henry
That girl... There's nothing I can do for her either.
Please avoid causing any unnecessary trouble yourselves.
Lily
You expect us to just leave this alone?
Gwen
You're the family head!
Henry
...I'm sorry. It pains me too, but there's nothing I can do.
I'll show you to your guest rooms.
Please rest for today.
Gwen
Tch. The only perk of being an investigator instead of an inspector is that whipping a confession out of someone isn't illegal!
Lily
We should start investigating tomorrow.
But the funeral already happened a week ago? Yeah. I found that weird too, Mr. Rabbit.
Why ask us to investigate only after the funeral was already over?
Gwen
You two think that director's going to interfere with our investigation tomorrow too?
Professor M
Hmm. I'm not so sure about that.
Gwen
What do you mean?
Professor M
He openly provoked you, Miss Gwen.
He deliberately paraded a girl before us who appeared to show signs of abuse.
It seemed like he was practically begging us...
"I'm suspicious. Please, suspect me."
Did neither of you feel the same?
Gwen and Lily simply stared at the Professor.
The Professor smiled.
Professor M
We can find out more tomorrow. Good night, everyone.
Story and illustrations © Studio B-Side. An unofficial reading archive — for questions or requests, see the About page.