As the malice points subtracted, an odd feeling welled up in me.
Russell focused his consciousness as if an invisible, delicate thread stretched from his fingertips, penetrating the thick door panel. Situational awareness sharpened to the point that, in his mind's eye, it wound precisely around the antique vase atop the console table at the end of the hallway.
A subtle thought—an imperceptible force grasped the vase and tipped it slightly. The rest was up to Newton.
Smash!
A sharp, cracking sound echoed down the quiet hall.
"What was that?!"
"Let's check it out!"
Suddenly, the footsteps outside seemed to explode with urgency, running toward the racket.
Seizing this chance, Russell pushed open the door and slipped out into the corridor like a wisp of smoke.
This was going better than expected.
He sighed lightly, then headed toward the princess's quarters. Thanks to the system's map navigation, he didn't even need to memorize the route—just follow the clear 3D guidance to his destination.
Along the way, he repeated the trick, using Ghost Hand to conjure several minor disturbances, luring guards and servants into confusion.
The sequence unfolded effortlessly, as if playing an unfair game of hide and seek.
Before long, he reached a small, empty lounge adjoining the princess's bedroom.
Russell slipped inside, quietly closed the door behind him, and, just to be sure, confirmed Louise was inside the room beside him.
He drew two steps back, pulling out a familiar, cold bead from his pocket.
It was time to end this long wait.
Without hesitation, not even bothering to watch the spreading smoke, he tossed the mist bomb to the floor.
Russell's figure vanished instantly.
Smash!
…
The sound of a vase breaking rang jarringly loud in the stillness of Buckingham Palace.
Louise's heart nearly leapt to her throat. Instinctively, she held her breath and strained to catch any unusual sounds in her room.
But, there was nothing.
Just the wind, the bells—everything the same as always.
The room seemed dead silent, with only the drumming of her own heart in her ears.
When the bells fell silent, and nothing happened… a deep sense of loss crashed over her like a tidal wave.
Louise bowed her head, golden hair falling to hide her face, her shoulders trembling as if suppressing some great feeling.
"…Liar…"
A hoarse, tearful murmur slipped from between her fingers.
But just as she surrendered to her bitter disappointment—
A lazy, unfamiliar voice rang suddenly, unexpectedly, from the corner of the room.
"It's quite unladylike to gossip about someone behind their back, you know."
The moment she heard it, Louise went stiff with shock.
Slowly, as if she could hardly believe it, she raised her head and looked toward the voice.
In the dim-lit room, a shadowy figure appeared, as if he had been there all along, hands casually in his pockets, leaning against the towering bookshelf. The moonlight poured through the window, casting a diagonal shadow, tracing the silver outline of his black trench coat. His trademark expressionless white mask seemed even more eerie and mysterious in the gloom.
"Moriarty?"
Louise's voice trembled slightly as she spoke the name that hadn't left her thoughts all week.
"Good evening, Princess Louise Edward."
Russell smiled and greeted the little princess before him.
"Just as I wrote in my letter, I've come to take your most treasured possession."
Louise stared at him in disbelief and, as her heart gradually calmed, it began to pound even harder.
"How… did you get in here?"
She blurted out.
"Does Your Highness not wish for me to be here?"
Russell asked, smiling.
"If so, then I must apologize for my rudeness. I'll take my leave now so as not to disturb your rest."
He made as if to stride out toward the window.
Seeing this, Louise panicked.
"No—please, wait!"
She immediately spoke up, reaching out to grab the hem of Russell's coat.
"It's just… I was surprised. I'd wondered how you'd appear, but I didn't think… you'd be right here in my room."
Russell paused, a faint smile playing under his mask. He looked back at the tiny girl whose head barely reached his waist, then glanced at the neat stack of morning papers on her table.
"I never imagined Your Highness would care about me so much. I'm truly honored," he said with a hint of irony.
Louise's face flushed red in an instant. She unconsciously let go of his hand and awkwardly hid her hands behind her back.
"I was only… curious because of the rumors in the paper," she explained quietly, her voice growing softer, "There's never been such an audacious thief before."
"Is that so?" Russell gave a vague smile, not exposing her clumsy fib.
"By the way, isn't it your bedtime? Staying up late is a bad habit, you know."
He sat on the chair beside the desk, studying her.
"…I can't sleep," Louise admitted, sitting on the edge of her bed, her posture a little awkward.
"I'm afraid… if I fall asleep, I'll miss seeing you."
Russell chuckled softly.
"Do you know why they call thieves 'thieves', Your Highness?"
He rose and walked over to her.
"Why…?" Louise blinked, curiosity written all over her face.
Gently, he placed a hand on her shoulder and softly eased her down onto the bed, letting her sink into the plush mattress.
"It's because what thieves love most—"
Russell spoke gently, tugging the blanket up over her, so only her fluffy little head peeked out.
"—is to act in secret when no one's looking."
"If you stay awake the whole time, how could I ever steal anything?"
"Can't you do it now?"
"That would be called 'taking', darling. Taking and stealing are completely different things."
Russell corrected.
"So, would you be a good girl, cooperate a little, and go to sleep on time? That'll help my work proceed smoothly."
"I'm not a child anymore," she protested quietly.
"Until you reach the age when marriage is allowed, everyone is still a child."
Russell stated flatly, tucking her in.
"…But I still can't sleep." There was a trace of frustration in Louise's voice. "Will you stay with me a little longer?"