Celebrations

"So. Now that that's all done, cheers!" With Nemo's shout, there is the sound of glasses clinking together. "Ahhh! The first drink after a hard day's work is the best!"

"Even though we had **** at the time. Now that I think back on it, that was one reckless plan." Doreen says.

"Seriously, it was really close. Thanks for saving the day, Victoria." Lupin says.

"I'm so glad I finished in time." Victoria says.

It's the day after the mission. There is a luxurious meal on the table, along with a newspaper open to one particular article.

[False Accusations! Nation Shocked at Revelation of Victoria Frankenstein's Innocent!]

With an article this widely spread, we can finally rest at ease. And, at last, we can throw the party that had been hold on hold while we prepared for the mission.

"If Agrona hadn't said 'It's King's orders!' and called off the attack, we might've been... I don't want to say it." Lupin says.

"Those army soldiers were one thing, but the members of Progenitor were really going for the kill." Doreen says.

"Hmph. I could have kept fighting without any problems." Van Helsing says.

"Yeah, right. I know you were almost out of ammo." Lupin says.

"Victoria really was amazing. That must have taken so much courage." I say.

"Haha, that's nice of you to say. Honestly, I was so nervous that I can't even remember what really happened." But, at the same time, when Victoria had come face-to-face with the King, she had seemed somehow different. She wasn't the usual, kind Victoria. She'd seemed very angry and sad at the same time. "Why are you so quite all of a sudden, Caleb?"

"Oh... It's nothing." I say.

"Hey, let's keep things cheerful! It's a rare treat that Dracy's joined us here! Isn't that right, Dracy?" Nemo ask.

"Silence! Don't call me by that wretched nickname!" Dracula II says. "I was tasked with the responsibility of caring for my subordinate, Elliot. It is my duty to ensure that she gets fed. That's the only reason why I'm here." Dracy and Elliot. They kind of eat in the same way.

"Ahah. There's no need to eat so quickly. There's more where that came from." Doreen says.

I laugh, then look over at Victoria. "Now that we're officially protected by the order of the government, we can relax a little, right?"

"Yes, I suppose for the time being." Victoria says. "We don't know when they'll turn their backs on us again, so I think it's important to remain defensive. And I highly doubt that Progenitor will give up on capturing you just because of this."

"Don't worry about that stuff. They don't know where this mansion is, and we'll still be watching out." Lupin says.

"I've actually found a lead I think is promising," Victoria says.

"Really?!" I ask.

"Yes. Well, it's more like a lead to a promising lead." Victoria says.

"So what exactly is the lead-to-a-lead you speak of?" Van Helsing asks.

"About that..." Victoria says.

The conversation comes to a dead drop when we suddenly hear the doorbell ring.

"Oh... Do we have a visitor?" I ask.

"Have we ever had visitors here?' Nemo asks.

"No, we haven't." Doreen says.

"Then, whoever's at the door..." I say.

"...Is surely some soft of uninvited guest." Victoria says.

I gulp.

Before anyone can say anything more, the door to the room suddenly opens.

All out eyes turn to the intruder at once, and he gives us a pleasant smile. "Good day, ladies. Gentleman."

"Holmes?!" Lupin asks.

"There was no response, so I invited myself in." Holmes says. "What's this? Are you in the middle of a celebration? It would appear I've dropped by just at the right moment."

"What do you want?! Are you here to capture us?!" Lupin asks.

"No, I would never do that. I prefer to keep my work and my private life separate." Holmes says. "And as you are no longer criminals, there is no need for me to arrest you."

"Then why are you here?" I ask.

"I've come all this way to inform you that I am no longer your enemy. You should be more grateful." Holmes says. "I don't bring gifts, but I do have good news for you. It won't be publicised, but Victoria is openly chastising Progenitor. Severely, at that. It seems the damage they brought upon London while trying to shoot you down has incurred his wrath."

"Ohhh... Those attacks!" Nemo says.

"Because of this, Progenitor's activities will likely be restricted for some time." Holmes says.

"They were too eager for success and dug their own graves." Van Helsing says. "I'm a bit embarrassed for my old workplace but it's worked out to our advantage."

"Indeed. I'm sure they'll continue their operations, but they'll certainly be more subtle about it." Holmes says. "I don't know why Progenitor is after you. Just be on the lookout."

"That is indeed good news. Thank you for coming all the way here to tell us." Doreen smiles and nods.

"I mean, I guess it is good news, but..." Lupin says. "Never mind that! How did you find out bout this place?! I didn't leave any traces for you to find!"

"Is that so, Lupin? Then I must deduce that your housekeeping skills are subpar. You left traces everywhere." Holmes says.

"You little...!" Lupin says.

"There there, Lupin, don't be so rude. Miss Holmes, was it?" Doreen asks. "Since you're already made the trip here, why don't you come in and enjoy some of our party food? In exchange please keep the location of our mansion an under your hat."

"Oh? You think you can bribe the great detective Sherlock Holmes with food..." Holmes narrows her eyes at Doreen's suggestion. "Well then, don't mind if I do."

"You are one easy detective to bribe!" Lupin says.

"She's toying with Lupin, isn't she?" I ask.

"Haha. I guess everyone has at least one nemesis." Victoria smiles cheerfully. She no longer has the frightening seriousness or dangers air like she did during her conversation with the King.

I decide to stop worrying and enjoy the moment.

"Hm. It seems like you've gathered an interesting group here." Holmes says. "Now that we're all acquainted, I think I'd like to come back once in a while to visit."

"Don't come back here! Hurry up and get out!" Lupin says.

I can't help but laugh at the desperation in Lupin's voice.