Jack's Disappearance
Is there really a way?
I have to serve my family as the head. I have to protect it.
No matter the cost.
Gwen and Lily felt a chill run down their spines and shouted.
Mr. Henry! What are you going to do?!
Calm down! Don't tell me you're planning to–
Henry sprang up and opened a drawer.
Wait, there's no need for violence–
Gwen was worried Henry was about to grab a weapon, but instead found a key in his hand.
Only Director Stapleton has the entrance key to the Research Institute.
However, I have the key to the mansion's emergency exit passage.
Use this to get into the Research Institute while I cause a scene with my automatons near the front entrance.
Mr. Henry?
Even after our family created the Hound of the Baskervilles...
We were forgiven thanks to the actions of one man.
You mean Samuel Baskerville?
Yes.
Right! The family was redeemed because Samuel Baskerville led the hunt for the Hound of the Baskervilles.
Then I assume you want to do the same and capture Director Stapleton alongside us.
That's correct. That's the real request I wanted to make of you.
Will you help me save House Baskerville?
Of course! We'll save Rachel together!
I'm glad I chose the right people.
Henry extended his hand out to Gwen, who soon replied with a handshake.
I'm counting on the two of you as well, Professor, Miss Lily.
The professor silently shook Henry's hand. Lastly, Henry extended his hand to Lily.
But Mr. Henry, after Samuel Baskerville saved the family...
I'm aware. And I'm ready.
I have been, even before I sent that request to you.
I would just like to ask one favor. Even if something happens to me...
Please remember that the Baskerville family was innocent and help clear its name.
Lily bit her lip as she accepted his handshake.
I won't forget that one Baskerville tried to save a child... Like Samuel Baskerville did in the past.
...That's more than enough.
Henry pulled a handle on the bookshelf in his room.
The bookshelf rumbled and moved aside, revealing an area storing automatons.
I'd hoped this day would never come, but...
I was also waiting for it my whole life. Follow me.
Mr. Baskerville? What seems to be the matter?
It's been long since Director Stapleton has done irreparable damage to this family.
With no one else to take action, I intend to right his wrongs as the family head.
I'll force my way in if you don't move.
The things I do for money...
Prepare for combat.
Hurry to the passage I mentioned. I'll take it from here.
Are you going to be okay?
I'll make this work, even if I won't be. Good luck, everyone.
Be careful!
Henry sighed as soon as Gwen and Lily left.
You seem to enjoy making things complicated.
Well, we have to do the best we can in respective positions. Now then, shall we begin?
Gwen opened the door to the secret passage while Henry bought them time.
It's open! Let's go!
At that moment, they heard the sound of someone shouting alongside the metallic clashing of automaton parts.
...Do you think Mr. Henry's okay?
We have to trust that he will be. Come on!
As Gwen ran through the passage, she almost tripped over something in her path.
Whoa?! What is this?!
They're automaton parts!
They soon witnessed automatons trudging toward them from the other side of the passage.
I thought it was strange that there weren't any guards...
Gwen confidently snapped her whip.
I knew I hated you creepy dolls since the day I got here!
Gwen swung her whip with tremendous speed.
The automaton fell to the floor.
Living beings would've hesitated or grown fearsome after Gwen's attack.
But the other dolls merely followed their orders and rushed toward the intruders.
Not a chance!
Clang!
Automatons collapsed with each crack of Gwen's whip.
Lily! Professor! I can't protect you like this! You have to look out for yourselves!
Hyaah!
Lily swung Mr. Rabbit, completely crushing an automaton.
The automaton's legs, having lost everything above the waist, wobbled before falling to the ground with a thud.
The sheer violence of the scene was enough to make even emotionless automatons flinch.
Hmm? What did you say?
Oh, uh, nothing. Is the Professor okay?
This is child's play.
Multiple automatons lay collapsed on the ground before the Professor.
These automatons seem to be incomplete.
Now I just look silly for worrying about you two.
I would say that's what makes you so endearing.
The three handled the automatons with ease, but soon heard a shriek echoing through the passage.
Gwen and Lily blocked their ears at the sound of this unfamiliar, desperate screaming.
Is that an animal's screech?
It sounded like someone was being tortured...
The same thought struck Gwen and Lily at once.
Damn it! Hurry!
Yeah!
The two anxiously raced toward the end of the secret passage.
Rachel!!
Rachel was lying unconscious.
Jack was rapidly searching for something on the storage floor.
Stop right there, Jack Stapleton! We know what you're up to! Let Rachel go!
There it is!
Jack picked something up from the ground, not acknowledging what Gwen said.
It was the doll that Gwen gave Rachel.
Did you hear me?! Let Rachel go!
We know what you're trying to do!
But Mr. Henry's not going to let you go through with this!
Ah, the fake detectives of Baker Street. If this is supposed to be a joke, I'll admit it's quite funny.
The automatons in the storage stepped forward as Jack sneered.
More automatons? I'm so sick of them.
Stop complaining, Boss! We need to save Rachel!