At the Black Market
I've learned that Director Stapleton frequently visits the black market in the back alleys.
Our final step today is to ask the merchants what he's been buying.
Public Security kept beating us to every case, but now we're finally doing some real detective work! Let's go!
That said, this doesn't seem like an ordinary black market.
I can smell magic reagents everywhere.
Not surprising. This is where House Baskerville acquires the magic materials it needs.
You really do know everything, Professor.
Of course. I am about to send you two in there, after all. I should know what I'm sending you into.
Huh?
What about you, Professor?
Baskerville's black market is rather famous in the underworld.
There was a time when you could get anything Hugo Baskerville wanted...
From all kinds of magical materials to even live monsters. A truly magical place.
Gwen and Lily gave the Professor uneasy looks.
It isn't what it was in its prime, but it still has plenty of customers.
And some old acquaintances among them may be very pleased to see me.
I'm guessing by "pleased," you don't mean in a friendly way.
Let's just say, "I'll kill you next time we meet," was one of the warmer farewells.
Ah, I knew you didn't seem like someone with many friends, Professor.
Fufu. Was that Mr. Rabbit speaking?
That was me. But Mr. Rabbit agrees.
The Professor gave a short, amused laugh.
Very well. Show me your resolve. You said you wanted to save Rachel, didn't you?
You don't have to tell us twice.
What should we do once we're inside?
I'll leave that to you.
What about you, Professor?
Come on, tell us. Are you sulking because Lily said you have no friends?
Well, that remark was rather hurtful.
Humans are social creatures. Isn't saying someone looks friendless rather harsh?
...
...
Fufu. I'm joking. No need to frown.
I'm not being difficult. I simply don't think my advice would be particularly helpful.
Personally, I wouldn't care if a few criminals living in these shadows died...
But you two don't want these alleys running red with blood just for some information, do you?
Yeah, that'd be a problem.
Right? The only realistic option I can think of is Miss Lily using her feminine charms.
*Cough!* *Cough!*
The Professor's completely unexpected suggestion made Lily choke.
Lily finally managed to recover.
What are you talking about?! Why would I use my feminine charms?!
There's a good chance it'd work. You're cute, after all, Miss Lily.
Makes sense. Do your best for Rachel.
Not you too, Boss! It's not funny!
What a shame. I thought it would make for an entertaining sight.
Absolutely not!
Fufu. From here on, I'll leave things to you.
But be careful. Baskerville likely has eyes and ears throughout this black market.
Good luck.
Lily and Gwen headed deeper into the back alleys as the Professor saw them off.
It's bigger than I thought. We can't canvas this whole place in just one day.
This is where a sting operation comes in handy. Make them come to us.
What, you want us to advertise ourselves?
Argh! Look, I'm just frustrated and tossing out ideas, okay?
...Actually, that might not be a bad idea, Boss.
Huh?
There's a way to make them come looking for us instead of the other way around.
...Don't tell me you're actually going to use your feminine charms.
Yeah. She may not look it, but she's actually very— Mr. Rabbit, what do you mean?!
Lily's ears turned red as she smacked the stuffed rabbit.
So what's the plan?
The Professor said Baskerville has eyes and ears everywhere here!
If we openly go around digging into the Baskerville Research Institute...
Then word will reach them.
And if they think we're getting in the way of whatever they're planning...
Director Stapleton or one of his lackeys will try to stop us!
And then we can interrogate them and get our answers!
The Professor probably would've handled this completely differently.
But we're not her. We'll do this our way.
Heh. We're on the same wavelength. Shall we go listen to some criminals wail?
Enough nonsense. Let's get started!
Some time later, at a pub in the Baskerville black market...
Didn't you make good money supplying the Baskerville Research Institute this month?
Sure did... Wait, you're not making me pay for the drinks, are you? You said you were buying!
Of course I'm buying. I just want in on the action too.
Looks like there's plenty to go around. Mind letting me in on it?
Plenty of room. If anything, we need more goods.
That director keeps hounding us to gather more. He's running us ragged.
What kind of stuff? Mind telling me too?
Mostly monster parts and mandra—Huh? Who are you?
The smugglers jumped when they noticed Gwen sitting casually across from them.
W-who're you?
Gwen Lestrade, investigator with Lampadis Investigations.
I'm looking into what Director Stapleton's been buying lately. Care to cooperate?
You've got the wrong guys. Why are you asking us?
Well, you mentioned the Baskerville Research Institute, so the "director" can only mean Jack Stapleton.
Ah, playing detective, are we? Since when do detectives get information for free?
Well, I'm broke right now. Want to stop by our office later?
We're at 221B Baker Street! If you change your mind, come tell me anytime.
After Gwen left, the smugglers whispered to a nearby customer.
You saw that, right? Tell the boss.
One of the Baker Street rats the family head called in is sniffing around the Baskerville Research Institute.
Meanwhile, at another establishment...
Hello. I'm investigating what the Baskerville Research Institute has been purchasing.
Miss, what do you think this place is?
A popular pub?
Then order some food or a drink. Don't come here looking for information.
But I need that information to find out what's happening to a girl named Rachel.
This is just a pub! We've got nothing to do with Baskerville! Stop bothering us and get out!
...Sorry to bother you.
Lily bowed and left the pub.
Once Lily was gone, the owner whispered into the shadows.
Tell the boss. Baskerville's got a snoop on its tail.
After making inquiries at several shops, Lily and Gwen regrouped at the alley entrance.
Think that did it?
Yeah. Mr. Rabbit says we're being followed too.
The two exchanged knowing looks as they continued walking.
This could be dangerous, Boss.
Inspector or PI, our job's dangerous either way.
The two continued walking, pretending not to notice the tail.
Eventually, they reached a deserted alley.
This should be far enough.
Yeah. I think they've got people lying in wait too.
As Lily finished, armed Baskerville mercenaries emerged from around the alley.
...What the? Weren't we told Public Security was investigating?
Find out who's behind them. We need to know why they've been snooping around our Research Institute.
Don't take it too personally, ladies.
We get free meals and a salary to take care of problems like this.
Really? Too bad hospital food isn't free.
Hey, Lily. Can you fight? I was pretty good in a fight back in my Public Security days.
I'll do my best, Boss.