155 Co-Defense Area No. 10 (1/2)
Brainiac took the newspaper back to his Burial Hall and finished reading it.
He returned to the Dungeon Lord Main Hall immediately after.
”Lord Sherlock! I hope to apply for a day's leave!”
”Apply for a day's leave? Aiya, it's difficult. There's no precedence of your colleagues applying for leave…”
”The recent Houndhead Man research has passed the critical stage, and the results were impressive. I intend to modify and incubate a hundred Houndhead Man eggs. Of course, it's my interest, so I'll pay with my money. The eggs will come from Lord Sherlock.”
”In that case, I'll have to approve your leave!”
…
At the Winterfell Garrison Guard Station.
”Aiya, this is a troublesome matter. I heard you're Eternal Kingdom's Lich?
”The relationship between Eternal Kingdom and Professor Bacon is muddy. We're investigating Eternal Kingdom. What do you know?
”I know Eternal Kingdom doesn't belong to the management of the Merchant Alliance and that the incident occurred within the Merchant Alliance's jurisdiction.
”Aiya, it's not a problem of Magic Stones. If you're posting bail, then the problem is easily solved. Hey guard, release Professor Bacon!”
…
Outside the Winterfell Garrison Guard Station.
”Brainiac! Why did you post bail for me?”
”What? The newspaper reported it? Let me see.”
”Lord Sherlock… Unscrupulous media! How can they report such stuff?”
”No, bring me to see Lord Sherlock!”
…
At the Dungeon Lord Main Hall in Eternal Kingdom.
Sherlock put a cup of boiled underground water in front of the despondent Bacon. The worried Brainiac was sitting beside Bacon.
Sherlock patted Bacon's shoulder and sighed. Then he said, ”Professor Bacon, don't be too sad. Since the bail has been posted, the matter should be resolved. As for the unscrupulous media, don't be too bothered. The rumors will break down on their own.”
”Thank you, Lord Sherlock, for the consolation. This tea is…”
Bacon held the cup of boiling water, but with his deep knowledge of teas, he didn't recognize it.
”Oh, underground water, boiled.”
Sherlock poured a cup for himself and sat opposite Bacon.
”Oh… boiled water.” Bacon nodded and drank the boiling water, which dripped down his spine vertebrae. His bones started emitting steam.
”Yes, did Professor Bacon return back to Specter College? Did you stay in Winterfell all this time?” Sherlock asked.
”As I intended to teach the students, I didn't return to the college. If I returned, it wouldn't be easy to apply for leave,” Bacon said.
”Understand. I fully understand.” Sherlock nodded.
”I'm ashamed to meet Lord Sherlock. Due to my negligence, the newspaper reports weren't factual. If I left without meeting you, Lord Sherlock might bear grudges against me. I feel that I have to clarify things with you,” Bacon said with agitation.
”Professor Bacon, with our relationship, it's not necessary. I don't believe a word of the unscrupulous media.” Sherlock consoled Bacon.