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Investigation 🔎: The Victim's Body
Barok: Cause of death is a blade piercing the heart. Only one wound – remarkably precise.
Kazuma: Do all Londoners study human anatomy?
Barok: (Massaging temples) Obviously not.
Kazuma: (Arms crossed) So it's a professional. Having Scotland Yard pursue this lead would be most efficient.
Barok: Premature conclusions are unwise.
Kazuma: I merely suggested the optimal approach.
Barok: ...I shall instruct Apprentice Inspector Lestrade to follow this lead. But we need more possibilities.
Kazuma: Understood, my lord.
◾ LEAD OBTAINED: Single stab through the heart. Was the killer anatomically knowledgeable?
Investigation 🔎: The Victim's Overcoat
Barok: This overcoat...
Kazuma: Extensive bloodstains on the chest. The weapon was withdrawn immediately. Yet no blade matching the wound has been found.
Barok: Hmph. That wasn't my point.
Kazuma: (Curious) Another clue?
Barok: It's bespoke from Savile Row. Your uniform shares the same tailor.
Kazuma: (Eyes closed) Are you implying I'll meet the same fate?
Barok: ...What twisted logic is that?
Kazuma: (Shrugging) I fail to see why else you'd mention it.
Barok: Never mind. Forget I spoke.
Kazuma: As I thought – nothing good.
Barok: Must you always assume the worst of me, Mr. Asōgi?
◾ EVIDENCE LOG: Bloodstained Overcoat
◾ LEAD OBTAINED: Victim wore a Savile Row bespoke overcoat...
Examine Evidence 🔎: Bloodstains on Overcoat
Kazuma: Significant blood loss.
Barok: Indeed. Saturated the entire front.
Kazuma: (Pensive) Must be hell to launder.
Barok: ......
Kazuma: What, Lord van Zieks? Ah, forgive me. A nobleman wouldn't know about washing clothes.
Barok: I was simply curious why your mind went to laundering evidence.
Kazuma: That's not what I meant!
Barok: (Studying him) ...Do you launder that uniform yourself?
Kazuma: (Smirking) Since I lodge at your residence, you'd know best.
Barok: ......
Kazuma: Whatever you're imagining – yes, I can wash clothes.
Barok: Noted, Mr. Asōgi.
Investigation 🔎: Room's Window
Kazuma: Ryunosuke claimed Britain taxed households by window count.
Barok: Abolished before my birth. Tuberculosis rates soared from poor ventilation. France, however, still imposes l'impôt sur les portes et fenêtres.
Kazuma: Unthinkable – paying for sunlight and air. Why weren't the bricks removed post-repeal?
Barok: (Silent)
Kazuma: Lord van Zieks?
Barok: Frankly, I've no idea.
Kazuma: Naturally. An aristocratic prosecutor wouldn't understand commoners' lives. I'll consult Mr. Sholmes instead.
Barok: ...That detective is hardly common either.
Kazuma: Yet he would know such things. Wouldn't you agree?
Investigation 🔎: Windowsill Rose
Kazuma: This is a rose, right?
Barok: I applaud your botanical progress.
Kazuma: What's that supposed to mean? Do I seem ignorant of roses?
Barok: Do you know its cultivar, Prosecutor Asōgi?
Kazuma: (Startled) Cultivar? There are varieties?
Barok: (Sighing) Naturally. This is 'Général Jacqueminot'. Cultural literacy is part of your education.
Kazuma: (Coldly) I'm here to prosecute, not play aristocrat. Nor could I ever become one.
Barok: (Stares intently)
Kazuma: Why... why are you looking at me like that?
Barok: Floriculture knowledge harms no one. We'll visit Kew Gardens next rest day.
Kazuma: W-well, I suppose that's acceptable.
Kazuma: So... what is this 'Général Jacqueminot'?
◾ EVIDENCE LOG: Rose on Windowsill
Examine Evidence 🔎: Windowsill Rose
Kazuma: An intense fragrance.
Barok: Characteristic of 'Général Jacqueminot'. A Hybrid Perpetual – crimson, heavily petalled, prized by nobility.
Kazuma: (Smiling) I never took you for a horticulturist.
Barok: (Sideways glance) I maintain it's essential knowledge.
Kazuma: (Ignoring him) Who brought this aristocratic bloom?
Barok: You suggest...?
Kazuma: Large roses droop when vase-aged, yet this stands rigid – dew still clings to its petals.
Barok: Astute. Perhaps you're not entirely hopeless.
Kazuma: (False smile) All thanks to your comprehensive tutelage.
◾ UPDATED EVIDENCE LOG: Freshly cut 'Général Jacqueminot' rose
Investigation 🔎: Desktop Items
Kazuma: What's in this ornate box?
Barok: Chocolates. With an anonymous card.
Kazuma: A card? Why?
Barok: ...A Valentine's gift.
Kazuma: (Smirking) Though you received none, my lord, don't despair. You're not without charm.
Barok: Your reassurance is unnecessary, Prosecutor Asōgi. Chocolate is customarily given by men to women.
Kazuma: ...So? Perhaps women will gift men someday.
Barok: Do you wish to receive some?
Kazuma: Hah?
Barok: You've a noted sweet tooth.
Kazuma: That's irrelevant!
Barok: I'll have cocoa prepared next rest day.
Kazuma: (Stiffly) Kindly focus on the investigation.
◾ EVIDENCE LOG: Valentine's chocolates with anonymous card
Examine Evidence 🔎: Chocolates
Kazuma: The card says "Thank you". Is this how Britons express love?
Barok: "I love you" is more typical.
Kazuma: (Silent)
Barok: The victim being male, this was likely his intended gift.
Kazuma: Can we verify his handwriting?
Barok: France's Beaumarchais Will Case used graphology, but Britain lacks precedent. Standardized analysis may develop... in time.
Kazuma: Useless for now, then.
Barok: The card's anonymity makes verification futile regardless.
Kazuma: This victim seems aristocratic. Why does no one recognize him? Without identification, we're stalled.
Barok: Patience. Trust Scotland Yard's competence.
Kazuma: I never have.
Barok: They're our comrades. Try trusting your allies.
Kazuma: ...Very well. Until their report comes, let's re-examine the scene.
TBC