In Murim, people dance the sword dance. But there is no sincerity at the tip of the blade.

–Charles Joseph Lamoral Rineau

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On the second floor of the Old West Wing, where the Sword Queen’s private space is connected to the ballroom.

As the martial artists waiting in the first-floor grand hall began arriving one after another at the ballroom, the master of the English Royal Palace quietly faced away from the court ladies and gazed at her reflection in a large mirror.

“……”

Her silent, contemplative expression was quite different from the atmosphere she had when she earlier subdued a Zion Clan priest alongside Sherlock Holmes.

The first to notice that something had changed in her heart was the Inner Service Eunuch, Elizabeth Russell, Duchess of Bedford, who had helped her change clothes.1

She was the closest aide managing all of Her Majesty’s garments, weapons, and personal belongings.

Among the many court ladies, alongside the Chamber Eunuch, the Baroness of Southampton, she served Victoria most closely and had a keen ability to understand the Queen’s feelings.

“Is there something troubling Your Majesty’s heart?”

“Liz…”

The Queen had been so deeply lost in thought that she only turned her head and smiled warmly after Elizabeth approached and spoke.

“Nothing special. I was just reminded of old times.”

“When you say old times…”

“I mean the time when he was here.”

“……”

Elizabeth nodded silently.

The Sword Queen Victoria, one year younger than her, had recently returned to her appearance from around age twenty through Rejuvenation.

Having seen that lonely yet majestic figure, vivid memories from long ago began to revive in Elizabeth’s mind.

“To me, it still feels like it happened just yesterday.”

“…I feel the same.”

Without either speaking first, both women’s minds conjured the grand images of Kensington Palace and Westminster Abbey.

“It was the first time in my life to be a mere attendant to someone else.”

Elizabeth was born as the fourth child of George John Sackville-West, 5th Earl De La Warr.

As the eldest daughter of a noble family, she first served the Sword Queen when she was twenty-two.

It was when she was still called Lady Sackville-West, not yet a Russell.

“I remember. You were taciturn but proud. And also competitive.”

On February 10, 1840, as winter was ending.

The wedding of the 22-year-old Queen Victoria, now dignified as a sovereign, and her cousin Prince Albert of the same age was held.

On that day, all eyes of the European Murim were fixed on Westminster Abbey.

“Of course. I know it sounds irreverent, but I never wanted to lose to Her Majesty, whether in Kung-Fu or other virtues expected of a person.”

“…You remain the same. Always quietly approaching, requesting a duel with the most polite face.”

“Yes. My talent was limited, so I never surpassed Her Majesty in anything.”

Though it sounded like something said with a bitter smile, Elizabeth’s smile was warm beyond words.

She was a longtime friend who shared words and swords; that kindness soothing troubled hearts was something the Sword Queen never wanted to lose.

“I have always envied Her Majesty.”

As the eldest daughter of an earl’s family, Elizabeth entered London’s social scene early and had met Princess Victoria several times, sympathizing with her pain and building admiration and friendship.

Though not a retired nanny or the Queen’s personal secretary baroness, Elizabeth had long watched over Victoria, secretly hoping to be her friend.

The Victoria she watched had become a queen supporting the world alone from a high place, yet her eyes still held an indefinable fragility.

“And.”

How wonderful it would be if someone were there beside her.

If there were someone to support Victoria from a distance beyond her reach.

“More than envying Her Majesty, I have lived hoping for her happiness.”

The young lady’s small wish had become reality.

Queen Victoria, who had fallen for Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha visiting England, overcame her prejudice against Germans, began courting him, and finally accepted him as her royal consort.

“Supporting Her Majesty’s dress so it would not drag on the floor was the greatest honor of my life.”

The wedding held under everyone’s attention.

Elizabeth walked behind Queen Victoria, holding up the hem of her wedding dress.

Being someone’s attendant is generally not considered an honor, but if that person is a longtime admired friend and the queen ruling Great Britain, the story is different.

“Even now, I deeply thank the honor given to me to prepare Her Majesty’s clothes like this.”

Two years later.

Elizabeth married the heir of the Russell family, the main house that had long maintained close ties with Queen Victoria, namely the Duke of Bedford’s family, and inherited the title Duchess of Bedford.

Being appointed as the Inner Service Eunuch serving the Queen most closely happened afterward.

The Queen calling her ‘Liz’ instead of by title or surname was an expression of respect and affection toward a friend who had supported her selflessly for a long time.

“May Your Majesty reign for a long, long time. I will be here to pick up the crumbs.”

“……”

Victoria’s lips curled slightly at the cheeky joke from her friend who was a year older.

There are fewer than five people in the world who can make her smile with just a few jokes.

Indeed, she was one of the Queen’s few true confidantes.

“Was it when I was fourteen? When I first met Her Majesty upon entering the Palace, I thought she was a bold Princess.”

“You say I was bold? That’s the first time I’ve heard that.”

The chain of memories traced further back into the past.

Though decades had passed, the memories of the two martial artists were remarkably clear.

“Isn’t that how all thirteen-year-old girls are? At that age, they tend to knock down boys too.”

When Elizabeth said this, the Sword Queen nodded slightly.

Having experienced childbirth and child-rearing several times, she knew well.

That before one’s secondary sexual characteristics develop, girls are fearless, whether facing boys or adults.

The Sword Queen herself was no exception.

“Back then, my succession rank wasn’t high, so I thought we could be friends. I was a year older.”

“If your mother hadn’t interfered, perhaps that day we could have shared tea and chatted.”

“If that had happened, perhaps my tender self would have been hurt by Your Majesty’s sharp words?”

Recalling adolescent memories, the Sword Queen blushed.

Because she wanted to erase from memory the childishness of being irritable to those around her, using family wounds as an excuse.

Watching her, Inner Service Eunuch Elizabeth smiled softly.

“Just kidding. I’ve always been on Your Majesty’s side, and I will continue to be.”

While reminiscing over the years of memories, Elizabeth could not help but recall the hardships Victoria had endured.

Unlike her predecessor William IV, who ascended the throne at the age of 64 and ruled with a common touch, his niece Victoria became queen at the tender age of eighteen.

Due to the strange fate of heirs falling ill and dying one after another, the girl was led to the throne, and Victoria had to bear the vast empire on her small shoulders without proper preparation.

At the time of the wedding, 21-year-old Victoria was a young monarch who had reigned only three years.

Even with Prince Albert and others by her side, attempts to politically exploit her never ceased, and the pressure only grew daily.

The fate of a nation is a burden no single human can bear.

Victoria was strong enough to bear the weight of the crown, but her heart still had tender spots like any young person her age.

However, she was reluctant to trust those around her easily.

Especially those who approached after her succession was confirmed.

Having been hurt and distanced from her ambitious mother who sought to use her politically, Victoria kept only a few close.

She even rejected family; how much more so others.

Her consort, Prince Albert.

Baroness Louise Lehzen, her household Kung-Fu instructor who cared for her since she was five, replacing her mother.

Anna Russell, Duchess of Bedford, the previous Chamber Eunuch and friend nearly 40 years her senior.

And besides Elizabeth and a few others with Super Juniors who had pure friendships before her designation as heir, she trusted no one else.

With their comfort, solace, and innate willpower as her foundation, Victoria walked her path like the horn of a rhinoceros.

But at that time, Victoria was not yet the Sword Queen.

She was rough, vulnerable, an unfinished person needing someone to soothe her weaknesses.

Having taken precious Elixirs to embrace the energy of heaven and earth, and learned ascending mind methods and martial arts from excellent masters, by her accession she had unmatched martial prowess among peers.

But 21 years was far too short to temper a tender heart into indestructible steel.

Prince Albert’s help was the greatest factor in overcoming those difficult times.

Even after the wedding, the young monarch and her consort shared affection without political calculation, occasionally quarreling but never letting go of each other.

He was the only one who could warmly embrace the stubborn and irritable Queen at any time.

But twenty years ago, Prince Albert became unable to remain by the Queen’s side.

No one in the world can fill his place.

“…You thought of Prince Albert when you saw those two earlier, didn’t you? I understand.”

The Queen nodded slightly at Elizabeth’s question.

Earlier, Jane Watson, the Discharged Medical Maiden, had blatantly violated regulations by ignoring the distance stated on the invitation and rushing to the side of Little Heavenly Demon Sherlock Holmes.

The strict regulations of the Forbidden Palace were established following Prince Albert’s will.

Buckingham Palace would not allow its plush carpets to those who disregarded etiquette, common sense, and human decency.

Therefore, if punished by law, the Discharged Medical Maiden should have already been caught by the Etiquette Enforcement Special Maid Corp and dragged underground for the Thames River discharge punishment.

But the Sword Queen immediately sent a Direct Message forbidding punishment and even recording penalty points.

As the Inner Service Eunuch said, her rushing to the coughing Little Heavenly Demon reminded her of herself supporting the ailing Prince Albert in the past.

“I understand Your Majesty’s feelings. But on such a meaningful occasion, the Sovereign must set an example for the people. The Little Heavenly Demon’s contribution is great, but overlooking his partner’s impudence should only happen once.”

Elizabeth’s reluctant harsh words were filled with sadness.

She had watched the Sword Queen closely for a long time.

As a friend, she knew Victoria’s thoughts as clearly as if looking at her own palm.

Nevertheless, her position serving the supreme ruler of Britain and her role as Inner Service Eunuch prevented her from making emotional judgments.

“Your advice is correct. As one who wears the crown of Great Britain, repeating the same mistake is unacceptable.”

With the help of court ladies, the Sword Queen perfected her attire and returned to her usual dignified expression.

“Bring me the sword.”

“Here it is.”

Elizabeth knelt respectfully and lifted the prepared sword.

The jewel-adorned hilt and scabbard were blunt and short at the ends.

-Srrrngg!

As the Sword Queen drew the blade and held it vertically, a faint Sword Resonance began to spread around.

“I should have done this sooner…”

The Sword Queen wore a cold smile at her lips.

This sword, called the Sword of Mercy or the Sword of Repentance, is one of the three treasured swords owned by the British royal family.

It symbolizes royal authority itself, and all subjects entering the Palace must absolutely obey the commands of the sword bearer.

“By the name of the Imperial Treasure Sword Curtana, I command.”

As the Sword Queen quietly intoned, all the busy court ladies and attendants around stopped moving.

-Frrrk!

Then, all at once, everyone swept their garments back and knelt before the Queen.

-Tng!

-Tadak!

-Whiik!

The Etiquette Enforcement Special Maid Corps hiding behind the ceiling, floor, and walls were no exception.

Masked court ladies covering their lower faces rushed out one by one through hidden revolving doors and knelt before the Sword Queen.

“From this moment, adjust the punishment standards of the Hundred Prohibitions by Five Levels. Punish violators with twice the usual severity.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty!”

-Kwang!

The head of the Special Maid Corps rose, removed a nearby picture frame, and slammed a hidden mechanical switch with her fist.

-Thud…!

-Rattle…!

Then, mechanisms hidden throughout the Palace activated, producing a heavy noise that shook the Palace.

The adjustment of the Hundred Prohibitions was like a natural disaster for visitors to Buckingham Palace.

From now on, Special Maid Corps will judge visitors’ impudence with five times stricter standards and enforce penalties twice as severe for violations.

Unless it’s a foreign martial artist attending the ball from afar, one must exert great effort not to be expelled from the Palace.

“The Heavenly Demon endured rudeness, but I wonder how the Little Heavenly Demon will fare.”

But for some reason.

Contrary to the Sword Queen’s intention, this was creating the perfect stage for Sherlock Holmes to run wild.

----------------------------------------

“We are acquainted, aren’t we?”

“…Who are you?”

-Riip!

As I deliberately tore the handkerchief and avoided answering, Irene Adler’s pupils flickered.

“Oh dear, it’s a cheap handkerchief that tears at the slightest touch. I only intended to wipe blood and discard it… Apologies for showing such an embarrassing sight before a lady I’ve just met.”

I did not miss for a moment her eyes lingering on the I.A. embroidery on the handkerchief.

“Holmes, is this lady perhaps…”

“No. It’s a lady I’ve never met before.”

Watson tried to say she was the woman they met at the Debutante Ball, but Holmes deliberately cut her off.

“…Haha.”

Irene Adler laughed in a low voice, pretending not to be disturbed.

But I saw a vein briefly bulge on her forehead.

Her mastery of the Indra Net ascending mind method had reached the ninth stage, enabling her to catch even the smallest clues.

Daring to steal a royal decree. What a brazen woman.

She once tried to beat me with a Meteor Hammer, but now if she wants to talk about being old acquaintances, I have my own plans.

I will surely provoke her to break Buckingham’s strict rules and bring her an irreparable disgrace.

For the record, this is not revenge for the blow she dealt me before my regression.

Nor is it venting frustration from losing the criminal when she came to steal the royal decree, blinded by the roaring Lion Roar and flashes of gunpowder recorded on the phonograph.

This is purely a preemptive strike.

Yes. A rational act to seize the initiative before extracting information on Moriarty.

“You joke well. That handkerchief you just tore was a gift from me at the Debutante Ball. If you keep being rude, I have ways to remind you…”

Ms. Adler did not back down and watched me with crescent-shaped eyes.

Emphasizing the word ‘rude’ suggested she wanted to point out that pretending not to know and ignoring greetings violates Buckingham Palace’s rules.

It seemed she was also trying to seize the initiative, so I could not back down either.

“If it’s rudeness, then it seems the lady is the first to commit it.”

“Me?”

Her innocent gesture covering her mouth was extremely annoying.

Her behavior, as if claiming her tender heart was hurt by sharp words, combined with her natural beauty, attracted the attention of many gentlemen nearby.

Truly, acting skills honed by a prima donna lifestyle. Excellent.

Neither had crossed the line yet, but as it stood, the Special Maid Corps were more likely to focus on me than Irene Adler.

That was what I thought.

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

-Rumble!

A grand shout echoed from somewhere, followed by the sound of mechanisms activating, shaking walls, ceiling, and floor.

-Wiiiiing!!

Then, brass trumpets mounted on the ceiling began to sound alarms.

-Clatter!

-Clatter, clatter!!

Hundreds of portraits and masterpieces hanging on the ballroom walls rotated in their frames, revealing hidden frames concealed within the walls.

The framed notices were warnings:

WARNING

The Hundred Prohibitions Punishment Standards Have Changed

Five-Level Increase Completed

WARNING

“…What on earth is that?!”

Chaos spread like wildfire.

Watson looked bewildered, not knowing what had happened.

In contrast, Irene Adler smiled slyly, seemingly knowing what the sound meant, and looked at me.

“Prepare yourself.”

Though her lips moved silently, clearly saying that, unfortunately, I also understood well what was happening from my master’s stories.

“May I ask, madam, where you learned such impudence to speak to a stranger as if you were acquainted and to claim my handkerchief as your own? I can forgive, but the strict regulations of the Forbidden Palace, especially rules 24 and 85, will not.”

“No, what are you saying-”

Before Ms. Adler could retort, the ballroom floor opened up and a Special Maid Corp emerged, blowing a thin pipe held in her mouth, firing a poison needle.

-Fwish!

Irene Adler immediately caught it with two fingers.

“Where do you think…!!”

“Up.”

“…Huh?”

“You asked where, so I warned you to be careful.”

-Bam!

The next moment, the ceiling opened and a heavy silver tray fell, striking her crown.

“Ugh…!”

Irene Adler’s small front teeth pressed hard against her tongue.

“…That must hurt.”

“Indeed.”

Then, forgetting that defending against punishment is also impudent, another poison needle coated with sleeping medicine flew toward Irene Adler’s back.

-Fwish!

-Tak!

The needle struck her in the nape.

-Flump!

The prima donna falls asleep in the ballroom.

1. TL/N: It feels so wrong to label a female a Eunuch ️