[ Ryunosuke is truly beginning to wonder why he's come all the way out here.
This is hardly his first time in East End and it's not a particularly long trip by carriage, true. Iris had mentioned something about another of Mr. Sholmes' investigations and had indicated that he was in need of Ryunosuke's assistance. That alone should have been cause for concern, as Sholmes is more often the type who will flit off and do as he pleases when it comes to his work.
His real work. Not filling in as a wax statue, or joining a redheaded club, or pawning something, or any of the other many paths he's taken to quickly earn some money.
Perhaps there is a deduction to be performed, or a case that he suspects will lead to Ryunosuke potentially finding himself with a new client. This is the reasonable assumption that Ryunosuke makes on the trip over, but when he's dropped off at the address Iris provided, what he finds is enough to make his blood run cold.
In truth, it could be the scene of the crime. It's a condemned house, partly dilapidated, with the windows boarded up (not with brick, this is different) and some of them even broken. The stone exterior is crumbling in places, and there appear to be no lights on inside. Even looking at the front of the building causes a chill to shoot up Ryunosuke's spine. He doesn't like this one bit. What terrible crime has occurred in this awful place? All he wants to do now is take a page out of Susato's book and head home by way of a confectionary.
As Ryunosuke stands outside the front door of this terrible building in the midst of a foggy London night, however, said front door suddenly slams open — causing him to yelp, both arms instinctively flying up to shield his face against any manner of horrible creature that might be bursting out onto the street to assault him.
But, of course, it is only a consulting detective. ]
M-Mr. Sholmes! [ Ryunosuke drops his arms as he stumbles a few steps toward Sholmes. ] What is this place? [ And why are they here? There is ball of dread quickly growing in the pit of his stomach. ]
Edited 2022-10-15 17:23 (UTC)
wherein lord van zieks visits the far east (for decants)
[ Ryunosuke sits at a bench at the train station, knees pressed together, one foot tapping against the ground as he draws in and lets out a breath. His anticipation of the arrivals from London caused him to leave his office much earlier than he needed to, as he wanted to be absolutely certain that he was present and ready to receive their visitors. Susato-san and Professor Mikotoba are currently busy preparing their home for their new lodgers, and so it falls to him to greet Mr. Sholmes and Iris after their long sea journey.
Along with... someone else.
It had been almost an afterthought in the telegram that Mr. Sholmes had sent prior to their departure some fifty days ago. Mr. Reaper will be coming as well, to cap off the message and also give Ryunosuke chest palpitations. Even now, he has no idea why Lord van Zieks has also opted to visit the Empire of Japan, though he's run through the full gamut of possibilities.
The logical explanation is that he's here to study more about the Japanese legal system. However, Lord van Zieks has always been so dismissive regarding their "backwards" ways. Of course, those views had admittedly been colored by his own prejudices, and by his very personal reason for having such disdain for the Japanese people. Is he here to revise his opinion of them? Or, is it possible that this is even some strange form of penance?
Or perhaps it had been as simple as Iris convincing him to come along?
The arriving train's horn sounds loudly as it pulls into the station, the metal of the tracks screeching as the locomotive comes to a halt. Ryunosuke jumps up from his seat, positioning himself near a set of exit doors. He has no idea where on the train they'll be exiting from. Mr. Sholmes likely would not have paid for first class seats, but what of Lord van Zieks? Before he can think too hard on it, passengers begin to stream out of the train, crowding the platform.
Ryunosuke steps off to the side, not wanting to get in the way of those departing, but keeps a careful eye out for three familiar faces. Of course, all three of them would be difficult to miss even in a crowd. They appear near the front of the train cars: Iris, with her vibrant hair and an equally vibrant suitcase covered in flowers; Mr. Sholmes, in his usual coat and deerstalker, carrying the rest of their luggage; and finally Lord van Zieks, towering above everyone and wearing a top hat that makes his notable height even more pronounced.
"Ruuuuuno! Over here!" Iris has already spotted him as well, and waves him over. Ryunosuke nods and carefully maneuvers through the sea of people to meet them. As soon as he's closed the distance, Iris beams up at him. "Oh, it's ever so good to see you! It's been so long...!" ]
It has, hasn't it—
[ "Mr. Naruhodo!" Sholmes' greeting is loud and bombastic as ever. He sets down his luggage for a moment, sparing little care for whether or not they're in the way of others, and steps toward Ryunosuke.
Before he knows it, Sholmes has pulled him into a tight hug. Ryunosuke instantly stiffens up, unprepared for it. Unlike well-to-do and mannered high-class Londoners or the always-polite Japanese, Mr. Sholmes has no qualms about expressing physical affection like this. After a moment, the tightness in Ryunosuke's back melts away and he leans forward to return the embrace. It has been quite some time, as Iris said, and it's wonderful to see them again.
His family.
Shortly after, Sholmes pulls away and bends down to recollect his bags. "Now, I do apologize for cutting this short, my dear fellow, but we must make our way to Mikotoba and Miss Susato posthaste. Please join us later, but for now, I'll entrust you to show Mr. Reaper to his lodgings...?"
Iris nods enthusiastically. "Oh, yes, please show him a nice time, won't you, Runo?" She scoots closer to him and leans in conspiratorially. When she speaks again, it's in a whisper. "He isn't half as scary as he seems, you know. I promise!"
And then, as always, Mr. Sholmes and Iris depart as if they were a hurricane blowing through the station. Leaving Ryunosuke alone with Lord Barok van Zieks himself. Neither of them had been able to get a word in among the flurry of activity that was Herlock Sholmes and Iris Wilson, it seems.
Ryunosuke feels his back go straight as a board again, as he clears his throat. ]
L-Lord van Zieks! Please allow me to welcome you to Japan. [ He bows at the waist, nodding in a deferent greeting. ] I must apologize, but Mr. Sholmes did not give me all the details. Where is it you'll be staying...?
[ It's downright strange to see Lord van Zieks here. While he had garnered plenty of attention as the Reaper back in London, it's hard to imagine that he'll be able to step foot anywhere here without earning stares. Of course, Ryunosuke had lived in London for a year under that scrutiny — suffering judging looks wherever he went simply because of his appearance. How will Lord van Zieks bear it, he wonders? ]
[ It's been a little over one year and eight months Ryunosuke left Britain to return to his home country in the Far East following the closed trial where he pulled Klint's last will and testament from the ancestral sword and laid the painful truth bare for all to see. The trial also revealed just how badly the British courts fester with rot, with esteemed members of the judiciary chanting Stronghart's name from the gallery and deeming him justified. He was so disgusted he'd wanted to hand in his letter of resignation immediately after his acquittal but with Asogi talking him out of retirement, he'd decided to instead channel his energy into gradually rectifying a flawed system and work toward criminal justice reform.
Dealing with the legal dark age Ryunosuke inadvertently plunged the country into has been nothing short of exhausting but he's determined to do what he can to set things right. That said, every man has his limits annd he might've worked himself into an early grave if the others hadn't stepped in and told him he needed a break. He'd initially scoffed at Asogi's suggestion to take a sabbatical in the middle of his tutelage ("You need to rest so you can do your job properly," he'd said.), which Miss Lestrade had agreed with. Then Sholmes got the idea to invite him along on his and Iris's upcoming trip to Japan and went on about how it would be good for him, which to van Zieks was an unsubtle attempt to get him to pay for the boat tickets.
He ended up agreeing to it after Iris looked up at him with those large eyes of hers. He just didn't have it in him to say no to his niece.
He'd be lying if that was the sole reason he agreed to go, though. He'd kept in touch with Ryunosuke through correspondence, but it's not the same as seeing him in person and he dislikes having to wait the many weeks it takes for each letter to reach its recipient and get a reply. He desires to see him again and get to know him better outside of their jobs. And now he's finally here, on the other side of the planet in the land of the rising sun; it actually feels a little surreal when the person he was a few years ago would have balked at the thought of setting foot on Japanese soil.
It was raining a little when the ship docked in Yokohama but during the train ride to Tokyo it gave way to clear skies and comfortable June temperatures. He watches quietly as the detective hug Ryunosuke, not wanting to interrupt the reunion by speaking, expression grim and unsmiling as ever—something in his eyes seems to soften once they're alone though, warmth glinting across the icy blue. ]
Mr Naruhodo. It is good to see you after so long. [ Sliding one foot behind the other, he bends forward in a bow and sweeps his arm across his chest in a courtly gesture. ]
I will be lodging at the Imperial Hotel in... Chiyoda, if I recall correctly. Is it far from here?
[ Said hotel exists irl too and would've been around at the time. ]
[ Despite the fact that Ryunosuke has now read a number of letters from Lord van Zieks where he has addressed him as "Mr Naruhodo," it's quite different to hear it in that low voice of his. Simply seeing him again after almost two years is rather surreal, especially when they are now on his home soil.
Still, being addressed as an equal, or perhaps as a respected rival, after Lord van Zieks had looked down on him for so long — it still fills him with disbelief. He should probably be accustomed to it by now. They've been exchanging letters back and forth, and while the contents of said letters rarely strayed into the realm of anything personal, Susato-san had at least once referred to Lord van Zieks as his friend.
That will have to be something he sorts out now that the man is here in the flesh. In all honesty, Ryunosuke can't help but feel that Lord van Zieks is in sore need of more friends, after isolating himself as the Reaper for so long. ]
It's so good to see you all as well! [ He is naturally eager to catch up with Mr. Sholmes and Iris, but that will have to wait until later. For now, he has been entrusted with seeing to Lord van Zieks' comfort in adjusting to this foreign land, and it's a duty he plans to take seriously. ] I can hardly believe you're here.
[ He can't help but smile at Lord van Zieks' polite mannerisms, all signs of his good breeding. Some things never change. ]
Ah, of course it would be the Imperial Hotel! [ Ryunosuke lifts a hand to cover his mouth, hiding his amused smirk at Lord van Zieks' attempt to pronounce Chiyoda. He's making an attempt, and that in and of itself is commendable. ] Thankfully it's not too far! We'll need to call a carriage, but that's no trouble.
[ He turns on his heel, ready to lead them out of the station, but then pauses and turns back to look up at his guest. ]
May I help you with your bags?
[ No doubt he'll be refused, but he at least wants to make the offer. ]
[ Van Zieks can't see the smirk behind Ryunosuke's hand but he gets he feeling he didn't quite land the pronounciation there—he manages it better than most of his fellow countrymen would, but the main issue is that he speaks in the cadence of his native tongue, a stress-timed language, while Japanese is mora-timed. At least he'll probably get better at not stressing the syllables weirdly during his stay here. ]
I appreciate the offer, but that won't be necessary. [ He says with a shake of his head, bringing a gloved hand up to pinch along the brim of his hat, adjusting the angle slightly. His luggage is quite heavy, but nothing compared to the labour he puts himself through every week when he decides that his barrels of wine need to be rearranged yet again. ]
...It's good to finally be on dry land after fifty days at sea. I would've brought Mr Asogi along, but he staunchly refuses to return home before he considers his tutelage completed.
[ He'd asked multiple times if Asogi was certain of his decision to hold the fort in London, but the answer was the same every time. It's not that he doesn't want to see his homeland again, but if he went home now he might not have the resolve to go back to Britain and finish his apprenticeship. ]
[ Naturally, Ryunosuke is curious to know if Lord van Zieks plans to study the Japanese language while he's here. It would certainly make sense to do so, but he can still recall "Jezaille Brett" and her comments about how she didn't wish to dirty her mouth with their distasteful language. Lord van Zieks has already expressed contrition over his past prejudices, but will it extend this far?
Ryunosuke would not mind helping to teach him, even if it was in the form of practice conversations. He'll have to bring it up later.
For now, he focuses on leading them through the station. Despite the fact that Lord van Zieks is carrying multiple bags, he still has legs much longer than Ryunosuke's, forcing him to walk briskly to keep pace.
Of course, it does not take long at all for the subject to turn to Kazuma, and Ryunosuke's expression turns solemn for a moment as he barely holds back a sigh. ] Ah, yes. When I heard that Mr. Sholmes and Iris were planning a trip, I wrote to him as well to see if he would join them. He explained his position then. [ Ryunosuke understands that Kazuma went to Great Britain with a goal in mind, and that it is only partly accomplished. He will not let himself return to the comfort and familiarity of home until he believes he's ready.
That doesn't change the fact that Ryunosuke misses him terribly. It feels like there is still so much unsaid between them, and so many promises they've yet to deliver on. He tells himself that there is still time, and he will even return to London himself if he must in order to see his friend again. ]
If you wouldn't mind, Lord van Zieks, I would like to hear your assessment of how he is doing at some point. I suspect he doesn't tell me everything in our correspondence.
[ However, now they've left the station and it's time to acquire transport. There are carriages waiting nearby for this exact purpose, and so Ryunosuke hurries over to one. He speaks to the carriage driver in Japanese, and it's only after he's told the man where they'll be going and negotiated payment that he realizes that Lord van Zieks has had little opportunity to hear him speak his native tongue.
He turns back to him and nods, switching back to English effortlessly. ] Here, let us load your bags in and then we can be on our way.
Of course. I will tell you everything he's neglected to mention in your correspondence.
[ Although it doesn't take a genius to figure out what the conversation is about, not understanding a single word of what's being said is a little frustrating to him, to be honest. (It reminds him a little of the aftermath of Albert's trial, when Kazuma's memories returned and van Zieks stood awkwardly offscreen as he watched the three have a heartfelt reunion in a language he doesn't speak. He ended up quietly slipping out of the courtroom to explain to Tusspells that her wax figure had just gotten sliced in half.)
A few moments later the bags have been lifted into the carriage and van Zieks climbs aboard; the seats are well-padded and comfortable but the size of the carriage doesn't leave him with much leg room. It was definitely built with the height of an average Japanese person in mind, not extremely tall westerners like him. At least he's got good company to make up for it.
Outside, the driver flicks the reins and the sounds of wheels turning and hooves moving in unison can be heard as the carriage is set into motion. ]
I'll save the rest for another day, but I must mention that he's still terrible at tongue twisters.
[ Back when Kazuma was still his amnesiac apprentice, he tasked him with reciting tongue twisters every morning to improve his diction. A week later van Zieks deemed him a lost cause at it and made him stop; eventually he'd learned from one of Ryunosuke's letters how the two had met and smiled for the rest of the evening. ]
[ It had been unclear how Lord van Zieks and Kazuma would get on at first, given the tumultuous nature of how their partnership had begun. Now that so much time has passed, Ryunosuke can only assume that they've come to a sort of understanding, though he is eager to hear more when Lord van Zieks is ready to share.
They need to get him settled first and foremost, though. Thankfully, getting the carriage loaded is no trouble that all, but it's when they settle on the seats inside that Ryunosuke sees the problem that van Zieks is now facing. He is simply too tall for this country. Ryunosuke, meanwhile, fits perfectly.
To van Zieks' credit, he doesn't voice any complaints about this. Ryunosuke does send him a brief pitying look, but leaves it at that, distracted by the carriage jolting forward.
And by that comment from Lord van Zieks. Ryunosuke isn't at all prepared for it, and so there's a brief moment of silence before his pealing laughter fills the carriage's small interior. ]
Is that so? [ Of course this is something Kazuma would not have shared with him. ] Well, it is a relief to know that some things never change. [ And he does mean that genuinely, rather than in a mean-spirited way. ] Thank you for sharing that with me.
And, speaking of this, I was wondering... do you plan to study the Japanese language while you're here, Lord van Zieks?
[ He has enough contacts that he might be able to get by without learning, but will he be satisfied with that? ]
[ Trying not to think about the lack of leg room, van Zieks takes off his top hat and places it on his lap and briefly directs his gaze through the window as the carriage makes its way down the street, watching the buildings and people as they pass. Some wear Japanese clothes, while others seem to have adopted a more Western style, and he notices that some of the signs hanging over the doors to various establishments are written in both Japanese and Western script to draw in foreign customers. He suspects this will become less common the further they get from the train station. ]
Yes; at the very least, I would like to be able to speak your language decently enough to get around Tokyo. [ That sounds like a reasonable goal to set when he's only staying for a few months and will largely spend his time here with people who speak English. He pauses after that, unsure if he wants to let his question out of his mouth, and the ensuing silence lasts almost long enough to become awkward. ]
...Would you be willing to assist me in this endeavor, Mr Naruhodo?
[ Another thing the person he used to be would've balked at: asking his rival to teach him Japanese. But out of everyone he knows, Naruhodo is the best pick, being an English language major who should be familiar with how languages are taught efficiently. (Another thing he'd learned through their correspondence, that he wasn't a law student and that he'd studied British law non-stop for forty days after Asogi got his head injury and was presumed dead. Van Zieks was both impressed and also a little embarrassed that he'd been bested multiple times by someone who didn't even go to law school.) ]
[ Ryunosuke definitely agrees that it would be a good idea for Lord van Zieks to learn some conversational Japanese at the very least. Traveling to Great Britain had an overwhelming experience filled with culture shock. He cannot begin to imagine how much more isolated he would have felt had he been unable to speak the language. He would like for van Zieks to feel at ease here, and to enjoy his time as much as he can under the circumstances.
It's as Ryunosuke is readying to encourage this idea that van Zieks poses a question, one that oddly doesn't surprise him as much as it should. Yes, he has an idea of how languages are taught, having studied English extensively and formally at Yumei University. It's thanks to those studies that he'd been able to conduct himself properly in English courts.
It is quite an honor to be asked. Surely there are others that Lord van Zieks could turn to for such instruction, yet he's asking Ryunosuke. There is a time when the very idea of Prosecutor van Zieks asking him for help with learning Japanese would have been laughable. It shows how far they've both come. ]
Ah, well, I would be happy to, my Lord! [ Ryunosuke's back and shoulders tense up as they always do when he's suddenly put on the spot, and he bows his head. ] Though I will warn you that while I have experience studying a second language, I have no experience teaching. I'll certainly do my best, though.
[ And try not to fault him too much on some clumsy pronunciation. ]
I'm certain you will be an excellent tutor, Mr Naruhodo. I have high expectations of you.
[ Not to lay on the pressure or anything... though that may or may not be deliberate; he's seen how well Ryunosuke can perform do the pressure with how he can zero in on the slightest flaw in someone's testimony and utterly tear it apart. Ryunosuke Naruhodo looks as meek as a mouse, but inside he houses a predator capable of chasing its prey for miles in his pursuit of the truth. ]
Truthfully, I still almost find it hard to believe that a language major performed as well as you did. But it explains how you were able to parse Miss Lestrade on your first day in Britain.
[ First day in the country, being thrown into his first case with no preparation whatsoever and having to listen carefully to both McGilded and Lestrade. Van Zieks assumes he must've studied regional variants at some point, but it's still impressive how well he handled all that. ]
[ The pressure has definitely been laid on, whether or not it's intentional on Lord van Zieks' end. Ryunosuke knows that he has been put into more dire situations than this with less personal experience to pull from, so he has at least matured enough to not instantly panic at the idea of van Zieks have expectations of him.
It's an odd feeling, realizing how much he wants to meet those expectations. In some ways, though, that had always been the case, even from their first meeting. At first there had been a stronger need for Ryunosuke to prove himself to someone who chose to dismiss him based on race alone. Over time, it had warped into something else.
The comment about Gina does draw a more toned down chuckle out of him. It's true that he'd done some studying of dialects as part of his coursework and he had certainly been grateful for that as soon as he'd set foot in London. ]
That entire case was a trial by fire, to be sure. Yet despite all the time we spent together, I could never quite get Gina to pronounce my name properly... [ He lets out an exasperated little sigh at that. After a point, he'd given up. He peers across the small cabin at van Zieks then, while wearing a cheeky smile. He is slowly but surely learning how to be more comfortable around this man. ] Hopefully you will be a bit more open to correction than she was, Lord van Zieks.
[ While a trial by fire certaintly is an apt descriptor for the challenge Ryunosuke faced, the word fire in association with the McGilded case only brings to mind the smell of smoke and the sight of the omnibus engulfed in flames, and how he'd seen movement behind the glass window—as horrible as McGilded was, that was not how he wanted him to die; van Zieks hopes the man was at least unconscious from smoke inhalation when the fire got to him.
...He decides to resist the urge to tell Ryunosuke to consider his choice of words before speaking. ]
I think she's simply incorrigible in that regard; it's been nearly two years and Mr Asogi is still referred to as 'Soggy.' [ Much to his apprentice's chagrin. Van Zieks had actually offered to hire a tutor to teach her proper speech, but was bluntly told that she didn't want to sound like a posh wanker. ]
Constructive criticism is how one learns and improves, so correct me as you deem fit. I won't take offence to it.
[ The mental image of what Kazuma's face must do every time that Gina calls him that "nickname" is enough to bring another smile to Ryunosuke's face. It warms his heart to hear of news from London, and he suspects that he will be treated to even more stories from Mr. Sholmes and Iris before long.
It doesn't surprise Ryunosuke to hear that Lord van Zieks will be a diligent student. There's only one way that he became such a decorated prosecutor, after all. While many would ascribe it to the mythos of the Reaper that rose up around him, Ryunosuke has seen firsthand how he conducts himself in court, and there's no denying he's a competent and fearsome rival. How they'll interact outside of the courtroom is something he's still feeling out, but it's gone surprisingly well so far. ]
I'm glad to hear that, my Lord.
[ The bumpy carriage eventually comes to a halt, and when Ryunosuke peers out the window he sees the impressive facade of the Imperial Hotel awaiting them. ] Ah, we're here! [ He's quick to open the door and exit the carriage, circling around to help the driver retrieve the luggage. This time, he does manage to sneak his way into carrying one of the bags, despite what Lord van Zieks had said earlier. Perhaps it will be seen as discourteous, but he's merely trying to help.
From there, he heads through the main entrance and into the lobby. It may not be quite as lavish as the Great Waterloo Hotel, but it's still impressive to Ryunosuke's eyes. He heads toward the front desk, where there's a small line of people waiting to check in.
As van Zieks joins him, he turns toward him and nods. ] I must admit, this is my first time here. What do you make of it? [ Does it meet his exacting standards? ]
[ Van Zieks doesn't say it out loud, but a small part of him is grateful for the help even if it was entirely unnecessary. ]
The interior is elegant with a pleasant atmosphere. [ He gives a nod of approval after sweeping his gaze from one side of the lobby to the other, taking it all in. ]
It makes for a favourable first impression, but a good hotel is judged by the quality of service delivered, its wine cellar, and the comfort of its beds.
[ He can't render a proper verdict yet, but so far it's good. As he waits his turn to check into the hotel, his eyes scan around the lobby again to take in the details he missed at first time, like the coffered ceiling and how the floor has been polished to the point he can see his legs reflected in the marble.
The line gradually moves and some time later they finally reach the front desk–only for the receptionist sitting behind it to look apologetically at them and shake his head. ]
...I'm terribly sorry, sir, but there are no more rooms available. We're fully booked for the rest of the summer.
...I see. That is unfortunate. [ Van Zieks's brow dips in a frown that makes the receptionist tense slightly and glances at Ryunosuke. ]
Do you know of any other hotels in the area where the staff speaks English...?
[ It's true that this is only the lobby and therefore there is still much about the hotel that remains to be seen. Ryunosuke won't be experiencing it himself, of course, but he would be curious to hear van Zieks' final review. The mention of the wine cellar does cause a small smile to start at one corner of his mouth. How will Lord van Zieks get by without his hallowed chalices?
As they wait in line Ryunosuke does take note of the sheer number of porters and other staff milling about, not to mention hotel guests who are lingering in other parts of the lobby. He hadn't expected it to be quite this busy, but Tokyo has become a more popular travel destination as of late.
That doesn't mean that he's prepared for what the front desk staff tells them. Ryunosuke's mouth gapes open like that of a fish for a few seconds as he processes. Fully booked for the rest of the summer? Have they been that overrun with foreigners?
Naturally, Lord van Zieks is looking to him for guidance. Ryunosuke wonders now why lodgings weren't arranged in advance, but it seems that none of them foresaw this. He finally screws his mouth shut and quickly thanks the receptionist before shuffling off to the side to get out of the line, still clutching tight to one suitcase.
Another hotel with English-speaking staff...? He frowns to himself as he rubs a thumb over his chin. ] Nothing is immediately coming to mind, but that doesn't mean that they don't exist. [ It's going to take some further research, however. What do they do in the meantime?
Ryunosuke eyes dart nervously around before finally finding their resolve and fixing on Lord van Zieks once more. ] Well, for now we can return to my place. I can certainly host you for a few nights, at least, until we sort something out.
[ Is it somehow improper for him to even offer? Hopefully not. Professor Mikotoba is hosting guests, after all... ]
[ Van Zieks likewise gives the receptionist his thanks before leaving the line, tightening the grip around the handle of his suitcase in frustration; why did this have to happen to him? He really should have taken steps to secure lodgings in advance instead of assuming that the Imperial Hotel would have rooms available. ]
...That would be most appreciated, Mr Naruhodo. [ He says after a moment's deliberation whether he should politely decline or accept the offer. It definitely feels like he'd be imposing on way too short notice, but taking him up on it would definitely be the most practical solution here. Besides, it'll only be for a few nights while the two of them find a different hotel. ]
My sincerest apologies for not planning ahead better. It would seem that I rather underestimated how many foreigners come to Japan.
[ Well, not much point in lingering in the lobby anymore when he can't get a room. With long steps van Zieks strides out of the lobby and into the street; unfortunately the carriage driver from before has already left and now they'll have to wait for the next carriage to come along; thankfully it only takes a minute before one rolls down the street, coming to a halt for them to climb into as soon as they finish lifting their luggage into it. ]
[ Given how stubborn Lord van Zieks could be, Ryunosuke had almost been expecting him to refuse. The sheer amount of times that he'd had to insist on defending him in court, only to be denied or brushed off, is something he still remembers quite well. Even if they had been separated by such a long distance, and even if their communications had been through long-form letters primarily about professional topics, it does seem to have helped.
Besides, it's not as if Lord van Zieks has many options at the moment. Ryunosuke would hesitate to say he's at his mercy, but it is a bit like that, isn't it? Of course, he has every intention of being a decent host.
In fact, the pressure is on now, isn't it? To be proper and courteous with this man who's just given him his trust. ]
There's no need to apologize — clearly I did as well! [ There have been more and more foreign faces around, and yet he couldn't have predicted this. There's no point in dwelling on it now, though.
On their carriage ride to his place, Ryunosuke takes the time to quiz van Zieks on some of the most basic things in Japanese: hello, good afternoon, goodbye, and sorry. Right as he's about to get into how to ask where something is, the carriage comes to a stop and he realizes they've already reached his home. ]
Oh, here we are! I doubt it's anything as extravagant as your residence, Lord van Zieks, but...
[ With that, Ryunosuke exits the carriage and helps with collecting the luggage, like before. His home, which stands close at hand, is of a modest size compared to larger family homes and only a single story. As a newer construction in the kura-zukuri style, it was built with a fire resistant material rather than wood, but the roofing and interior are still quite traditional. ]
Let us get all of your luggage inside and then I can make up a room for you. [ Ryunosuke uses his free hand to dig into his pocket for his keys. ]
[ Ryunosuke's home doesn't even come close in size or grandeur when compared to his own, but after nearly fifty days of sleeping in a comparably small cabin at sea (he did travel in first class, but it still took a few days to adjust to having so little living space), van Zieks certainly isn't going to voice any complaints. The style of architecture isn't what he's used to but there's something charming about it that he can't deny. This will be a fine place to stay until he can find a room at a hotel.
(A part of him is a little happy it turned out this way; he gets to spend more time with the man who saved his life and pulled him out of the dark mire he spent ten years in. It makes a faint warmth take up residence in his chest.) ]
Your home looks lovely, Mr Naruhodo. I thank you kindly for your hospitality. [ Once inside, van Zieks nearly steps onto the elevated floor past the genkan with his shoes still on but catches himself at the last second and instead watches Ryunosuke take his shoes off and slip his feet into one of the pairs of slippers that are laid out. Van Zieks then does the same before finally stepping into the foyer proper.
He doesn't say anything, hoping that his near-mistake wasn't a major faux pas. ]
Oh! Thank you very much for saying so. [ It's possible that Lord van Zieks is only saying that out of propriety, but Ryunosuke doesn't think that's it, at least not this time around. A home doesn't need to be an opulent mansion to be "lovely," after all. ] It may not be all that large, but there should still be more than enough space for you to be comfortable, I hope.
[ When van Zieks is about to step up past the genkan with his shoes still on, Ryunosuke almost grabs for his shoulder out of instinct. He aborts the action instead, his hand flailing uselessly in front of him before he forces it back down to his side. ]
Oh! Th-thank you for your consideration...
[ He steps out of his own shoes and into his slippers, eyeing the ones that van Zieks has put on. They're definitely too small for him, but they'll have to do for now.
The genkan leads into a central hallway, with rooms extending out on either side of it. There's tatami lining the floor, as well as shoji to separate the rooms from each other, as would be expected. Ryunosuke indicates where his own room is, along with the kitchen and the guest room that van Zieks can use. ]
Oh, and there's a garden in the back! Though it isn't the style that you're used to...
[ With that, he slides open the door into the guest room and steps inside, hauling the suitcase with him to set down on the floor. ]
[ Van Zieks casts his gaze from one side of the hallway to the other, taking it all in; there's something elegant about the interior—it's minimalistic without being boring or spartan and the aesthetic invokes a general sense of calm.
He definitely prefers Wester-style homes but this doesn't seem bad, save for one thing; those sliding doors seem awfully thin and he's concerned that Ryunosuke may hear him trashing in his sleep. His nightmares have become a lot less frequent since the truth about his brother came out, but every once in a while they rear their ugly heads and he finds himself with Balmung at his throat while Genshin and Klint watch with expressionless eyes. Sometimes Balmung is replaced by Stronghart personally winding the noose around his neck and dragging him to the gallows, followed by him waking up in a cold sweat the moment the trapdoor opens beneath his feet.
Thankfully the mention of the garden provides distraction from those thoughts. ]
I shall view your garden shortly, then. [ Gotta put away this luggage first, though. He follows Ryunosuke into the guest room and sets down his suitcase before taking a curious look around. After a moment, he quirks an eyebrow and looks to the other man for the answer to his question: ]
Do you Japanese sleep directly on the floor? I do not see a bed in here.
[ ...He doesn't know what a futon is, or that they're typically rolled up and stored in a closet during the day so the space can be used for other activities. ]
[ Ryunosuke straightens at van Zieks' question, as well as how it's asked. You Japanese, he says, rather than Nipponese, as he always had before. More than that, there's no longer barely-contained distaste in his voice.
What strikes him even more than that, though, is realizing how little this man actually knows about the Japanese people. All of that hatred had been based around a handful of relationships — or rather, one incredibly significant one, where the greatest respect turned into the greatest betrayal. That hate had festered so deep in him for so long that he'd decided to paint the Japanese people as a whole with one brush.
The paint? His brother's blood, spilled by Genshin Asogi.
There's no denying that it isn't fair to condemn an entire people for the act of an individual, but Lord van Zieks seems to understand this now. He's done what he can to make up for his behavior, even coming to Japan to see it with his own eyes.
Ryunosuke is so caught up in these thoughts that there's a delay before he remembers he's been asked a question, at which point his eyes widen and he gestures toward the closet. ]
We sleep on a futon, usually! Here. [ He moves to the closet and opens it up, then pulls out the folded-up futon to unroll onto the floor as a demonstration. He takes out the comforter next, shaking it out and then draping it over the cotton pad. Then he peers up at van Zieks, a bit uncertain as his eyes shift this way and that. ] It... may not be what you're used to, but I promise that it's quite comfortable.
[ Ryunosuke is well off enough that he has not just a futon for himself, but a spare for any guests. If he is entirely honest with himself, his hope had been that one day he would host Kazuma here, whenever he returns home. He never could have imagined it would be Barok van Zieks using this room. ]
[ He repeats the word as if trying to visualise what it is when he's never seen such a thing before. Thankfully the mystery reveals itself mere seconds later as he stands there with his arms folded over his chest and a raised eyebrow, watching his host pull it out from the closet and roll it out on the tatami mat. ]
Ah. So it's like a mattress that bends. [ He pauses, eyes wandering over the futon almost as though he's looking for something to criticize just because it's not a normal bed. It appears to be in good condition, thankfully; this will take some time getting used to, but he's willing to give it a try. ]
I can see the practical benefits of being able to put away one's bed when it's not needed.
[ He'd imagine that the working classes of London would appreciate such a thing; thousands of families live in cramped flats where several children and two adults share a single bedroom. If they were able to roll up their beds and haul them into a closet they would free up the room for other things during the day. ]
[ There's an air of perplexity around Lord van Zieks each time that he's presented with a part of Japanese culture he'd clearly never heard of before. Maybe now he's getting some idea of what it had been like for Ryunosuke and Susato, arriving in London for the first time. To think he'd been forced into that courtroom almost immediately...
It feels so long ago now, but having Lord van Zieks here makes him particularly reminiscent. ]
I imagine that's not something you've ever had to concern yourself with, living in a mansion...
[ He blurts this out before thinking better of it, but it's frankly nothing but the truth. Ryunosuke never visited van Zieks' home himself, but he can still make a fair guess as to what it's like. ]
Now! [ He leads them back out into the hallway. ] The garden. [ It's a short walk to the back door of the house, which exits out onto a wooden porch and a small garden space. There's only so much space allotted for outdoor spaces in Tokyo, but the garden is quaint enough, with small shrubs around the edges, a rock garden, and a shishi-odoshi. ]
... I often sit out here when I need to think. Usually about a case.
[ Indeed. Lack of space has never been an issue to someone who grew up in luxury; if anything, he has an overabundance of it in in his massive townhouse mansion that's much too large for one man and a few life-in servants.
Japanese style gardens are actually something he's a little familiar with—the British have long been interested in oriental garden design, and in the 1880s a man by the name of Leopold de Rothschild planted one such garden at his Gunnersbury Park estate. The park in question won't be open to the public until 1925 but he'd received an invitation back in 1887 and was allowed to bring Genshin along, much to his delight. Genshin had told Leopold that he was very impressed by the garden and that they don't have anything like it in Japan; Lepold of course interpreted this to mean that he'd outdone the Japanese, while van Zieks understood the real meaning of his words.
So when he steps out onto the porch and takes in the sight of the garden, the memory resurfaces like a bubble that's been trapped under a rock at the bottom of the sea for years. He closes his eyes for a moment to take in both the atmosphere around him and let the memory pass through him, tinged with both fondness and regret. ]
I can see why. [ He opens his eyes again, looking to the other man. ] The serene atmosphere lends itself to rumination.
[ Ryunosuke's mention of cases also reminds him of how much he misses their verbal sparring in the courtroom. There are many fine defence lawyers in London but none of them are half as satisfying to go up against; when he was facing Ryunosuke it felt like the two of them were like two halves of a greater whole, dismantling each other's arguments until the truth is laid bare for all to see. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wherein ryunosuke and sholmes are ryan and shane (for retroductions)
This is hardly his first time in East End and it's not a particularly long trip by carriage, true. Iris had mentioned something about another of Mr. Sholmes' investigations and had indicated that he was in need of Ryunosuke's assistance. That alone should have been cause for concern, as Sholmes is more often the type who will flit off and do as he pleases when it comes to his work.
His real work. Not filling in as a wax statue, or joining a redheaded club, or pawning something, or any of the other many paths he's taken to quickly earn some money.
Perhaps there is a deduction to be performed, or a case that he suspects will lead to Ryunosuke potentially finding himself with a new client. This is the reasonable assumption that Ryunosuke makes on the trip over, but when he's dropped off at the address Iris provided, what he finds is enough to make his blood run cold.
In truth, it could be the scene of the crime. It's a condemned house, partly dilapidated, with the windows boarded up (not with brick, this is different) and some of them even broken. The stone exterior is crumbling in places, and there appear to be no lights on inside. Even looking at the front of the building causes a chill to shoot up Ryunosuke's spine. He doesn't like this one bit. What terrible crime has occurred in this awful place? All he wants to do now is take a page out of Susato's book and head home by way of a confectionary.
As Ryunosuke stands outside the front door of this terrible building in the midst of a foggy London night, however, said front door suddenly slams open — causing him to yelp, both arms instinctively flying up to shield his face against any manner of horrible creature that might be bursting out onto the street to assault him.
But, of course, it is only a consulting detective. ]
M-Mr. Sholmes! [ Ryunosuke drops his arms as he stumbles a few steps toward Sholmes. ] What is this place? [ And why are they here? There is ball of dread quickly growing in the pit of his stomach. ]
wherein lord van zieks visits the far east (for decants)
Along with... someone else.
It had been almost an afterthought in the telegram that Mr. Sholmes had sent prior to their departure some fifty days ago. Mr. Reaper will be coming as well, to cap off the message and also give Ryunosuke chest palpitations. Even now, he has no idea why Lord van Zieks has also opted to visit the Empire of Japan, though he's run through the full gamut of possibilities.
The logical explanation is that he's here to study more about the Japanese legal system. However, Lord van Zieks has always been so dismissive regarding their "backwards" ways. Of course, those views had admittedly been colored by his own prejudices, and by his very personal reason for having such disdain for the Japanese people. Is he here to revise his opinion of them? Or, is it possible that this is even some strange form of penance?
Or perhaps it had been as simple as Iris convincing him to come along?
The arriving train's horn sounds loudly as it pulls into the station, the metal of the tracks screeching as the locomotive comes to a halt. Ryunosuke jumps up from his seat, positioning himself near a set of exit doors. He has no idea where on the train they'll be exiting from. Mr. Sholmes likely would not have paid for first class seats, but what of Lord van Zieks? Before he can think too hard on it, passengers begin to stream out of the train, crowding the platform.
Ryunosuke steps off to the side, not wanting to get in the way of those departing, but keeps a careful eye out for three familiar faces. Of course, all three of them would be difficult to miss even in a crowd. They appear near the front of the train cars: Iris, with her vibrant hair and an equally vibrant suitcase covered in flowers; Mr. Sholmes, in his usual coat and deerstalker, carrying the rest of their luggage; and finally Lord van Zieks, towering above everyone and wearing a top hat that makes his notable height even more pronounced.
"Ruuuuuno! Over here!" Iris has already spotted him as well, and waves him over. Ryunosuke nods and carefully maneuvers through the sea of people to meet them. As soon as he's closed the distance, Iris beams up at him. "Oh, it's ever so good to see you! It's been so long...!" ]
It has, hasn't it—
[ "Mr. Naruhodo!" Sholmes' greeting is loud and bombastic as ever. He sets down his luggage for a moment, sparing little care for whether or not they're in the way of others, and steps toward Ryunosuke.
Before he knows it, Sholmes has pulled him into a tight hug. Ryunosuke instantly stiffens up, unprepared for it. Unlike well-to-do and mannered high-class Londoners or the always-polite Japanese, Mr. Sholmes has no qualms about expressing physical affection like this. After a moment, the tightness in Ryunosuke's back melts away and he leans forward to return the embrace. It has been quite some time, as Iris said, and it's wonderful to see them again.
His family.
Shortly after, Sholmes pulls away and bends down to recollect his bags. "Now, I do apologize for cutting this short, my dear fellow, but we must make our way to Mikotoba and Miss Susato posthaste. Please join us later, but for now, I'll entrust you to show Mr. Reaper to his lodgings...?"
Iris nods enthusiastically. "Oh, yes, please show him a nice time, won't you, Runo?" She scoots closer to him and leans in conspiratorially. When she speaks again, it's in a whisper. "He isn't half as scary as he seems, you know. I promise!"
And then, as always, Mr. Sholmes and Iris depart as if they were a hurricane blowing through the station. Leaving Ryunosuke alone with Lord Barok van Zieks himself. Neither of them had been able to get a word in among the flurry of activity that was Herlock Sholmes and Iris Wilson, it seems.
Ryunosuke feels his back go straight as a board again, as he clears his throat. ]
L-Lord van Zieks! Please allow me to welcome you to Japan. [ He bows at the waist, nodding in a deferent greeting. ] I must apologize, but Mr. Sholmes did not give me all the details. Where is it you'll be staying...?
[ It's downright strange to see Lord van Zieks here. While he had garnered plenty of attention as the Reaper back in London, it's hard to imagine that he'll be able to step foot anywhere here without earning stares. Of course, Ryunosuke had lived in London for a year under that scrutiny — suffering judging looks wherever he went simply because of his appearance. How will Lord van Zieks bear it, he wonders? ]
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Dealing with the legal dark age Ryunosuke inadvertently plunged the country into has been nothing short of exhausting but he's determined to do what he can to set things right. That said, every man has his limits annd he might've worked himself into an early grave if the others hadn't stepped in and told him he needed a break. He'd initially scoffed at Asogi's suggestion to take a sabbatical in the middle of his tutelage ("You need to rest so you can do your job properly," he'd said.), which Miss Lestrade had agreed with. Then Sholmes got the idea to invite him along on his and Iris's upcoming trip to Japan and went on about how it would be good for him, which to van Zieks was an unsubtle attempt to get him to pay for the boat tickets.
He ended up agreeing to it after Iris looked up at him with those large eyes of hers. He just didn't have it in him to say no to his niece.
He'd be lying if that was the sole reason he agreed to go, though. He'd kept in touch with Ryunosuke through correspondence, but it's not the same as seeing him in person and he dislikes having to wait the many weeks it takes for each letter to reach its recipient and get a reply. He desires to see him again and get to know him better outside of their jobs. And now he's finally here, on the other side of the planet in the land of the rising sun; it actually feels a little surreal when the person he was a few years ago would have balked at the thought of setting foot on Japanese soil.
It was raining a little when the ship docked in Yokohama but during the train ride to Tokyo it gave way to clear skies and comfortable June temperatures. He watches quietly as the detective hug Ryunosuke, not wanting to interrupt the reunion by speaking, expression grim and unsmiling as ever—something in his eyes seems to soften once they're alone though, warmth glinting across the icy blue. ]
Mr Naruhodo. It is good to see you after so long. [ Sliding one foot behind the other, he bends forward in a bow and sweeps his arm across his chest in a courtly gesture. ]
I will be lodging at the Imperial Hotel in... Chiyoda, if I recall correctly. Is it far from here?
[ Said hotel exists irl too and would've been around at the time. ]
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Still, being addressed as an equal, or perhaps as a respected rival, after Lord van Zieks had looked down on him for so long — it still fills him with disbelief. He should probably be accustomed to it by now. They've been exchanging letters back and forth, and while the contents of said letters rarely strayed into the realm of anything personal, Susato-san had at least once referred to Lord van Zieks as his friend.
That will have to be something he sorts out now that the man is here in the flesh. In all honesty, Ryunosuke can't help but feel that Lord van Zieks is in sore need of more friends, after isolating himself as the Reaper for so long. ]
It's so good to see you all as well! [ He is naturally eager to catch up with Mr. Sholmes and Iris, but that will have to wait until later. For now, he has been entrusted with seeing to Lord van Zieks' comfort in adjusting to this foreign land, and it's a duty he plans to take seriously. ] I can hardly believe you're here.
[ He can't help but smile at Lord van Zieks' polite mannerisms, all signs of his good breeding. Some things never change. ]
Ah, of course it would be the Imperial Hotel! [ Ryunosuke lifts a hand to cover his mouth, hiding his amused smirk at Lord van Zieks' attempt to pronounce Chiyoda. He's making an attempt, and that in and of itself is commendable. ] Thankfully it's not too far! We'll need to call a carriage, but that's no trouble.
[ He turns on his heel, ready to lead them out of the station, but then pauses and turns back to look up at his guest. ]
May I help you with your bags?
[ No doubt he'll be refused, but he at least wants to make the offer. ]
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I appreciate the offer, but that won't be necessary. [ He says with a shake of his head, bringing a gloved hand up to pinch along the brim of his hat, adjusting the angle slightly. His luggage is quite heavy, but nothing compared to the labour he puts himself through every week when he decides that his barrels of wine need to be rearranged yet again. ]
...It's good to finally be on dry land after fifty days at sea. I would've brought Mr Asogi along, but he staunchly refuses to return home before he considers his tutelage completed.
[ He'd asked multiple times if Asogi was certain of his decision to hold the fort in London, but the answer was the same every time. It's not that he doesn't want to see his homeland again, but if he went home now he might not have the resolve to go back to Britain and finish his apprenticeship. ]
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Ryunosuke would not mind helping to teach him, even if it was in the form of practice conversations. He'll have to bring it up later.
For now, he focuses on leading them through the station. Despite the fact that Lord van Zieks is carrying multiple bags, he still has legs much longer than Ryunosuke's, forcing him to walk briskly to keep pace.
Of course, it does not take long at all for the subject to turn to Kazuma, and Ryunosuke's expression turns solemn for a moment as he barely holds back a sigh. ] Ah, yes. When I heard that Mr. Sholmes and Iris were planning a trip, I wrote to him as well to see if he would join them. He explained his position then. [ Ryunosuke understands that Kazuma went to Great Britain with a goal in mind, and that it is only partly accomplished. He will not let himself return to the comfort and familiarity of home until he believes he's ready.
That doesn't change the fact that Ryunosuke misses him terribly. It feels like there is still so much unsaid between them, and so many promises they've yet to deliver on. He tells himself that there is still time, and he will even return to London himself if he must in order to see his friend again. ]
If you wouldn't mind, Lord van Zieks, I would like to hear your assessment of how he is doing at some point. I suspect he doesn't tell me everything in our correspondence.
[ However, now they've left the station and it's time to acquire transport. There are carriages waiting nearby for this exact purpose, and so Ryunosuke hurries over to one. He speaks to the carriage driver in Japanese, and it's only after he's told the man where they'll be going and negotiated payment that he realizes that Lord van Zieks has had little opportunity to hear him speak his native tongue.
He turns back to him and nods, switching back to English effortlessly. ] Here, let us load your bags in and then we can be on our way.
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[ Although it doesn't take a genius to figure out what the conversation is about, not understanding a single word of what's being said is a little frustrating to him, to be honest. (It reminds him a little of the aftermath of Albert's trial, when Kazuma's memories returned and van Zieks stood awkwardly offscreen as he watched the three have a heartfelt reunion in a language he doesn't speak. He ended up quietly slipping out of the courtroom to explain to Tusspells that her wax figure had just gotten sliced in half.)
A few moments later the bags have been lifted into the carriage and van Zieks climbs aboard; the seats are well-padded and comfortable but the size of the carriage doesn't leave him with much leg room. It was definitely built with the height of an average Japanese person in mind, not extremely tall westerners like him. At least he's got good company to make up for it.
Outside, the driver flicks the reins and the sounds of wheels turning and hooves moving in unison can be heard as the carriage is set into motion. ]
I'll save the rest for another day, but I must mention that he's still terrible at tongue twisters.
[ Back when Kazuma was still his amnesiac apprentice, he tasked him with reciting tongue twisters every morning to improve his diction. A week later van Zieks deemed him a lost cause at it and made him stop; eventually he'd learned from one of Ryunosuke's letters how the two had met and smiled for the rest of the evening. ]
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They need to get him settled first and foremost, though. Thankfully, getting the carriage loaded is no trouble that all, but it's when they settle on the seats inside that Ryunosuke sees the problem that van Zieks is now facing. He is simply too tall for this country. Ryunosuke, meanwhile, fits perfectly.
To van Zieks' credit, he doesn't voice any complaints about this. Ryunosuke does send him a brief pitying look, but leaves it at that, distracted by the carriage jolting forward.
And by that comment from Lord van Zieks. Ryunosuke isn't at all prepared for it, and so there's a brief moment of silence before his pealing laughter fills the carriage's small interior. ]
Is that so? [ Of course this is something Kazuma would not have shared with him. ] Well, it is a relief to know that some things never change. [ And he does mean that genuinely, rather than in a mean-spirited way. ] Thank you for sharing that with me.
And, speaking of this, I was wondering... do you plan to study the Japanese language while you're here, Lord van Zieks?
[ He has enough contacts that he might be able to get by without learning, but will he be satisfied with that? ]
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Yes; at the very least, I would like to be able to speak your language decently enough to get around Tokyo. [ That sounds like a reasonable goal to set when he's only staying for a few months and will largely spend his time here with people who speak English. He pauses after that, unsure if he wants to let his question out of his mouth, and the ensuing silence lasts almost long enough to become awkward. ]
...Would you be willing to assist me in this endeavor, Mr Naruhodo?
[ Another thing the person he used to be would've balked at: asking his rival to teach him Japanese. But out of everyone he knows, Naruhodo is the best pick, being an English language major who should be familiar with how languages are taught efficiently. (Another thing he'd learned through their correspondence, that he wasn't a law student and that he'd studied British law non-stop for forty days after Asogi got his head injury and was presumed dead. Van Zieks was both impressed and also a little embarrassed that he'd been bested multiple times by someone who didn't even go to law school.) ]
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It's as Ryunosuke is readying to encourage this idea that van Zieks poses a question, one that oddly doesn't surprise him as much as it should. Yes, he has an idea of how languages are taught, having studied English extensively and formally at Yumei University. It's thanks to those studies that he'd been able to conduct himself properly in English courts.
It is quite an honor to be asked. Surely there are others that Lord van Zieks could turn to for such instruction, yet he's asking Ryunosuke. There is a time when the very idea of Prosecutor van Zieks asking him for help with learning Japanese would have been laughable. It shows how far they've both come. ]
Ah, well, I would be happy to, my Lord! [ Ryunosuke's back and shoulders tense up as they always do when he's suddenly put on the spot, and he bows his head. ] Though I will warn you that while I have experience studying a second language, I have no experience teaching. I'll certainly do my best, though.
[ And try not to fault him too much on some clumsy pronunciation. ]
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[ Not to lay on the pressure or anything... though that may or may not be deliberate; he's seen how well Ryunosuke can perform do the pressure with how he can zero in on the slightest flaw in someone's testimony and utterly tear it apart. Ryunosuke Naruhodo looks as meek as a mouse, but inside he houses a predator capable of chasing its prey for miles in his pursuit of the truth. ]
Truthfully, I still almost find it hard to believe that a language major performed as well as you did. But it explains how you were able to parse Miss Lestrade on your first day in Britain.
[ First day in the country, being thrown into his first case with no preparation whatsoever and having to listen carefully to both McGilded and Lestrade. Van Zieks assumes he must've studied regional variants at some point, but it's still impressive how well he handled all that. ]
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It's an odd feeling, realizing how much he wants to meet those expectations. In some ways, though, that had always been the case, even from their first meeting. At first there had been a stronger need for Ryunosuke to prove himself to someone who chose to dismiss him based on race alone. Over time, it had warped into something else.
The comment about Gina does draw a more toned down chuckle out of him. It's true that he'd done some studying of dialects as part of his coursework and he had certainly been grateful for that as soon as he'd set foot in London. ]
That entire case was a trial by fire, to be sure. Yet despite all the time we spent together, I could never quite get Gina to pronounce my name properly... [ He lets out an exasperated little sigh at that. After a point, he'd given up. He peers across the small cabin at van Zieks then, while wearing a cheeky smile. He is slowly but surely learning how to be more comfortable around this man. ] Hopefully you will be a bit more open to correction than she was, Lord van Zieks.
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...He decides to resist the urge to tell Ryunosuke to consider his choice of words before speaking. ]
I think she's simply incorrigible in that regard; it's been nearly two years and Mr Asogi is still referred to as 'Soggy.' [ Much to his apprentice's chagrin. Van Zieks had actually offered to hire a tutor to teach her proper speech, but was bluntly told that she didn't want to sound like a posh wanker. ]
Constructive criticism is how one learns and improves, so correct me as you deem fit. I won't take offence to it.
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It doesn't surprise Ryunosuke to hear that Lord van Zieks will be a diligent student. There's only one way that he became such a decorated prosecutor, after all. While many would ascribe it to the mythos of the Reaper that rose up around him, Ryunosuke has seen firsthand how he conducts himself in court, and there's no denying he's a competent and fearsome rival. How they'll interact outside of the courtroom is something he's still feeling out, but it's gone surprisingly well so far. ]
I'm glad to hear that, my Lord.
[ The bumpy carriage eventually comes to a halt, and when Ryunosuke peers out the window he sees the impressive facade of the Imperial Hotel awaiting them. ] Ah, we're here! [ He's quick to open the door and exit the carriage, circling around to help the driver retrieve the luggage. This time, he does manage to sneak his way into carrying one of the bags, despite what Lord van Zieks had said earlier. Perhaps it will be seen as discourteous, but he's merely trying to help.
From there, he heads through the main entrance and into the lobby. It may not be quite as lavish as the Great Waterloo Hotel, but it's still impressive to Ryunosuke's eyes. He heads toward the front desk, where there's a small line of people waiting to check in.
As van Zieks joins him, he turns toward him and nods. ] I must admit, this is my first time here. What do you make of it? [ Does it meet his exacting standards? ]
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The interior is elegant with a pleasant atmosphere. [ He gives a nod of approval after sweeping his gaze from one side of the lobby to the other, taking it all in. ]
It makes for a favourable first impression, but a good hotel is judged by the quality of service delivered, its wine cellar, and the comfort of its beds.
[ He can't render a proper verdict yet, but so far it's good. As he waits his turn to check into the hotel, his eyes scan around the lobby again to take in the details he missed at first time, like the coffered ceiling and how the floor has been polished to the point he can see his legs reflected in the marble.
The line gradually moves and some time later they finally reach the front desk–only for the receptionist sitting behind it to look apologetically at them and shake his head. ]
...I'm terribly sorry, sir, but there are no more rooms available. We're fully booked for the rest of the summer.
...I see. That is unfortunate. [ Van Zieks's brow dips in a frown that makes the receptionist tense slightly and glances at Ryunosuke. ]
Do you know of any other hotels in the area where the staff speaks English...?
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As they wait in line Ryunosuke does take note of the sheer number of porters and other staff milling about, not to mention hotel guests who are lingering in other parts of the lobby. He hadn't expected it to be quite this busy, but Tokyo has become a more popular travel destination as of late.
That doesn't mean that he's prepared for what the front desk staff tells them. Ryunosuke's mouth gapes open like that of a fish for a few seconds as he processes. Fully booked for the rest of the summer? Have they been that overrun with foreigners?
Naturally, Lord van Zieks is looking to him for guidance. Ryunosuke wonders now why lodgings weren't arranged in advance, but it seems that none of them foresaw this. He finally screws his mouth shut and quickly thanks the receptionist before shuffling off to the side to get out of the line, still clutching tight to one suitcase.
Another hotel with English-speaking staff...? He frowns to himself as he rubs a thumb over his chin. ] Nothing is immediately coming to mind, but that doesn't mean that they don't exist. [ It's going to take some further research, however. What do they do in the meantime?
Ryunosuke eyes dart nervously around before finally finding their resolve and fixing on Lord van Zieks once more. ] Well, for now we can return to my place. I can certainly host you for a few nights, at least, until we sort something out.
[ Is it somehow improper for him to even offer? Hopefully not. Professor Mikotoba is hosting guests, after all... ]
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...That would be most appreciated, Mr Naruhodo. [ He says after a moment's deliberation whether he should politely decline or accept the offer. It definitely feels like he'd be imposing on way too short notice, but taking him up on it would definitely be the most practical solution here. Besides, it'll only be for a few nights while the two of them find a different hotel. ]
My sincerest apologies for not planning ahead better. It would seem that I rather underestimated how many foreigners come to Japan.
[ Well, not much point in lingering in the lobby anymore when he can't get a room. With long steps van Zieks strides out of the lobby and into the street; unfortunately the carriage driver from before has already left and now they'll have to wait for the next carriage to come along; thankfully it only takes a minute before one rolls down the street, coming to a halt for them to climb into as soon as they finish lifting their luggage into it. ]
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Besides, it's not as if Lord van Zieks has many options at the moment. Ryunosuke would hesitate to say he's at his mercy, but it is a bit like that, isn't it? Of course, he has every intention of being a decent host.
In fact, the pressure is on now, isn't it? To be proper and courteous with this man who's just given him his trust. ]
There's no need to apologize — clearly I did as well! [ There have been more and more foreign faces around, and yet he couldn't have predicted this. There's no point in dwelling on it now, though.
On their carriage ride to his place, Ryunosuke takes the time to quiz van Zieks on some of the most basic things in Japanese: hello, good afternoon, goodbye, and sorry. Right as he's about to get into how to ask where something is, the carriage comes to a stop and he realizes they've already reached his home. ]
Oh, here we are! I doubt it's anything as extravagant as your residence, Lord van Zieks, but...
[ With that, Ryunosuke exits the carriage and helps with collecting the luggage, like before. His home, which stands close at hand, is of a modest size compared to larger family homes and only a single story. As a newer construction in the kura-zukuri style, it was built with a fire resistant material rather than wood, but the roofing and interior are still quite traditional. ]
Let us get all of your luggage inside and then I can make up a room for you. [ Ryunosuke uses his free hand to dig into his pocket for his keys. ]
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(A part of him is a little happy it turned out this way; he gets to spend more time with the man who saved his life and pulled him out of the dark mire he spent ten years in. It makes a faint warmth take up residence in his chest.) ]
Your home looks lovely, Mr Naruhodo. I thank you kindly for your hospitality. [ Once inside, van Zieks nearly steps onto the elevated floor past the genkan with his shoes still on but catches himself at the last second and instead watches Ryunosuke take his shoes off and slip his feet into one of the pairs of slippers that are laid out. Van Zieks then does the same before finally stepping into the foyer proper.
He doesn't say anything, hoping that his near-mistake wasn't a major faux pas. ]
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[ When van Zieks is about to step up past the genkan with his shoes still on, Ryunosuke almost grabs for his shoulder out of instinct. He aborts the action instead, his hand flailing uselessly in front of him before he forces it back down to his side. ]
Oh! Th-thank you for your consideration...
[ He steps out of his own shoes and into his slippers, eyeing the ones that van Zieks has put on. They're definitely too small for him, but they'll have to do for now.
The genkan leads into a central hallway, with rooms extending out on either side of it. There's tatami lining the floor, as well as shoji to separate the rooms from each other, as would be expected. Ryunosuke indicates where his own room is, along with the kitchen and the guest room that van Zieks can use. ]
Oh, and there's a garden in the back! Though it isn't the style that you're used to...
[ With that, he slides open the door into the guest room and steps inside, hauling the suitcase with him to set down on the floor. ]
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He definitely prefers Wester-style homes but this doesn't seem bad, save for one thing; those sliding doors seem awfully thin and he's concerned that Ryunosuke may hear him trashing in his sleep. His nightmares have become a lot less frequent since the truth about his brother came out, but every once in a while they rear their ugly heads and he finds himself with Balmung at his throat while Genshin and Klint watch with expressionless eyes. Sometimes Balmung is replaced by Stronghart personally winding the noose around his neck and dragging him to the gallows, followed by him waking up in a cold sweat the moment the trapdoor opens beneath his feet.
Thankfully the mention of the garden provides distraction from those thoughts. ]
I shall view your garden shortly, then. [ Gotta put away this luggage first, though. He follows Ryunosuke into the guest room and sets down his suitcase before taking a curious look around. After a moment, he quirks an eyebrow and looks to the other man for the answer to his question: ]
Do you Japanese sleep directly on the floor? I do not see a bed in here.
[ ...He doesn't know what a futon is, or that they're typically rolled up and stored in a closet during the day so the space can be used for other activities. ]
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What strikes him even more than that, though, is realizing how little this man actually knows about the Japanese people. All of that hatred had been based around a handful of relationships — or rather, one incredibly significant one, where the greatest respect turned into the greatest betrayal. That hate had festered so deep in him for so long that he'd decided to paint the Japanese people as a whole with one brush.
The paint? His brother's blood, spilled by Genshin Asogi.
There's no denying that it isn't fair to condemn an entire people for the act of an individual, but Lord van Zieks seems to understand this now. He's done what he can to make up for his behavior, even coming to Japan to see it with his own eyes.
Ryunosuke is so caught up in these thoughts that there's a delay before he remembers he's been asked a question, at which point his eyes widen and he gestures toward the closet. ]
We sleep on a futon, usually! Here. [ He moves to the closet and opens it up, then pulls out the folded-up futon to unroll onto the floor as a demonstration. He takes out the comforter next, shaking it out and then draping it over the cotton pad. Then he peers up at van Zieks, a bit uncertain as his eyes shift this way and that. ] It... may not be what you're used to, but I promise that it's quite comfortable.
[ Ryunosuke is well off enough that he has not just a futon for himself, but a spare for any guests. If he is entirely honest with himself, his hope had been that one day he would host Kazuma here, whenever he returns home. He never could have imagined it would be Barok van Zieks using this room. ]
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[ He repeats the word as if trying to visualise what it is when he's never seen such a thing before. Thankfully the mystery reveals itself mere seconds later as he stands there with his arms folded over his chest and a raised eyebrow, watching his host pull it out from the closet and roll it out on the tatami mat. ]
Ah. So it's like a mattress that bends. [ He pauses, eyes wandering over the futon almost as though he's looking for something to criticize just because it's not a normal bed. It appears to be in good condition, thankfully; this will take some time getting used to, but he's willing to give it a try. ]
I can see the practical benefits of being able to put away one's bed when it's not needed.
[ He'd imagine that the working classes of London would appreciate such a thing; thousands of families live in cramped flats where several children and two adults share a single bedroom. If they were able to roll up their beds and haul them into a closet they would free up the room for other things during the day. ]
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It feels so long ago now, but having Lord van Zieks here makes him particularly reminiscent. ]
I imagine that's not something you've ever had to concern yourself with, living in a mansion...
[ He blurts this out before thinking better of it, but it's frankly nothing but the truth. Ryunosuke never visited van Zieks' home himself, but he can still make a fair guess as to what it's like. ]
Now! [ He leads them back out into the hallway. ] The garden. [ It's a short walk to the back door of the house, which exits out onto a wooden porch and a small garden space. There's only so much space allotted for outdoor spaces in Tokyo, but the garden is quaint enough, with small shrubs around the edges, a rock garden, and a shishi-odoshi. ]
... I often sit out here when I need to think. Usually about a case.
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Japanese style gardens are actually something he's a little familiar with—the British have long been interested in oriental garden design, and in the 1880s a man by the name of Leopold de Rothschild planted one such garden at his Gunnersbury Park estate. The park in question won't be open to the public until 1925 but he'd received an invitation back in 1887 and was allowed to bring Genshin along, much to his delight. Genshin had told Leopold that he was very impressed by the garden and that they don't have anything like it in Japan; Lepold of course interpreted this to mean that he'd outdone the Japanese, while van Zieks understood the real meaning of his words.
So when he steps out onto the porch and takes in the sight of the garden, the memory resurfaces like a bubble that's been trapped under a rock at the bottom of the sea for years. He closes his eyes for a moment to take in both the atmosphere around him and let the memory pass through him, tinged with both fondness and regret. ]
I can see why. [ He opens his eyes again, looking to the other man. ] The serene atmosphere lends itself to rumination.
[ Ryunosuke's mention of cases also reminds him of how much he misses their verbal sparring in the courtroom. There are many fine defence lawyers in London but none of them are half as satisfying to go up against; when he was facing Ryunosuke it felt like the two of them were like two halves of a greater whole, dismantling each other's arguments until the truth is laid bare for all to see. ]
Have there been any interesting cases lately?
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