Iris, Do You Ever Plan To Collect Your Stories In A More Complete Format Than Just The Magazine Versions?

ryuuno out of all your friends who is the most bumpin like fried bologna

Dear ribbonroad,

Your question perplexes me. I don't know what you mean by bumpin, and I did have to ask for help on what bologna was. I first asked Mikotoba-sensei, who told me that it was a place in Italy. I don't know how you would fry a place in Italy, and that does indeed sound like a bad thing. I then asked Susato-chan, and she informed me that it was a form of dried meat, like a sausage. As I happen to quite like fried sausages, especially when Iris is preparing them, I can assume you're asking which of my friends is as good as fried sausages.

That is quite a difficult question to answer... I have a lot of friends in my life who I deeply care for. I'd like to say that my best friend would be anyone who helped form who I am today, but that doesn't narrow it down at all. I would not be the man I am today without everyone who was there by my side in court. I also would not be the man I am today if a frightened young girl hadn't accidentally hurt Asougi.

I love all of my friends. I miss the friends, and even the acquaintances, I left behind in London. There is so much that I need to say to them that I haven't had the chance to, that I can't say until I see them face to face once more.

That doesn't seem to answer your question, but my mind is full of things I need to say that cannot be expressed in this letter.

With care, Naruhodou Ryuunosuke

Barok, what are your feelings on Benjamin?

Anon,

I find it hard to say what a profound difference my friend has made on my life. He made me feel like a normal person in a world that I simply could not comprehend. He showed me that, despite being different, despite my constant and unshakeable sadness, I am still someone worthy of being cared for.

I do not know how he feels about me. I do not know if he is aware that he changed my entire life. He makes me feel warm, and cared for, and like I can be a better person. I know that I have been prejudiced and terrible in the past... he makes me feel as though I can do better. I want nothing more than to be better. For him. I want to be a man I... we. Both of us can be proud of.

Hello there I’m the one who asked about the Benbaro twin question and right now I wanted to ask what Barok and Albert think?

Sorry that my art is bad.

To childrenofozstory,

This art pierced through my heart. It is utterly wonderful, a delightful idea of what could be in an ideal world. I myself have never wanted to have children, but the thought of raising these two children with my lovely partner is... incredibly appealing. I adore the idea that Heather takes after her father in science, and I am a large fan of polka dots. (Additionally, Iris has been teaching me how to braid hair.)

As for Henry, I do quite like his hair. The mix of Albert's and mine, and the volume and texture of his hair... I know that Benjamin is quite a fan of his particular look, and I cannot help but feel the same.

Life with these two would be an absolute dream. These twins will be on my mind for... quite some time now.

With fondness, Lord Barok van Zieks

Dear Mr. Holmes, erm, it's Gina. Inspector Gina Lestrade. You know who I am, we've met. This is probably a stupid question, but... would I be able to come live at Baker Street? Asougi can sleep on the floor. He said he's waiting on a special bed to come in for him. Or I could sleep in the same bed as him. Or I could sleep on the floor! I've certainly slept in worse places.

Inspector Lestrade!

How nice it is to hear from you! I have certainly been wondering if I would receive a request of such kind. There is always a spare couch at Baker Street if you so desire. You needn't pay rent if you cannot afford it, though I would certainly appreciate a spare bit of money. I am an avid spender! My methods are occasionally quite costly.

That being said, you are very near and dear to my family. It is clear that both Kazuma and Iris care for you quite a large amount. Kazuma has received the futon he was waiting on and therefore you could sleep in his old bed if you so desire, so long as you can put up with his general restlessness and tendency to stay up well into the night.

Please, come and enjoy dinner with us, if nothing else! Sit by the fire, recount some of your investigations for us, visit Iris's garden. We would love to have you.

Ryunosuke, what happened with your little aquarium??? Are the little critters alright?? -💖

💖,

...I forgot the aquarium.... I know it would have been impossible to bring with me, and there was so much on my mind I simply... forgot.

Though, that being said, it really was Susato and Iris who tended to the aquarium. They named the... how did you call them? Critters? Within. They cleaned the tank and found plants to put inside of it.

Actually, I feel as though the aquarium is going to be perfectly fine. Perhaps it will thrive now that Iris is responsible for it...

Best, Ryuunosuke Naruhodou

As soon as Barok responds to the first letter, red handwritten writing begins to appear on a blank page. It’s as if the letter is being written right in front of him. Though he can’t see anyone writing the letter. “I’m surprised you aren’t panicking over my letter, or scrambling to find a logical solution for a letter written in your deceased brother’s handwriting.” The letter says. 👻

Dear brother,

I have spent quite some time wrestling with my relationship to the truth. It was my unwillingness to see what was in front of me that led me down this ten year long path. Had I only been more open to the knowledge that was so clear, so plain, so far under my nose, our legal system could have been investigated far earlier.

So, as I see handwriting from my brother, written by no one visible to my eyes, I can only believe that it is you writing it. If you wish to prove who you are, you could always do something to help me believe further. I see no other way this could be happening.

Signed, Barok.

Klimt van Zieks, Where does your first name come from? It seems more like a last name to me..

Dear Anon,

In terms of things I disliked about my parents, one that certainly stood out was their pretentiousness. Yes, Klimt is most certainly a last name. It was taken from a man that my parents met upon their world travels, a man who was very talented in the art of decorating things in gold.

My brother was named after the Baroque period of art, especially the more golden paintings. I am certain you may be beginning to see a theme.

They loved putting up appearances. Our names were simply further steps in that.

To Herlock Sholmes,

Take this!

Is this true, Mr. Sholmes? If so, do you have any favorite disguises of this kind in particular?

Your fan,

Mod Athena

Dear Mod Athena,

How did you access such a photo, and such a caption no less? I was unaware of any sort of camera in the room at Baker Street.

That being said, yes! I do have quite a closet of disguises. I can change into any person within a matter of minutes, it is one of my greatest skills. None but my partner have seen the true extent of this. I have bustles and blouses, facial hair and wigs, hats, pipes, canes, shabby and beautiful clothes, all sorts of things I have bought and scrounged and collected over the course of many, many years.

I am particularly fond of a character by the name of Irene. I greatly enjoy becoming Irene. She was named after a fantastic woman I once met, who changed how I view the world. I cannot thank her enough for this. The idea of becoming a woman to change other people's view of the world... it pleases me greatly.

Additionally, there is no better feeling than confusing all of my partner's friends by dressing up as different women every night. It made him seem quite the suave fellow!

Thank you for asking! Herlock Sholmes

Iris,

Do you ever feel judged for your parentage?

Dear anon,

Your question tugs at my heartstrings. If you had asked me this a year ago, two years ago, I would have said yes, most certainly. I felt judged for not knowing who my parents are, despite the fact that many people around me are the same way. There are a large number of orphans on the street, children abandoned on church doorsteps, and other such things. I am but one of many.

But now, in this year, I have no such qualms. I know who my Papa is, and it's Holmesies. Whoever my other parents may be, they do not matter nearly as much as the father who took me in, who raised me, who loves me so. I love him too. Perhaps one day I may learn who birthed me, but for the time being, I have the greatest Papa in the world!

Love, Iris

Greetings Klimt,

What do you like about cats?

Best,

Fondest greetings,

I have quite a fondness for dogs, of course, and though the cats I've known have been few and far between, I do quite love the way they act. They are incredibly solitary and demanding creatures, and therefore, when they choose to spend time with you, you know you have put in a great deal of trust in them, and they have done the same with you.

Cats express their affection simply through choosing to be with you, even if they are not paying attention to you, you both know the cat is there. Yes, sometimes they will press up against you and make a contented noise, or paw at you, or ask for your attention, but so often it feels good to know that the cat is comforted simply by your being there.

I do quite adore that about them.

With love, Klimt van Zieks