Dear Kazuma

Iris, I've heard that Kazuma is very fond of you. Did you know that? - 🌹

Dearest 🌹,

He is? That brings me such joy! I know that I find him to be quite an excellent older brother to myself, a good friend and a role model.

He seems to be quite down on himself a lot of the time, and in those moments I do try to find some way to cheer him up. I bring him tea, I give him a hug, I ask if he wants to participate in one of my experiments, and I talk his ear off about what I'm working on.

Sometimes when I am writing stories, I ask for his help in trying to figure out what the best word to use would be. He takes quite a bit of pride in his literacy, and I do like to try and give him that boost in self confidence. He is also teaching me to write in the Japanese script, and I hope to exchange letters with my family in Japan soon!

Thank you for letting me know!!! Iris

Barok, have you ever think about the baskerville family ever since the truth of the professor case has been out in the open

Dear anon,

In truth, I do not think much of my sister-in-laws' family. I knew that she was not overly fond of them, though she did miss them, of course. I do regret that their name has become tied up in all of this mess, as the so-called 'Hound of the Baskervilles' goes down in local legend.

There is one cousin of said family who I am rather fond of, though he has long since distanced himself from his relatives. Perhaps as condolences to their family I could bring some gift to them, or visit their home, but... I feel as though I would be less than welcome.

Signed, Lord van Zieks.

To anyone

Thoughts on former queen Elizabeth’s passing?

Anonymous,

I weep for the life that has passed. Such a beautiful age of art, of philosophy, of theatre--the patron saint of the bard himself!! While it has been hundreds of years since our late leader Elizabeth, her impact will be felt for centuries to come, I know.

Death comes to us all, and while such a thought may be dreadful to some, he has wise words to share on such a subject, as with all others... She has gone to the undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns. To die, to sleep, no more. To sleep, perchance to dream-- and so on and so forth.

With slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

William Petenshy

To 🥀Rosie🥀

If you were a dragon, what color(s) would you be? What dragon traits would you desire? I think you would make a splendid dragon!

To anon,

It is hard to decide what kind of dragon I would be! I think I would like to be a dragon with warm colours, some lively pinks, oranges, yellows, someone that would fit in with the flower fields. I know dragons tend to be hoarders of wealth, but I would like to be a hoarder of happiness!

Love, Rosie Dragon

Kazuma, are you lonely, having been left behind? - 🌹

🌹,

Thank you for putting it such a kind way. That truly made me feel wonderful. Yes, my family left me behind. So did my closest friend.

That being said, Iris is now the greatest thing in my life. Her endless optimism and excitement is infectious, and it is clear that she already cares for me as much as she liked Naruhodou and Susato. It's been quite a long time since I've felt so unburdened when in a conversation.

In terms of her heritage... I am conflicted about it. Mr. Holmes and I have had many conversations discussing my father, and van Zieks' brother, and I can understand that the situation was quite grey...

In another life, she could have been my sister. Perhaps one day I may even consider her to be this. So... around Iris, and even Mr. Holmes and Gina... I do not consider myself to be as lonely as I had once expected.

Signed, Kazuma Asougi

*leaves a present with a hand carved wooden bird inside the box in strongharts cell*

To the anonymous gift giver:

I must say... this is an immaculately crafted carving. While such talents should be used in more proper forms of carpentry, beautiful ornate furniture and the like, I cannot deny the beauty of this simple object.

I would like to while away my hours with whittling, though I have been put under immense isolation and careful watch. I argue that I am not a dangerous man, and yet they will not allow me tools for woodworking. I will treasure this.

Mael Stronghart.

To barok,

What do you think about your new niece? Any thoughts about how she is the only child of your beloved brother… Your brother who was also the professor?

Ace-chaser,

I fear that my feelings on Iris being my niece are too complicated to sum up through one single correspondence. She is a brilliant child, and she reminds me quite a bit of him... Or, at least, the side of him that I knew.

There is a lot I must reconsider about my brother. The kind of person he was, how it would have ended had he stayed alive... though, perhaps it is best that he died when he did. He caused a significant amount of misery in his time.

I truly hope his better side lives on in his daughter.

Signed, Lord Barok van Zieks

To anyone,

Hey look at that dog!

👉🐐

Erm...

I know I've only been reading for so long, but I'm pretty sure that's a goat. I do hope that helps.

Signed, Gina Lestrade

miss iris, if you were to make a charm of dr mikotoba, what animal would it be?

Dearest Ribbon,

It is rather difficult to choose a proper animal for such a thing! I had Papa as a bunny, but then when I met Susie I realized that she would also be best represented by a bunny! I made Roxy a cat, and then I realized that Kazumie would also be a cat! So, I wanted to get some more variety within the animals I have.

With a mouse, a bear, two cats, two bunnies, and a hedgehog... Hm. I do rather like the idea of him as a fluffy little dog. A very cuddly, warm, sleepy creature... or perhaps another bear, like mine! That way, Susie matches Papa and I match his partner!

What do you think? Iris

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