And when you retire from service? What then? [ A book of postage stamps and a bottle of perfume are added to the pile. ] Or are you betting on a battlefield death—as glorious as it is untimely—and an afterlife spent in the tournaments of Elysium?

[ His brows twitch slightly upward at her second comment. This is impressive? Has she seen what the rest of the Reverein citizenry can do? Still, Sholmes says nothing to that effect, always happy to dazzle and delight. ]

Well, allow me to continue impressing you while I remain coherent enough to do so. [ A handful of toothpicks, a whistle, and a pause to give it a quick toot. ] Do let me know if I begin to grow incorporeal, will you?

[ The great detective, replaced by a pile of imaginary trash. What an appropriate ignominious end. ]