Author's Note:
Documents that the MC investigates are cited from 1-3. There is an appendix at the end of the chapter if you want to view the documents yourselves.
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February 16, 1641
Ragna, Gra Valkas Empire
IBC Headquarters
Senior Investigator Falk Richter had never found places like this impressive. The IBC, with its sterile corridors and polished floors, struck him as a monument to mediocrity. A facade. The people here might think they were doing important work, but Falk knew better. They were just cogs – convenient tools for people who understood real power. He didn't even bother hiding his impatience as he strode in, with Senior Investigator Helmuth Krieger trailing alongside, keys in hand. Krieger was a competent enough sort, though Falk couldn't help but think he lacked any proper conviction. The man was neutral, as if neutrality was an acceptable stance in times like these.
Krieger took his time unlocking the door to Skaldottir's office, no doubt trying to make it all look so official. Falk refrained from rolling his eyes. Skaldottir, with his quick cooperation, was exactly the kind of person Falk despised – too eager to please and, worse, an opponent of Marix. Falk could barely stomach the thought of sifting through the files of someone who lacked the conviction to stand with the Chancellor. Well, if the man was too spineless to defend his own work against Marix, Falk would do it for him. He stepped inside, barely acknowledging the decor, and went straight to the desk.
Most of the papers were irrelevant distractions: equipment maintenance logs, scheduling notes, salary adjustments. Falk moved them aside with a quick sweep, stacking them in a neat pile on the desk. He wasn't here to sift through the mundane; he needed something substantial, something that would vindicate Marix and confirm what he already knew. Skaldottir's office was full of these trivialities, but Falk was sure the real information was here somewhere, buried beneath the bureaucratic clutter.
He finally uncovered a folder marked IMPERIAL – CONFIDENTIAL. Inside lay a document from the Office of the Chancellor, titled Official Health Bulletin [1]. His pulse quickened. This, at least, would be something substantial. Setting the other files aside, he opened it and let his gaze settle on the top page. Tuberculosis. So that was it. The Emperor had been diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis.
It all lined up. Marix had publicly announced the Imperial Family's illness, and now here was the medical proof. Falk felt a surge of satisfaction – this was the validation he'd been hoping for. Marix wasn't hiding anything; he'd taken the necessary steps to keep people informed while also maintaining order. The man understood what needed to be done.
"There it is," he muttered, almost to himself, feeling a renewed sense of confidence. "Marix knew exactly what he was doing. The Emperor's condition – it's exactly as he said. The right call to tell the public, manage expectations."
But that contrarian Krieger just stood there with that abnormally calm expression. "Did you catch the broadcast, Falk?"
Falk glanced up, slightly annoyed. "What of it?"
"The Crown Prince's speech. The entire Imperial Family was there. They didn't look sick. Not even a bit. True, the Emperor did look a bit weak, but he looked more injured than sick. Kind of strange, don't you think?"
How irritating. Always with the 'questions'—as if Krieger had some privileged insight. Falk was certain this was typical paranoia from someone who couldn't see the bigger picture. "TB's unpredictable. Remissions happen. The Emperor's clearly responding well to treatment, or he wouldn't have been seen at all. You said it yourself; 'the Emperor did look a bit weak.'"
