tales of perdolia

chapter 40

Chapter 40: The New Law

The city was under the Empire's rule, and everything was changing rapidly. Professor Green, now the mayor, stood alongside the Empire's officials as they implemented new laws. One of the most invasive laws was the mandatory use of the Anatomy Machines, devices that scanned people's bodies to determine their species.

Eliza watched with a mix of emotions as people lined up to be scanned. She was relieved that her husband was alive, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that he was hiding something from her. As she looked at Professor Green, she remembered the man he used to be - friendly, approachable, and passionate about teaching.

She recalled how he used to teach Basil, Abisai, and Amelia, patiently guiding them through the language of English. But now, he seemed different, almost calculated. Eliza's mind wandered to the people he had encountered in the past, the Perdolians he had befriended. Why didn't he remember them?

"Do you remember your students, Basil and Abisai, and Amelia?" Eliza asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "And your other friends, Cloud and Tifa Lockhart, and Catherine Cruizinagi?"

Professor Green's expression faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "I remember most of them, but I don't remember a Basil," he replied, his tone measured.

Eliza's suspicions were confirmed. The Empire had done something to him, something that made him forget his past. She thought to herself, "The Empire did something to him, but what?"

Determined to uncover the truth, Eliza decided to reach out to someone she hadn't spoken to in a while, someone who might be able to help her understand what was happening to her husband. She hoped that together, they could uncover the truth and bring Professor Green back to his true self.

The Krizanagi residence was a hub of activity as Sirius and Tony prepared to sneak into the city. However, their plans were interrupted when the door swung open, revealing Eliza standing in the entrance. Her eyes widened as she took in the group of Perdolians before her.

"I'm looking for Catherine Kruzanagi and her son and daughter, Abisai and Lily," Eliza said, her voice firm despite the surprise etched on her face.

Before anyone could react, Eliza held up her hands in a calming gesture. "Wait, I'm on your side. I'm not here to cause any trouble."

Tony's expression softened as he nodded. "We know who you are. You're the mayor's wife, Professor Green Thomas."

Just then, Catherine appeared at the top of the stairs, her robes flowing behind her. "Eliza, it's been years," she said, her voice warm with familiarity. "What happened?"

The group made their way to the living room, where Amelia brought them tea. Eliza's eyes met Catherine's, and she began to explain her concerns. "There's so much I need to talk to you about. I want to know what the Empire did to my husband. For some reason, he doesn't remember anything about the Perdolians or his encounter with Basil. All he knows is that Haven Knights are the enemy."

Eliza's voice cracked with emotion. "But I know deep down that is not the man I fell in love with. I need to know if you know something, please tell me."

Austria's expression turned somber as she leaned forward, her eyes locked on Eliza's. "It is very complicated to give you a direct answer about what the Empire did to your husband," she said, her voice measured.

Eliza's face twisted in frustration. "So you don't know?" she demanded, her voice rising.

Austria's gaze never wavered. "Don't get me wrong, human, I didn't say that," she replied, her tone firm but gentle.