The figure of a woman dressed in a long brown coat walks ahead at a steady pace, followed by the nervous young lady.
Marcus: E-Excuse me, are you from the Foundation ...?
Hofmann: Yes. It seems I will be able to skip my introduction.
Hofmann nods, seemingly ignoring or neglecting the panic in Marcus's tone.
Marcus: I-I'm so sorry ... for having made you come all this way. I-I will respond to the Foundation as soon as possible. I-I promise!
Hofmann halts her steps and turns around.
Her puzzled gaze accurately catches Marcus's evasive eyes.
Hofmann: ...?
Hofmann: The Foundation's application has been approved by the local government. From today onward, a small portion of this archipelago will be set aside for our use as an experimentation site.
Marcus: Experiments ...?
Hofmann: Yes, for an upcoming observation project, jointly operated between the Foundation and Laplace. It involves a new arcanist theory.
Marcus: Am I ... not supposed to know about this?
Marcus takes a few steps back with a flinch.
Hofmann: No. No, it's not confidential. Laplace does not intend to keep its work here a secret.
Marcus: Observation project ... Laplace ... Emerging arcanist theory ...
Marcus: Oh! I think ... I've read about this before—the study of ley lines?
Hofmann: Correct. Laplace published the theory in their second edition of the Frontier of Times journal. Just some basic introductions, of course, nothing monumental.
Hofmann: Hofmann nods, nonplussed by Marcus's breadth of reading.
Hofmann: The Foundation will be responsible for this project's application procedures and field confirmation. Of course, we will aim to minimize any impacts on the natural surroundings as much as possible.
She turns around to look at the solitary tower perched on the cliff.
Hofmann: Should you, or they, have any concerns, please contact our Eilean Siar branch for further assistance.
Marcus: So ... you are not here about my investigation?
Hofmann: My sole task here is to survey the Flannan Isles. I've no time nor inclination to meddle in the affairs of some unregistered arcanist.
The lingering specter of the other investigator finally fades from her mind.
Hofmann: My visit is not part of any assigned mission.
Marcus: ... I see.
Hofmann: This is out of my own interest, as a reader.
Marcus: What?!
Marcus: You ... read my column?
Hofmann: Yes, from the first edition to the very latest. I must say, they have been very informative.
The horrifying letters from before seem to have grown wings, ready to swarm Marcus once more.
She bows her head as if awaiting the imminent drop of a guillotine.
Hofmann: Out of curiosity, I went through the trouble of finding some of your earlier works.
Hofmann: You have covered a wide range of topics in great detail. Unfortunately, it seemed the space provided to you by your magazine has been, till now, quite limited.
Marcus: Oh, those ... They weren't much ... Just a few jottings, really ... I thought nobody remembered them ... haha ...
Though her body feels stiff, Marcus forces out an awkward smile.
Hofmann: Arcanum and Lighthouse Lens Maintenance. Do you remember this article?
Marcus: ... That was my first submission after arriving in the Flannan Isles from Romania.
Hofmann: Hofmann nods, indifferent to the nearly overwhelming blush on Marcus's cheeks.
Hofmann: The way you relayed the specifics of Lighthouse keeping with such great enthusiasm, it was as if you felt it had something to offer to every reader.
Hofmann: The internal structure, differences in lighthouse design in various locales, the evolution of light sources, advancements in lamp maintenance ... Even the ideal number of lighthouse keepers.
Hofmann: Frankly, I found it perhaps a little overwrought but still undoubtedly worth reading.
Marcus: I'm sor—hmm?!
Hofmann: "Dear friends, imagine a flame that requires no fuel, immune to extinguishing no matter in cold wind or heavy rain, and shines bright enough to illuminate the sea even through the thickest of fog ..."
Hofmann: "Might we then be able to save on nearly a century's worth of gas or electricity expenses ... and redirect those funds to more pressing matters?
Hofmann: "As it happens, on a small island surrounded by warm waters, there exists just such fiery critters. These docile and nocturnal creatures could well be suitable for use as endlessly reproducible light sources ..."
Hofmann: There were many more descriptions like this.
Marcus: ... I'm surprised you remember them so well, Madam Hofmann.
Hofmann: Ms. Marcus, you must understand one thing. Though discrimination against arcanists has become less severe in our era, it remains, for most humans, an ingrained habit.
Hofmann: One that won't change overnight.
Marcus: …
Hofmann: Why are you still trying to introduce arcanum to the human world you're not familiar with?
Marcus falls silent for a while, her previous blush turning into a cold sweat.
Her unspoken thoughts, aspirations as a writer, and her inner struggles ... It felt as though this Hofmann saw through them all.
Yet, feeling as though she had been spared the headman's axe for today at least, she raised her eyes upwards.
Marcus: That's ... I suppose that's a valid question. Perhaps I am too naive ...
Marcus: For me, I've always seen the world as just a kind of puzzle book. Perplexing riddles, obscure words, and bewildering images ... One I was happy to keep at a distance. Even if it had many pleasant aspects ...
Marcus: Human science, progressive ideologies, arcanists' sports, various newly discovered critters, and many, many more ...
Marcus: I wanted to share those things, the pleasant ones, they deserve to be known by more people—whether humans or arcanists.
Marcus: Her voice is trembling yet grows more resolute on each word.
Marcus: If I keep reading, I'll eventually find the answers to everything. I can introduce human arts and crafts to the arcanists, and demystify arcanist fables and legends for the humans ...
Marcus: I'll be the bridge between humans and arcanists, helping them understand one another.
Marcus: …
Marcus: Oh dear ... D-Did I say that all out loud ...?
Marcus: She awkwardly gasps trying to take in a great puff of the fresh sea air, her face flushing red from ear to ear.
Still, a gentle but intentional clap of applause follows.
Hofmann: That is a great aspiration, Ms. Marcus.
Hofmann: The Foundation has been working toward the very same goal.
Marcus: Thank you for your kind words, Madam Hofmann ...
Yet, the "catastrophe" flashes through her mind once more, plunging her back into cold reality.
Marcus: Only, it seems my writing has done nothing but push me further from my goal ... Not only have I failed to demystify arcanum, I failed my publisher's expectation and my readers ...
Marcus: I couldn't even write a serviceable story ...
Hofmann: Ah, do you mean this edition?
Hofmann produces a folded magazine. The images of the Flannan Isles on it coldly clutch at Marcus's heart.
Marcus: Y-You didn't throw it away ...?
Hofmann: You underestimate yourself, Ms. Marcus. The story isn't as hopeless as you think.
Marcus: ... I don't quite understand what you mean.
Her breath quickens.
Marcus: Madam Hofmann, a-are you saying that I might still be able to turn this story around?
Hofmann: Humans often read things differently from arcanists. What arcanists consider perspicuous may, on the contrary, read as unfathomable to humans.
Hofmann: Compared to the wild, divergent way of thinking of arcanists, humans are more inclined toward concrete conclusions backed by hard evidence.
Hofmann: After arriving here, I quickly grasped the gap in thinking between yourself and the human readers of History of the Flannan Isles.
Hofmann: To begin with, just how many people do you think are aware of the existence of ghosts?
Marcus stops in place as she goes over Hofmann's unexpectedly stunning question.
Marcus: Well, I understand the story of the Brown Lady of Raynham Hall is widespread. Many people have tried to find her ... Meanwhile, the ghosts of the Graham Mansion are probably only known to the Scottish people ...
Marcus: The White Lady is quite famous in Germany, but people mostly tell her stories to scare children ...
Hofmann: Ah, so now you see it, don't you, Ms. Marcus?
Hofmann: History of the Flannan Isles is published in the Daydream Post historical column. For most of its audience, the existence of ghosts is beyond far-fetched.
Hofmann: For you to adapt the stories of three ghosts, without ever taking the time to explain the ghosts themselves to your readers. Well, is it any wonder so many doubted you?
Hofmann: Your readers couldn't see and understand your ghost friends as you do. Nor could they have realized these ghosts were nearly as equally about the truths of the Flannan Isles as anyone else.
Hofmann: The readers followed the ghosts throughout the story, but never got to know them. They also couldn't fully understand the parts on arcanum. The readers didn't feel engaged.
Hofmann puts away the magazine.
Marcus: …
Marcus: ...
Marcus: You're right ... I kept saying that I wanted humans and arcanists to understand one another, that I wanted to bring readers a more profound experience, but in doing so, I overlooked the obvious ...
Marcus: H-How did I let this happen …
Marcus: A strong sense of regret surges up to her throat involuntarily.
Hofmann: Humans are often unable to sense the subtle folds in emotions. They're confined by their rational senses. On the other hand, arcanists can just as easily be trapped by their emotions, overlooking the obvious, as you say. So ...
Hofmann: Don't blame yourself for this.
A touch of warmth reaches Marcus's shoulder.
Marcus lifts her head blankly, not yet realizing that Hofmann picked up her pen from the ground.
Hofmann: As an arcanist, you can "read" the intricacies of the world that others would easily miss, but that is also the problem.
Hofmann: Human readers are more used to sifting through clues and details to make logical sense of the story. They also like to simplify things and draw a single conclusion.
Hofmann: If you would permit me to offer some editorial advice for your History of the Flannan Isles, I have a suggestion.
Marcus: P-Please tell me.
Hofmann: You need to find some answers of your own.
Marcus: Conclusions ... of my own?
Hofmann: I think, you yourself do not yet know all the mysteries of the Flannan Isles? But do you believe you can unravel all the truths about this place?
Marcus: No ... I-I don't think I can ...
Marcus: Perhaps ... creating this column was a mistake, after all?
Hofmann: No, Ms. Marcus. Not knowing the truth is nothing at all to be ashamed of.
Hofmann: Rationality drives us to understand reality as we see it. Curiosity aids us in searching for the puzzles yet to be solved. Both of them must be the fuels that power your writing.
Marcus: I thought a writer should be absolutely certain about everything they write ...
Marcus: If my readers want conclusions, how could they accept that there are puzzles that even I cannot solve ...?
Hofmann: I think they will. If you offer them the chance.
Hofmann: They will understand your confusion and curiosity, as well as your passion for trying to unravel these mysteries.
Hofmann: Whether you find the truth or not, it is the journey that keeps us engaged. What they need is an exhilarating experience from the perspective of an arcanist.
Marcus: Spark their curiosity with puzzles I've still left unsolved ... Do you think my story could really do that?
Marcus: Can I really inspire them to seek the truth themselves ...?
Hofmann: Perhaps. To seek the truth is a long journey, but still ...
Hofmann: When we bravely admit that truth doesn't always exist, we find another truth. And this courage deserves respect.
The sun isn't any brighter than usual, nestled under the blanket of cloudy sea air.
But its dazzling warmth still seems to scorch her for the first time in a long time.
Marcus: Madam Hofmann didn't stay long.
Marcus: But she left behind a journal filled with her comments and suggestions, and an address as concise as she was.
Marcus: To a nameless small island near the Flannan Isles, where Madam Hofmann said she will continue her work for a few weeks before returning to the Foundation.
Marcus: She also spoke with me about joining the Foundation before she left ...
Marcus: But for the time being, I still felt I had more pressing matters to attend to.
Marcus: I picked up my pen and courage again to face up to my catastrophe and overcome it.
Marcus: I took Madam Hoffman's advice to heart. My writing was no longer crammed with every detail until I began to scribble in the margins and between the rows ...
Marcus: This revision was, quite frankly, an extensive overhaul. The gentlemen ghosts voiced some over-eager protests despite my repeated apologies ...
Marcus: But Madam Hofmann's comments and suggestions instilled great courage in me.
Marcus: And finally ...
Marcus: I completed it.
