Part 3

Doctor: I'm very sorry, but your condition ...
The doctor before her appears troubled.
Semmelweis: A familiar opening line, Doctor.
Semmelweis: I know what will happen next. So go ahead. Give me the bad news.
Semmelweis: It’s fine. I’m prepared for what you have to say.
Doctor: This condition is ... extremely rare.
Doctor: The majority of the records related to this condition were lost in the "Storm". Even the recovery centers won't be able to find a cure for quite some time.
Semmelweis: I see.
Semmelweis: Thank you for your honesty, Doctor.
Semmelweis: But I still have a question.
Semmelweis: How much longer do I get to live?
The doctor falls silent as he considers her question.
Doctor: Around three to six months. During this time, the condition will affect both your body and mind.
Semmelweis: So, I still have three months to live. Sounds good.
Doctor: But I can't promise that the condition won’t worsen sooner than that.
Doctor: Therefore, the Foundation has temporarily suspended your position as an investigator and has arranged for you to rest at a recovery center. That way, the medical department can keep you under observation.
Doctor: During that time, the recovery center will carry out consultations to try and find a treatment for you.
Semmelweis: I appreciate your kindness, but I'll just take it slow while I continue working on missions.
Doctor: Don't be a hero. You're not fit to continue as an investigator.
Doctor: Rest and a speedy recovery are the best options.
Semmelweis: You're right. I'm not fit to keep working as an investigator.
Semmelweis: But ... what if I were to join the Field Agent Administration?
Doctor: You mean the “History Maintenance Team”?
Doctor: Miss Semmelweis, as an investigator, there's no need for you to take on such a dangerous position!
The doctor has nearly leapt to his feet in surprise. This choice would be confusing to anyone.
Semmelweis: That may be true ... But I know the nature of field agent work better than you do. It's the best place for me right now.
Semmelweis: You and I both know this condition is incurable.
Semmelweis: Instead of spending the next three months pointlessly waiting around, I'd like to use my remaining time to contribute to the Foundation.
Doctor: The nature of the field agent teams is fundamentally different from that of investigators.
Doctor: I hope you aren't making such a big decision on a whim.
Semmelweis: So it's a little more dangerous and has a higher mortality rate ...
Semmelweis: What difference does that make to someone who has less than half a year to live?
Semmelweis: I have a lot to be grateful to the Foundation for.
Semmelweis: Unlike other arcanists, my bloodline gives me no advantage.
Semmelweis: But the Foundation still chose me to serve as an investigator.
Semmelweis: I hope, through this, I can repay the Foundation’s faith in me.
Silence.
For some time, neither Semmelweis nor the doctor break it.
The light is beginning to fall. A faint shadow outlines the doctor's body.
Doctor: ... I understand. Your feelings for the Foundation are admirable.
Doctor: —Is that what you thought I was going to say?
The doctor erupts into a harsh laugh, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Doctor: You arcanists like to think you’re so smart, but then you wind up shooting yourselves in the foot.
Doctor: Oh, I forgot. You're not even an arcanist.
Doctor: I mean, can an arcanist who can’t use arcane skills really be called an arcanist?
Semmelweis: ...
Semmelweis: I don’t know what you’re talking about, Doctor.
Semmelweis: It's an honor to contribute to the Foundation.
The doctor's face twists unnaturally.
Doctor: Neither the Foundation nor Manus Vindictae care about a “rotten wand” who can’t use arcane skills.
Semmelweis: “Rotten Wand” ... I've rarely heard that term since becoming an investigator.
Semmelweis: What a nostalgic expression.
Doctor: Ha, you may not have the arcane skills, but you certainly have the inherent stupidity of an arcanist.
Doctor: Your unique talent lies in always making the wrong decision.
Doctor: Perhaps you think this is resistance, but you’re only struggling in vain.
Doctor: Just like how the fig wasp will eventually return to the dark, cramped fig!
Doctor: Wherever you flee, the filthy, cold corner that is your destiny is waiting for you, you useless little arcanist.
Doctor: It is your fate—an irreversible fate.
Semmelweis’ expression remains unchanged, as if the doctor were talking about someone else.
She stands up and bows to him.
Semmelweis: Time’s up. I must be going. Please excuse me, Doctor.
In a flash, the doctor regains his composure.
He pushes his glasses up and once again takes his seat behind the desk.
Doctor: When did you realize this was a hallucination?
Semmelweis: From the start.
Semmelweis: You should know that I never dwell on the past.
Doctor: Yes ... But we shall meet again one day, Semmelweis.
???: ... Cap—
Semmelweis: I was prepared for this.
???: ... Cap—Captain!
Emil: Captain!
The visions before her melt away, and the unmistakable sound of the song rings anew in her ears.
Semmelweis: ...
Semmelweis: I’m fine, Emil.
Emil: Thank goodness! You finally responded!
Semmelweis: What happened just now?
Emil: Just after the battle ended, you suddenly froze in place. You weren't responding to anything!
Semmelweis: ...
The hallucinations are becoming more frequent and increasingly realistic. It's almost impossible to distinguish illusion from reality.
And it is not just hallucinations; even her own memory is failing her.
No matter how hard Semmelweis tries, she can't remember the recent battle.
This is not a good sign, but it is not unexpected.
Semmelweis: I was just a little absent-minded. Don't worry about me.
Emil: Really? You better be okay. If something happens to you, I'll have no hope of getting a promotion—
Emil cuts himself off mid-sentence, realizing his misstep. He lets out an embarrassed chuckle.
Emil: Ahaha ... Of course, your health is important too, Captain ...
Semmelweis: Don’t worry, my mind was just wandering. That’s all.
Semmelweis: Attention everyone! Clear up the battlefield and get back to searching for evidence. We must determine the whereabouts of the Manus Vindictae.
Emil: Yes, Captain!
Semmelweis looks off into the distance. The sky is turning orange as the sun dips behind the snowy mountain peaks. She lets out a small laugh.
Semmelweis: I see. So this is what you meant by “affecting both body and mind”.
Semmelweis: What a shame.
Semmelweis: But no number of illusions will shake my determination.
Semmelweis turns to leave.
The glow of the sunset spills over her, casting a long shadow.