19

As the hours elapsed, the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense. The ongoing exchanges, detailed explanations, disagreements, and probing questions rendered Jerald increasingly uncomfortable. The two individuals before him appeared to be engaged in a verbal battle, with each minor error seized upon and used to their advantage. Overwhelmed by the relentless nature of the discussion, he rose quietly and exited to seek some respite.

The somber office, characterized by its monotonous routine, felt more stifling than usual. The paperwork cluttered every available surface, and at the center of the room, John occupied his chair behind a massive central desk. The desk was laden with ominous-looking files, stacked at its edges. Opposite him, Mey sat with impeccable posture, her substantial file resting heavily in her lap. The file was open, and she struggled to manage its weight as she diligently reviewed it, addressing John's investigative queries with precision.

Three hours into the session, it seemed that the meeting was nearing its conclusion. Mey had adeptly answered all of John's inquiries and elucidated the rationale behind the revised planning and laboratory maneuvers. The session had been lengthy and intense, with John adopting an unusually stringent approach. Nonetheless, Mey responded effectively, providing well-reasoned justifications for each question posed.

"Doctor, your request to continue research on plasma treatment will be duly considered. There is a substantial likelihood that it will be approved," John declared, closing his files and meticulously arranging the scattered papers before him.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Mey responded, offering a slight bow. After a moment of contemplation, she continued, "Your Highness, I wish to make an additional request. I seek permission to travel to the Sereath District to directly investigate the root cause of the epidemic. As I have previously indicated, there appears to be a geographical component to this outbreak. It cannot be solely attributed to contact transmission. There must be a significant factor in Sereath."

"Doctor, as I have previously informed you, such a request cannot be accommodated. Royal doctors are not permitted to operate outside the palace, particularly beyond the capital. Additionally, we cannot permit you to leave, given the critical nature of the research you are conducting here at the royal hospital," John replied, his tone firm and resolute.

"But I must—"

"The decision is final. You are not authorized to proceed. This is a matter that even His Majesty, the King, would be unable to alter. He, more than anyone else, is firmly opposed to this course of action. Thus, the decision stands."

John was generally known for his leniency and helpfulness, though he adhered strictly to protocols. However, he had been noticeably stricter with Mey. He was conscious of his heightened rigidity, though he knew that even without it, the outcome would remain unchanged. Despite his unease with his own behavior, he was unsure how to address it. His discontent was not due to personal animosity but rather a vague discomfort with her presence. Furthermore, His Majesty’s unexpected support for Mey added to John’s unease, leaving him feeling unsettled and perhaps even envious. His irritation with her was evident, though the exact reason remained unclear.

"You are dismissed," John said, cutting off any further attempts she might make to persuade him.

Mey appeared defeated. The disappointment from John’s response was evident on her face, as she could no longer maintain her usual composure. She was too fatigued to defend her position further and lacked the energy to counter his arguments. Accepting her defeat, she resolved to address the matter another day and desired to return to the hospital. She bowed respectfully.

"Yes, Your Highness. I beg your pardon," she said, gathering the heavy file into her bag and rising to leave. However, as she took her first step, the world around her began to spin. She lost her balance, her vision blurred, and her ears rang. She collapsed to the floor, the large file falling with a resounding thud, and papers scattered across the room.