excu

–The above is the oral will of Executor Bertoni.

That was likely nothing more than Bertoni's form of self-deprecation, or some joke.

Finally, I couldn't hold myself back from cutting in.

The lines he drew formed various geometric figures, arranged into an orderly array upon the sheet of paper. But my eyes see no rhyme or reason to them.

I can't help but to wonder, did Bertoni have his own diagram of this sort when he uttered those words?

Your Cardinal, I have the ability to determine whether information is truthful or not.

Though I am unable to empathize with him, I have had similar experiences, and able to determine whether he truly meant those words.

Because, it is extremely rare to have misunderstandings arise from the receipt of false signals.

Federico maintains his composure from beginning to end. Anyone would think that him a cold and heartless man.

Just a few minutes ago, I was trying to determine whether his lack of empathy would affect his work for the Notarial Hall.

But now, I once again find myself beginning to sigh at this young man's performance.

I ask myself: Yes, Federico Giallo has his flaws, but so what?

Could it be said that because of his flaws, he is an emotionless, mechanical, and unfeeling individual?

Is this method of reading emotions through lines something you were born with as well?

No, this is a method that my parents taught me.

For the first time, the young man hesitates at my questioning.

I see his hands move again while he speaks, drawing more shapes upon the white paper.

But this time there is no need for me to ask what they mean, nor should I.

They were formerly members of the Pontifica Cohors and later transferred to the Notarial Hall as Executors, who died in the line of duty.

Part of their will was for me to be able to understand emotions, and the time I witnessed their deaths was the first attempt I made at interpreting this.

Sadness, wistfulness.

There are some similarities with Executor Bertoni's case.

Hmm?

Your mood has changed again. Why?

I have no way of answering the question.

After so many years in this line of work, I certainly do not wear my heart on my sleeves anymore.

But, this young man speaks so firmly, without a shred of doubt.

As executors of the Notarial Hall, we are more likely than any other Laterans to witness human life in all its myriad forms. From the living to the dead, we must confront all of it.

In this sense, it is perhaps only Federico among us who truly has no distractions.

Perhaps... he has what it takes to become an exemplar of an executor.

Thank you for answering all my questions.

Federico, what do you plan to do next?

Though it lacked a formal application process and was only dictated by the parties involved, Bertoni's will was witnessed by another executor.

Under these circumstances, I believe that his dictation can be regarded as a formal will.

As such, I will submit my application to carry out this will.

After saying that, the young executor's expression changes slightly for the first time.

It is a subtle frown.

...I have applied for the funding needed to purchase a hundred scoops of gelato.

I will carry out what the living and deceased have entrusted to me...

...no matter what.

Federico... Federico! You're walking too fast! Please, wait up!

What's the matter, Trainee Roberto?

C'mon, why are you acting so cold? Didn't we both report in to the Notarial Hall on the same day? We're practically destined to become best buds, aren't we?

I promised Ranieri that I'd visit his sweets shop after work to have some pudding. You should come too!

That is an agreement between you and Trainee Ranieri. There's no need to involve me.

Also, please remove your hand from my shoulder. Excessive physical contact interferes with the efficiency of my work.

What work...? Oh, are you talking about the investigation we just did of the Pagus Stevonus Central Hospital?

That would be the only item on our list of outstanding tasks.

But didn't the doctor say that everyone involved in the accident came down with some disease?

Something went wrong with the patients' collective empathy... While that's tragic, we're executors, not medics, and there's not a whole lot we can do.

I've already reviewed the hospital records. Diseases related to the loss of collective empathy are extremely rare, with only seven recorded cases. Whereas in the past three days, we've received fifteen patients with the exact same symptoms across the various districts.

Statistical anomalies like this cannot be ignored.

So you suspect they're not actually sick? Then, what do you think is causing all this? Ha, you don't think there's some weirdo out there purposefully stuffing their heads full of emotions that don't belong to them, do you?

It is certainly one possibility.

...I was just kidding.

I would need to do more research before making any further conjectures.

Alright then. Sounds like you won't be enjoying yourself with us. I can get a few muffins for you though – what flavor do you... Hey, would it kill you to stop walking so fast?!

...And that is the general outline of the case.

As you are a famous neurosurgeon, I am here to ask for your professional opinion.

Is there any way to artificially interfere with the collective empathy between Sankta?

Interfering with our collective empathy... *cough*, *cough*! Fede, what you speak of is utterly impossible. Our empathy is a miracle unique to our race. Who could possibly hope to pry it wide open?

...Impossible?

Understood. Thank you for sharing your professional input.

As always, I brought some food, and will leave it in the fridge.

...The fridge is full. I'll dump out some of the expired food before I leave.

I know how busy you are with work. You don't have to keep visiting me all the time.

The curtains are drawn open.

The curtains? *cough*, *cough* That was me. I went out a bit, earlier in the day. Why?

Avuncle, I don't have classes right now, and can stay for up to a week.

I was planning on clearing up some of the clutter in the living room today. I learned some Arts for quickly crushing hard objects that should prove useful in a large cleanup.

Out of consideration for the possible noise, I'd advise you to stay inside. I'll relocate any of your valuables, so...

...It's gone.

What's gone?

The cello. Arturia always kept it by the window. Now, the curtains are drawn open and the cello is gone.

Did she leave?

...I let her go.

I sent her to Leithanien. She's had so many teachers anyway, and they've all praised her 'gift.'

Hah. 'Gift'! The damn thing ruined your aunt, the woman I loved!

You still can't accept her.

How could I? Whenever I see her, whenever I hear her music... I'm reminded of the pain of losing a loved one.

Mm. The pain you feel has even started to affect your physical health.

Fede, you have no idea how much I envy you. Do you not miss the people who've passed on? Like your aunt, or your parents?

I remember every detail of the time I spent with them.

But do you ever go crazy thinking about how much you miss them? Do you ever feel regret for not spending your time with them more meaningfully?

Mater taught me that if I always make the best possible choice in the moment, then there is nothing to regret.

...Which is why I envy you. Because her music won't affect you.

Ha. It goes beyond that though, child. I envy you and your lack of empathy. I envy you for not becoming addicted to emotions, let alone regret.

Based on what I see, you've already started to regret your latest decision.

You know full well that Leithanien's synthesis of musical and Arts talent will only serve to further strengthen Arturia's Arts.

During the funeral, she made everyone who heard her music recall my aunt, and in the process revealed their hidden emotions.

Fortunately, everyone's lives returned to normal after the performance. Aside from some embarrassing memories, her music did not cause any lasting harm.

But that may not be the case next time. When she returns to Laterano, her special 'gift' may cause even greater turmoil.

Even greater turmoil.

For example, some low-probability events that would otherwise never happen.

Federico looks to the window. Indeed, there is no longer a cello casting its shadow beside it.

But Federico's memory never errs. For the last four years, Marcello had never opened the curtains, no matter how bright the sun was outside.

To be more precise, he found it unbearable to even approach the place where the cello once rested.

When I told you about the case, I did not mention that it was an 'empathetic expansion' incident.

Hmm...

You don't have to answer the questions I am about to ask, but know that I will also interpret your silence as an answer.