It has been two days since Euler's contact with Mara. At this time, Violet was finishing up a simple commission with a client in the city of Leiden, and readying to depart.
"You're quite well-behaved and considerate, Violet. I gave you quite a cold shoulder at the beginning because I had some…preconception about you. But I guess I owe you an apology now." The client said.
"What do you mean by that, sir?" Violet said.
"You don't know? A newspaper just published as the CH Postal company sent you for my commission. Saying something like you were a disgrace to a doll industry as well as Leidenschaftlich's thorn in the side in the battle against Undying One."
The news surprised Violet, then stung her in the heart. "Well, maybe there is some element of truth when they say I'm the thorn…But I'm not so sure about being a disgrace to a doll industry."
"Whatever they're on about, you've done a great job as far as I'm concerned. It was just me thinking out loud, that's all. You can go back home now."
"Um, is it alright if you can spare me the newspaper that you've mentioned?"
"Sure, why not?"
Violet walked out of the client's house with the newspaper. She opened it, and read the content, with a headline reading:
Mayor announces temporary order regarding civilian disruption in police work
After discussion with Euler Pierce, whom is responsible in leading the Leiden police force to fight against Undying One, the mayor of Leiden decided to put in place a temporary law to enforce more harsh sentences in disrupting police force, specifically for Undying One.
"Let me clarify, I don't take pleasure in this." Said the mayor. "But with a threat of Undying One still looming, Mr. Pierce has emphasized on the importance of smooth flow in his plan to defeat Undying One for good. If the civilians demonstrate to observe and respect this law, we will consider dismantling this law."
"It's quite a shame that one individual civilian who's arrogant enough to think she can take on Undying One herself could bring consequences that affect us all." Said Euler Pierce. "Violet Evergarden's involvement brought serious disharmony, and ultimately led to more damage and no progress in defeating Undying One. I've warned her to not intervene in past, yet her inconsiderate pride got better of her, and now we don't know if we missed the chance to take down Undying One for good. No words fit better than that she is a thorn in the side of Leidenschaftlich's battle against Undying One. Should she refuse to comply with this new, temporary law, we will have no choice but to charge her with serious crime, but also expand our temporary law to be stricter. If Leidenschaftlich truly cared to be free of Undying One's terror, I expect and hope that they would cooperate."
"I'm quite disappointed myself too." Said Mara Davis, the founder of the doll industry. "Ever since her unnecessarily dangerous stunt in stopping anti-peace terrorists on a train, she developed a feral mindset of intervening into affairs of others as she sees fit. She is a disgrace to the face of the doll industry after a great disturbance she caused to the police force. But worst of all, Violet has put both me and the whole doll into danger as he is after her for who knows what reason. We don't need a doll who would selfishly intervene in other's problems for her own fame without consideration of other's feelings and consequences. If her employer could hear me right now, I suggest them to do the right thing and revoke her right to work."
Violet was at a loss after what she had just read. The tone of the newspaper radiated unfounded malice from Euler, and she had mix of confusion and sadness of such elevation of his displeasure against her. Such malice made Violet want to deny what Euler and Mara had just written, yet her recent doubts about herself made it difficult to do so.
"My close ones say it's not my fault, yet I can't shake off this feeling of possibility that I've greatly wronged the city. What is the truth then?"
At this time, Claudia had read the content of the newspaper, and now has visited a local police office to protest against it. "I'm telling you, isn't this a ground for slander? She only tried to help out there." Claudia said.
"Sorry sir, but what's written in the newspaper is just written. Not something we can do about unless you have some conclusive grounds to investigate for lies." Officer Mike replied. "Besides, don't you think this is not an appropriate place to complain about the newspaper? Maybe you'll have a better luck at the news station or even consult a lawyer about it."
"It's because I'm also concerned that the police and the city is putting so much leverage into one man who's only merit is providing 'solutions' against Undying One, so much so that he's even having a say in the law."
"Look, you have to understand; all of us were shaken at core when we got helplessly tossed around like a toy by Undying One. Police may enforce laws, but our duty is also to protect civilians. If the impression of us being powerless is spread around, the city would've been thrown into panic, and we'd have failed as police."
"That still doesn't justify putting much stake into a single man; it is unwise to put that much stake into one asset. If you need help that much, wouldn't it be wiser to employ all kinds of assets to help fight Undying One? I'm sure the Leidenschaftlich military would be happy to you too."
"Undying One is not a simple threat that something as simple as military soldiers can resist against. Don't you understand the significance of Mr. Pierce's help such that we have some hope rather than no hope at all in defeating him?" Officer Mike sighed. "Anyway, why are you here to complain about what's on the newspaper? What's in you for you?"
"It's because Violet is one of my valued workers at my postal company. I'm sure you'd understand the feeling of the ones you cared about being slandered."
"Oh, I see. Now it makes sense why you'd want to deny that she's been a nuisance to us. Unfortunately for you though, at the end of the day, the decision we make is up to us, and not the civilians. What would you know anyway about being in a battle or tactics?"
Claudia sighed at the last sentence, remembering the days he fought in a war. "I can see that Mr. Pierce's persona has been rubbing onto you. Though I won't deny Mr. Pierce's contribution in the fight against Undying One, it feels as if he thinks he can carelessly spout words as if he is some sort of prophet. I express my pity to the police force working with someone like this."
Officer Mike shook his head. "If you don't have any other business, I'd appreciate it if we can resume our duties."
"Farewell then. I wish you good luck in your future battles." Claudia returned to his office afterwards. Sitting down, he thought and concluded that however he did it, Euler Pierce corrupted the police force to put all the leverages onto him. Claudia treated this situation the same way as how a self-centered military general could eventually lead the army into demise.
But more importantly, it didn't make sense to Claudia of why Euler wouldn't accept any other help to bring down Undying One. Wouldn't he want to use assets like military manpower or even Violet to combine it with whatever gadgets he had to secure victory? Whatever Euler was planning, Claudia couldn't bear to let it happen and let the fight with Undying One drag on for a long time. Claudia then made a phone call to one of his old comrades from war.
At some point in time, Euler was invited to a local radio station to talk with the anchor host. The name of the host was none other than Terry Vermillion. Euler remembered that name clearly, as Dr. Han was the one who talked with him on the radio to spread misguided conclusions on his radiation therapy. Euler walked in the room with a rather tense feeling, and Terry motioned him to sit down for the radio. As the time for the channel to air began, Terry began the introduction.
"Good evening, everyone, welcome back to our news channel, your reliable source of information delivered by none other than Terry Vermillion! Today, we have the honor of speaking with a renowned and important guest who is working hard to fight against horrible Undying One, Mr. Euler Pierce! He said that he wants to clear any misunderstandings and suspicions about the new temporary law being enforced by the Leiden city. Without further ado, I will let Mr. Pierce say what's on his mind.
"Thank you, Terry. Some civilians have expressed concerns about my expanding influence in this city. I do admit that I have suggested the temporary law to have more severe punishment in disrupting the police in their duties, especially for fight against Undying One. But let me assure you, that it is really easy to obey this law; for no ordinary civilian would dare to face Undying One. Simply do what you've always done in your life; leave all the fighting to the police with my armaments and cause no disruptions. That should be familiar and comfortable to everyone, I assume. Well, save for the individual who caused this law to be enacted in the first place."
"Would that mean that if it wasn't for this individual, this law would not have been considered in the first place?"
"Correct. I don't really take pleasure in having to resort to this to ensure smooth operation in the fight against Undying One, but it's quite tragic how one's pursuit of own glory could affect the entire city like this. Perhaps the power that the individual possesses is a curse for them after all."
"Some are voicing that introducing a new law could open a room for say, 'more oppressive' new laws, give them an inch and they take a mile, as they say. What would you say in response to that, Mr. Pierce?"
"Before I answer that, let me ask how this city even managed to make it to this far without enacting an emergency law considering the amount of threat Undying One posed. I could picture a military being deployed, all civilians being policed, and areas monitored everywhere, yet here we are, getting a slap in a wrist with this law that is child's play compared to those scenarios. I've made it possible for us, Terry. And if the civilians are willing to cooperate to not disrupt our battle, then there will be no more need nor excuse to enforce more temporary laws. All I can say is to put a trust in us, and the need for this temporary law will vanish when Undying One is gone for good."
"Splendid answer, Mr. Pierce! I'm sure most people in this city are immensely grateful for the work you do for us, and your initiative to be transparent with us about this new law would surely solidify your good reputation! It's not normally in my character to say something like this, but you're something of a great hero yourself, Mr. Pierce, and I don't think no one will find a problem with that title."
Euler became reminded of the time when he was overwhelmed by what he thought was a breakthrough in recognizing the truth of this world. It was after he was slandered twice, one for radiation therapy for his master, and one for his typewriter invention. The memories of Dr. Han freely slandering Euler on radio returned to him, as well as how he was supposed to be a hero while Euler was a maniac. And now, here he was, being forgotten again of his past.
With surge of mixed emotions, Euler spoke up. "Why yes, just like that time, Terry. When Dr. Han was supposed to be a savior of field of medicine from my influence."
"Hm? Do you have more to say?"
"I remember like yesterday of how my image changed from miracle worker to being called likes of lunatic, maniac, and perhaps even malicious." Euler's voice progressively got louder. "I remember how Dr. Han sat here in this chair, comfortably getting away with spewing lies about my new therapy and somehow convincing the city that I was out to poison everyone with radiation! From that point on, I don't think you'd accept me as a guest given my reputation, yet now you're very excited to have me as a guest as my situation changed!" Though only could Terry see him, Euler sat up and became more expressive. "And yet here I am helping this city who got my beloved master killed for their paranoia, the one who gifted me with exceptional intellect to move humanity forward. To this day, I still hold on to that purpose my master has entrusted me, while looking after the city who is always willing to forget who I was in the past as they saw fit!"
An awkward silence went on between Terry and Euler, as well as the people who were listening to the radio. Terry looked down as if he was in presence of an enraged police officer. Finally, Terry broke the silence. "I'm…not so sure of what is the matter…But if you were looking for an apology, then I sincerely apologize, Mr. Pierce…So then, what was it you wanted to say?"
Euler wished to say it, as if it was a crucial breakthrough. However, if he said it, it would buy more questions and suspicion of his agenda and plans. Besides, long time ago, he learned the hard way of how brutal, cold truth killed atmosphere and one's image ultimately. "N-Nothing, Terry. I apologize, it's not usually the case that I let my emotions break loose like that…" As he sat down, it felt as if he would explode from the urge to tell what was on his mind. But the circumstance didn't allow him to, and despite potentially thousands of people listening to him, he felt an unexpected loneliness inside.