Pandora Unchained - B1C53: Family Politics

It took a short while for Sorin to process Marcus's words. Marcus is indeed from the Sovinger branch. He's not from the Mockingjay branch under my uncle's control, and neither is he part of the Lucian branch that supports the Mockingjay branch. The implication of Marcus's words was that there was some disagreement on how to handle his situation.

"Your branch is historically a neutral branch," Sorin said after a time. "Among the neutral branches, there's the Sovinger Branch, in charge of logistics; the Defensor Branch, in charge of protection and security; and the Rosair branch, in charge of records."

"Indeed," said Marcus. "Hiring assassins is something the information branch, the Lucian branch, would do. As for the Mockingjay Branch, they would directly dispatch a punishment squad and have you eliminated. Of course, they'd need to think up a good excuse to do so, as all high-level punishment matters must be reviewed by the council of elders.

"As for your Abberjay Branch… well, it was never a big branch, to begin with, since your ancestors never tried to actively grow it in favor of maintaining the purity of the Kepler bloodline. Aside from the Grand Elder, there are maybe a hundred members left, and none of them are in important positions."

So it's likely the Grand Elder that prevented my uncle from going overboard thought Sorin. He likely also pulled the strings to have the Sovinger branch handle the will of the council. But I can't let my guard down – the Grand Elder is a heartless fellow who only cares about the good of the family.

"Your point is made with respect to the assassination attempt," Sorin admitted. "But you've still grossly interfered with my matters. There's the issue of you indirectly restricting my access to the Alchemists Guild, as well as the mass buying up of all one-star poisons in the outpost."

To Sorin's surprise, Marcus was taken aback by the accusation. "This is actually more a coincidence than anything else," said Marcus. "Believe it or not, we desperately needed these ingredients. This relates to some family activities that I cannot divulge.

"But I'm happy to let you know that we've finally received our order from Dustone after two long weeks of waiting. We've found replacements for the one-star earth flames that have gone missing of late and have restocked the Alchemists Guild as per our agreement with them. We'll now be obtaining all our supplies directly from Dustone."

"Really," said Sorin flatly. "I'll believe it when I see it."

"It's an easily verified matter," said Marcus. "As for the issue with employees you mentioned earlier, I imagine you're talking about the situation with Gabriella. I'm sure you are aware of the tradition of testing the resolve of all apprentices. Due to certain family politics, it was necessary to apply the test a second time. But I would never reject such a talented future physician. You'll be happy to know that Gabriella is now actively studying and will be qualified to take the physician's examination in two months if all goes as planned."

This only further confused Sorin. Was I mistaken in my assessment of Marcus? he thought, looking the man over. He's always come across as a snake to me. But then again, most people in the Kepler Clan are that way. He was pleased by this development but opted to remain cautious.

"If things are as you say, then I apologize for taking offense at your actions," said Sorin. "I understand the family's position and its need for stability. I don't blame you for restricting my access to the physician and alchemist occupations. Is that all, or is there anything else you want?"

"Honestly, it's a little embarrassing," said Marcus, scratching his head. "A two-star physician like me usually has no problems dealing with any cases that might come up in a small town like this. But just the other day, I encountered an issue where I almost lost a patient, and it's been greatly vexing."

Sorin raised an eyebrow. "You're a two-star physician, Marcus. Are you sure you want a consult with me, a former 1-star physician?"

"Your talent as a physician is legendary, regardless of family politics," said Marcus. "Moreover, your expertise on poison might give you another perspective. I'm also worried about potential reoccurrences in the Bloodwood Outpost. As you well know, environmental factors can often complicate simple cases."

Sorin pursed his lips and thought for a few seconds before answering. "The case?"

"A middle-aged female came to the Growing Branch clinic four days ago," Marcus explained. "A one-star physician diagnosed her condition as a minor lung infection. He fed her a standard sun and star purification potion that should have cleared out her infection within 4 hours. We kept her for observation as per protocol. Two hours into the treatment, she began suffering from sudden onset heart arrhythmia."

Sorin's frown deepened as he thought of a possible diagnosis. If it's not the lungs, then it was something connected to them. Heart? No, the symptoms don't match. Then it can only be... "It was chronic invasive blood corruption, wasn't it?"

"Indeed, it was invasive blood corruption of the second type," answered Marcus. "By the time I discovered the oversight, her condition was critical. As you know, second-type blood corruption varies greatly across cases and has no standard treatment. I, therefore, attempted a blood burn treatment while stimulating her lung, liver, and heart meridians."

"Experimental, but not ungrounded," said Sorin, fondling his chin. "Were there any adverse effects to the blood burn treatment?"

"Indeed, there were," said Marcus. "She went into anaphylactic shock. A standard throat-opening acupuncture failed to liberate her airway, forcing us to perform a physical tracheotomy. Further, her lungs began to fill with fluid. I had to use my two-star life mana to maintain her vitality until her body processed whatever was going on with her."

Sorin visualized the treatment and symptoms and sketched out multiple different explanations. In the end, he settled on the most likely explanation. "It's the sun and star purification potion that's responsible. It interacted with the blood burn treatment, causing anaphylaxis and pulmonary edema."

Marcus's brows furrowed. "I thought so at first, but the interaction between these two usually doesn't result in such symptoms. I checked the history. There are only sparse records of interactions between both medications."

"That is indeed the case," said Sorin. "She would have been fine with either the sun and star purification potion or the blood burn potion. And if not for her original symptoms, taking both would not have any adverse effects."

Marcus's eyes narrowed. "Wait, are you saying that the invasive blood corruption contributed as well?"

Sorin nodded. "It was a three-factor poison interaction. The sun and star purification potion and blood burn potion are both low-grade poisons. When they mix, they form a third poison, a weak one. This poison is normally not strong enough to affect even a weakened patient, but…"

"But corruption can amplify poisons," muttered Marcus. "Ingenious. No wonder the second treatment failed."

"It's not a common situation," Sorin reassured him. "Usually, invasive blood corruption wouldn't be missed. I imagine that some other symptoms pointed in multiple directions. The physician in question made a judgment call and chose the most likely disease. But in the end, his choice was proven wrong."

"That's indeed the case," said Marcus with a sigh. "I can't blame the man, as I would have probably chosen the same at his level. It was only after the fact that we discovered the underlying cause."

"Such is the case with so many of our diagnoses," said Sorin. "We're always making best guesses, and it isn't until the situation turns for the worst that we realize the mistakes we've committed."

"Very good," said Marcus. "I'm both relieved at the explanation and more confident in applying the blood burn treatment for this condition. I'll also have my staff look out for cases of invasive blood corruption. Environmental factors in the Bloodwood Outpost may produce cases with similar symptoms." He then tapped his fingers on the table and gave Sorin an appraising look. "I'll see if I can get some of your things returned. Glassware. Reference books. The medical mannequin. These objects are not problematic, so I see no reason to keep them from you. But the Divine Medical Codex can't be returned. The elders were strict on this."

Sorin smiled lightly. "What is it that you want in return for this favor?"

"This is simply how things would have developed in a few months," said Marcus. "The idea was to beat you down, then to give you a consolation prize to shut you up. But given your growth, I've chosen to accelerate the process."

"And what exactly would that consolation prize be?" asked Sorin. "My own things don't exactly qualify."

"The family has decided to allow you one designation," said Marcus. "Apothecary."

Sorin frowned. "That's a half-baked alchemist at best. They're allowed to concoct poisons only and attract a great deal of prejudice from all levels of society."

"Apothecaries are valuable individuals," corrected Marcus. "Regardless of what people think. Moreover, they operate under the jurisdiction of both the Alchemists Guild and the Medical Association to prevent adverse outcomes.

"This is a legitimate career and can be pursued in conjunction with your adventuring. Moreover, it will further alienate you from the physician and alchemist occupations. All the family asks in return is that you agree to consult on difficult cases that are within your capabilities. They will otherwise not interfere with your activities and will even issue you commissions on occasion. For example, I'm in great need of help concocting certain poisons useful in my clinic."

Sorin nodded slowly. This did solve a few of his pressing matters, namely access to a lab and certain restricted one-star poisons. "Fine," he said. "I agree."

"Excellent," said Marcus. "Your things are in storage, and I'll have them sent back in no more than 3 days. As for the paperwork with the Alchemists' Association, there should be no issues. We'll use your prior status as a 1-star physician to bypass the need for an examination."

Marcus then made up an excuse about a cauldron of pills needing his attention and left the Kepler Manor. Sorin was still deep in thought an hour later.

"Dinner will be ready soon, Mister Kepler," said Percival. "Perhaps you would like to wash up before then?"

"What's your read on Marcus?" Sorin asked Percival. Given his prior occupation and his extended service to the Kepler Clan, he would have his own insight into the situation.

"He's a snake," said Percival without hesitation. "A manipulator."

"I thought so," said Sorin, looking out the window. "You and Clarice can go ahead and eat, Percival. I'll be in my office for the next few hours making plans. I don't expect I'll be done until well into the evening."

"I'll bring up a plate once dinner is done," said Percival.

"Make it four," said Sorin. "Otherwise, Lorimer will cause a mess again."