I felt strangely energetic as I dashed out of the darkroom. Revitalized, and unburdened, as if I had been reborn...but in an oddly disorienting way. It was as if, rather than being restored, my mind had now been lost completely; sent somewhere distant and out of reach. I skidded to a stop in the hallway, suddenly realizing that I did not remember the way out of the Archduke’s house.

“...Are you looking for an exit?”

“…”

“I assume you’re on your way to chase after your friend. You needn’t use the elevator this time— I will lead you to the backdoor.”

“...You’re...um...I know you from somewhere…”

“I am Talavera. Have you already forgotten me…?”

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“…”

“...It doesn’t matter. Come along with me, and I will show you out.”

“...I...I’m sorry…”

“I understand.”

“I feel like a lot of things...are missing, in my head…”

“Your local memory must have deteriorated quickly while you were unconscious...and by the time His Eminence successfully installed your new brain, much had already been lost.”

“...Oh…well...at least now that won’t happen again, right...?”

“Indeed. The mind you have now will serve you well until your dying day...as long as the duct tape stays on.”

“...What??”

“Here is the exit. Will you be needing any further assistance?”

“Um...no, I don’t think so. Thank you...Talavera.”

“You’re very welcome, Meissen. Please remember to be discreet...and to follow your heart, always.”

“My...heart?”

“Yes. Your heart.”