Chapter Text
Dottore had an unfortunate addiction that was becoming quite the problem. He was killing diplomats. For the past several months, some visitor to Zapolyarny Palace would get lured to the Second Harbinger’s quarters nearly every week, from where they would mysteriously disappear; or, if the Doctor was not in the mood for subtlety, a creatively mutilated corpse would appear in a storeroom within a few days. It had become a popular topic of gossip around the palace.
After Pulcinella had been approached by the horrified servants who had found the corpses, as well as a few of Dottore’s personal entourage who pleaded the Mayor’s protection, fearful they could be the next victim, he had taken an interest and made several public speeches on the matter. In his characteristically political way, he announced that the murders should be investigated and the perpetrator court-marshaled. His omission of Dottore’s name was a formality, and he did his best to make his suspicions obvious.
For his part, Pierro thought the fool who would follow Dottore anywhere after the widespread and sensational publication of rumors about these disappearances had it coming. Idiots never survived long in politics anyway.
Still, it was behavior that required correction. His actions had called a lot of unwanted attention on the Fatui, especially with the latest killing. A noblewoman from the newly rebuilt Inazuma had been sent to Snezhnaya to bring back news of how other nations were faring, several decades out from the Cataclysm. The tour got a bit of publicity: the Shogun’s funding was enough to ensure a parade and news coverage in every small town the woman stopped in. Finally she had arrived in Snezhnograd, where she had been received in the palace and invited to some formal luncheons with the Harbingers. The dignity of her visit made it so much more shocking when Capitano found her dead, covered in bruises with a pen stuck through her windpipe. He had immediately notified the guards, the investigators working on the palace murders, and finally Pierro, who had called an emergency meeting of the Harbingers. It took a while for everyone to arrive. Columbina had to be coaxed to leave her room during her nap, and Pulcinella was half an hour away by train. But soon enough everyone was there, and the meeting began.
Pierro first called the Doctor up to the front of the room. He came and stood beside the Director at the head of the table, but while this spot was one of honor for Pierro, it was a position of uncomfortable scrutiny for Dottore.
Pierro began. “As I am sure you all know by now, our guest from Inazuma was cruelly murdered last night. Capitano found her body and notified all the correct parties. Inazuma’s government is seeking damages, and our beloved leader has had to personally intervene.”
Pierro paused, looking around the room at each of them in turn, fixing them with a glare of blame. He continued, “This is a failure we all share, as it is our duty to protect our nation and our leader from this shame. However, it is the fault of one of us more than the others. Doctor, you have frequently been seen with visitors to this palace moments before their murders, and it can be assumed that you either committed or had a hand in the commission of this crime. How do you defend yourself?”
Dottore took a moment to respond, staring at the corner of the long table as he thought. Finally he answered, “Why, Lord Pierro, why would I kill a noblewoman for no benefit? You saw us getting along; we sat together to eat yesterday and talked about the pre-Cataclysm technologies of Inazuma! She was clearly well-educated. I think she knew more about the topic than the Sage of Kshahrewar—though I admit that’s not saying much. So tell me, why would I want her dead?”
“That is not an adequate defence of all the murders you stand accused of. What about the others?”
Another pause. “I have no involvement. I will admit, a couple visitors were killed by accident while visiting the lab, but it was through their own failure to follow instructions. My only fault is that I did not report the incidents. The rest I cannot speak to. Maybe it was one of my employees.”
“Then tell me this, Doctor. Whose blood is flecked on your shirt? Do you want me to get the forensics man to tell me if it matches the splatter produced by stabbing someone in the throat?”
Dottore froze. He realized that this was substantial evidence. Not to mention, Pierro did not need to prove anything to legal rigor. “No, you don’t need to do that. I killed her, sorry. But honestly, I deserve a little fun! Do I really have no liberty to do what—”
Pierro slapped him. Even muffled by his gloves, there was a clear crack. Dottore stumbled back a step, his mouth open in shock.
“What the hell? Pierro, ho-how did I deserve that, I—!”
Pierro reached out and grabbed the Doctor by his collar, holding him in place, and he punched him in the face with full force. There was a wet crunch, then he punched him again. Pierro let go of him, and Dottore crumpled to the floor instantly, clutching his face.
“Lying bastard. You will not kill anyone without permission. Nor will you speak to me again with this insubordination.”
The other harbingers stared at the spectacle. Columbina was struggling not to laugh, while Pulcinella bore a sanctimonious expression.
Dottore just looked up at him in shock. Blood dripped from his broken nose, tears of pain glimmering on his cheeks.
The Director turned away. “All dismissed.”
The seated harbingers got up and filed out of the room. Columbina waited at the doorway while Dottore got to his feet with a hiss and slowly walked across the room. They went out together, and the sound of her cheerful chatter slowly trailed away.