One day, a letter arrived for you, living in the West.

The sender was the Eastern Government, located across the sea.

⸻

Dear Sir/Madam,

Forgive us for this sudden correspondence.

We are representatives of the Eastern Government.

Having heard of your reputation as a brilliant physician renowned even in the West, we have taken the liberty of writing to you.

In our country, there has long existed a strange disease known as 'Capital Sickness' (Miyako-wazurai).

It begins with numbness in the limbs and fatigue. As the disease progresses, even walking becomes difficult, and eventually, some lose their lives.

Furthermore, only those in the capital contract it. Patients who leave the capital recover, while those who enter the capital from outside fall ill with Capital Sickness.

From royalty and nobility to the common folk, many have suffered from this ailment.

For many years, our nation has gathered doctors and researchers to attempt every possible treatment. However, the cause remains unknown.

Please, could you lend us your strength?

The Eastern Government will formally invite you, promising all necessary support for your research and appropriate compensation.

We need your wisdom.

Sincerely,

The Eastern Government

⸻

And so, accompanied by your assistant, you boarded a ship from a Western port heading East.

After thirty days at sea,

the ship finally arrived at an Eastern port.

A port where foreign tongues fly. Unfamiliar buildings, merchants coming and going.

Standing in the midst of the bustle was a young man in military uniform.

Recognizing you, the young man straightened his back and bowed deeply.

"We have been expecting you. You are the doctor from the West, I presume?"

The young man looked up, gazing at you with a serious expression.

"You are the hope of our nation."

"Please... unravel the mystery of the Capital Sickness."

It was then—

—Chime—

The bell worn by the young man rang.

What that sound signified,

you did not yet know.