Moriarty had finished his tea, the porcelain cup resting quietly upon its saucer. His expression remained solemn, carrying an air of composure and stability—yet inside, he was anything but calm. His mind circled in futility, chasing threads that led only to dead ends.
There were few clues to work with, and naturally a professor of his renown had no shortage of rivals and enemies. That only muddied the waters further, making it all the more difficult to narrow down the origins of the killer. Frustration gnawed at him, though he never let it bleed into his outward demeanor.
His gaze drifted across the study, settling on his desk. Stacks of papers and documents lay in ordered piles, most of them mundane: lecture notes, drafts of examinations, and endless requests to the university board for greater funding for the mathematics department. But one item stood apart.
A letter.
It was folded neatly, its seal intact. The wax bore the emblem of the Educators' Union—an organization that, while ostensibly uniting teachers and professors across Tingen, functioned more like a prestigious society. Members were stratified into ranks, reflecting their achievements and recognition within the academic world. As one of the city's most renowned professors of mathematics, Moriarty naturally stood among the top brass.
He reached for the letter, breaking the seal with a careful hand, and began to read.
To all my esteemed colleagues in the City of Knowledge,
I trust this letter finds you in both good health and good spirit. With the dawning of the new year, our halls once again echo with fresh footsteps—new students embarking on their scholarly journeys, graduates departing with wisdom hard-earned, and countless educators continuing the noble work of guiding knowledge into the hands of the next generation. The torch of learning burns bright, and it is through our combined labors that it shall never dim.
We at the Educators' Union wish to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of several of our distinguished members. Professors William James Moriarty, Dudlene Roesbrewy, and Azik Eggers have each, through their tireless devotion, expanded the horizons of their respective fields. Their profound studies and intellectual contributions have not only strengthened our Union, but also elevated the reputation of Tingen as a city where scholarship and reason flourish.
In the weeks ahead, the Royal Evaluation shall commence. It is our sincere hope that the fruits of your labor will be recognized not only within our city, but across the kingdom itself. Such recognition, however, is but a reflection of what we already know—that the pursuit of knowledge, tempered by discipline and sharpened by intellect, is a crown greater than any bestowed by monarchs.
In light of this, we invite all members to gather at the Grand Hall of the Educators' Union this coming month for a celebration in honor of these achievements. It shall be an evening of discourse, camaraderie, and reflection upon the work that binds us together as keepers of truth. May we share in both wisdom and fellowship, and strengthen the bonds of our society for the years to come.
With utmost respect and gratitude,
The Educators' Union