The day following the hearing everything felt altered more. Giovanni's likeness—not only his visage but a detailed shot of the maze tattooed, on his forearm—dominated every headline and news broadcast. The narrative had transformed from " Murder" to "The Librarian's Curse." Elements of Magical Realism had seeped into the news.
Inside his cell Giovanni experienced the shift as a tension headache. The combined attention of millions—a blend of faith doubt, mockery and wonder—weighed on his perception. The labyrinth stayed like a shut eye. It seemed dense filled with concentration.
The initial person to see him was not his attorney. It was Sebastian Siegfried permitted a meeting, under the pretense of a " assessment."
The academic was seated opposite the steel table, attired his briefcase arranged carefully in front of him. The guard remained stationed by the entrance.
"A execution " Siegfried started, his tone utterly sincere. "You turned the indescribable into something. You provided a syntax, for your damnation. I am truly impressed."
"What do you need?" Giovanni inquired, exhausted.
"To present you again an escape from this prison. The prosecutions argument is falling apart. Lancelot is practical; he won't gamble on a trial turning into a spectacle, over tattoos. Yet you won't be released either. You are well-known too peculiar. You will be institutionalized, Giovanni. Examined by government-assigned physicians who will diagnose it as ' psychosis' or an 'intense psychosomatic condition.' They will sedate you into a fog and your talent will fade away in a lit hospital room."
He uttered the truth. Giovanni sensed its form.
"My proposal remains " Siegfried said, leaning in. "Join my care. My private research center, in Switzerland is well-regarded, esteemed. It would be a relocation, not imprisonment. The work would proceed. You noticed what you caused with Helena. You attributed significance. That represents the evolutionary phase. Not mere reception,. Active participation. We could master how to guide it. To mend not simply observe."
The proposal was a trap cushioned with velvet. A golden cage containing a laboratory in place of a prison cell. To become a collaborator, in his dissection.
"You're not aiming to heal anyone " Giovanni said quietly. "You intend to create a perspective. To recognize the world's falsehoods distinctly so you can skillfully maneuver through them to serve your purposes."
Siegfried's grin was faint. "Understanding is strength. Your situation represents a kind of understanding. Picture a society in which no ruler could deceive without being exposed. We might bring about an age of magnificent truthfulness."
"That wouldn't qualify as honesty " Giovanni countered, recognizing the flaw, in the scholar's plan. "It would merely be fear. The terrible falsehoods would only grow more cunning more intricate to dodge detection. You'd spark a battle of deceit with me acting as the bomb."
For the time a trace of annoyance appeared on Siegfried's face. The subject was rejecting its part challenging the experiment. "Then you opt for oblivion in an institution."
"I opt to be a person " Giovanni stated, "not a precedent."
Siegried rose, gathering his briefcase. "A nostalgic decision.. A limited one. When they administer your antipsychotic remember me. I will be eagerly examining the published findings of your deterioration."
He departed, carrying with him the aroma of perfume and complete confidence.
Giovanni's following guest was the antidote. Isabella, Arthur (using crutches with his leg heavily wrapped) and Maria were allowed a group visit. Jacques stood outside a statue, in the corridor.
"Lancelot is, in talks " Isabella declared, her gaze shining with victory. "He wishes to have the entire matter dismissed. Siegfried is correct—they won't gamble on a trial. Hes proposing an agreement: charges dismissed, provided you enter a private non-criminal psychiatric institution for assessment. A six-month monitoring phase."
"Siegfried's facility " Giovanni mentioned.
"No " Arthur cut in decisively. "My establishment. The clinic in Valence overseen by me and, under Maria's management. We've battled for it. Lancelot consented. It's the institution' he believes will protect and keep you both discreet. You'd be my patient, not a captive."
It was a staggering compromise. House arrest in a clinic. But it was a clinic with friends at the door.
"The labyrinth " Maria spoke, her eyes reflecting both wisdom and sorrow. "It has become a part of you now Giovanni. It won't disappear.. Its significance can shift. It might be a hurt or a record. A. A guide. Over the coming six months… we can assist you in learning to live alongside the map than being solely defined by it."
He gazed upon their expressions—Isabella's guardianship, Arthur's resolute healing Maria's profound insight. They stood as his shield, his anchor, his translator. They presented not a remedy. A partnership.
". What is his situation?" Giovanni inquired. "Siegfried.. Helena."
"Helena is now sought worldwide " Isabella remarked. "Her image is over the place. She's a fugitive with a bounty, on her head. She'll be fleeing for quite some time. Regarding Siegfried…" Her face grew stern. "His standing is now linked to yours. He's the academic who 'unveiled' the living lie detector. He'll publish his articles deliver his lectures.. He's lost his subject.. Without you his grand scheme is merely an academic essay. We observe him.. He is aware we observe him."
It was no triumph. It was a deadlock negotiated under a unstable agreement, with the reality.
Giovanni glanced down at his hands then raised his eyes to the ceiling of the visiting area. For years a curse had shaped his existence through isolation. Now that very curse had created a web of individuals encircling him tightly it had contorted the law.
"Yes," he said. "I accept."