Summary

Lamont has been the head researcher and librarian to the library shared jointly by the Fort and Academy for six years. For the past two years, he's been tormented by a particular trainee, Mikael nicknamed Mika, who has seemed hellbent on breaking every rule and regulation and unspoken etiquette of the library. To both his and Mika's horror, Lamont is appointed her mentor after her graduation from the Academy to educate her on research and find her a suitable place in the library. It takes time, but they find common ground together and eventually she is his most trusted pupil and colleague.

Nine years later with the war pressing on, researchers are called to move to the camps to assist active infantry. Lamont and Mika are shipped out, but after a month or so stationed there Lamont disappears and his death is soon discovered, under seemingly normal circumstances, but there's something off about it.