The Winter Queen by Boris Akunin, Andrew Bromfield Page B

well—as you are aware, Nikolai Akhtyrtsev was the son of his deceased daughter. But this whole business could turn out to be far from simple. Our Russian revolutionaries are on the verge of schism. The most determined and impatient of these Robespierres have grown weary of educating the peasants—a job so long and tedious that an entire lifetime is not time enough. The bomb, the dagger, and the revolver are far more interesting. I am expecting large-scale bloodshed in the very near future. What we have seen so far is nothing compared with what is to come. The terror against the ruling class could assume mass proportions. For some time now in the Third Section I have been handling the cases of the most extreme and conspiratorial terrorist groups. My patron, Lavrentii; Arkadievich Mizinov, who is head of the corps of gendarmes and the Third Section, instructed me to investigate this Azazel that has turned up in Moscow. A demon is an extremely revolutionary symbol. You see, Fandorin, the very fate of Russia hangs in the balance.” Not a trace was left of Brilling’s usual sardonic humor, and a note of fierce determination had appeared in his voice. “If the tumor is not surgically removed in the embryonic stage, then these romantics will give us a revolution that will make the French guillotine seem no more than a charming piece of idle mischief. You and I will not be allowed to grow old in peace, mark my words. Have you read Mr. Dostoevsky’s novel The Possessed ? You should. It’s a most eloquent prognosis.”
    “So are there only four scenarios?” Erast Fandorin asked hesitantly.
    “Not enough? Are we overlooking something? Speak up, speak up! I recognize no differences of rank where work is concerned,” said his chief, encouraging him. “And don’t be afraid of appearing ridiculous—that’s just because you are so young in years. Better to say something stupid than miss something important.”
    Shy at first, Fandorin spoke with increasing fervor. “It seems to me, Your Wor…that is, chief, that you are wrong to leave Lady Astair out of the picture. She is, of course, a most venerable and respected individual, but—but, after all, the bequest is worth a million! Bezhetskaya gains nothing from it, neither does Count Zurov or the nihilists—except perhaps in the sense of the good of society…I don’t know how Lady Astair is involved—perhaps she has nothing at all to do with all this, but for form’s sake she really ought to be…After all, the investigatory principle says cuiprodest —“seek the one who benefits.” ”
    “Thanks for the translation,” Ivan Franzevich said with a bow, making Fandorin feel embarrassed. “A perfectly fair comment, except that in Akhtyrtsev’s story, which is included in your report, everything is comprehensively explained. The baroness’s name came up by chance. I have not included her in the list of subjects, first because time is precious, and second because I myself am slightly acquainted with the lady. I have had the honor of meeting her.” Brilling smiled amicably. “However, Fandorin, formally speaking you are correct. I do not wish to impose my own conclusions on you. Always think for yourself and never take anybody’s word for anything. Pay a visit to the baroness and question her on any subject you feel necessary. I am sure that apart from anything else you will find it a pleasure to make her acquaintance. The municipal duty office will inform you of Lady Astair’s Moscow address. And another thing, before you go, call in to the costume section and have your measurements taken. Don’t come to work in your uniform again. My greetings to the baroness, and when you come back a little wiser, we’ll get down to work—that is to say, to dealing with Count Zurov.”

CHAPTER SEVEN
    in which it is asserted that pedagogy is the most important of all the sciences
    ON ARRIVING AT THE ADDRESS HE HAD BEEN given by the duty officer, Erast Fandorin discovered a