“Ooh, we are proceeding then. The parent-child investigation that is. As this will be a learning experience, will you be able to review the genetic information?“
Palle leaned forward.
Falma is in the process of inspecting the establishment of new drug refinement and testing using the biotechnology methods based on reagents brought back from the other world’s laboratory, yet, he has not undertaken paternity testing. Palle may also be interested in how to perform the actual investigation.
“For the time being, we can do it with our own equipment and existing reagents. Dear brother, that’s the purpose.”
Falma turns to Palle.
“I’m thinking about preparing for paternity investigation, but I’m having the part-time pharmacists left for their training today, and I’m left alone with Ellen.“
“Then I’ll help you.“
Palle pointed his thumb directly toward himself. Falma acknowledges and hands Palle the medical record.
“Eeeh, I’ll take care of it alone.“
Ellen tightened up.
“It’s hard for Ellen to care for things alone, so I’ll ask of you dear brother.“
Falma instructed Cedric to place the new “first-class pharmacist Palle de Médicis” name tag onto the corner of the pharmacy wall for the day’s list of attending pharmacists. The name tag is then given to him to pin onto his chest. Ellen waited for him.
“Hold on, can Palle-kun manage the new drugs in this store? If you haven’t read the prescription textbook first, it’s a problem if you don’t prescribe properly because you’re a first-class pharmacist. It’s dangerous if you make a mistake in the dosage.“
“Who did you think wrote the textbook?“
Palle sarcastically retorted.
“It was co-authored by me and my brother. Don’t you worry Ellen, my brother may be a new pharmacist, but it’s okay for him to give medical treatment or ask for dispensing.“
Falma feels depressed. Ellen recalled that one of the authors of the Pharmacy Encyclopedia was Palle, and reluctantly withdrew.
“Ah, that’s right. Ellen, can you get Sophie for me?“
“That’s fine, but why?“
Ellen tilts her neck.
“I have something she can help me with.“
Falma didn’t want to use this method if possible, but he explained that he had to request for Sophie to perform some experiments. Ellen sent a messenger to the Bonnefoy’s residence to summon Sophie.
So then…
“Eleonora’s medical treatment is so slow. Compared to the medical treatment followed by the dispensing method.“
Falma made preparations as he’s going back and forth between the laboratory and the dispensing room, as Ellen gave medical care, while Palle was requested for dispensing, and Palle tossed around a few complaints in the dispensing room. Palle wants to finish with the patient early and observe Falma’s work.
“What was that? Give it a try if you can do it that quickly.“
Ellen’s eyebrows raised. Palle took off his black coat and left the dispensing room in front of the patients. Palle’s practicing style is in his plain clothes and not in a white coat.
“It doesn’t matter how fast it is, so make sure it’s done carefully together.“
Falma does not stop the tasks nor complaints from the dispensing room.
“N-naturally. Shouldn’t the commoners be grateful to see a first-class pharmacist?“
Patients are accustomed to the low-profile customer service provided by Falma and others and got confused by the appearance of an unfamiliar young pharmacist with such an arrogant attitude.
“There’s nothing to say all of a sudden, since Palle-kun has a really bad customer service attitude…I’m sorry everyone, since you appear to be nervous because he’s a newcomer who just started today.“
“Aah? Eleonora has complained about me? Stick it in the table!“
“So that’s where you want to stick it!“
Falma got sick of their behavior as the two of them pulled out their staves.
“Both of you should stop with what you’re doing! I can’t continue to prepare if you leave the patients alone.“
Falma becomes grim seeing the problem where his older brother has muscles for a brain.
“I’m sorry everyone, for my dear brother’s rudeness. He’s good at his profession. He’s a top graduated from Nova Root Medical College, so he’s became a bit overconfident.“
Falma introduced him to the patients after apologizing.
“Is it the shopowner’s older brother?“
“If that’s the case, we’re relieved.“
After separating from each other, Palle mixes the solutions and the patient’s saliva for observation, listens to their palpation, then auscultation, and distinguishes the type of disease based on the color and deposit of the solution after the reaction, turbidity, odor, stickiness, etc., follows by the expedite prescriptions in combination with the medical care.
“I see you have such speed, and work hard … Just a little longer Falma-kun, so it’s all good.“
“Ellen.“
Ellen hands the written memo to Falma in the dispensing room. Falma quickly scans over the name of the patient’s illness, then matches the names of the illnesses that Palle had identified using his divine sight.
“Amazing…they’re spot on.“
Palle’s diagnosis was exactly the same as Falma’s diagnosis. So then, when he realized that Palle recognized his shortcoming and the issue could not be cured by medicine, he tossed it over to Falma without hesitation. He knows his limits for his abilities and objectives.
“I’m sorry to say, but it’s part of a bloodline. My diagnostic ability is not as good.“
Ellen appears regretful that he’s her master’s son. The fact that Palle’s guardian deity is the medicine god also plays a role in the ability of the pharmacist. Palle and Bruno seem to be blessed as they are within Falma’s sanctuary, as their divine powers and other abilities are also enhanced. High-speed diagnostic capability is one of them, and it becomes apparent that Falma is a part of them[1], along with the enhancement of their concentration.
“Ellen does an accurate job and is very polite, so I’m saved with this. Ellen’s customer service is pleasant.“
“Apart from your attitude, Palle-kun, you are not making any mistake even when you’re fast. Even though you’re a new pharmacist yourself.“
Ellen starts to lose her self-confidence.
“Bloodline is truly amazing.“
(It’s not just about the bloodline.)
Falma recognized Pallee is spitting blood in his efforts for pharmacy and divine practices. After Falma cured his leukemia, Palle became aware of modern pharmacy’s effectiveness and began to study pharmacy even more. Rather than deeming Ellen as a genius, she’s great at almost memorizing all pharmacy textbooks and is also a hard worker.
“Wh-what all this about, to be calling me to such a place.“
The Duke sullenly came into the pharmacy with a large number of servants. Following him, the Duchess enters. Falma stands up and leaves the dispensing room to welcome the Duke.
“I humbly welcome you, Duke-sama. I’m the court pharmacist by the name of Falma, and the owner of this shop.“
They give a bow to each other.
“At the request of your wife, we will perform paternity testing between you, your wife, and your child. The testing will be fair, so do you have witnesses?“
“Mu…..you are, the dignitary leader, the chief pharmacist of Her Majesty the Empress…“
Because of what I said, the Duke’s words became serious. At the Distinguished Service Award ceremony, Falma’s name and face were well known, and he was acquainted with Falma.
He guides the entire party to the counseling booth that is separated by curtains and allows them to settle down.
“For parents and children, their appearances are merely subjective, so let’s find out what the blueprint of the human body looks like.“
“Blueprint?“[2]
“Please rubbing the inside of your cheeks with this cotton swab for the both of you. No force is required. For the child, please have one of the witnesses do it.“
Falma placed the cells of the oral mucosa collected from the three parties using the cotton swabs on the slide glasses, with name clearly written for identification, set it on the stage of the microscope, and display the cells.
“Round things, there’s something resembling small rooms.“
“Those are the cells (resembling a small room). The body of every animal is made up of each of these cells. It is the smallest unit of living things.“
“Ho…“
“There is a certain part called the nucleus in the cell, and inside it contains what is called a chromosome that stains when immersed in pigment. The chromosome is made of a substance called deoxyribonucleic acid, or known as DNA.“
Falma, with the process of rupturing and exposing the inside of the cell nucleus taking a fair bit of time, has Lotte served tea and sweets. The air was awkward. Then Falma shows them the slides.
“Wh-what…Such a string-like thing is in my body.“
“That’s the chromosome.“
Looking into the microscope, the Duke saw a purple-stained X-shaped chromosome, and then he curled his tongue. His wife becomes anxious as she watches her small child[3].
“The chromosomes arrangement is in descending order, which I sequence them in numerical order, and distinguish them by their numbering.“
Falma adds to his explanation that humans have 22 pairs of common sex chromosomes and two sex chromosomes that determine gender.
“There are 46 in all…“
The Duke appeared to count in a calm demeanor.
“That’s correct. The blueprint of the human body is engraved within this chromosome, all the genetic information that is, which is called the genome.“
“So this is how the information is read.“
The Duke was following Falma’s pace of explanation, and Falma’s face smiled gleefully.
“Let’s read the genomic information together.“
Falma showed him the textbook’s information. Falma’s textbook is also useful for the explanation with Lotte’s illustrations.
“The genomic information of this chromosome is closely similar between individuals in humans, but there are some differences. We will investigate whether the child has both the father’s and the mother’s genomes.”
“So there are some differences.“
“There is a place in the genome called a repetitive sequence that repeats the same code several to dozens of times. We need to find out how many times that code is repeated.“
So then, Falma takes out what he has prepared while explaining.
“Here is an enzyme that copies the genome.“
Falma shows a small tube about the size of a fingertip that has been frozen by magic. It is a DNA synthase (DNA polymerase)[4], an enzyme which was brought back from the other’s world laboratory. It is an enzyme that is the basis of biotechnology.
“This enzyme is like a hard worker that assembles the sequence of short nucleic acid fragments in two places within the genome, and then replicates the sequence within that range. Nucleic acid fragments are a small part of the genome information, and there are several types that are prepared here.“
Falma shows a tube containing a DNA fragment called a primer in modern times. He discussed it in detail during his explanation. There are various premises that must be discussed in actuality, but it is quite difficult to present them to the general public.
“Enzymes, nucleic acid fragments, and genomes. By mixing them together and controlling the reaction temperature, DNA is amplified exponentially. This is called Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR.“
“What’s the purpose of the amplification?“
“Even though you can’t see one with the naked eye, you can see the DNA if there are quite a few of them.“
“With just the naked eye!“
In surprise, the wife covers his mouth.
“Now then, we will amplify the repetitive sequence that is the characteristic of the individual using the PCR method. Then afterward, let’s observe the repetitive sequence. It takes a bit of time because the reaction takes time, so you can take a stroll.“
Falma continued the PCR reaction over a two hours period. Since the pharmacy’s gatekeeper was a skillful fire-type magician, under Falma’s instruction, he had the sample undergo a strict temperature control for heating and cooling during the reaction progression.
“It’s done. Here’s a sequence that was replicated only in a specific region by the PCR reaction.“
Falma displays the tube after the reaction. The Duke and his cohort returned after a light meal.
“Then how to find out the number of repetitions.“
The Duke’s family couldn’t wait, and all are eager to see the results as soon as possible.
“Use the length to compare. Now then, the problem here. Suppose you have a giant and a small child. If they go through the crowd, you have to wonder which one will get out of the crowd first.“
“It’s a kid. The giant gets impacted by the surrounding people and slows down.“
The wife nods in agreement.
“Yes. Let’s create that situation.“
The prepared rectangular agar[5] is submerged in the solution filled in the vat, followed by the DNA solution connected to one side of the agar after the reaction. Then, the electrodes and wiring are connected to the batto[6].
“Sophie, please assist me.“[7]
Falma called for Sophie, allowing her to hold onto the electrodes in her hands and treat her using her favorite toy. Just then, electricity flows in one direction throughout the agar.
“The inside of this agar is mesh-like, a reproduction of a sized invisible crowd. After that, as electricity is applied from this end, the DNA is negatively charged — it gets pulled from the negative pole to the positive pole, and the smallest sized DNA travels in first order. This is a method called electrophoresis.“
“Un? Un.“
The Duke seems a bit confused when discussing electricity, but he accepted the facts after a few rounds of explanation. Sophie activates the electricity and DNA separation begins. Falma indicates that the DNA forms a band as it moves through the agar towards the end.
“Can you see anything moving at all? Or could it be, that you can’t see the DNA.“
The Duke shouts that he couldn’t see, and I should have shown it to him during the PCR reaction in order to see it with the naked eyes.
“The DNA is currently transparent, and not yet stained. Now we have the results, let’s stain the DNA, and observe what’s going on with it.“
After 25 minutes have passed, the DNA is stained so that it can be seen with the naked eye. Falma used a stain that allows the hue to be seen with visible light. He then evaluates the DNA results of father, mother, and child. He compares the distances traveled by DNA. When dyed, the band-shaped segment migrated to the location further from the place where the DNA was first embedded.
“This DNA mass is called a band because of its band-shaped. It is pulled and moved by the electrical charge based on each of its size. This band is from the Duke, and this is from his wife.“
Falma evaluated the distance traveled by the DNA bands of the three samples.
“Children have two bands with the same movement distance as these two bands. This time, they are separated according to the size of the DNA, so if their movement distances are the same, the DNA is the same in size. This means that they have an array with the same number of repetitions. Only about 1 in 10 people have this pattern.“
“Fumu……“
Both the Duke and his wife acknowledge that the DNA travel distances are the same.
“1 in 10 people may be a coincidence, maybe right?“
Falma takes the initiative to speak.
“So then, I’ve checked several places this time. Well then…it seems that they all match. So then, when I calculate the cumulative probability in this case, it’s 1 in 30,000.“
There are not 30,000 aristocrats in the Imperial Capital.
“In other words, you are the only match in the Imperial City.“
Falma looks at the Duke’s facial expression. The Duke has a slack jaw.
“If you don’t agree, do you want to look at other locations?“
Falma glances over to his wife as well.
“N…no, no…I apologize. Dear…I’m sorry for saying such terrible things.“
The Duke apologized to his wife for his insinuation of suspicious and heartless words. His wife was weeping, saved by Falma’s insurmountable proof.
“This is your child. There’s no doubt about it, so hug the child.“
His wife brings the child closer to the Duke, who never tried to hold him.
“I believe so too. Probabilistically, it’s likely that this is your child.“
Falma reminds the Duke with his statement, while avoiding any assertion.
“Let’s give the child a name…“
The Duke was being awkward, but he picked up his child in a loving manner.
He sees off the three as they leave the pharmacy while snuggling up on each other. His wife paid Falma with a large sum of money. Falma decided to thankfully receive it.
“I created an owed debt again this time.“
Palle had completed all the medical treatment and finished giving out the medicine. Some aristocratic patients said they liked Palle’s services and requested him for their home visits as their chief pharmacist. Falma laughs, stating that he doesn’t care about his patients from being taken as he still has plenty of patients, but he’s messed up.
“Anyway, the genes are honest.“
Ellen calls out to Falma as if she was relieved it was over.
“Though it’s not an all-purpose approach. But it’s a recording method of life since the ancient times.“
Falma nods while making the statement.
“I hope things work out, for that family.“
“I have to head off now.“
The genetic test protected the bond of one family.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Footnotes:
[1] Author possibly indicate that the influence of Falma’s power and presence enhanced the family’s overall ability within his divine sanctuary’s influence, on top of the medicine god’s blessing. But aren’t they all blessed by Falma’s presence and sanctuary all over the place at the same time? Ellen and the staff have the most exposure to his presence and power.
[2] This is referring to the genetics or genomes (DNA) that provide the “blueprints” to the existing body.
[3] なりゆき can be “little child”, or it can also be “baby Yuki”. Since the child’s name was not mentioned, it’s best to use “little child” for now as it’s being described via third perspective.
[4] If you are interested: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_polymerase
[5] It’s a common substrate used by labs for various tasks, from cultivating bacteria to separating the genetic materials in this case
[6] An old style/crude battery, or “battolyser”.
[7] For those who commented about Sophie being an Energizer Battery Bunny or a Duracel battery, kudos.
“Ooh, we are proceeding then. The parent-child investigation that is. As this will be a learning experience, will you be able to review the genetic information?“
Palle leaned forward.
Falma is in the process of inspecting the establishment of new drug refinement and testing using the biotechnology methods based on reagents brought back from the other world’s laboratory, yet, he has not undertaken paternity testing. Palle may also be interested in how to perform the actual investigation.
“For the time being, we can do it with our own equipment and existing reagents. Dear brother, that’s the purpose.”
Falma turns to Palle.
“I’m thinking about preparing for paternity investigation, but I’m having the part-time pharmacists left for their training today, and I’m left alone with Ellen.“
“Then I’ll help you.“
Palle pointed his thumb directly toward himself. Falma acknowledges and hands Palle the medical record.
“Eeeh, I’ll take care of it alone.“
Ellen tightened up.
“It’s hard for Ellen to care for things alone, so I’ll ask of you dear brother.“
Falma instructed Cedric to place the new “first-class pharmacist Palle de Médicis” name tag onto the corner of the pharmacy wall for the day’s list of attending pharmacists. The name tag is then given to him to pin onto his chest. Ellen waited for him.
“Hold on, can Palle-kun manage the new drugs in this store? If you haven’t read the prescription textbook first, it’s a problem if you don’t prescribe properly because you’re a first-class pharmacist. It’s dangerous if you make a mistake in the dosage.“
“Who did you think wrote the textbook?“
Palle sarcastically retorted.
“It was co-authored by me and my brother. Don’t you worry Ellen, my brother may be a new pharmacist, but it’s okay for him to give medical treatment or ask for dispensing.“
Falma feels depressed. Ellen recalled that one of the authors of the Pharmacy Encyclopedia was Palle, and reluctantly withdrew.
“Ah, that’s right. Ellen, can you get Sophie for me?“
“That’s fine, but why?“
Ellen tilts her neck.
“I have something she can help me with.“
Falma didn’t want to use this method if possible, but he explained that he had to request for Sophie to perform some experiments. Ellen sent a messenger to the Bonnefoy’s residence to summon Sophie.
So then…
“Eleonora’s medical treatment is so slow. Compared to the medical treatment followed by the dispensing method.“
Falma made preparations as he’s going back and forth between the laboratory and the dispensing room, as Ellen gave medical care, while Palle was requested for dispensing, and Palle tossed around a few complaints in the dispensing room. Palle wants to finish with the patient early and observe Falma’s work.
“What was that? Give it a try if you can do it that quickly.“
Ellen’s eyebrows raised. Palle took off his black coat and left the dispensing room in front of the patients. Palle’s practicing style is in his plain clothes and not in a white coat.
“It doesn’t matter how fast it is, so make sure it’s done carefully together.“
Falma does not stop the tasks nor complaints from the dispensing room.
“N-naturally. Shouldn’t the commoners be grateful to see a first-class pharmacist?“
Patients are accustomed to the low-profile customer service provided by Falma and others and got confused by the appearance of an unfamiliar young pharmacist with such an arrogant attitude.
“There’s nothing to say all of a sudden, since Palle-kun has a really bad customer service attitude…I’m sorry everyone, since you appear to be nervous because he’s a newcomer who just started today.“
“Aah? Eleonora has complained about me? Stick it in the table!“
“So that’s where you want to stick it!“
Falma got sick of their behavior as the two of them pulled out their staves.
“Both of you should stop with what you’re doing! I can’t continue to prepare if you leave the patients alone.“
Falma becomes grim seeing the problem where his older brother has muscles for a brain.
“I’m sorry everyone, for my dear brother’s rudeness. He’s good at his profession. He’s a top graduated from Nova Root Medical College, so he’s became a bit overconfident.“
Falma introduced him to the patients after apologizing.
“Is it the shopowner’s older brother?“
“If that’s the case, we’re relieved.“
After separating from each other, Palle mixes the solutions and the patient’s saliva for observation, listens to their palpation, then auscultation, and distinguishes the type of disease based on the color and deposit of the solution after the reaction, turbidity, odor, stickiness, etc., follows by the expedite prescriptions in combination with the medical care.
“I see you have such speed, and work hard … Just a little longer Falma-kun, so it’s all good.“
“Ellen.“
Ellen hands the written memo to Falma in the dispensing room. Falma quickly scans over the name of the patient’s illness, then matches the names of the illnesses that Palle had identified using his divine sight.
“Amazing…they’re spot on.“
Palle’s diagnosis was exactly the same as Falma’s diagnosis. So then, when he realized that Palle recognized his shortcoming and the issue could not be cured by medicine, he tossed it over to Falma without hesitation. He knows his limits for his abilities and objectives.
“I’m sorry to say, but it’s part of a bloodline. My diagnostic ability is not as good.“
Ellen appears regretful that he’s her master’s son. The fact that Palle’s guardian deity is the medicine god also plays a role in the ability of the pharmacist. Palle and Bruno seem to be blessed as they are within Falma’s sanctuary, as their divine powers and other abilities are also enhanced. High-speed diagnostic capability is one of them, and it becomes apparent that Falma is a part of them[1], along with the enhancement of their concentration.
“Ellen does an accurate job and is very polite, so I’m saved with this. Ellen’s customer service is pleasant.“
“Apart from your attitude, Palle-kun, you are not making any mistake even when you’re fast. Even though you’re a new pharmacist yourself.“
Ellen starts to lose her self-confidence.
“Bloodline is truly amazing.“
(It’s not just about the bloodline.)
Falma recognized Pallee is spitting blood in his efforts for pharmacy and divine practices. After Falma cured his leukemia, Palle became aware of modern pharmacy’s effectiveness and began to study pharmacy even more. Rather than deeming Ellen as a genius, she’s great at almost memorizing all pharmacy textbooks and is also a hard worker.
“Wh-what all this about, to be calling me to such a place.“
The Duke sullenly came into the pharmacy with a large number of servants. Following him, the Duchess enters. Falma stands up and leaves the dispensing room to welcome the Duke.
“I humbly welcome you, Duke-sama. I’m the court pharmacist by the name of Falma, and the owner of this shop.“
They give a bow to each other.
“At the request of your wife, we will perform paternity testing between you, your wife, and your child. The testing will be fair, so do you have witnesses?“
“Mu…..you are, the dignitary leader, the chief pharmacist of Her Majesty the Empress…“
Because of what I said, the Duke’s words became serious. At the Distinguished Service Award ceremony, Falma’s name and face were well known, and he was acquainted with Falma.
He guides the entire party to the counseling booth that is separated by curtains and allows them to settle down.
“For parents and children, their appearances are merely subjective, so let’s find out what the blueprint of the human body looks like.“
“Blueprint?“[2]
“Please rubbing the inside of your cheeks with this cotton swab for the both of you. No force is required. For the child, please have one of the witnesses do it.“
Falma placed the cells of the oral mucosa collected from the three parties using the cotton swabs on the slide glasses, with name clearly written for identification, set it on the stage of the microscope, and display the cells.
“Round things, there’s something resembling small rooms.“
“Those are the cells (resembling a small room). The body of every animal is made up of each of these cells. It is the smallest unit of living things.“
“Ho…“
“There is a certain part called the nucleus in the cell, and inside it contains what is called a chromosome that stains when immersed in pigment. The chromosome is made of a substance called deoxyribonucleic acid, or known as DNA.“
Falma, with the process of rupturing and exposing the inside of the cell nucleus taking a fair bit of time, has Lotte served tea and sweets. The air was awkward. Then Falma shows them the slides.
“Wh-what…Such a string-like thing is in my body.“
“That’s the chromosome.“
Looking into the microscope, the Duke saw a purple-stained X-shaped chromosome, and then he curled his tongue. His wife becomes anxious as she watches her small child[3].
“The chromosomes arrangement is in descending order, which I sequence them in numerical order, and distinguish them by their numbering.“
Falma adds to his explanation that humans have 22 pairs of common sex chromosomes and two sex chromosomes that determine gender.
“There are 46 in all…“
The Duke appeared to count in a calm demeanor.
“That’s correct. The blueprint of the human body is engraved within this chromosome, all the genetic information that is, which is called the genome.“
“So this is how the information is read.“
The Duke was following Falma’s pace of explanation, and Falma’s face smiled gleefully.
“Let’s read the genomic information together.“
Falma showed him the textbook’s information. Falma’s textbook is also useful for the explanation with Lotte’s illustrations.
“The genomic information of this chromosome is closely similar between individuals in humans, but there are some differences. We will investigate whether the child has both the father’s and the mother’s genomes.”
“So there are some differences.“
“There is a place in the genome called a repetitive sequence that repeats the same code several to dozens of times. We need to find out how many times that code is repeated.“
So then, Falma takes out what he has prepared while explaining.
“Here is an enzyme that copies the genome.“
Falma shows a small tube about the size of a fingertip that has been frozen by magic. It is a DNA synthase (DNA polymerase)[4], an enzyme which was brought back from the other’s world laboratory. It is an enzyme that is the basis of biotechnology.
“This enzyme is like a hard worker that assembles the sequence of short nucleic acid fragments in two places within the genome, and then replicates the sequence within that range. Nucleic acid fragments are a small part of the genome information, and there are several types that are prepared here.“
Falma shows a tube containing a DNA fragment called a primer in modern times. He discussed it in detail during his explanation. There are various premises that must be discussed in actuality, but it is quite difficult to present them to the general public.
“Enzymes, nucleic acid fragments, and genomes. By mixing them together and controlling the reaction temperature, DNA is amplified exponentially. This is called Polymerase Chain Reaction, or PCR.“
“What’s the purpose of the amplification?“
“Even though you can’t see one with the naked eye, you can see the DNA if there are quite a few of them.“
“With just the naked eye!“
In surprise, the wife covers his mouth.
“Now then, we will amplify the repetitive sequence that is the characteristic of the individual using the PCR method. Then afterward, let’s observe the repetitive sequence. It takes a bit of time because the reaction takes time, so you can take a stroll.“
Falma continued the PCR reaction over a two hours period. Since the pharmacy’s gatekeeper was a skillful fire-type magician, under Falma’s instruction, he had the sample undergo a strict temperature control for heating and cooling during the reaction progression.
“It’s done. Here’s a sequence that was replicated only in a specific region by the PCR reaction.“
Falma displays the tube after the reaction. The Duke and his cohort returned after a light meal.
“Then how to find out the number of repetitions.“
The Duke’s family couldn’t wait, and all are eager to see the results as soon as possible.
“Use the length to compare. Now then, the problem here. Suppose you have a giant and a small child. If they go through the crowd, you have to wonder which one will get out of the crowd first.“
“It’s a kid. The giant gets impacted by the surrounding people and slows down.“
The wife nods in agreement.
“Yes. Let’s create that situation.“
The prepared rectangular agar[5] is submerged in the solution filled in the vat, followed by the DNA solution connected to one side of the agar after the reaction. Then, the electrodes and wiring are connected to the batto[6].
“Sophie, please assist me.“[7]
Falma called for Sophie, allowing her to hold onto the electrodes in her hands and treat her using her favorite toy. Just then, electricity flows in one direction throughout the agar.
“The inside of this agar is mesh-like, a reproduction of a sized invisible crowd. After that, as electricity is applied from this end, the DNA is negatively charged — it gets pulled from the negative pole to the positive pole, and the smallest sized DNA travels in first order. This is a method called electrophoresis.“
“Un? Un.“
The Duke seems a bit confused when discussing electricity, but he accepted the facts after a few rounds of explanation. Sophie activates the electricity and DNA separation begins. Falma indicates that the DNA forms a band as it moves through the agar towards the end.
“Can you see anything moving at all? Or could it be, that you can’t see the DNA.“
The Duke shouts that he couldn’t see, and I should have shown it to him during the PCR reaction in order to see it with the naked eyes.
“The DNA is currently transparent, and not yet stained. Now we have the results, let’s stain the DNA, and observe what’s going on with it.“
After 25 minutes have passed, the DNA is stained so that it can be seen with the naked eye. Falma used a stain that allows the hue to be seen with visible light. He then evaluates the DNA results of father, mother, and child. He compares the distances traveled by DNA. When dyed, the band-shaped segment migrated to the location further from the place where the DNA was first embedded.
“This DNA mass is called a band because of its band-shaped. It is pulled and moved by the electrical charge based on each of its size. This band is from the Duke, and this is from his wife.“
Falma evaluated the distance traveled by the DNA bands of the three samples.
“Children have two bands with the same movement distance as these two bands. This time, they are separated according to the size of the DNA, so if their movement distances are the same, the DNA is the same in size. This means that they have an array with the same number of repetitions. Only about 1 in 10 people have this pattern.“
“Fumu……“
Both the Duke and his wife acknowledge that the DNA travel distances are the same.
“1 in 10 people may be a coincidence, maybe right?“
Falma takes the initiative to speak.
“So then, I’ve checked several places this time. Well then…it seems that they all match. So then, when I calculate the cumulative probability in this case, it’s 1 in 30,000.“
There are not 30,000 aristocrats in the Imperial Capital.
“In other words, you are the only match in the Imperial City.“
Falma looks at the Duke’s facial expression. The Duke has a slack jaw.
“If you don’t agree, do you want to look at other locations?“
Falma glances over to his wife as well.
“N…no, no…I apologize. Dear…I’m sorry for saying such terrible things.“
The Duke apologized to his wife for his insinuation of suspicious and heartless words. His wife was weeping, saved by Falma’s insurmountable proof.
“This is your child. There’s no doubt about it, so hug the child.“
His wife brings the child closer to the Duke, who never tried to hold him.
“I believe so too. Probabilistically, it’s likely that this is your child.“
Falma reminds the Duke with his statement, while avoiding any assertion.
“Let’s give the child a name…“
The Duke was being awkward, but he picked up his child in a loving manner.
He sees off the three as they leave the pharmacy while snuggling up on each other. His wife paid Falma with a large sum of money. Falma decided to thankfully receive it.
“I created an owed debt again this time.“
Palle had completed all the medical treatment and finished giving out the medicine. Some aristocratic patients said they liked Palle’s services and requested him for their home visits as their chief pharmacist. Falma laughs, stating that he doesn’t care about his patients from being taken as he still has plenty of patients, but he’s messed up.
“Anyway, the genes are honest.“
Ellen calls out to Falma as if she was relieved it was over.
“Though it’s not an all-purpose approach. But it’s a recording method of life since the ancient times.“
Falma nods while making the statement.
“I hope things work out, for that family.“
“I have to head off now.“
The genetic test protected the bond of one family.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Footnotes:
[1] Author possibly indicate that the influence of Falma’s power and presence enhanced the family’s overall ability within his divine sanctuary’s influence, on top of the medicine god’s blessing. But aren’t they all blessed by Falma’s presence and sanctuary all over the place at the same time? Ellen and the staff have the most exposure to his presence and power.
[2] This is referring to the genetics or genomes (DNA) that provide the “blueprints” to the existing body.
[3] なりゆき can be “little child”, or it can also be “baby Yuki”. Since the child’s name was not mentioned, it’s best to use “little child” for now as it’s being described via third perspective.
[4] If you are interested: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_polymerase
[5] It’s a common substrate used by labs for various tasks, from cultivating bacteria to separating the genetic materials in this case
[6] An old style/crude battery, or “battolyser”.
[7] For those who commented about Sophie being an Energizer Battery Bunny or a Duracel battery, kudos.
