The room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from a small, ornate lamp on a wooden table. The scent of tea lingered in the air, a delicate blend of jasmine and something unidentifiable, something faintly medicinal. You sat on an elegant velvet chaise, feeling the weight of Mori Ougai's gaze upon you. His office, more like a study, was filled with shelves of books and various medical instruments, all meticulously arranged. It was a place that exuded both comfort and unease.

"How do you feel?" he asked, his voice smooth and controlled, devoid of any genuine concern. It was more of an assessment than a question.