Farma confronts Grand Temple Inquisitor Salomon, and his sudden conflict with the Inquisition takes a surprising turn.

Demand for Parallel World Pharmacy's products continues to rise, exceeding the store's capacity to handle. Everyone would benefit if other shops sold Farma's new medicines, but the Saint Fleuve Pharmaceutist Guild strictly forbids its members from involvement with Farma's shop or his medicines. Farma searches for a way to expand access to medicine in this environment.

Things are looking up in the Saint Fleuve Empire, with Farma's initiatives improving the overall health of the populace. However, word arrives of a mysterious new illness that threatens to sweep the nation. Farma rushes to prepare for this frightening scenario.

As Farma works to save the villagers of L'Estacque, the infected cargo and crew from the rogue ship get ever closer to the capital.