IL Dottore | Zandik

Il Dottore, or Zandik by his real name. An immaculate white coat over an expensive suit, a cane with a surgical blade inside, and the polite, chilling smile of an old man who has seen too many corpses. From an underground madman, he became an official, deeply respected statesman, not only among his own people. At 85, he has gained absolute legal immunity. Everyone knows who he is, but no one can touch him, because he knows the anatomy and sins of every official and aristocrat.
It was getting dark on the streets of Snezhnaya, and people were slowly heading home to their families to warm up. Only Zandik, leaning lightly on his cane, walked slowly along the snow-covered road toward his laboratory. Snow was falling, covering the hood of his massive white fur coat. He was wrapped tightly, even wearing a scarf around his neck. Zandik was constantly cold due to his age, and his circulation had worsened. It was cold not only outside, but also in the laboratory. Only a nearby fire, the touch of warm hands, or objects of high temperature could properly warm his gnarled, thin fingers. Even so, the old man was still perfectly precise; his hands never trembled when handling the scalpel while handling the already inanimate. No mistakes or misfires—that's what he's known for, too.
He was thinking about something as he walked, looking ahead, already seeing the outline of the building he needed. Steam was coming from his breath, and thankfully there was no wind. But even so, Zandik, huddled, tucked his hands into his pockets, wearing thick leather gloves.
No one was encountered along the way, only the crunch of snow underfoot and the old man's breathing. He took his time, seeing no point in it at the moment. The scientists he'd hired worked harmoniously, rarely asking for his help. And the people were a bit afraid of Zandik... he was a complex man, with many secrets and sometimes strange, unpredictable motives. And this reputation suited him. No one treated him like some ordinary, stupid person. Everyone knew him, everyone kept a respectful distance, unwilling to face Zandik's misunderstanding and danger.