Ona Omar to the Count of Barcelona

In early 1885, King Rafael III, Count of Barcelona and Lord of the Sea, wrote a letter in secret to Ona Omar, a researcher in the field of arcanurgy. Her research is related to the Ancients and ways to sidestep the proximity limitations of arcanurgy.
Due to the high strategic value this research could have, the King wanted to have control over the research and prevent her from publishing it in exchange for additional funding. In her reply, Ona rejects his request. While her reply is polite, she is very firm about her intent.

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Ona Omar to the Count of Barcelona

Your Royal Excellency,
Thank you for your interest regarding my research, it is an honor to receive correspondence from such a distinguished man.
Let me assure you and your Court that the enormous explosions that happened near my laboratory were not caused by my research. I am confident that the city authorities will be able to find the culprit soon.
Regarding the explosions that took place near your palace (and, thank God, didn't kill anyone), while I take full responsibility for them, they were completely an accident. In fact, I have it on good authority that the material damages were more significant in my own property than the palace. In any case, as you are surely aware, I am currently under the protection of scholastic immunity.
I appreciate the wording of your request, but I'm afraid I will not comply. While I have great appreciation for your family and yourself, my research is just that: mine. When I am ready, I will share it publicly, but I will not allow it to be subordinated to political interests. I'm sure I don't need to remind you that your status as the count of this city does not override my scholastic immunity.
Thank you again for your letter, and I hope you will find my answer agreeable.
Ona Omar i Picó

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Type

Text, Letter

Medium

Paper

Location

Barcelona

Authors

• Ona Omar i Picó