Falsehood is never in words; it is in things.
Note
To tell of Olivia’s prosperity, Marco would have to speak of filigree palaces, fringed cushions, a peacock in a courtyard; but from these words one should understand at once how Olivia is wrapped in a cloud of soot and grease. A city must never be confused with the words that describe it, and yet between the one and the other there is a connection.
The scene sets the words in front of the city, like a screen of lace: each leaf is the negative of what stands behind it, tall motifs before the chimneys, long ones before the sheds. Through the holes the thing shows, matte and dusty.
Touch a leaf: it folds back, and for a moment the city stands bare. Meanwhile the leaves beside it brighten, as if speaking louder. Then the screen closes again: Olivia can only be seen through words.
Quotations are brief excerpts for the purpose of commentary. The full text is available in published editions. The Cities of Ottavia, Valdrada & the soundtrack are inspired by "Monument Valley" from ustwo games.