What witch? The Deadly Pharmacist!

"So what do you mean?" Leon asked.

“As I said before, the Earl has his own interest groups among the eastern nobles and the church. This is the foundation upon which the Earl has been able to stand firm. Your big goal is to win over these people,” Father Auden said.

"Do you know who those people are?" Leon frowned.

“If I even knew this, I would either not be in my current position, or I should be dead long ago,” Father Auden shrugged.

"Then how are we supposed to gain the support of people who don't even know who we are?" Leon countered.

The Count undoubtedly has a network of connections within the church's upper echelons, but given his current position, he is not qualified to know the details. He doesn't even know much about Bishop Beckett. The only person he could find out who was connected to him was Cardinal Stuart, the current Chief Inquisitor. The Supreme Inquiry Order against Lena was requested from him, and he is someone Leon would absolutely not dare to approach casually.

"It's very simple. If you have the opportunity to climb up the old path of the Earl and take his place, then you have a chance! Didn't you also say that the Earl started with nothing? For this reason, you need to focus on two things: business and, as I said, you only have a little time. You need to use this time to quickly take over the territory left by the Earl!"

Secondly, there's power. You have to find ways to climb up the ranks in the church. Besides that, you also have to find a way to obtain a noble title like the Earl did back then and break into the noble circle. This matter is equally urgent! Father Auden held up two fingers to explain.

“Becoming a nobleman, you mean…” Leon already guessed what the priest was about to say.

“That’s right, Fenrir. Now it’s time for you to seriously consider buying out the debts of Viscount Arend and marrying Miss Adele!” Father Auden said earnestly.

Chapter 191 Marriage Needs to Be Discussed

After hearing the priest's words, Leon chuckled softly: "Sometimes I really feel like you're an old father who's worried about not being able to marry off his daughter."

“In this regard, her real father, Viscount Arend, is far more anxious than I am. I’ve already inquired for you; as long as you, this young and promising judge, are willing to repay the Viscount’s debts, he’s ready to marry his daughter to you at any time and cooperate with all the formalities to make you the third Viscount Arend. If you say no now, he’ll come running over and beg you, clinging to your legs,” Father Auden said.

“But I suspect Miss Adele has no such intention,” Leon said.

“Her intentions don’t matter. Haven’t you already got her under control? A little coercion or enticement is one of your specialties, isn’t it?” the priest said meaningfully, deliberately tapping the table with his knuckles.

Leon smiled. It seemed the priest was still resentful about being "coerced" into the struggle with the count.

“Fenrir, you could always treat this topic as a joke before, but this time you really can’t laugh it off. You now need to do more than just become a nobleman; you also need to have complete control over the entire island of Arend to deal with any investigation the Church might launch at any time.”

"You yourself know this, which is why you've tightened your control over the Viscount's family, hasn't you? If you could become Viscount Arend, with a noble title, your legal standing would be different, and the Church's investigations of you would be subject to many restrictions, especially on your territory," Father Auden said slowly.

“What you say makes a good point, but… the Viscount’s debt is no small sum,” Leon said.

The viscount owes more than 30 million pfennigs. After deducting various costs and the acquisition of various assets, Leon's revenue for the year only has about 40 million pfennigs that can be quickly raised and used directly. In such a crisis-ridden time, spending so much money to buy a title is a bit of a financial strain.

The Viscount's debts were largely inflated, practically a bubble. The Watchers' Merchant Guild had been set up to snowball his gambling debts to over 30 million, but their costs were minimal, and the Viscount simply couldn't repay. If Leon didn't pay, even if they seized all the viscount's territories that could be used as collateral when the deadline arrived, they wouldn't get much.

The actual value of this debt is far less than that; the inflation can definitely be reduced further.

“I discussed this with several leaders of the merchant guild beforehand, and after I helped them negotiate, they are willing to transfer the debt for free,” Father Auden said with a slight smile.

"That sounds rather dubious," Leon frowned.

As the saying goes, free things are the most expensive. When someone offers a huge benefit, it's usually as bait to try and get an even greater benefit from another source.

"Let me finish explaining. Here are the specific conditions. For five years, you will lend a sum of money to the merchant group every year, with each loan having a term of two years. The amount will depend on your apparent assets. This year, you can start with three million. The contractual annual interest rate is 10%, but in reality, no interest will be charged. The loan will be repaid after two years."

Then the next loan amount will increase year by year depending on your asset situation. If all goes well next year, it will increase to five to six million. In this way, you can borrow up to thirty million within five years and repay it in sequence over seven years. In this way, you don't actually need to spend a single penny, and you can still successfully launder at least three million extra by using illicit funds to cover the interest on the contract. However, I will still charge a handling fee for this three million as usual.

"And the merchant guild also obtained a long-term interest-free loan, which can at least balance three million in debt." Leon understood the other party's purpose.

Obtaining a substantial interest-free loan of 30 million over five years is of immense value to a merchant guild. The interest rate stipulated in the contract can be used for money laundering by Leon, while within the guild it can be used to explain the whereabouts of some secret funds, thus balancing the accounts—a win-win situation.

“In addition, you will become a member of the Watchers Merchant Guild, which will protect your business assets in Southport County. As you climb the ranks in the future, you will need a money laundering scale like Potter's, and the resources of the Watchers Merchant Guild will be very helpful to you at this stage,” Father Auden said.

Under the Earl's patronage, Leon's earnings had become quite substantial, but his money laundering was still not as large as that of Mr. Griffin, who was a successful businessman back then. Leon's current goal is to follow the Earl's path and become a tycoon, a nobleman, and a powerful figure.

Conversely, the Watchers Merchant Guild, persuaded by the priest, established this long-term relationship with Leon, hoping that Leon would expand the guild as he climbed the ranks.

"The terms are pretty good, aren't they? I admit I've been trying to get you to absorb the Watchers' Merchant Guild's debts, but I haven't cheated you, have I? These terms allow you to take over Arend Island. As your advisor, I think I've delivered a perfect report card," Father Oden said.

“I have to admit, it’s really good…” Leon nodded.

“Then let’s get on with the debt transfer and loan agreement as soon as possible,” Father Auden said, pressing his advantage.

“But let’s wait a bit. I need to talk to someone about it. After all, it’s a wedding,” Leon said.

"Will anyone object?" Father Auden sensed something was amiss.

"..." Leon did not give a direct answer, but simply shrugged.

He suddenly married someone else. Knowing him, it was impossible for Lena not to have objections. Putting himself in her shoes, he certainly wouldn't easily accept Lena having a fake marriage either.

Even if marrying Adele to obtain noble status is necessary, he'd better convince Lena first, otherwise he'll probably never have peace again.

"It's just a fake marriage... Of course, how you deal with Miss Adele is your business. A beauty like that, I think with your style, you probably won't let her go. She won't escape your clutches." Father Auden teased, "What, Miss Witch, aren't you used to your style yet?"

Leon then remembered that in Father Auden's eyes, he was the kind of lecherous man who would sleep with anyone from Mrs. Hershel to Melissa.

Leon didn't bother arguing with the priest, and simply explained, "She's been with me all this time, and I haven't given her a proper title. If I suddenly become someone else's husband, she definitely won't be able to accept it easily, right?"

“A title, huh? That certainly carries a different meaning.” Father Auden nodded repeatedly. “Well, I can understand. After all, she’s such a dangerous witch; we should treat her with caution.”

"Do you see her as dangerous?" Leon asked with a smile.

He knew that Father Auden didn't know much about witches or the power of blessing, and he had always thought that the cursed blood that Leon had used was Lena's handiwork.

“It’s not just me who thinks that way now. I’ve been gathering information for you in other territories, and I’ve heard more than just your bad reputation. They’re all saying that Fenrir has a terrible witch by his side. Besides being able to manipulate monsters and concoct magic, she can also turn people into raging beasts and use poisonous fog to kill people indiscriminately on the battlefield. She’s a blood witch who can make the world flow with blood,” Father Auden said.

Leon was momentarily stunned, realizing that the Earl's organization was generally aware that he had a witch by his side; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to produce magic essence. At the time, on Arend Island, to those who didn't understand witch's blessings, his werewolf transformation and cursed blood could be attributed to Lena's handiwork; those who witnessed him releasing the cursed blood poison mist at close range were mostly dead.

Naturally, some people will attribute the bloody massacre of the Count and his elite troops to Lena and develop a fear of this witch.

However, he cannot expect the rumors to have much effect.

Those who know about witches and various blessed powers can still see the problem if they learn a little about the battle on Arend Island. Sooner or later, someone will guess that he possesses witch-blessed powers that are beyond common sense.

The count was unaware that he possessed witch powers that could be used simultaneously with the blessing of the supreme god, a fact that was key to his eventual victory over the count on the battlefield. However, he could no longer expect to keep this trump card, which had been revealed once, hidden from others, especially from a certain person he now feared most.

How is the situation on the island now?

“I’ve rebuilt the fortifications of the stronghold and strengthened the defenses a bit,” Leon replied briefly.

The count's attack damaged his fortifications and caused him to lose some manpower. Most of his combat monsters were also killed, greatly weakening the fortress's defenses. It will take resources and time to recover.

“You shouldn’t be wasting your time on this kind of thing. What’s the point of strengthening your defenses if the church comes to investigate your base? Are you going to openly rebel against the church? Stop doing pointless things. Seizing territory and becoming a nobleman are what you should be doing right now.”

“No, my priority right now is to defend this base camp. The crisis is not over yet,” Leon retorted.

“The Earl is dead. Apart from the Church potentially launching an investigation, who would directly attack you? Those officials currently neither dare nor have the ability to invade your hometown. Moreover, given your control over them, they basically have no way to launch a surprise attack on you,” Father Auden said.

Based on the information provided by Bishop Beckett, Leon had essentially grasped the situation of the other cadres and had begun to monitor them.

But there is still one person he cannot fully control.

“Yes.” Leon nodded. “Father, the biggest problem we’re facing right now isn’t the church, but a person.”

It's unclear when the church will take notice of him, but the threat that person poses to Leon is imminent.

"Who else did you offend this time?" Father Auden asked, somewhat puzzled.

“Johnny Wellman, the Earl’s strongest general, will be back soon,” Leon said slowly.

Chapter 192 Angry Lena

Several days later, in the temple deep within the labyrinth of Arend Island, Weiss and Lena were about ten meters apart, each busy at their respective workbenches. Leon stood behind Weiss and, taking advantage of a break while she was preparing the potion, mentioned Mrs. Hershel's recent situation to her.

“…From what you’ve said, the recovery has indeed been going very smoothly, but it would be best to get a more definitive diagnosis. A cure is only theoretically possible, since there’s no precedent, and we’re not sure if there will be a rebound after stopping the medication. As for your suggestion to involve her in the work here, I’m quite supportive. The Blessing of New Life has great practical value, but ultimately it’s up to you to decide,” Weiss replied.

"Is everything going well with the job here?" Leon asked.

“This temple is full of magic, making it ideal for studying Moirai’s blessings and potions. Even the church can’t provide such good research conditions. I’m very grateful that you and Miss Lena have allowed me to use this place for an extended period,” Weiss said.

After the battle with the Earl ended, Leon made significant adjustments to the layout of the labyrinth fortress in order to expand his territory in the future and to deal with attacks or investigations.

In addition to strengthening the defenses, he also moved the potion lab to an outlying base and added another potion lab in a more convenient location, following the guidance provided by Weiss.

He plans to significantly increase the production of potions to compete for business in other territories. From the interrogation of Beckett and Ophelia, he has already gained a basic understanding of the other officers and clients.

Weiss was allowed to reside permanently in the temple inside the labyrinth to conduct potion research and magic element production. The extremely high purity magic element she produced and her top-notch potion-making technology were key to maintaining Leon's core competitiveness, and he had every reason to provide Weiss with the best research environment.

Furthermore, Vess allowed Lena to learn her techniques, which also helped Lena accept Vess's technical guidance.

“Vise, may I ask you something about the Blessing?” Leon asked.

"Tell me," Weiss asked, putting down her work for the moment.

"It's the condition for the supreme god's blessing and advancement that you told me about before. Do you think that killing the count would significantly change the possible course of history?" Leon asked.

"You... you've been blessed and advanced?" Weiss looked at Leon in surprise.

“No, it’s just that I had an unusual feeling at the time. I can’t quite explain it, but I’m pretty sure about it.” Leon shook his head.

After killing the count, he did indeed sense signs of the blessing of the supreme god surging.

But after that, he conducted an experiment, and the power of the blessing did not increase significantly. He remained at the first level of time acceleration ability, without any significant breakthrough compared to before.

"Well, I haven't studied the blessing of the Supreme God, so I can't give you a definite answer. Whether killing Count Frye can change the course of history depends on the extent of the impact the Count's disappearance will have on the world. To be honest, the Count wielded great power, but to say that he personally influenced the course of history..." Weiss paused here.

“I agree with that,” Leon nodded.

The Count was indeed very influential in this era, but he was a man who valued balance. When the witches' gathering tempted him to rebel against the empire, he remained unmoved. The only truly outrageous thing he did was rumored to be supporting the emperor's illegitimate son in the struggle for imperial power, but this was more to give his newly emerging eastern nobles the resources to rival the old-school western nobles. Such struggles for imperial power were not uncommon in history.

“I do have a guess about that,” Weiss suddenly said.

“Tell me about it,” Leon asked.

“The Earl’s death may be a turning point in the future, but it’s not the key. The most crucial turning point may not be that you killed the Earl, but rather the choice you might make after killing him, which will significantly affect the future,” Weiss said.

"The choices I might make?" Leon clasped his hands in contemplation. "In other words, it's not the Earl who will change the course of history, but me after the Earl's death?"

“I’m just guessing. Perhaps you could ask the archbishop of the Prophet’s Church for more theoretical information on this topic?” Weiss suggested.

“This…” Leon gave a wry smile.

In this regard, the only person he can consult is Archbishop Miller, who is still urging him to submit his thesis.

However, since it concerns his advancement, he still needs to find ways to gather more intelligence. For him, who is currently facing an unresolved crisis, external forces such as resources, status, and connections are certainly important, but his own strength is undoubtedly more important. The power he holds in his hands is the most reliable.

"Speaking of which, you've been in the labyrinth all this time. Have you felt the blessing power increase?" Leon changed the subject to the witch's blessing.

He, Lena, and Weiss all completed their sacrifice to Moirai, killing the four Blessed Gods of the same level. However, their Witch Blessing powers are still at the second level. According to Weiss, this requires a long period of absorbing magic from the labyrinth to achieve, but Leon does not yet know how long this process will take.

"Aren't you being too impatient? The advancement of blessings involves increasingly larger leaps as you go higher. Take Moirai's blessing as an example. From the first to the second rank, with prolonged exposure to labyrinth magic, the time span can vary from two to five years depending on individual factors. Reaching the third rank usually requires more than ten years of accumulation. We just accidentally unlocked that upper limit; it doesn't mean we can immediately reach that level," Weiss said in a guiding tone.

"More than ten years?" Leon was quite surprised.

“This is still a relatively ideal situation. Many great witches take much longer to grow up, and not all dungeons can have this quality of magic,” Weiss explained.

“Then…” Leon glanced furtively at Lena in the distance.

At that moment, Lena also happened to be glancing in their direction, seemingly very interested in their conversation.

Lena's eyes met Leon's, and she immediately frowned and turned her face away.

Leon could only sigh helplessly.

During this period, his relationship with Lena became a little tense.

He found an opportunity to talk to Lena about obtaining a title through marriage, and as he had basically expected, Lena got angry.

Lena clearly understood that Leon's initiative in bringing this up meant that he had this intention, and that this intention was not something she could easily accept.

Leon tried to explain the pros and cons to Lena, but Lena neither argued nor countered, only saying things like "whatever you want," and then... sulking with him.

She understands the logic, but whether she can accept it emotionally is another matter entirely.

Leon turned to Weiss, lowering his voice slightly as he continued his question: "Is there any ritual that can speed up this process?"

Weiss said it would take two to five years to go from the first level of Witch's Blessing to the second level, but he and Lena actually completed the advancement when they first started exploring the labyrinth of Arend Island.

Clearly, this is inextricably linked to the ritual they performed in that secret chamber.

Afterwards, he actually asked Lena to repeat the steps of the ritual, but he didn't get promoted as quickly as before. It seems that going from the second to the third rank will never be as easy as before.

If possible, he still wants to have an expert confirm it.

"What ceremony?" Weiss blinked, puzzled.

“Someone once told me that these temples are used by the Earth Mother Goddess Cult in Eland to hold some… special ceremonies. I wonder if you know anything about this?” Leon asked tentatively.

“Ah…” Weiss finally understood that what Leon was referring to was a ritual celebrating the propagation of life, commonly performed in the ancient Eland religion of the Earth Mother Goddess Moirai. Her expression became somewhat embarrassed. “I have heard of this. But I have never studied it in detail, so… I’m afraid I can’t answer you.”

Weiss considered herself a standard scholar, and she believed she could remain composed when discussing sex with people for research purposes.

But for some reason, when Leon brought up this topic with her, she felt her face burning and instinctively wanted to avoid it.