What witch? The Deadly Pharmacist!

Running an errand once in itself wouldn't be a big deal. In the process, he only received 250 pfennigs as a running fee, which is far from enough to warrant a criminal conviction. At most, it would be suspected of dereliction of duty for knowing about the crime but failing to report it. However, considering that the mastermind behind the sale of stolen goods was his superior, and he could not disobey orders, this issue could be a big or small matter.

Even the most severe punishment would only be dismissal from his post, five days of detention, and a fine, which would be nothing to Leon except for losing his job and the benefits he enjoyed.

In comparison, he was more worried that the new director would connect Caron's disappearance with the old shop owner's disappearance. Leon himself couldn't withstand too much investigation into these two matters, because he really did kill both of them.

If Leon's concerns are confirmed, they will likely conduct a thorough investigation into anyone who has connections with both the old shop owner and Caron.

Caron's disappearance is a major case, and Captain Martin will be subject to intense questioning and a thorough investigation into every transaction involving the sale of stolen goods that he handled. Under such circumstances, there is a high probability that Captain Martin will mention him... it may even be almost inevitable.

If Captain Martin truly did not receive any money from the director, even if he is found guilty of dereliction of duty, he could still be given a lesser sentence, provided that he provides useful clues and truthfully explains most of the circumstances surrounding the sale of stolen goods.

Now how to do?

After returning to the duty room, he began to think about it seriously.

Finding an opportunity to poison Captain Martin, who was in custody, was obviously impossible; the risk was too great. Instead, it would lead to a new murder case, causing the new warden to limit his targets to internal personnel who had a chance to strike. He had no grudge against the captain, so there was no need for him to go to such lengths.

It wouldn't be appropriate to try and get Captain Martin to stop mentioning him through a deal. Putting aside the possibility of success, Captain Martin has already been detained, and making contact with him at this time would seem highly suspicious.

After a moment's thought, he made up his mind.

He first left the Inquisition under the pretext of running errands, and then went to the post station to mail an anonymous letter.

He then returned to the Inquisition and went straight to the director's office.

After taking a deep breath, he tried knocking on the door.

A moment later, a response came from inside: "Please come in."

Leon opened the door and went in. The newly appointed director, Aaron Diaz, was sitting behind his desk. In the seat that used to belong to Caron, Bishop Beckett, who was now the deputy director, was standing beside him helping him organize the documents.

The team leaders were no longer in the office; it seemed the new director had only asked them a few questions before adjourning the meeting.

Both of them looked a little surprised when they saw Leon come in.

"You are..." Aaron looked him over in his uniform.

With so many lower-ranking judges present, he couldn't possibly remember everyone's faces at once, let alone know their names.

"Judge Leon Seth, who joined the force two years ago, greets you both, sirs." Leon stood at attention and saluted.

“Yes, Judge Seth, what can I do for you?” Aaron asked with a friendly smile.

In terms of temperament, this young knight is a completely different person from Caron Esso.

"Regarding the matter of Director Caron embezzling stolen money and goods that you mentioned earlier, sir, I have something to report to you," Leon replied earnestly.

Aaron exchanged a glance with Bishop Beckett, then continued to ask Leon, "Did you hear about this, or do you have concrete evidence?"

When someone falls from grace, everyone pushes them down. They've seen many internal whistleblowing reports that follow someone's downfall, but most of them lack any real evidence. If they had relevant evidence, the whistleblower would be suspected of concealing something beforehand.

“I was once involved in the director’s dealings of stolen goods,” Leon replied, looking directly into Director Aaron’s eyes.

Rather than trying to explain after being caught, it's better to take a step back and expose the matter before Captain Martin does, thus reducing the threat it poses to him.

Minor offenses can sometimes serve as a cover for serious crimes. By feigning fear of severe punishment for dereliction of duty and proactively confessing, one can significantly reduce suspicion of being involved in Caron's disappearance. People with serious crimes hidden behind them generally won't come forward at such a critical juncture.

What he was trying to cover up were murders and large-scale illegal transactions that could have landed him in multiple death sentences. Even if he were investigated and punished for dereliction of duty, it would be of little consequence to him.

However, if the other party is suspicious, there is a risk that they might be suspected directly and thoroughly investigated, and he might be detained for a period of time for a thorough investigation, just like Captain Martin.

But this could also serve as a warning to him. He sent an anonymous letter to Lena in advance; if he didn't contact her within six days, Lena would have to move the things in the studio, destroy the evidence, and hide it. Without further evidence, his detention for investigation would also have a time limit.

"What did you say?" Aaron frowned slightly.

Chapter 57 His Highness the Prince

Leon slowly explained the whole situation, including how he was commissioned by Captain Martin to go to the recycling shop to make the transaction, how he got the money and returned it to the captain, and how he received a delivery fee of two hundred and fifty pfennigs from the captain.

Aaron and Bishop Beckett listened silently, then Aaron spoke thoughtfully: "Judge Seth, do you know what everything you just confessed means?"

“I am willing to take responsibility for my statement just now,” Leon replied with a straight face.

“Then you should understand that this is a dereliction of duty,” Bishop Beckett said, stepping in front of Leon. “Knowing full well that Caron Esso was involved in such a serious crime as heresy, you not only failed to report it to the Church, but you also participated in it?”

“Reporting to the sir, given Director Esso’s power in the institute at the time, no one could oppose him. Moreover, he controlled many informants suspected of engaging in heretical transactions. Even if I brought the stolen goods to report him, it would be difficult to become conclusive evidence. The only outcome I could imagine was being falsely accused and then suffering terrible retaliation during the investigation,” Leon said earnestly.

"So you don't believe that the Church's laws can give you justice?" Bishop Beckett said in a highly suggestive tone.

“I believe it, which is why I have come here today to confess to my two superiors,” Leon replied.

“So you only believed in the justice of the law after your captain was caught? You’re just afraid that your captain will confess your crimes and you’ll be severely punished when we summon you again!” Bishop Beckett stared at Leon.

"I just... I just felt this was the right thing to do, and it's not too late." Leon deliberately avoided the other person's gaze, feigning guilt.

Bishop Beckett's insistence on this point was not a bad thing for him. The more people believed he was just a small fry who would back down over such things, the better it served as his camouflage.

Simply holding him accountable for not reporting the incident is merely a simple act of dereliction of duty, as long as he is not linked to Caron's disappearance.

“Alright, Bishop Beckett, there’s no need for this,” Aaron suddenly spoke up, stopping Bishop Beckett.

Upon hearing Aaron speak, Bishop Beckett immediately abandoned any further questioning of Leon and returned to his desk.

Aaron looked Leon over for a moment and nodded: "You did something wrong, but fortunately you were able to turn back in time and were afraid of being punished, which at least shows that the church's law has weight in your heart. It is indeed the right thing for you to be honest with us."

Church law has failed to promptly restrain your superiors from corruption and abuse of power, nor has it given you the confidence to report such acts. If it can only punish you after the fact, I believe it will actually undermine the authority of the law.

“But according to the regulations, he should still be punished,” Bishop Beckett advised.

“According to the regulations, I can also decide to temporarily retain the punishment.” Aaron looked at Leon and said in an encouraging tone, “I hope you will take this as a warning, do your job well, and strive to offset the punishment with merits.”

Leon was somewhat surprised by Aaron's words. He had expected to receive some kind of punishment, at least a suspension and a pay cut, but he didn't expect to receive a suspended punishment!

This person seems quite tolerant; is he the kind of leader who likes to play the "good cop"?

But seeing how swiftly he apprehended the deputy director and the team leader upon taking office, Leon still dared not let his guard down against this man.

“But if you commit the offense again, the punishment will be retroactive, and all punishments will be dealt with more severely as repeat offenders,” Bishop Beckett continued, playing the stern role.

"Yes, I will remember it. Thank you both for your magnanimity." Leon bowed and thanked them.

"Leon Seth, I'll remember you. I look forward to your future performance in the team." Aaron nodded with a smile.

“I will certainly not let you down,” Leon replied.

"Then get to work," Bishop Beckett said, already trying to send him away.

"I'll take my leave now."

After saying this, Leon turned to the door, secretly relieved.

The proactive confession was more effective than expected. It not only successfully navigated the risk but also provided some insight into the operating styles of the two new superiors.

As soon as he opened the door, he came face to face with a young woman dressed as a clerk.

Seeing that the other person was carrying a tray with teacups and a teapot, Leon realized that they were there to make tea for the two of them, so he pulled the door open and made way for them.

"Thank you." The other person thanked him and went into the office. "Sir, please have some tea."

"Leave them there for now, Caroline. Come over and help me organize these files," Bishop Beckett beckoned her over to help.

As Leon stepped outside, the woman's beautiful face came to mind.

The inquisition in Hamel town didn't originally have someone who could directly help organize the files; it seems that these two new officers must have brought their secretaries from their previous units.

It seems a bit unusual that even a trivial task like making tea is assigned to a secretary. There are actually servants here who are responsible for cleaning and various other chores. Could it be that the secretary is better at making tea?

Suddenly, Leon vaguely realized something and paused in his tracks.

He stood there for a moment, his expression turned serious, then he went downstairs, quickly crossed the institute's training ground, and headed towards the canteen.

He happened to see an elderly woman working as a cook peeling potatoes on the side of the canteen, so he greeted her, "Hello, Mrs. Hunter."

"Oh, good morning, sir." The other person bowed to Leon. Even if Leon's position here was low, he was still a formal judge.

"Is today's menu chicken stew and roasted potatoes again?" Leon asked casually.

"Hehe, it's a classic local dish." The old nanny chuckled.

"Oh, it's good to change things up once in a while. We have a new director now, and if he eats all the food you guys usually make, he'll probably have to change jobs." Leon changed the subject.

“Oh, sir, I’m afraid that would be difficult for us to do. You don’t know, do you? Two people came to the kitchen, saying they were specifically responsible for cooking for the new director. They brought their own food and cooking utensils, and even demanded that we give them priority to use the stove. They’re so arrogant!” The other person started talking and said to Leon.

"Bring your own chef? That's quite impressive," Leon chuckled.

"That's right, that's right, no wonder he's a big shot!" The old cook chimed in with a smile. No one dared to say that this was some young master from a wealthy family taking office, because even the cooks had to bring such a thing with them.

But Leon had already gotten the information he wanted, so he quickly said goodbye and left the scene.

After turning around, the smile on his face slowly faded.

When he arrived at his new post, he brought his own chef and even had his secretary, whom he brought with him, make tea... At first glance, this seems to be just a habit that comes from being pampered by the aristocracy.

But from Leon's perspective, this incident reveals another piece of information—poisoning is not an easy thing to do.

It's not that he's seriously considering poisoning the newly appointed director, but he's already naturally assumed the other party is an enemy and will naturally look for his weaknesses.

The newly appointed commander was clearly wary of poisoning and assassination. Even someone like Caron, who had offended many people, was not so neurotic. Although he rarely ate in the canteen, he often went to nearby restaurants and taverns.

This doesn't seem like the kind of wariness that ordinary people would have.

Meanwhile, in the director's office, Aaron and Bishop Beckett sat facing each other across the desk, drinking tea and discussing.

“What is your opinion of this place?” Bishop Beckett asked.

“It’s a den of iniquity. I never knew local church organizations were like this. It’s really necessary to straighten out the atmosphere,” Aaron replied, holding his teacup.

“It’s not just down there that’s rife with corruption; you just haven’t seen enough of it. And what you need to correct isn’t the atmosphere of this small place, but the entire country,” Bishop Beckett said with a smile.

"That's still a bit far off for me," Aaron chuckled self-deprecatingly.

“I will assist you step by step. In any case, even you need to accumulate some merit to gain the support of those cardinals within the Church, just as Count Frey suggested,” said Bishop Beckett.

“Yes, in any case, we must find out the truth behind Caron Esso’s disappearance, as well as the origin of that batch of new goods circulating in Southport County. We cannot allow the order of the country to be challenged again and again,” Aaron said earnestly.

“As you command, Your Highness,” Bishop Beckett replied in a low voice.

Chapter 58 The Interrogated Witch

Lena sat at the table, one hand cuffed to one end and the other to the table leg.

Two oil lamps sat on the table, illuminating the small space.

Opposite her sat a masked inquisitor, exuding a chilling aura.

“Rena Lothark?” the Inquisitor asked.

"Yes...yes," Lena replied nervously.

"I won't waste any more words. We already know you're a witch. According to church regulations, you've committed heresy and blasphemy. Adding to that the aggravating circumstances of manufacturing and selling large quantities of magic essence, you may face the death penalty."

But if you can cooperate and truthfully confess all your crimes right now, you still have a chance to be lenient. This is your only chance. Do you understand what I mean? The Inquisitor tapped the table with his knuckles.

"I...I'm not a witch!!" Lena shook her head innocently.

“Wrong!” The inquisitor on the other side suddenly shook his head.

"How did you get it wrong again?" Lena frowned in confusion.

“When I said, ‘We already know you are a witch,’ you should have vehemently denied it; that would have been the normal reaction,” the Inquisitor patiently explained.

"Ugh, this is so troublesome, I'm not playing anymore!"

Lena lost her patience and shook the handcuffs on her wrists. "Hurry up and unlock them. Time to get to work."

"I've already said, this isn't a game, it's training!"

Leon, who was playing the role of the interrogator, took off his mask and looked at Lena seriously.

This is a training exercise to improve Lena's counter-surveillance skills.

After taking office, Director Aaron quickly established a special task force to investigate Caron's disappearance, which made Leon feel a little nervous.

Although a week has passed since the task force was established, there has been no progress in the investigation so far.

"What's the point?" Lena looked completely bewildered. "They've all been captured, aren't they all finished? What's the point of training then?"

She didn't know what was wrong with Leon today, insisting on dragging her into some kind of interrogation training.

Leon made her imagine herself being captured and interrogated in an interrogation room by the Inquisition, while he played the role of the interrogator.