What witch? The Deadly Pharmacist!

……

In the afternoon, Leon finally returned to Hamel town by carriage and got off at the main entrance of the town church.

He stepped through the main entrance and identified himself to the nun who greeted him at the church door. The moment he gave his name, before he could even explain his purpose, the nun understood and said, "Please come with me. Bishop Weiss has been waiting for a long time!"

Leon followed the nun through the magnificent halls to the monastery area at the back, climbed the stairs, crossed the covered bridge in the courtyard, and entered a white tower inside the monastery.

The white Tower of Truth is an academic facility found in town-level and grand diocese-level monasteries, containing a library, laboratory, and seminar room for use by bishops who participate in academic research.

Leon was led to a seminar room, and the nun knocked on the door: "Bishop Weiss, Inquisitor Seth, the deputy director of the Inquisition, has arrived."

Footsteps immediately sounded inside, and then the door was opened, revealing the tall figure of Bishop Weiss behind it.

When their eyes met, Leon felt that Bishop Vess's gaze seemed to be shining, with a hint of surprise in it. Even the nun next to him noticed the unusual change in Bishop Vess's expression when she saw Leon.

"Greetings, Your Excellency, greetings." Leon bowed in accordance with custom.

“You’ve finally arrived! I’ve been waiting for you. Please come in!” Bishop Weiss stepped aside.

“Okay.” Leon stepped into the seminar room, and Bishop Weiss nodded her thanks to the nun before closing the seminar room.

Then the nun heard a click as the door locked.

Strange, why would a bishop of the third rank, and a saint of the Church of the Creator, be in such a hurry to see a lower-ranking judge? Is there some urgent task for that person to report?

The nun walked away, pondering her own thoughts.

Chapter 126 We're Being Monitored

“Please have a seat.” Bishop Weiss gestured for Leon to sit down in a chair at a tea table, and then began to rummage through a pile of documents on another table.

"Thank you."

As soon as Leon sat down, Weiss turned back to the tea table and placed an open academic journal on it.

Leon immediately recognized the atomic nucleus model he had drawn and realized that it was the hypothesis he had written, which was compiled and published in the church's academic journal by Bishop Miller.

"This, did you write it correctly?" Bishop Weiss leaned over Leon, resting her hands on the tea table, to confirm.

"Yes……"

Before Leon could finish his reply, Bishop Weiss moved even closer to him, her gaze intense: "You're researching atomic theory? Why didn't you tell me when we met before?"

Isn't that face a little too close?

Leon felt a little uncomfortable being stared at so closely by Bishop Weiss, and shifted his body slightly back: "I was just a little interested, so I studied some materials. It was just a sudden idea of ​​mine."

“This isn’t just a sudden inspiration; it’s a groundbreaking idea that provides a new approach to the analysis of atomic structure!” Bishop Weiss picked up the academic journal, patted it, and stared at Leon as she said, “Furthermore, at the end, you combined the properties of the elements with this model, speculating that the atomic number might change periodically with increasing atomic weight due to this structure. This is not something an ordinary person could come up with!”

Leon thought to himself, "That thing is called the periodic table, and like atomic structure, it's all middle school level knowledge in our world."

“Actually, the Church of the Creator has set up many experimental projects related to atomism. Because they are not yet completed, most of them have not been made public, and some special phenomena cannot be fully understood. But your model can provide an explanation for these phenomena!” Bishop Weiss looked at Leon curiously. “Logically speaking, you should not have access to those experimental projects, but you can use a model to explain the problems that so many bishops have racked their brains to figure out. This is really… unbelievable!”

Upon hearing this, Leon wondered if he had gone a bit too far by creating an atomic model. He had researched the subject and assumed that the Church's research was still at the stage where it could not verify the atomic structure. Now it seemed that he had underestimated the research progress of the Church of the Creator. Some of the more cutting-edge research projects were simply not made public, but he was unaware of them.

He thought his conjectures were at most good for writing papers, and when Bishop Miller saw them, he only praised his rich imagination.

But for Weiss of the Church of the Creator, his conjecture coincided with the Church of the Creator's cutting-edge experimental results, which had epoch-making significance and might even be the prototype of a new doctrine.

"It just came to mind by chance, like a flash of inspiration. Your Excellency, have you ever had a flash of inspiration when you were doing your research?" Leon was a little overwhelmed by Weiss's enthusiasm and could only try to explain it this way.

“Inspiration doesn’t favor those who lack the ability to realize it. If you don’t have enough knowledge in this area, you can’t use inspiration to come up with such a complete and self-consistent conjecture.” Bishop Weiss looked at the conjecture published in the journal, a look of relief on her face. “Fortunately, you chose to make this public during the rank assessment, otherwise it would have been such a pity. I’ve missed out on people with such creative ideas twice…”

“When I first met you, I hadn’t even thought of this. And how could I possibly show off such a serendipitous inspiration to a professional?” Leon smiled.

“No, even if this is not the answer to the truth, it will certainly be an important step in our search for the truth. Your model will become a milestone in our exploration of the microscopic world. I think your name should appear in textbooks,” Bishop Weiss said confidently.

"Becoming someone from a textbook seems a bit exaggerated," Leon thought.

“I hope I really will have such an opportunity. I never expected that such a conjecture would receive your praise. I am truly humbled,” Leon replied.

“Judge Seth, the results of the assessment haven’t come out yet, but since Archbishop Miller, who is in charge of the Faculty of Science in the Southeastern Diocese, is willing to publish your work, it should be a certainty that you passed the assessment. You shouldn’t have been assigned a job yet. Since you are interested in atomic theory, you must be interested in getting involved in cutting-edge experimental projects in this area, right?” Bishop Weiss stared at Leon and asked seriously.

"Well, I really can't imagine what I could do in such a high-end experimental project..." Leon smiled sheepishly.

Realizing that Bishop Weiss was about to extend an invitation, Leon could only begin to prepare his refusal.

“Your conjecture has already sparked heated discussions among experts. Regardless of what you can do, as the one who proposed the conjecture, you are qualified to give a lecture directly to us!” Bishop Weiss said.

"You're joking, aren't you? I bet he'd faint in that situation." Leon laughed it off.

“I’m serious! I want to recommend you to join the Church of the Creator. I hope you can come and work at the St. Rosalia Institute. You have the talent to change academia and shouldn’t be buried here!” Bishop Weiss finally revealed her true intentions.

“I am truly flattered by your appreciation.” Leon deliberately feigned surprise, then lowered his head apologetically. “But I’m really sorry, in fact, after the assessment, I accepted Archbishop Miller’s invitation to join the Church of the Prophet.”

"Are you going to transfer to the Faculty of Science in this grand diocese? You want to... study mathematics?" Bishop Weiss asked in surprise.

She knew that Archbishop Miller was an expert in mathematical theory, but only had a slight interest in natural philosophy.

“I don’t intend to switch to an academic position. I will remain in Hamel to take over as the head of the Inquisition. My superiors have promoted me, and I promised to do a good job. There are still many cases here that I can’t leave behind. I joined the Church of the Prophet mainly out of gratitude for Archbishop Miller’s appreciation. As for academics, I will develop them as a hobby outside of my duties, just like before,” Leon delivered his prepared statement.

After listening, Weiss stared at Leon for a long while, then finally lowered her eyes and sighed, "I see..."

Having said that, she couldn't very well try to steal Leon's talent from Archbishop Miller. After all, Archbishop Miller was the first person to express his admiration for Leon, and if Archbishop Miller hadn't published Leon's work, she wouldn't even have seen Leon Seth's name in academic circles.

She met Leon twice, but never knew of his talent, and missed the opportunity to meet him, which she found very regrettable.

"I'm so sorry, you came all this way, but I..." Leon said apologetically.

“No.” Bishop Weiss shook her head gently. “I came here expecting this outcome. Actually, I mainly came because I wanted to see you. I felt it was necessary. We had a long talk, but I don’t know anything about you or the talents you possess.”

Upon hearing this, Leon immediately became alert.

His fears came true; he had anticipated this potential trouble when Bishop Beckett asked him to wear the badge.

The last time he had a “heart-to-heart talk” with Bishop Weiss was in secret in Bishop Weiss’s carriage. He had not mentioned this to Bishop Beckett, but only told Lena!

For Bishop Beckett, the only time he had discussed the topic of "the witch" Selene Hershey was with Bishop Weiss in the reception room of the Inquisition.

He still wears the badge given to him by Bishop Beckett, and if Bishop Weiss brings up the topics they discussed in the carriage, Bishop Beckett can directly overhear them.

With Bishop Beckett's keen insight, he would surely have noticed the slightest clue that he had met with Weiss in private! If this were to become known, given the Earl and Bishop Beckett's inexplicable aversion to Weiss, he might not be able to explain it clearly!

“After all, we only talked about Mrs. Hershey,” Leon said with a smile, while trying to give Bishop Weiss a look.

Weiss didn't immediately notice anything amiss, and continued, "By the way, your injury..."

"Ah, well, according to the treatment plan you provided before, it hasn't recurred!" Leon interrupted to answer, continuing to cast glances at Bishop Weiss.

His injuries have completely healed; Weiss's prescription was effective from the very first dose.

Although he eventually recovered mainly because Leon unexpectedly gained the ability to transform into a werewolf, werewolves, like demon wolves, possess a constitution that makes them immune to all poisons, and the remaining injuries healed as his constitution changed.

However, Leon still speculated that his demon form would be a werewolf, possibly related to the antidote made with the blood of the demon wolf from Weiss's prescription.

Bishop Weiss finally noticed Leon's expression and looked at him with a puzzled look. Just as she was about to ask a question, Leon blinked.

Bishop Weiss finally understood and remained silent for the time being, awaiting Leon's explanation.

Leon couldn't explain it in words, nor was he sure to what extent Bishop Beckett could monitor him through the badge, or whether he could even detect the surrounding scene and his movements. Writing or overly obvious body language would pose a risk of exposure.

At that moment, Leon's gaze fell on the open academic journal. After glancing at a few lines, he suddenly had an idea.

“I can actually feel a strange sense of fate. Given the difference in our status, we shouldn’t have any interaction, but I never expected to have the honor of meeting you for the third time. This time, it’s all thanks to this work.” Leon said, raising his hand to gently stroke the pages of the book.

Weiss immediately noticed and focused her gaze on Leon's hand. Leon's index finger touched a word with a very small movement.

The word is "observation".

Weiss glanced at Leon's face instinctively. One word wasn't enough for her to understand the meaning. At that moment, Leon's eyes darted around quickly, glancing up, down, left, and right, before he blinked.

Observation...everywhere...eyes...are everywhere!

Weiss woke up with a start and suddenly felt many unseen eyes open around her, their gazes fixed on her.

Chapter 127 The Rose School

Leon hoped that Weiss would understand his hint. As a selected third-order bishop, Weiss's understanding of blessings should be superior to his, and she probably knew about the Mystic Blessing that Bishop Beckett possessed.

If they mention their previous secret meeting while being monitored, both she and Leon will be in trouble.

Fortunately, Weiss finally noticed his hint. The surprise in her eyes was fleeting, and she quickly regained her composure.

"Yes, it is indeed fate, but I wish I had known you sooner." She said, looking out the window.

Leon noticed and followed her gaze to look out the window.

The windows of church buildings were not made of the oiled paper used in ordinary houses, but of expensive, transparent glass.

Through the glass outside the seminar room, one can see the monastery's garden, where flowers are in full bloom as spring transitions into summer.

Just as Leon was wondering if he had misunderstood something, the view outside the window suddenly became slightly blurry, as if a fog had covered it.

This phenomenon is common in the cold winter, but it seems unusual in this season.

Before Leon could even be surprised, scrawled words suddenly appeared on the fog covering the glass, as if an invisible hand was writing on it.

The message read: "Six o'clock, usual place."

The mist and words appeared briefly and then vanished, like a gust of wind passing by the window, which then returned to its clear and bright state.

But Leon had already memorized what he was told.

He turned back to Weiss, who was staring intently into his eyes.

"Will you continue to do this research in the future?" Weiss asked.

“If I have time, I will continue.” Leon looked back at Weiss and nodded in response.

This means that he accepted the meeting invitation that Weiss had just conveyed.

“That’s good. Since you’ve made your decision, I won’t insist. We’ll still have opportunities for academic exchange after you achieve your rank. If you’re interested in the Creator Church’s research on atomism in the future, you can write to the St. Rosalia Institute at any time. As long as it’s not classified, I’m always ready to discuss it with you.” Weiss then decisively ended her reply and stood up to say this.

"Okay, thank you for your understanding." Leon also stood up.

Weiss saw Leon out of the seminar room, and the two said their goodbyes. Leon then left the town church and walked to the nearby Inquisition.

"Greetings, sir!"

Good afternoon, sir!

Along the way, his former colleagues began to salute Leon respectfully, and Leon responded with a smile, "Good afternoon."

Leon disliked the arrogant attitude of Caron when he was the director, and even after his promotion, he remained down-to-earth at the institute.

When he became captain, his former teammates did not change their attitude towards him. Even their salutes to him were somewhat mocking.

After he was promoted to deputy director, people's attitudes toward him began to become slightly more respectful, especially his colleagues from other departments who were not very familiar with him. His former teammates began to salute him seriously, but they still chatted warmly with him.

Now, however, he could sense that his colleagues had begun to treat him with a sense of awe, their expressions tense and their eyes strained when they saluted, as if they were afraid of doing something wrong and offending him.

After he made a great contribution and was recommended by Bishop Beckett to participate in the official selection examination, rumors had already spread that Leon would take over as director.

Bishop Beckett was a civilian employee of the military branch of the Church of War, and was only temporarily transferred to the Inquisition. He would inevitably be transferred away after a while.

After Leon obtains his rank, his outstanding work in Hamel Town will make him the best candidate to succeed as director.

To ordinary people, obtaining a rank from the church is essentially the same as becoming a nobleman, equivalent to entering high society.

A certain undeniable class divide has formed between him and his former colleagues. He is now the new Caron Esso. No matter how approachable Leon may appear, in the eyes of his colleagues, he is still a superior, at most a little more lenient.

However, Leon also knew that as a superior managing this Inquisition, he would need to maintain a certain level of authority.

He went straight to Bishop Beckett's office, and as soon as he knocked on the door, he heard a voice from inside: "Come in."

After opening the door and locking it, Leon bowed to Bishop Beckett, who was sitting behind the table: "I've sent her away, sir."

“Yes, you did very well,” Bishop Beckett nodded.

Leon breathed a slight sigh of relief upon hearing this. When he and Weiss exchanged information, it couldn't be said that it was 100% safe.

However, judging from Bishop Beckett's reaction, he did not seem to notice anything unusual.

“Then this thing…” Leon took out the Mystic Badge.

“Give it back to me if you don’t want to keep it with you,” Bishop Beckett waved his hand.

Leon placed the badge on the table. With this thing that could be eavesdropped on and monitored, he probably wouldn't even be able to go to the toilet comfortably.

“Take these documents, fill them out, and then write a letter to Archbishop Miller, along with my letter of recommendation, and send it to the district church. The Prophet Church will then contact you in advance to attend the ceremony.” Bishop Beckett then handed some personal information forms and application documents to Leon.