What witch? The Deadly Pharmacist!

“But you didn’t mention it at the time,” Leon said.

At that time, according to Weiss, he thought that if he refused to send Selena to Santa Rosalia Prison, Weiss would give up her research on halogenation disease.

“After all, it’s research that involves a certain amount of risk, and I’m not entirely confident that I can complete this project, so I can’t just tell people about it casually,” Weiss replied.

"So you've finished now? You just said this medicine can cure salinization disease?" Leon stared intently at Weiss and asked.

“No, there are still some issues to resolve. This medicine has an extremely high magical content, and ordinary people who take it will experience severe heart rhythm disorders. It cannot be taken for a long time, and this aspect needs further improvement…” Weiss explained.

Leon's emotions, which had just surged upon hearing this, subsided again. But then he heard Weiss continue, "But monsters can withstand it. I've already done the experiments, so witches should be able to use it."

"A witch?" Leon was taken aback.

“Yes, this medicine can reverse the symptoms of saltification disease in monsters, achieving a cure, with minimal side effects. Theoretically, it can also be tolerated by witches with the same intensity of magic. I have already tested its efficacy on monsters, and I have also given it to witches, confirming its safety on them. Therefore, I think Ms. Hershau could try this medicine. Of course, that's on the condition that you agree,” Weiss said, looking at Leon.

Leon hesitated a little upon hearing this, but Weiss genuinely believed that Selene was a witch, so she thought it was worth a try.

The problem is that Selene is not a real witch, and according to Weiss, using this drug will produce serious side effects.

Unless, of course, Selene is successfully transformed into a witch!

If it were an ordinary person, becoming a witch would probably involve the risk of being targeted by the church. However, Selene had already been identified as a witch by the church, so she didn't need to worry too much about that.

However, this matter still requires the consent of the person involved to be carried out, and for Selene in prison to use the ritual to become a witch, the authority of the head of the Inquisition is also required to make it happen.

“I’m willing to persuade her to try this medicine, but is there any condition for you to provide it?” Leon asked tentatively.

In any case, ensuring that you have this option is the most important thing.

Although Sally's condition has stabilized, she is still at risk of dying from complications at any time. Since there is hope for a cure, we must do everything we can to seize it.

“There are no conditions; I just want to complete this research. Ms. Hershey, being both a witch and a patient with halogenation disease, is the most suitable sample. I only hope that once you start administering the medication to her, you will record any changes for me, and contact me if there are any issues. If there are no problems, after a month of treatment, I hope you can allow me to give her a diagnosis,” Weiss said.

“According to the plan, I should be able to take over Bishop Beckett’s duties next month. If she agrees, I can administer the medication to her at that time,” Leon replied.

"Here is the original medicine, a total of forty milliliters. Store it in a cool, dark place. Take one milliliter daily, diluted with ten milliliters of pure distilled water. Remember, it must be diluted, and no magic essence should be added, otherwise it will affect the efficacy." Viss handed the small black bottle to Leon.

"Theoretically, how long will it take to fully recover?" Leon carefully took the bottle.

"In experiments on small monsters, even early symptoms took three months to be completely eradicated. On humans, especially in the later stages, I think it might take a year, or even longer. However, the specifics will depend on the results of the first course of treatment," Weiss replied cautiously.

"Then about the prescription..." Leon asked tentatively.

If this medicine is an improvement on Lena's, then it definitely falls under the category of potions. Both its preparation and the act of secretly giving it to Selene by Leon are serious violations of church rules. Since Weiss is part of the church, she may not always be able to move freely. In case of any unforeseen circumstances, the medicine supply might be cut off.

Therefore, it would be best if Weiss could tell him the prescription, and Lena could also analyze and improve it based on the prescription, and then prepare the subsequent medications herself.

However, this time Weiss looked troubled: "I'm sorry, this prescription involves some secrets, and I can't just reveal it... Besides, even if I told you, you wouldn't be able to prepare it. There's a key ingredient that can only be made under the conditions of the St. Rosalia Research Institute."

Seeing that Leon looked a little disappointed upon hearing this answer, she added, "Although it sounds like an excuse, it's true, please believe me."

“Of course I trust you. I know very well how much risk you took to do this. You must have your reasons for not wanting to reveal the prescription,” Leon replied, looking into Weiss’s eyes.

In terms of profit, the prescription for the specific cure for Salt Disease is not actually that valuable. Providing the prescription alone is much less risky than providing the magic potion.

Weiss had already taken a huge risk to give him the prepared medicine, and there must be a reason why she wouldn't reveal the prescription.

"Thank you for your understanding." Weiss seemed relieved.

“Then let’s exchange safe contact addresses,” Leon suggested.

Secretly using the potion prepared by Weiss on Selene was risky for both him and Weiss. He had to ensure that neither the church nor anyone on the count's side knew about it. Their future communication methods had to be kept secret. He had several secret contact points in Southport County.

"Well..." Weiss hesitated slightly as she thought about it.

"Are you not available?" Leon asked.

“I was just thinking, maybe there’s a better way,” Weiss said after a moment’s thought.

After speaking, she opened a box in the carriage, took out two handheld dressing mirrors, and handed one to Leon.

"What is this?" Leon looked at Weiss with a questioning gaze.

“This is a sacred object of the church, a prototype I developed,” Weiss said, picking up her mirror and looking at her face. “Look at your mirror.”

Leon did as he was told, picked up another mirror to check, and was surprised to find that the reflection was not his own face, but Weiss's face!

He looked at Weiss again, and Weiss silently adjusted her mirror to show Leon her face, which was reflected in it.

Weiss blew on the mirror again, and a layer of white mist immediately covered her mirror. At the same time, the inside of Leon's mirror also seemed to be covered with a layer of white mist.

Weiss wrote on the mirror with her finger, and words appeared on Leon's mirror as well, but the words were reversed.

Leon realized that the two mirrors were showing the same scene that the other mirror should have reflected. The two of them were looking at each other through a glass window, each holding one of these magic mirrors.

"Can this mirror transmit sound?" Leon asked.

“It’s possible, but you have to be very close to the mirrors to make them resonate clearly. It’s difficult to use it for eavesdropping like the Mystic Badge.” Weiss tapped the mirror with her fingers as she spoke, and the mirror on Leon’s side also made a “tap-tap” sound. “Of course, if you’re not comfortable with that, you can seal it away in a safe place when you’re not using it. If you need to contact someone, we can write a message and stick it on the mirror so the other person can see it.”

This way, you can simply seal the mirror away and take it out to check when needed. You can see the messages left between each other and also arrange a suitable time to have a face-to-face conversation in the mirror.

Weiss then carefully explained the other precautions for using the magic mirror. After listening, Leon couldn't help but exclaim, "This feels even more powerful than teleportation magic. Even ordinary people can use it."

Hearing this, Weiss gave a barely perceptible wry smile: "You can't say that. Teleportation can indeed teleport objects after it's been upgraded. Besides, the Church doesn't actually encourage the development of such items. Cardinals prefer sacred objects that can only be used by those who have been blessed and have certain barriers to entry. When I designed this mirror, the proposal was shelved. I developed it on my own."

“Those people are really blind. Things that can be used by ordinary people are much more practical!” Leon said.

If this thing could be mass-produced, the world could usher in the era of mobile communication ahead of schedule. It even has video calling capabilities, it's simply a revolutionary invention!

"It's too early to talk about its practical value. This item requires some precious materials and the power of blessing to be sealed in it, so the cost is very high. I only made one pair. Be careful not to lose it, and don't let anyone else see it!" Weiss instructed.

“Okay,” Leon nodded earnestly in agreement.

“When you have time in the future, would you mind discussing your academic research with me? To come up with such an innovative idea about atomic structure, you must have explored quite a few related cutting-edge theories, right?” Weiss’s eyes shone as she said this.

Leon realized that Weiss's decision to give him the magic mirror was not only to facilitate communication about the efficacy of the special medicine, but also because Weiss was very interested in him as a person.

“Of course,” Leon replied, praying in his heart that the knowledge he remembered would help him maintain his academic persona.

“Actually, I have some ideas about the atomic model you proposed…” Weiss immediately began the discussion with great interest.

After a long time, the carriage stopped at the entrance of a quiet, deserted alley.

After saying goodbye to Weiss, Leon stepped down from the carriage and watched it depart.

After looking around to make sure no one else was around, Leon took out his pocket watch, opened it, and was surprised to find that it was already past 8:30.

We've been chatting for so long...

Starting from Hamel and heading back to Arend Island, by the time we reach our home near the maze in the mountains, it will probably be past eleven o'clock.

Before leaving, he sent someone to tell Lena that he had something urgent to attend to and would be back late, but he never expected it to be this late.

I wonder if Lena will already be asleep by then...

Chapter 130 You Smell Her Perfume

On Arende Island, Leon walked from the dock into the mountains, passing through the fortified village built before the labyrinth.

Although it was late at night, his subordinates were still on guard at all times on the mountain road and near the maze. There were also people deep inside the maze watching over the monsters they were raising. As he passed through the city, all the subordinates he encountered along the way greeted him respectfully.

Leon drove through the former mining town, and at the end of the road was a bungalow converted from a former warehouse. This house is now Leon and Lena's usual home.

There appeared to be wooden crates covered with black cloth piled up at the entrance of the house. Leon knew that this was just a disguise made of wooden planks. In fact, a beast pen was hidden inside, where the alpha wolf of the demon wolves they raised was hidden as a guard. If the demon wolf smelled an unfamiliar scent approaching, it would immediately go into alert mode.

Whenever Lena encounters a situation, all she needs to do is whistle, and the dire wolves will break through the wooden planks used for camouflage and rush to her aid.

As Leon approached the door, there was no movement from the wooden crate. The tamed wolves here all remembered Leon's scent and would not show him any hostility.

Leon took out his key and opened the door, finding the lights still on in the hall. Lena wasn't asleep; she was sitting at the table, studying a classic text.

Hearing the door open, Lena immediately looked up and stood up. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw Leon, but then she pouted in dissatisfaction.

"What's with that expression?" Leon couldn't help but laugh.

"Of course, I had that 'Why are you so late?' look on my face!" Lena muttered. "Even if you suddenly had work, it's still way too late! Do you know how long I've been waiting for you?"

"I was supposed to arrive at the dock this morning, but something urgent came up. It takes more than four hours to get from here to Hamel town and back, so there's really no other way." Leon smiled, walked into the house, closed the door, and opened his arms to Lena. "Sorry to keep you waiting!"

Lena snorted, but when she saw Leon open his arms, she couldn't help but smile. She then quickly stepped forward and threw herself into Leon's arms, giving him a tight hug.

Lena pressed her face against Leon's chest, took a deep breath, and savored the tenderness of the moment.

Then, her nose caught a faint, almost imperceptible fragrance.

For some reason, she felt that the scent was... a little bit familiar?

Where did you smell it before?

The moment the relevant memories resurfaced in her mind, Lena suddenly opened her eyes, her entire expression changing.

"Ok?"

Leon suddenly felt Lena's grip on him tighten. He looked down at Lena's face and saw her staring at him with a look that was both mournful and aggrieved.

Before Leon could speak, Lena said in a resentful tone, "Shouldn't you give me an explanation?"

After a brief silence, Leon figured out what was going on and calmly replied, "I met with Bishop Weiss."

"Why did you go see that woman again?" Hearing Leon's frank admission, Lena's doubts were not dispelled; instead, her brows furrowed even more.

"It was because she made a special trip to Hamel to see me, and even had Bishop Beckett send someone to deliver a message, that I had no choice but to go," Leon explained.

"She came all this way just to see you!?" Lena caught the key phrase. "What does she want with you?"

"There are some things he wants to tell me, but where should I begin?" Leon began to organize his thoughts.

Before Leon could begin explaining, Lena frowned and thought for a moment, then suddenly felt something was wrong and pushed Leon away, saying, "Wait a minute!"

Leon was completely confused, and then he heard Lena ask him, "I received the message at noon this morning, what time did you leave?"

“Around eleven o’clock,” Leon replied.

“It’s almost eleven o’clock now, twelve hours in between! Let’s say the round trip takes five hours, so that’s about seven hours in between. She just wants to talk to you about something, does it really need to take this long?” Lena asked, staring at Leon.

At this moment, Leon finally understood what it felt like to be checked up on by his girlfriend.

“No, I went back to the institute once, but I spent most of my time there,” Leon explained.

"Oh, I see..." Lena breathed a sigh of relief.

“…I only spent about three hours with her,” Leon continued.

"Three hours?" Lena tensed up again. "What did you do that took so long?"

"The main problem is that academic discussions take too much time," Leon explained.

Actually, getting down to business didn't take much time. If it weren't for Bishop Beckett's eavesdropping and interference, fifteen minutes would have been enough for him and Weiss to get all the important things clear.

Even though the second meeting dragged on until six o'clock, and only ten minutes had passed after he finished talking about giving Selene the potion, the academic discussion that followed had become unstoppable. He never expected that Weiss, who had seemed aloof before, would become so talkative when it came to academic topics.

In order to maintain his persona, he tried his best to recall the knowledge he had accumulated in his previous life, citing all sorts of things, which only fueled Weiss's enthusiasm for the discussion. Even when they parted, she still seemed reluctant to leave.

Correspondingly, Weiss also mentioned a lot of knowledge about the church that he was very interested in, which led to a pleasant conversation that lasted for more than two hours.

However, after hearing his blunt truth, Lena looked at him again with an expression of utter shock, as if the sky had fallen.

"What's wrong with you now?" Leon looked at Lena, puzzled.

"You're too lazy to even come up with a decent excuse?" Lena said, sounding aggrieved. "You want to discuss academics with her? What can you possibly discuss with her? I'm the one who taught you how to make potions!"

“No, we’re discussing knowledge from other fields…” Leon tried to explain.

"Doesn't that sound even more ridiculous? She's a professional scholar!" Lena exclaimed, her face full of disbelief.

“Wait a minute, could it be that in your eyes I’ve always been uncultured?” Leon suddenly realized something.

"Just tell me the truth, I'm mentally prepared!" Lena's eyes flickered as she looked at Leon with unease.

Given the difference in status between Bishop Vess and Leon, it was clearly very strange that Bishop Vess would make a special trip to see him like this!

Leon sighed, realizing he couldn't let Lena lead him further astray.

He rummaged through his clothes for a while and took out the small bottle of potion concentrate that Weiss had given him.

"What is this?" Lena asked instinctively.

"It's a medicine that can theoretically cure salinization disease, and she developed it," Leon said seriously.

Lena looked surprised, and most of her previous silly thoughts vanished in an instant.

What Leon was talking about was the goal she had been pursuing ever since she became a witch, something she could even call her lifelong desire.

"Now, can you sit down and listen to me?" Leon said, raising his hand.