Fran's long eyelashes fluttered as she blinked quite charmingly.
"She took my medicine. How could I possibly not be able to find her? The question now is, what kind of fish will this bait lure out? Let's keep our expectations up…"
In the vast majority of cases, Dr. Fran does not use drugs that harm a patient's health… that violates her medical principles.
But would she add substances that don't affect health to the medication? That's certainly possible. She has no reservations about doing so.
However, how does one define what constitutes a "substance affecting health"? Hah, regarding that point… Dr. Fran holds the final say.
"So, recommending medicine to Mrs. Solani from the start was to leave a mark on her…"
Haida's gaze sharpened, surprise mixed with a hint of understanding.
Many of Dr. Fran's actions initially seemed illogical and without pattern, and there were indeed many puzzling elements among them.
But in retrospect, each of her actions seemed to have a clear objective, and her grasp of timing and event sequence was almost seamless.
She had even anticipated that someone from the Confidential Division was monitoring her and incorporated that into her plan.
Using the rescuing Vivian to scare off Solani, thereby logically releasing this marked "bait."
Such adept fishing techniques… Haida slightly pursed her lips, feeling an inexplicable surge of admiration.
"Since I accepted the employment, I must live up to the payment… My habit is to do my part to the extreme."
No, I hired you under the title of "Medical Examiner." Investigating cases shouldn't be part of your job description… Though that's what she thought, Haida didn't actually say it out loud.
She picked up the skull porcelain cup from the tea tray, examined it carefully, and asked another question.
"Fran, did you see from the start that most of the decorations and furniture here were made using the Red Cup sect's 'Flesh-Shaping Ritual'?"
"Of course. For a seasoned doctor, those limbs and organs are merely changed from their original forms… Given some time, clues can always be found."
Fran lightly played with the braid at her temple, her expression relaxed and leisurely, as if everything she had just done was trivial to her.
She didn't even forget to comfort Haida in passing.
"The 'Red Cup' sect venerates the transcendence and ascension of the physical body. Their 'Flesh-Shaping Ritual' leaves no residual mystical aura after completion. All changes are purely on the material level…"
"This isn't the expertise of the Secrets-Hunter Cult. It's normal for you not to have noticed. Don't take it to heart."
The conventional basis for the Secrets-Hunter Cult to judge whether an event is related to the mystical is the "Nine Spirits" and "Aura." Burial Attendants are extremely sensitive to these.
But the "spirit" of the Flesh-Shaping Ritual can only be observed during the ritual's performance. Moreover, its changes to blood and flesh are completely material, resulting in almost no trace of spirit remaining.
Furthermore, the ritual's materials are exclusively human flesh, unrelated to Evil Spawn. Therefore, there is no abnormality on the aura level either.
To see through this ritual, one either needs targeted secret arts like the White Cup sect, possesses profound knowledge like Fran, or relies on certain special "relics"…
Higher-level Secrets-Hunters might be able to spot flaws, but Sister Haida currently cannot.
Haida shook her head, not accepting Fran's explanation.
"No need to console me. Failing to see through a heretic's disguise is my dereliction of duty."
Despite saying that, Haida didn't show discouragement or frustration.
The experience from this investigation was an extremely valuable gain for her. This was the first time she had encountered a situation outside the "general knowledge" of a Burial Attendant.
She was already prepared to intensively study materials related to the Red Cup sect as soon as she returned to the Cult.
"Hmm… You're being a bit harsh on yourself, aren't you? But for a Burial Attendant, that's a virtue, so I won't try to dissuade you."
Fran tilted her head and spread her hands somewhat helplessly.
Seeing the two conversing quite harmoniously and seemingly completely ignoring her, Vivian was momentarily taken aback.
"…Doesn't the incense in the room have a sleep-inducing effect? Was I wrong?"
Seeing this, she thought about removing her standard anti-poison mask first.
A pale hand covered in suture marks gently grasped Vivian's wrist, stopping her.
"Miss Vivian, how is your sleep quality?" Fran leaned in, asking with concern.
"Uh… Alright? I don't have much insomnia."
Vivian was a bit confused by Fran's sudden question and could only answer instinctively.
"That means your sleep schedule is healthy. That's good. Keep it up. One thing I must remind you… If you don't want to sleep until tomorrow afternoon, don't take off your mask here."
Looking at the two who weren't wearing anything on their faces and were completely fine, Vivian grew puzzled.
"So, the incense here really does have a sleep-inducing effect. That cup of tea you drank earlier probably did too… But why are you two unaffected?"
"I added a little seasoning to the food earlier that prevents people from falling asleep. If Miss Vivian really doesn't want to wear a mask, you can come inside and try my cooking."
Fran's explanation made Haida glance at her again.
Haida had originally thought the sleep-inducing agents didn't work due to the changes in her own body. Now it seemed it was because Fran had added something to the dish in advance? Was this the real reason she insisted she try the food?
Noticing Haida looking at her, Fran narrowed her amber-like, deep golden eyes and returned a friendly smile.
"Sister Haida, you've only undergone the first four of the surgeries. There are 19 in total for the complete set. Without a 'Pre-Stomach' or 'Multi-Lung,' relying on your own constitution to resist sleep-inducing agents is still a bit of a stretch."
"Of course, due to the great enhancement in overall constitution, you can last longer. Without taking the medication, the sleep-inducing agents would probably take effect on you in about half an hour."
"…I see. I understand."
Haida nodded solemnly, deliberately ignoring the parts Fran mentioned about the surgeries.
"So, Miss Vivian, interested? Don't be shy. The stove in the kitchen here is very advanced, and the seasonings are top-notch too."
"No need! I, I just had dinner before coming out, haha… Thank you very much for the offer. But I really can't eat anymore."
Vivian stammered but resolutely refused Fran's enthusiastic recommendation.
She deeply doubted the safety of food from this doctor lady… Simultaneously, she cast a pleading glance at Haida.
Haida knew very well that if a Confidential Division member was assigned a surveillance and covert assistance task, she absolutely wouldn't have had time to eat during the mission.
However, Haida naturally wouldn't expose that. She cleared her throat and said to Fran, "Now that Mrs. Solani has fled, when do we set off to start the pursuit?"
Although Haida was the de facto leader of this team, only Fran could locate Solani now. So… the subsequent actions could only be arranged around her.
Unintentionally, the roles of host and guest seemed to have reversed.
"Tomorrow, or the day after? You can return to the Cult first to submit a phased mission report and inventory the evidence here. When Solani returns to the Red Cup sect's lair, I'll notify you."
Fran pinched her chin, suggesting to Haida.
"Alright."
Haida nodded slightly, accepting Fran's suggestion. She understood the process of fishing well enough.
During Solani's escape, the pursuers shouldn't press too closely. They must be measured, maintaining patience… This way, she would let down her guard and return to the heterodox lair.
Only then, when reeling in the net, could they maximize the extermination of those cultists.
"It was a pleasure working with you, Sister Haida. I look forward to our next meeting. It's late, I'll head back to the clinic now… There's plenty of ingredients left, more than enough for a midnight snack."
Fran lightly swung the cloth bag in her hand. Not only had the ingredients inside not decreased, but there were also a few extra boxes of caviar, matsutake mushrooms, truffles…
It seemed she had gained quite a bit from Solani's kitchen. The bag even held two bottles of expensive vintage wine from the private cellar.
Theft? Not at all.
This was an unequal exchange, and the beneficiary was Mrs. Solani. The medicine Fran provided her was worth far more than these overpriced little trinkets.
Given Mrs. Solani's current state, she likely couldn't provide payment. Fran could only take some souvenirs herself to mitigate the losses…
Fran reached out and pushed open the door of Solani's house. The chaotic pale fog inside surged as if alive, gathering around her as she stepped into the mist.
Watching Fran's figure vanish into the mist, Vivian's expression turned so strange it was nearly dumbfounded.
"Sister Haida, is Head Alwin really sure she's 'friendly' and suggested you maintain contact with her? Why are those maniacs from the General Affairs Division, who love issuing extermination orders, being so gentle this time? I'm not used to it…"
Haida stared at the mist gradually dissipating after Fran's departure, her gaze distant and profound, as if deep in thought.
"Just in terms of investigation… Dr. Fran is truly impressive. Even though it's a violent case related to the appearance of the 'Red Cup' sect, she remained completely at ease throughout, effortlessly manipulating the course of events."
"Perhaps the heads have their own considerations. Or perhaps, this is the intention of the General Affairs Chief."
Mentioning the General Affairs Division, Vivian could only press her lips together awkwardly, wisely not continuing the topic.
——
North District 13, Fog Street Clinic.
"Huff…"
Fran let out a light sigh, took off the cotton apron with a little bear pattern, and began enjoying the midnight snack she had just finished cooking.
Although she had taken many so-called expensive ingredients, her use of them was rather rough. The real main course was still meat.
"Such a busy life. Right after the Cross-World House Call, I immediately took on Sister Haida's investigation request… My poor back feels like it's falling apart."
Complaining slightly petulantly, she rubbed her slender waist through her white coat, slightly relieving the muscle soreness.
"Troublesome heterodox sects like the Red Cup are playing with blood sacrifices again. It seems the Secrets-Hunters and White Cup will have their hands full recently."
Fran used chopsticks to pick up a neatly cut piece of meat, placed it in her mouth, bit down with her silver teeth, and chewed meticulously.
The terror of heterodox cults lies in their ability to proselytize through mind-altering rituals, rapidly corrupting normal humans—akin to a mental plague.
The corrupted, without changing their common knowledge, fanatically worship the evil god, willingly offering everything to Him.
Like cockroaches, if you find one, there might already be more than a nest in the shadows.
But such corruption rituals usually come with significant costs. Most heretics are primarily ordinary believers.
Moreover, the various orthodox cults are deeply vigilant against such so-called mental plagues. Therefore, this method can be used occasionally but cannot be expanded on a large scale.
Fran's eating manner was considered elegant, yet also very fast. In moments, the freshly made midnight snack was reduced to a clean plate.
"Drive Away Dust and Filth."
She very shamelessly activated her special ability. Under a flicker of faint light, the residual grease on the plate was instantly eliminated without trace.
It was hard to imagine this was just to avoid washing dishes…
After cleaning everything up, Fran, quite satisfied, walked to her enormous wooden bookshelf and took out a hefty copy of "The Tome of a Thousand Cults."
This scripture was full of the marks of time, appearing extremely ancient. But it seemed meticulously maintained; normal flipping presented no issues.
She opened the tome, her fingertips turning the pages slowly and meticulously. Her gaze was soft and tranquil, enjoying the post-meal reading of her leisure time.
Fran's memory of several cults was a bit fuzzy, so she was reviewing them briefly.
…
The Four Major Orthodox Cults, inherited from ancient times, are respectively:
· The "Secrets-Hunters," who believe in the God of Hunting.
· The "White Cup," who pursue enlightenment and wisdom.
· The "Sun-Forgers," who serve the one who forges the stars.
· And the "Moths," who convert to the origin of light, darkness, and chaos.
In this book, after the entries mentioning the Four Major Orthodox Cults, there is a blurred smudge.
Fran knew what that was… It was the corresponding deity's "Honorific Name." Being able to write those four names, it was hard to imagine what kind of existence the compiler of this book was.
Actually, there aren't just four orthodox cults.
It's just that these four have the deepest foundation and maintain public proselytizing, hence they are grouped together. Other orthodox cults mostly maintain secrecy, unknown to most.
Besides, the Moth cult and the Lamp cult are often separated and opposed, yet often reconciled. So the Four Major Orthodox Cults are actually five…
The relationship between the Red Cup and the White Cup is different from this. Even when opposed, the Moth/Lamp are essentially orthodox cults. Their doctrines and laws follow the most basic order.
The Red Cup, however, is completely heretical. In pursuit of physical transformation and ascension, they do not care about means.
Using dismemberment for blood sacrifice, using close kin as nourishment, using infants as sacrifices, defiling purity… Human societal morality does not exist in their minds.
[Dear Dr. Fran, this month's Monthly House Call has been triggered. The patient is 'Solani Lois' of the 'Red Cup Sect.' Please begin treatment within three days. This treatment has no restrictions on methods. Please do not consider medical ethics and feel free to exert yourself.]
"The Monthly House Call triggered? Hmm, it's already April… Time flies so fast."
Fran propped her cheek with one hand, lowering her gaze, and sighed. She then closed "The Tome of a Thousand Cults" and placed it back on the shelf.
"Don't need to consider medical ethics? How thoughtful. Given Mrs. Solani's condition, I'm afraid there's only one prescription I can offer her."
"…Death."
She interlocked her fingers slightly. The blazing light cast its reflection in her eyes.
——
T/N: Hey readers~! New Translator here! Before I say anything, I'd first like to thank the original author for creating this wonderful story. Without them, I wouldn't have the chance to share this adventure with you. I hope my translation does justice to their work, and that together, we can enjoy this story.
With that said, I'm happy to let you know I'll be uploading daily chapters. And for those who wish to support my work and gain early access, I've set up a Patreon where advanced chapters will be available.
[email protected]/PeakTL