Chapter 46 Chapter 46 Bella/There’s something strange about… the medicine…
The moon was at its zenith, the banquet was over, and the guests' carriages left one after another.
By the window, the Pope withdrew his gaze and looked at the portrait on the wall again - the light was dim, and the woman in the painting was gentle and quiet, with her hands neatly folded on her knees, and her pair of brown eyes seemed to be able to see through people's hearts.
The reading room is filled with portraits of successive patriarchs of the Spencer family. Next to the woman is a portrait of a dark-haired man—a typical Spencer appearance, with dark hair and dark eyes, deep pupils, and a serious expression, as if he is scrutinizing the visitors who come here.
There were footsteps behind him, and the archbishop announced in a low voice, "Your Excellency, the disciple Heinrich Spencer and his wife have arrived."
The Pope's attention remained on the painting. He said calmly, "Let them in."
Soon, Heinrich and Isabel, led by the little believers, walked in together, put their right hands on their shoulders and bowed.
"His Holiness the Pope."
Isabel lowered her head. All she could see was two hands helping them up. A soft voice rang out from above her head. "Get up, children. Tonight, I'm just a witness to the wedding."
With that, the Pope tapped the ground with his scepter. "Griffin."
The Archbishop stepped forward and handed over a box. "By the Holy Eternal Lord, Cultist Spencer, the Lord will grant you the gospel, and the Holy Spirit's true form will forever protect you both."
The young believers around him opened the box and handed the handwritten Bible inside to Heinrich. The whole process was extremely pious.
For the Holy Sepulchre believers, the Holy Bible handwritten by the Pope is indeed a priceless treasure, and few people in the entire Principality of Ceylon have received this honor.
Isabel lowered her eyes.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Heinrich, with a calm expression, take the scripture, and make the sign of the cross on his chest: "Believer Spencer, thank the Lord."
"Thank you, Lord."
Isabel follows Hein's calling, but does not call herself a believer.
The Pope seemed to have just noticed her, and a kind smile filled his light golden eyes.
"Hein, I heard that your wife is not a member of the Holy Yao Cult."
Heinrich frowned slightly and was about to answer when Isabel said calmly, "Yes, but it does not affect my admiration for the Lord."
"The Holy Spirit bestows the gospel and spreads the rain, and I am deeply grateful."
She bowed respectfully, with an expression of piety that was impeccable.
The Principality of Ceylon has a strong religious atmosphere. Most citizens are baptized from birth, and the holy light permeates the lives of every believer through birth, old age, sickness, death, marriage and funerals.
Hundreds of years ago, non-believers were considered heretics and would be hanged and burned at the stake.
Since the end of the National Defense War three hundred years ago, the political and religious systems have gradually separated, and various philosophical ideas have begun to emerge. In the Heslan region, where the struggle was more intense, and the emerging Elmer Federation, non-religious groups have emerged, or actively adopted secular doctrines, integrating theology and science.
Such a group also appeared in the Principality of Ceylon, and the Norman family was one of them.
This is not to say that Edward was so avant-garde, but the ancestor of the Norman family had been the backbone of the liberation thinkers for three hundred years. Baron Turan Norman, as one of the few atheist representatives among the nobles, had always enjoyed a high status, so his descendants continued his glory, and no one thought it was wrong even though they were a minority without faith.
However, although being a minority seems reasonable and legal, in real social situations, various inconveniences caused by identity will still arise.
Those who are not of my kind must have different hearts. This has always been the way humans think.
So, whether Isabel was sincere or flattering at the moment, on the surface she seemed to be very sensible. At least everyone accepted her statement.
Of course, grudging acceptance is one thing, trust is another.
Archbishop Griffin was a strict believer, not only adhering to various rules himself but also holding others to the same standards. He stared at Isabel and retorted in a deep voice, "No matter how eloquent a nonbeliever may be, they are still unreasonable heretics. I hope you can turn back in time."
Isabel raised her eyebrows slightly, but before she could speak, she heard the Pope say calmly, "Griffin, step back."
The archbishop frowned and said respectfully, "Your Excellency..."
"We are leaving for St. Petersburg tonight. Please make arrangements as soon as possible. Now, I would like to speak to the newlyweds alone." The Pope looked at Griffin calmly and added, "In the name of Cyril Hosnard."
The archbishop was stunned.
Isabel saw Heinrich beside her was also stunned for a moment.
She suddenly remembered that Cyril Hosnard was the secular identity of the Pope.
The archbishop led the young believers away, leaving only three people in the dark room.
After taking off his papal robe, Mr. Venerable Lord casually leaned back on the sofa with a kind smile: "Don't be nervous, sit down and talk to me, children."
His face doesn't reveal his age. He looks almost the same age as his peers, but he speaks like an elder and his tone is full of the gentleness of an elder.
Heinrich straightened Isabel's skirt before sitting down opposite him.
"Godfather, why don't you stay overnight and leave tomorrow?"
The Pope glanced out the window.
Most of the carriages had been moved, but the one belonging to the Queen was still there.
"Seraphina won't feel at ease unless she sees me leave."
Heinrich was silent for a moment, choosing to avoid the subject.
The Pope didn't seem to want to reminisce about the past. He took out another box and said with a smile, "Just now it was given by the Pope. Now, it is the wedding gift from the Godfather to you."
Heinrich took it and opened it. Inside was a factory contract and two gemstone earrings that sparkled in the dark night.
Isabel was slightly startled.
If the Bible just now is a priceless treasure, but has no secular value in circulation, then this gift is really worth a lot.
"The contract is for you." The Pope looked at Heinrich and then at Isabel. "The jewels are for you."
Heinrich was still staring at the imperial green earrings.
The Pope felt his gaze and was silent for two seconds. Then he smiled and said to Isabel, "You can find a tiara and necklace that match these earrings among the jewels that your grandmother, Lady Violet, inherited from you. Now..."
He paused, his gaze falling on the portrait on the opposite wall—the woman was still smiling at him, the pair of imperial green earrings hanging from her earlobes vivid in the dark night.
"It can be considered as... returning the property to its original owner."
His tone sounded like an exclamation, but also like he had no emotion at all.
Heinrich closed the lid and saw the painting reflected in the Pope's pupils. He said calmly, "Thank you, Godfather."
The Pope looked at him for a long time before he stood up and patted his shoulder: "I'm leaving."
Heinrich and Isabel stood up at the same time and followed the Pope to the door.
The archbishop had already prepared the car, and the corridor was filled with believers who came to welcome him.
The Pope paused and looked back at the couple.
"Hein, no matter what you think, Godfather wants you to be happy." He said before leaving, "This is also your mother's wish."
Heinrich looked into the familiar light golden eyes, and past memories emerged one after another.
This person baptized the newborn Hein, took him on a tour of the temple, taught him the true faith of the Holy Light Cult, and bestowed upon him the scepter. He was a witness to his faith and a companion in his growth...
He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and bowed sincerely, but he still couldn't say thank you.
Isabel noticed his strange behavior and quickly said, "Thank you for your kindness."
"No need to send me off." The Pope ignored Heinrich's impoliteness, smiled and waved his hand, lowering his voice, "You are a clever girl. Sometimes, having no faith is not a bad thing. Don't be so pretentious next time."
Isabel cooperated, lowering her voice and speaking rapidly: "Bishop Griffin will not have your tolerance."
"The Pope's majesty doesn't allow for leniency." The Pope raised an eyebrow, "But Cyril can."
Only three people could hear this little episode. Once he stepped out of this door, Cyril was still the holy faith and the Pope on earth.
In the darkness of the night, we watched the Pope leave surrounded by his entourage, and the Queen's carriage also set off.
Tonight's drama has finally come to an end.
Isabel and Heinrich finally relaxed their tense nerves and looked at each other.
"Don't worry, I won't delve into the past that you don't want to talk about."
Isabel was the first to go downstairs, carrying her skirt. She was tired and wanted to rest immediately.
Heinrich followed in silence.
When he was almost in the room, he spoke softly: "Cyril Hosnard is my godfather and my enemy."
Telling this story would mean exposing the scars of the Spencer family.
But she was his wife, the mistress of the Spencer family, and had the right to know everything.
When Heinrich recalled the past, his fingers trembled unconsciously and the corners of his eyes turned red.
No, no...
It starts again...
Why was it so much faster this time? Was it because I saw him?
The woman in the portrait suddenly showed a ferocious smile!
Heinrich immediately shook his head.
Blood, tears, smoke, corpses, scenes flashing...
He immediately took out the medicine bottle, quickly poured out the last two pills, and swallowed them raw.
Isabel looked suspiciously: "What are you eating?"
The clamor in his mind calmed down. Heinrich panted and calmed down for a while before he clenched the medicine bottle tightly and put his hands behind his back: "I feel a little uncomfortable."
Isabel lowered her eyes: "Is it to treat the disease you mentioned?"
Heinrich was stunned, lowered his head, and sneered: "Yes, madness, I told you, I am a madman."
Isabel looked at him without saying a word.
Suddenly, she took his hand, took the medicine bottle out of her palm, and examined it carefully.
A faint medicinal fragrance emanated from the bottle, and there was no label on it.
"How long have you been taking it? Who is the doctor?"
"It's been many years. Grandma asked for it." Heinrich said slowly, "All the medicines are handled by Victor, so there won't be any problems."
Isabel didn't ask any more questions. Spencer was completely secretive, but Heinrich was always under close guard. If the doctor's origins were unknown, he would have died long ago.
Since he is still alive today, it means that the medicine is reliable.
But... she glanced at the medicine bottle, walked into the room, and put it in her bag - to be on the safe side, she would go back to Chalves or ask someone to test it again.
"Are you worried?"
Heinrich watched her actions silently, his eyes calm.
Are you worried about the medicine? Or are you worried about him?
That’s right, who wouldn’t be afraid of a terrifying madman who could go off at any time?
Isabel ignored him, poured a glass of water, and handed it to him, "Drink it."
Heinrich frowned. "What?"
Isabel: "Isn't it bitter to chew the pill raw? Or does such a feat earn you the Medal of Valor?"
Heinrich was stunned.
He hastily took the cup and drank it all in one gulp, almost choking.
"Slower."
Isabel looked at him teasingly.
"Go to bed early. You're really exhausted today." She yawned and glanced at the man who stood still like a mountain. "Why? You still have the energy to stay overnight?"
Heinrich stood up suddenly: "No."
In order to ensure sleep, noble couples have their own rooms, but this does not include their wedding night.
But since his wife had already ordered him to leave, how could he stay? It was all because someone had interrupted his good time just now...
He walked quickly to the door, and his belt was hooked again.
Isabel turned him around and pecked him on the lips, neither too hard nor too soft. "Goodnight kiss, see you tomorrow."
It was a farewell, but those eyes made it difficult for Heinrich to move.
He closed his eyes, picked up his wife and kissed her deeply.
Moonlight streamed in through the window, casting a shadow on the medicine bottle on the table.
-
Downstairs, after seeing off all the guests, the Spencer family's servants could finally rest.
Victor stretched and checked his work on the list. When he saw the last item, he suddenly remembered that he had forgotten something.
The employer's medicine was running out, and the doctor who was responsible for secretly treating Heinrich happened to come to Mellenvik. Victor took this opportunity to get the pills for a new course of treatment.
He carefully locked the new porcelain bottle into the safe, and when he touched the warm medicine bottle, he was stunned for a moment.
The bottle is pure white, colorless and odorless, no different from previous medicines.
I took this from the doctor myself, there's no way it can be wrong...
but……
Victor always felt something was wrong.
His sensitive nerves were working rapidly. This concerned his employer's health. He understood better than anyone how serious the consequences would be if there was any problem with the medicine.
I subconsciously walked upstairs, faster and faster!
At the same time, an idea suddenly appeared in my mind!
Yes! This bottle is absolutely fine, just like the previous one!
But... there's something wrong with the bottle I brought from Chalves!
That bottle...smells like medicine!
He'd carefully checked the pills! There was no way they'd been swapped! The only thing that was out of place was... the bottle!
Heinrich had not been ill for a long time this year, so he used the last bottle of medicine very rarely, until it was almost empty just before the wedding.
I brought it here just in case, since I'm going to meet the Pope...
If I remember correctly, when he took out the bottle of medicine, he felt something was wrong, but with so many things going on, Victor didn't notice it at that moment! But it's often just a moment of carelessness that can lead to irreversible consequences...
Damn it! Damn it!
Victor prayed in his heart that Heinrich had not taken the medicine in the bottle...
The footsteps are getting faster and faster, almost running!
"Hurry! Get up! You! Go find a doctor!" Victor yelled, calling back the confused servants. "Go find Lady Violet and tell her there's something wrong with the medicine. She'll understand what's going on! Hurry up!"
While he was yelling, he rushed up to the second floor!
"Monsieur le Duchess! Duchess!"
He must prepare for the worst!
Thinking of the pastor who died tragically...
Victor's heart trembled!
No one in Spencer will forget that night.
If, if something happens to the Duke, those who are with him now will probably be in great danger!
-
Well-insulated doors block out all noise.
There were hurried footsteps outside, but the room was peaceful.
Isabel suddenly realized something was wrong.
Heinrich began to shake his head, trying to clear his mind.
She heard his painful gasps: "What's wrong with you?"
She sat up suddenly and put on her clothes.
In the darkness, Heinrich hung his head, trembling all over. The moment Isabel approached, he suddenly raised his eyes.
Isabel stepped back subconsciously!
But it’s too late!
Like a prey being stared at by a wild beast, her neck was tightly grasped by a big hand!
The blood-red eyes stared at her without blinking, full of bloodthirsty desire, like a beast trapped in a cage that was finally released!
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