The eccentric doctor never makes a misdiagnosis!

Page 272

Before Marianne could inquire about his identity, Fran used the Fog of the Door to leave the Medical Court.

Perhaps there was a hint of guilt, but more so because she couldn't answer the doctor's question. Yes, she could admit that she was the mentor behind the previous Medical Secretary, but how could she explain the arrival and course of the plague?

As Viola's closest colleague, Marianne certainly had the right to know all of this.

Ultimately, Fran avoided the question.

Perhaps she will later ask Heda to tell Marian the truth about the Great Plague, but for now, it's best to leave things as they are.

Besides, Fran did not witness Viola's soul completely burn out at that time; he only discovered that it was just an empty shell after reclaiming her body. Although the hope was slim, there was still a sliver of possibility of finding her soul.

Most of the time, Fran is a pessimistic realist. She doesn't get stuck in wishful thinking and pin her hopes on vague and unattainable fantasies, but at the same time, she doesn't rigidly and harshly assert that "it's impossible."

“Marianne seems to be in good spirits, but she looks a bit tired, probably because of the pressure of work. I remember that twenty years ago she was straightforward, efficient and a bit impatient... As she has gotten older, she has become a gentler type.”

"Perhaps it has something to do with raising Sister Heda?"

Thinking of this, Fran couldn't help but sigh.

When a loved one in one's life completely disappears, the person who lives on and takes over their work sometimes acquires some of their characteristics. This is not only to fill the void left by that person's existence, but also to fill the unbridgeable emptiness in one's own heart.

She strolled alone along Sandrank Street, a chocolate-coated ice cream bar, a summer special from Old Will's Bookstore, toward Norrington Central College.

There's still some time before the afternoon class, and you can often see students rushing to class on the way.

After finishing his ice cream and licking off the last traces of sweetness from the stick, Fran stepped into the school gate.

Following the map at the entrance, she found the teaching building where the History Department was located, and then lightly tapped her knuckles to knock on the door.

The next moment, Child pushed open the door and quickly showed a look of surprise upon seeing the visitor.

"Ah, Dr. Fran? I heard you went to Golmouth, have you returned yet?"

“I have some things to take care of in Norrington right now, and I’ll be back soon. I won’t be staying for long. It’s nice to see you, Assistant Teacher Child.”

"How have you been feeling lately? Has the delirium recurred?"

Maintaining his usual courtesy, Fran greeted Child.

After undergoing intensive instruction from the ship AI Tinuville and studying the [Tombstone Inscription], the doctor's expertise in precision mechanical engineering deepened once again. If possible, she would like to give Assistant Teacher Child another comprehensive medical examination.

After all, it represents the highest level of craftsmanship of the White Cup ancestors in the field of doll creation, containing countless ingenious ideas born under limited conditions. Even Fran, based solely on his brief disassembly at the Mirror of Enlightenment Club last time, could not fully comprehend it.

"Hmm... there are definitely no more of those annoying little noises, but sometimes I have strange dreams. The specific scenes are vague and hard to describe. If I had to describe it, it's like being in some kind of disaster, with everything around me collapsing and crumbling."

"Skyscrapers, mountains, rivers, and even the sky are breaking down and collapsing."

As he spoke, Childe scratched his cheek with his index finger, seemingly feeling a bit uneasy about the terrifying dream.

"Oh?"

Fran raised an eyebrow, showing some interest in his description. Unfortunately, he had come for other purposes and couldn't afford to delay. The medical work should ideally wait until things in Gormouth were settled.

"When I return to Norrington next time, I can choose a time to perform another 'dream reading' on you. I will have Tong En from the Mirror of Enlightenment Club notify you at the appropriate time."

"Yes, thank you for your help, Dr. Fran."

Child nodded, seemingly quite expectant. Then he realized he had forgotten his main purpose and asked the doctor what had brought him there.

"Hmm... Is there something you need to see Professor Terence about today? That's a bit unfortunate, he's currently leading a group of new students on a field expedition and probably won't be back in Norrington for a few more days."

"That's it."

Fran touched his lower lip slightly, seemingly somewhat embarrassed.

Currently, within the White Cup Order, she has only two professors she is relatively familiar with and who are generally considered reliable. One is Utus from the Department of Oceanography, and the other is Terence from the Department of History. Unfortunately, one is currently far away in the Abyss, and the other is out teaching students.

"It seems that the only option is to talk to 'him'."

After a moment, Fran made a decision.

“Assistant Teacher Child, could you please take me to see Principal Grantham? I think he will be staying on campus most of the time.”

“Um… okay. However, without the principal’s invitation and the necessary procedures, it may take some time to meet him directly. You may have to wait a moment while I explain to Danfas in the security department and request permission to report to the authorities.”

"If Professor Terence were here, he would be so kind. He's a senior professor who can go directly to the principal's office..."

Childer had no objection to this.

But the thought of dealing with that perpetually stern-faced guy from the security department still made him somewhat troubled.

Led by Child, the two arrived at the main building of the college, on the top floor where the principal's office was located. Just then, the head of the security department, "Danfas," was on his routine patrol. He quickly noticed Child and began to inquire!

“Assistant Professor Child, I recall that Professor Terence is currently leading an exploration expedition and has already left Norrington. There are no recent academic projects or important meetings that require my inquiry from the Principal.”

“If you are feeling unwell, you can certainly meet with Mr. Grantham alone. But the man behind you does not appear to be an internal faculty member of the college.”

Danfas was a tall, thin man who wore a buttoned-up black suit even in July. He spoke methodically, with an almost rigid, rule-bound air.

"This one……"

Childe wasn't quite sure what reason to give to get the other party to let him pass.

Just as he was considering his words, Fran stepped forward and spoke.

“Mr. Danfas, the formalities can be dealt with later. For now, you just need to convey to Mr. Grantham that ‘Flamer requests an audience.’ I think he will agree.”

“Flamemer…”

Upon hearing the name, Danfas frowned, and his previously somber expression softened slightly.

“Oh, you’re that newly appointed honorary professor who hasn’t been awarded the title yet? Principal Grantham mentioned that we should send you an invitation once you return to Norrington. Since you’ve come of your own accord, please come with me to see him.”

Danfas gave some instructions to the other members of the security department, and then led the way.

Both his change in attitude and Dr. Fran's change in identity surprised Child. He blinked and looked at Fran beside him with a hint of confusion.

The doctor simply maintained his usual smile, the meaning of which remained unfathomable.

...In fact, she was also unaware of this matter.

However, with a little speculation, one can deduce the cause-and-effect relationship. He himself had demonstrated the "Moth Essence Therapy" for curing the blood plague to the Moon Familia, using his identity as Professor White Cup at the time.

Presumably, the two sides exchanged information afterward, and Grantham astutely sensed the connection, subsequently helping her cover up this harmless little lie. As for her status as an honorary professor, that was probably also confirmed incidentally.

Perhaps considering that the meeting might touch upon some deeply sensitive secrets, Grantham met with Fran privately after being informed. Unable to attend the hearing, Child returned to the History Department with some regret to continue his work on the artifact restoration.

Although Grantham had already seen reports about the doctor named Fran in various documents, he still felt a strange excitement at being able to meet him in person.

Enlightenment, reason, the mysteries of the workings of the material world, and the mysticism lurking beneath its surface… these were the things he had spent his entire life exploring and studying. And the person before him might just be the embodiment of all those concepts. (Weeping)

Or perhaps, she is a "pioneer" standing far ahead of herself.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Dr. Fran. Or perhaps I should call you ‘Flamel’? Unfortunately, my office only has Attilien’s ‘Lazy Breeze’ coffee; there’s nothing else to offer.” (Jiu)

As he spoke, the old principal pointed his index finger at the coffee machine beside his desk, and an unnamed ritualistic array silently appeared. The antique-style coffee machine then began grinding beans and preparing the ingredients, emitting a soft mechanical hum.

However, Fran seemed to prefer something else.

There's no need to treat patients right now, so there's no need to use coffee to stay awake.

“Thank you for the hospitality, Mr. Grantham. You may call me Fran. Hmm… I happen to have brought a ‘gift’ from Captain Niflår, which I think you might like.”

As she spoke, she took out a bottle of Harp Estate's reserve white wine from the pocket of her doctor's coat.

“Nifol’s wine collection…it’s been quite a few years since I’ve tasted it. Before my body decays to the point of being unable to handle alcohol, and before that fellow dies of old age, perhaps I should find some time to go back to Golmouth.” (So)

Grantham did not refuse the gift from the Land of the Deep Sea; with a flick of his finger, the bottle tipped over, filling two clear quartz cups.

"The special cellar collection from the Mordway Harp Estate—he's never let me taste anything this good."

After speaking, he took a small sip of his drink and then exhaled a long breath.

Countless years ago, Grantham had already ascended to the fifth tier, possessing the spirituality and status of a high priest. Even as his body decayed and aged with time, a little alcohol was no burden for him.

"I don't think you're interested in further pleasantries. Please state your purpose, Dr. Fran."

Grantham slowly adjusted his dark gray pointed hat, then looked intently at the person before him. His gaze was calm and profound, with a rational light flowing within it like a lamp, showing no sign of old age or senility.

"Ah."

Fran nodded slightly, and then recounted his experiences in the fallen city of Morion, as well as the research conducted by the Star Abyss Society.

“Mr. Grantham, I think you should be familiar with the name ‘Carmion’.”

Grantham nodded slightly in agreement.

"'The Immortal Demonic Monk,' the leader and compiler of the 'Convergence Theory' school, a rigorous yet ruthless researcher, the most arrogant idealist in the Decay Era, and a bold practitioner. A descendant of the Monroe nobility, and also a faithless one."

"Of course, Karmion later converted to the [Flower of Creation] and attempted to use it to completely shed his mortal body. However, I still believe that he was not devout and that everything he did was an expedient means to ascend. This is characteristic of the disciples of the Lost Age; they are not superstitious about the gods and mostly covet their power and authority in a subtle way."

The old headmaster knew almost everything about Carmin's many secrets and could list them off almost without thinking.

This stems from the first type of ritual, hyperthymesia, currently operating within Grantham's body; he has likely already completely abandoned the instinct to "forget." Everything he has seen and known has been etched into the deep recesses of his mind, serving as a documentary monument to the history of the White Cup Order.

Seeing that he knew almost everything about the sorcerer monk, Fran didn't need to explain further and casually began to talk about his recent discoveries in Gormouth.

“We encountered Karmion, who had already been promoted to Gardener Gland. However, with the help of a Heil noble, she eventually perished and withered away without any malignant effects spreading.”

"Her success was largely due to the 'mutual assistance' between her and the Star Abyss Society. The glandular scales provided the first type of ritual model for the [Floral Banquet Garden], while the Star Abyss Society and other secret sects provided resources, as well as some precious ancient spiritual materials."

After saying this, Fran handed Grantham the research report he had previously written about the Star Abyss Society.

He gently lifted his round-framed glasses and examined them closely.

"Um……"

As the oldest and most distinguished scholar of the White Cup Order, Grantham understood the nature of the experiments the Tide Listeners were conducting after only a short period of study. His gaze and expression grew increasingly profound and somber.

"They reversed races, transformed bloodlines, and to some extent altered the biological nature of the experimental subjects... I never imagined that one day I would also think that others' research was too radical. The Tide Listeners are so eager to spread the Heil bloodline, they really don't care at all about dragging the entire country into the abyss."

"Only the most incompetent researchers would so recklessly shift the risk to the unsuspecting public."

Out of scholarly restraint, he did not display arrogance, but his words still revealed a subtle hint of cold mockery.

"Dr. Fran, do you have any Heir's spirit-infused materials on you?"

"There just happened to be one."

Upon hearing this, Fran took out a Heil's Tear from his medicine box and handed it to Grantham.

Based on the experimental principles described in Fran's research report, he attempted to imbue himself with the spiritual essence contained in the Tears of Heir. After a moment, fine, smooth, porcelain-blue scales appeared on the back of his hand.

"The fact that the research results of the Listening Tide team can reproduce the phenomenon initially shows that they are indeed feasible. At present, apart from the flesh and blood deformity, other potential risks have not yet been revealed."

"In my opinion, the focus of the second investigation should be on understanding the true intentions of the Chao people and the royal court. I do not believe that the egoists of the Xingyuan Society are conducting this research to improve the bloodlines of the residents and increase their resilience to natural disasters."

"The chaos and structural oppression in Gormouth only subsided slightly in recent years under the deterrence of the Chief Hunter. They have never cared about the lives of their own people. The fact that they have quietly pushed such a difficult experiment forward for thousands of years must be driven by some strong, irresistible self-interest."

After finishing his long and complex sentence, which was composed of many academic terms, Grantham took a sip of wine and caught his breath.

“The Deep Sea Scriptures record that the Heir nobles mourned their compatriots by ‘devouring’ their bodies. The living, who used their own bodies as graves, were able to absorb the knowledge, skills, and spirituality of their deceased compatriots.”

"...Dr. Fran, do you think the research on the Tide Listeners is related to this ancient custom?"

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soup!

Chapter 173 Errors and Redundancy

Although Fran had previously had ideas in this regard, Grantham's words helped her clarify her thinking to some extent.

For the Heir nobles, consuming the remains of the deceased was an inviolable funeral rite... and this process allowed them to acquire the knowledge and spirit accumulated throughout the lives of their departed kin. It was similar in nature to the Red Cup Feast.

So, will people who listen to the tides use this characteristic to achieve some deeper purpose?

Grantham certainly had a keen sense for esoteric materials in the academic field and was well-versed in various secrets buried deep in the dust of history.

Even upon first seeing Heyer's "biotransformation," he was able to reproduce it in its initial stages and trace the researcher's underlying intentions. In a sense, this elderly principal was the same kind of person as Fran.

"It can now be basically concluded that the Xingyuan Society is hiding some kind of ulterior motive, but we don't know what Dr. Fran plans to do?"

Now, Grantham wanted to know the doctor's attitude.

Most practitioners of esoteric arts, when faced with such an event, would first think of self-preservation, striving not to be swept away by the terrifying waves and storms. But Fran's thought process has always been unpredictable; perhaps she would coldly stand by and watch, or perhaps she wouldn't hesitate to intervene. IV

"Me? Hmm... I have no interest in the struggles and destruction in foreign lands. But one of my patients has been drawn into it and there is no way he can get out of it."

Fran lightly touched his lower lip, his tone as gentle and calm as ever.

"Therefore, I will become more deeply involved in this matter to further clarify the ultimate goal of the Star Abyss Society, and then decide whether to resort to forceful intervention." — Si

"I understand."

Grantham stroked his neatly trimmed beard, indicating his understanding.