May 15th, the full moon had arrived.
The full moon lasted for a total of two days, and the Six-Eyed Crow cult's Full Moon Auction was also held over two days. The first day mainly auctioned regular items of lesser importance, while the truly valuable treasures... were reserved for the second day.
Therefore, Fran also planned to act on the 16th; today, she could first go to the Oak-Shadow Nest for some simple external observation.
But before setting out... she had to follow her professional habit and give Detreka a routine physical examination.
In fact, what initially drew her attention to this child were some special characteristics on her body.
This wasn't related to family background or bloodline; about twenty percent of people in Gormouth possessed such traits. And in the capital, Moldway, the proportion was even higher.
This was the special "aura" that Haida had smelled on the commercial street earlier. Even Fran found it difficult to perceive its true nature by psychic means alone; she had to cut open the flesh for a close look.
"Ms. Vivian, is this examination really necessary? I actually feel quite healthy..."
Lying on the clinic's nursing bed, changed into a patient gown, Detreka felt inexplicably uneasy.
She had originally thought Ms. Vivian's preference for wearing this physician attire might be due to some personal interest. Or perhaps it was one of her disguised identities...
But upon seeing this clinic standing in the mist and glimpsing countless bizarre instruments beyond recognition... she realized the person before her might be a genuine doctor, and not just role-playing.
Fran simply offered gentle reassurance and lightly raised her fingertips, donning white latex gloves.
"To become a qualified informant, one must ensure good health. My skills are not something Gormouth's mediocre doctors can compare to; there's no need to worry."
"Hmm~ Detreka, I can tell your early life was very difficult, you suffered quite a bit. Though your diet has improved somewhat in recent years, traces of childhood malnutrition are still visible."
As she spoke, she poked the skin near Detreka's ribs.
"And there are some... marks left by abnormal circumstances."
Though the thief lady's skin was a healthy wheat color, with slight signs of exercise in her muscles, childhood scars could still be faintly glimpsed. Like those left by metal rods, or perhaps whips.
"Ah, these are from injuries when the overseers beat me as a child by the docks. I often went there to help with work to earn food when I was little... I was always covered in dust back then, no one thought I was actually a girl."
Seemingly worried that Ms. Vivian might misunderstand, Detreka explained somewhat awkwardly.
Fran gave a slight nod and didn't delve deeper into a topic that might touch upon the other's unpleasant memories.
"The preliminary preparations for the physical examination are complete. Detreka, you can take a short nap now."
As she spoke, she slowly walked to the head of the nursing bed, placed her hands by the pillow, and cupped her palms, clad in medical gloves, over Detreka's ears.
What followed was a faint, ethereal hum, enchanting and sleep-inducing.
The sound was distant, faint, and ethereal, like a lullaby ringing in one's mind. It was like a mother's gentle reassurance to her child, accompanied by a soothing, rocking sensation... safe and warm, making one simply want to drown in it.
The talent art of [Shepherd's Song], combined with the songs of the Heyl Siren descendants, caused their spiritual interference effects to stack.
Listening to the hum and feeling the slow stroking of fingertips on her ears, Detreka soon fell peacefully into a deep sleep.
Fran could sense that Detreka's situation bore some similarity to a former patient of hers. Namely, Elsa from the White Cup cult's Natural History department, that girl from the collateral line of the Royce family.
The specific symptom was simple: the absence of a "mother" figure in their lives.
Elsa's mother died of illness during the Great Plague, while Detreka's mother... was likely simply neglectful and irresponsible after giving birth.
For such patients, lullabies would evoke a certain deep-seated instinct, making the hypnotic effect much better than usual.
After a brief sigh of emotion, Fran took out the Wraithbone Lancet, preparing to begin the physical examination process. Since Detreka was an ordinary human, her beloved little circular saw had no place in this diagnosis.
In fact, she had always been dedicated to the research of painless medical techniques. She had already developed her own system and understanding for administering anesthesia without side effects... But ever since Luyala joined the clinic, the original anesthesia procedures could be simplified once again.
The dream-sleep she induced could not only pull the subject's consciousness into a dream but also greatly suppress a series of their life activities without affecting their vital functions...
Such as nerve reflexes, muscle twitches, and other special reactions that might affect surgery.
"How peculiar. The flesh, organs, and bones are all identical to a normal human's. Where exactly does the strange 'aura' that Haida smelled originate?"
Even after cutting open Detreka's chest cavity and conducting an in-depth examination from the inside out, Fran observed no difference from an ordinary person.
Whether it was Bio-Alchemy or any form of fleshcraft, traces would be left. And as a true expert in this field, no subtle clue could escape her scrutiny.
Finally, after Fran sewed up the opened section and used the alchemical formula [Dissolve and Reconstruct Bone and Blood] to eliminate the scar, she shifted the focus of the examination to Detreka's cranium.
"Before performing a craniotomy, let's check the pupils first."
She used her fingertips to open Detreka's eyelids, examining her pupils and eyelids.
This was originally a negligible part of the routine procedure, but she soon discovered that the special aura around Detreka's eyes was slightly more concentrated.
"Hidden in the eyes? No, near the lacrimal glands... It can be judged as a form of spiritual influence, but exceptionally subtle and without any external manifestation. Difficult to observe directly."
Fran lightly licked the corner of her lips, a look of sudden enlightenment appearing between her brows.
She raised her thumb, applying appropriate pressure as she rubbed over Detreka's eye socket, then used a capillary tube to extract a bit of colorless tear fluid from near the thief lady's tear ducts.
"Let me compare whether the tear fluids of different races truly possess the similarity I suspect..."
Fran pinched the capillary tube containing the tear fluid, held it before her lips, and let a drop fall onto the middle of her tongue.
Without any surprise, it tasted salty.
But at the same time, that special aura became much more pronounced.
After completing this action, she took out a clear, azure-blue Heyl's Tear from her physician coat pocket and similarly ran her tongue over its surface. As if it were not a crystallization of tears and sorrowful emotions, but some kind of fruit worth savoring.
"Oh, the sensation is completely identical... Although the aura in Detreka's tears is so faint it's almost imperceptible, its essence is the unique 'spirit' of the Abyssal descendants. To some extent, people possessing this special aura can all be called 'mixed-bloods' of the Abyssal descendants."
"Such a large-scale bloodline fusion, yet done so subtly. I'd really like to visit the fallen city Morien myself and see what research the Stellar Abyss Society is conducting..."
"I hope Inchworm can perform his role as 'eyes and ears' well and find things of sufficient value."
Although Fran had obtained the information she wanted, she wasn't yet ready to end this physical examination. After all, she needed to ensure the completeness of the process to prevent any possible oversights.
...
The next day, Detreka opened her eyes and gradually woke up.
Only, her mental state was still not clear; she uttered a few unconscious murmurs before gradually regaining her senses.
Detreka pushed aside the plush blanket covering her and slowly sat up from the clinic's nursing bed. At this moment, she only felt an unprecedented relaxation in all her muscles and bones, as if after a long night's dream, washing away the accumulated fatigue of a long time.
What on earth did Ms. Vivian do? Where did this indescribable comfort come from?
Somewhat flustered, she checked her body beneath the patient gown and only sighed in slight relief after confirming no parts were missing.
"Miss Detreka, you slept for an entire day. It's already the afternoon of the 16th. Fortunately, there are still a few hours until the full moon, otherwise I would have had to consider waking you forcibly."
Looking at the still somewhat sleepy-eyed Detreka, Fran brought over a cup of milk steaming with warmth and a buttered toast sandwich with ham slices, bacon, and fried fish.
"I've been trying out Gormouth's culinary specialties recently, but I didn't manage to buy Moldway cheese when I went out today. Let's make do simply."
"Mm... Thank you very much, Ms. Vivian."
Although deep slumber would make the body's metabolism nearly stagnant, Detreka hadn't eaten anything when she entered the Fog Street Clinic. Right now, she simply couldn't resist this enticing meal still giving off wisps of heat.
After picking up a fork and taking a small bite, her expression suddenly changed.
The butter-fried toast was fluffy and soft to just the right degree, and the bacon inside had been grilled to a point where the aroma of the meat's fat and the faint smokiness were brought out to near perfection. Combined with the richly flavored ham slices...
Soon, Detreka finished her meal and let out a sigh of lingering satisfaction.
"Even the chefs at the Dreamslumber Flowers Hotel might not match your skill in this area. I never thought such a simple meal could have this level of flavor..."
For a thief who suffered hunger in her childhood, expecting her to maintain a demure eating manner was in itself an unreasonable demand. In fact, not licking the crumbs off the plate was already a display of self-control...
"Mm... This stems from my research into the human 'sense of taste.' Of course, it also relies on some homemade spices."
Fran always responded modestly to praise regarding cooking.
After all, this was just a minor pastime outside her main profession, one of the many little hobbies used to pass the time.
"Detreka, before attending the Full Moon Auction, I still need to make some simple preparations. Your original clothes are in the cabinet by the bed; you can change into them first. I'll call you when it's time to set off."
"Mm."
Detreka nodded quite obediently and then efficiently changed her clothes.
The Fog Street Clinic patient gown was soft, thin, and comfortable, but she still wasn't quite used to the feeling. In comparison, rough, thick leather clothing gave her a greater sense of security.
Fran then walked out of the clinic's examination room and slowly entered the main hall.
This clinic was the branch located in Moldway, right near Sidonia's Sea Ridge Palace.
At the moment, Vivian was helping the raven Munin groom the down beneath its wings. Haida was sitting properly on the new plush sofa moved into the clinic branch, quietly studying the Ash Creed's scripture "Aphoristic Silence" in her hands.
She had now completely understood the second-category, upper-tier secret art [Mechanized Spirit], only lacking the spiritual-material for the final construction.
However, this was no longer a difficult problem to solve. After all, there was now a living Heyl Siren descendant at Fog Street, and even a pureblood noble at that.
But considering Sidonia's current physical condition, it would be better to discuss this after this month's treatment course was over...
Fran sat down beside Haida and asked with a slight smile.
"Are you settling in comfortably at the clinic?"
"Mm. The clinic environment is very comfortable."
Seeing Fran approach, Haida put down the book, raised her eyes, and responded.
"It's just too peaceful, a bit too unaccustomed."
Although Haida was usually quiet and steady, she was, after all, a Burial Attendant of the Secrets-Hunters, her bones and blood flowing with the fervor for hunting abominations. She was the type who couldn't stay idle...
This was also why she chose to throw herself into the dangerous front lines rather than pursue studies in the secret arts department as Master Zoparos had hoped.
"Mm... Indeed. Coincidentally, there's an operation tonight with considerable risk. I wonder if Sister Haida would be willing to accompany me?"
"That is my duty."
Before Fran's words even finished, Haida had already agreed.
As the longest-standing internal member of the Fog Street Clinic, accompanying Fran on house calls had, to some extent, become this sister's habit. As for the potential "danger"... to be honest, she had never cared about it.
"By the way, I'll also need a small favor from Vivian this time."
As she spoke, Fran slowly turned her gaze towards Vivian, who was still playing with the bird.
"Please go ahead, Dr. Fran. As long as it's within my capabilities..."
Although she didn't know what this "small favor" entailed, Vivian had a vague sense of foreboding.
And these past few days, her psychic sense kept inexplicably sending warnings of danger—sudden twitching of eyelids, chills running down her back, all without any reason. To describe it, it felt like being "watched."
Although it was probably just an illusion, she still maintained the caution of a Confidential Division agent, drastically reducing her outings and contact with others. She spent most of her time staying at Fog Street.
"Don't worry, Vivian, it's not difficult for you. I need you to attend the Six-Eyed Crow cult's 'Full Moon Auction' at the First Perch in my place, using the identity of the 'Hermit.' I'll provide you with detailed information."
Fran's amber, deep-golden eyes revealed undisguised amusement, brimming with a peculiar sense of fun.
"Ah, me?" Vivian's lips parted slightly, her brows unable to hide her astonishment.
Even without fully understanding the specifics, just from the description, it sounded like this wouldn't be an easy task...
Fran nodded, then took out an exquisite light-brown veil from her physician coat pocket. She handed it to Vivian, who was still in a state of shock.
"Yes. Of course, I will provide you with assistance and an advance on the payment... This veil can grant you the ability to mimic another person's appearance and physique. Use it well, okay?"
Besides the [Mimic Veil], Fran had prepared many additional measures for Vivian.
For example, clothing imbued with the scent of Carapace Kind down, the [Swaying Heart-Clock] that could block mental probing, and some other little surprises that were unknown and inconvenient to disclose...
—
"Make your expression more natural, keep the smile at the corners of your lips more restrained, mm... Remember not to look up at people, try to look directly at their face, but avoid direct eye contact."
Taking advantage of the few hours before departure, Fran meticulously instructed Vivian on how to use the Mimic Veil.
Clearly, this child's understanding of her wasn't sufficient, making the precision of the mimicry not fine enough.
But fortunately, this could be remedied through personal guidance.
Moreover, Vivian herself was a Confidential Division agent, having undergone the Secrets-Hunter system's complete and detailed disguise training, and possessing some talent in this area... Therefore, she quickly achieved a level of similarity that could pass for real.
Once Vivian, from her aura to her demeanor, was seventy to eighty percent similar to Fran, Fran stood beside her, struck the same pose, and asked Haida next to them.
"So, Sister Haida, can you see the difference between us?"
"If it's just by 'looking,' even I can't spot the discrepancy at a glance."
After observing for a moment, Haida cautiously offered her opinion.
In fact, based on this sister's psychic empathy and profiling talent, distinguishing between the two would be quite easy. After all... she was perhaps the person alive who knew this doctor best.
Vivian blinked her amber eyes from time to time, occasionally touching the black stitching on her neck. Then she asked Fran somewhat uneasily.
"Dr. Fran... Is there a specific task I need to carry out at the Six-Eyed Crows' First Perch?"
"None. All you have to do is stay there."
Fran wagged her slender index finger, offering gentle reassurance.
"And I'll provide you with some funds. If you see any auction items at a suitable price, you can buy them for yourself."
Hearing her description, Haida lightly touched her chin, roughly guessing her line of thinking and purpose.
"Is it to create an 'alibi'?"
"Mm~ Haida, you always manage to pinpoint the crux of the matter accurately. If you hadn't become a Secrets-Hunter, perhaps you'd be suited to be a detective?"
Maintaining her usual smile, Fran tacitly admitted this.
The identity of the Hermit might still have value for future use, so it was necessary to minimize any possible suspicion. Of course, this wasn't strictly necessary... The main reason for sending Vivian was more due to Fran's personal amusement.
Vivian was currently intensively studying the information about the "Hermit." After understanding what this identity represented, a sense of profound astonishment gradually spread through her bones.
A Night-Moth Apostle, a high-ranking priestess of the Veiled Assembly... She actually had this identity as well?
After reorganizing her thoughts, she suddenly thought of a rather important question.
"By the way, Dr. Fran. While maintaining the disguise, should I call myself Fran, or Flamel? Or should I only acknowledge the title 'Hermit'?"
After asking this question, Vivian saw Fran press her lips together, her eyes slightly curving as if she wanted to laugh but held back.
"In the vast majority of cases, others will address you as the 'Hermit.' Other times, you can use your real name."
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