Witch Redemption

"With its taunt and powerful recovery, it seems to be a very strong tank. I remember that the Lion Orcs should be the Rean race in the United Duchy of Rhys, which is a rather noble race."

Novels often depict orcs marrying humans or vice versa, but this doesn't actually exist in this world. Humans view orcs as ugly, exhibiting the same psychological resistance as pressing F to enter a tank. From an orc's perspective, humans are also ugly, hairless weaklings, whose mere toothpick is utterly inadequate to satisfy their morbid desires.

It's one thing for two people to have different values, but it's more likely related to the fulfillment of each other's desires.

That's true. Feline beastmen have barbs, so if a human were to fight them, they'd probably be doomed. Canine beastmen are too big... It's normal that the two races can't get along.

He gestured for the "lion-headed beastman" to wait aside, and Li Lan continued his life-transformation experiments. This time, he succeeded seven times in a row, but unfortunately, all of them were the lowest-level servants, with only simple numerical codes and a wide variety of talents.

"Where does the problem lie? Using the intelligence core of a mid-level monster with the magic core of a mid-level monster has a very low success rate, but once successful, it will have its own true name and be defined as an intelligent monster. Using the intelligence core of a low-level monster with the magic core also has a low success rate, and the creation after success will only have a numerical code, and its talents and abilities will be poor."

"But the seven successful attempts tonight were achieved by combining the intelligence core of a mid-level monster with the magic core of a low-level monster."

From this moment on, Li Lan could begin to guess that the success rate of life-forging must be related to the wisdom core and magic core called "End Flame".

Generally speaking, the product created by combining the intelligence core of a mid-level monster with the magic core of a mid-level monster will also have the strength of the same level, with intelligence, powerful talents, etc.

This is practically gambling, gambling on that slim chance.

However, if you lower the grade and replace one of the materials with the core of a low-level monster, the creation will be of the same level as the lowest-grade material, but the success rate will increase considerably.

"Are there advantages and disadvantages?"

Creating a large number of cannon fodder in a short period of time is certainly possible, but wouldn't that be a waste of resources?

"It seems I need to make some reasonable trade-offs!"

After making a judgment, Li Lan closed her natal magic book and cleaned up the mess.

"Kozmo, come with me, let's go see your senior."

"Yes, my Queen!"

"Don't call me Your Majesty! Fine, Thomas will teach you what manners are next!"

Three minutes later, the atmosphere on the first floor became somewhat tense. Li Lan said with a hint of frustration, "Thomas, cough, don't be angry with him. He's your brother. It's natural for him to have a sarcastic face. You'll get used to it. Next, teach him how to respect his elders!"

Li Lan emphasized the word "elder" and added, "Cozmo, your situation is a bit special. Let Thomas teach you next. You can ask him any questions you have."

Ignoring the situation on the first floor, he sheepishly returned to the second floor and quickly fell asleep.

...... ...... ......

How come Lord Roman Hydra has gained another tall and burly orc servant in just one night? Lachesis was quite stunned early in the morning, especially since this extremely arrogant fellow also had huge dark circles under his eyes.

“Miss Lachesis, I would like to trouble you to come today regarding his identification. His name is Cozmo Rean.”

Li Lan explained, then quietly observed Thomas and Cozmo. It was obvious that after one night, the two guys had become very close. Cozmo looked frustrated, while Thomas looked sympathetic.

“Kozmo, you must address our Creator as Lord Roman!”

"But I only want to call her Her Majesty the Queen. I've found that the word 'Her Majesty the Queen' seems to have a negative effect on the Creator!"

"Fool, this is because your talent is flawed. You must hide this instinct! What is provocation? Does anyone think they can provoke you? At least not the Creator. You should know that the Creator is the Creator precisely because she doesn't take your provocations seriously. She's too strong! If you make her angry, hmph!"

"Don't scare me, what should I do?"

What is instinct? For example, a leopard can't change its spots!

"Kozmo, it seems you'll have a hard time suppressing this provocative instinct. I think you need to be more refined, read more books, and make your provocations more subtle. Also, don't speak in front of others; wait until we have some free time before you speak. Or, try to shift your focus, for example, concentrate on hunting monsters when you're with us..."

This is the result of two fellow servants chatting all night: Kozmo is almost shutting up and doesn't dare to say anything carelessly.

Beside him, the pig-headed orc Henry Rune, who had already regained consciousness, was somewhat at a loss. "Thank you for your help, Dr. Roman. Please tell me how much it costs, and I will do my best to find a way..."

“Five hundred divine authority coins will suffice. Of course, I know you can’t come up with that much in a short time, so you can use items of equal value instead, such as monster body materials, intelligence cores, or magic cores. The return period is one month. How about that?”

The orc was clearly taken aback by the dark elf doctor's affability, and for a moment, the simple-minded man was speechless with gratitude, stammering, "Thank you, thank you!"

"Have a meal before you go, Kozmo, and don't forget my advice!"

Chapter 32 The Second Imprint of Faith Transplantation

1:00 AM on August 1, 10003 (Gregorian calendar).

Li Lan has been quite lucky these past few days, with one or two dying adventurers coming to her door every day asking for medical help, which has earned her quite a bit of money.

In his spare time, another troublesome matter arose: the magic core of the high-level monster sent by Viscount Ivan Hank, namely the magic core of the unicorn thunder beast "Unicronus", had been made into a faith imprint, and the next recipient would be Lachesis Wagner.

As usual, Ivan Hank arrived late at night and, after a brief handover with the dark elf who called himself a "doctor," got straight to the point: "The last batch of drugs was very well received after entering the black market. We plan to increase investment after this week, and the profits obtained will be quite terrifying."

"The huge profits will attract the attention of the royal family of the theocracy. If nothing unexpected happens, the royal family may send people to intervene in the Bay City Chamber of Commerce. I have heard rumors that the person coming this time may be the sixteenth prince of the royal family, Randall Richard, who is also Lachesis's fiancé. Since the marriage was arranged in secret eight years ago under duress, Lachesis is unaware of it."

Since Lachesis had already been called to the second floor, Ivan only dared to reveal this information to Li Lan in private.

"Will this prince I send affect me?"

Li Lan's idea was that this was another world, and it was generally difficult for a woman to survive. She needed to rely on men. If she could marry into the royal family, wouldn't she be worry-free for life?

Seemingly sensing his thoughts, Ivan said bluntly, "In a way, as long as I conceal it well, the royal family will definitely not affect you. What I'm afraid of is that if I were to fall down at any time, you would be in some trouble here."

Li Lan always felt that Viscount Ivan wanted something from him, and wondered if he wanted him to stage some clichéd "bride-snatching" scene. He couldn't do that, and besides, he wasn't exactly a handsome guy. From what he knew so far, the orientations in this world seemed to be normal, and he hadn't heard of any lesbians.

As for the so-called bromance, I've only heard rumors about it occasionally, and the general consensus is that it only exists within the royal family, such as having a fondness for men.

"What does Viscount Ivan need me to do?"

“I hope Dr. Roman can make this transplant as successful as possible. Even if it fails, Lachesis must live,” Ivan said, his voice unusually pleading, suggesting that Lachesis, his adopted daughter, held an unimaginably high place in his heart. “After that, one thing I want to ask of you is, is there any way to secretly get rid of this prince?”

After thinking for a moment, he added, "The royal family is a very complex place, and so is the nobility. There are too many entanglements involved. The reason I didn't dare to bring you into this circle earlier was because once we entered, your identity would likely be exposed. The royal family's control over the Dark Order and the nobility is something even I can't predict. Even if I hide in this remote area, most of my actions probably won't escape the royal family's notice. Fortunately, I haven't done anything out of line yet, so I'm still safe."

"The 'outrageous thing' I'm referring to here concerns Lachesis's life-long happiness. Dr. Roman, you must understand, right?"

"Send assassins to kill the prince and stop this marriage?" Li Lan immediately understood.

“Indeed! This marriage is unavoidable. I’ve been dragging it out for years, and I’m afraid I can’t delay any longer. Although I have many subordinates, most of them are registered with the royal family. If they make a move, I will be suspected. Wood Annason’s people only care about interests, but the benefits I can offer for killing a prince are definitely not enough. On the contrary, it will affect their chances of entering the political circle of the theocracy, so they will definitely not accept it.”

Not only would they refuse to accept it, they would also report it directly to the royal family in order to gain more benefits.

"Right now, only your identity is special, and you've kept it well hidden, so you might have some special trump cards. That's why I'm considering whether we can reach this deal. Of course, you can refuse, and I'll think of another way, since it also concerns your safety."

Ivan spoke sincerely because this "Dr. Roman" was his current hidden trump card, not just something that could bring him a lot of benefits, but also the biggest cornerstone for his potential future revenge.

Li Lan did not respond to the middle-aged man's request for the time being, but asked a question instead, "Viscount Ivan once mentioned that you are willing to pay any price for revenge. If that's the case, why not make Lachesis a pawn and have her marry the sixteenth prince? If the sixteenth prince can ascend the throne in the future, Miss Lachesis can also successfully bind the prince. Wouldn't that give you more opportunities for revenge? It might even allow you to secretly control this country!"

Upon hearing this, Ivan's serious face froze for a moment, then a bitter smile appeared on his lips. "Dr. Roman, politics is definitely not as simple as you think. It's impossible to control an entire country simply by controlling a king. Being a monarch involves more than just decision-making; it's about maintaining balance! Balancing the power dynamics between the royal family, the nobility, and the religious faction!"

"In the history of the theocratic state, there are many examples of people who have been able to control the king. Whether it was a prestigious noble family or a powerful dark cult, they have all tried, but they have all failed miserably. If I were to try to intervene in the royal family in the way you suggested, I would be eliminated very quickly and die a terrible death."

"Yes, that was just my assumption. Sorry."

Upon hearing this, Li Lan couldn't help but recall many TV dramas and novels she had seen before. For example, there was the story of a certain "wife enthusiast" who "held the emperor hostage to command the princes." The reality was far more complex than that. It was never that simple. Furthermore, there were the overpowered protagonists in most novels who would establish a kingdom, be revered by all, and be remembered for eternity. But what was the reality? The complexities of politics and economics exposed the flaws in these superficial regimes, making the so-called establishment of a nation completely untenable.

As a "political keyboard warrior," Li Lan did not dare to make any grand pronouncements, so she did not make any more exaggerated statements.

"I just think that political marriages have been quite normal throughout history, haven't they? There must be many benefits involved, perhaps not only for Miss Lachesis, but also for Viscount Ivan..."

“You’re right, Dr. Roman. A political marriage would be very meaningful to me, but it’s unnecessary.”

As Ivan spoke these words, he revealed a rare tenderness. “In the theocracy, whether it’s royalty, nobles, or clergy from the Dark Order, there is a great deal of intermarriage. As long as you are a descendant of a noble family, you have absolutely no right to choose your own marriage. Everything is arranged in advance. For example, my current wife is a princess of the royal family. There is no love between us. We only have a relationship of mutual exploitation.”

“Lachish is a special child to me. As long as I live, I will never allow her to become a political sacrifice! I would rather she become an adventurer, even if she dies at the hands of monsters and is swallowed by the night, than become a walking corpse in the politics of the theocracy.”

The politics of the Viana theocracy is a vortex from which there is no turning back. Once you are caught in it, there is absolutely no way to get out. You will only sink deeper and deeper until you are eventually crushed by the vortex!

Upon hearing this, Li Lan could hardly believe that the viscount would say such a bold thing. Was so-called "politics" really that terrifying?

"Is it because she is your biological daughter?"

“Yes!” Ivan Hank replied seriously to Li Lan’s response. “Moreover, the reason she was able to be born smoothly is because I violated the true taboo of the inhabitants of the theocracy. I offered a sacrifice to the goddess of darkness, Shub Nicholas, exchanging the body of my former fiancée for the opportunity for Lachesis to be born.”

Ivan did not elaborate on this matter, and he dared not let anyone know the true nature of Lachesis.

He secretly protected his daughter until eighteen years ago, when he watched helplessly as a lump of flesh that only knew how to instinctively devour food transformed into a human embryo.

It was precisely because of Lachesis's own characteristics that she, as a woman, possessed powers that other women did not have, and entered the ranks of geniuses from a young age.

But that's not enough!

Lachesis's current strength rating is at most close to that of a Platinum-level adventurer. If she were to face an attack from the Dark Order, she would definitely not survive more than three seconds.

She must become stronger and more independent before Ivan will have the courage to seek justice for what happened.

This is Ivan Hank, who once deeply loved his wife but watched helplessly as she was taken away. Now, he focuses all his love on his only daughter and will do anything to protect her, no matter the cost. And this time, no one will be able to take her away!

Li Lan was ultimately moved by those few words. It has to be said that finding such a father in this patriarchal, otherworldly world is extremely rare.

Logically, he could help with this, but he couldn't assess the risks involved.

"I'm sorry, I can't agree to that at the moment. I can only say that I will make a move if the opportunity arises in the future."

Li Lan possesses the trump card of the "Book of Fate's Judgment," but lacks the opportunity to truly use it. Once the opportunity arises, it wouldn't be difficult to make this prince die suddenly without anyone knowing.

Ivan Hank immediately understood the meaning behind those words, and his expression softened. "Thank you, Dr. Roman!"

"In addition, here is some information on adventurers settling in the southern district of Kobe City, which may be helpful to you."

In recent times, although a large number of adventurers have infiltrated the area by bribing their way in, things have stabilized. Ivan believes it is necessary to provide a general overview so that Dr. Roman can take precautions in secret.

"Very well! Thank you, Viscount Ivan!"

...... ...... ......

After the conversation, Li Lan summoned several humanoid servants who had reached level 7 from the magic book, and had these children-like creatures guard the safety of the first floor below. Then, she led Viscount Ivan to the second floor.

"Lachish".

"Father......"

Upon arriving before her godfather, the usually "cold" red-haired beauty was unusually reserved.

"Do you remember things from when you were little?" Ivan asked tentatively.

"Yes, I don't know why, but I was always very weak when I was a child. I would fall seriously ill every few days. Fortunately, I recovered in the end thanks to my father's care."

Lachesis felt incredibly grateful when she mentioned this, but she never knew how to express it.

"I've consulted Dr. Roman about your illness from back then, and I have a general understanding of the situation. Dr. Roman will treat you tonight, and from now on you will never have to worry about your past ailment again. Please trust Dr. Roman in everything."

To avoid suspicion, after giving his final instructions, Ivan stood at the door, gesturing for Lachesis to follow Li Lan into the room, and watched as the door closed again.

Unlike the previous case involving Christian, a clergyman from the Dark Order, Lachesis was completely unaware of the situation this time, so directly confronting her was clearly not a good approach.

So, with Ivan Hank's consent, Li Lan chose to give the red-haired beauty a cup of "Sleepy Tea".

Ten minutes later, the second faith imprint transplant, conducted in collaboration with Ivan Hank, began...

Seeing Li Lan walk out of the "operating room" with a somewhat heavy expression, Ivan Hank's heart, which had been filled with unease, suddenly began to pound.