Bad woman, am I pretending to be bad?

A long-suppressed rage burned in everyone's eyes.

"This...this is outrageous!" The old nobleman's voice trembled, his cane tapping out a jumbled rhythm on the floor. "Guards! Quickly, remove these lowly people—"

“A commoner?” A gaunt old woman suddenly stepped forward, her withered fingers almost poking the nobleman’s face. “My son worked in the smelter for ten years, and in the end, he didn’t even get a coffin!”

An angry roar erupted from the crowd. Some grabbed documents from the table and tore them to shreds, while others smashed expensive vases against the wall. A young woman overturned a long table laden with exquisite tea and snacks, the shattering porcelain sounding like a hoarse trumpet.

Charlotte stood quietly in the eye of the storm, saying nothing, yet the words on her lips spoke volumes.

"Everyone, please calm down."

Before the situation descended into complete chaos and catharsis, the kind healer tapped the table lightly, drawing everyone's attention to the half-angel, half-devil figure, awaiting his next words.

"Violence cannot solve problems, and diseases also need proper treatment."

Despite the commotion and noise from the audience, and her gentle voice on stage, she miraculously calmed the unrest.

"First of all, we must open our eyes and know the truth."

The soft rustling sound of paintbrushes cutting across the canvas filled the air.

Looking up at the second floor of the council building, towards the extended balcony, the warm light from the dome poured down, and the red-haired girl sat down in the center where the light converged.

It was a consensus that had already been reached with Sofby.

She drew her brushstrokes, depicting the ugliness of the aristocracy, those dirty deals and indifference, those extravagant days and nights. The cheap paint was not yet dry, emitting a pungent turpentine smell.

Documents, films, confessions—countless pieces of evidence rained down from above. These were the evidence gathered by the Public Security Bureau through investigations conducted both openly and covertly, and by the Little Peacock through opportunistic means.

She needed considerable achievements, but Charlotte, merely to demonstrate her own goodness, adorned this mask with dazzling splendor.

The two complement each other, leading to the current situation.

At present, it is irreversible. Even the authorities cannot lie and cover it up in front of the public. Therefore, even if the Public Security Bureau and newspapers want to be tactful, they cannot go against the trend and pretend to be old.

One person's opinion is insignificant, but the voices of the masses are deafening. Everyone has no choice. When they remain silent and try to suppress dissenting voices, when they personally expose weaknesses, misfortune is inevitable.

Because a wicked woman like her, who has no ties to anything, loves to see others' faces filled with despair because of her.

Now, whatever she says is the truth, the absolute fact.

"These are the records of bribes received by the committee over the past three months."

“Nonsense.” Forwell struggled to stand up, but was pinned down by a worker who had lost both arms—the man’s arms had melted in the smelter accident.

“The second document is the actual ingredient analysis of the so-called ‘miracle drug.’” Charlotte looked at the old-fashioned nobleman. “Do you know what’s mixed in with it? It’s excessive amounts of raw hibiscus and arsenic compounds.”

The hall erupted in uproar once again, with reporters' film cameras flashing as they captured the pale faces of the dignitaries.

"Enough! What do you think this will change? Count Montero's smelter feeds a third of the city's workers! Without that 'arsenic-containing wastewater,' Florence's economy would have collapsed long ago, and you wouldn't even be able to afford black bread! Dying from disease or starvation, which is better—"

The leading nobleman covered his throat, unable to utter another word, for Charlotte had already drawn the most crucial pause in this epidemic.

"No, perhaps you arrogantly believe that apart from the Medical Council, there is no other entity that can bridge the knowledge gap and develop truly effective drugs."

"But now, I tell you myself, I tell you, I tell the anxious people, that this is just a common illness that can be cured and that there is no need for exploitation."

She took out a glass bottle from the inner pocket of her coat. Indeed, in this day and age, with limited equipment and technology, she could not cultivate antibiotics that required stringent conditions, but simple allicin and sulfonamides could be prepared with the help of her extraordinary abilities.

"Ryan".

She called out softly, and the pale-faced boy staggered out from beside his older sister, craning his neck and stopping in his tracks with some fear.

“Go ahead, Dr. Bella won’t lie to us.”

The young nurse, Per, patted her younger brother's head and gently pushed him forward.

"Sister Bella, can I really be saved?"

Under the watchful eyes of countless people, Ryan kept his eyes tightly closed, his face still showing unease and anxiety.

"Yes, child, not only you, but all patients can get rid of the poison of this epidemic."

Charlotte gently wiped the sweat from the boy's forehead, her movements exceptionally tender, as if a guilty conscience prevented her from seeing such a child sacrifice for her testimonies.

However, it seems that it is ultimately just a hypothesis.

This epidemic is rampant due to the involvement of the spiritual, but as long as it is eliminated and with the help of medicine, the human immune system can gradually overcome it. Therefore, Charlotte wants to demonstrate the effectiveness of the medicine in front of the public and completely destroy the authority and sanctity of the committee.

As the medication entered his body and settled over time, the boy's pale face regained a healthy red hue. His breathing became lighter and less heavy, and he opened his bright eyes like a fledgling returning to its nest.

"Sister Bella, I—"

"Is it bitter, child? Here, have some candy."

The sugar coating that lingered then is peeled away at this moment, turning into a sweet taste in the mouth that lingers for a long time.

Tears of emotion fell, and suffering patients embraced one another. They were no longer in despair, no longer lost. In their eyes, there was only that beautiful figure standing on the high platform, that monster with one side an angel and the other a demon.

The dome, constructed of glazed tiles, was originally a testament to extravagance, yet at this moment it casts down the gradually setting sunlight, caressing people's faces and giving them warmth.

"How, how is that possible? Just because of you!"

"But it happened anyway, didn't it?"

Charlotte responded to those unbelievable questions with the calmest of words, from her initial submissive rebuttals to her current condescending tone.

"Even so, you were destined to die. All you did was make your epitaph look better!"

"If this is my destiny, I am willing—"

"Accept it calmly."

With her fingertips pressed against her chest, she bowed to everyone, a simple and unadorned gesture, yet more elegant and refined than anyone else present, more like a true aristocrat.

"I have no right to judge good and evil, but the public's condemnation is enough to judge—"

“All those who participated in covering up the truth will forever bear the memory of the dead.”

"All those who profit from this will forever feel the pain of the victims."

"All those who fail to help those in distress will live forever in the shadow of this day."

As the last syllable fell, the scales of right and wrong tipped, and the nobles, who had been in high positions, collapsed to the ground, leaving only exhausted murmurs.

"monster......"

Charlotte raised her lips slightly; the smile was still beautiful, but in the former's eyes, it was terrifying.

“Yes,” she said softly, in a whisper that only they could hear, “from now on, I will be your nightmare.”

P.S.: The tone of Volume 2 is set here, but it's not over yet. Promotion is inevitable, and the Plaguebringer will become nourishment for Charlotte.

There have also been instances of people being exposed, which is quite welcome, including but not limited to Ms. Mosang.

Finally, thank you all for your company.

Chapter 159 You Can't Refuse Me

After a night of wind and rain, the world is free of turbidity.

The thick fog that permeated Florence had not yet dissipated, and the black smoke from the smelter still billowed upwards. The entrance hall, which had been trampled yesterday, seemed to have regained its authority this morning.

However, everyone knows that social status is not an inherent difference, and plague is not a curse from heaven. They are just diseases, minor illnesses that are a thousand times easier to cure than poverty.

Perhaps this brief disturbance is just a common example under the shadow of the city, a stroke in the course of history.

But in the future, there will always be more selfless sacrifices and more lofty ideals, because kind-hearted doctors have already set an example of dedication.

A gentle morning breeze rustled through the treetops outside the window, sunlight slanted across the room, and the rich aroma of tea wafted from the tablecloth.

"call."

Rarely do we see such a clear and bright morning in Florence, and the brown-haired beauty is naturally happy to enjoy this moment of leisure.

[Yesterday, the crimes were proven, and the wicked were put on trial.]

In a bright corner of the flowerbed, Charlotte was holding the page between her fingers, carefully flipping through today's Citizen's Daily.

[Last night, the Medical Council building was brightly lit as Count Montero and his cronies were arrested overnight, and Parliament urgently passed the Public Health Emergency Act. According to our reporter, the first project to repair the water supply system began this morning.]

The teacup tapped lightly on the porcelain plate, producing a crisp sound. Her slender fingertips paused on the words "detained overnight," and a faint, mocking smile played on her lips.

"What a dignified exit."

Indeed, the prevailing public opinion was not under official control; such matters were generally considered insignificant. However, for major newspapers, the Medical Committee's weakness had a significant impact.

The collapse of authoritative institutions and the indifference of imperial censors signaled a clear attitude. Big news that was usually hard to come by, whether it was evidence of crimes and scandals, good deeds and bad deeds, all appeared in a rush overnight, as if they were afraid of missing out on the headlines.

This put the editors-in-chief of various newspapers in a painful yet joyful dilemma. News that was usually hard to come by was now flooding in, and there wasn't even enough space to spare... If it weren't for the fact that news couldn't lag behind, they would have loved to write about the release of new drugs and the sacrifices of doctors chapter by chapter, which would surely have boosted sales even more.

[Ms. Valenti's new medicine, authorized by the governor, has been confirmed to have made a significant contribution to controlling this epidemic. Even while suffering from a serious illness herself, she stood shoulder to shoulder with the countless patients, selflessly giving her all; her character is worthy of everyone's emulation...]

"Such a good reputation is not bad."

With a combination of praise and criticism, Charlotte demonstrated her willingness to differentiate based on her own circumstances.

This is not hypocrisy, but her true nature. Although pursuing fame and fortune is not what she seeks, the genuine admiration of others for her glamorous facade always brings her pleasure, and even a moment of smugness.

"Madam, your letter."

At the door of the residence, the elderly postman placed a letter sealed with wax into an iron box, and looked with respect at the beautiful woman sitting by the window.

She sat there upright, her waist as straight as a tall pine tree, her profile like a simple oil painting. The half-mask did not conceal her appearance, but instead highlighted a unique and beautiful beauty.

Charlotte nodded slightly and gently pried open the letter with a letter opener, revealing a finely crafted notepad.

[Dear Bella's niece:]

What happened before was the fault of my uncles; I was momentarily blinded by greed and listened to their slander. Now those sinners are being judged by the governor, and those who approve of you and revere you are coming to our hall to seek our cooperation.

I know you care about the environment people are in. Coincidentally, the committee has extended an invitation to me and to the head of the Valenti family to serve as the newly established public health advisor. If you are interested, the family welcomes you back at any time.

—Written by Alberto Valenti

"Ah."

Unwilling to read any more of the lies, she casually tossed the letter into the fireplace, where it curled up into ashes in the flames.

These opportunists, who believe whatever they hear or whatever they hear, and these so-called relatives, are sometimes more disgusting than the epidemic itself.

“There is another visitor.” The volunteer housekeeper bowed slightly and hesitated before saying, “It’s that red-haired sheriff… who insists on seeing you in the garden.”

The newspaper turned a page, and there was also a detailed account of the young sheriff's hands-on approach, which made him a moral exemplar.

The teacup was picked up again, and the rising steam blurred Charlotte's eyelids.

It is a natural expression of joy.

"Let her wait."

She slowly finished the last sip of hot tea, letting the delicate flavor linger on her tongue for a moment before swallowing. She watched the red-haired figure outside the window pacing back and forth in the garden, like a bird completely imprisoned in a cage.

Today, Sophie's faded red hair shone brightly in the morning sun, but the indigo roses in her hair looked particularly dull.

Just like a troubled heart, anxiety, distress, and extravagance converge into a desire—a desire that cannot be realized.

She wanted to get a spiritual reason from Isabella, but she was also afraid that hope would slip away through her lips, so she was at a loss and remained hesitant.

Fortunately, there was more than one guest in this villa. The peacock that had left the nest and the parrot that was searching for its tracks met again while waiting, although the former's disguise prevented the latter from recognizing its previous identity.

"Melina..."

Only in her heart was she certain. Of course, Sufby wouldn't show any surprise, believing that the many coincidences were just the result of fate. The existence of the spiritual would attract, and so would the truth.

Unable to see through the deliberate makeup, the little parrot, driven by its own curiosity, pressed the girl about her experiences the previous day.

In her eyes, this young girl named Luna was a supporting character who truly witnessed and participated in that incident.

Developments in the medical field? No, this is a radical innovation, a momentous event worthy of being recorded in history, hence the tireless pursuit and persistent questioning.

Of course, this disjointed conversation was soon interrupted by the approaching sound of horses' hooves.

Before the carriage could stop, a beautiful figure hurried over.

With black hair and a white veil, her steps were hurried, and she didn't even realize that her lavender purple dress was being torn to shreds by the branches of the bushes. The opera star of the capital was naturally bright and beautiful, especially with a look of worry on her delicate face.

It's Eliza.

"Bella, doctor."

She called out the name of the person she cared about more proactively and directly than the birds that always hesitated, and even caught Charlotte's fleeting look of surprise.

Pushing open the door and walking to the window, she gently took the beautiful woman's hand, her eyes filled with unconcealed concern.

“I can understand your kindness, Dr. Bella, and I feel sorry for those patients, but why would you risk your life when there were better options available?”