CH-075

75 They Are Actually a Group of Megatooth Sharks

When the topic turned to Bishop Hugo and Bishop Holm, everyone tactfully stopped discussing it.

The food on the table was quickly cleared away.

Shu Li glanced at the time, thinking the children shouldn't stay too long, so he intended to shoo them back to find their Grandpa Otto. But before he could speak, Cavan asked first, "Do you have any more food?"

"Didn't you eat at home?" Shu Li found it strange.

Cavan and Shem both chuckled softly in response, neither confirming nor denying.

If Shu Li hadn't realized by now that they had set their sights on him, his reaction would have been too slow. He had to politely refuse, "The food we have is prepared for our journey. Now that there's been an incident and we might be delayed a few more days, we need to ration the remaining supplies for the return trip."

Cavan and Shem's faces fell at Shu Li's refusal, looking dejected and unhappy.

But Cavan thought again, his eyes lighting up, and he immediately proposed another idea, "Since you're staying in Stann City for a few more days anyway, Father Aris, why not come visit our house and stay for a few days? We have lots of ingredients!"

Cavan patted his chest and said confidently, "My family allows me to invite friends over. I'm 13!"

Shem quickly agreed, and also urged Leslie next to him to invite Shu Li, "Leslie, you also think Father Aris's cooking is good, right? You agree too, don't you?"

Leslie didn't know how to extend the invitation. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Finally, he gave up struggling and closed his mouth.

Shem, with an attitude of "If you won't say it, I'll say it for you," took it as his agreement, "See, he agrees too! All three of us welcome you."

Shu Li had already learned that these two had a habit of not treating outsiders as outsiders, so he naturally wouldn't be led by the nose by them. He smiled and dismissed them, "I remember I also made some hard biscuits with nuts. You can take those back to eat slowly. They last a long time."

After speaking, he rummaged through his luggage and found the homemade nut biscuits to show them.

Cavan and Shem had to accept the situation, patting Leslie on the back for consolation.

They knew Leslie was just as sad as they were about not getting the delicious food, but his emotions just weren't as outwardly expressed.

However, when Ramon and Father Simeon saw those biscuits, their expressions immediately became complicated.

These biscuits were compressed biscuits Shu Li had made, meant for emergencies in case supplies ran out during the journey.

They weren't unpalatable.

To improve the taste, Shu Li had added many nuts collected from the mountains, like hazelnuts.

The biscuits smelled very fragrant, just like pastries sold on the street.

But their texture was nothing to boast about—those compressed biscuits were hard and dense, comparable to stone bricks.

You couldn't break them with your bare hands. Even if you used a dagger to pry them apart, the blade would get stuck, unable to move. Xiya and Weiya had gnawed on them for three days and only managed to eat a third, their jaws aching from the effort.

They were truly impossible to bite!

Seeing the three children happily preparing to enjoy them, Ramon and Father Simeon couldn't help but think: even if they were nobles, they were still essentially naive children.

Shem's intuition told him these biscuits were probably quite tasty. He asked, "If we finish them, can we come back for more?"

"Yes, but only if you don't waste them." Shu Li wrapped the biscuits in their clean handkerchief, covered it with another layer of cloth, and replied, "As long as you eat them all without wasting, I can give you more biscuits."

Cavan and Shem happily began examining the biscuits.

Shem, especially, when encountering unfamiliar food, always liked to sniff it over and over again before preparing to eat.

Shu Li didn't want them to discover the biscuit's secret too soon, so he covered the handkerchief for them, "They'll taste better if you wait until you're hungry later!"

These three children had come specifically to eat. After getting the food, they quickly ran off.

Watching their retreating figures, Shu Li couldn't help but think—they'd probably end up drinking a lot of water.

Soon, he turned his attention back to Ramon and Father Simeon, saying seriously, "We still need to start eating the food prepared by Stann Church. Since we don't know how long we'll be staying here, we need to plan carefully."

Shu Li's words were very reasonable.

Father Simeon began reflecting on their previous meals, "Maybe it's because of the lack of seasoning. We're used to dishes cooked with various salts and sauces, so plain food tastes unappealing to us."

As for why they didn't eat the church's prepared food in the morning either, it was because they were all waiting for Shu Li to provide it.

Shu Li pondered for a moment, then said, "Then I'll..."

Sister Rita was the one in charge of managing the church's various affairs, including the kitchen.

When Shu Li had been grilling meat for the children earlier, he had attracted a lot of attention. Sister Rita...

At that time, besides mentioning chicken fat and salt, Shu Li had also mentioned other seasonings.

Sister Rita actually hadn't let it go and immediately pressed further, "Which category do those spices fall into?"

This "Four Humors" theory could also be related to Shu Li's cold and the encouragement of bloodletting treatment he had received.

The "Four Humors" theory originated with the famous physician Hippocrates in the 5th to 4th centuries BC, and was continuously developed thereafter. Its basic content is that the human body has four basic humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. As long as these four humors are balanced, a person can maintain health.

This theory was naturally supported by physicians and the church, and they even wrote pamphlets guiding healthy eating, many suggestions of which are still relevant today, such as eating fresh, healthy meat to supplement nutrition.

Her attitude was very serious, as if she wasn't asking for a recipe, but rather interrogating him.

Shu Li didn't really know much about it either, so he just fudged his way through.

Sister Rita only nodded but didn't ask for anything. When she finally returned, she only had the cook add salt.

Shu Li didn't think this matter was worth mentioning, so he didn't dwell on it.

Now that it concerned the happiness of their lives in the coming days, Shu Li still thought he should make a small suggestion to Sister Rita.

Father Simeon said gratefully, "Then we'll be troubling Father Aris."

Shu Li had just waved his hand dismissively when a very polite knock came from outside the door. "Father Aris, I'm Father Leyton from Stann Church. The Vicar Bishop and Bishop Hugo are looking for you; they want to consult with you about something. I was wondering if you are available now?"

As soon as the words finished, Shu Li exchanged a glance with the two opposite him, then got up and walked towards Father Leyton.

He recognized Leyton.

There weren't many people wearing glasses in this city.

Yesterday during the procession, they had also crossed paths. But Shu Li had seen that the other clearly didn't want to talk, so he was happy to pretend not to know him, conveniently forgetting that he had once hounded him about bloodletting therapy at the pharmacy door.

"Please lead the way," Shu Li said politely.

As soon as Shu Li moved, the little fox Naci nimbly followed.

Naci seemed a bit timid.

In an unfamiliar environment, wherever Shu Li went, Naci followed closely, never leaving his side.

*

The two walked one after the other, treading on the frozen, hard stone pavement, their footsteps echoing more clearly than usual.

A cold wind blew gently through the corridor.

As they walked further and further, the sounds of people from the church gradually faded behind them, leaving only the sound of the wind whistling in their ears.

Shu Li looked at the road ahead.

Icicles hanging from the eaves glinted coldly, the window lattices were tightly shut, and the path was empty.

Shu Li slowed his pace, creating a greater distance between them. "Are the bishops... really looking for me here?"

Because the other party had given his real name and had taken him away in front of Simeon and Ramon, Shu Li didn't think he had malicious intent towards him.

Even if he was lying, Shu Li didn't think he would hurt him.

Based on cognitive dissonance theory, perpetrators, to alleviate their internal conflict during or after a crime, will instinctively try to cover up their actions.

For example, some people avoid looking others in the eye when they lie.

Because even though theoretically it's impossible not to look someone in the eye without them noticing the lie, it's like hiding behind a leaf. However, this small action brings them inner peace while avoiding others' gazes.

Unless it was a crime of passion, an illogical crime by a mentally ill person, or the perpetrator fundamentally believes their actions are recognized by others or society, similar to honor killings often occurring in religious or tribal settings.

In short, Shu Li felt that they had gone far enough.

It was then that Father Leyton turned back to look at Shu Li.

There was no surprise in the young priest's eyes; it was as if he had foreseen this scene from the moment Leyton knocked on his door.

Father Aris's expression was calm, carrying a hint of certainty.

This calmness of seeing through his inner thoughts struck Father Leyton's heart.

But he quickly suppressed his emotions, concealing the turmoil within without changing his expression, and spoke in a deep voice, "Father Aris, I have a matter on which I need your help."

If it had been the day before yesterday, knowing of such a legendary Father Aris, Leyton would have been dismissive.

The church is accustomed to weaving miracles and deifying others to promote their chosen candidates to high positions.

He had seen and heard of such things.

Moreover, knowing that this man was favored by the notoriously disgraced former Wise Elder, Bishop Hugo, Leyton naturally had no liking for him.

But after just two short days of observation, Leyton had formed a new judgment.

The rumors about Father Aris might not be unfounded.

Because he always effortlessly did things others couldn't imagine, yet never overstepped his bounds. Even the few ducal nobles who usually gave the church a headache could be subdued by him without any fuss.

Some say he can hear the voice of God.

Some say he can see into others' secrets.

Others say he is actually the incarnation of God, born with a sacred body.

Thus, the various rumors were confusing and unverified, only adding to his mystery.

Despite this, Leyton also noticed that in his words and deeds, he displayed humility, courtesy, restraint, and an open mind.

These details of his behavior made Leyton's heart relax a little.

At least, compared to those who constantly proclaim themselves "exceptional" and treat recklessness, arrogance, baseness, or even vulgar and cheap behavior as humor or personality, Father Aris seemed more like a truly respectable person.

He detested those flamboyant, divinely favored individuals, and those hypocrites who deviated from the norm, were strict with others, and lenient with themselves.

It was these things, more or less, that gave Leyton a glimmer of goodwill.

And this bit of goodwill gave him the courage to seek out Father Aris and knock on his door.

Leyton took a deep breath and looked up, "I know you can speak to Bishop Hugo... I heard that on your very first day here, Bishop Hugo personally fed you yellow peaches. The whole church is talking about it. He trusts and cares for you so much—"

Today, although Stann Church was still governed by Cardinal Otto, this highest-ranking elder still addressed Bishop Hugo as "teacher."

The Vicar Bishop, and even the deceased former bishop, also looked to Bishop Hugo for guidance.

That is to say, currently, not counting Bishop Holm, the entire Stann Church was under Bishop Hugo's influence.

And the priest before him was the only one who could sway Bishop Hugo.

Leyton clenched his fists, forcing himself to look steadily at Shu Li, "Jace is a very devout believer. He couldn't have killed someone with a divine statue. Please say a word for him—just one word, that's enough!"

As he spoke, Leyton had a strange illusion.

It was just that—

This consistently calm, composed, and inscrutable priest, starting from some point in Leyton's speech, had his aura of certainty, which had seemed like a fierce beast crafted from thin paper, suddenly appear fragile, barely held together, visibly vulnerable.

Realizing this, Leyton was stunned for a moment, not knowing how to maintain his own composure. "So...?"

Shu Li felt his vision blurring.

If it weren't for being in front of someone, Shu Li would have wanted to dig a hole and crawl into it.

He should never have let Bishop Hugo feed him that yellow peach!!!

This matter had actually spread throughout the entire church.

"Father Aris, what do you think?"

Leyton's words brought Shu Li back to reality, but he didn't dare admit that he had briefly spaced out because "the yellow peach incident had spread throughout the church."

He hadn't spaced out for too long, had he?

Shu Li immediately calmly adjusted his expression and said in a low, slow tone, "If you truly trust me, you should be willing to entrust more of yourself to gain my trust, rather than asking me to help you with just one or two sentences."

"To put it bluntly, aren't you a stranger to me?"

Doing good is often not difficult, especially when it's just a small effort.

But that kind of help isn't necessarily worthy of respect.

Doing good without principles or judgment can sometimes be a disaster.

These words struck Leyton's heart.

Leyton fell into hesitation and struggle.

But now, the rumors that Jace was the murderer had already spread throughout the church.

Leyton's fists clenched tighter and tighter, his nails almost digging into his palms. Restlessness and unease churned relentlessly in his chest.

The air grew stagnant with silence.

Shu Li still stood there, his gaze calm yet impossible to ignore.

He didn't urge, just waited in silence.

But for Leyton, it was like a sword hanging over his head, nerve-wracking and fearsome.

Finally, Leyton's throat moved, as if swallowing a piece of hot iron.

"Last night..." his voice was low and hoarse, his gaze shifting. "I heard the bishop... died last night."

He paused, almost gritting his teeth, "But he... he didn't see the bishop."

His breathing became a little disordered, and finally, he looked up, meeting Shu Li's eyes.

"Last night, he was with me the whole time."

Shu Li's next words made Leyton instinctively step back. Because Shu Li responded almost immediately.

"Then do you and Father Jace have a matching pair of collar clasps?"

Leyton stared at Shu Li in shock, almost speechless.

How could he say such a thing so calmly?

Leyton felt like he was going crazy.

Shu Li, on the other hand, was still contemplating the possibility he had just raised.

Assuming the pattern of a rose entwined around a cross was a symbol of lovers, and Jace and Leyton were a couple, Jace might very well have thought Leyton was the murderer, and thus silently took the blame to cover for him.

The process might have been like this.

Jace was called in for questioning because of the collar clasp left at the scene, and fearing it would implicate Leyton or expose their secret, he chose to accept the blame.

If that were the case, it would also explain why Father Jace dared not mention the collar clasp.

However, the problem was that Leyton had just said Jace was with him all day, so Jace should know Leyton was innocent. Why would he need to take the blame?

Had some other accident occurred in between?

Leyton saw Shu Li thinking deeper and deeper, growing quieter and quieter.

Such a calm expression made Leyton, from the depths of his being, begin to fear. He quickly explained loudly, "Jace and I are not lovers! We are believers!"

"That collar clasp is just an ordinary one, right?!"

Seeing Leyton getting more and more agitated, afraid of being wrongly accused, Shu Li nodded and said in a gentle, calming tone, "Okay, don't worry. I was just thinking about why Jace would assume he killed the bishop, considering various possibilities. So—what were you doing last night?"

Leyton couldn't help but rub his head.

Startled by Shu Li, Leyton now felt that what he and Jace had done last night was a trivial matter.

Leyton spoke extremely crisply this time, "Last night, we went to the mountains to look for skeletal remains. After the winter hunt ended, Jace and I didn't follow the carriage back to the church; we stayed behind."

"Skeletal remains?"

This word made Shu Li start imagining what exactly they had been doing.

Shu Li remembered that Leyton had previously wanted to refute the Four Humors theory, showing an interest in medicine.

Could it be that, like da Vinci, he was sneaking around at night, digging up coffins to study human anatomy?

That would certainly be something he couldn't tell the church.

But Leyton pursed his lips and continued, "Do you know Sister Rita?"

Shu Li nodded.

Leyton said, "Actually, Sister Rita has a child. Just a week ago, he..."

Shu Li couldn't help but interject with a question, "Aren't nuns supposed to dedicate their lives to serving the Lord and cannot marry?"

Leyton, interrupted unexpectedly, had to explain first, "In cases of divorce or widowhood, if the child is independent or receiving adequate care, then she can become a nun."

Shu Li asked again, "Then how old is the child?"

"Would you... let me finish speaking first?"

"..."

This person is really impatient.

Shu Li couldn't help but inwardly comment, but he obediently let him finish first.

Leyton said, "The child is less than five years old. He came to visit Sister Rita, accidentally collided with a carriage carrying divine statues, and was kicked by a horse, suffering severe injuries. When he was taken to the clinic, the bishop insisted on performing bloodletting treatment. As a result... the bleeding wouldn't stop. The child died within an hour."

"The bishop said it was because the child was born with deep sin, so the Lord was unwilling to protect him."

Shu Li's brow furrowed at these words, but he remained silent. "..."

"To completely purify the soul of Rita's child, the bishop ordered the child's remains to be thrown into the mountains, to be subjected to the spirits of nature—that is, to be devoured by wild beasts. You know it's cold now, and animals are short of food. After just one night, only a pool of blood remained..." Leyton's voice dropped. "So, these past few days, we've been collecting the child's remains. But we can't make this public, so we dare not let anyone know."

"..."

Shu Li felt for the first time that he had arrived in a barbaric age. He thought softly, "So, Sister Rita also had a motive to kill the bishop..."

"Impossible," Leyton immediately shook his head. "Sister Rita doesn't hate the bishop. At the time, if the horse hadn't been stopped, the divine statues on the carriage would have fallen and been damaged. As for the child's injury, she saw it as a necessary sacrifice."

"..."

Are these people all insane?

Shu Li found it utterly absurd.

Having said so much, Leyton asked, "Father Aris, can you put in a good word for me with Bishop Hugo? Jace is certainly innocent."

Shu Li was certain Jace was also keeping some secret to himself; otherwise, he wouldn't have assumed he was the murderer.

"So, you want me to prove your innocence without revealing what you did last night?"

"Yes!"

Shu Li nodded, "I can say a word for you."

"Thank you!" Leyton's eyes immediately lit up.

Shu Li wasn't as optimistic as him and shook his head, "But I'm not sure Bishop Hugo will listen to me."

"This is already a huge help!" Leyton was immensely grateful.

Shu Li turned and headed back, the "purification ritual" he had just heard still lingering in his mind.

He couldn't let it go, but had to admit that the darkness of this world ran deeper than he had imagined, constrained by the limitations of the era.

Not coincidentally, the absurd and cruel examples of the Middle Ages were already countless.

Ignorance and superstition, like plagues, eroded reason and devoured countless innocent lives.

This feeling of powerlessness surrounded him like a tide.

Just as he was nearly suffocated by that heavy shadow, they arrived at the door of Bishop Hugo's temporary office.

Shu Li's mind flashed back to the light in Bishop Hugo's eyes when he had discussed establishing a school with him, the meticulous planning for the school, and the various new subjects they had discussed together.

Those images, like light piercing through dark clouds, gradually warmed his cold heart.

An indescribable hope welled up slowly from the bottom of his heart like spring water.

For the first time, he felt so profoundly how important it was to be able to change someone's destiny.

Someone like that wouldn't spend their life in prison, but would use all their strength to change the world, giving hope a name and a direction.

Shu Li had no doubt that following his lead, this world could indeed become different.

So, what can I do to help?

If I can be of any help...

Shu Li asked himself softly in his heart, with a hint of determination.

Before they could knock on that closed door, Shu Li was stopped by a familiar shout.

"Father Aris, we're almost done eating!" Cavan held up a small half-piece of compressed biscuit, his eyes shining as he shouted, "Can we have some more?"

The worries and heavy emotions from moments ago evaporated cleanly like morning mist under the afternoon sun at the sight of this.

Shu Li looked at the hard little biscuit in their hands and suddenly doubted what exactly he was feeding—

Those weren't children, but a group of hungry baby megatooth sharks.

How did they manage to eat it so quickly?