Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1724: Chapter 1719: Bitter Fruit (13)

Brother Dorian’s aesthetic sense, I must say, still shows a certain level of skill.

As the person in question, Hilary, from a purely physical perspective, the difference between her and a doll is very small.

But at this moment, the feeling is entirely different.

Lifeless and dry, hollow and spiritless, compared to the body, the mind seems to have been ravaged by long years, giving off a more pallid impression.

Yet, in nearly replicating her completely, Brother Dorian, with a mere detail in the clothing’s cut, instantly injected a certain vitality into the doll.

This change was so intense as if it had unveiled another side to her, some sort of superego.

The only issue is that at this moment, the one holding the doll is myself, and even the person modelled after is watching.

In any case, this scene is somewhat obscene.

Fortunately, Fu Qian has always been indifferent to such matters.

”Hilary?”

Facing the person who seemed too shocked to even rise from the ground, Fu Qian nodded slightly and greeted naturally.

Without waiting for her response, he walked over and sat in the chair, openly comparing the doll in his hand.

...

The tranquility of Lord Akons indeed seems undisturbed.

Fu Qian chose a seat close to the church’s central area.

Sitting here allows a clear view that the statues and the insignia remain almost undamaged.

Clearly, as predicted earlier, although they have abandoned the Divine Beings who did not shelter them, the faithful still have a shred of reverence, refraining from storming into their Sanctuary in a fit of rage.

Even compared to the healing Dream, this place looks much more orderly and clean.

Fu Qian glanced at Hilary.

This time, not being driven to the lower area, she evidently fulfilled some responsibilities of the faith’s adherents.

Even now, after the initial shock, she finally rose from the ground with an awkward posture.

”I am Hilary.”

The voice was almost the same as in the Dream, calm and silent, lacking the roughness of long speechlessness.

”Does your Lordship have business here?”

And after standing up, an aura as if of an old monk in a temple flooded over, staring straight ahead, with a hint of wariness felt.

...

Indeed worthy of the last bastion of faith.

Seeing the other amazed by the doll in his hand, yet at first focusing on the purpose as if fearing he’s some Oath Abandoner or heretic, Fu Qian couldn’t help but appreciate this devotion.

Moreover, from her tone and demeanor, it’s clear that within the roles arranged in the warehouse, he hasn’t paid her a visit before.

”Don’t worry, I’m an outsider.”

While pondering, Fu Qian pointed at himself, sincerely introducing himself.

The reason for emphasizing this is simple—being a non-native, he undoubtedly has far fewer opinions about Lord Akons.

You can see Brother Dorian even uses the church’s backdrop for treatment, can’t you?

In alleviating Hilary’s vigilance, this identity proves far more effective than any attitude-related explanations.

And reality indeed confirms this, as soon as these words were spoken, her demeanor visibly relaxed.

”No wonder you seem so unfamiliar, but the thing in your hand...”

Hilary, relieved, finally seemed able to focus on matters related to herself, staring at Fu Qian’s hand with a frown.

”As you can see, a doll.”

Fu Qian is also generous, even placing this treatment tool on the adjacent vacant seat directly.

Judging by her somewhat blank reaction, this should belong to Doctor Dorian’s exclusive secret art, unknown to others.

Even the high recovery rate mentioned by the old lady and others should be true, otherwise, with someone like him wandering outside, over time, some rumors would surely surface.

”A doctor named Dorian made it.”

Like right now, for example.

...

”Dorian!”

An uncontrollable exclamation, clearly this answer shocked Hilary greatly.

”How could he do such a thing?”

Speaking, she couldn’t help but step closer, examining the details of the doll, seemingly unable to comprehend how such a delicate masterpiece was crafted by Dorian.

”To heal, specifically providing medical services for outsiders.”

Gesturing to indicate it can be looked at freely, Fu Qian explained the origin without reservation.

Before departure, Brother Dorian did not reclaim the doll or provide special instructions, seeming completely unconcerned about secrecy, hence Fu Qian felt free to reveal.

”Ah...”

And apparently, Hilary has some concept about outsiders seeking treatment.

Though still surprised, she did not question this point.

”So he hasn’t cured you?”

Even after a moment of hesitation, she did not ask how the doll was specifically used.

Clearly, she has some bad associations with this, wants to avoid, even unconsciously placing a hand over her chest protectively.

”Why say that?”

Fu Qian merely looked at her with interest.

”Outsiders always appear briefly, then vanish silently; very few continue wandering here after treatment.”

Hilary shook her head, finally reaching to touch the doll’s eyes and veil, ultimately holding it in her arms.

”The cure rate sounds high, has Dorian been doing this for many years?”

Admittedly, watching someone cradle a likeness of oneself feels odd.

Observing this unique scene, Fu Qian casually inquired about the chief doctor’s past experiences.

”He has always been a brilliant doctor...”

She raised and lowered her hand, clearly conflicted over whether to unveil the doll’s veil to see, sinking Hilary into this struggle.

At this point, Fu Qian’s question seemed to relieve her, allowing her to abandon this thought, slipping into recollection.

”It’s just that fewer people live here, now outsiders like you probably are his main clients.”

With a sigh, Hilary apparently recalled something.

”So you’re carrying his tool...here, for what purpose?”

”Oh, my ailment wasn’t cured, he said it’s because the tool isn’t working, sent me to collect fresh materials for upgrade.”

Fu Qian replied naturally, maintaining remarkable honesty.

Fresh materials—

Similarly mystified, Hilary echoed it unconsciously, her body stiffening, letting the doll fall from her grasp.

Yet no sound of impact came, Fu Qian seemed prepared all along, casually catching it.

”Indeed, that’s you, he even mentioned that it doesn’t necessarily need to be alive.”

While returning the doll, Fu Qian nodded slightly, affirming her understanding.