My wife is an immortal black snake.

Page 111

“I am Kal'tsit, and I plan to work here in the future. Mr. Grovazel, I know your father.”

"Ah—so you're Lady Kal'tsit? My father has mentioned you to me sometimes..."

"Are you old acquaintances?" The head maid looked at them in surprise, but quickly smiled and said that they could chat anytime in the future. Right now, it was more important to help Ms. Kal'tsit get acquainted with their future workplace.

Mr. Grovazel thought about it again and realized it was indeed true. He got up from the ground, placed his pen on the pages of a notebook filled with writing, and enthusiastically began to introduce the various facilities in this medium-sized research institute, which was only used by the two of them.

In fact, Kal'tsit recognized most of the facilities, so after giving a brief introduction to the common ones, Mr. Grovazel pointed to some things that Kal'tsit had never seen before and explained:

"What are these groove-like things?"

"I didn't know what it was at first either~ but it seems to be some kind of computer-like thing that can 'automatically research' things? Mr. Yang Hao calls it a 'Research Slot'." Grovazel scratched the Wendigo's distinctive horn on his head and laughed. "Even when I'm busy with other work, this slot will automatically research some key items. Like the industrial machine tool from 1045 that's written on it. I'm researching humanities and politics, and it's researching industrial machine tools... It makes me feel like I'm just sitting around doing nothing, completely invisible."

"...Huh?"

What a strange thing this is!

Kal'tsit held her breath and walked to the front of the device called the [Research Slot]. She could see that there shouldn't just be one [slot], but two, three, four... slots that hadn't been activated yet.

If this thing really does have the capability for independent research and development, as Großwazel claims...

"...Perhaps I'll need to ask that gentleman myself what this is."

"Oh? Mr. Yang Hao is very easy to talk to, as long as he has time—you might see him in the administrative department from time to time. Because Mr. Yang Hao has been working there frequently lately."

"Thank you."

So this so-called "Research Slot" will change the world. Kal'tsit believes this.

But is it really appropriate to leave such confidential information so openly here?

As if sensing Kal'tsit's confusion, Head Maid Monica simply smiled mysteriously and snapped her fingers.

......

It disappeared.

“This thing… it disappears if we don’t want someone to see it,” Head Maid Monica explained. “But as researchers, you will definitely have to keep an eye on this thing from now on. That’s what the adults ordered.”

"Sir...? Mr. Yang Hao?"

"It could be Lord Koschche, or it could be Lord Yang Hao, who knows?"

"...Yes. I don't need to know where this thing came from. Anyway, this will be my workplace from now on, right?"

"Correct."

Kal'tsit knew very well that once some secrets were known, she would be unable to escape. This would be a burden on her from now on, a heavy burden.

Chapter 239

June 30th, the end of June.

There is still one day before Kal'tsit's commercial landship departs.

Today, Kal'tsit began her first mission in the Duchy of Kosichä.

"Is this the patient?"

“Yes, this is the patient. I need you to cut open his right abdomen, where his kidneys used to be, where the box has now taken his place, while keeping him alive—and take the contents out.”

What areas do I need to pay attention to?

“That box might be related to the life of this poor Mr. Baden. But if he is destined to die, then we should prioritize saving that box.”

"I understand."

In short, this was a difficult task for Kal'tsit, but not an impossible one. She just felt it was somewhat challenging, but in reality, it wasn't that difficult.

This was especially true after she realized that all she needed to ensure was that the "box inside the body" could be removed normally without damaging its contents—but Kal'tsit didn't need to lower her expectations to that level. She wanted to save this person, using the best method possible.

With that thought in mind, she put on a medical mask and gloves, and, scalpel in hand, walked into the operating room. Looking at Mr. Baden, already anesthetized and lying on the operating table before her, connected to numerous IV lines, a kidney dialysis machine, and a pacemaker, she nodded, signaling to her unfamiliar assistants that they could begin.

......

As the newcomer Kal'tsit was carrying out her first job, Yang Hao and Koschitch, who was enjoying a rare moment of leisure, were sitting in the observation room outside the operating room, looking down at the movements below. Behind them, head maid Monica was holding a glass of red wine and two glasses, waiting for the two adults to give their instructions.

"It would be wonderful if Mr. Napoleon could return. With the Gauls by my side, and with Ms. Sonia's deep-sea hunters, I should be fine at Saint-Germain."

"Don't get too excited. After all, even the guards can't carry weapons and accompany you into His Majesty's palace. Sigh, to be honest, I really wanted to go with you..."

"But when I burn down the council, I'll immediately have Paul and Theresa start their activities in the Duchy of Nikolai, okay? I'll need you to stay home and help me handle things I can't manage."

"Ugh..."

Kosicie sighed, tacitly acknowledging Yang Hao's explanation. She shifted restlessly on Yang Hao's lap, leaning forward to observe the movements below the observation window.

After a while.

“She cut open Mr. Baden’s abdomen. That box…it’s definitely a Colombian box.” Kosicé examined the box inside Mr. Baden’s now-opened abdomen. “Which company? I’m not sure. But that box seems to have some kidney filtration function. Look at its side.”

"Those two pipes?"

“Yes. But that box wasn’t originally intended for that. So he’ll need other life support equipment… But then we can be sure of one thing—perhaps even if Mr. Baden survives, he’ll have to rely on our territory’s kidney dialysis equipment to live.”

"Oh? You mean you want me to recruit him as our spy?" Yang Hao raised an eyebrow, noticing that Koschei seemed to have other ideas. "While I'd be willing to do so, Koschei, um, could you tell me your reasons?"

“What could be more convincing evidence than a former Colombian government official standing up and stating that the assassin who tried to kill me was indeed a Colombian assassin?” Kosiche turned around and smiled charmingly, her tail already gradually wrapping around Yang Hao’s neck.

"...It doesn't seem so?"

Yang Hao thought about it seriously for a while, and finally smiled.

... .....

Dr. Kal'tsit's surgery has been going on for more than two hours.

She successfully removed the box from Mr. Baden's abdomen and severed all connections to it that were essential for his safety. Now, no matter how much she disturbed the box, Mr. Baden would be unaffected. Similarly, no matter how much she disturbed Mr. Baden's body, the box would remain unaffected.

Having accomplished his primary task, the remaining task was to figure out how to save Mr. Baden's life.

"This patient will need a kidney dialysis machine to survive in the future, but at the very least, we can restore his other bodily functions through surgery."

As she said this, she began fiddling with the various IV tubes attached to Mr. Baden.

This wasn't a difficult task for Kal'tsit, but for Yang Hao, who was inspecting the area, her action brought about a new event.

[Event: Mr. Baden's Life or Death]

Without a doubt, Dr. Kal'tsit is one of the best doctors in the world. She intends to save this poor patient—it's just a matter of whether Mr. Baden will thank her for her efforts.

With Dr. Kelsey's intervention, Mr. Baden could certainly survive. However, Dr. Kelsey's subsequent efforts would determine whether Mr. Baden could live comfortably and peacefully.

Current outcome: Although Mr. Baden is paralyzed, at least his heart will no longer need a pacemaker and can beat on its own.

Yang Hao looked at the event in surprise, then smiled: I wonder how Kal'tsit managed to keep Mr. Baden alive in the end.

.....

The surgery had been going on for four hours.

Kal'tsit's surgery was nearing its end. She had done the best she could. Mr. Baden, who was now on the operating table, had all his IV lines removed, and his pacemaker had also been removed, because he would never need it again.

In addition, Kal'tsit tried to correct his misaligned spine—Mr. Baden will need to undergo treatment for a long time to come. But if the treatment is successful, there is a possibility that he will be able to stand up and walk again in the future.

And what about the rest?

Wearily, she placed the scalpel back on the tray her assistant was carrying. The rest was of no concern to her. What would happen to the box, and what would become of Mr. Baden, was no longer her concern as a researcher.

All Kal'tsit wants to do right now is figure out, and figure out from Mr. Yang Hao, what exactly that research slot is.

"The surgery is over."

Of course, she also knew that the chances of figuring out that thing were extremely slim.

Chapter 240

When Kal'tsit announced the surgery and then said the patient could be transferred to the intensive care unit, it was already past 1 p.m.

She underwent a four-hour surgery, which Yang Hao and Koschche watched for four hours. Monica also stood behind them for four hours with a glass of wine—everyone was exhausted. So after the surgery, Yang Hao didn't rush to have everyone open the box to see what evidence was inside.

After the doctor arranged a ward for Mr. Baden, who was still unconscious, Yang Hao's first announcement was that everyone should go to the nearest restaurant for a hearty lunch to replenish their energy. At the same time, he gave everyone who participated in the surgery a two-day holiday, partly as a reward, and partly to leave a good impression on the medical staff so that they would bring their friends from other cities' medical professions to work in the Duchy of Koschche when they had time off in the future.

In short, it's about giving others a holiday while also taking advantage of them. Everyone is happy about it, and Yang Hao is very satisfied. Who wouldn't like this win-win situation?

Perhaps the dim-witted nobles of the Nikolai Duchy would dislike her. But at least, even Kal'tsit, who had just arrived, didn't seem to dislike her at all. She simply sat in her seat, enjoying her delicious lunch while also considering how best to strike up a conversation with Mr. Yang Hao and ask him about the research slots.

...She didn't think too much about it. Because she realized she had an identity that she absolutely could ask about that thing—her identity as a researcher.

"...I'll try it later."

In the bustling restaurant, watching the Duke and Duchess eating alone in the distance, served by maids, Kal'tsit swallowed the last bite of her delicious toast, glanced around at the crowd, and made sure there wasn't too much of a problem with the path between them.

After wiping her mouth with a napkin and setting it aside, Kal'tsit confirmed that there was nothing wrong with her appearance before getting up and walking toward the Duke's location not far away.

.......

Yang Hao was having dinner with Kosic.

Although this wasn't food prepared by Monica herself, they were in a safe place, and they came under complete secrecy, so there was no need to worry about anyone poisoning the food.

Not to mention, almost every dish was personally tasted by Monica before being served. Although Yang Hao was initially worried about her condition, after she explained that she "seems unable to die a natural death, so you have to take responsibility, okay?", Yang Hao could only laugh awkwardly and wait for Monica to finish her work.

Koschke seemed used to this. Perhaps she had experienced the loss of trusted people several times before? That's why she remained calm. But for some reason, Yang Hao felt that her current calmness was more reassuring...

"Koschke, you seem to be in a good mood?"

"Of course. I don't have to worry about my husband, nor do I have to worry about my trusted maid leaving me. How could I not be in a good mood?"

Sure enough, Koschke was also concerned about Monica's situation. However, this old snake, having experienced so much, wouldn't reveal much about her feelings unless she was certain that someone she trusted could stay with her forever.

Thinking of this, Yang Hao smiled and pinched Koschei's cat ears. Koschei rolled his eyes in annoyance and lightly flicked Yang Hao's pants with his tail, indicating that they were still outside.

But I wasn't planning on doing anything, was I? Just as Yang Hao was feeling a little regretful that his wife seemed to resist intimate contact between them and Monica when they were out in public, he caught a glimpse of Kal'tsit walking towards them, seemingly having just finished eating.

"...Košice? Did you tell her to come over after the surgery?" Yang Hao blinked and asked. "Anyway, I'm sure I don't have her here."

Kosichrie paused for a moment, then turned her head slightly, glanced at Kal'tsit who was halfway there, and shook her head: "No. It seems she has something to ask you."

"Huh? Why wasn't I asking you?"

"Because I think I'm now being judged by Kal'tsit as... a fake Duke Kosichä? But thinking about it, it makes sense. One is an old woman who dies every now and then to change bodies, the other is a husband who will remain forever young and have his husband rights shared by countless [Dukes Kosichä], and there's also an immortal head maid... Honestly, the two of you are more like [Dukes Kosichä] than I am now. At least that's how it is in the eyes of those who don't know the truth."

When Kosic said this, his face was full of mockery, and his words carried a hint of teasing. Yang Hao and Monica, on the other hand, looked somewhat embarrassed, because they really hadn't meant it.

But no one takes these family jokes to heart—after all, what outsiders think is your business, but what we family members think is our business.

Therefore, it doesn't matter whether Yang Hao or Monica becomes the "real Koschche" in the future. They all know that the black snake who keeps changing bodies is Koschche, and it's enough for them to know this fact.

It's just that Yang Hao might suffer in the future.

Ugh.

He sighed, and when he noticed that Kal'tsit was almost there, he put down his knife and fork.

"Greetings, Mr. Yang Hao, ... Duke Koschich." After Kal'tsit came over, she first bowed slightly to Yang Hao, and then when she greeted [Koschich], she didn't know who to look at for a moment - after hesitating for a while, she finally looked at the playful Koschich, this little cat.

"Good day, Ms. Kal'tsit," Yang Hao greeted casually, while Kosichä merely nodded slightly, handing the main stage to Yang Hao. "Did you call me here for something?"

"Yes. Mr. Yang Hao, I'll get straight to the point—since I'll be working at the Duke's research institute later, could you explain to me the... significance of that research slot?"

"You mean that?"

"Research trough?" Yang Hao gave a rather awkward smile, because he didn't know how to explain it either.

In simple terms, this is a subsystem, a subfunction, of the puppet stage that operates automatically as long as the condition that "a researcher or scholar is working in the Duchy of Kosichè" is met. To explain it even more simply, it's a system that allows a researcher to do two jobs simultaneously.

For example—Mr. Grovazel was previously engaged in administrative and humanistic work every day, but the research sac would automatically activate while he was doing humanistic work, conducting research on the [1045 Industrial Lathe]. Although Mr. Grovazel was subjectively performing administrative work, the [Puppet Stage] would cause his subconscious to focus on the [Industrial Lathe]...

This is getting more and more complicated to explain—to put it simply, it means that scientists have 48 hours in a day instead of 24, so they can do two or more tasks at the same time and that's it.

However, while this explanation might convince Yang Hao, it didn't mean it would convince Ms. Kal'tsit. He frowned, quite troubled, but finally, his brow relaxed—because this world could be explained using the omnipotent Originium Arts.

Throwing fireballs is Originium Arts, making metal conduct electricity is Originium Arts, and even making instant noodles with boiling water in your mouth can be Originium Arts—so, it's not unreasonable for me to use Originium Arts to explain the research slot, right?

“That’s my unique Originium Arts.” He smiled mysteriously at Ms. Kal’tsit, who was frowning in thought. “It can help you conduct your research better—for example, when Mr. Grovazel is researching humanistic concepts, my Originium Arts will [assist] him in conducting research on industrial lathes at the same time. Do you understand?”

"...It will interfere with our thinking?" Kal'tsit frowned, seemingly very concerned about this issue.

No, it won't—

But Yang Hao's research slots really don't have the ability to influence human thinking, do they?

His ability to influence human thought is through his "Puppet Stage," such as getting Mr. Grovazel to "voluntarily" work in the Duchy of Kosiché... But does this have anything to do with the research slot? No~