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Hedy was just a nickname.
This name, this surname, and her fluency in German were enough to prove many things.
"Say that again?"
"I am an alchemist," Hedy said in a deep voice, "not the witch you speak of."
In her past life, she was a Hollywood star, the lead actress in The Empress of the Demon King, a film that had taken the world by storm. She knew exactly how to deliver such lines—what tone and posture were necessary.
When lying, one must deceive even oneself.
Da Vinci stumbled slightly, as if he suddenly understood something. His expression was complex, yet there was a sense of relief, and his body relaxed considerably.
"An alchemist," Lorenzo said calmly. "How do you prove that?"
"Witches are considered evil because they are said to bring plagues and harm babies," Hedy met his gaze. "But I make potions, cure diseases, and even save lives."
Alchemy had always been a delicate subject.
On one hand, people acknowledged their greed, desiring to turn base metals into gold and acquire endless wealth. On the other, they feared that others might waste the limited resources and wealth for the same reasons.
Because of this, alchemy had been officially forbidden by the Roman Church centuries ago, yet it remained popular across Europe. By the 20th century, many scientists were deeply fascinated by it to the point of obsession.
"If I were a witch, many things could only be done by me," Hedy said, remarkably calm in this moment, even her posture more natural than before.
She had completely embraced the role now.
"But if I were to explain the principles of making potions and the recipes, anyone could replicate the process."
Lorenzo smiled faintly and suddenly spoke, "Alejo."
The side door to the office opened, and the owner of the apothecary shop was shoved inside by the servants, stumbling and almost falling.
He looked at Hedy with some surprise, then turned to Lorenzo. "My lord, how could she possibly be a witch?"
"Are you speaking on her behalf?" Lorenzo spoke slowly, his voice carrying a velvety tone. "Indeed, having a beautiful face does make life easier."
Another familiar offense.
"Take out that mineral of yours."
Alejo, visibly uneasy, checked once more to make sure Hedy wasn’t injured, then pulled a white mineral from his pocket.
Its edges shimmered with a faint blue hue, clearly not yet fully dried.
"Take some of Mr. Da Vinci’s pigment."
A servant carefully scooped out a spoonful of the powdered pigment with a silver spoon. The color on the spoon seemed lively and full, almost like a witch's poison.
"Alchemy doesn't have the concept of creating something from nothing," Lorenzo said calmly. "Miss Kiesler, how do you explain the color?"
Da Vinci’s face turned pale. He tried to stand in front of Hedy to protect her, but a servant pressed him down.
"Water... and fire," Hedy whispered.
Alchemy in this era originated from ancient Egypt, and many derivative techniques had been passed down from faraway Arabia.
That was the birthplace of chemistry and the source of many ancient texts.
