“I am pleased to meet you, Count Oren Eisenwacht, Hero of Northern Gildenburg.” I curtsied hurriedly.

  Oren Eisenwacht was the head of House Eisenwacht, which governed a territory in Northern Gildenburg. My mother’s family had once held the rank of viscount, but their successful defense against the Sotaran attack had elevated them to a county. Since then, House Eisenwacht had gradually gained influence over the other noble houses in the region. My grandfather, wary of their growing power, had married off his eldest son, my father, to Olga Eisenwacht, the eldest daughter of House Eisenwacht. That union secured House Goldhain’s political hold across all of Gildenburg.

  I lifted my head.

  Oren stood tall for a man in his sixties. His once-blond hair had turned deep gray, threaded with strands of silver-white. It was cropped short in the style of a soldier, though a few unruly wisps hung across his brow. He wore it neatly likely a habit instilled by decades of military service. His eyes were a striking, ember-like red. Despite his age, his frame remained broad and commanding.

  The room was still, heavy with the weight of unspoken expectations. I found myself holding my breath, uncertain of how he might receive me. In my previous life, I’d visited his northern manor a handful of times during my childhood. I remembered him as the quiet grandfather. A bit distant but never cold. During festivals, he’d sometimes surprise us with gifts. Sometimes with clothes, a ribboned hat, or a hand-carved wooden toy he’d found at the market.

  “Greetings, Morgana… you’ve grown,” Count Oren said, his voice deep but calm. He nodded slowly. “You look like your mother when she was young.”

  “Thank you. You’re still as handsome as I remember.”

  He laughed, the sound gravelly yet warm. “And when was that? The last time you visited Eisenwacht was four or five years ago.”

  We exchanged a few more pleasantries. I greeted my cousins and two of my mother’s siblings. They returned my smile, though there was wariness in their eyes. Perhaps the rumors from Bresdan had already reached them. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder which version of the story they’d heard.

  After the greetings, the butler escorted them to the west wing, where they would stay for the remainder of the welcoming party.

  “I expect you to behave yourself,” Mother said afterward. “Our guests might remain in the west wing for a month if they choose to celebrate the Harvest Flame Festival with us.”

  I promised her I would be on my best behavior for the duration of their stay.

  “The next set of guests will arrive in the coming days,” she added. “I’ll handle them myself or with your brothers.”

  Relieved to be dismissed, I returned to my room to change into something more comfortable. As I approached the door, I noticed two figures waiting outside. It was Lina and Thaddeus.

  “What are you doing out here? Why didn’t you invite him in?” I asked.

  “My lady,” Lina replied, “Lord Thaddeus insisted on waiting outside.”

  I glanced at him, then smiled faintly. “Don’t worry about it. Feel free to wait for me inside next time.”

  We walked together toward the Mage Tavern. I was grateful that Mother hadn’t insisted I join the others for lunch. The looks I’d received from some of them earlier told me enough. There were questions on their minds and perhaps accusations dressed as curiosity.

  “Mother seemed angry,” I said abruptly. Thaddeus was a few years younger than me. He was fourteen and I am seventeen. But I had no one else I could confide in. I do not want to talk about this with Lina as it might put her in a difficult situation. Mother was still her duchess after all.

  “Yes, she is,” Thaddeus said without hesitation.

  “I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do. I’ve been doing my best to present myself properly. But it feels like she’s just waiting for me to make a mistake, so she can pounce on it.”

  I hadn’t wanted to admit it, but what she said before I left the room had confirmed it. She was looking for reasons to scold me. It frustrated me more than I cared to admit. Her criticisms weren’t always direct, but they cut all the same. They were subtle, underhanded jabs that made me question everything I did. And yet, I couldn’t fight back. A part of me still believed I deserved this.

  “I’m getting tired of it,” I whispered.

  Thaddeus looked thoughtful. “I’m not trying to excuse her… but you know she’s only acting this way because of what happened. Maybe she thinks that if she keeps pushing, you’ll decide to return to the university.”

  I shivered at the thought.

  “I’m never going back to that place,” I said firmly. Everything I’d done, every decision I’d made would be meaningless if she forced me to return. "And besides, the Tribunal had completely shut the door of the Royal University to me."

  Thaddeus nodded.

  “How can I make her accept my decision?”

  Thaddeus tilted his head. “Have you tried… earning her favor?”

  I didn’t respond.

  He cleared his throat. “There’s a store where she always buys her favorite tea. Why not get her a box? Think of it as a peace offering... for everything that’s happened.”

  He continued talking about the shop, and despite myself, I began to feel a sliver of hope. Perhaps bringing her the tea could serve as a gesture or a way to open the door between us, even just a little. I knew it wouldn’t fix everything, but it might be a start.

  I also realized something else. I hadn’t truly thought about regaining her trust. Maybe some part of me had simply expected things to return to the way they were before I was expelled. But that wasn’t going to happen, not without effort.

  It had been me who broke her trust. Now, it was my responsibility to rebuild it.

  Perhaps I could also show her how serious I was about becoming a Brewmaster. If the opportunity arose, I could present her with a potion I’d brewed myself. Something useful, something tailored to her. Maybe then, she’d begin to understand.

  We arrived at the Mage’s Tavern. Master Orindal was already seated in his usual chair. A second chair had been placed nearby where I sit, as if he’d anticipated Thaddeus’s arrival.

  “Greetings, Lord Thaddeus.”

  “It is an honor to meet you, Master Orindal,” Thaddeus said, staring in awe at the elven mage.

  He sat beside me as my teacher outlined the goal for today’s lesson.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  “You have to prepare another set of Basic Healing Potions, but this time they must hit 88 to 95 percent in effectiveness.”

  That was a full seven points higher than my previous result of 81 percent.

  I pulled the necessary ingredients from my Everpouch and began the familiar process . Grinding each material into paste, I added them to the cauldron and stirred while the mixture boiled.

  After it had cooled, I tested the batch using the Alchemic Orb. A droplet of red potion fell onto the small brass plate beneath the orb’s translucent crystal. The orb glowed a deep red and showed an 84 percent effectiveness. A three-point improvement.

  Despite the dull ache in my muscles, pride warmed my chest. I repeated the process for a third batch, but the result remained the same, 84 percent once more.

  I was about to start another batch when I realized how late it had gotten. The sky had turned a pale orange, and the sun hung low, threatening to disappear behind the hills.

  Master Orindal returned to inspect my progress.

  “Great job. Reaching 84 percent is no easy feat for a novice Brewmaster like you.”

  I smiled, but disappointment stirred in my gut. I couldn’t help wondering where I’d gone wrong.

  “Morgana, remember the book I gave you? If you’re having trouble, you can always check it.”

  I tilted my head, confused by his comment. But I quickly masked my expression. I thanked him and said goodbye.

  Thaddeus had been quiet the entire time. But as soon as we reached the manor’s entrance, he called my name.

  “I watched you work,” he said. “You’re really dedicated.”

  I blinked, then smiled. “Is that so? I guess I really enjoy working with potions.”

  He stopped walking. “What do you plan to do after your training with Master Orindal?”

  I turned toward him.

  “Will you leave the estate? Become an adventurer like other Runebearers?”

  His question lingered in the air. It wasn’t the first time I’d thought about it.

  “Forgive me. I can’t answer that right now… but there’s a part of me that longs to see the world beyond Gildenburg.”

  We walked in silence. When we reached the door to my room, he spoke again.

  “What if we visit the teashop tomorrow before your lesson?”

  My eyes widened. I agreed at once. This could be a chance to mend things with Mother. I hoped it would become a step toward her forgiveness and maybe even acceptance of my path.

  That night, before I fell asleep, I opened the book about the 50 Basic Potions and read the section on Basic Healing Potions again. And then I understood what my teacher meant. I had been so focused on collecting the three main ingredients from the forest that I’d forgotten the potion actually required ten. Those three were merely the core components. To push the effectiveness further, I needed to incorporate at least one more from the full list.

  I closed the book, already knowing which ingredient I would add next time.

  The following morning, my mother informed me that we were free from any welcoming duties today. However, she said more guests from Father’s side of the family might arrive tomorrow and that Everard would help her as the heir apparent of House Goldhain.

  I could see how tense she was, even as she tried to act composed while preparing for a small tea party. She looked particularly concerned.

  When she married Father, she’d faced significant disapproval from his relatives. They had favored another woman, and her union with him had deepened the rift in the family.

  In the early years of their marriage, she had to prove she was worthy of the duchess title. Seeing the worry in her expression made me understand her a little more. There had been a time when her reputation was fragile and hard-won. She didn’t want me to go through that same hardship where every step, every word, was dissected and judged.

  Later that morning, I went to Father’s study to ask permission to head into the city and nearby forest with Thaddeus.

  “I’ll bring Sir Elias and Sir Sebastian with me,” I said.

  “There are two of you. I’ll ask Elias to bring three more guards along.”

  “Thank you, Father.”

  Afterward, I returned to my room and changed into my hunting clothes. I had planned to practice mana exercises before leaving, but decided to postpone until the evening. Maybe I could try a new exercise from the book.

  I chose a black dress shirt and a brown vest. My breeches were a mix of both colors.

  Outside the manor, I waited for my brother. Sir Elias and Sebastian arrived soon after, accompanied by three more guards. I greeted them, and they returned the gesture.

  “You’re taking the young master with us?” Elias asked.

  “Yes. I need more of those plants from the forest. And I’m looking for a new ingredient,” I told him.

  “We promise to help you, my lady.”

  I smiled and told them I might need their help once again in gathering Elvenroots. Not long after, Lina and Thaddeus arrived.

  My brother was dressed simply in a white dress shirt and a dark blue vest. Even in modest clothing, he looked dashing. The outfit suited his blond hair and red eyes.

  I bet Count Oren would be reminded of his youth if he saw Thaddeus now.

  “Shall we go?” I asked.

  Thaddeus nodded and climbed into the carriage with me. It was the same simple one I’d used on my last trip to the forest. He gave the location of the teashop to the coachman, and we headed toward the High Market where the teashop was located.

  Unlike the Common Market, which was always crowded and noisy, the High Market was spacious and quiet. But it was different on weekends, where it was packed with people. Wealthy families and elite merchants came here to shop. Guards patrolled the roads, ensuring no one broke the law. I knew from my past life just how strictly order was upheld here. Every entrance was guarded. To ensure no suspicious person would be allowed to enter.

  We stopped in front of a shop with a large wooden sign hanging above the entrance. The words, Emma's Tea, were written in sign board.

  Painted beside the name was a cheerful woman sipping from a delicate teacup. Next door was a potion shop, its glass front displaying rows of potions in every imaginable color. There was blue, green and even violet one.

  I swallowed, a strange temptation pulling my gaze toward the potions. But I reminded myself that we had a different purpose today. Perhaps another time.

  Inside the teashop, rows of glass jars lined the shelves, each filled with dried tea leaves. A warm yellow crystal embedded in the ceiling bathed the shop in gentle light.

  “Let’s go,” Thaddeus said, nodding toward the counter.

  He did the talking. “A box of Mervaille Tea, please.”

  The shopkeeper unlocked a cabinet behind the counter and pulled out a polished wooden box. He placed it carefully on the countertop and opened the lid to reveal the tea inside.

  Mervaille Tea was made from fine, yellow-tinted leaves, each one torn delicately. Nestled between them were dried golden petals from the same plant. It had a luxurious appearance, refined and almost ceremonial.

  “I’ll take two,” I said, surprising even myself.

  Each box cost 500 Suncrest Coins. An absurd amount for tea. Who even drank this aside from my mother? Still, I thought I’d share the second box with Master Orindal.

  Afterward, we returned to the carriage and headed toward the southern gate, where the entrance to the forest lay. A guard stationed there sent another to accompany us into the woods.

  “My lady, to whom you're giving this boxes of tea?” Lina asked as the carriage rolled forward.

  “For my mother. Thaddeus said she enjoys this blend.”

  Thaddeus turned to the window, watching the farmland roll past.

  Lina beamed. “I’m sure the duchess will love your gift. Shall I prepare snacks for the two of you when we return, so you can enjoy the tea together?”

  “That’s a great idea,” I said, nodding. “Please prepare plenty of snacks and cakes.”

  The carriage rolled to a stop at the forest’s edge. Towering trees cast long shadows over us, their gnarled branches twisting overhead. The forest greeted us with the scent of damp earth and fallen leaves. Birds trilled from within, their songs mingling with the hum of insects.

  Thaddeus stepped out beside me, eyes wide. “I didn’t expect the trees to be this massive. I’ve only ever seen it from my window.”

  We entered the forest in search of ingredients for my next potion.

  “We should visit the same place we gathered from last time,” I said.

  First, we collected Aetherleaf. Then came Mender’s Bloom. I made sure to gather thirty pieces of each. It was better to stock up than to keep returning.

  Crossing the river again for the Elvenroots, Elias and Sebastian helped me like before. The water level had lowered since our last trip, making the crossing easier.

  Still, Lina looked visibly anxious. Even Thaddeus seemed unnerved, his gaze fixed on me the whole time. Perhaps he had only ever expected this kind of behavior from our brother Everard, who was training to be an Imperial Knight. It was different watching me wade through a river.

  I was bent over, carefully collecting a cluster of Elvenroots, when a sudden rustling came from the bushes in front of us.

  Elias tensed, turning toward the sound. Sebastian’s hand dropped to the pommel of his sword.

  A chill ran through me.

  On the opposite bank, the others, Thaddeus, Lina, and the three remaining guards, were already watching us with growing concern. They sensed something was off.

  We waited. My fingers curled tightly around the leaves of the Elvenroot.

  The bushes rustled again.

  Elias stepped forward and grabbed at the foliage. His landed on a shirt collar. He yanked hard.

  A cry pierced the air.

  He pulled a figure out from the underbrush and dropped it onto the ground in front of us.

  It took me a moment to realize what I was seeing.

  A boy, frail and barely skin and bones. His oversized white shirt hung loosely on his bony frame. Golden eyes stared up at us, wide with fear. Tears streamed down his cheeks.

  “Please,” he whispered, voice trembling. “Don’t hurt me. I just... I just need to help my mother.”