Has she done something recently that made the teacher dissatisfied? Or...
Ron nodded slightly, continuing to enjoy his breakfast as if he had not noticed her unease.
In actuality, he could clearly sense the change in Lilia’s emotions.
Those often downcast eyes were now flickering with unease and confusion.
But bringing her along this time was indeed necessary.
If he decided to try that dangerous yet freer path of advancement, a lot of preparation needed to be arranged in advance.
And Lilia, whether as his first official student or as a potential holder of special talent, needed to plan for the future early on.
After breakfast, Ron and Lilia set off for the market.
Last night’s drizzle had washed away the perpetual dust of the Black Mist Jungle, leaving the air filled with a damp and fresh breath.
The market was bustling as usual, vendors loudly touting a variety of goods, from ordinary daily necessities to rare materials.
A goblin merchant was demonstrating a set of gleaming alchemy tools to a group of apprentices;
A few alien race women in linen robes were selling all sorts of unheard-of spices and herbs;
While another alien race merchant, almost indistinguishable from a human except for his pale blue skin.
He was carefully extracting a crystal stone that pulsed with a faint light from a box, drawing a gaze from those around.
Several members of the Law Enforcement Team, clad in dark robes, patrolled the crowd.
Their stern faces and magic wands at their waists silently asserted their authority, maintaining basic order yet also lending the market a slightly tense atmosphere.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve been to this market."
Lilia whispered, her gaze sweeping over the familiar stalls, a look of nostalgia flashing in her eyes.
Before coming to Ron Workshop, she used to visit the market almost every day to procure various supplies for Lady Allen.
Most of the stall owners knew her, and some would even set aside fresh goods just for her.
"Do you find it busier in the workshop?" Ron asked casually, his eyes scanning the crowd.
Since the Bloodline Altar incident, he had become more vigilant.
Though all seemed calm on the surface, who knew if the influence of the "Eye of the Abyss" had already infiltrated into every corner of the School?
"No, teacher, I really enjoy my time in the workshop."
Lilia’s voice softened, her eyes reflecting a hint of warmth:
"Learning new knowledge, helping you organize experiment records, and taking care of little Dale with Sister Ailan... all of these keep me very fulfilled."
As she said this, genuine joy graced her face, a sense of fulfillment that seemed to make her glow with a gentle light.
Weaving through the bustling crowd, they arrived at the unassuming herb store.
The exterior walls of the shop were already a bit mottled, and the bronze wind chime hanging on the doorframe swayed gently in the breeze, producing a crisp sound.
The dust accumulated on the window obscured the view inside, adding to the shop’s aura of mystery.
As the door was pushed open, a familiar scent of herbs rushed out to meet them, mingled with a subtle note of sweet and sour bitterness.
The dim light and densely packed shelves inside remained unchanged, with various bottles and jars neatly arrayed on the shelves.
Some were filled with brightly colored liquids, others held dried herbs or powders.
Lady Allen was hunched over, sitting behind the counter, flipping through a thick ledger at great speed.
Her typically sharp green eyes focused intently on the numbers and symbols, seemingly immersed in her world.
Hearing the doorbell, the old woman didn’t lift her head, her voice gruff:
"Closed today, come back tomorrow if you have business."
"Madam, it’s me." Ron said calmly, his voice not loud yet exuding an undeniable presence.
Lady Allen jerked her head up, a peculiar light flickering in her green eyes the moment she saw him.
Her gaze then shifted to Lilia beside him, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth: "Oh? You brought your little student with you?"
"Madam." Lilia also lowered her head in greeting, her voice gentle.
"Hmph, don’t just stand there foolishly." Lady Allen snorted coldly, but her eyes softened imperceptibly.
Leaning on her cane, she struggled to her feet and, as usual, headed towards the inner room:
"Follow along, too many ears and mouths outside."
Ron and Lilia exchanged a glance and quickly followed.
The young girl was momentarily lost in memory at the threshold, revisiting the path she had walked countless times, only it felt different today.
Passing the counter, Lilia habitually reached out to take the teapot and the tea canister set aside.
Her movements were natural and fluid, actions she had repeated countless times.
"Is Madam still the same?" she softly inquired of Lady Allen, her voice familiar.
Lady Allen didn’t seem surprised by her proficiency, simply nodding:
"The little girl has a good memory. But today, there’s no rush to make tea, there’s a more important matter to discuss."
Lilia obediently set down the tea set and continued following the two.
Yet a hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes, like a traveler returning to a place once familiar, only to find everything had changed.
Passing through a narrow corridor, Lady Allen led them to an inner room that was never open to outsiders.
This was a simple sitting room, with a rosewood round table and several ornate chairs that looked old arranged at the center.
The bookshelf along the wall was filled with various ancient texts and herbal tomes.
Some of the gilt letters on the spines were already indistinct, attesting to their age.