Vera took a few steps closer, her amber eyes shimmering with the light of thought:
"With your current rate of progress, you should be able to advance to an Advanced Apprentice within three to four months.
And your achievements in Magic Potion Making are already very close to the standard of a Professional Alchemist."
She paused for a moment, her tone becoming more serious:
"The Jade Tower is considering assigning you a dedicated Master for more in-depth personal guidance.
Considering your Special Talent in plant lineage, we have several highly authoritative Masters in this field you can choose from."
A trace of expectation flashed in Vera’s eyes:
"Such opportunities are usually only offered to the top ten candidates, but given your special circumstances and notable potential, the School is willing to make an exception and offer you such treatment."
Upon hearing this proposal, an almost imperceptible ripple flickered in Lilia’s eyes.
But quickly, that ripple was replaced by deep determination.
"Thank you for your kindness, Master Vera."
Her voice remained calm, but the resoluteness within it made Vera slightly stunned:
"But I already have a Master, and I don’t need guidance from anyone else."
"You mean Lady Allen?"
Vera nodded, indicating understanding:
"I know she is a very outstanding Master of Magical Potions, but a professional Master could provide you with a more systematic and in-depth..."
"No."
Lilia interrupted her, her voice carrying a trace of noticeable emotional fluctuation for the first time:
"Lady Allen is indeed my Master, but my more important Master is someone else.
He taught me the core concepts of Magic Potion Making, taught me how to truly understand the essence of herbs and the flow of Energy."
A trace of warmth flashed in her eyes, but soon it returned to coldness:
"I will never accept anyone to replace him, even if it’s the most authoritative Master from the Jade Tower."
Vera keenly noticed the change in Lilia’s words.
This usually cold as ice girl, when mentioning that mysterious Master, her eyes revealed such nearly reverent respect and deep attachment, which no disguise could hide.
As an experienced educator, Vera was well aware of the importance of the bond between teacher and student.
True heritage is not only the transmission of knowledge but also the connection of souls and the Resonance of Spirits. Forcibly breaking this bond often backfires.
"I understand your thoughts."
Vera finally nodded, her tone becoming gentler:
"The bond between teacher and student is indeed precious. Since you already have a suitable guide, we will, of course, respect your choice."
She paused for a moment, a trace of understanding in her eyes:
"However, if in the future you need any academic support or resource assistance, the doors of the Jade Tower are always open for you.
After all, you are now one of us, and we hope to see you achieve even greater accomplishments."
Lilia bowed her head slightly, a rare moment of showing courtesy at the Jade Tower:
"Thank you for your understanding, Master Vera. I will strive not to disappoint the School’s expectations."
Vera nodded in satisfaction.
In fact, she wasn’t surprised by Lilia’s refusal. When Lilia first arrived at the Jade Tower, the School received special courtesy information from the Crystal Tower. That information clearly mentioned the girl’s special background, as well as the respect and freedom she should be granted.
Although the specific details were not disclosed, anything that could prompt the Crystal Tower to personally send a letter was obviously not simple. Moreover, the high-level reception Lady Allen received upon her arrival at the Jade Tower also indirectly proved the unusual identity of their Master and apprentice.
"Well, you can go back and rest now."
Vera said softly:
"I’m looking forward to seeing your performance in tomorrow’s Advanced Magic Potion experiment class."
......
The warm lights of the Herb Store soon appeared in view, and the familiar outline of the building filled Lilia’s heart with a wave of warmth. Here was her true home in this world, a safe harbor where she could shed all disguises.
Pushing open the shop door, the familiar aroma of herbs wafted over, that complex scent mixed with dozens of precious herbs, which to her was more enchanting than any perfume.
But tonight, the atmosphere in the store seemed somewhat unusual.
Lady Allen sat in her old armchair, but unlike the usual closed eyes resting or focused work, she was eagerly holding a newspaper and reading it carefully. Her silver-white hair shimmered with a gentle luster under the Magic Crystal Lamp, and her wrinkled face rarely showed a satisfied smile.
This expression was one Lilia hadn’t seen in a long time. Ever since arriving at the Emerald Forest, though Lady Allen still cared for her, she always seemed preoccupied, rarely showing such genuine joy.
"Madam, I’m back."
Lilia said softly, while she habitually began organizing the various herbs and tools on the counter. After spending so much time together, she had become completely familiar with the store’s various workflows and could complete each task independently.
"Oh, Lilia is back."
Lady Allen looked up, putting the newspaper aside, her wise eyes glowing with excitement:
"How was today’s gathering? I heard you’ve been promoted to the twentieth place? News does travel fast."
"Yes, Madam."
Lilia nodded, but her tone remained calm, as if discussing a trivial matter:
"Master Vera also proposed to arrange a dedicated personal Master for me, but I declined."