The Jadeite Pavilion appeared especially tranquil under the moonlight.
The bellflowers, which usually emitted melodious sounds like wind chimes, were unusually quiet tonight.
These extraordinary plants could sense the owner’s inner tension and unease.
The aircraft landed silently in the garden in front of the pavilion.
"Lecturer Ralph, the young lady is waiting for you in the study."
The eyes of the half-dragon maid showed a hint of worry:
"She... she’s been in there since this morning, and she barely touched her lunch."
Pushing open the heavy wooden door of the study, a familiar scent of books mixed with a faint aroma of magic potion greeted him.
The black-haired girl sat on her usual reading chair, leaning slightly forward, with a beautifully bound academic tome in front of her — "Principles of High-Tier Healing".
But her attention was completely not on the book.
Though she appeared to be intently staring at the pages, her pupils did not move in the slightest.
Her thoughts had long drifted elsewhere, towards the unknown fate that was about to arrive.
Her hand resting on her knee was trembling unconsciously.
"Master..."
Upon hearing footsteps, Eve suddenly looked up, her voice starting to tremble from the very first syllable:
"You... you finally came. I... I’ve been waiting for you since the afternoon..."
She tried to stand up to greet him, but the trembling in her legs made even this simple action difficult.
In the end, she just gripped the armrest of the chair tightly, her knuckles turning white from the effort.
"I know what you’re worried about, Eve."
Ron approached her, his tone as firm as possible:
"Regarding the treatment plan, we can finalize the details tonight. Regardless of the outcome, at least we will try."
Upon hearing this, hope immediately sparked in Eve’s eyes, but it also flickered with deep fear.
The fierce intertwining of hope and fear made her expression particularly complex, as if hovering on the edge of heaven and hell.
"Master, I... I know the risks of this attempt are great."
Her voice still trembled but struggled to maintain a near-pathological rationality:
"If... if ultimately you and Grandpa Uther find the risk too high, I... I can also understand."
As she spoke those final words, her voice was nearly inaudible.
"We will not give up because of the risks."
Ron continued, each word filled with strength:
"There are risks, I won’t deceive you on that. But we will take all possible precautions to ensure your safety."
His words noticeably relaxed the girl, alleviating her tension, which was as tight as a bowstring.
"Professor Yutel should be arriving soon."
Ron glanced at the pocket watch:
"He will bring the detailed treatment plan and some technical considerations."
Just as Ron’s words fell, the ancient landscape painting on the study wall, depicting distant mountains and clouds, suddenly began to glow.
The originally static clouds in the painting began to flow, the distant mountains displayed a layered depth effect, as if the entire painting came to life.
This was the unique sign of Uther’s Void Remains projection, the mysterious power that blends history and reality was slowly manifesting in this space.
A few seconds later, silver light overflowed from the painting’s frame, condensing into starlike points of light in the center of the room, and gradually forming the familiar figure of Uther.
"Good evening, little Eve, Ron."
The old professor’s voice remained gentle, but upon closer listening, one could detect a deep-seated fatigue within it.
"Grandpa!"
Seeing Uther appear, Eve slightly exhaled in relief.
This elder who had watched her grow up always brought her a sense of security and warmth.
More so than Cassandra, who was often nowhere to be found.
"You look very tense, my child."
Uther’s silver eyes were full of affection:
"Such feelings are completely understandable; anyone facing such a situation would be nervous.
But you must know, excessive nervousness is of no benefit to the treatment itself, and could instead become an obstacle."
"What we’re discussing tonight are the technical details and implementation plan, not a matter of life and death.
No matter what, your safety is our top priority, and that will never change."
Reassured by the two and informed of the specific details, Eve’s tension, nearing a breakdown, somewhat eased.
Just as the atmosphere became slightly more relaxed, a subtle fluctuation occurred in the magic field within the room.
A special energy aura began to permeate the air, characteristic of remote communication magic.
"It seems another participant has arrived."
Uther’s tone grew complex, mixed with anticipation, worry, and a subtle resignation:
"However, his attitude... may make tonight’s discussion somewhat difficult. The elder is stubborn as always, especially when it comes to matters involving political stances."
With those words, an antique mirror in the room’s corner began to emit light.
The mirror’s surface rippled like a tranquil lake, gradually revealing a vague eyeball-shaped outline.
The projection of the "Eye of Observation" appeared even more ephemeral and elusive than Uther, as if it could vanish into nothingness at any moment.
"Uther, and you two young ones."
The Eye of Observation’s voice was particularly hoarse:
"I must reiterate, I have strong reservations about participating in such an... activity with evident political leanings."
His tone was clearly filled with dissatisfaction and resistance:
"History projection is a sacred craft, supposed to be used for pure knowledge exploration and academic research.