“So, you heard me? Then let’s hear why you missed my important explanation.”

“Ah!”

“‘Ah!’ is not an explanation.”

Faced with Luella’s persistent questioning, Kite had no choice but to reveal the truth.

“I was thinking about the invitation I received from Ralph earlier.”

“Invitation?”

“Yes. I got an invitation from the Qur’an Palace. They’re planning to hold a ball and also finalize the founding procedures for the Peroz Guild, and they want us to attend.”

“Do they usually make such a big deal out of founding a guild?”

At Lapellian’s question, Hazen shook his head.

“Normally, they just notify the king.”

For some reason, the atmosphere felt uneasy. The feeling intensified when considering that Luella’s name would be on the guild’s application form.

“When is the date?”

“Next Saturday.”

“Not much time left.”

Luella, who had been deep in thought, suddenly spoke as she noticed the chef boiling water.

“Let’s prepare as much as possible before the ball. Everyone, gather in the hall at 6 a.m. tomorrow.”

“6 a.m.? What for?”

“We need to level up as much as possible before meeting the enemy.”

As Luella spoke, the chef called out.

“Miss, what kind of herb is this that doesn’t get cooked? Even when I try to cut it with a knife, it won’t cut.”

“Really? Show me.”

Upon Luella’s request, the chef scooped the boiling herb with a long stick-like tool and placed it in a bowl.

“Ah, hot!”

Hazen touched the herb and yelped, jumping back.

“Is it really hot?”

At Tien’s question, Hazen grabbed his ear with his burnt finger and said,

“If you’re doubtful, you can touch it too.”

Luella released Tien’s ear and sent a level 1 heal towards Hazen, who was in agony, blowing cool air onto his hand.

“Huh? I feel better.”

Luella watched with satisfaction as her comrades inspected their fingers, then returned her focus to the herb.

“Do we have a mortar?”

“What for?”

The chef asked, perplexed.

“To grind it.”

“Even a knife couldn’t cut it. You think grinding will work?”

“I want to make sure.”

It was too early to give up. Was it because someone got hurt? Luella felt upset that she couldn’t help Kite.

She took the mortar brought by the chef and tried grinding the herb, but it remained as vibrant as ever.

Despite focusing and grinding until her arm ached, there was no change.

“That’s enough.”

Unable to watch any longer, Kite comforted her by grabbing her shoulder.

“It seems I can neither dig nor grind this herb. But we know where it comes from, so we can send someone to get more later.”

“True. Don’t worry about it.”

Temporarily disheartened, Luella quickly shook off her disappointment.

“Instead of sending someone, we should all go together tomorrow. We can make the healing potion as soon as possible and level up along the way.”

“That makes you sound like a real healer.”

Tien looked at Luella with impressed eyes. Not wanting to dampen the emotional mood, Luella sharply retorted.

“I am a healer. An all-purpose healer at that. The only reason I’m struggling now is because of my low level.”

Frustrated, Luella asked the chef for a glass of water, gulped it down, and continued speaking.

“Don’t forget to gather at 6 a.m. tomorrow. Emma, you’ve worked hard too. I’ll level up quickly and cure your back pain.”

The chef stared at the mysterious, uncuttable herb.

She had not expected her masters to showcase such unique abilities, let alone bring back such a strange herb. Still, they weren’t bad people, so Emma set aside her curiosity.

She took out the herb soaked in hot water, wiped it with a cloth, and placed it beside what was on the cutting board, nodding her head.

“Yes, yes, Miss. I trust you. But what should we do with this herb? I’m worried someone might take it if we throw it away.”
“Here, take this. I should make all these into potions. Ah, Emma. There’s a room next to the reception room labeled ‘Medicine Room.’ I’ve made medicines and placed them there. Use them if you feel unwell.”

“Ah, thank you. Good things keep happening ever since you arrived. You’re leaving early tomorrow, right? I’ll prepare a simple breakfast on the table, so eat and go.”

Luella blew a hand kiss to Emma.

“Thanks, Emma. Love you! And everyone, see you tomorrow. Don’t forget 6 o’clock. Good night.”

As she was leaving the kitchen, she heard Hazen and Emma arguing.

“No, Emma. Why do you listen so well to Luella when you’ve seen her? When I left before breakfast, there wasn’t even soup!”

“Buy yourself some ointment for your ailments and then complain. I’m fit as a fiddle these days, all thanks to her.”

Luella, seeing Cozette and the others getting up from the table, gave them a brief nighttime greeting.

“Sorry for all the back and forth. Sit down and eat at your ease. Get a good night’s sleep tonight and see you tomorrow.”

Inside the forest, on the way from the capital to Camuen, was the path Luella had passed before.

“Where are these herbs supposed to be?”

There, Duke Esper was kneeling on the ground, looking for herbs.

“Do you really not see them?”

“I told you.”

“What about the others?”