The next day, Lea woke up and stretched. Until last night, her body had been heavy, and she had a high fever.

Thanks to the medicine Edward gave her, her body felt lighter than ever.

“The medicine seems quite effective, doesn’t it?”

Lea thought it was probably due to the side effects of the spider venom. Considering that her homemade fever reducer hadn’t easily brought down the fever before, it made sense.

“But this medicine immediately brought down the fever.”

Lea, who was fiddling with the empty medicine bottle, murmured. Seeing that the fever had easily subsided even with a regular fever reducer, it meant there were no side effects.

“Fortunately.”

How bewildered she had been every time the fever rose after Akia left. However, if the homemade fever reducer didn’t suit her in the first place, the solution was easier.

“I should ask Edward about the ingredients of the medicine.”

Since he suggested having tea together before leaving today, it wouldn’t be against etiquette to invite him for tea early in the morning.

Realizing that Edward’s departure time was approaching, Lea hurriedly began to get ready.

Having prepared faster than usual, Lea knocked on Edward’s door. Then, as if just finishing preparations, Edward looked at Lea with a puzzled expression.

“Edward, would you like to have a cup of tea with me?”

On the hastily prepared tea table in the greenhouse were bread and tea enough to substitute for a meal. After taking a sip of tea, Lea spoke.

“I’m sorry for the early hour.”

“No, not at all. I was worried you might have forgotten our appointment.”

He replied with a friendly smile.

“More importantly, is your health better now?”

“Yes. Thanks to you. By the way, there’s something I’d like to ask you about regarding that.”

“Me?”

Edward, who was drinking tea, put down the teacup.

“The fever reducer you gave me. Can you tell me what ingredients were in it? The one you gave me was very effective.”

Lea’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“I’m glad it suited you. That fever reducer is a recipe that has been passed down in our family, and I added various medicinal herbs to it. However, the ingredients are diverse, and the mixture is complex.”

Edward continued, showing a hint of apology.

“To know the detailed ingredients, we would need to check the recipe book, but it’s in the capital’s research lab.”

“Oh, I see… There’s nothing to be done, then.”

It was so regrettable. If she had that medicine, she thought she wouldn’t have to worry about fever for a while.

However, Edward, who was observing Lea’s face filled with regret, made a suggestion.

“How about going to the capital with me?”

“…The capital?”

“Yes. I plan to stay in Belleritzkal for about a fortnight and then return to the capital. How about going to the capital with me at that time?”

‘So, the capital…’ Lea, who wanted to go to the capital more than anyone else, hesitated. Probably, if it weren’t for Dmitry, she would have gone sooner.

‘What should I do…’ Edward, who noticed her dilemma, made a few more suggestions.

“As I mentioned before, I’m conducting research on spider venom. It would be a great help if you could assist me in that research. However…”

Research on spider venom.

Even without Dmitry, it was not without a burden to conduct the research alone. After lowering her gaze, Lea thought for a moment and replied.

“Thank you for the offer. But it’s hard for me to give an answer right away. Can I think about it and contact you later?”

“Of course.”

He left with the words, ‘I’ll be expecting good news.’ Four days after Edward left, after careful consideration, Lea made up her mind.

“I’m going to the capital.”

Lea also liked Bellerus. She liked the mansion people who were kind to her. Dmitry, who generously gave her love, was also good.

However.

“I can’t do anything here.”

She couldn’t live being treated like a fragile porcelain doll. She didn’t want to give up on her hard-earned dream of becoming a pharmacist.

‘He might not allow it, but…’

If it doesn’t work, convince him until it does.

That was her conclusion. Putting an end to her contemplation, Lea nervously headed to Dmitry’s study. Dmitry, too, was having busy days after a long time due to Belleritzkal.

“Grandfather. I…”

I will go to the capital. She was about to say. However, when it came to actually saying it, the words didn’t come out as easily as she had thought.

Lea, who bit her lips a few times, gathered courage and spoke.

“I want to go to the capital. No, I will go.”

Looking at Dmitry, who remained silent, reading his mood, Lea continued.

“Alencia Yeongsik suggested that we study spider venom together. It’s an area I’ve been interested in… and, more than anything, I don’t want to give up on my dream as a pharmacist.”

She bowed her head as if she were a sinner. Dmitry, who had been silently listening to Lea’s words, finally spoke.

“I can support you studying as much as you want. Alencia Yeongsik is also reliable. But, is that the only reason?”