Looking at herself dressed to the nines in the mirror, Estella felt somewhat redundant. Previously, she loved studying every detail, but now she was more concerned about whether her thoughts made progress every day.

She touched Keli’s soft fur, "Keli, am I too stupid? Why does it seem like my Divine Relic is about to activate again? This isn’t right. Teachers say that only through tempering can one gain understanding, truly comprehend power, and master it, but I haven’t even started yet, so why is it about to activate?"

Estella felt a bit troubled. She didn’t think activating quickly was something to be pleased about; it would make her miss the true essence of understanding through "tempering."

She shared Mr. Gemini’s three major theories on Heart Learning with Teacher Vladimir, but the teacher only let her discuss the three core points at the Grand School without explaining them. Estella believed the teacher did this to make the Grand Scholars work hard to comprehend, so they could truly understand, but she hadn’t understood yet either.

Feeling sad.

Meow~ Meow~~

Keli gently nuzzled in Estella’s arms. Estella patted Keli’s head, "I must not be discouraged, must not lose face at the Round Table Conference. I won’t attend tonight’s ball; I need to take extra classes!"

Meow~ Meow~

"I knew you’d support me, my dear Keli. Oh, by the way, I need to find my second brother today. I don’t even know if he’s completed that favor. I did promise Mr. Gemini." Estella said, "Hmm, better hurry and catch him in the palace; if I go late, he might hide."

Meow~ Meow~

...

"Second brother, where are you rushing off to?" Estella blocked Achilles, who was about to climb over the wall, while Keli stood on the wall watching the Prince. A month after Hokele ascended the throne, Achilles was appointed as Duke Prince Serving the Nation.

Achilles stretched his body, twisting his waist and swinging his arms, "I’m exercising. The weather’s great, haha. Estella, why are you here?"

"Second brother, what about the thing you promised me? It’s been so long!" Estella didn’t give Achilles a chance to joke around.

Achilles smiled wryly, "Can’t we just skip it?"

"Second brother, this matter is very important to me; you promised me!"

"Alas, then promise me this is the last time. Stop getting involved with hidden things; His Majesty and Mother both don’t want you touching them. What’s wrong with being a good princess and marrying an excellent prince?" Achilles said.

"Second brother, do you want me to be a vase, a puppet?" Estella retorted, "I’ve always felt you’re the one who understands me the best. Life shouldn’t be like this. Even if I study, I’m learning from you."

Achilles opened his mouth, shrugged helplessly, "I can’t argue with you, but remember this: if things go awry, don’t sell me out."

In the past, when Father was around, at most you’d get a scolding; no one took it seriously. Things are different now.

Estella sensed Achilles’s awkwardness. During this period, she noticed some unwanted matters have gradually sprouted, although Achilles tried to avoid them. Even after becoming a prince, he retained his flamboyant habits.

"Second brother, Big brother’s just ascended the throne and is a bit sensitive. I think things will improve after a while." Estella said.

"What are you thinking," Achilles laughed, "I’m just worried about Mother. Has Mother been going to the Monastery recently?"

"The Abbot said Mother finds inner peace at the Monastery, and I’ll be there to accompany her. Saint Mary will protect Mother."

When the Queen Dowager went to the Withered Wood Monastery, Estella was always with her. She knew Achilles’s worries and always tried to guide them.

"I’m relieved with you there; it’s just that His Majesty has mentioned your marriage a few times. This delay definitely won’t do." Achilles said. With the new king’s ascension, Moncalleta is entering a new era, and everything must flourish. The princess’s marriage is undoubtedly a national celebration, and regardless of whether Estella marries within or outside the kingdom, it’s a significant affair for the kingdom, crucial for Hokele to consolidate royal power.

A father’s love for his daughter is different from a brother’s love for his sister.

With time, many things change, and Estella can also feel her big brother’s transformation. He now emphasizes kingly majesty in various occasions, growing less close and stricter. Having gone through so much, with her studies at the Grand School and her participation in societal activities, Estella has grown significantly in a year. She knows the obscurities her second brother hints at, yet someday they’ll suddenly become reality.

"Ahem, ahem, Holman or Simmons, who do you think is better?" Achilles suddenly asked.

"Did Big Brother ask you to?"

"Not exactly. Among the younger generation of Hedan, the most outstanding are Holman and Simmons. Holman is a bit dull but strong, while Simmons, though heavily relied upon, has the George Family’s unsteady foundation." Achilles said, "Girls grow up and must marry eventually. Rather than being subjected to others, better to find someone you like first. You know, your second brother supports you."

Estella knows it’s another probe from Big Brother. Even the Grand Scholars can’t stand by her in this matter; everyone must dedicate themselves to the kingdom. But does dedicating to the kingdom necessarily mean sacrificing one’s freedom and happiness?

Internally, Estella has debated this with herself many times, yet never reached a conclusion. But something has changed: she won’t be fearful nor bound by moral shackles imposed by others.

"Second brother, if Big Brother really wants me to do something, let him tell me himself." Estella said.

"Ha, haha, I’m just rambling; last night’s wine hasn’t worn off." Achilles laughed, seeing Estella’s serious face, "Come, I’ll take you to get the thing. This stuff is material for soul-type Magic Potion, belonging to our sworn enemies. You mustn’t tell anybody."

"I’m not a child." Estella grinned, knowing Mr. Gemini would be very pleased.

Achilles glanced at the smiling Estella but didn’t ask further.

The blood of the fire beetle was stored in a small Mithril bottle. Some special Magic Potion Materials require particularly exquisite containers; there’s a whole process from extraction to storage.

Estella was about to open it for a look, but Achilles quickly stopped her, "Don’t open it; wait until you’re ready to use it. The fire beetle’s blood burns quickly when exposed to air."

"Really? Then how do you make the Magic Potion?" Estella asked curiously, looking at the Mithril bottle.

"Alchemists create a low-temperature environment and need to use it quickly; the timing and temperature are extremely difficult. Alchemists of this Level are exceptionally rare." Achilles explained.

Among many professions, alchemists are highly respected wherever they go, especially Advanced Alchemists. Cultivating an Advanced Alchemist requires not just talent and opportunities but substantial financial support; it’s one of the top three in terms of cost amid various hidden paths.

In Dao Yuan, there are only a few top alchemists; they’re either honored guests of the King or the Church Court or elusive like dragons.

As a hidden path passed down from ancient epochs, alchemy can be traced back to the Fourth Era.

"Second brother, you know so much!" Estella sincerely praised, then carefully put away the Mithril bottle.

"Naturally, being handsome and charming is the most insignificant of your brother’s virtues." Achilles proudly tilted his head, his high nose shining proudly in the sunlight.