Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 54: Elowen Thoughts

Having determined the basic demands of both sides in the negotiation, Elowen did not leave immediately.

Instead, she stayed for a while in the alchemy room at Astrid's invitation.

"Your Highness Astrid, is this a primary fire potion?" Elowen asked.

As an Alchemy at the Elizabeth Academy of Magic, Elowen recognized the potion Astrid was holding at a glance.

The remnants of the flames that instantly spread across the ground when the vial shattered confirmed her guess.

However, this primary fire potion seemed slightly different from the usual ones, the liquid was more viscous and had a stronger adhesive quality.

"Yes, it is a primary fire potion, but I've added an additional ingredient to the original recipe," Astrid replied softly.

An additional ingredient? She modified the potion recipe?

Elowen's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, and her gaze fixed intently on the light red liquid scattered on the ground.

With over 20 years of experience in potion-making, she had improved many old potion recipes herself and understood the challenges involved.

Unlike the titles of mages or knights, the ranking system for Alchemists is straightforward.

Those who can refine primary potions are Junior Alchemists, those who can refine intermediate potions are Intermediate Alchemists, and so on, up to Advanced Alchemists, Master Alchemists, and Legendary Alchemists.

Modifying potion recipes doesn't require extremely precise mental control; even Intermediate Alchemists can attempt it.

However, to do it well, an Alchemist must have a deep understanding of potion materials, knowing the characteristics of each ingredient and how they interact during the brewing process, in order to make targeted improvements.

Princess Astrid had not only modified the recipe but seemed to have done so successfully...

After observing for half a minute, Elowen spoke softly. "You've added... Mucus vine?"

With only one additional ingredient, and considering the viscous effect without causing unwanted reactions, there were fewer than ten possible materials that could achieve this.

Among them, Mucus vine was the most likely candidate.

Astrid nodded, her voice cool. "Professor Elowen, your expertise as an Alchemist is evident. You identified the exact material just by looking at it... I did add Mucus vine juice to enhance the potion's adhesive properties, allowing it to more effectively eliminate its target."

The inspiration for this modification came primarily from the napalm incendiary bombs of her previous life, which killed enemies through high temperatures and strong adhesion.

Hearing this, Elowen adjusted her glasses, her gaze shifting to the alchemy cauldron Astrid had used earlier.

Tiny residues of the potion still clung to its interior, and her eyes grew thoughtful.

If it were her, she could make over a dozen high-quality improvements to the original fire potion in two or three days.

However, this would be based on her extensive experience and deep understanding of potion materials, something not every Master Alchemist could achieve.

How did Astrid Calliste Valeria, a noble princess who grew up in the palace and was known for her carefree, playful nature, come to possess such an extraordinary understanding of potions?

"Did Princess Astrid study potions with any Alchemist?" Elowen asked softly.

This kind of unbridled creativity and precise control over the fusion of medicinal herbs was rare, even in the world of potion-making.

Elowen, who was accustomed to encountering geniuses, couldn't help but feel a trace of admiration.

It seemed that Astrid's decision to forgo entering the Elizabeth Academy of Magic in the past was an incalculable loss, both for her and for the academy.

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"No, I figured it out on my own," Astrid replied.

The information about plants and animals in this world was largely similar to that of her previous life.

Astrid had systematically studied these subjects due to the demands of her profession.

Now, faced with the unique materials of this world, she found it natural to understand and apply her knowledge, achieving twice the result with half the effort.

Elowen fell into deep thought upon hearing this and remained silent for a long time.

Astrid didn't press her, instead taking the opportunity to demonstrate her skills.

Estimating that her mental energy was sufficient, she refined two more potions in front of Elowen: another adhesive primary fire potion and a primary recovery potion.

"By the way, Professor Elowen, I recall that the Velmont family has some channels for selling potions..." Astrid began.

As soon as she spoke, Elowen responded, "Does Her Highness Astrid wish for us to help sell these potions?"

Elowen had observed the two potions closely. While they were not of a high grade, their quality was comparable to those refined by a high-level Alchemist. She assumed Astrid was seeking a way to market them.

"Professor Elowen misunderstood. I'm not looking to sell potions..." Astrid's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of her lips curved into a captivating smile.

"I'm actually hoping to purchase a batch of intermediate potions from you."

Currently, the potion market was dominated by primary potions.

Intermediate potions were relatively scarce and expensive, while high-grade potions were even rarer.

Master-level potions were typically only seen at auctions.

Astrid's request took Elowen by surprise, but it made sense upon reflection.

As an Imperial Princess, it was natural for Astrid to prepare some magic potions for self-defense.

And since Astrid herself was a Junior Alchemist, studying intermediate potions could only benefit her.

"I'll ensure that Princess Astrid receives the lowest possible price within our range," Elowen offered.

As a potential future partner, Elowen knew the importance of fostering goodwill.

"It's fine to offer the standard price. My main concern is discretion," Astrid replied.

She didn't want anyone else to learn about her purchase of large quantities of potions.

Whether it was Lucas or Emperor Hibbort, the fewer people who knew, the better.

"Protecting our customers' transaction records is a fundamental part of our business," Elowen assured her.

The Velmont family had weathered many storms over the years, and their success was built on more than just shrewd dealings.

One of their core principles was absolute respect and integrity toward their customers.

A long-term reputation was far more valuable than short-term gains, and this philosophy was deeply ingrained in the family's way of life.

"It's been a pleasure speaking with you, Professor Elowen. I believe we'll work well together in the future," Astrid said, casually brushing aside a strand of her silver hair.

A few beads of sweat glistened on her snow-white forehead.

The strain on her mental energy wasn't just internal; it sometimes manifested physically.

Though Astrid still had a small reserve of mental energy left, she was beginning to feel the heat building within her.

Noticing this, Lyra quickly stepped forward, raising a silk handkerchief to gently wipe the perspiration from Astrid's brow.

"Likewise," Elowen replied with a smile, adding before she left, "If Her Highness Astrid ever has any questions about potions, you are welcome to visit the academy at any time."

Rather than simply courting a potential partner, Elowen was driven by a desire to ensure that such a rare talent wasn't wasted.

Astrid's extraordinary aptitude for potions was something to be nurtured, and Elowen hoped that Astrid might one day set aside her former carefree attitude and join the Elizabeth Academy of Magic.

-----

The eastern part of the imperial capital, in contrast to the bustling yet serene aristocratic district in the west, is particularly noisy.

Its dense streets crisscross like cobwebs, filled with a chaotic mix of people, carriages, and horses.

On a street corner, a tall young woman with black long hair walked along the side of the stone road.

The sunlight fell on the exposed parts of her maid's uniform, making Elise's already smooth skin appear even fairer.

Her slender legs, clad in white silk, swayed gently with each step, and even the hem of her maid's skirt, lined with lotus leaf patterns, swayed in a soft arc.

Following Astrid's orders, Elise had risen early in the morning to assign tasks to the new maids.

Afterward, she left the palace alone to search the imperial capital for stray cats that met their requirements.

The breed didn't matter, the appearance had to be cute, and the temperament had to be gentle.

The first criterion was flexible, the second was easily met by most cats, but the third was somewhat challenging.

Stray cats, unlike the pampered pets raised by aristocratic families, often carried a wildness from long periods of wandering.

This made them wary of humans and difficult to tame.

Elise had spent over an hour searching the aristocratic district without finding a suitable cat.

She then moved to the more densely populated eastern district, hoping to find a stray with a gentler disposition and a more approachable nature.

She increased the flow of her mental power, spreading it outward in a vast detection field centered on herself.

This mental energy temporarily replaced her senses, allowing her to clearly perceive every living creature within range.

This kind of detection field was typically only possible for someone at the level of a Crusader.

Elise, who had long since advanced to the rank of Master Knight, was now on the verge of breaking through to that level, allowing her to tap into a fraction of that higher power.