Reborn as the General's Useless Daughter-Chapter 207: The Suffocating Forest (Part-4)

If there truly was an ancient ruin inside, she had no intention of missing such an opportunity.

Poison and antidotes were her domain.

Moreover, even if Prince Kael could deduce the existence of ancient ruins from historical clues, that didn’t mean others would immediately make the same connection. But once word spread, the truly powerful figures would arrive—and by then, time would no longer be on their side.

Without hesitation, Zora plunged into studying the antidote.

She had already analyzed the properties of the miasma earlier. What remained was the most difficult step—formulating the detoxifying medicine itself.

A slight deviation in ingredients or proportions could mean the difference between resistance and instant death. Facing such a lethal miasma, she had to be meticulous.

Time slipped by unnoticed.

Night fell once more.

After eating some dry rations, everyone was prepared to rest. Yet when their gazes turned toward Zora, admiration surfaced unbidden.

From morning until now, she had poured all her energy into researching the antidote, so absorbed that she had barely eaten.

Her figure sat quietly amid herbs and bottles, entirely immersed in her own world—isolated from noise, danger, and fatigue. Nothing around her seemed capable of disturbing her focus.

At that moment, everyone understood.

This was not just talent.

This was unwavering concentration and resolve.

Everyone finally understood how Zora had managed to reach such heights at such a young age.

All this time, they had believed their own cultivation was already diligent enough. Yet standing beside her, they realized how shallow that belief truly was.

When it came to medicine, Zora had long crossed into a realm where days and nights blurred together, where hunger and exhaustion were forgotten entirely.

Sylvandria felt this most keenly. She had never witnessed Zora refining potions or studying poisons so closely before. In her mind, Zora’s achievements had always been the result of extraordinary talent.

Only now did she understand. Talent was merely the foundation. What truly set Zora apart was the terrifying level of effort she poured in.

For a moment, everyone felt as if they had been silently awakened.

If they could cultivate with even a fraction of Zora’s focus and perseverance, their current limits would surely be broken.

Prince Kael’s gaze rested quietly on Zora. There was a unique allure to his lady, and when she was this immersed and resolute, that allure became even more captivating.

*

Dawn arrived quietly.

When everyone opened their eyes, they discovered that Zora was still seated exactly as she had been the night before, surrounded by scattered notes and records filled with dense writing.

"Good lord..." Reesa exclaimed softly. "Zora is still researching. Did she not rest at all last night?"

Baldwin shook his head. "I slept poorly myself, but I didn’t notice her moving. She probably didn’t rest."

Tifanny frowned with concern. "She’s pushing herself too hard. Research like this consumes the mind. Isn’t it too much pressure?"

Alaric Von Seraph waved his hand calmly. "She isn’t under pressure. She’s excited."

"Excited?" everyone echoed in unison.

After studying without rest for an entire night... still excited?

Alaric Von Seraph didn’t explain. He simply gestured toward Zora.

Only then did everyone notice it.

Her eyes were bright, almost burning with fervor. There was not the slightest trace of fatigue—only undisguised exhilaration.

This wasn’t a strain.

This was passion.

Zora loved challenges. The more unfamiliar and dangerous something was, the more it stirred her interest. That was why her medical skills had reached such a terrifying level, and why she carried so many rare toxins within her grasp.

For a moment, everyone fell silent.

A genius was already frightening enough. A genius who was also obsessed with improvement was simply unreasonable.

On the other side, Prince Kael continued to watch her quietly.

She had researched through the night, and he had stayed by her side through the night as well.

Even if he couldn’t assist her directly, he refused to let her face it alone.

Black and White exchanged glances, their approval of Prince Kael growing by the moment.

When night fell once more, the expressionless face Zora had worn for days finally bloomed into a radiant smile.

Prince Kael noticed it instantly, warmth flashing through his eyes.

"I’ve succeeded," Zora said softly.

After two days and two nights of relentless research, she had finally completed the antidote.

The moment Zora’s words fell, every gaze locked onto her.

"Succeeded?"

The voices overlapped in astonishment.

Zora nodded lightly. The smile on her lips was calm, steady, and filled with confidence. "Yes. After taking this antidote, we’ll be able to pass through the suffocating miasma."

Joy flickered instantly in everyone’s eyes.

This poisonous fog had been the greatest obstacle blocking their path. If it could be neutralized, then the mystery of the suffocating forest would finally be within reach.

"Zora, you should rest first," Sebastian said gently. "We can talk about everything tomorrow."

Miel followed with a nod. "Exactly. Research at that intensity drains the spirit far more than the body."

Reesa and the others echoed their concern. After witnessing her sleepless focus for days, worry came as naturally as breathing.

Seeing the concern in everyone’s eyes, Zora felt a warmth spread through her chest. She smiled and nodded. "Alright."

Only when she truly relaxed did she realize how exhausted she was. A dull ache pulsed behind her temples, her thoughts turning hollow and light, a clear sign that her mental strength had been pushed to its limits.

She leaned back slowly against the tree.

Just as she was about to rest, a faint fragrance brushed her lips.

Prince Kael had already placed a medicinal herb into her mouth.

She lifted her eyes and met his gaze.

"Your mental energy is heavily depleted," he said softly. "You pushed yourself too hard refining the antidote. If you don’t recover properly, how will you face what’s ahead tomorrow?"

His voice was gentle, his eyes filled with unconcealed tenderness and concern.

For two days and nights, he had watched her immerse herself completely in research, never once complaining, never once retreating. He hadn’t stopped her, because he understood her obsession. But now, caring for her was his responsibility.

Zora opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it again.

The medicinal herb dissolved instantly, warm energy flowing through her mind.b The sharp ache eased, the emptiness gradually filled, and even her weary body relaxed beneath the soothing surge.

Prince Kael reached out and gently guided her head onto his shoulder.

"Sleep," he murmured. "I’m here."

Her body stiffened for the briefest moment. Then, hearing his voice, feeling the steady warmth beneath her cheek, she relaxed completely.

Soon, her breathing evened out.

Not far away, Raphael watched the scene in silence, a quiet ache spreading through his chest.

Seeing Zora treat everyone with the same distant composure so far, he had allowed himself a trace of hope.

But now, that hope was shattered without a sound.

Nearby, Black, White, and Shihtzu stared with undisguised delight. The bond between their master and Prince Kael was clearly growing closer by the day.

Prince Kael looked down at the sleeping profile resting against him, the corner of his lips lifting into a soft, satisfied smile.

Three years of falling from the altar.

Three years of ridicule, silence, and restraint.

He had once believed those years were nothing but humiliation.

Yet now, holding Zora like this, he felt something settle quietly in his heart.

Those three years had been worth it.

Because in the end, they led him to the most important person in his life.