Liana looked at the person. This wasn’t the same servant as before. It seemed Countess Rose was determined to have her go there now.

If she refused now, the other party would probably forcibly take her there.

“It seems Countess Rose really has something very important to discuss with me. Usually, she’s very patient and wouldn’t rush me like this.”

“I’m not sure either, but Countess Rose seems to be in a great hurry. Besides, Princess Liana, you’ve already finished your business, right? Don’t tell me you’re going to make up another strange excuse to brush her off?” the servant asked.

This servant was much more direct than the previous one and wasn’t afraid of Liana. After all, her status was different from the previous one. She was to Countess Rose what Loraviel was to Liana—Countess Rose’s personal maid, with greater authority.

“What do you mean by ‘making up strange excuses’? Show some respect when speaking to me.” Liana smiled at her. “Otherwise, even if you are Countess Rose’s personal servant, it won’t do you any good. After all, I may be a noble now, but I’m only staying as the young lady of Venus Manor out of consideration for the Venus family. If I wanted, I could go to the royal family at any time, and become a royalty, a royalty of high status.”

“At that time, not to mention you, even Countess Rose wouldn’t dare say anything to me. Understand?” Liana’s tone was extremely arrogant. Of course, Liana had every right to be arrogant, and everything she said was true.

“I apologize, Princess Liana. I was a bit too hasty. However, Countess Rose simply wants you to come quickly. It’s truly a very important matter. She’s waiting for you in the back garden,” the servant’s expression was somewhat peculiar.

But Liana didn’t continue. It was time—time to close the net.

If she waited any longer, Liana was concerned the small fish might escape. She just didn’t know if catching one small fish would lure in a bigger one.

Liana exhaled a cloud of white mist and rubbed her hands together. The weather was really getting colder. Let’s resolve this quickly and then crawl back into bed to rest.

Liana walked toward the back garden and could see Countess Rose sitting under the pavilion from a distance.

Just as Liana appeared, the other party noticed her presence.

She looked at Liana. Although she was extremely dissatisfied inside, she still had to smile—it was necessary. “Liana, have you finished your business?”

“Yes, I suppose so. After all, Countess Rose called for me, and I couldn’t let the countess wait too long, so I resolved it casually. But because I was in such a hurry, I’ll probably have to go again in a few days. There’s no helping it, though—I couldn’t let Countess Rose wait too long, so I had to rush over here,” Liana directly portrayed herself as a victim.

This made Countess Rose feel a lump in her throat. She wanted to curse.

So she had been sitting in the back garden all morning in the cold wind, and now she had inconvenienced Liana?

But now Countess Rose not only had to take the anger, but also suppress her temper to comfort Liana.

Just bear with it, Countess Rose tried to convince herself. Once the day was over, everything would be better.

“I apologize for not notifying you in advance—that was my oversight. Liana, if there’s anything you need help with, feel free to tell me. As your family, I will fully support you,” Countess Rose said.

After all, the other party was from the Angus Commerce Guild. Although Countess Rose had previously asked Tari, Tari’s lips were quite sealed and hadn’t revealed anything. However, Liana was probably going to buy something—it couldn’t be that she was selling something, that was impossible. What goods could Liana have that would make the other party wait so long?

“Of course, I know Countess Rose will definitely support me. And even if Countess Rose doesn’t support me, there’s still Mephilia, isn’t there? I’m not worried about that,” Liana smiled casually.

But Countess Rose’s expression became increasingly unpleasant. It seemed she really couldn’t delay any longer. At this rate, Liana leaving Venus Manor was just a matter of time.

“So, Countess Rose, why did you call me over so urgently? What’s so particularly important? Don’t let me be too disappointed,” Liana’s tone now lacked any respect for Countess Rose, completely that of a superior addressing an inferior.

Countess Rose’s mouth twitched. “Of course, it’s a very important matter.”

Countess Rose observed her surroundings, then looked at the maid behind herself. This maid, not surprisingly, should also be an Executor, though it was unclear of what rank.

Countess Rose must have received news yesterday that Oliphia would temporarily leave Venus Manor today, so she had people set up barriers and such overnight. This was her best opportunity.

Minoga had told her earlier that if magical barriers had been specially arranged, with enhanced perception and such, even if you were a Judge, you couldn’t easily hide your presence in front of a High Executor.

But given Minoga’s confident tone this morning, there shouldn’t be any major issues...

Liana was also a bit nervous now. This could be considered her biggest challenge since coming to this world. If she couldn’t resolve this trouble with Countess Rose, her future at Venus Manor might become somewhat dangerous.

Although Liana wasn’t afraid of this anymore—at worst, she’d just confront her directly—if possible, she’d prefer to resolve the Countess Rose issue first.

“So, what’s the matter? There’s no need to keep me in suspense here, right? In such cold weather, I don’t have any masochistic tendencies to sit under a pavilion in the freezing wind. I’m not like you all—I can’t use magic to resist this cold,” Liana was telling the truth. Although she could now use magic, she couldn’t very well use that trick in front of these people.

Liana wasn’t underdressed, and her clothes were quite warm, but having been outside for so long today, she was definitely feeling cold.

Wasn’t this the place you specified, Liana? Countess Rose would have preferred to discuss this matter in her room. She wasn’t fully confident in these temporary barriers.

“Don’t worry, Liana. After today, you’ll be like us, able to use magic,” Countess Rose said.

“Hmm? Countess Rose, didn’t you say it would be in a month? It hasn’t even been twenty days yet,” Liana asked.

“This is a very important matter for Liana, after all. I was very anxious and urged them along, finally getting the antidote completed ten days early.”

“Antidote? What antidote?”

“The antidote to remove what’s preventing you from using magic,” Countess Rose almost let it slip.

“Where’s the antidote then? Bring it out quickly. Previously in the Lisat Royal Capital, that what’s-his-name, Oester or Ultraman or whatever, that Second Prince, confidently said he could help me find the cause of my inability to use magic, but in the end, after the examination, nothing was resolved. He just wasted a lot of my time and compensated me with a garment inscribed with high-level spells,” Liana smiled at Countess Rose.

The meaning was very clear: if you can’t provide a solution, can you offer something better than clothing inscribed with high-level spells?

Moreover, that person was Countess Rose’s suspected allegiance.

Everything Liana said was to ascertain what Countess Rose was about to bring out was indeed the antidote to the forbidden drug.

Countess Rose’s expression was unpleasant. Even Second Prince Oester couldn’t get any benefit from this shameless person, and was even heavily exploited by Liana.

But today she was indeed going to give Liana the antidote. As long as no one saw it, there wouldn’t be any problems.

Later, even if people suspected the antidote, without any evidence, she could counter-attack by relying on her reputation and Liana’s own poor one.

Once today’s matter was completed, everything would be over. She would wash her hands of all matters concerning Liana and let Second Prince Oester take over.

“Rest assured, Liana. This antidote absolutely has no issues. It will definitely restore your magic,” Countess Rose glanced at the maid behind her.

The maid closed her eyes, sensing the surroundings, then nodded, confirming there was no one around.

For today, they had prepared many things overnight, not only setting up barriers but also keeping the people of Venus Manor away from here.

Countess Rose then carefully took out a small jar from her pocket.

Liana glanced at ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) its shape and color, which didn’t seem much different from the antidote she had taken before.

“Is this it?” Liana opened the bottle and sniffed. “It smells terrible... Isn’t this the same smell as what Countess Rose gave me to eat before?”

This familiar smell should be the antidote for sure, but she still needed to observe Countess Rose’s attitude. She had to be 100% certain before proceeding.

“Although it doesn’t smell good, this time there’s absolutely no problem!” Countess Rose assured her confidently.

“Alright then.” Liana did something Countess Rose didn’t understand—she put the lid back on.

“Why aren’t you taking it, Liana?” Countess Rose hurriedly asked.

“Hmm? I will take it, but certainly not now,” Liana said.

“Why? Don’t you want to use magic anymore?” Countess Rose couldn’t let Liana take this back with her. Even if she had to force it, she had to get this antidote into Liana’s mouth—these were Second Prince Oester’s orders.

“Countess Rose, what kind of joke are you making? How could anyone not want to use magic? In this world, being unable to use magic means being inherently inferior to others—I can see that. Moreover, now with the matter of spellcrafting, this has indirectly lowered the status of the incapable even further.”

“I once yearned for magic more than anyone else. If I could use magic, I would make those who mocked me shut up. But now it’s different. Compared to magic, I value my life more. I can’t entrust my life to this unknown antidote. I want to take it back and have Mephilia check if I can consume this antidote,” Liana said.

That’s impossible! Absolutely impossible! If Liana took it back, she would be finished! Mephilia would definitely recognize what this was!

“Liana, this antidote is very special. After all, it’s a potion related to magic. Once it comes into contact with air, after ten minutes... no, five minutes, it will lose its effect and become an ordinary pill,” Countess Rose hurriedly said.

“That’s fine too. Things are completely different now from before. The Lisat Kingdom has many powerful priests, and Mephilia’s status is different from before. Now, everyone wants to curry favor with Mephilia. As long as Mephilia speaks up, there will definitely be priests coming to help analyze the composition of this material. Once they have the composition, replicating another antidote isn’t difficult for them,” Liana said. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

“In fact, they would be very willing, eager for Mephilia to ask them to do this.”

Countess Rose’s expression became extremely unpleasant. The maid behind her was already prepared to take action, to force Liana to take this antidote.

“No, no, no, Liana, you’re thinking too naively. This is something I acquired at great cost from someone else. Liana, you should also understand that every prominent priest has their unique healing methods—that’s their capital. So, after five minutes, the structure of the antidote will be destroyed. At that time, no one will be able to replicate it,” Countess Rose said.

“Oh?” Liana had never heard of this before. It sounded so convincing.

If Liana hadn’t previously read some descriptions of antidotes, she might have really been fooled by Countess Rose.

“That’s a very serious matter indeed,” Liana said.

“Yes, yes!” Countess Rose nodded repeatedly. “So, hurry up and take it. Don’t waste time.”

“Then there’s even less rush. With such effects, I’m even more reluctant to take it. Ah, why was it ten days early? I had already arranged for Mephilia to come here in another ten days to witness the moment I could use magic again, and now it’s been brought forward...” Liana said.

Countess Rose had naturally predicted that after she mentioned that time, Liana would definitely tell Mephilia about it. If Mephilia came then, having taken this drug before, she would naturally recognize what this antidote was.

At that point, she wouldn’t be able to explain anything, and she would only be able to bring out something random to muddle through. After all, preserving her own life was the most important thing.

“Is this a bit too rushed? Having finally found a way to restore Liana’s magic, I was just a bit too eager,” Countess Rose said.

My little ancestor! Just take it already!

“I stake my life as a guarantee that I definitely won’t harm you. I’m your family! If I really wanted to harm you, I wouldn’t need such a complicated method, would I?” Countess Rose was truly at a loss.

The pressure on her during this period had been too great, especially from Oester. She was beginning to feel regret and fear.

Family? To be honest, whenever Liana heard Countess Rose say these two words, she found it hard to keep a straight face.

Such warm words, but coming from Countess Rose’s mouth, Liana only felt coldness and absurdity.

“I’ve always trusted Countess Rose. You wouldn’t harm me,” Liana said. “But now it’s different. What if this medicine has side effects? I don’t want my body to develop any strange symptoms. My goal now is simple: survive and please Mephilia. This way, I can get many, many things.”

“Besides, couldn’t you just have that person make another one for you later? As for the cost, you wouldn’t need to pay, Countess Rose. I could just speak with Mephilia. Is there anyone now who wouldn’t give Mephilia some face? Oh! Perhaps that priest might even be grateful to Countess Rose for the opportunity to get close to Princess Mephilia through your connection,” Liana smiled.

Countess Rose couldn’t smile now. She had been certain that Liana would have Mephilia come in a month, which is why she had brought the date forward. With Oliphia now gone, this was the perfect opportunity.

“Why don’t you trust me, Liana? You’ve changed...” Countess Rose’s eyes reddened, and a tear squeezed from the corner of her eye. “I’m really sad. I finally saw you become active and cheerful, but I’ve found that you seem to be getting further and further away from me.

“I know Princess Mephilia is good to you, and she can give you many things, more than I can give you. I also understand that my abilities are far inferior to Princess Mephilia’s, but I’ve really been trying hard to find a solution for you. I know that before long, you’ll go to live in the Lisat Royal Capital.

“That place is indeed much better than Venus Manor, but I just wanted to do something more for you before you leave. I don’t want you to forget me after you go to that place, so I thought of many methods and finally found this possible antidote.”

Countess Rose was now crying her eyes out, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably. “I just wanted you to recover your magic. This way, every time you use magic, you might remember me—it was my antidote that allowed you to regain your magic.”

Countess Rose’s acting was indeed top-notch. It’s no wonder “Liana” had been deceived so badly before and listened to Countess Rose’s words.

“Countess Rose...” Liana gently patted Countess Rose’s shoulder. “I understand. I remember clearly how good Countess Rose has been to me, and I understand Countess Rose’s intentions.”

But it’s useless, Countess Rose. Your ugly face—Liana has known it from the start. What Liana wants to do now is to give you a little hope, then cruelly shatter it.

Liana opened the bottle and placed the antidote in her palm in front of Countess Rose.

Just when Countess Rose thought Liana was about to take it, Liana snapped her fingers. “Sibyl, you can come now.”

“Yes, I understand, Princess Liana.” A priestly woman gradually appeared before them.

Sibyl—Countess Rose had naturally heard of her name and knew her abilities were extremely powerful. She would definitely know about this antidote.

“Although Mephilia isn’t here, Sibyl can help me check if there are any issues with this antidote,” Liana smiled.

Before Countess Rose could give an order, the maid beside her had already made her move. Now, the only option was to snatch back the antidote. Otherwise, Sibyl would be able to see that this was the antidote to a forbidden drug.

“You seem to be playing a very interesting game. Why not include me?” A blade was placed against the maid’s neck, immediately drawing a line of blood. Just a little more force, and this Executor-level maid would become a cold corpse.

“Lady Judge...” When Countess Rose saw Minoga appear, she was already in despair.

Why hadn’t her servant detected anything? Even though the barrier they had set up was somewhat crude, it shouldn’t have been completely ineffective.

Moreover, all of this seemed to be Liana guiding her step by step into a trap.

She couldn’t understand how such a naive young girl could achieve this. Had all those previous events been an act?

“Sibyl, take a look at this.” Liana tossed the antidote to Sibyl. Once the result was confirmed, Countess Rose’s matter should also be concluded.

“Liana.” Countess Rose looked at Liana. “May I ask you a question?”

“Of course, Countess Rose. You’re my family.” Liana smiled.

“Was everything before an act by you, Liana?” Countess Rose asked.

“What do you mean by ‘an act’? I’ve been looking forward to the moment I can use magic,” Liana looked expectantly at Sibyl. “After all, this is the antidote Countess Rose went to great lengths to obtain. How could I not be expectant, right?”

Countess Rose now understood one thing: she had been played by a teenager.

Ultimately, it was those three years of Liana’s naivety that had created such a strong stereotype, deeply ingrained in people’s minds, causing Countess Rose to never doubt Liana’s thoughts.

Moreover, Liana’s recent behavior, in her eyes, was perfectly normal. There was only one possibility: Liana had been acting from beginning to end.

All to make her deeply entangled, to catch her, to make her reveal her flaws. Impressive, Liana.

Liana now couldn’t care less about what Countess Rose was thinking. She looked at Sibyl. “Well? Do you have a result?”

“This is the antidote to a forbidden drug.” Sibyl came to stand in front of Countess Rose. “Countess Rose, why do you have such a thing? This is absolutely prohibited in the Lisat Kingdom.”

A bitter smile appeared at the corners of Countess Rose’s mouth. At this point, she still couldn’t betray Second Prince Oester. Now, only the Second Prince could save her.

“I found this in Sister Ambis’s study.”

Minoga clapped her hands, and Naibert walked over at this moment. Since they were going to make such a big move, the preparations were naturally very thorough.

“For Lady Ambis’ study, from the time Lady Ambis left Venus Manor until now, there has been only one entry record, and it was a theft record. After that, we strengthened Lady Ambis’ study. Even Lady Minoga now doesn’t have full confidence in entering Lady Ambis’ study without being detected,” Naibert said.

“Yes, that’s when I went in and saw it,” Countess Rose directly admitted this point. “It was I who deliberately used the forbidden drug, deliberately used the method her mother used to treat others, to prevent Liana from using magic!”

Countess Rose was now pulling all the hatred onto herself, not allowing people to suspect Second Prince Oester. Now, only the Second Prince could potentially save her.

“But the entry time was very short, and the purpose was very clear, as if it had been prepared in advance. However, this forbidden drug—in the entire Lisat Kingdom, few people know about it. Yet you not only knew about it but also knew where the formula for this forbidden drug was kept. It’s as if someone had told you in advance.”