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Chapter 20
When Elia opened the door, Felix was making medicine.
“Uncle, how’s it going?”
“Are you sure this combination is correct?”
“Why? Are you doubting me?”
“Not exactly, but… it’s my first time making medicine with two legendary herbs at the same time. My hands won’t stop trembling.”
“Is it really because your hands are shaking—or are you just upset about wasting rare herbs?”
“Ahem. Well, when you put it that way… I have no rebuttal.”
What Elia had asked Felix to do was combine a Unicorn’s Breath with a Star Crystal.
It was a medicine made solely for Razli.
“Uncle, focus. Don’t think of it as wasteful.”
“I was being small-minded.”
“I get it. Who wouldn’t want to research something this rare? But this time, think of it as saving someone’s life.”
“I’m not that much of a scoundrel. I’m a doctor too, you know.”
“Of course I know. You’re the best doctor I’ve ever met. Don’t you think I know that?”
“Doesn’t sound like you do.”
“I do! I do!”
Felix chuckled and handed her a bottle filled with the blended medicine.
“The mix is complete. What now?”
“Hold on.”
Elia took the bottle and sat down, then tapped the small creature perched on her shoulder.
‘Gaji, it’s your turn now.’
[You want me to use the World Tree’s power on this?]
‘Yup.’
[Don’t forget—you promised me delicious honey later.]
‘Got it.’
Gaji stretched out a small branch-like limb into the bottle. The tip extended and slipped inside.
The liquid inside the bottle rippled.
[It’s done.]
‘Thanks, Gaji.’
Elia held up the bottle and gently swirled it.
The dull color inside the bottle transformed into a soft golden hue. The two ingredients had harmonized beautifully.
“Young Miss, what did you do?”
Felix, who had been watching the entire process, looked at her with wide, astonished eyes.
“I used the World Tree’s power to help the conflicting properties of the herbs blend.”
“The World Tree’s power is that versatile?”
“It can be—if you know how to use it.”
Elia smiled and sealed the perfectly mixed medicine into a proper container.
“Uncle, as thanks for helping me, I’ll find you another rare herb soon.”
“Really?”
“Really. Just trust me.”
If she wanted to keep Felix working for the ducal house long-term, she had to keep him happy.
‘No need to go make your fortune somewhere else—just become rich right here.’
That way, the ducal house benefits, and Felix prospers too. Everyone wins.
Elia packed the bottle in her bag and left the lab.
“Oh, Miss! You’re back?”
“Jasper, where were you?”
“I’ve been resting. I haven’t been feeling well lately.”
“Are you very sick?”
“Not really. Just a mild fever. Nothing to worry about.”
“Then what’s with your hand?”
“My hand?”
“Can I see it?”
“Ah, it’s nothing.”
Jasper quickly hid her hand inside her sleeve.
“Just a small injury. It’ll heal soon once I apply some ointment.”
“Okay…”
“You’re busy, right? You should go.”
“Ah, yeah. Sure.”
As Jasper entered the lab, Elia turned away.
‘I think I saw a rash on her hand. Or maybe I imagined it?’
Jasper had hidden her hand too fast for Elia to see clearly.
‘And her expression… She looked like she was hiding something.’
The way she avoided eye contact, the flustered look—it was suspicious.
‘I’ll have to check into that later.’
Back in her room, Elia placed the medicine into her chick-shaped bag and headed for dinner.
The bag had been a gift from Alexis. He’d said it would look cute on her and bought it himself.
He had also given her some spring dresses and accessories, saying it was time to dress for the season now that winter was over.
When she arrived at the dining room, Alexis was already waiting.
“Duke?”
“I was waiting, Elia. That bag really suits you—it’s cute.”
She didn’t dislike being called cute.
The moment Lapis stepped into the mansion, he was startled by what he saw.
There were signs of wear and tear. The decorations looked outdated.
But what surprised him most was the furniture.
In the capital, nobles constantly updated their homes with the latest trends. Yet this ducal mansion looked frozen in time.
Running a merchant group and information network, Lapis had done his research.
Tight finances. Strong military. Little imperial support. Harsh northern conditions.
‘Their financial situation must be worse than expected.’
And clearly, the person who knew that better than anyone—was Elia.
She was young, but claimed to be the World Tree’s Guardian.
And she was under the ducal house’s protection.
Then—
“It’s not much, but please enjoy.”
Lapis was stunned when he saw the table.
A whole roast turkey—usually served on special occasions—was the centerpiece. High-quality vegetable salad, slow-simmered lentil stew, and freshly baked baguettes filled the table.
“Brother, this stew is so good!”
Razli, who usually ate bland food due to her condition, tasted the lentil stew and beamed.
“Glad it suits your taste.”
“Yeah! You should try it too.”
“I will.”
Norman skillfully carved the turkey and placed a slice on Lapis’s plate.
“Our chef is quite talented. I hope it suits your palate.”
“The food is excellent.”
“That’s a relief.”
Norman smiled and stepped back.
Elia dug into her turkey and asked:
“Your name’s Razli, right?”
“Yes, Miss.”
“Call me Elia, Razli.”
“Oh, I couldn’t possibly…”
“It’s fine. They call me ‘Miss’ here, but I’m technically a commoner.”
Razli’s eyes widened.
“Really?”
“Really. How old are you, Razli?”
“I’m ten.”
“Then you’re older than me! I’m seven. I’ll call you ‘big sis’ from now on, so you can speak casually too.”
Blushing, Razli replied:
“Okay.”
“I’ve been talking a lot, huh? Our chef’s really good. If there’s anything you want to eat, just tell him.”
“You should talk casually too.”
“Should I?”
“Yeah.”
And so, Elia and Razli agreed to speak informally to each other. The meal continued in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
The treatment would begin the next day.
Though Elia had suggested resting for a few days after the long journey, Razli insisted she wanted to start immediately.
The Next Day
Elia and Felix visited Razli’s room. It was time for her treatment.
She brought Felix along in case something unexpected happened and a doctor was needed.
Razli lay quietly in bed.
Lapis looked tense as he watched Elia and Felix enter. Alexis arrived shortly after.
A strange tension filled the room.
“Big sis, I’m going to start the treatment now.”
“Okay.”
“Mr. Lapis, please step back.”
Still holding Razli’s hand tightly, Lapis looked reluctant.
“Don’t worry, brother.”
Lapis bit his lip and looked at Elia.
“If something goes wrong…”
“Then you can kill me if you want.”
Lapis nodded and backed away.
Elia took the glowing golden bottle from her bag.
“Big sis, I’m going to give you the medicine now. It might taste bad, but don’t throw it up.”
“Got it.”
At her nod, Felix helped Razli sit up and gave one final warning.
“It might hurt after you take it. You’ll have to endure it. Can you do that?”
“I can. I want to get better.”
Elia opened the bottle and gently poured the medicine into Razli’s mouth.
“Ugh.”
The strange taste and smell made her gag, but she forced herself to swallow it.
At first, nothing happened.
But ten minutes later, Razli’s body began to tense.
“Ah!”
She clutched her chest.
“Razli!”
Lapis tried to rush to her, but Elia shouted:
“Don’t move!”
Lapis froze in place.
Razli’s entire body trembled, and her once-pale skin began to flush.
