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Chapter 140: Love's Dew
Chapter 140: Love's Dew
Although the effects weren’t immediately obvious at first, given enough time, this innate talent could transform an ordinary individual into a true powerhouse.
“You two keep working,” Madame Ellen waved dismissively, signaling her two assistants to return to their stations before turning to Luo En.
“Come, let’s go to the backyard. We have much to discuss.”
The backyard remained its usual tranquil sanctuary, with a few simple wooden chairs shaded beneath an ancient oak tree.
In one corner grew various rare medicinal herbs, their faint floral fragrance permeating the air.
“Seeing them, do you think of your younger self?” Madame Ellen asked with a smile, handing Luo En a cup of hot tea.
Luo En accepted the tea, sipping it lightly. The familiar taste brought warmth: “There are similarities, but they seem far more diligent than I was back then.”
“Diligence is one thing,” Madame Ellen nodded, glancing toward the two bustling figures inside the shop.
“Feina is exceptionally bright, with strong comprehension of herbs and formulas. But she’s often overly cautious, lacking the courage to break free from convention.”
She paused, then added, “Liliya is the opposite. She started slower, but she’s tireless and innovative, unafraid of failure. Most importantly, she possesses rare perseverance and patience.”
Luo En understood instantly—this matched his own observations. Madame Ellen’s eyes flickered with complexity:
“Actually, she’s quite like you. Unexpected potential, wouldn’t you say?”
“Honestly, I didn’t expect you to hire new assistants so soon after I left two months ago,” Luo En deflected with half-teasing sincerity. “Did I not perform well enough?”
“What nonsense,” Madame Ellen lightly tapped his hand. “You’ve surpassed me. With your own workshop and clients, you can’t remain my apprentice forever, clinging to foundational knowledge.”
She sipped her tea, concern softening her gaze: “Besides, I heard you’ve been performing exceptionally well in the Backup Mage Sequence?”
“Fairly well,” Luo En modestly replied, briefly recounting his recent achievements—advanced courses, special guidance from Soren and Youni, and his rising ranking within the Backup Mage Sequence.
Madame Ellen listened in silence, her expression gradually shifting:
“Your growth rate is indeed astonishing. I see now my judgment was spot-on. However…” Her tone turned serious.
“The faster you ascend, the more you’ll draw the attention of those in power. Be especially cautious around anyone who suddenly shows unusual interest in you.”
A chill ran through Luo En. He knew exactly what she meant.
“I’ll be careful,” he vowed solemnly, then redirected the conversation.
They discussed many topics—new formulas, rumors of the Bloodline Altar, transformations within the School’s factions, and the latest developments at the distant Crystal Spire. Luo En discovered that despite her secluded life in this modest herbal shop, Madame Ellen’s knowledge of external affairs was remarkably broad and profound.
“The sky’s darkening. I should return,” Luo En stood, checking the fading light.
“Next time you’re free, please visit my workshop. See how things are developing there.”
“Hmph… Appreciate the invitation, but my old bones can’t handle such hassle,” Madame Ellen chuckled, rising slowly with her cane. Her expression remained neutral as her student departed.
“Oh, Liliya’s shown interest in you since learning your identity. She might seek you out soon. If you need a potion assistant, consider keeping her.”
Her emerald eyes narrowed slightly, voice laced with implication: “You’ve begun understanding the blessings of receiving ‘Boons,’ haven’t you? How about making her your first direct apprentice?”
“This… won’t this affect your work here—”
Before Luo En could finish, Madame Ellen waved him off:
“Enough said. Go now.”
……
Meanwhile, Liliya stood at the shop window, watching Luo En’s retreating figure. Her eyes flickered with complex emotions.
She smoothed her apron’s non-existent wrinkles, as if calming her inner turmoil.
From their conversation, she’d learned Luo En’s status far exceeded her expectations—Intermediate Apprentice, professional Potion Master, Backup Mage Sequence member… Each title seemed a distant summit.
“Liliya, help me sort this Moonlight Grass,” Feina’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Coming,” Liliya replied, hurrying to the worktable.
Yet her gaze strayed repeatedly to the doorway, as if searching for a vanished shadow.
“You’re quite taken with Master Luo En?” Feina asked casually, meticulously sorting herbs.
“I’m just curious,” Liliya forced a smile. “It’s not often someone like him appears at the School.”
“True,” Feina nodded, admiration evident. “Such rapid achievements demand extraordinary talent and effort.”
Liliya remained silent, her hands working but mind already elsewhere.
That night, after Feina left, Liliya stayed behind, offering to organize accounts and inventory—her excuse for solitude.
Behind the counter, she opened a small notebook filled with gathered intelligence—workshop location, daily routines, known accomplishments… Each entry detailed.
“A year ago… arrived from the Kingdom… Sixth Class Starspiritual Aptitude… became Intermediate Apprentice in half a year… Madame Ellen’s only private apprentice…”
She recited the notes, her eyes burning with determination.
Closing the book, she fetched water from the backyard well, washing her face. Her reflection—perfect nose, clear eyes, lips like soft petals—stared back.
Memories surfaced—her birth in the distant southwestern outskirts, the Visaur Baron’s castle… A maid’s fleeting encounter with the lord… A bastard daughter’s survival…
“You exist only because of that face, identical to your mother’s,” the Baroness’ cold words echoed. “The lord spared you out of sentimentality. Otherwise, you’d have been fish food long ago.”
From that moment, she’d mastered flattery and survival in a viper’s nest. At fifteen, overhearing her stepmother and stepsister plotting to gift her to a lecherous foreign noble—Lord Kains—had nearly driven her to flee.
Salvation came through the annual mage “seed selection,” granting her a chance to escape. Though her spiritual energy test results were mediocre, they earned her an apprenticeship.
Yet reality proved harsh—ordinary talents struggled here too.
Feina, a naturally gifted and privileged girl, became her closest ally. Through calculated charm, she maneuvered her way into Madame Ellen’s shop alongside Feina, escaping Lord Kains’ predatory gaze.
“I’ll never be his plaything,” she vowed to her reflection, recalling Kains’ three unfortunate slaves—all discarded or tortured to death in grotesque experiments.
Returning to her dormitory, she retrieved a flat wooden box from beneath her bed. Inside lay her mother’s treasured heirlooms—a delicate dress and cosmetics.
“Luo En…” she whispered, tracing his name. “Backup Mage Sequence prodigy… Madame Ellen’s prized student… professional Potion Master…”
After careful observation, she’d confirmed—he was the strongest protector she could find. Powerful enough to shield her from Kains, kind enough to avoid cruelty, and crucially, rumored to have no romantic entanglements.
She’d already pinpointed his workshop, observing it covertly multiple times. Tomorrow, she’d risk everything to request a position—as his assistant, or any role he’d allow.
“Better to be Luo En’s… anything, than Kains’ toy,” she mused bitterly, resolve flashing in her eyes.
In this brutal supernatural world, the weak had only one path—cling to the strong.
The next morning, just as dawn lightened the horizon, Liliya requested leave, falsely claiming to care for a sick roommate.
Back in her room, she bathed in petal-infused water, donning her cherished light blue gown—elegant yet flattering, accentuating her curves. A touch of makeup enhanced her eyes and lips, balancing innocence with allure.
She practiced expressions in the mirror—humble yet dignified.
The final preparation: a small vial of “Love’s Dew,” a mild potion enhancing charm with an irresistible floral allure, known to awaken instinctive protective urges in men. Dabbing it on her neck and wrists, she inhaled deeply.
Today would be the turning point in her fate.
……
Luo En stood in his workshop training ground, sensing the flow of elemental mana within him.
Recent intensive training had refined his control over Light and Fire elements to near-mastery—effortless, precise.
(End of Chapter)
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