Chapter 70: Adding a Little Something to the Potions
Givia wasn’t familiar with Rebecca, only knowing that she was a highly skilled alchemist trusted by Abyss.
She knew Abyss was incredibly powerful, perhaps the strongest mage she had ever encountered, and his followers were also exceptionally capable. She didn’t know their ultimate goal, but their strength alone was enough to earn her respect.
The Restoration Army was still locked in a difficult struggle against Prince Kevin’s forces. Gaining the support of a powerful and principled mage like Abyss would be a boon to her cause.
Therefore, when Rebecca, after tasting all the potions and deciphering their formulas in a manner that stunned everyone, requested permission to “add a little something” to them, Givia agreed, despite her shock and confusion.
It was a bold decision. Santos had advised against it, but Givia’s determination had silenced him. If Rebecca was a charlatan, tampering with these valuable potions could ruin them. However, after careful consideration, Givia chose to trust her.
The caravan stopped, allowing Rebecca to set up her portable alchemy equipment and brew several potions. She then opened each bottle of purchased potion, carefully examining its contents before adding a few drops of an unknown liquid. The potions didn’t seem to change.
“It’s done,” Rebecca said, straightening up, her gaze fixed on Givia, her voice filled with gratitude. “Abyss told me your story, Your Highness. You’re truly a courageous and insightful leader. Thank you for trusting my skills. I won’t disappoint you. These additives will react with the original potions, creating a protective mechanism without altering their effects, preventing these fragile containers from breaking.”
Givia smiled. “I trust you, and I trust Mr. Abyss. But could you explain this ‘protective mechanism’?”
“Of course, Your Highness,” Rebecca said, nodding. “But this information must remain confidential, between the four of us.”
Givia understood. If everyone knew, the guards might inadvertently reveal the information to the enemy through their dreams. She agreed to Rebecca’s request. The caravan resumed its journey, and once they were inside the carriage, Rebecca explained her method for protecting the potions, demonstrating its effects with a modified bottle…
…
“Your Majesty, the Shadowlings’ attack failed,” Apos reported, his voice grim, kneeling before Kevin.
Kevin sat on an ornate throne, adorned with a griffin skin. They were alone in the vast hall, no guards or servants present.
“I believe you promised you wouldn’t fail,” Kevin said, his voice cold and arrogant, not even looking at Apos, let alone granting him permission to rise.
“I did promise success, because I have a backup plan. My methods are foolproof,” Apos said calmly, his voice high-pitched. “Although this attack didn’t achieve the desired results, we now know their route, making it easier to set up an ambush. This next attack will be unstoppable. You can look forward to it, Your Majesty.”
“I don’t need to look forward to anything. Just do your job,” Kevin said, his gaze fixed on a signet ring on his finger. “I’ll continue giving you opportunities until Givia reaches her base, Apos. Don’t betray my trust. You know that once she reaches her base, we can no longer monitor her movements. That’s the rule set by Master. Neither of us can break it.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. I understand. I’ll do my best to destroy those potions Givia acquired from the Eastern Empire.”
Apos was about to say something else, but Kevin, seemingly anticipating his request, interrupted him. “I know what you want. The Dream Seer is yours to command. Even if he dies, it doesn’t matter. We don’t have many opportunities. One Dream Seer is expendable. We can always find another.”
“Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty,” Apos said, bowing his head.
“You may leave,” Kevin said. “And on your way out, announce my decree. I require more maids for the palace. Generous compensation, but only those who have experienced war. This is a special reward for those who have served our kingdom bravely.”
“You need them…”
“For Master,” Kevin said, waving his hand impatiently at Apos, who was already backing away. “Go now. Don’t keep me waiting.”
“Understood, Your Majesty. I’ll handle it immediately,” Apos said, exiting the hall.
As he closed the door behind him, a flicker of disdain crossed his face, but it vanished quickly. Neither the guards nor the servants waiting outside noticed his subtle change in expression.
…
Night had fallen. The caravan stopped at a relatively safe location, setting up camp for the night.
The guards, exhausted, lay sleeping in their tents. But Givia, unlike usual, wasn’t tormented by nightmares. She had slept for an hour, and just as the nightmare began, Abyss had woken her. It was time to try Rebecca’s potion, to see if it could replace sleep and prevent the nightmares.
She consumed the fatigue-eliminating potion, her mind relaxing, a sense of calm washing over her. Although she wasn’t asleep, it felt like she was, her exhaustion fading away.
“It actually works…” she said, her speech slightly slowed by the potion’s effects. “I feel my fatigue dissipating, like I’m sleeping. Even the tension I’ve been carrying has lessened. Ray, your potion is truly remarkable!”
“I’m glad it’s helping,” Rebecca said, smiling triumphantly.
Abyss was also pleased. Givia was a valuable source of sustenance for the Lord of Nightmares. This might annoy him. And a cunning enemy, driven to anger, might reveal his weaknesses…
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