The woman who entered the room carried with her a certain air of authority. However, it was not difficult to tell that she was outraged by Sychia and Sylvia’s behavior.
The woman narrowed her eyes in a scornful manner as her gaze landed on Izroth.
She possessed a pair of eyes that matched that of sunflower petals with long straight sapphire hair.
Her attire was similar to that of Sylvia and Sychia; however, there was a golden outline around the edges of her clothes with a symbol of three cherry blossom petals on her left chest. And, under her right eye were two markings of horizontal black lines parallel to one another.
NPC Name: Third Guardian of the Thousand Blossoms, Olivia(???)
NPC Level: ???
“Aunt Olivia..!” Sychia’s eyes widened in shock when Olivia burst into the room unannounced.
“I can expect this kind of poor behavior from a junior, but for the senior to encourage it—Sylvia, have you gone mad?” Olivia spoke in a stern tone.
Sylvia took a step forward and replied, “Aunt Olivia, I will take full responsibility for what happens. However, this person is not an outsider. He is an Honorary Saint who-”
“Honorary Saint? Him?” Olivia frowned as she sized up Izroth.
No matter how she looked at him, he seemed like an ordinary young man. The sword at his side was somewhat impressive; however, that’s all there was to him. How could he be worthy of being an Honorary Saint of their Order of a Thousand Blossoms?
“Whether or not he is an Honorary Saint, you still cannot bring just anyone to this place. Those invited here are all great masters of healing who have taken a divine oath under the watch of the guardians. But you two have brought a complete stranger with unknown ties to this place. Your actions are inexcusable!” Olivia stated.
She then continued, “As punishment, both of you will spend twenty hours a day in the Self-Reflection Room for three months! As for this stranger with unknown origins, he will be confined to the Thousand Blossoms Peak until his identity is confirmed.”
Sychia and Sylvia wanted to object; however, Olivia was not only a Thousand Blossoms Guardian but also a part of the same generation as their master. Nonetheless, after seeing some positive results with their master’s health in the short amount of time that Izroth had been present, they were terrified that Olivia would end up offending Izroth.
If that happened, what if he refused to continue their master’s treatment? Wouldn’t it be too huge of a loss?
The atmosphere within the room grew heavy, but the silence that started to fill the room did not last long as a carefree voice broke through.
“How amusing,” Izroth commented calmly with a carefree smile.
“How rude! Tell me, what is it that you find so amusing?” Olivia said with a glare.
“It’s just that based on your actions, one would assume that you are the Holy Maiden of the Order of a Thousand Blossoms,” Izroth stated.
He then continued, “Also, you wish to confine me? Wishing is one thing. But, whether or not you have the ability to do so is a different question.”
She wanted to confine him against his will? Even if Izroth were on amicable terms with Sychia, he would not allow the Order of a Thousand Blossoms, or anyone for that matter, to control his actions.
“Arrogant!” Olivia unleashed a powerful aura that swept throughout the room.
This aura belonged to someone who had clearly reached the late stage of the legendary realm!
However, just as her aura was about to approach Izroth, it dispersed as a heavy voice sounded.
“Enough,” Seina said solemnly.
‘Oh? It took her longer than expected. Still, to think she could act to this extent in her current condition. The Evil Cleansing Pill may have helped alleviate some negative effects, but… She’s still much livelier than I anticipated.’
Even in her current state, without lifting a single finger, the Holy Maiden managed to disperse the aura of someone at the late stage of the legendary realm.
“Olivia… Not only do you enter my room unannounced, but you also insulted our honored guest. More importantly-” Seina said as the covers on her bed shifted.
The following moment left everyone present in a state of disbelief.
“You- How is this possible…?!” Olivia’s eyes widened in shock as she witnessed the scene before her.
Tears could be seen flowing from Sychia and Sylvia’s eyes as their expressions of disbelief quickly transformed into ones of astonishment.
“Master, you’re standing…!” Sychia exclaimed.
Seina, who had been bedridden for several months, was now standing on her own two feet! How could those present not be shocked?!
Seina walked over with a natural air of authority and a strange calmness that encompassed her.
She stopped right in front of Olivia and met her gaze, sending shivers down the spine of the Thousand Blossoms Guardian.
“You dare to discipline my disciples when I am here in front of you. Tell me, junior sister, has my authority been forgotten?” Seina said with a cold and distant gaze as an indescribable pressure descended upon Olivia.
“Senior sister, I… I…” Olivia wanted to speak, but the pressure was too great, causing her mind to fall blank.
Seina closed her eyes and released the pressure she placed upon Olivia.
“I shall overlook your actions this time since it can be seen as you performing your duties. However, in the future, you must remember that even when performing your duties…” Seina leaned closer to Olivia.
She then whispered in her ear, “As long as I am here, no one else can make the final decision on matters.”
Olivia remained silent as her gaze fell to the floor.
The next moment, Seina stood up straight as she turned to face Izroth with a warm smile.
“You must excuse my junior sister. She lacks a gentle touch when handling sensitive matters. I hope our Honorary Saint does not think too poorly of our Order after this small mishap.” Seina said calmly.
“Since you have taken care of it, I will not speak of it further. But, enough time has already been wasted. Your condition has certainly improved; however, it can only be considered a second wind.” Izroth stated.
“Worry not, Apothecary Izroth. I am aware of my body’s state quite well.” Seina responded.
Izroth gave a small nod and said, “Then, we can start right away. I will need to acquire some ingredients. It’s just that I’m not sure a place like your Order will have what I need.”
“Surely you jest. You merely need to say what it is that you require, and even if my Order of a Thousand Blossoms does not have it, I can guarantee you that will shall do everything within our power to obtain it.” Seina replied graciously.
Ingredients? She was a grade seven Apothecary at the peak of the legendary realm. Naturally, she had a plethora of ingredients at her disposal. However, Izroth already knew this, which meant that the ingredients he wanted must be quite unorthodox for him to make such a comment.
“Then, I will give you a list. The ingredients must be gathered in the correct quantities and qualities; otherwise, I can not make any guarantees.” Izroth stated as he removed a small piece of parchment from his inventory.
The piece of parchment was nothing special. It was something players could obtain from any general store that allowed them to write notes using the mana around them as ink.
Izroth wrote down the ingredients he needed on the parchment and held it out.
As the eldest disciple present, Sylvia moved to receive the parchment from Izroth. But, before she could do so, Seina motioned forward with her hand, causing the parchment to levitate over to her.
As she read over the ingredients, Seina furrowed her brows. She had never heard of this combination of ingredients being used in pill crafting. But, what stood out the most was not the combination of ingredients but rather the type.
“Apothecary Izroth, are you sure this is the correct list?” Seina inquired.
“I am certain,” Izroth replied without hesitation.
“I see. Then, I’m sure you are aware of what you’re asking me to gather.” Seina said as she narrowed her eyes.
“If we had more time, there would be other options. However, this is the best choice given your present circumstances. Of course, I will not force your hand. But I will say this now. Besides me, there is no one else in the Mortal Realm who can cure you with the time you have left.” Izroth stated.
Seina fell silent for a brief moment. She then released a light sigh as a slight smile found its way onto her face.
“Sylvia, see to it that every ingredient on this list is gathered within two hours. Have your junior sister Jade accompany you as you may have to visit more… Unpleasant areas.” Seina said as she levitated the list over to Sylvia.
“Yes, master. I will take care of it immediately!” Sylvia replied as she accepted the list and quickly made her way out of the room.
…
After she left the room, Sylvia read over that list of ingredients. However, as she did so, Sylvia abruptly halted her steps as she could not believe her eyes.
“Spined Serpent Venom, White Scorpion Toxin, Juugarian Tree Sap… These ingredients—Aren’t they all poisonous…?!” Sylvia exclaimed.
…
A few moments later…
“You will have to excuse the mess, Apothecary Izroth. As you can imagine, I was not expecting any visitors.” Seina said as she stood before a gorgeous wooden door.
