“Littledy, I can’t help but notice you’ve got a real knack for herbs. Does your family dabble in alternative medicine?” Niki asked, his voice tinged with surprise.


    When Knox perfected this recipe, incorporating some herbal remedies into the dish, he had even consulted Niki during the process, so Niki <b>was </b>well aware of every Ingredient and its intended effect, believing the concoction to be nothing short of perfection.


    However, when the young girl suggested adding two more herbs, Knox savored the dish again and discovered a subtle brilliance to her rmendation. It was as if she had seamlessly filled in the gaps he hadn’t noticed. Someone who could point out such easily overlooked details had to be exceptionally skilled in the art of herbal medicine. Moreover, she made her own suggestions after merely tasting the dish.


    Mirabe looked up calmly and replied, “No, I don’t.”


    Niki’s eyes widened with even more astonishment. “But you seem to have a <b>deep </b>understanding of pharmacology.”


    With a slight smile and aposed demeanor, Mirabe sald, “I’ve read some medical texts, that’s all. I hope you don’t think I’m trying to show off.”


    Niki stroked his long beard, his gaze upon Mirabe betraying his skepticism. Could someone who’d merely nced at a few medical books possess such precise insights? If so, she was a prodigy among prodigies.


    Mirabe remained serene under his scrutiny, the picture of quiet grace.


    Knox, snapping out of his reverie, scooted his stool closer to her, blinking earnestly. “Kid, are you sure you don’t want to consider being my apprentice?”


    The corners of Mirabe’s mouth twitched at Knox’s overt attempt to appear endearing. Was this how people were trying to stay hip these days, by acting cutesy at every turn?


    “I really have no interest in cooking,” she said with a firmness that belled her gentle expression. “And what are you interested in?” Knox probed, his tone suggesting he was ready to cater to her every interest.


    Before Mirabe could reply, Niki chimed in slyly, “How about alternative medicine? Does that pique your interest?”


    Knox’s face soured as he turned to re at Niki. “Pssh, you medicine peddler. You think it’s appropriate to have a young girl selling remedies with you?”


    Niki lifted his chin with a chuckle. “And you think it’s appropriate to have her in the kitchen, training to be a chef?”


    “Get lost! My biggest mistake today was inviting you over.” Knox retorted. The nerve of Niki,


    trying to poach Knox’s potential apprentice right in front of him!


    Mirabe watched the two elders on the verge of a quarrel, massaging her temples before speaking up, “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but I have no interest in either cooking or selling medicine. Really, there’s no need for this fuss.”


    Knox sighed, then shot Niki another venomous look. All this chaos, thanks to this troublesome old man!


    Niki could only shrug in response.


    Observing the esteemed elders squabble over Mirabe, Wyatt couldn’t help but touch his nose. and regard her with renewed curiosity.


    Based on all the information he’d gathered about her, aside from her melodramatic background. Mirabe was just an ordinary girl who grew up in a small town, relying on her grandmother. Nothing out of the ordinary.


    Yet, here she was, a simple high school student, and these two were vying to take her under their wing. Their eagerness didn’t seem like mere jest. It was all so baffling, like knowing there was a mystery but being unable to see through it.