That''s absurd, Anthony Benedict eximed, incredulous. "How can you say we don''t treat you like a normal person? Every single one of us does! And if Eliza truly despised you, why would she have looked after you for so long? She may not deserve praise, but you owe her at least some gratitude. How can you be so unthankful?"


    "I don''t hate her, I already told you that. It''s just that she did care for me, so there''s that. Anthony''s voice was t, almost aloof.


    Benedict could bear it no longer. "You are utterly hopeless!" he snapped, his voice shaking with rage as he spun around and stormed away, robes billowing behind him.


    *Benedict! Your medicine!" Anthony called after him, but he was already striding away, not even ncing back as he left the courtyard.


    Anthony frowned at the medicine, a touch of confusion in his expression. "I was only being truthful," he muttered. "Why does Benedict always take Eliza''s side? Shouldn''t I be the one feeling hurt?"


    Anthony''s face remained nk for a moment before he shook his head. "It''s fine. Even Benedict doesn''t get me, but that''s okay. Sophie understands, and that''s all that matters."


    He recalled Gabriel''s instructions back in Sophie''s room. Cultivating medicinal herbs-it was a good n, but they''d need a lot morend to make it profitable.


    Eliza already had a significant advantage with threerge estates and additional fields she had acquired. Herpetitors would have needed to match or exceed her herb fields to keep up. However, the Duke''s estate had limitednd, even with the portion given to Sophie.


    ''It seems I''ll have to acquire another estate. Benedict''s property could be a viable option. Anthony stroked his chin, lost in thought. "How can I persuade Benedict to give up his estate?''


    A few dayster, at Saint Grace Nunnery, Eliza finished her daily inspection of the herb fields as Mki trailed behind her, giving her a steady stream of reports.


    "Kenzie Frye is at Oriphoenix Building and sends her greetings. She wants you to know she''smitted to managing the building as diligently as before and hopes you can visit when you have time."


    Eliza nodded slightly. "I''m swampedtely, but I''ll visit her as soon as I have time."


    "koger was taken from the Duke''s eptate the same day the magistrate of the House of Imperial Justice received fullpensation. However, our people haven''t seen him since."


    "Don''t bother investigating. The Duke''s estate wouldn''t tolerate someone liks him. He''s likely dead already."


    Aware of her father''s tendencies. Eliza knew the Duke of Mowbay held a deep disdain for anyone who brought shame


    upon


    their family


    When Gabriel had previously banished her after her reputation was ruined, he hadn''t hesitated. With her gone. Sophie and the Stonor brothers had probably duir something to infuriate him. She could practically see him fuming


    Eluca scoffed Mkimed calmly, "We''ve purchased thend you requested. After a thorough review, we kept some of the original truants, and, as you instructed, they''ve begun learning how to grow medicinal herbs. If everything goes ording to n, the belids should be fully nted within two weeks"


    "Besides the tenant farmers, hire guards to patrol the fields. Regardless of who they are, anyone caught tampering with the herb fields should be apprehended and tumed over to the authorities," Eliza instructed


    Mki''s efficiency was truly impressive, he replied. "Understood, my be deployed soon"


    Rest assured. I''ve already chosen the first group,


    and they


    Aber hearing the updates. Eliza en used herself to go to di wn and returned with a bucket. "This solution 1 developed will enhance the deria'' survival rate and


    patricy when diluted and applied to the bell."


    agsal water from her pocket farms. To av


    aun, she cleverly devised a solution fur an ordinary-looking diet gemeni liquid.


    jurarnving the bada-whien inxed


    "Understood, my Lady" Mki tumed to go, but Eliza stop him "Que more thi


    said, "Have koruzone vach the Duke x esti


    and report immediately it anything strange necurs."


    "Alright!" Mki picked up the bucket and left.


    Just as Mki departed, another visitor arrived at Eliza''s gate. Eliza nced over. "Your Highness?"


    "I hope I''m not interrupting." Nn said with a faint smile.


    "Not at all. I''ve just finished. Please, Your Highness,e in and have a seat."


    went to make coffee.


    Hearing themotion, Renee investigated the noise and quietly went to


    Nn set the box of pastries on the stone table. "I brought you some pastries," he said.


    The instant the aroma reached her, Eliza guessed what it was. "Basque cheesecake?" she asked Nn, her voiceced with surprise.


    With a chuckle, he sat down. "I heard this was your favorite, so I brought some."


    Eliza arched an eyebrow. "And just who might have told you chat?"


    The manager at Dinsica House said you used to be a regr customer but haven''t visited as much this year"


    The truth was that the young masters of Duke''s estate used to buy Basque cheesecake for Eliza quite often, but not so much this year. Nn, however, didn''t want to upset Eliza, so he didn''t tell her that.


    r to remember,"


    Eliza savored a bite of the treat, her eyes brightening as a wave of nostalgia washed over her. "How kind of the manager to she said. "I must visit Dinsica House the next time I''m in Hasen City


    As Nn watched her savor the treat, he remained silent. Once she''d finished a couple e of pieces, he finally asked, "Before I left for Noganlul, didn''t you say you were interested in learning self-defense?"


    Eliza nodded eagerly. "I did," she said.


    I''m quite free for a while. I coulde by each day to teach you," Nn suggested.


    "Of course, I have time," Eliza said, thinking that if the Prince Regent was making


    time in his schedule to teach her, she was also obligated to make time.


    "Alright, continue eating. Once you''re done, take a short break, and we''ll get started, Nn said.


    Eliza podded eagerly. "Got it!"


    Eliza didn''t eat much bequse they were starting soon. She saved a few pieces forter and gave the rest to Renee, Tina wasn''t interested


    After changing intoly clothes, Nn turned to Eliza with a serious expression. "Eliza, if you want to learnbat skills, you must be in good shape. It''s going to be tough. Are you up for the challenge?


    Eliza nodded with determination. To ready. I won''t give up. no matter the challenges ahead"


    seeing her determination, Nn straightened up and nodded. "Okay, let''s start with the basic-wide