Nn wasted no time sharing the m


    matter with Eliza.


    He avoided mentioning Fletcher and Isabelle, instead referring to "those from the other race" to keep Eliza alert.


    "That reminds me. Gilbert once brought another one of them to see me," Eliza said, stroking her chin thoughtfully.


    "Who was it?" Nn''s gaze sharpened as he turned to her.


    "A burly man with a beard, named Ro Lane. He told me about some things Zoie, Sophie''s mother, did to mine, but he didn''t have any proof," Eliza replied, holding nothing back.


    "What do you think of him?" Nn asked after a brief pause.


    Eliza answered, I think he was being honest about that, but I can''t say for sure beyond that."


    Both Ro and Gilbert had been poisoned and controlled by Zoie. Eliza had personally verified it, leaving no room for doubt.


    Now, if they wanted to be cured, they had no choice but to rely on Eliza. That made it unlikely Ro would lie to Eliza. Besides, what he kaid about Zoie''s actions against Eliza''s mother lined up with other things Eliza knew.


    Eliza also exined the details of the poison in their bodies to Nn.


    Nn, already aware Gilbert had been under Zoie''s control, nodded when he learned Ro was in the same situation.


    "Still, you''ve got to be careful," Nn said, his voice turning serious, "Gilbert might not be a big problem. He''s half-blood, not truly one of them. If he''s been under Zole''s control since childhood, he might not pose much of a threat. But Ro? You need to watch out for him. If they show up again, don''t let your guard down


    Before leaving. Nn gave Eliza a serious reminder, his concern evident in his tone.


    Eliza nodded firmly, appreciating his care. "Don''t worry. I''ll handle it."


    After Nn left, Eliza''s face turned serious as she stepped directly into the pocket farm within her pendant.


    Inside, the venomous bugs she had been nurturing were still crawling around.


    She summoned Gilbert''s Soul Centipede, Simba, a massive and deadly creature.


    The thing already knew about her pocket farm, so she couldn''t afford any mishaps.


    Eliza then drenched Simba with the magical water and her specially crafted potion, giving it a thorough boost.


    Ouly after confirming that the centipede waspletely under her control, with no chance of rebellion, did she finally feel at ease.


    At a secluded courtyard near the western border in Noganlul.


    Gilbert, hiding inside, suddenly felt a sharp jolt in his chest as if his heart had skipped a beat.


    Ro, watching the searchers outside, turned back and noticed Gilbert''s unusual expression "What''s going on?" he asked immediately Gilbert shook his head. "Nothing. Just felt my heart skip a beat a moment ago


    It felt like something was slipping away from him.


    But at the same time, it didn seem quite right. Why did he suddenly feel so... at case?


    Did someone do something to


    Ro studied hun for a moment, narrowing his eyes. "I told you before I''m taking you to meet some people. Don''t screw this up


    "I won''t Like I said, if the people you''re talking about can antidote, 50, are they rehable?"


    find prool Zone plotted against the Holy Lady''s mother, we''ll get the


    Chupees sas


    Ro smirked. "Of course, they''re reliable. They''re one of us and won''t betray They''re far more


    di talk and no action"


    rthy th


    dy, who


    "All talk and no action? What do you mean by that?" said Gilbert, frowning slightly. "Ro, she just saved your life. What are you trying to say?"


    Ro woofed. "I know the unved me. But don''t forget, Lose did the same thing- saved us first, then controlled us. Gibert, don''t let these Bortend people fool you, especially women. Their beauty always hides venom."


    It was clear Ro believed Eliza was no different from Zole. Even though Eliza had saved his life, he still didn''t trust


    Gilbert, however, remained calm. "I get what you''re saying, Ro, but I trust my judgment."


    Ro stared at him momentarily, then let out a dryugh. "Suit yourself. Once you meet those people, you''ll see who our real


    Eliza had no idea what was happening on the western border for now


    The moment New Year''s Eve was over, her schedule became a whirlwind of activity starting from the first day of the festival


    Her days blurred together. As soon as the opened her eyes, she would dive into blessing ceremonies. As she closed her eyes, she would fall asleep instantly.


    She performed up to five blessing ceremonies a day for two straight weeks. Even with the magical water to keep her going, the exhaustion was overwhelming


    Just as the wrapped up the final ceremony and thought she could finally catch her breath, a message arrived from the Imperial Pce.


    AD