<h4>Chapter 259: Drops Of Blood</h4>


    All five participants in the fifth group started working with focus. The others had noticed the messy situation at Natalie’s table when they arrived. Though some felt a little bad for her, most were relieved; Natalie was considered a strongpetitor after her impressive performance at the perfumeunch event.


    The judges noticed the state of her table and expected Natalie to request fresh chemicals. However, Natalie had already started working as the timer had begun.


    The live audience in the hall and those watching on their TVs could clearly see the disarray at Natalie’s work table. The cameras had captured the clumsy movements of the previous contestant who had messed it up.


    The viewers in the hall began whispering among themselves.


    "Can she make a perfume out of that? She didn’t even ask for new chemicals."


    "Time is ticking, and they’ve given a surprise theme. She can’t afford to waste any."


    "She wasbeled a giarist before. Let’s see if she’s truly skilled or if she uses this mess on her table as an excuse for failing this round."


    Ms. Taylor, one of the judges, sat quietly observing Natalie. Watching Natalie’s focused expression and steady hands, despite the difficult situation, she could tell Natalie knew exactly what she was doing.


    One of the other judges leaned over and whispered, "Ms. Taylor, why didn’t she ask for fresh chemicals?"


    "A true perfumer can create magic with whatever they are given. Let’s wait and watch," Ms. Taylor replied calmly.


    Meanwhile, in the waiting room, the other fifteen participants were murmuring among themselves.


    "She’s a giarist. What if she cheats this time too? It would be better if she’s eliminated in this round itself."


    "True, the one who messed up the chemicals deserves praise for this."


    Out ofpetitive spirit, most of the participants were simply waiting for Natalie to fail.


    Time was ticking by. One by one, all the other four perfumers on the stage finished their perfumes, but Natalie was still working. Everyone was watching her, some anticipating the result, while others were certain she would fail.


    "Among all twenty contestants, she’s the slowest. How can she even im to be a perfumer with such a slow pace?"


    "The others have already finished and returned to the waiting area, but she’s still working. She should just give up and leave instead of wasting everyone’s time."


    "She’s not going to finish it in time. Only four minutes are left."


    Then, just as the clock counted down, Natalie finished her perfume. She carried the tray with her creation to the judges. As she ced it in front of them and they prepared to test it...


    "Wait!" Natalie said.


    The five judges looked at her, puzzled. "What happened?" one of them asked.


    "Thest ingredient is yet to be added," she replied.


    With that, Natalie took a piece of ss, cut the tip of her forefinger, and let two drops of her blood fall into the perfume. The drops disappeared into the liquid as if they had never existed.


    "Now it’s ready," she said, ncing at the timer which showed few seconds were still left.


    The viewers were stunned. Many of them, unfamiliar with the art of perfumery, had never seen such a technique before.


    The judges saw Natalie’s actions and epted her perfume as it waspleted within the time limit. One by one, they began testing it and were amazed by its unique scent.


    However, there was an issue. Ms. Taylor spoke up. "Ms. Natalie, this perfume is indeed unique and remarkable, but you should know that we do not support using substances like blood in our creations. It has been banned for a long time. Are you not aware of this?"


    "I am," Natalie replied calmly and gestured toward the form she had written down while exining. "My theme was <i>Mythology and Fantasy.</i> My creation is called <i>Dragon’s Fire.</i> For this, I needed a chemical that could add a metallic essence to the perfume. Since the chemicals on my table were not in proper condition, I used my blood to create that effect, as blood contains iron. I had no time left to request new chemicals because this perfume requires precision, and every second is crucial."


    She pointed to the form sheet, which was also disyed on the screen for the audience. "If you look at the form, instead of blood, these two chemicals can be used to achieve the same effect. As legendary perfumers, you can confirm this." She then gestured to another sk of perfume. "This sk doesn’t contain my blood. We can add the two chemicals, and you can verify the result yourself."


    Though the judges trusted her exnation, they decided to demonstrate it for the audience. The two chemicals were brought to Natalie, and she added them to the second sk. The judges tested it again and found that the scent was identical.


    They were impressed with her deep understanding of the art of perfume creation.


    Once all twenty participants hadpleted their turn, they were called back onto the stage. The final scores from the judges were disyed, listing the top five participants who would proceed to the next round.


    Among the five, Briena’s score was the highest, while Natalie was ranked fifth.


    Briena was over the moon at her top position, but her joy was dampened by the fact that Natalie had made it to the next round. <i>It’s alright. I’ll throw her out in the next round,</i> she thought with determination.


    Natalie, on the other hand, remained quiet. She had anticipated this oue and had noints about it. Her use of blood had cost her points, but she was not eliminated.


    The judges spoke to the contestants. "Ms. Briena, your creation was wless. We look forward to seeing more of your amazing work."


    "Thank you so much," Briena replied with a bright smile.


    "Ms. Natalie, while your creation was amazing and you’ve demonstrated how determination can lead to creating something from scratch, we do not approve of the use of blood in perfumes. That is why your score is lower. However, we look forward to seeing your skills and innovation in the next round."


    "Thank you," Natalie responded calmly, her expression unreadable.