A Graceful Lady, A Worthy Gentleman

Grace nodded and handed Cutie Pie over to Leon Zane.

Cutie Pie didn't mind at all.

...

That night, when Cutie Pie came back, sure enough, there was a talisman shaped like a gold ingot tied to its tail.

Grace activated the talisman with her spirit power and could communicate with Shannon. It was honestly pretty magical.

After chatting with Shannon for a while, Grace finally confirmed that Byron White’s special treatment of her was definitely not out of pure goodwill.

But for now, she still couldn’t figure out what Byron was really up to.

Even Shannon couldn’t say for sure.

Two days later, Grace finally started to get a sense of what was going on.

They tried to refine a pill with Witherbane and Viper Gall, but in the end, it failed again.

It was already late by the time they left the alchemy room that day.

Grace was about to head home when Byron suddenly said, "Grace, let me walk you back."

"Uh, that's okay, Alliance Leader," Grace replied. "I can go back with Xi Fu."

"I have something to discuss with you."

"Oh, alright then." So Grace went back with him.

She figured Byron probably wasn't going to kill her.

After all, he'd had plenty of chances but never made a move.

"Alliance Leader, what did you want to talk about?" Grace asked as they walked.

"Have you ever thought about staying at headquarters?" Byron asked.

"...I don't think I'm qualified to stay at headquarters yet," Grace said.

Spirit Alchemists are ranked from level one to eighteen. Only those above level twelve can join headquarters.

Also, branch leaders above level nine, who’ve served for more than a year, can join the main alliance too.

"I could give you a special promotion," Byron said.

"A promotion... Thanks, Alliance Leader, but no need."

"Why not? Headquarters has way more resources than the branches."

"My mother is sick and needs me to take care of her," Grace said.

"Oh, I see..." Byron said. "But you could bring your mother here. And your father—I could arrange for him to work as an official in Eastern Luo."

Grace looked at him. "Why?"

Byron stopped and gazed at her with deep affection. "A graceful lady is a gentleman’s perfect match."

Grace: "Huh?"

"Grace, from the moment I first saw you, I haven't been able to forget you," Byron said. "Will you stay by my side?"

Grace blinked and then gave a shy smile. "Alliance Leader, don't tease me like that!"

"I'm not joking. I mean it."

"But I already have a fiancé!" Grace blurted out.

"So what? You two aren't even married yet. Even if you were, as long as you're willing, I wouldn't mind!"

"Alliance Leader, I appreciate your kindness, but my engagement was decreed by Emperor Henry Vermilion. If I break it, my whole family could be punished."

"Ha!" Byron chuckled. "Maybe you don't know who I really am?"

"Huh? What do you mean, Alliance Leader?" Grace looked genuinely confused.

"I'm the Fourth Prince of the Eastern Luo Empire. If Emperor Henry Vermilion dares to say no to me about the woman I want, he can kiss his throne goodbye!"

"F-Fourth Prince?" Grace lowered her head, clearly flustered and distracted. "Wait, Alliance Leader, you're not married yet?"

"No, I haven't married anyone yet."

"Oh..." Grace fell silent.

A flash of triumph appeared in Byron's eyes as he reached out to touch Grace's hand.

Grace panicked and stepped back, blurting, "I should head home!" and dashed off.

Byron watched her retreating figure and gave a mocking smile.