The Motive Is Not the Wine

In the darkness, Byron White's trusted aide appeared and asked, "Alliance Leader, she's already falling for you. What do you plan to do next?"

Byron White raised his eyebrow. "Next month is my mother's birthday. Even if His Highness can't make it, Bianca Whitefan and Li Zan will definitely be there."

"What do you mean?"

"When they see Grace fall into my arms, do you think His Highness will still want her?" Byron said. "This way, Yvette Whiteshire's obstacle is eliminated, and it won't interfere with His Highness's plans."

The aide nodded. "Brilliant, Alliance Leader! This plan is sure to work! After all, in her eyes, His Highness is just a minor general from the Vermilion Kingdom—how could he ever compare to you?"

Byron White smiled smugly.

......

Grace ran off, cheeks flushed with shyness.

But as soon as she was out of Byron's sight, her bashfulness instantly turned into mockery.

She didn't believe for a second that Byron was "love at first sight" with her.

If he really liked her, why would he keep giving her "special treatment" that makes all the other Spiritual Alchemists jealous?

But why does he do it?

Could it be that he's sacrificing himself to help his sister?

Heh!

Now that would be interesting...

Still, she couldn't expose him.

In fact, she had to keep playing along with him!

After all, getting into the Celestial Library was the most important thing.

If she made Byron angry, she'd never get into the Celestial Library...

Just as she was thinking, a hand suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her into the darkness.

"Jeez, you scared me!" Grace patted her chest. "What are you doing?"

The person who pulled her was Felix Xi.

It was too dark to see his face, but he'd been burning red pinewood all day, and Grace could smell it on him.

Felix Xi glanced around and whispered, "The ancient formula for the Soul Restoration Pill has already been restored."

"What?"

"Are you dense? The wine is just a cover!" Felix Xi snapped.

In the darkness, Grace looked at his sharp profile and suddenly laughed, "Huh, I never thought you were actually kind of nice!"

Felix Xi turned and walked away.

"Wait!" Grace grabbed his arm.

Felix Xi stopped in his tracks.

"Can I talk to you about something?" Grace asked.

"About what?"

"During the assessment, let me take first place."

"What do you mean?"

"I have a reason I absolutely must get into the Celestial Library!" Grace said. "Name your terms—if I can do it, I'll agree to anything."

Felix Xi was silent for a moment before saying, "Me too."

Grace: "What?"

"I've got my own reason I have to get into the Celestial Library!" Felix Xi said, word by word.

"Is this fun for you?"

Felix Xi didn't answer and turned to leave.

"Then we'll just have to rely on our own skills!" Grace called after his back.

Felix Xi didn't answer at first, but then, remembering he'd promised Grace not to ignore her, he waved at her.

They spent so much time together, yet Grace still couldn't figure him out.

Even in this new life, he was still her strongest rival...

Grace frowned, feeling a bit frustrated, and headed back to her quarters.

She took out her key and unlocked the door.

A foul stench hit her instantly.

"What is that smell?" She covered her nose and lit a lamp—her room was a total disaster!

The floor was covered in filthy water, urine, and feces.

Her toiletries, clothes, and books were all soaked in it.

Even the bed and walls were smeared with filth!

Grace glanced at the other rooms.

At this hour, everyone else was asleep.

She picked up the lamp and walked inside.

......