A Dog Cannot Change Its Nature

"Me?" Princess Bianca Whiteshire glanced at her maid Amber. "When did I ever ask her to come?"

"You only said you wanted a good Spiritual Alchemist to take a look. I took the liberty of inviting her—she's the famous prodigy of the Spirit Alliance!" Amber replied, her words polite but edged with sarcasm.

"If that's the case, why didn't you wake me up sooner? We're all old acquaintances, aren't we?" Bianca teased, her tone light but mocking.

"How could I dare disturb Your Highness's midday nap?" Amber shot Grace a glance. "She's just a Spiritual Alchemist, but to step into Jubilee Palace and wait for you to wake up—already a huge honor!"

"You really don't know how to talk, do you?" Bianca chuckled, settling herself down with leisurely grace.

"Your Highness, are you feeling unwell anywhere?" Grace stepped forward politely. "Please extend your hand—I'll check your pulse."

"I invited the Spiritual Alchemist, but it's not for me," Bianca said. "Amber, bring Coco here."

"Yes, Your Highness!" Amber answered and left.

Moments later, Amber returned, cradling a small dog in her arms.

"Coco!" Bianca gazed at her little white dog, her face full of affection. "Oh, my poor Coco. She hasn't eaten for days—what on earth is wrong with her?"

Bianca looked at Grace with genuine concern. "Grace, this is my favorite pet. Please, can you see what's wrong with her?"

Spiritual Alchemists heal the sick, save lives, and can even refine pills to boost cultivation. They're respected wherever they go.

No one ever asks a Spiritual Alchemist to treat a dog.

What a creative way to humiliate someone!

Grace said nothing, just replied calmly, "Alright," and went to examine the dog.

"Wait!" Amber suddenly stepped back, stopping her.

"Miss Zhu, Coco is the princess's favorite pet. Her Highness eats and sleeps with her. If you're going to treat Coco, you have to kneel!" Amber demanded.

Grace answered smoothly, "Amber, I already know what's wrong with the dog. No need to examine her further."

"Oh? Then what's wrong with her?" Amber asked skeptically.

"The dog ate something dirty and got worms in her stomach. That's why she's lost her appetite," Grace explained.

"Worms? But she only eats imperial cuisine—how could it be dirty?" Bianca questioned.

Grace smiled at Bianca. "There's a saying: 'A dog can't stop itself from eating filth.' Coco may be the most pampered dog in the palace, but deep down, she still can't change her nature. I bet she snuck off and ate something nasty when no one was looking!"

No matter how you hear it, Grace's words were a jab—ostensibly about the dog, but really aimed at someone else.

Amber's face darkened. "How dare you! Do you know where you are? Watch your tongue!" she snapped.

"What, did I say something wrong?" Grace replied, perfectly calm.

"You—" Amber sputtered, cut off by Bianca.

"Amber." Bianca stopped her, then smiled at Grace. "She's just upset she didn't take good care of Coco and is afraid I'll blame her. Don't mind her."

"Of course not," Grace replied. "As long as Your Highness isn't angry, that's all that matters."

Bianca smiled. "By the way, the Celestial Empress's birthday is coming up. Did you get an invitation?"

Grace lowered her eyes. "I'm just an ordinary Spiritual Alchemist. How could I possibly be invited to the Divine Realm?"

"Let's be honest—after serving the Crown Prince all this time, you still don't have an official title. I can't help but feel sorry for you!" Bianca said bluntly.

Grace said nothing.

"This time, the Empress is choosing a consort for the Crown Prince at the birthday banquet. Why don't you disguise yourself as my maid and come with me? Since we know each other, I can't promise much, but if I become the Crown Prince's consort, I could at least promote you to a chamber maid!" Bianca offered, her tone playful and condescending.