"My mother has always been sick. Honestly, I've combed through countless medical books since I was a child, hoping to find a way to cure her," Grace said. "Plus, my master is truly amazing. With his guidance, I easily earned first place."
Colin Gu seemed quite interested in her master and said, "Your master lives alone on the mountain, which must be inconvenient. Why not invite him to come down? Our Blue Moon Kingdom could really use someone of his caliber."
Grace shook her head. "I wish he could come to Dawnville too, but I’ve asked him before—he’s just not willing."
Colin Gu looked a little disappointed, but quickly said, "A great teacher produces great students. Now that we have you in the Blue Moon Kingdom, it’s just as good! Honestly, I think you’ve achieved so much in such a short time. Your future accomplishments will be extraordinary."
"Your Majesty flatters me," Grace replied. "To become a true Spirit Alchemist, I really should join the Spirit Alliance. That’s why I hope you’ll grant me a travel token—so I can go to Yan City and figure things out."
Colin Gu didn’t respond. (Wow, silence is golden, huh?)
"Your Majesty?" Grace called out to him.
"Maybe it’s best not to go for now," Colin Gu said.
"Why not?"
"Grace..." Colin Gu suddenly grabbed her hand and gazed at her deeply. "You know why!"
She was totally clueless! (Seriously, did she miss a memo or something?)
Grace forced herself to calm down, withdrew her hand, and asked, "Is His Majesty worried that if I go to Yan City, the emperor of the higher kingdom will find out and refuse to let me come back?"
Colin Gu nodded. "Exactly."
"He's the lofty emperor, and so many people come and go from Yan City every day. How could he possibly know?"
"If he cares enough," Colin Gu said, "he will find out."
Grace cursed under her breath. (Ugh, not this again!)
"Grace, don't worry, very soon..." Colin Gu said. "When the time comes, you can go wherever you want, and I can even tag along as your royal bodyguard."
Huh? (Wait, what?)
Very soon? (Is he talking about cake or a coup?)
Very soon what? (Can someone give her a spoiler alert?)
Wait, is he about to start a rebellion or something? (Plot twist incoming?)
Grace looked at Colin Gu. "What do you mean by that?"
"Just hang in there a bit longer," Colin Gu said, dodging the question like a pro. "It won't be long—three or four months, maybe less. Then you can go."
Is he really planning a rebellion? (Grace's drama radar is off the charts!)
Grace's heart skipped a beat, but she still shook her head. "Your Majesty, have you heard about my mother?"
"Yes."
"She only has one year to live, and now three months of that year have already passed," Grace said. "I heard there might be a way to detoxify her at the Spirit Alliance Headquarters. So this year, I have to join the Spirit Alliance. If I don't get in this year, my mother won't be saved!"
Colin Gu frowned. "Really?"
"Yes." Grace looked at him. "So, Your Majesty, no matter what, I have to go. Please grant me the token!"
Colin Gu thought for a moment. "Then you must be careful on your journey."
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I'll go with Sam Yuan. I'll disguise myself, and he often travels between Yan City and Dawnville City—he knows the route well."
"Alright! Go ask Evan Xiao for a token!"
Grace bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
With the travel token in hand, Grace headed straight to the General's Mansion to borrow a horse.
After Grace explained her plan, Evan Xiao went full-on statue mode and said nothing for ages.
"Evan Xiao~" Grace called out.
"You and Sam Yuan, just the two of you, going to Yan City?"
"That's right!" Grace said. "I have to make a trip to the Vermilion Bird Spirit Alliance."
He stayed silent again. (Seriously, does this guy have a mute button?)
"Are you going to lend me a horse or not? Spit it out already!" Grace demanded.
Evan Xiao looked at her, his gaze a little cold. (Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today!)