Chapter 182: Confrontation
"You're the alchemist recommended by Xiao Mei?"
Tisyara's voice sounded distorted, much like her blurred figure. This added a hint of mystery to her, along with a sense of danger that was hard to grasp.
"It's me."
"Since you're an alchemist in the court, why reside so far in the Black Forest?"
An accusatory tone...
"Why live in the Black Forest?"
Because your sister allowed it.
Hua Mi wasn't sure if bringing up Karen at this moment would be of any use.
According to Karen, this grand princess isn't quite fond of her.
Bringing her up might have the opposite effect.
Careful. Don't easily play the "Karen card"...
Fortunately, it seemed the grand princess hadn't expected an answer to this question.
Without waiting for Hua Mi's response, Tisyara changed the subject, asking another question, "As a court alchemist, what value can you bring to Turlun?"
Like an interviewer.
"Essential alchemical resources support," Hua Mi pondered briefly, giving a conventional response.
"Not enough." Tisyara shifted, her head finally straightened. "I want you to move to Modu; that's the premise. No exceptions."
Hua Mi had anticipated this question and calmly responded, "As Your Highness might already know, there are two centaur gates connecting the Black Forest and Modu nearby. It's convenient to travel back and forth. In case of an urgent summons, I can arrive promptly. So, it's not necessary to live in Modu. I chose the Black Forest because I need an environment undisturbed for my alchemical research."
"It seems you still haven't grasped my meaning." Tisyara's spectral form looked down on him, stating, "This isn't negotiation; it's an order. Xiao Mei has given you too much freedom. She clearly doesn't realize the potential harm an uncontrolled alchemist can cause."
"..."
"People from the Alchemical Society have interacted with you. Whatever agreements you made then, I'm not interested. I only need to ensure your loyalty to the crown," Tisyara's voice turned cold and resolute, making her intentions clear, "Come to Modu, work for me, and I'll help you achieve your own ideals and ambitions."
So, she's trying to poach.
It's unclear whether it's for the kingdom or herself.
Perhaps both.
After all, currently, there doesn't seem to be a conflict of interests. Her interests align with the royal family's and the entire country's.
Tisyara evidently knew about the Alchemical Society's visit to the Black Forest; that wasn't surprising.
But no matter what, he wouldn't allow himself to be tightly controlled.
Preserving freedom in this otherworldly place was crucial.
Directly answering now would be unwise, neither agreeing nor refusing would serve his interests.
Can't use Karen as a shield either.
There's only one option left.
Delay tactics.
One word: stall.
Dismiss the person for now, consult with Karen when it's daylight.
After contemplating for a moment, Hua Mi weighed his words, "I need some time to consider..."
"No time for you to consider." Tisyara interrupted, her tone firm, "You must choose immediately. If you agree, come to me now. If not, for the country's safety, your movements will be restricted. You're smart; you should know how to choose."
Darn.
It means no matter what, freedom will be restricted.
Just one is akin to house arrest, the other direct imprisonment.
Hua Mi had to maneuver further, "With the imminent war, is this how Your Highness treats an alchemist? I could provide excellent alchemical resources for the army, enhancing our national strength."
That seemed to touch a nerve with Tisyara.
Her expression darkened, a trace of severity in her voice, "Are you threatening me?"
"No, I'm just stating my value."
"Your value is based on loyalty," she sneered, "and you're underestimating our country's strength. Turlun doesn't need you as an alchemist. Tuck away your arrogance."
Tension escalated.
This woman is too unyielding for communication.
No room for stalling here.
"Or do you think, because you have Xiao Mei backing you, I wouldn't dare touch you?" Seeing Hua Mi's hesitation, Tisyara's gaze turned colder, gesturing to the cloaked figure behind her. Before Hua Mi could say anything else, the apparition vanished.
Leaving a parting sentence in the air: "Bring him to me in person."
The cloaked figure nodded respectfully, "Yes."
Then, stepping forward, a scroll appeared in their hand.
Tisyara was not just forceful but also swift in her actions.
Hua Mi hadn't expected her to resort to direct measures. He didn't have much time to ponder, preparing for a potential confrontation.
The swarm dispersed, filling the entire room densely, surrounding the other party.
Simultaneously, the cloaked figure unfurled the scroll.
Inside was a large black spot, instantly emanating powerful magical fluctuations, like a rapidly rotating vortex, creating immense suction.
"?!"
Yet, the next moment, the cloaked figure's pupils contracted.
A gentle magical field spread out, counteracting the suction.
The cloaked figure stowed away the scroll, looking toward the door.
The door had been opened from outside.
The female officer beside Karen entered, calmly addressing Hua Mi, "His Highness is troubled by a matter in alchemy, keeping him awake at night. Would you have the time to discuss it?"
"..."
Hua Mi glanced at the cloaked figure.
Silence from the latter.
The officer also looked over, seemingly just noticing him, curious, "Guests at this late hour?"
The cloaked figure retreated into the shadows, dissolving within.
"Let's go."
Hua Mi retracted the swarm and walked toward the door.
He needed to discuss matters with Karen too.
"His Highness has retired; if it's urgent, please wait until tomorrow."
"..."
Seems this officer was tasked by Karen to guard outside, just in case.
She probably had been outside all along, only appearing when the conflict was about to escalate, evidently trying to avoid a direct confrontation with the grand princess.
"His Highness assures your safety. With her around, no one can harm you within this palace."
The officer reminded, "The person who was just here, a member of the 'Ten Shadows,' recruited by the grand princess after the Abyss Research Association fell. Ninjas fight in unpredictable ways; try not to engage in one-on-one combat."
So, a remnant of the Abyss Research Association.
Well, in terms of unpredictability, my swarm isn't lacking either.
If it had come to a real fight, Hua Mi didn't believe he'd lose.
"Please rest assured; tonight, I'll guard from outside."
The officer bowed and exited, closing the door behind her.
Silence fell in the room.
Hua Mi sat on the edge of the bed, unable to calm his mind.
That grand princess, she's not easy to handle.
If she indeed becomes Turlun's heir, he'd likely encounter much more trouble in the future.
Hua Mi weighed the pros and cons, pondering.
Finally, mentally reaching into the ring's space, he summoned a bottle of rainbow-colored honey mead.
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