Chapter 189
Chapter 189
Eliza looked around and asked, “What is this place?”
“This hidden chamber,” Malaki said, carefully brushing the dust from a bookshelf, “I dug it out over ten years ago. Mr. Padilla left behind many things–precious things. I didn’t dare store them in the village for fear they’d be discovered, so I moved them here, one piece at a time, and hid them deep in the mountain.”
Eliza stepped inside and slowly took in the contents of the hidden room. The Padilla family hadn’t left behind much treasure in the traditional sense–no piles of gold or silver–but what remained was far more valuable: books. Shelf upon shelf of them, most originally from the Padilla family’s private library.
“Back in the day,” Malaki said, his voice heavy with emotion, “the Padilla family was the pride of Hasen City–a noble house over a century old, with three generations of top scholars. At its height, no other family could compare. People would travel from all corners of the empire just for a single handwritten scroll from Mr. Padilla. And now… these treasures have been locked away in darkness for over a decade.”
If Eliza hadn’t come today, Malaki feared these books might never have seen the light of day again.
Hearing this, Eliza couldn’t help but feel sorrow for the fate of the Padilla family. Their downfall hadn’t been a matter of injustice–it had been political. They had chosen the wrong side. Just when victory seemed within reach, their enemies retaliated. And worse still, their so–called allies had turned their backs on them.
“These might not be gold or jewels,” Malaki said, “but they are the true legacy of the Padilla family. I hope you’ll treasure them.”
“They’re more precious than gold or jewels,” Eliza said earnestly. “I promise I’ll protect them.”
Malaki was so moved he could only repeat, “Good… good… good,” three times in a row, his voice shaking.
“It is,” Malaki smiled modestly. “Before I became the family butler, your great–grandmother–Kassandra–noticed I was bright and quick with my hands, so she kept me at her side. She taught me everything I know about cultivating herbs. Back then, I was her favorite little apprentice.”
As he spoke, Malaki couldn’t stop smiling. Even his tone reverted to how he used to speak during his time at the Padilla estate. He might have been a servant, but the Padilla family had treated his entire family with kindness, and in his heart, they had long become part of his soul.
“I see,” Eliza beamed. “After entering the temple, I began studying medicine under a master. Lately, I’ve taken a real interest in herbs. Do you think… you could teach me what you know?”
Malaki blinked, surprised–then his joy erupted. “You’re learning medicine? And you love herbs too?”
“Yes,” Eliza nodded. “Though I’m not very talented, and I haven’t had much guidance, so I’m still struggling to get the hang of it.”
“No, no–how could that be?” Malaki said, his eyes lighting up. “You’re Caroline’s daughter! Your great–grandmother’s skills were legendary–she could heal the dying and bring back the hopeless. Her talent with herbs was unmatched. I’m sure you’ve inherited that gift.”
He was practically glowing with happiness. “Don’t worry, Miss Eliza. As long as you wish to learn, I’ll teach you everything Kassandra once taught me.”
“Then I’ll be counting on you,” Eliza said with a smile.
The more Malaki looked at her, the more he liked her.
He could hardly contain his joy.
1/1
Chapter 190
Chapter 190
“Serenity’s position is special, Nolan chimed in thoughtfully. “She can’t travel to Vonalo Village often. But if you’re willing, Malaki, I could arrange for you to stay at Holy Cross Monastery. The abbot there is a friend, and it’s near Serenity’s herb field.”
“If that’s possible, I’d be grateful,” Malaki said eagerly.
Truth be told, he wanted to move right away. But he had things to sort through at home, so he’d need a couple of days before heading to the monastery.
In the meantime, Nolan had all the books carefully packed and transported to Saint Grace Nunnery. He also assigned two Black Flag agents to remain behind and protect Malaki.
Before leaving, he gave a quiet order: “Keep Malaki safe. If there are assassins–kill them. If anyone from the Stonor family shows up… wait. Let’s see how the old man reacts,”
“Yes, sir.”
Malaki clearly cared deeply for Eliza–but Nolan still wanted to know how he’d treat the sons of Caroline, the ones who shared her blood but bore the name Stonor.
Eliza had no idea Nolan was keeping such a close eye on things.
After returning to the nunnery, she shut her door and carefully transferred all the Padilla family books into her pocket farm. Most were in remarkably good condition, but some had suffered minor damage over time. She winced with every torn edge and smudged page as she sorted them.
Then she noticed something extraordinary–dozens of medical texts written by Kassandra herself. Some were detailed herbology manuals, others journals filled with handwritten notes.
Every line was a treasure trove of insight into medicinal planting.
Eliza read hungrily, soaking in everything. There were herbs she recognized, and others she had never even heard of before.
And then, in the third book, she froze.
One familiar name jumped off the page: Bloodshade Blossom–Trial cultivation successful.
Her eyes went wide. ‘Bloodshade Blossom?‘
The very same rare herb she had in her pocket farm? The one no one had seen outside ancient texts?
Her great–grandmother had not only attempted to grow it–she had succeeded.
The realization hit like lightning. It was almost too incredible to believe.
Eliza flipped through those pages again and again, confirming it over and over. ‘Kassandra was amazing!‘
But… why had no trace of Bloodshade Blossom ever surfaced in the outside world?
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