He squared his shoulders and lifted his chin. "Well, it seems like you know at least a Little but about alchemy. I‘11 have you know that being a third-Level alchemist is already good enough. Higher-Level ones are very few and far between. Why, the greatest masters of alchemy recorded by the Pill Alchemist Association are only sixth-level. No one has managed to conquer the highest rank."

“What?" Maria muttered under her breath. "Even the best ones they recorded are only on level six? Then, I don't see the point of building such an association."

At this, Elton began to bristle again. Maria was far too ignorant for his comfort.

But before he could say anything, Mr. Gonzales interjected. The poor man could no Longer stand the tense exchange between Elton and Maria.

"Mr. Acosta, let us not delay the ceremony any longer, or this auspicious day would go to waste.” He walked up to Elton and leaned close to whisper, "Do not be angry with the girl. If there is anything you want, you need only ask the matriarch. As Long as she gives the nod of approval, we will make arrangements to accommodate all your needs.“

Elton finally relaxed. He took one Last, greedy look at Maria before turning away. Mr. Gonzales grabbed the chance and announced, "Let the ceremony begin!

Miss Vivian, please come forward and officially pay your respects to your teacher!"

After the ceremony, Maria went straight back to the Lemna Yard.

As soon as she entered the yard, she saw Isla, who was glancing around uneasily with a hint of fear in her eyes.

“Miss Maria, you're finally back!"

With a slight sigh of relief upon seeing Maria, Isla rushed forward to greet her.

Maria raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

“What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Isla bit her lower lip and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Yes. I mean, it's really nothing, but..."

“Are you all right, Isla?" Maria frowned, starting to worry that something bad had happened.

Isla shot an apprehensive look at the main room of the Lemna Yard before turning back to Maria. "Miss Maria, a package came for you."

A package?

Maria was stunned.

She hadn't purchased anything online or ordered anything recently. What package could she have received?

While she was still wondering, Isla continued, “Miss Maria, go in and have a look. I'll be on the lookout for the two of you."

Be a lookout... for the two of them?

Only then did Maria realize that someone was waiting for her in her room.

When she opened the door and walked in, a familiar face swam into view. There was a tall and handsome man sitting on her armchair.

Blushing instantly, Maria asked in a low voice, “What are you doing here?"