Goodwin tried to explain.

“At the tender age of twelve, Maria was compelled to abandon her pursuit of exploring novel culinary concoctions due to a scarcity of funds. Nevertheless, she managed to concoct a unique blend using the remnants of herbs within her grasp. I asked her to christen the pill with a name. Back then, her lack of money drove her to bestow upon it a mere nickname."

Julie, at long Last, comprehended that the purported Happy Pill was, in fact, an embodiment of Maria's impoverished upbringing.

Oh, so sorry to hear that, poor Maria! Julie ruminated within herself, filled with sympathy.

She yearned to bestow all her riches upon Maria, granting her the freedom to utilize the money as she pleased.

Yet, it appeared that Maria was no Longer burdened by financial hardships.

Meanwhile, Maria remained unaware of Julie's perception that she had overcome her monetary struggles.

With an austere countenance, the judge lectured Maria sternly.

“Maria, it is improper to employ self-formulated pills in the competition! Any elixir recipes not sanctioned by the Pill Alchemist Association and documented in The Classic of Pills cannot be evaluated.”

Maria patiently awaited the conclusion of the judge's admonishment and nodded in agreement.

“Yes, sir, you are absolutely correct."

“How could you commit such an error when you were already aware?"

The judge cast an incredulous gaze upon her.

"Now, you present this so-called Happy Pill before us. How am I to evaluate it, hmm?"

He emphatically clapped the diagnostic device in his hand.

“These apparatuses are crafted according to the Pill Alchemist Association's specifications, incorporating the latest data from the Classic of Pills. They possess the capability to test and analyze various types of pills. In essence, unless your pill is documented in the Classic of Pills, it cannot be assessed by the testing device."

“Does it imply that Maria's final score is void, sir?" Barbara abruptly interjected, unable to contain her curiosity.

The judge paused momentarily, contemplating Barbara's question. But, before he could confirm it, Canaan intervened.

Anxiously, Canaan inquired, “If, and I emphasize if, we were to promptly submit Maria's Happy Pill to the Pill Alchemist Association for evaluation, would the outcome still be considered for the competition?"

Before the judge could respond, Barbara anxiously hastily said, "How could that possibly work? Who knows how long the association will take to complete the identification process for the pill? Are you attempting to delay the proceedings for Maria's sake?"

"I..."

Canaan was at a loss for words. He was well aware that his suggestion would be difficult to accept.

Little did he expect Maria to be so unreliable and audacious as to refine an original pill at the final stage.

Canaan had anticipated Maria to turn the tables. But it appeared that his premature jubilation was unfounded.