“We've set the table for a grand family feast. But if your only purpose is to convey a message, please proceed."

The implication was clear. Was she telling him to leave at once? Had they not even considered inviting him for dinner?

The young man hesitated. Engaging in a debate with an old woman wasn't what he was here for.

His eyes wandered across the room, pausing momentarily on Barbara. He then continued to look around until he voiced his puzzlement.

"Hmm... This is odd. I see Barbara here, but where might Maria be?" the young man asked.

The hint of reverence in his voice caused a stir in Barbara's heart, and Mrs. Jenkins too felt a twinge of discomfort.

Brushing off his query with a flick of her wrist, Mrs. Jenkins responded rather tersely, “Maria is taking a rest. You need not concern yourself with her. You have a message for Barbara, I believe?

Kindly speak to her directly."

But the young man hesitated.

“I'm not sure that would be fitting,” he mused.

With a firm shake of his head, he insisted, "Both Barbara and Maria need to be present for this statement."

His words left Mrs. Jenkins confused.

A look of confusion crossed her face as she inquired, "Isn't your visit related to the association assigning Barbara a mentor? How does Maria fit into this picture? To my knowledge, Maria hasn't been provided a mentor by the association. And her exam performance? Well, it must leave something to be desired."

There was a certain satisfaction Mrs. Jenkins derived from casting Maria in a lesser light.

Yet, as those words escaped her lips, a wave of apprehension enveloped Barbara.

Barbara was privy to the true extent of Maria's prowess in the Pill Alchemist Association's exam.

Her hurried to return home and her swirling anxieties had kept her from elucidating the full scope of events to Mrs. Jenkins.

The young man, eyebrows raised in disbelief, questioned, “What? You are referring to Miss Maria Jenkins, correct?"

The young man's expression spoke volumes. He believed Mrs. Jenkins was woefully misinformed.

"Well..." Caught off-guard, Mrs. Jenkins let out an awkward cough.

"Am I wrong? Didn't I tell the truth?"

“Certainly not!" The young man displayed clear astonishment.

In a tone that sought to enlighten those present, he announced, “Maria excelled in the entrance examination, securing the top spot among this year's candidates. She may well be the most exceptional candidate the association has seen in nearly two decades!

Since Maria has recently become a member of our association, her qualifications and contributions may not be as extensive as some, or her status and treatment within the association could be even more elevated!