Chapter 36

Alice is reading books about poison techniques. Although she's still not skilled at mixing some formulas to create poisons, she's enthusiastic about learning. She seems focused on reading the book while preparing materials for her experiments.

Due to her intense focus, Alice doesn't notice Sandy, who has been watching her for a while in silence. Sandy decides to approach her quietly, not wanting to startle her. As Sandy stands beside Alice's table, he sees the scattered materials and notes, indicating how seriously Alice is taking her work.

"Darling, you're so focused that you didn't notice me coming in," Sandy says as he hugs Alice from behind.

Alice turns, slightly surprised, and smiles sweetly at her husband. "Sandy, I'm learning about poison techniques. I'm still a beginner, but I want to understand more about how to mix these formulas."

"You can definitely do it, dear," Sandy says.

Alice nods with enthusiasm. She continues her studies with focus. For her, some techniques are complex, especially in measuring the correct doses so the poison works effectively. Sandy, always by her side, provides motivation and encouragement. Sandy, Alice's precision and dedication are admirable.

***

Alice continues to refine her poison mixing skills. After hours of observing her mixtures, she takes out a small vial. She believes this poison must have a perfect balance between dose and effect.

"Darling, aren't you tired? You've been watching these mixtures for so long," Sandy says, worried that Alice might be exhausted.

"No, darling. I'm actually happy doing this."

Alice holds a shimmering crystal vial with dark purple liquid, the result of her latest experiment. She wants to test it and drops a few drops on a leaf. This leaf has natural magical properties and is resistant to many common poisons. The dark purple liquid begins to spread, penetrating the green leaf and creating a stunning pattern. Alice and Sandy watch closely, hoping to see the desired reaction.

However, the initially beautiful pattern suddenly darkens and wrinkles. The leaf starts emitting thin black smoke. Alice steps back quickly, while Sandy watches anxiously.

"Did your experiment succeed?" Sandy asks.

"The poison didn't work as I hoped. It's too aggressive."

Alice tries to stay calm and quickly thinks of making an antidote. She reads from an ancient book containing magical antidote formulas. Alice pours some neutralizing ingredients into another vial, mixes them, and drips it onto the leaf.

But the antidote doesn't show the expected effect. The leaf continues to emit black smoke and appears to deteriorate further. Alice quickly opens another ancient book, hoping to find a different solution for her poison.

"Should we call Elena here?"

"Yes."

Sandy quickly calls Elena. Alice has failed to create a poison with the correct dosage, resulting in a high-dose poison that caused the magical leaves to wither.

Elena arrives quickly with Sandy, bringing the necessary potions. She assesses the situation carefully, observing the withered, smoke-emitting leaf.

"So, this is the result of your experiment?" Elena asks, examining the leaf.

Alice nods, feeling embarrassed about her failure. Elena pours different magical ingredients from Alice's neutralizer potion while reciting a spell. The black smoke slowly fades, and the withered leaf begins to show signs of recovery and appears fresh again.

"How can I avoid making mistakes like this in the future?" Alice asks, hoping to prevent such issues.

"Precision is key in every experiment. Always measure the dosage correctly on a small scale before testing it on the main object. And don't hesitate to ask for help if you encounter problems. Don't worry, it's common for beginners," Elena says, patting Alice's shoulder gently.

"So, you're not angry with me, Elena?" Alice asks, looking anxious.

"Why would I be angry with you, Alice? All these issues are resolved."

Elena tells Sandy to take Alice to their room. They comply with Elena's instructions. Once in the room, Sandy invites Alice to sit.

"What are you thinking now?" Sandy asks, looking at Alice's face.

"I need to try harder to create a poison with the right dosage. Consider this a learning experience."

Sandy hugs his wife warmly. Alice feels fortunate to be surrounded by people who care about her.

"Darling, don't be afraid of failure. It's a part of life. Whatever happens, I'll always be with you," Sandy says gently.

Alice feels comforted by Sandy's warm embrace. "Thank you, darling, for being by my side."

"You've made a great effort. Don't let one failure stop your spirit. Every step, whether good or bad, is part of your journey," Sandy says, kissing Alice's forehead.

Sandy tells Alice to rest, as she's spent too much time on the poison. Alice nods, feeling calmer after Sandy's words and the gentle kiss on her forehead.

"I'll rest now, darling. But what about you?"

"I have some errands to run outside. I might be a bit late to join you. Rest well, dear."

After ensuring Alice is comfortable with a thick blanket, Sandy leaves the room carefully. Alice waves goodbye to her husband and then closes her eyes.

A little while later, after Sandy has left the room, Alice still cannot sleep. She keeps thinking about her failed experiment.

"I must have used too many ingredients, making the poison too strong."

Alice needs to mix more antidote ingredients and try again until she succeeds. She pulls back the blanket and sits up. Alice tries to channel a bit of her magical power. Her palm emits a cold blue light. Ice magic flows gently from her fingers, and the air around her becomes cooler and calmer.

"Mom, Dad, I miss you so much. I'll perfect this power." Alice vows to save her father—King Arthur—from the confines of the Estonian Kingdom.

One day, King Arthur will surely be free. Alice will avenge those who have destroyed her kingdom, killed her mother, and imprisoned her father for a long time.

The King and Queen of the Kingdom of Estonia must die at her hands. That arrogant prince named Maxwell would not be let off lightly either. The Kingdom of Estonia must be destroyed along with their leader. The grudge felt by Alice kept getting bigger, like an ever-burning ember.

"I will never forgive them! They must pay for all this pain! The Kingdom of Estonia will fall in time."