Capítulo 398: Imperial Tea
Cecilia's presence cast a palpable tension over the Tower of Alchemy, her poised yet commanding aura a constant reminder of her imperial lineage. While the Tower was a bastion of alchemical advancement, it couldn't match the prestige of the Tower of Magic or the broader reach of scientific innovation. Alchemy was the underdog discipline, and the Tower's inability to fully resist Cecilia's influence was both a reflection of its status and a consequence of her carefully wielded authority.
For Lucas, her visit was a dual-edged sword. On one hand, it was an opportunity to curry favor with the Imperial Family, to showcase the Tower's advancements and secure greater recognition. On the other, her scrutiny carried the weight of imperial expectation, a burden that could crush even the most robust defenses if mishandled.
As Lucas guided Cecilia through the towering skyscraper that was the heart of alchemical knowledge, his voice was calm, his demeanor controlled, but the faint lines of strain at his temples betrayed the pressure he was under. The glowing runes and shimmering mana conduits that adorned the walls seemed to pulse in time with the tension in the air, as if the Tower itself understood the stakes.
Eventually, the tour brought them to one of the upper floors, where Tower Elder Maximus was engrossed in his latest experiment. Arthur and Rose stood nearby, assisting him. The moment Lucas announced their arrival, the room shifted subtly, the hum of mana stabilizers seeming to falter for a split second before resuming their steady rhythm.
Maximus turned and bowed deeply, his movements precise and practiced. Rose followed suit, though her expression betrayed a flicker of unease at Cecilia's arrival. Arthur, standing slightly apart, met Cecilia's gaze with a faint smile. Unlike the others, he did not bow, his greeting understated but respectful.
Cecilia's eyes lit up as she saw him, her smile bright but measured. "Arthur," she said warmly, her voice carrying across the room like a melody, "I see you've been keeping busy."
"Always, Cecilia," Arthur replied, his tone light but tinged with an undercurrent of meaning that only she could discern. His casual demeanor was a sharp contrast to the formal stiffness of Maximus and Rose, though he never stepped beyond the bounds of propriety.
Lucas, standing nearby, watched the interaction with an unreadable expression. "Elder Maximus," he said, his voice cutting through the air, "perhaps you could enlighten Her Highness about the progress your apprentices have been making."
Maximus straightened, his features smoothing into a mask of professional pride. "Of course, Tower Master. Arthur has shown considerable promise, particularly in his innovative approach to alchemical applications. And Rose, as always, is exemplary in her precision and dedication."
Rose flushed faintly at the praise, her hands clasping nervously in front of her. Arthur, meanwhile, inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the compliment without letting it linger.
Cecilia tilted her head, her gaze shifting between the three of them. "I'm sure they are both a credit to your guidance, Elder Maximus," she said, her words smooth and deliberate. "Perhaps I might observe them at work?"
Lucas hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. "Your Highness, while we would be honored, some of the projects here are… sensitive."
Cecilia's smile didn't falter. "I understand, Tower Master. I wouldn't dream of disrupting anything critical. But surely a brief demonstration would not compromise your work."
Her words carried the subtle weight of imperial authority, a gentle push that left little room for refusal. Lucas relented with a small nod, gesturing for Maximus to proceed.
While Lucas and Maximus were occupied arranging the demonstration, Nolan quietly moved into position. Cecilia's orders had been clear: shield Arthur from Lucas's senses, even if only for a few moments. It was a task easier said than done. Lucas, a low Immortal-ranker, far outstripped Nolan's peak Ascendant-rank in raw mana rank. But Lucas was distracted, his focus split between his duties as Tower Master and his desire to impress Cecilia. That distraction was Nolan's opening.
Subtly, Nolan extended his mana, weaving it carefully through the ambient energy of the room. The process was delicate, a balancing act that required him to remain undetected while providing Arthur the cover he needed. His ice-blue eyes remained fixed on his task, his posture relaxed but his mind sharp.
Arthur, sensing the shift, glanced briefly in Nolan's direction. He caught the faintest nod from the knight and knew the window of opportunity was open. His attention returned to Cecilia, whose seemingly casual conversation with Rose was anything but random.
"Rose," Cecilia said, her tone warm, "Arthur speaks highly of your work here. It must be fascinating to collaborate with Elder Maximus on such advanced projects."
Rose's gaze flickered to Arthur, her expression caught between pride and discomfort. "It's… rewarding, Your Highness," she said carefully. "Elder Maximus is an incredible mentor, and I've learned a great deal under his guidance."
"I'm sure you have," Cecilia replied, her smile never wavering. "Still, it must be difficult balancing so many responsibilities."
Rose hesitated, clearly unsure of how to respond. Arthur stepped in smoothly, his voice light but steady. "Rose is one of the most capable people I've worked with. If anyone can handle the demands here, it's her."
The words were simple, but they carried a weight that seemed to steady Rose. She straightened slightly, her expression softening as she met Arthur's gaze. "Thank you."
Meanwhile, Cecilia's presence continued to work its subtle magic, keeping Lucas's attention firmly anchored on her. The demonstration Maximus was preparing would provide the perfect cover for Arthur to slip away, and she was determined to ensure he had the time he needed.
Arthur, for his part, stayed close enough to maintain the illusion of participation but kept his senses attuned to the room's dynamics. Luna's voice whispered in his mind, her tone as sharp as ever. 'One more layer of distraction, Arthur, and you'll have the clearance you need.'
He nodded imperceptibly, his thoughts already aligning with the next step in their plan. The pieces were in motion, and the first breakthrough was within reach.
"Tower Master," Cecilia said with a bright smile as they reached a more relaxed area of the Tower's upper floors, a chamber designed for discussions and informal gatherings. "This tour has been absolutely fascinating. Would it be possible to take a short break? I'd love to hear more about your views on the future of alchemical research."
Lucas, ever eager to impress, nodded immediately. "Of course, Your Highness. We have a lounge just ahead where you may rest. I'll have refreshments prepared."
Cecilia inclined her head, her movements elegant and deliberate. "Thank you, Tower Master. That would be lovely."
As they entered the lounge, a servant appeared, guided by one of Lucas's aides. Cecilia subtly caught Nolan's eye, and the Vice Captain of the Second Division understood his cue. The Knights would take care of creating the opportunity.
"Allow me to oversee the preparations for Her Highness's tea," Nolan said, stepping forward with a courteous bow. "The Imperial Family has particular preferences, and I wouldn't want to impose upon your staff unnecessarily."
Lucas hesitated for the briefest of moments, but Cecilia's warm smile smoothed over any objections. "Nolan always ensures everything is perfect," she said. "I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all," Lucas said, waving his hand dismissively. "Your Highness's comfort is our priority."
Nolan bowed again and left the room with the staff, subtly motioning for another Knight to join him. In the privacy of the preparation area, he worked quickly, the potion vial concealed in his gloved hand. The tea was brewed under his watchful eye, and when the moment came to pour it into Maximus's cup, the liquid swirled into the dark brew with no sign of tampering.
The staff returned shortly after, bearing a tray laden with delicate porcelain cups and a teapot engraved with alchemical runes. Lucas poured Cecilia's tea himself, a gesture of politeness, before handing Maximus a cup as well.
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