I pressed my body against the door, stopping it from fully closing.

  Master Orindal scrunched his nose, clearly annoyed by my defiant behavior.

  “But why? Why won’t you take me as your student?” My voice wavered despite my effort to sound firm.

  The mage sighed. “Just as I said, I’m too old to take on an apprentice. I may look your age, but truthfully, I’m far older. I used to train students because the Arcane Conclave required it. Now that I’m fully ordained, I have no need or obligation to take another.”

  I blinked. His reasoning made sense. But now wasn’t the time for me to back down.

  “Can’t you make an exception for me?” I asked, hating how desperate I sounded. “As an act of service to our family?”

  The words left a sour taste in my mouth. I pressed my lips together, ashamed. How lame. But I couldn’t think of anything better.

  Master Orindal chuckled. “Don’t use that on me, my lady. It was your grandfather, Frederic, whom I served. Now that he’s dead, I serve no one. Not even your father, Duke Conrad. Truth be told, I often wonder why he keeps me around when he never liked me in the first place.”

  He stared at me, his expression unreadable.

  “I implore you, Master Orindal. Please, take me as your student. I have been granted power over the Golden Runes, and you’re the best person I know who can teach me to harness it.”

  His eyes widened, just for a moment, hope bloomed in my chest.

  But then he shook his head. “I’m afraid I can’t.”

  With that, he pulled the door shut.

  I raised my hand to knock again, but stopped myself. I didn’t want to push my luck. Or worse, I might earn his wrath instead of his favor.

  I stared at the thick wooden door for a moment longer before stepping back and retracing my path to the manor.

  On the way to my room, I encountered the last person I wanted to see. My mother. She was walking toward me from the opposite corridor.

  I bowed and greeted her. Her sharp red eyes scanned me from head to toe.

  She smirked. “Your somber expression says it all. It seems that proud mage refused you.”

  I forced a smile onto my face. “Master Orindal was merely surprised by my straightforwardness. I’ll try again tomorrow.”

  Even as I said it, doubt gnawed at my confidence. Could I really convince him?

  Duchess Olga scoffed. “You’d better after all you sacrificed just to get here... I’ll give you a week. If he still refuses, I’ll arrange for you to study abroad. I hear the Great Norrabar has many fine schools that accept foreign students.”

  I bit my lip, fighting the panic rising inside me. I had to stay calm.

  I raised my head and met her gaze. “Thank you, Mother, for always prioritizing my education. But I truly believe there’s no need for me to leave the Empire. I promise I’ll convince Master Orindal to accept me.”

  She didn’t respond immediately. Her eyes weighed me, as if considering whether I was worth the trouble.

  I bowed once more and took my leave.

  As much as I hated clashing with my mother especially after seeing her again for the first time in decades, I had to make it clear. I would not waver. I would not leave the Empire.

  Back in my room, I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling. I knew she wasn’t bluffing. If I failed, she would truly send me away.

  The thought made me feel helpless.

  No. I shook my head. There was no time to fall into despair. I had too much at stake. My very life depended on succeeding.

  The next morning, I spent the early hours in the kitchen. With Lina’s help, I searched for a cookie recipe, something simple yet heartfelt. We found one that used both nuts and chocolate.

  A sudden surge of urgency and confidence filled me as I read the instructions. Maybe... maybe I could use my abilities like this too.

  Lina bustled about, gathering the ingredients while I prepared the dough.

  “My lady, who are you making these cookies for?” Lina asked, her eyes gleaming as she glanced at the growing platter.

  We wrapped the cookies in small packs, four per bundle, sealing them neatly with colorful ribbons.

  “Do you know the mage who lives deep in the Golden Orchard? I’m hoping to ask him for a favor.”

  Lina’s eyes lit up. “Master Orindal? Of course! Is there anyone in the manor who doesn’t know him? He’s so handsome and smart! I saw him last week in the garden. He even looked my way!”

  She squealed, cheeks flushed with excitement.

  “Though,” she added, lowering her voice, “he’s known for being grumpy and short-tempered. I wish he’d smile more.”

  I chuckled softly. I agreed. Master Orindal certainly had a fine face. If only he were less stubborn and easier to please.

  Beside me, Lina hummed as she packed another set of cookies.

  I supposed it was that stoic, reserved demeanor that made him even more attractive to others.

  I sighed. I could only hope that these small gestures might soften his heart, and that he would finally accept me as his apprentice.

  Before leaving for the Mage Tavern, I handed out some of the cookies to Lina and the other kitchen servants. A little goodwill could go a long way.

  “I’ll be going now,” I said to everyone.

  I carried the basket of freshly baked cookies, following the paved path that led deeper into the Golden Orchard until I found the Mage Tavern. The house was made from timber and gray stone with blue roofs. Smoke billowed from the chimney, darker than usual, almost as if he were burning rubber. Master Orindal’s home fit perfectly into its rustic surroundings.

  I stood on the doorstep, swallowed, and knocked to announce my presence. As soon as he saw me, his expression darkened.

  “Good morning, Master Orindal. I brought you some cookies I prepared myself. I hope you’re not allergic to nuts or chocolates. I used them to create a unique flavor.” I handed him the basket.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  Master Orindal eyed it with suspicion.

  “I will accept this because I am not someone who tramples on another’s effort,” he said, sighing as if burdened. “But I must remind you that no matter what you do, I will not accept you as my student.”

  I smiled. “I am no pretender. I will not hide my intentions. You can think of it as a bribe, if you like, for I have no intention of giving up on becoming your student."

  He flinched at my words, then reached for the basket. “Let me give you a piece of advice, my lady. You’re chasing something that will never happen.”

  With that, he bid me farewell and closed the door.

  At the Orchard’s entrance, I spotted Lina crouched before a bed of tulips. She turned toward me, her brown eyes lighting up.

  “How did it turn out, my lady? Did you manage to convince him?”

  I shook my head. “It seems baking him cookies wasn’t enough. But I promise not to give up on this small dream of mine. I already have a new plan that will surely convince him.”

  Lina blinked and tilted her head.

  “Do you know of a place in the market where I could buy something a mage might enjoy?”

  She closed her eyes in thought. “I know a few shops Master Orindal would surely like. I’m sure we can find something that suits him. Do you want me to join you?”

  “Wouldn’t that interfere with your work?”

  Lina shook her head. “The head maid assigned me to buy spices tomorrow. We can find what you need first, then I’ll shop for the spices. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone!”

  And that was how our trip to the market came to be.

  The thought of visiting Gildenspire Market filled me with excitement, though I tried to hide it from Lina, afraid of looking foolish. Later that day, I visited Father’s office to ask for his approval. To my surprise, it went smoother than I had expected.

  “I’ll have Elias and Sebastian guard you during your visit,” he said.

  “Thank you, Your Grace. I’ll take my leave now.”

  The next morning, Lina helped me change into a steel-blue dress of simple design. I arrived alone at the courtyard to wait for her, as she had gone to the head maid to collect the budget for today’s trip.

  The sound of clanking steel caught my attention. Two knights of House Goldhain, clad in green and gold uniforms, approached.

  “Greetings, my lady,” they said in unison.

  The knight with curly light-brown hair stepped forward. “Allow me to introduce myself and my comrade. I am Elias, and this is Sebastian,” he said, gesturing to the knight beside him. A man with a white scar tracing the right side of his face. They were like two ends of a stick. Sebastian had broad shoulders and a stern presence, while Elias, slimmer and smiling, appeared more approachable.

  “We have received His Grace’s order to accompany you to the market,” Elias said with a bow.

  “It pleases me to meet you both.”

  “The pleasure is ours, my lady.”

  We waited for Lina, who soon arrived dressed in her green maid uniform. It seemed the head maid required her to wear it for this trip.

  “Forgive me for making you wait, my lady,” Lina said, slightly out of breath. “The head maid reminded me of so many things about today’s trip. She wasn’t this strict the last time I visited the market.”

  Elias chuckled. “Ma’am Isolde just wants to make sure everything goes smoothly. She means no harm.”

  Lina turned to him and immediately blushed. “I know, Sir Elias.”

  We rode the carriage in silence. Gildenspire Market was located north of the manor, near a residential area reserved for merchants. Our carriage carefully descended a hill lined with apartments, hotels, and inns. People crowded the streets, dressed in colorful and grand clothing.

  When we reached the market, we couldn’t find a place to park, so we got off a few meters away.

  The loud noises and mingling scents overwhelmed me as soon as I stepped out. Nearby, the wind carried the aromas of roasted meats and freshly baked pastries.

  My heart thudded against my chest. I swallowed, trying to steady myself.

  “Come here, my lady,” Lina said, pointing to her side.

  I moved closer, just as a crowd swept past us, all dressed in pale blue dresses and vests. Among them, I spotted maids from other houses who lived in Gildenspire.

  The scenery before me reminded me of the market in Bresdan I once visited. But it was nothing compared to this place.

  Lina sighed beside me. “I thought there would be fewer people now that we arrived late.”

  I turned to her. “Isn’t there... an area in the market exclusive to noble families and rich merchants?”

  Lina blinked, but before she could answer, Elias stepped forward.

  “My lady, this is the place you’re talking about. It just happens that a lot of people still come here, since most noble families and wealthy merchants have already moved to Gildenspire.”

  I nodded thoughtfully. This was something Father needed to know. If left unattended, this market would only grow more crowded. Expanding it would allow for smoother movement and the introduction of new shops.

  Lina led me to a small shop with a brass sign hanging by the door. The words Mystical Brews were molded in metal, catching the light. Inside, a young female mage stood behind the counter. Her long black curls shimmered. As she combed a hand through them, it briefly revealed deep blue highlights hidden beneath the dark strands.

  She scanned the four of us, her lips parting into a bright smile. “Greetings. I am pleased to meet a member of House Goldhain. Thank you for gracing me with your presence.”

  I returned a small smile.

  “What do you know of us?”

  Beside me, Sebastian’s posture stiffened sharply, hands falling to the pommel of his sword as if ready to strike.

  Alarmed, I cleared my throat to slice through the bubbling tension.

  “I am looking for a few things,” I said lightly.

  The shop owner eyes Sebastian before she turned on my direction.

  “What is it, my lady?”

  “I’m searching for rare herbs. Something that might please another mage.”

  She nodded and turned to scan the shelves behind her. After a moment, her hands paused on a bottle. She turned back toward me, holding it.

  “May I ask... what kind of person is this mage you’re speaking of?”

  I hesitated, trying to think of how to describe Master Orindal. But since I barely knew the man, there was little I could say beyond...

  “He’s grumpy, but he possesses great power.”

  The mage was about to respond when Lina cut in brightly.

  “He also has a fine face! And his very nice to look at.”

  The shopkeeper laughed. “A fine face, eh? I hope his grumpiness doesn’t overshadow it.”

  She flicked a strand of hair from her shoulder. “Anyway, these are the rarest herbs I currently have. Stormvine, it only grows on the Stormy Isles, the farthest known human civilization. Dragon Tree Resin, carefully extracted from the ancient Dragon Trees. And finally, the petals of White Poppies.”

  “Poppies?” Lina echoed.

  She nodded to Lina. “Yes. Most poppies are blood-red, but rarely, among the crimson fields, one white flower will bloom.”

  I leaned closer to inspect the bottles. The Dragon Tree Resin caught my eye the most. It resembled amber, but tinged deeper with richer red, almost crystalline in appearance.

  “I’ll take all of them.”

  She wrapped the bottles in brown paper. As she worked, I asked, “Is there a shop nearby that sells magical tools?”

  “You’ll find one three stores down,” she replied. “They specialize in enchanted items. However, if I may offer my opinion, my lady... I suggest you reconsider buying an artifact for this mage you wish to impress. You might offend him.”

  “Offend him? Why?”

  She smiled gently. “We’re mages, after all. Most of us know a thing or two about enchanting. Giving an already enchanted item might seem like you're suggesting his powers are lacking.”

  Lina and I exchanged a glance. I exhaled slowly, relieved she had warned me. I had nearly made a serious blunder with Master Orindal.

  “I am grateful for your advice.”

  She bowed. “It is my pleasure to assist her ladyship. If you need anything else, do not hesitate to ask. My name is Celeste.”

  I smiled at her. She played her cards well. I realized now why she hadn’t given her name immediately as soon as arrived. She wanted to establish a good impression first, so she could be sure we would remember her.

  “I’ll be sure to remember your name.”

  As we stepped outside Mystical Brews, I heard Sebastian whisper to Elias.

  “I don’t like her,” he muttered.

  “And why is that?” I asked, startling him.

  Sebastian flinched. “She seemed dishonest. I fear she might trick us.”

  “I understand your distrust,” I said. “But I also want to remind you of how you acted earlier. Your uniform means that you bear the name of Goldhain now. Wherever you go, your actions reflect on the Duke. If you do something rash, what will that make him look like?”

  He stiffened. “I will remember next time, my lady. I apologize for making you uncomfortable.”

  I said nothing. In my previous life, I might have let this pass without a word. My younger self had been too eager to please those around me.

  But joining the Imperial Family had changed that. I had learned to reprimand disobedient servants when necessary. A servants behavior was a reflection of whom they served. Give them too much freedom and they would do things behind your back that they think would benefit their master. Just like what my first lady-in-waiting did. But restraining them with too many rules might breed resentment.

  A hateful servant was far more dangerous than a disobedient one. Loyalty needed to be nurtured carefully.

  “I know you are a great knight,” I said. “But not all problems can be solved with a sword. I hope you will remember that.”

  “I will, my lady.”

  We spent the rest of the afternoon buying spices for the Head Maid. Before heading home, I invited them to dine with me at a restaurant.

  When we finally returned to the manor, I went straight to my room, eager to rest. But a maid from my mother’s household soon arrived, informing me that my presence was requested for dinner.

  I wiggled my toes and groaned against the pillow how tired I was.

  Re:Life: The Brewmaster are now out! Quick reminder: starting today, I’m switching up my posting schedule. New chapters will be dropping every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! This will allow me to maintain the quality of my writing. Get ready for more adventures! ??