Rory thought the woman looked completely different from her photo.

When Rory spotted the female arriving, he jumped to his feet. This was the medical facility. The woman approaching didn’t match her picture exactly, but there couldn’t be another female here.

Remembering this was the future mistress of Frostpeak World, Rory dipped his head respectfully.

——

Elara’s POV

"Hand it over." I felt exhausted, still drowsy.

Rory passed me the package. "Here it is. I’ll return tomorrow."

The sugary aroma finally brought me fully awake. I glanced down at the stack of desserts in my grip and headed toward the sitting area in the foyer.

I texted, "Received. Same type as yesterday evening?"

Finnian responded, "Identical."

I sent, "Too much. I took some back yesterday; I planned to distribute them with everyone at lunch."

Finnian asked, "Should I reduce tomorrow’s amount?"

I replied, "Yes."

Receiving treats early morning lifted my spirits completely. I opened one section of the container, grabbed a chocolate tart, and bit into it. When Alistair located me, I was sitting with my legs folded on the couch, looking utterly content.

"I prepared oatmeal. Still hungry?" he asked, offering me a wet towel.

"Always!"

Sweets were pleasant, but they weren’t actual food.

With that, I grabbed my phone. I’d awakened briefly during the night and noticed that Glimmeraven Port’s auction house was advertising several Holy Crystals.

Without insectoids to battle, these Crystals were basically my only opportunity to enhance my aqua abilities currently. It was worth attempting—I wanted to place a bid on one.

I’d examined my account. Between Finnian’s gift and my sales revenue, I possessed nearly five hundred million credits.

However, at current Holy Crystal rates, I wouldn’t survive beyond two bidding rounds.

The auction was in a few days. Apart from the strawberry earnings, I required another method to generate quick cash. After investigating yesterday evening, I’d finally discovered a specific website address.

I’d created an account, hoping to earn substantial money—after all, I’d registered as a Purifier. So the moment I unlocked my phone, a notification appeared.

I brightened. A job so soon?

I rushed to open it, then went rigid.

"Hold on... that’s me? Someone posted a bounty on me?"

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and double-checked the display.

"Two million credits. Female with zero spiritual power."

And my photograph was displayed there. No question about it—someone was paying to abduct me.

"What’s the matter?"

Alistair caught my expression shift instantly. He bent closer to examine my phone, and his face went dark immediately.

I looked up and squeezed his shoulder. "Relax. They need me breathing," I said, indicating the red text line at the bottom.

"Was it those three from the Blackwood family?"

Alistair’ typically gentle voice turned freezing. He couldn’t imagine anyone else.

I looked up, tucked my phone away, and cupped his face to settle him down. "Hey, stay calm. I can deal with this personally. Now escort me to get that oatmeal."

I wasn’t someone people could simply target.

Alistair was only accustomed to females requiring protection. He had no clue that the sweet, innocent-appearing girl happily pulling him forward was actually lethal beneath.

Two million credits, just dropping in my lap. I’d be a fool to reject this!

Alistair allowed me to lead him to the kitchen. He remained anxious, but I was energetic, nibbling on my pastry throughout the journey.

It wasn’t until I settled at the table that I recalled I hadn’t brushed my teeth or cleaned my face.

"You can clean up after eating. No problem," Alistair said.

Alistair presented my meal: oatmeal, two hard-boiled eggs, and a glass of strawberry juice.

Speaking of strawberries, I glanced up at him. "I discovered a business associate yesterday evening. I’m going to require your assistance to prepare more ground later."

I was growing my business.

"For the strawberries?"

"Huh? How’d you figure that out?" I cocked my head puzzled, spoon still between my lips.

"I noticed it on Astrogrid this morning. You’re incredible."

The strawberries I sold to others for 20,000 credits each were our regular fruit here. Considering that, Alistair’ face flushed slightly. Since I’d arrived, their existence had improved dramatically.

"Hold the praise for later. You’ll require the strength for excavating."

I had seen the reports too. It was natural that the produce I cultivated made news.

"Yes, ma’am," Alistair responded. Supporting his chin with one hand, he gazed across at me with a gentle, affectionate smile.

After breakfast, I returned to my room to change and clean up. Then I divided the pastries Finnian delivered into seven servings.

The weather was warm. They wouldn’t taste right if chilled—and anyway, there would be more tomorrow.

While I was occupied with that, Alistair transferred his awareness back into his actual body.

Later that morning, I wheeled a small cart into the ward.

At the sound of the door opening, everyone inside perked up. Whether from anticipation over my arrival or something else, the instant I entered, the central monitoring system alarms started blaring one after another.