Fu Xuan set her work aside for a moment, carefully arranging the various sweet teas that had been delivered first thing in the morning.
The aroma of medicinal herbs was distinct, yet not bitter. The air carried the well-balanced scent of milk and a clean, sweet fragrance.
Seeing the Master Diviner stand up as if to fetch something else, Sylvia quickly reached out and caught her hand.
"Master Diviner, you should really rest a bit. Even I can see you're a little tired, and it's only been half a day."
"This one is fine. It's merely that I rose in the middle of the night to handle official duties. It is nothing."
Though she said this, Fu Xuan allowed herself to be guided by Sylvia's hand back into her seat.
She looked at the pastries Sylvia had placed on the table and let out a soft sigh.
"I... I... This one merely wished to fetch two sets of utensils. Never mind. You should taste these sweet teas first."
Fu Xuan stumbled over her words inexplicably, unsure of what she had intended to say. Meeting Sylvia's puzzled gaze, she swiftly changed the subject.
She pushed a cup of medicinal tea toward Sylvia.
"This one is a medicinal tea brewed with sweet dates, chestnuts, and honey. The sweetness mellows into the tea, offering a light, refreshing taste that cuts through richness. This one believes you will like it."
Fu Xuan's expression at that moment was quite interesting.
Compared to the usual authority that came with her position as Master Diviner, she appeared much more serene now.
Her demeanor even held a trace of anticipation, as if hoping Sylvia would enjoy something she herself cherished.
Coupled with Fu Xuan's naturally youthful features, once the imposing aura of the Master Diviner faded, it revealed a very unique, mature kind of girlish charm.
Under Fu Xuan's direct stare, Sylvia picked up the cup and took a sniff.
The scents of honey and sweet dates were prominent, with the chestnut aroma being fainter by comparison.
She took a small sip.
Sweet, but not cloying, mingled with a hint of herbal fragrance.
Compared to ordinary drinks, it possessed a distinct character.
Sylvia was somewhat surprised by the flavor of this medicinal tea. It had a perfectly balanced gentleness, feeling like it would be very suitable for daily consumption.
"It's delicious, Fu Xuan. Do you know how it's made? It feels like it'd be perfect as an everyday drink."
"Really?!—ahem..."
Fu Xuan brightened visibly upon hearing Sylvia's words, something almost escaping her lips before she coughed twice and cautioned:
"This one naturally knows the recipe. However, a mild taste does not mean it is low in sugar. One cup occasionally is fine; it should not be overindulged."
"Ahem... But indeed, when this one first tasted it, I too considered using it to quench thirst, but I was stopped by the Dragon Lady."
Seemingly touching upon a point of dissatisfaction for Fu Xuan, Sylvia took the opportunity to slide a pastry in front of her.
Then, all she saw was Fu Xuan pouting with a soft 'hmph', picking up the pastry and continuing:
"Given the volume of this one's daily work, what's wrong with having a little more? Honestly!"
As she spoke, Fu Xuan popped the pastry into her mouth, her already round cheeks puffing out instantly, making her look even more adorable.
A smile touched Sylvia's lips. It was clear Fu Xuan was quite fond of this particular one.
Perhaps it had opened the floodgates of conversation.
Fu Xuan gradually grew more talkative, and Sylvia relaxed along with her.
The medicinal teas Fu Xuan recommended each had their own distinct characteristics, and Sylvia found most of them quite to her liking.
So she specifically asked Fu Xuan for the recipes, planning to make some for Acheron to try later.
--+--
Fully sated.
Fu Xuan, having replenished her sugar levels, seemed to regain some of her vitality.
Sylvia suddenly asked:
"Might I ask, Fu Xuan, what are your plans regarding the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?"
"The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus..."
Fu Xuan visibly paused, stealing a glance at Sylvia, her expression seeming somewhat hesitant.
After having Sylvia undergo the Matrix of Prescience, Fu Xuan had used the information Sylvia provided to detect the most crucial secret.
But the reason neither the General nor Fu Xuan had directly investigated the Alchemy Commission was twofold: one, the looming threat of Phantylia.
The other reason was Sylvia's own objective.
Everyone acts with their own purpose in mind. Sylvia was a good person, but certainly not the type to selflessly sacrifice everything.
Since she had provided this intelligence to the Xianzhou, she must want something in return. Having refused Jing Yuan's thanks, it implied it was something the Xianzhou could not readily provide.
As the General put it, Sylvia was no fool. If she had needs, she would naturally state them. Their part was simply to do what was necessary.
Fu Xuan just hadn't expected Sylvia to bring it up now.
"That question should be directed at you. What is it you wish to do?"
Fu Xuan sipped her tea, her demeanor gradually reverting to its usual state, clearly slipping back into her role as Master Diviner.
"Phantylia, of course."
Sylvia's matter-of-fact tone made Fu Xuan frown. Then, as if suddenly realizing something, her eyes widened. She shot to her feet with a start, nearly knocking over the medicinal tea in front of her.
"You... you couldn't possibly be thinking of targeting an Emanator..."
One had to admit, Fu Xuan was rather adorable even when shocked.
Sylvia chuckled, steadying the tea cup, and said:
"Didn't the Xianzhou Alliance do something similar once? I also possess a tool capable of sealing Heliobi. The power I use to control them originates from it."
"And I'm not so ambitious as to try and devour the whole of Phantylia. I'd be quite satisfied with just half."
Truly attempting to contain the entirety of Phantylia—the sheer volume of an Emanator—Sylvia herself feared it might be too much to handle.
The ideal scenario would be to split Phantylia into six, seven, or eight pieces, then seize roughly half. Once she adapted, when the future Xianzhou storyline unfolded, she could come back for the remaining portion.
However, Fu Xuan was nowhere near as optimistic as Sylvia.
That was a Lord Ravager!
An Emanator of Destruction!
This wasn't like dividing a cake at the doorstep, talking about 'eating half'.
She hadn't noticed before just how audacious Sylvia was, daring to scheme against an Emanator already.
Next, she'd probably dare to scheme against an Aeon.
"Just half? Whether we can even locate the other party is unknown."
"That's why it's called a plan."
Sylvia smiled, appearing utterly unconcerned, which gave Fu Xuan a clear understanding.
She roughly guessed how Sylvia intended to find Phantylia.
At the same time, she nodded inwardly, grateful the General had advised her to temporarily pretend ignorance of the Disciples' leader's identity.
"In any case, if you require any assistance, you may contact me or the General directly. I will provide you with the General's contact information."
Following the results of her discussion with Jing Yuan in the early hours of the morning, Fu Xuan directly offered the assurance.
She also handed over General Jing Yuan's contact details to Sylvia.
--+--
Emerging from the Divination Commission.
Just as Sylvia was planning to find Qingque for another chat, a communication request came in from Acheron.
Answering it, Acheron appeared on the screen, still in her nightgown. She was leaning back on a sofa, holding one of the milk candy mochi Sylvia had ordered.
"I received your gift. It's very sweet. You must like this flavor quite a bit."
"Yes, Qingque recommended it to me today. I found it delicious, so I bought a portion for you too."
"Thank you. The taste is excellent."
Seeing Acheron's satisfaction with the mochi, Sylvia couldn't help but smile. She then added:
"Oh, and I also got a few recipes for sweet teas from Fu Xuan. I'll make some for you to drink when I get back later. I tried them; the aroma is wonderful."
On the other end of the screen, Acheron blinked upon hearing this.
For a moment, she felt a twinge of guilt. Had her arrangements for the day been a bit too excessive?
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.