Chapter 7: Hidden Power
1246 Words
“It’s a restorative elixir for mental strength,” Quinwen explained.
In this world, everyone possessed mental energy—a force akin to the roots of a grand tree, which shaped one’s development and determined the magical abilities they would eventually awaken.
Because Su Beitang had awakened healing abilities, she already possessed a natural self-regenerative capability.
This was likely why Theosen hadn’t succeeded in killing her.
Now, calmer and more detached, she recalled the scene of Theosen’s brutal assault. He had focused his magic directly on her legs. If he had truly wanted to kill her, he could have simply “missed” and struck her head instead…
Pushing the memories aside, she drank the white elixir in one swallow, wincing at its bitterness.
“It’s… rather unpleasant,” she said, handing the vial back to Quinwen with a slight frown.
Quinwen hesitated before taking it, his face showing a trace of embarrassment. “It’s a new formula I’ve been developing; I haven’t yet figured out how to add a sweetener.”
His smile revealed two slightly pointed canines. For a moment, the usually serious Quinwen transformed into someone warm and approachable, exuding a comforting, almost brotherly air.
But Su Beitang was more intrigued by his words than by his appearance.
In this world, there were healers, potion makers, and healing mages.
The difference lay in their expertise. Healers were typically formally trained and dedicated to curing ailments; potion makers, however, were innovators, crafting elixirs and wielding multifaceted abilities in various fields.
Healing mages, like Su Beitang, held the title of mage but lacked the strength of true healers or battle-ready mages.
They seemed impressive at first glance, but without significant utility in practice.
After learning her own abilities were primarily healing-based, Su Beitang had always aspired to be a potion maker.
But in Theosen’s estate, she’d been left to teach herself even basic literacy, making the idea of becoming a potion maker feel like an impossible dream.
“You make potions? Could you teach me?” Her dark red eyes reflected the sunlight, glowing with an intensity that startled Quinwen.
“Madam, why… would you want to learn this?” Quinwen asked, stunned.
Jannie, overhearing, turned with equal surprise to look at Su Beitang.
“For the joy of it,” she replied smoothly, “and as a diversion. I have plenty of free time, after all.”
“I’d need to ask the Duke first. If he agrees…” Quinwen’s words were interrupted by Su Beitang.
“No need. I’ll speak to Charles myself. Just be ready to teach me when the time comes.”
She seemed confident Charles would approve her request.
Quinwen nodded, relenting.
“Madam, please place your hand here. I need to conduct a mental energy examination.” Quinwen pulled a small metal object, no larger than his palm, from his medical kit.
Su Beitang obediently placed her hand over his, pressing down on the metallic device.
“Manifest your mental energy and channel it into this,” he instructed.
Following his guidance, she visualized her mental energy in physical form. A shadowy black cat appeared in her hand, then leaped into the device.
At her touch, a luminous white magic circle appeared, suspended in midair.
Su Beitang and Quinwen were both enveloped in a shimmering stardust-like glow, and the metal plate activated, summoning a transparent scroll overhead, clear enough to reveal every word.
As the scroll unfurled, lines of text appeared before them.
“SS--Healing--Female”
Beneath this line was an image of Su Beitang’s mental manifestation—a black cat with red eyes. However, the lower half of the cat was partially gray, and some areas were devoid of color altogether.
Quinwen scanned the scroll’s information, holding his breath.
Glancing up at Su Beitang, he noted the look of disbelief in her eyes. Composing himself, he quietly channeled his own energy into the device, concluding the examination.
A cool, tingling sensation spread from Su Beitang’s spine to her head as the magic circle dissipated.
“Madam is a dual-SS level healer…” Jannie murmured, his eyes wide with shock, the deep wrinkles on his face smoothing as his muscles tensed with excitement.
Jannie looked from Quinwen to Su Beitang, struggling to contain his emotions.
Seeing the calm composure of Quinwen and Su Beitang, he clenched his fists, silently swearing to care for the Madam with unwavering loyalty. He would ensure that her heart remained tied to the Duke, making him her only desire.
Su Beitang herself was startled by what she had seen.
She hadn’t imagined her mental strength could reach beyond an S level.
Back in Theosen’s estate, she had struggled just to keep up with Dana.
“Your mental manifestation is still partially damaged. Madam, your true level surpasses even SS,” Quinwen announced solemnly as he stored the examination tool.
“What?!” Jannie gasped, his eyes wide with shock.
A dual-SS healing mage… This put her close to the Duke’s own formidable 5S ranking.
Jannie’s eyes were filled with awe and a hint of trepidation.
Could it be that his lord had foreseen this miraculous fortune coming his way?
Thinking back on the night Charles had first met her, Jannie silently offered a prayer of gratitude for his master’s good fortune.
Quinwen, meanwhile, carefully packed away his medical kit, adjusting his sleeves and returning his gaze to Su Beitang.
“Madam, since your mental strength isn’t fully restored, I urge you to avoid using your calming powers for the time being,” he cautioned.
“Understood.” Su Beitang nodded, thanking Quinwen for his guidance.
“One more thing, Jannie,” Quinwen added, turning to the steward. “Madam’s double-SS rating must remain confidential. I will inform the Duke myself.”
The Empire had only a handful of female healing mages of this caliber.
If word got out, Su Beitang would be thrust into the Empire’s spotlight, where every high-ranking male would scramble for her attention.
A healing mage without self-defense skills, unveiled to the public, would be seen not as an esteemed figure but as prey.
Su Beitang was keenly aware of this danger.
“Thank you, Quinwen,” she said, acknowledging his concern.
Jannie pounded his chest, his voice grave with sincerity. “I swear on my life, I will not divulge any part of what I witnessed today. If I break my oath, may my soul be condemned to eternal suffering!”
As his words fell, a flash of golden light signaled the binding of his oath.
Su Beitang looked on in surprise, watching the old man make his solemn vow with his graying hair gleaming.
He truly meant every word.
Quinwen followed suit, placing his hand over his heart as a similar golden light flickered, sealing his promise.
The morning passed in the serenity of the garden.
After lunch, Charles finally returned, weary but determined, from the matters that had kept him away.
Upon hearing from Quinwen about Su Beitang’s examination, he rushed to find his young bride as soon as he dismounted.
In his time away, he had also taken the liberty to investigate Su Beitang’s background.
At twenty-two, she was six years younger than he.
“Charles?” Su Beitang, engrossed in a potion-making book in the castle’s library, sensed someone approaching.
As she turned, a pair of warm, firm hands cupped her face, and before she could see clearly, a gentle kiss was placed on her brow.
- Writer
