So far, the ride turned out quickly and they arrived at the outermost gate of the Braewood Keep.

    From far afield, her eyes glanced at the gigantic tree that had sprawling branches with voluminous leaves in it and the myriad glinting lights hovering around it.

    The tree was as vibrant and spectacular as the starry sky.

    From its uppermost region, close to the canopy towards the base, had several stone establishments attached to it, much like the splendor of a treehouse, and it was as though it behaved no different from a group of mushrooms growing on a large piece of wood log.

    In the middle of a bountiful magical forest and mountain ranges, a great edifice so natural was one of the highlights within the Western Territory.

    Perhaps even better than what she had described in the book.

    ''I have chills and butterflies in my stomach at the same time, seeing these settings… Is it even normal?''

    Going near, Nathalie dropped her head, for now, shrouding her head with the hood she had, and then held tight onto Keith, even when she didn''t need to as she was rather secure from the arms of Athan.

    Aside from the silver light gracing the verdant forest, there found fireflies, of myriad colors, hovering around the moss-filled branches of the trees, forming an archway as well as the carved rock walls nearby.

    The guards took notice of Athan, stepped aside, and welcomed his return.

    In a distance, Arnold, and Sylvester waited for them; while the former turned out scared witless from waiting the whole time, the latter remained calm despite the locked gaze he had.

    Which was for Athan, and not for the likes of her.

    Stepping on the front porch of the Braewood Keep, Keith lowered his position while Athan jumped and offered his hand for Nathalie to unmount.

    ''Alright, let''s be professional.'' Pondering, she reached out and landed with grace.

    Keith transformed back to his human form, then greeted the two as they approached her.

    [Thank you, Athan, Keith…] Nathalie clutched a handful of the cozy robe on her chest as she gave a curt bow slowly.

    Although Athan remained astute and only nodded with quickness, Keith returned the favor and beamed a warm smile.

    "Mysti!" Arnold called when he got close to her. His eyes glistened up with arms spread wide open, only for her to receive.

    Ever since a tight hug would always come her way. Such an embrace that she always got back to it no matter what. When she thought things would turn out hard and awkward for the two of them after finding out the truth, it was but a wrong mindset of hers.

    Soon as he snuggled, she leaned heavily and tried to reach for his back while giving him a soothing caress.

    [I''m sorry I took longer and never asked you—]

    However, Arnold hushed her and then coo as he went on and rubbed the back of her head. "That''s fine. I''m certain that you''ve mentioned earlier, plus Ashtra was with you the whole time, yes?"

    Nathalie let out a low hum, which they went back to have another round of cuddles. After which, they pulled apart and she glanced at Keith and Athan, though they didn''t have much reaction, they were worried because their gaze spoke so much volume.

    Fortunately, they didn''t make it so obvious, especially when she wasn''t making a fuss about it.

    "Are you hungry?" Arnold asked.

    With a slight shake of her head, she responded, [I''m tired from venturing, I might need to rest.]

    "Hmmm…" He then rubbed his chin while his gaze went up and down on her silhouette. "Is that so?"

    [Well, is there a spare study room in here where I could make potions?]

    A little quirk from the corner of his lips came as he gazed at her for a while. "Let me see; stressed out for the day, then?"

    Arnold knew that one of the outlets of Mystique to dump all of her stress had to be concocting so many consumables in her private chambers. Until she got burned out and stopped what she had been up to thus far.

    "Sylvester, do you have a spare room?"

    Sylvester gave him a curt nod. "Indeed, we have. I''ll let the head butler arrange it for her then."

    "Close to her room, if possible, so she won''t even be that much of a hassle."

    "Rest assured."

    Nathalie was rather impressed that the two of them were rather cordial, and not an ounce of derision shared between them.

    Perhaps one of these days, they would be on the same page more often than not and make a good pair of a powerhouse as well.

    However, Arnold continued, "Since we haven''t brought any of the ingredients she ought to make, I''d like to purchase them from you—"

    Nathalie tugged his sleeves, interrupting his speech as she replied, [I have foraged quite a lot.]

    Which ended up a foul reaction from Athan and Sylvester, scrunching up their faces as they gaped at her.

    Meanwhile, Arnold was about to faint.

    Within Western Territory, especially across the lush vegetation, there had been specific locations barred from foraging without the permission of an appropriate authority.

    Yet from where she was, it was an important matter to take note of but she went on with it.

    Nathalie knew, for she saw how valuable the place she had been in there, even if it was such a short moment in time. She then stared at Sylvester. [Allow me to compensate for it, Your Grace; I shall concoct as much as I have in me as a token for letting me stay and venture far and wide. I''ve enjoyed it so much.]

    "Mysti…"

    [Moreover, Athan also summoned Charles and his men to be here tomorrow; so I thought I''d also give them a share of the offerings.]

    At that moment, a glimpse of Sylvester that he had no idea but went into accord when he peered at the seriousness of Athan''s gaze.

    Inwardly, Nathalie smirked. ''Since that is your premise, Athan, I''ll play along with you.''

    While it was fine if she had to take the burden, it was on a different note when others got included.