"I'm not very clear on the specifics either."

Florence shook her head. Even though she was used to dancing on the edge, a trace of worry still appeared between her brows.

"Moreover, since it's called 'forbidden power,' research would definitely be risky. We might even be targeted by the Church."

Celitia was thoughtful.

Curses, Shadow Space-Time, forbidden power.

She had the feeling there might be some connection between these things.

She murmured: "If this so-called 'forbidden power' could be utilized..."

Even though she had been mentally prepared, Florence still felt incredulous.

"I say, Celitia, you're not really a madwoman, are you? You're still young, living a good life—why would you want to mess with these things?"

Celitia sighed:

"After all, life itself is a grand adventure. Being able to have a chance to bet everything is already not easy... I don't have many choices."

"You're making me feel like I can't quite see through you, Celitia."

Florence casually picked up a pen from the table, lazily tossing it into the air, watching it make four graceful turns before catching it steadily.

"Born into nobility, intelligent, studying at a prestigious academy, valued by many important people including the princess. With such superior conditions, no matter how you look at it, your future life should be smooth sailing. Why would you want to bet everything?"

Celitia quietly gazed at her, her eyes still flickering with light that would never retreat.

"I should have said this before, right? For me, it's all very simple—I just want to possess enough power to protect myself and guard others."

"So it's not about destroying the world?"

Florence mumbled, looking somewhat disappointed.

Celitia's eyelid twitched slightly, thinking this woman might be hoping for chaos in the world.

Florence suddenly reached out and vigorously patted Celitia's shoulder.

"Little gambler, big sister will do this job with you." She raised an eyebrow, excitement glinting in her eyes, "Church or no Church—let them try to catch me if they can!"

Celitia was stunned:

"No, I'm already very grateful if you can suggest some theoretical directions. As for the specific research, I can handle it myself."

She hadn't planned to drag Florence down with her.

"I'm not afraid, so what are you afraid of?"

Florence was quite excited and patted her shoulder hard again.

Celitia swayed, feeling a sharp pain in her shoulder.

"Wait, Florence, don't be hasty."

Even though she had expected Florence's reaction to some degree, Celitia hadn't thought she would so readily wade into muddy waters together.

She moved Florence's hand away from her shoulder and straightened her expression.

"Although I do hope for your help, you should know the risks involved—is this kind of thing worth you taking such a risk, Florence?"

Florence cupped her cheeks in her hands, blinking her glass-bead-like blue-green eyes as she smiled at Celitia.

"You don't seem like a good child, so how can you say such rule-abiding things? I'm interested in the topic you proposed and find it challenging, so I want to try—that's the most important reason. As for the less important reason..."

Her voice paused slightly, and Florence sighed softly, a trace of melancholy appearing in her expression.

"I have almost no friends, and it's rare to feel somewhat compatible with you. If that's your wish... letting me help a friend a little would also be a way to pass the time."

Celitia's gaze flickered almost imperceptibly, and an indescribable feeling welled up in her heart.

Friend...

With Florence's personality, being considered a friend by her should be quite a difficult thing, right?

Just when Celitia was rarely feeling a bit moved, Florence took advantage of her momentary distraction to suddenly reach out quickly and forcibly lift her chin.

"Of course, if my little beauty is deeply moved by my dedication and willing to pledge herself to me, big sister would naturally be even happier."

"..."

She knew it!

With this woman's nature, being moved was still too early!

Just as Celitia was about to irritably swat away that salty pig's hand that wanted to take advantage at every moment, the workshop door that had been half-closed in the distance was suddenly opened from outside.

Sophia's voice rang out simultaneously:

"Lily, are you here?"

The girl stood backlit in the doorway, taking a moment to adjust to the lighting inside the workshop.

When Sophia could clearly see the situation before her, her expression couldn't help but freeze slightly.

She saw the orange-red short-haired adult leaning forward, one hand supporting the table and the other hand hooking the girl's chin, while Celitia was forced to tilt her head back, her body leaning backward, her expression both annoyed and helpless.

Hearing the commotion, both turned their heads to look toward the door.

"Princess Sophia?"

Florence was so startled she immediately made a stop gesture at her, "Wait, wait, Your Highness, please stand at the entrance for now, don't rush in."

The workshop's defensive formations were still activated. If Sophia blundered in confused, she might really end up hanging from the ceiling.

Florence didn't want to bear the charge of disrespect for no reason.

But Sophia misunderstood her meaning, and strong disappointment surged in her eyes.

"I see... I came at a bad time and disturbed you two?"

She silently stepped back half a step and closed the workshop door again.

Celitia was stunned, watching helplessly as the wooden door closed again, blocking out the outside sunlight.

"Hey, Lily!"

Seeing that Celitia had no reaction, Florence broke out in a cold sweat and frantically tugged at her sleeve.

"Princess Sophia seems to have misunderstood something—aren't you going to explain quickly?"

"Explain what?" Celitia was quite bewildered.

She was still waiting for Florence to deactivate the defensive formations so she could invite Sophia in to visit.

Florence was stunned, her eyes widening as she stared at Celitia in disbelief.

Did this little beauty, who looked so pretty, actually have her head stuffed with straw and was completely clueless?

Florence swore that even through the door, she could smell that vinegar!

Too rushed to explain, Florence pulled Celitia up from her chair and pushed her toward the door.

"Don't worry about all that—since Princess Sophia came, you go accompany her!"

When facing Sophia, Florence was always like a mouse seeing a cat.

She had done countless bad things, and if Sophia got serious and pinned some crime on her, Florence's days would be over.

You know, with not much time left until the year-end auction, Florence didn't want any complications.

It wasn't an exaggeration to say that if Sophia was willing to pay, Florence could even wash Celitia clean, tie her up, and deliver her to Sophia's bed.

Ah... what did you say, betraying a friend?

How was that possible? This was clearly helping a friend—killing two birds with one stone, everyone happy!