558 Belline's Astonishment and Gratitude
'Compared to the people of Pangea, my growth rate would be considered shockingly fast. But the number of unresolved mysteries isn't lessening but also growing,' Vaan mused with a frown.
He had neither the power nor the knowledge to explain the strong sense of déja vu with certainty. Thus, he could only push it to the back of his mind for another time.
"If you say you are fine, then that's good," Belline acknowledged with a nod, not intending to pry any further. She continued their conversation with a gratifying smile, "I think I will be able to leave this world with peace of mind."
She was fully aware of her limited lifespan and had accepted her fate.
Nevertheless, she still had some regrets.
"It's a pity I won't be able to see how my daughters grow in the future," Belline added with a sad smile.
"It's too early to be giving up on life, Lady Belline," Vaan calmly said, placing a vial of diluted Divine-rank Stalactite Milk on the table. "If you're gone, Linetta and Lillias will be sad. And I can't allow that, especially when it's within my power to prevent it"
"This is..." Belline glanced at the transparent glass vial with semi-white liquid on the tea table with curiosity.
It looked like Stalactite Milk, but its quality was unlike anything she had ever seen before. Thus, she wasn't confident if it was truly Stalactite Milk.
However, the rich, potent earth-attribute power contained within the vial made it pretty clear that it was anything but ordinary.
"Transcendent-rank Stalactite Milk," Vaan calmly stated.
After finding the right dilution ratio, he managed to reduce some of his Divine-rank Stalactite Milk down to the Transcendent level.
Although its quality had greatly dropped, it didn't make it any less incredible to those who had never come across it.
"Transcendent-rank Stalactite Milk!" Belline exclaimed, her eyes widened with great shock.
In the world of herbology, years were the measurement of quality for plants, herbs, or anything with medicinal value, for that matter. As such, their exact age didn't always equal their quality.
For example, a seven-year-old hematosis grass could possess the medicinal quality of a thousand-year hematosis grass for a number of reasons, including but not limited to a blessed environment and artificial cultivation through magic.
A Ten-Thousand-Year Stalactite Milk was equivalent to a high-rank medicine. Thus, Transcendent-rank Stalactite Milk would be equal to a Hundred-Thousand-Year Stalactite Milk!
Previously, Belline's good daughters had shared some Ten-Thousand-Year Stalactite Milk, which they had acquired on their adventures, with her. They hoped the Ten-Thousand-Year Stalactite Milk would improve her condition and extend her lifespan.
However, the effects were limited since she had the fortune of encountering some Ten-Thousand-Year Stalactite Milk in her younger years.
Hundred-Thousand-Year Stalactite Milk, on the other hand, was something unheard of.
Belline recalled that Lord Vahn had also acquired a portion of the Ten-Thousand-Year Stalactite Milk. Her mind immediately spun with greater shock.
Did Lord Vahn refine the Ten-Thousand-Year Stalactite Milk into a Hundred-Thousand-Year Stalactite Milk? - Belline wondered with astonishment.
Whatever the case, the Transcendent-rank Stalactite Milk would definitely improve her natural talents and extend her lifespan by a great deal.
However...
"I can't accept something this valuable, Lord Vahn," Belline said with a soft sigh, adding, "Something this valuable should be saved for my daughters."
Even if Lord Vahn could raise the Stalactite Milk's quality, there should be a limited amount.
As such, it was better to invest it in someone with brighter futures and better potentials like her daughters - Belline thought.
Nevertheless, Vaan's lips curved into a smile when he heard Belline's reply.
"It looks like I haven't misjudged you, Lady Belline. You are worthy of this vial of Transcendent-rank Stalactite Milk," Vaan said, casually waving his hand over the tea table.
Another two vials of Transcendent-rank Stalactite Milk appeared beside the existing vial, totaling three.
"I apologize for testing you. Since it was our first official meeting, I wasn't sure of your character and if you could be trusted, Lady Belline," Vaan explained.
"However, you have proven that you can be. I suppose only a great mother can produce excellent daughters. You don't need to worry about Linetta and Lillias. I've naturally prepared their shares of this miraculous water as well"
"So, if you have any will to keep living for your daughters, drink these vials. Then, we will continue to talk," Vaan said seriously.
"But..." Belline still hesitated, voicing her concerns, "Such a precious elixir will be wasted on me. My life force is constantly seeping out of my body..."
"We will tackle that problem after," Vaan coolly stated before speaking assertively, "But right now, that isn't important. I want to know - do you want to live or not? If yes, then drink."
Belline was surprised by Vaan's sudden assertiveness, but she wasn't repulsed by it.
If anything, she felt touched.
Given the choice, no one was willing to die. As such, her answer was quite obvious - she wanted to live and see her daughters grow.
With a single teardrop running her right eye, Belline picked up the vials of Transcendent-rank Stalactite Milk and emptied them one by one.
The potent effects of the Transcendent-rank Stalactite Milk quickly strengthened her body and restored some of her youthful appearance.
Some of her wrinkles disappeared, and her grey-white hair recovered some brownish color.
Although Belline didn't regain her prime beauty, she acquired a mature form that was rare in most witches, making her appearance unique with its own charms.
Vaan's gaze only revealed simple appreciation and no deeper intentions.
"Words alone cannot express how indebted I am to you, Lord Vahn," Belline said gratefully before mentioning, "I recalled you wanted to ask me some questions. Please ask away, Lord Vahn"
"Are you aware a type of curse magic called the Life-bound Hex is causing your loss of lifespan?" Vaan asked.
Belline immediately revealed a startled look before shaking her head at a loss.
"Not at all. I thought it was the result of my old wounds from the Holy War flaring up," Belline replied before frowning, "Do you have any idea who could cast such a curse on me, Lord Vahn?"
"I was hoping you could answer that, Lady Belline." Vaan shrugged his shoulders with a helpless, wry smile before continuing, "But it seems you are completely in the dark regarding the matter."
Vaan proceeded to ask Belline Delarosa a number of questions regarding her potential enemies and rivals who may have wished to harm her.
However, Belline shook her head at all of them, thinking none of them could have been capable enough to cast such an intricate curse magic on her without her knowing.
"Then, do you have any relationship with the Great Ratholos Empire?"
"The Great Ratholos Empire?"
Once Vaan mentioned the Great Ratholos Empire, Belline quickly frowned with seriousness. Her eyes flickered, having thought of something.
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