Chapter 83: Seeking Lyra’s Favor Once Again and Unhesitating Consent
“There really is an antidote… hahahaha!” Leon burst out laughing, his joy palpable, as if he hadn’t felt happiness in a long time.
After indulging in his moment of relief, he then proceeded to read the entire passage with great care.
“[The devouring poison, as one of the ancient poisons, possesses an antidote to neutralize its effects. Unlike the other nine ancient poisons, creating the antidote for this particular toxin is relatively simple. The required ingredients are also readily available, namely: two fire seeds sourced from the volcanic mountains in the southern region, one tricolor flower found on the seven-colored hill within the territory of the Holy Empire of Elysium, and one frozen leaf harvested from the trees of the snow-capped mountains in the northern region.]”
“[Of course, despite the simplicity of obtaining the ingredients, a core catalyst is necessary to blend all the components with contrasting properties, and that catalyst is my blood essence. Next, once all the necessary elements are assembled, the final step involves employing relatively advanced alchemical techniques to make it.]”
Reading through the description, Leon was pleasantly surprised to discover that the antidote for the devouring poison was described in great detail and clarity, unlike the antidotes for the other two ancient poisons.
“Strange… Why would Jared Crimson write it in such detail? Even the techniques and ingredients are thoroughly explained,” Leon muttered, blinking his eyes with some doubt.
However, after a moment, he dismissed all his doubts and decided not to dwell on them.
Regardless of the reason, what matters most is that it will greatly benefit him.
With this detailed information, he could promptly prepare the antidote without further delay, knowing exactly what ingredients and techniques were required.
Without hesitation, Leon grabbed a pen and paper and began carefully transcribing the information.
Since this was the forbidden book, he knew he couldn’t keep it for long, so he worked swiftly to copy down the details.
Otherwise, if Liliana discovered he had been reading a forbidden book without her consent, it could strain their relationship.
After five minutes, Leon finally ceased writing and double-checked to ensure that his notes precisely matched the antidote description for the devouring poison.
“Excellent! Just as I hoped,” Leon murmured with a satisfied nod, a smile of contentment gracing his lips as he confirmed the alignment.
With care, he closed the book and positioned it alongside the other two forbidden tomes he had already perused.
Having already achieved his goal, there was no need for Leon to reread the forbidden book at the moment.
His primary objective now was to make an antidote for the devouring poison.
“After completing this stage, the next step is to gather the ingredients for the antidote,” Leon remarked, leaning back in his chair and studying the names of these essential components with a contemplative gaze.
Suffice it to say, as mentioned in the book, the required ingredients were not excessively rare, making the task ahead seem easier.
However, despite the ingredients being relatively easy to obtain, venturing alone in his current physical state to gather them would no longer be classified as straightforward; it might even be suicidal.
The volcanic mountains in the southern region, where the fire seeds were located, posed a significant threat due to their extreme temperatures and treacherous terrain.
Carelessly traversing them in his current state would likely result in instant death.
Then there were the snow mountains in the northern region, where the frozen leaves were found, equally perilous.
Apart from the bone-chilling temperatures plummeting to minus hundreds of degrees below zero, rumors swirled of a legendary silver dragon inhabiting the peaks, making it even more impossible for him to venture there.
And lastly, there was the seven-colored hill where the tricolor flower was found, relatively less treacherous compared to the other two locales, yet still inhabited by numerous high-level monsters.
Contemplating all the hazards, Leon could only release a small sigh.
“Hey~ The path to regaining my strength is incredibly challenging,” he remarked with a small chuckle.
Nevertheless, he didn’t feel as disheartened as before.
He knew that even if he couldn’t acquire these ingredients himself, there was someone capable of obtaining them for him, and that person was…
*Knock!*
“Your Majesty Leon, I’ve brought dinner for you.”
Suddenly, a knock sounded on the door, accompanied by Lyra’s voice, which made Leon unable to suppress a smile.
“Tsk! Just when I was thinking about her, she actually showed up,” Leon remarked with a slight click of his tongue.
He felt as though he and Lyra shared a telepathic connection, for whenever he needed her, Lyra would always appear at the right moment.
Leisurely, he placed the paper he was holding on the table, crossed his right leg over his left, and replied, “Please, come in, Lyra. The door is unlocked.”
Upon hearing Leon’s permission, Lyra slowly turned the doorknob and entered the room, pushing the food trolley as usual.
As she entered, Lyra came to a gradual halt and turned towards Leon.
“Your Majesty Leon, good evening, and my apologies for the interruption.” Lyra greeted him respectfully, slightly bowing her head.
Observing Lyra’s beautiful yet expressionless face framed by her usual attire of a black maid outfit with a white apron, Leon couldn’t help but smile at her.
“Good evening, Lyra,” Leon replied in a light tone before continuing, “Just place all the food on the table near the sofa, as usual,” while gesturing towards the indicated spot.
“Um,” Lyra responded with a small nod, proceeding to slowly shift the food from the trolley to the table.
Watching her commence her tasks, Leon opted not to disturb her and simply sat quietly, observing her work.
After a few minutes, Lyra completed arranging all the food and shifted her gaze back to Leon.
“Everything is in order, Your Majesty, and I would like to take my leave,” she said respectfully before slowly pushing her trolley with the intention of exiting Leon’s room.
However, Leon promptly stood up and halted her, saying, “Wait, Lyra. Don’t leave just yet.”
At this, Lyra halted and appeared slightly startled, then turned to Leon with a look of confusion.
“Do you require anything else, Your Majesty?” Lyra asked, her curiosity evident.
Leon didn’t respond to her question; instead, he swiftly gathered the three forbidden books he had already read and approached her.
“These three forbidden books—I’ve read them all, and I don’t intend to hold back any longer. By the way, I am very grateful to you for bringing me these three books,” Leon said sincerely, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
Lyra was slightly surprised as she glanced at the three books in Leon’s hand before finally nodding in acknowledgment.
“You’re welcome, Your Majesty,” Lyra replied nonchalantly as usual, slowly accepting the three books from Leon’s hand.
Observing that everything was proceeding smoothly, Leon promptly prepared to address his purpose.
“Cough! Lyra, there’s actually something I’d like to ask you a favor about, if you don’t mind.” Leon coughed slightly, his tone betraying a hint of embarrassment.
Noticing Leon’s sheepish expression, Lyra remained composed as she replied, “Your Majesty Leon, if you need anything, please feel free to ask.”
Lyra’s resolute response alleviated Leon’s unease, gradually dispelling the awkwardness of requesting assistance.
“In truth, I need to concoct an antidote and require specific ingredients. If possible, could I rely on your assistance?” Leon asked candidly, without concealing his intentions.
Upon hearing Leon’s request, Lyra arched an eyebrow and regarded him meaningfully.
However, without further inquiry, she simply gave a small nod.
“Of course, Your Majesty. Please just tell me what ingredients you want me to prepare,” Lyra replied, her tone indifferent yet gentle.
Witnessing Lyra’s prompt agreement, Leon’s heart swelled with happiness.
He then made his way back to his desk to retrieve the piece of paper containing the ingredients he had previously written down.
“All the ingredients are listed here,” Leon said as he handed it to Lyra.
Taking the paper from Leon, Lyra glanced at it and read it carefully.
After a moment of perusing the ingredients, Lyra’s expression shifted slightly.
“Aren’t these…”
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