Chapter 72

"Amelia, do you have no intention of putting your alchemy skills and knowledge of plants to use for the medical care of this country?"

"Huh... the country...!?"

At Logan's question, Amelia was taken aback.

"My knowledge... it's not that impressive..."

She laughed self-deprecatingly, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush.

Indeed, she had more knowledge about plants than most people and the skill to create medicines by combining those plants. However, she believed that her knowledge and skills were far from those of professionals who had studied the field in depth. Deep down, Amelia, who had low self-esteem, truly believed this.

"You're wrong," Logan said, not taking his eyes off Amelia.

"I should have inquired about Amelia's abilities much earlier. However, it was quite a challenge for me. I regret that it has taken until now, when I can finally sit down and talk calmly, to do so."

"It's... it's not something you need to apologize for, Lord Logan..."

As the atmosphere suddenly turned serious, Amelia was at a loss. Logan continued speaking.

"To cut to the chase, Amelia's knowledge and skills are extraordinary. Do you remember the night you first came to this mansion, when you quickly cured your stomachache with a medicine?"

"That... I was so embarrassed..."

Of course, she remembered. Despite not having eaten much before, her stomach had been shocked by the sudden feast and cried out in pain. Fortunately, she had brought a homemade medicine that could alleviate stomach pain, and after taking it, she had quickly recovered. Now, it was a nostalgic memory.

Recalling the embarrassment of that night, Amelia's face turned completely red. Logan, with a more intense tone, continued.

"Anyway, the efficacy of the medicine you took that night was extraordinary. Normally, stomach medicines take time to work, gradually taking effect. But that medicine worked so quickly..."

Even now, Logan's voice was filled with amazement.

"It's not just that. Oscar's back pain, Charlotte's shoulder discomfort... all of these were treated thanks to the medicines you made. I'm not an expert in pharmacology, but I have never seen medicines with such powerful effects."

Amelia couldn't deny this. Logan's words were so convincing that they were gradually breaking down her belief that "it couldn't be."

"Moreover, the tea we are drinking now... even this Darjeeling is a result of your knowledge. Since I started drinking this tea, my health has clearly improved. Whether it's the medicines you make or the knowledge you possess, Amelia's abilities can greatly contribute to many people."

Amelia couldn't immediately respond to Logan's earnest words. She had always thought her abilities were not that significant, so it was difficult to accept that they were "so impressive that they could help many people."

She had always known her abilities were special, which was why she had kept them secret, following her mother's instructions. However, she never thought they were so valuable.

During the years she spent at her family home, she had been repeatedly told by her family and servants that she was worthless. This constant self-denial had deeply ingrained itself in her, shaping her worldview.

When you are constantly told that you are incompetent, even if it's not true, it starts to feel like a fact. Therefore, she couldn't believe that she had any talent.

However...

(Lord Logan is not the type to lie...)

On the other hand, there was something in Amelia that she trusted without a doubt.

Her trust in Logan. Although the time she had spent with Logan was not long, she had seen his integrity and sincerity up close.

This trust clearly showed that Logan's words were the truth. Two thoughts were struggling in her mind.

The negative thought that "I can't have such power" and the positive thought that "But Lord Logan must be telling the truth."

In this struggle, Amelia slowly opened her mouth.

"If... if what you say is true, Lord Logan, what should I do?"

"Do what you want," Logan replied without hesitation.

"Whether you want to study more about pharmacology or use your current knowledge to make medicines, do what you want. I am willing to provide any necessary environment or funds to support what you want to do."

"Such... for someone like me..."

"Amelia."

Gently, Logan's finger touched Amelia's cheek, and her gaze was drawn upward.

Logan, with a slight frown, seemed... angry.

"Don't say 'someone like me.' Words that belittle yourself lower your value. You lose confidence in your words and actions, and things don't go well. Most importantly, I, who love Amelia, find it sad when you say things that negate yourself."

Amelia was startled by these words.

"So please, don't belittle yourself. Amelia... you are truly amazing."

Her chest filled with a sense of guilt at his pleading voice.

Immediately negating herself was a bad habit.

She was aware of it.

In an environment where she was constantly negated, it was easier to decide that she was inferior and that she was a failure.

(But this is not my family home anymore...)

There are people who affirm her.

There are people who love her.

For their sake, she needed to change.

"...I'm... sorry..."

But here, what she should say is not an apology.

"Thank you. It makes me very happy to hear you say that."

She expressed her genuine gratitude.

"But... I'm sorry, I'm still not sure what to do with my abilities..."

What she should do specifically.

Probably, if she thought about it, the path would become clear.

However, there was a lingering sense of discomfort, like a fish bone stuck in her throat, about whether she should use her abilities for anyone other than Logan and the people around him. She couldn't quite grasp the source of this discomfort.

"Don't rush it."

Logan's calm voice resonated in her ears.

"This is an important matter that will affect your future. Take your time to think about it. If you think it's not for you, forget about this conversation. I won't blame you at all. I want you to respect your own will."

"...Thank you, Lord Logan."

Amelia could only express her gratitude for Logan's consideration. She was frustrated with her indecisiveness, but she couldn't give an answer at this moment.

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