Bryson breathed in the cold air, the winter season was drawing to a close and spring approached. It was the second month of the new year and his teacher the anthousai dryad was brimming with anticipation of the warmer season.

Bryson on the other hand was less excited about it as Primrose perhaps due to being a nature spirit liked to teach Bryson outside. He preferred the comfortable indoors but due to her being his tutor he couldn’t refuse and say no.

“How was your breakfast Lord Bryson?” Coni Pinop the former divine pixie now turned regular pixie greeted him.

“Fine enough, where is she wanting me this time?” Bryson said with a grunt.

“In the greenhouses this time.”

“The greenhouses? Why?”

“You’re practicing alchemy this next month.” Coni said as she floated around him, not too dissimilarly to a buzzing fly.

Where does she find the energy? Bryson thought as she completed several orbits around him already, “I thought I was taught all the basics now.”

“Yes, but now you actually have to make them. Come on.” Coni said leading Bryson towards the main greenhouse.

“Huh, never actually been in this one before.” Bryson said as they entered the place.

“Really?”

“I always used one of the smaller ones because they were closer and I never needed to have all the plants in one place at the same time.”

“Shame you truly are missing out.” Coni said as Bryson took a moment to take in the place.

The main greenhouse of the Coldwaters looked less like a greenhouse and more like a nature reserve. The entire place was sealed away from the sun and instead lit by artificial magic lights that mimicked it, one could get sunburned if they were not careful.

Absorbing the light were a plethora of different plants all sectioned and labelled, from simple plants someone could find walking down a street, to the most exotic and magical ones brimming with danger. If someone wanted to traverse around the entire place they would need to do so by vehicle as to not take half the day.

Which was what Bryson and Coni were taking as they hopped onto a cart. Coni looked around curiously for a servant to start driving when Bryson moved onto the driving seat.

“Wait, you drive?” She said sounding a bit too surprised.

“You think I’m an idiot?” Bryson said shooting her a dangerous look.

“No, no! I just meant that I thought you'd rather have someone else drive for you.”

“People drive me everywhere, I like to have some control myself you know.” Bryson grunted as he drove the cart down the path past the plants, “Where?” Bryson said with a grunt.

“To the center, you’ll see them.” Coni said as they drove past a section dedicated to growing mana converters.

“When were they there?” Bryson asked.

“I believe after you brought them back, though I wasn’t there then so I’m not sure.”

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“There really is every plant I can think of here.” Bryson said as they passed some lemon trees that were currently fruiting.

“Well, you’ll be needing a large variety for potion making.” Coni said before locating Primrose standing at the center of the entire garden, “There she is, let’s go.”

“Is that Marsh? What’s she doing here?” Bryson said looking surprised.

“She is well versed in the subject of medical plants, she’ll be helping you learn.”

“Medical and magical have differences you know.”

“What you don’t think she’s capable?”

“No, just saying.” Bryson said muttered. Due to certain recent events, Bryson had done his best to put off talking with Florence. Now it seemed they had no choice but to intermingle with one another.

“Alright, I’m here.” Bryson announced.

“Lord Bryson you have arrived! Perfect, now we may start with your alchemy brewing.” Primrose greeted as Bryson parked next to them.

“Right, wait where’s your cart?” Bryson said realizing that no other vehicle was near them.

“Oh, I teleported here.” Primrose said.

“I walked.” Florence said monotonously. Now fifteen, she was nearly a head taller than Bryson, with her figure nearly fully grown at this point. While she always gave off a professional vibe to Bryson she lately felt much more mature.

Perhaps it was in part due to the fact that she had replaced her older uniform, which she had outgrown, with a newer navy blue one that was more form-fitting and displayed her 'assets' better. Bryson recalled that Lottie mentioned how Lila had complained about how Florence was beginning to beat her in certain aspects, Bryson did his best not to pay attention to it.

“Of course you did.” Bryson muttered rolling his eyes. He then looked at Florence, “So… did you volunteer for this?”

“I did, I believe that it would be useful for me to learn alongside with you.” Florence said with a nod.

“Haven’t you gone through this already?”

“Yes but, with you Lord Bryson being a wizard it will be different from me.” Florence said, she then paused, looking like she wanted to say something more but stopped herself.

Primrose and Coni looked at one another before Coni floated next to Bryson’s ear.

“Did something happen between you two?” Coni whispered.

“There had been no interactions.” Bryson said brushing her away before focusing on Primrose, “So what are we doing?”

“Oh, right. We are working on creating mana potions and basic healing potions today. After you get decently accustomed with creating the basic ones, we’ll move on to pills and stronger brews.” Primrose said as she pulled out a wooden wand delicately carved to look as if leafy vines clung to it and cast a small spell.

From an empty table appeared several glass tubes, pots, tongs, magnifying glasses, stoves, and other objects needed for potion brewing. Primrose then pulled out two potions from her bag, one glowing blue and another glowing red.

“These two are the potions you are required to make. I require the both of you to produce six of each, all of the same quality as these.” Primrose said as she placed them on the table, “Considering both of your abilities, I don't think you’ll need me to tell you whether or not what you produce is up to par.”

Bryson clicked his tongue as he studied bottles. The quality of the potions was better than the basic stuff you can find at potion stores. Of course they have to be above average. Bryson thought giving a small sigh before frowning.

“Those stoves, they have no power source.” Bryson pointed out.

“Yes, you will be providing the heat, for the two of you.” Primrose said with a smile, “What? Florence is unable to control magic like you can, she will need your help.” She replied when Bryson shot her a questioning glare.

“There are only two pots so you will need to make the two potions together.” Coni teased.

“You really know how to get on my nerves don’t you?” Bryson grumbled.

“Very well, how should we start?” Florence asked making no notable reaction during the entire conversation.

“Now the two of you need to gather the components.” Primrose said.

“No ingredient list?” Bryson said frowning.

“Well, you know how mana potions work and Florence understands healing plants, so you will need to confer with each other. You are free to use anything and everything in this garden.” Primrose said gesturing around the garden.

“Alright, Marsh get onto the cart.”

“Actually, you two will need to walk for this.” Primrose said with a gentle cough.

“Of course I do.” Bryson grunted, “Alright let’s go for a walk Marsh.”

“Of course Lord Bryson.” Florence said looking slightly stiffer than usual for a fleeting second as she followed behind Bryson.

Bryson as he began to walk paused momentarily as he rubbed the back of his head and looked around. Florence noticing it first called out to him.

“Is something wrong Lord Bryson?”

“No… no it’s nothing.” Bryson said quickly before moving along. He didn’t know why but he was hit by a sudden wave of unease. He couldn’t explain why or what, but he hoped it was just his brain being weird as he continued along the garden path.