After bidding farewell to Haierjia, Silphiel walked along the streets of the Holy Capital, escorted by several knights, heading to Gao Ying's residence.

How to get Gao Ying to take the medicine?

Silphiel already had a full plan. These days, she'd been cooking at Gao Ying's house almost daily. Just add the potion to the food—that was all.

Being sneaky would only raise suspicion. So Silphiel openly placed the two medicine bottles in her vegetable basket, labeling them as soy sauce and vinegar. Soy sauce for Gao Ying; vinegar for herself.

Cooking for him every day, now secretly adding a special "seasoning"—who'd suspect a thing?

As usual, Silphiel picked up her reserved ingredients at the Holy Capital's market and hurried to Gao Ying's place.

Elise opened the door. Facing Silphiel with her basket, she explained, "The Hero and Rodrika went out for a long run to build stamina."

Long runs for stamina?

Well, it wasn't useless—but in this world, with its own rules, the results were minimal at best.

Elise ushered Silphiel inside. Eyeing the bountiful basket, she asked, "What delicious meal are you making for the Hero today?"

Lately, to showcase the Holy Maiden's compassion—and since Gao Ying, as a transmigrator, had no strict class notions—he let the maids join meals.

Honestly, Elise was captivated by Silphiel's cooking. Though the maids and Silphiel secretly disliked each other, they all admired her culinary skills. This Eastern-style dining was new to them, and the exquisite flavors had won them over.

"Noodles for Gao Ying," Silphiel said, pointing to the noodles, char siu, and vegetables in her basket.

Soon to get her wish, Silphiel was in a great mood, unusually kind to the maids. Normally, she wouldn't bother with small talk.

"Noodles..." Elise's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Call the others to help wash the vegetables!" Though Elise couldn't cook Eastern-style, washing and chopping were no problem.

As Silphiel began her scheme's prelude, the clueless Gao Ying finished his morning training. Sweaty, he returned with Rodrika.

Lunch was noodles. Gao Ying didn't mind—Silphiel had been diligently cooking "Chinese dishes" for days, clearly trying to win his favor. He knew it well. So he kept her at arm's length, giving her a vague sense she could reach him, yet always feeling distant.

Yes, just like how Silphiel treated him in his past life!

Gao Ying thought clearly now: he was the Hero chosen by the Goddess, born with unmatched talent. He was the most special one. With this title, before world peace and the Demon Race's defeat, who wouldn't treat him politely?

Neither Silphiel nor Gao Ying realized it, but unconsciously, she was walking down the path of becoming the Hero's devoted follower.

In the kitchen, Silphiel showed off her skills. Making noodles was effortless.

Why noodles for Gao Ying? Chinese meals were shared, making it hard to dose the potion—if some shameless idiots ate it, who knew what might happen? But noodles were individual servings.

Add "devotion sauce" for Gao Ying, "Goddess sauce" for herself—and their roles would be set.

To avoid accidents, Silphiel made noodles first for Rodrika, Elise, and the others, sending them out to eat. No one would see her adding the potions.

Sophia was the last to carry her bowl out. Her moon-dark eyes swept over Silphiel, a fleeting glimmer flashing within. Busy washing pots for Gao Ying's "devotion noodles," Silphiel didn't notice Sophia's odd expression as she left.

Sophia set down her bowl where Elise and the others ate. "Something's suspicious," she murmured.

Elise slurped her noodles, the sauce ratio perfect. "What's suspicious? The Holy Maiden's noodles are amazing. She cooks for the Hero all the time."

Sophia leaned close, lowering her voice. "Did you see those two 'special sauce' bottles in her basket? I never saw her use them."

Stella shrugged. "Probably for the Hero. We wouldn't get any."

Elise nodded, thinking Sophia overreacted.

"I think those bottles are trouble," Sophia insisted. "What is this woman best at?"

Stella and Elise froze. Silphiel's secret specialty? Magic potions.

Could those bottles be potions to ambush the Hero?

Elise wiped her lips. "But why two bottles? One's still unused!"

The three exchanged glances. Something felt off. Even if overthinking, they had to watch this scheming woman.

"What do we do?"

Sophia beckoned them close. After a quick huddle, they had a plan.

Sophia bowed to Gao Ying in the inner room. "Hero, could you call the Holy Maiden over?"

Gao Ying, discussing sword training with Rodrika, almost asked what happened—but Sophia's serious face stopped him. He nodded. "Understood. You may go."

After Sophia left, Gao Ying cleared his throat. "Silphiel, come here now!"

Silphiel was cooking noodles, about to add the "devotion sauce" when done. Startled, she set down the bottle and poked her head out. "What? I'm busy with the noodles."

"I need you. Hurry!" Gao Ying urged.

Silphiel sighed slightly. She put down the ladle, walked out, and stood before him. "What's so urgent you had to call me now?"