Chapter 26: Alchemist

Chapter 26: Alchemist The bustling commercial district of the city was a mix of noise and color, a stark contrast to the refined quiet of Madam Cordelia's usual haunts. Her gilded carriage came to a halt at the edge of the district, its ornate design drawing curious glances from passersby.

As the door swung open, Madam Cordelia emerged with the grace of a swan taking flight. Her presence immediately commanded attention, a beacon of elegance amidst the everyday bustle of the city.

She was adorned in a gown that could only be described as a masterpiece of haute couture. The dress, a deep midnight blue, shimmered with embedded sapphires that caught the light with every movement. The fabric, a rare Elysian silk, flowed like water around her statuesque form. A delicate silver filigree adorned the neckline and cuffs, each intricate swirl inlaid with tiny diamonds.

Her auburn hair was swept up in an elaborate coiffure, held in place by a single hairpin – a priceless family heirloom featuring a large, flawless emerald. Around her neck hung a choker of platinum and pearls, each pearl the size of a small grape and perfectly matched in luster and shape.

As she stepped onto the cobblestone street, her shoes – custom-made Louboutin-style heels with red soles and encrusted with more tiny diamonds – clicked softly. The entire ensemble was worth more than most of the surrounding buildings, easily costing tens of thousands of Thalens.

One of her guards, a tall, broad-shouldered man in a impeccably tailored suit, stepped forward. "Madam, allow me to accompany you. These streets can be... unpredictable."

Madam Cordelia raised a gloved hand, the fabric so fine it seemed to be spun from moonlight. With a single, elegant gesture, she dismissed his concern. "That won't be necessary, Christopher. I can manage quite well on my own."

As she began to walk, she opened her purse – a small but exquisite creation of exotic leather and gold filigree. Inside, nestled among various luxurious trinkets, was a small, nondescript container. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she confirmed its presence, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of her perfectly painted lips.

Madam Cordelia moved through the crowd with practiced ease, her bearing and attire parting the sea of commoners almost unconsciously. Many stopped to stare, whispering behind their hands. Some recognized her, their eyes widening in surprise.

"Isn't that Madam Cordelia?" a well-dressed merchant murmured to his companion.

"It is!" the other replied in a hushed tone. "Isn't she like the second most notable mistresses of the noble houses in the city? What could she be doing in this part of town?"

Unaware of the stir she was causing, or perhaps simply accustomed to it, Madam Cordelia continued her purposeful stride. Her mind was focused on the task at hand, on the plans she had carefully laid.

As she passed a reflective shop window, she caught sight of her own image and paused momentarily. Her perfectly made-up face betrayed no emotion, but her eyes held a glint of determination.

"Soon, young Zafron," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible above the street noise. "Soon we'll see what you're truly made of." sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ N0vᴇlFire(.)nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

With that, she continued on her way, her elegant figure a stark contrast to the bustling commercial district.

As she disappeared into the crowd, the whispers continued, speculation running wild about what could have brought such a high-class lady to this part of town. Little did they know the true nature of her errand, or the potential consequences it held for the young man named Zafron.

Madam Cordelia's purposeful stride led her to a nondescript building tucked away from the main thoroughfare. She ascended the worn stone steps, her heels clicking a staccato rhythm that echoed in the narrow stairwell. At the top, she paused before a door bearing a simple plaque: "Alchemist".

Without hesitation, she turned the brass knob and entered. The office beyond was a curious blend of modern laboratory and ancient apothecary. Shelves lined with books and jars of mysterious substances framed a central workspace dominated by gleaming scientific equipment.

Behind a cluttered desk sat a man in a crisp white lab coat, his silver hair and lined face betraying his advanced years. He looked up as Cordelia entered, a warm smile spreading across his features.

"Ah, Madam Cordelia! What a delightful surprise. It's been too long since—"

Cordelia cut him off with a raised hand, her voice cool and measured. "Dr. Bronn, I'm afraid this isn't a social call. I have a matter of some urgency."

She reached into her purse and withdrew the small container, placing it on his desk with a soft 'clink'. Dr. Bronn's bushy eyebrows rose as he picked up the vial, holding it to the light and examining its contents with a practiced eye.

"Interesting," he murmured, more to himself than to Cordelia. He set the vial down and leaned back in his chair, his expression turning serious. "Madam Cordelia, if I may... is everything alright? I have the utmost respect for your husband and his work. I'm somewhat perplexed as to why you're bringing his sample back for analysis. Our previous tests conclusively showed his potency was within normal range, and the risk of XY virus was negligible."

Cordelia's posture stiffened almost imperceptibly. 'Damnation,' she thought, 'I'd forgotten about Harold's previous visits.'

Aloud, she said, "Dr. Bronn, I appreciate your concern, but I must ask... who said this was my husband's sample?"

The doctor's eyes widened in surprise. "I... I just assumed... Given our history and your husband's past visits..."

Cordelia's voice remained calm, but there was a new edge to it. "I would caution against making assumptions, Doctor. Especially in your line of work."

'This is precisely why I detest these clandestine errands,' she mused internally. 'Far too much room for misunderstanding.'

Dr. Bronn cleared his throat, clearly flustered. "Of course, my apologies, Madam. How unprofessional of me. Perhaps you could enlighten me as to the nature of your visit?"

Cordelia's gaze was steady, her tone leaving no room for further questions. "I require a full analysis of the sample. Potency, genetic markers, and any... unusual characteristics. I need the results as soon as possible, and I need your utmost discretion in this matter."

"Certainly, Madam Cordelia. I'll begin right away. May I ask—"

"No, you may not," Cordelia interjected smoothly. "The less you know, the better for all involved. I trust that won't be a problem?"

Dr. Bronn nodded, chastened. "Of course not, Madam. You'll have the results within 48 hours."

Cordelia inclined her head slightly. "Excellent. I'll return then. Good day, Doctor."

As she turned to leave, her internal monologue continued. 'Well, that was unnecessarily complicated. I do hope Zafron proves worth all this subterfuge.'

With a final nod to the still-bewildered doctor, Madam Cordelia swept out of the office, her mission accomplished despite the unexpected complications.