Zach and Derot swung by the guild first to pick up heaps of potions and Jessecke before heading to the palace. The Empress Dowager and a few of the palace's alchemists were already waiting for them when they showed up.
Jessecke and Alzara followed the alchemists to the lab for extensive testing and explanation of the potions and their effects. Zach, Derot, Ursula, and Rienne, who joined them later, took it easy and enjoyed some simple refreshments.
Compared to last night, Derot had come to terms with the situation and managed to act more naturally, even with the addition of one of the imperial princesses. The conversation was light and easy, but Zach couldn't help but notice Rienne frequently glancing in Soara's direction. There even seemed to be something hidden in her gaze.
Zach's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Princess, are you wary of Soara?" He bluntly went ahead and asked.
