Chapter 34:

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In their traditional field, mentorship was held in the highest regard.

If Emanuel were to casually claim anyone as his teacher, how would his students react? Would they be expected to accept a young woman as their teacher’s mentor? Doubts began to surface, and Emanuel stood there, speechless. He couldn’t help but feel a twisted amusement at Melany’s audacity. He’d encountered bold characters before, but none quite like her. To stir the pot right under his nose? It was sheer audacity! Melany was making a scene in his own domain, treating Emanuel as if he were invisible.

He wiped his cleaver on his apron, ready to respond, when a pair of gentle hands landed on his shoulder, guiding him to a chair and placing a cup of black tea in his hands.

“Still getting worked up at your age? If a dog bites you, are you going to bite back?”

Allison’s defining trait was her fierce loyalty. If it were just Melany and Colton causing trouble, it would be manageable. But with outsiders now involved, the stakes had changed.

Even if these three outsiders respected Emanuel and acknowledged Allison, they would undoubtedly whisper behind his back. That would tarnish the reputation he’d built over decades. Allowing Melany and Colton to wreck it was out of the question.

“Don’t try to stop me,” Emanuel grumbled. After a sip to steady himself, he declared, “I want to see just how bold they are in my own home!”

Under the skeptical stares of the three men, Allison said, “Didn’t you ask me for a nicely patterned tea set? I had some time today, so I decided to make one to soothe your nerves.”

The group was visibly taken aback. “A patterned tea set? Does anyone even know how to make those anymore?”

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Their skepticism was tempered by the rarity of the technique Allison mentioned.

“The patterned technique was once reserved for royal ceremonies, nearly impossible to obtain. Even royalty struggled to acquire it. The process is intricate, requiring flawless execution. As for tea sets, they represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship.”

Each tea set was a marvel of design, blending distinctiveness with harmonious unity. Each cup required a unique technique, but together they created a perfect ensemble.

An older member of the group took it upon himself to explain, “Tea sets made with this technique can be worth a fortune. Each cup is a work of art, and collecting a complete set demands mastery in calligraphy, painting, engraving, and delicate carving. Mastering all these skills can take decades.”

To truly master the technique required intricate carving of landscapes and window lattices. One mistake could ruin everything. Even someone as experienced as Emanuel couldn’t guarantee success.

Yet, Emanuel burst into laughter, thrilled beyond measure.

For years, he’d dreamt of this moment, pestering Allison to create a set for him. And now, at last, she was set to make it!

With a broad grin, Emanuel set down his cup, casting a dismissive glance at his current tea set.

“If you can truly craft a patterned set for me, then my current set is like a candle compared to the moon. I wouldn’t mind smashing it all!”

The others were stunned. Emanuel was known for treating his creations like his own children. His excitement showed just how confident he was in Allison’s skills.

Could this young woman truly be a hidden master?

Emanuel eagerly gathered his prized tools, carving knives, and finest clay, bustling around in excitement. The others, sensing the importance of the moment, quickly offered their help. One even made a call to enlist additional assistance.

News spread rapidly, and soon countless people were converging to witness the spectacle.

It was turning into quite the event.

“Need me to lend a hand?” Emanuel asked, visibly thrilled.

“No need.” Having a master like Emanuel assisting would feel out of place, even if he didn’t mind. “Kellan can help. You should eat something and take a break,” Allison said.

Kellan raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. No one had ever dared to boss him around, but Allison’s tone was so natural and fearless. She intrigued him.

“Count on me,” Kellan said calmly.

“Good lad! You’ve been bugging me for days, so it’s only fair you do some work!” Emanuel laughed, wiping his hands as he headed off to eat. After all, a full stomach was essential to truly appreciate the masterpiece in the making!

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