Zoe fell silent for a moment, her gaze dropping to the table as she turned the words over in her mind. Her brow furrowed slightly, her lips moving silently as she repeated the core of the advice to herself.
"...Mastery over what I possess... Wait for the right moment..."
A few moments later, the lingering anxiety completely vanished from her expression. She turned back to Ethea, meeting the former Empress's calm gaze, and gave a deep, respectful nod of gratitude.
"Thank you. I really appreciate it."
Ethea silently accepted the gesture.
Right then, Soren returned from the kitchen carrying a neatly wrapped box.
"Here," he said, handing it to her. "I hope it will be enough."
"Thank you," Zoe said earnestly as she stood up. After taking the container, she turned toward the exit. "I will be taking my leave, then."
