Jeremy Cooper explained, "That day in the cell, I wanted to check, but Jansen Princeton broke free. He was then restrained, so I never had a chance."

Tiffany Kelley nodded, saying with resignation, "There's nothing we can do about it now. Let's let it go. The main thing is this mind-control spell. You guys have to be careful in the future and not fall for it."

Once under the mind-control spell, they would be at the mercy of others and easily manipulated. The thought alone was terrifying.

A rare smile appeared on Jeremy's face. "It's not easy for someone to both administer the mind-numbing pill and recite the mind-control spell successfully. It would be an amazing feat to pull off both. Otherwise, wouldn't everyone know how to deploy mind-control spells and turn people into puppets?"

Tiffany raised her eyebrows, asking with intrigue, "Lord Cooper, you seem to know a lot about this, don't you?"

Jeremy immediately clammed up. This was connected to his background. Although he trusted Tiffany and had told her he came to Lovell City to look for someone, he couldn't say more. Otherwise, it might endanger her.

June Spencer surreptitiously glanced at Jeremy before saying meaningfully, "I remember a mysterious country whose natives are very skilled in black magic. They also possess amazing abilities and excellent medical skills."

This piqued Tiffany's curiosity. "Who are they?"

June turned to Tiffany. "The Azure Sea Royal Family. In addition to black magic and medical skills, they supposedly possess a secret treasure. Anyone who obtains it can view their past and present lives and change their fate."

Tiffany's eyelids twitched. She had a past life and fulfilled the conditions for fate-changing. If such a treasure existed, was her current life heaven's blessing, or something else? The more she thought about it, the more curious she became. "If this treasure is so magical, doesn't everyone want it?"

June nodded. "That's right. Over twenty years ago, several factions fought over it, including a major power struggle within the Azure Sea Royal Family, splitting the family into many branches. The treasure and its key disappeared. No one knows where they are."

As she spoke, June glanced at Jeremy again. "Rumor has it a servant stole the key and the youngest, most beloved princess. If true, the key is likely in the lost princess's possession. Many factions are searching for her and the treasure. If they find her before the Azure Sea Royal Family"

June trailed off, but the implication was clear. The princess and her treasure would attract covetous eyes. This, however, had nothing to do with Tiffany and her group.

However, Tiffany noticed Jeremy's changing expression. June kept glancing at him, observing his reaction. She was testing him. His past actions proved he was sent by the Azure Sea Royal Family to locate the missing princess. June's identity and background were also mysterious. Knowing so much, and guessing Jeremy's identity, did she and James Quinn have connections to the Azure Sea Royal Family?

Tiffany didn't ask and wouldn't. People who spill secrets under pressure are untrustworthy. She trusted James Quinn, June, and Jeremy. She never doubted them and never would.

The only thing that puzzled her was Melody Princeton. The lost princess would be around Melody's age, and Melody knew black magic. Could Melody be the princess?

Tiffany was shocked by her speculation. She subconsciously looked at Jeremy. If so, Jeremy's mission would pit him against Tiffany. They might grow closer to the finish line only to drift further apart.

Tiffany shook her head. Jeremy, by contrast, remained remarkably calm. When he felt Tiffany's gaze, he simply said, "I'm hungry."

Tiffany was momentarily stunned, then burst out laughing. Lord Cooper wanted to be fed. It was heartwarming. He was expressing his loyalty without promises or oaths. He was telling her, indirectly, that he considered her one of his own. No matter what happened, he wouldn't hurt her.

Tiffany smiled. "Come, let's eat. I'll give you an extra serving tonight."

"Mm-hmm." Jeremy remained placid, his emotions restrained. Yet, a hint of joy played on his lips, making his face even more dazzling. Tiffany longed to see what he looked like without his mask. She considered removing it while he slept, but knew she wouldn't dare.

The murder case ended. The outcome wasn't what Tiffany expected, but Melody lost much and gained nothing. Adverse publicity dissipated, and the uproar subsided. Back at school, no one dared call her a murderer. She learned the thugs who locked Ged Moody in the equipment room had quit school, seemingly facing trouble at home. Those who insulted her also suffered misfortunes.

Zoe Stevens felt vindicated. "Almighty God is just. They got their comeuppance!"

Tiffany replied, but a thought occurred to her: she needed to visit Royal Bay to express her thanks.