Chapter 815

Lily had it easier than the Tanners. She'd accepted the themed series job for two reasons: it was her studio's first order, and she wanted to accomplish more before becoming pregnant, allowing her to focus fully on raising her child afterward. Alexander was happy to see her growing busier each day.

"You're not worried about the Perfumers' Society at all, huh?"

Though he knew nothing would happen to her with him around, she seemed to have forgotten their threat entirely. He wondered what Noah Richards would think.

"There's nothing to worry about," she replied, crouching to trim plants in the yard. Among the raw materials, two leafless, flowerless pieces of wood looked dead. She devoted extra attention to them, watering and fertilizing them every few days, as if anticipating something.

Over tea under the pergola, Alexander enjoyed a rare moment of leisure, confirming his decision to buy the property. It served not only as her studio but also as his personal retreat.

"It is an authoritative figure," she agreed, carefully mounding a plant with a trowel. "Still, it has nothing to do with me. I don't belong to them, and I don't rely on them for my livelihood."

She paused, glancing over her shoulder. "Actually, I checked. Those licenses are only issued in our country, and they're over twenty years old. There are only a handful of perfumers here, some more skilled than others. Many talented, upcoming perfumers have left due to restrictive rules and regulations. The Perfumers' Society is responsible for this loss of talent."

"Even so, do you plan to oppose them?" Alexander asked casually, holding a book. His casual demeanor masked his underlying concern. She was right about the perfumery industry's state. However, the Perfumers' Society had held authority for nearly thirty years in Hyderland, led by top perfumers. Anyone prominent was either a member or a student of a committee member. No one dared oppose them, even if they disagreed with the system. Lily was truly exceptional.

Knowing she shouldn't worry over a useless certificate, Alexander suggested getting someone to obtain one, but she refused. She dared to oppose the society, and since she wasn't afraid, he decided to support her. That society might be authoritative among perfumers, but it was insignificant to him.

"I never planned to oppose them; I just want to do my job. The certificate means nothing. We could pull strings or pay to get it, but I hate that. If I compromise now, what's next? If they keep adding rules, won't I spend my life taking exams?"

She concluded, "No, I just want to create perfume that satisfies me."

She finished mounding the plant, put down her trowel, and watered, sighing with relief. Rising slowly, the heat made her perspire.

"What are those two pieces of dead wood for?" He tilted his head, observing the wood she'd been working on for days outside the studio. He couldn't figure out their purpose.

"They're great things that will come in handy," she said with a mysterious smile. "I'll tell you later."