In its traditional field, mentoring was held in high regard.

When Emanuel casually claimed anyone as his teacher, his students reacted with doubt. Would they accept a young girl as their teacher's mentor? Emanuel was speechless, amused yet disturbed by Melany's audacity. He'd encountered bold individuals before, but none like her. Her actions, stirring the pot in his own domain and treating him as invisible, were infuriating.

He wiped his razor on his apron, preparing a response, when gentle hands placed a cup of black tea in his hands, guiding him to a chair.

"Do you still get upset at your age? If a dog bites you, are you going to bite back?"

Allison's defining trait was her fierce loyalty. Melany and Colton were manageable, but the arrival of outsiders raised the stakes. Even if these outsiders respected Emanuel and Allison, gossip was inevitable, tarnishing the reputation he'd built over decades. Allowing Melany and Colton to destroy it was unacceptable.

"Don't try to stop me," Emanuel grumbled. After a calming sip of tea, he declared, "I want to see how bold they are in my own home!"

The three men looked skeptical. Allison said, "Didn't you ask me for a tea set with a nice print? I had some time today, so I decided to make one to calm your nerves."

The group was visibly surprised. "A printed tea set? Doesn't anyone know how to make those anymore?"

His skepticism lessened at the rarity of the technique Allison mentioned. "The stamping technique was reserved for royal ceremonies and almost impossible to obtain, even for royalty. The process is complex and requires impeccable execution. Tea sets represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship."

Each tea set was a marvel, combining distinctiveness and harmonious unity. Each cup required a unique technique, yet together they formed a perfect whole.

An older member explained, "Tea sets made using this technique are incredibly valuable. Each cup is a work of art, and collecting a complete set requires mastery in calligraphy, painting, engraving, and delicate carving—skills requiring decades to master."

Intricate carvings of landscapes and window lattices were required. One mistake could ruin everything, a task even Emanuel couldn't guarantee success with.

However, Emanuel laughed, overjoyed. He'd dreamed of this moment for years, pestering Allison to create a set for him. Now, at last, it was happening.

With a wide smile, he put down his cup and glanced disdainfully at his current tea set. "If you can really make me a patterned set, my current one is like a candle compared to the moon. I wouldn't mind breaking everything."

The others were stunned. Emanuel treated his creations like children; his enthusiasm showed his confidence in Allison's abilities. Could this young girl truly be a hidden master?

Emanuel eagerly gathered his prized tools—carving knives and his finest clay—and began working enthusiastically. The others, understanding the moment's importance, offered assistance; one even called for more help.

News spread quickly, and soon countless people flocked to witness the spectacle. It was becoming quite an event.

"Do you need a hand?" Emanuel asked, visibly moved.

"No need. Having a teacher like Emanuel assist would seem out of place, but she didn’t mind," Allison said. "Kellan can help. You should get something to eat and take a break."

Kellan raised an eyebrow, amused. No one had ever dared to order him around, but Allison's natural, fearless tone intrigued him.

"Count on me," Kellan said calmly.

"Good boy! You’ve been nagging me for days, so it’s only fair that you do some work!" Emanuel laughed, wiping his hands as he went to eat. He needed a full stomach to appreciate the masterpiece he was making.