The Double ( or More ?) Life of The Fake Heiress

Who is Nikolai, you ask? The one they called the Grandmaster of Alternative Healing, a veritable legend in alternative medicine, and heir to a dynasty of healers. The line of would–be apprentices eager to learn from him could stretch down Main Street! Nikolai needing a mentor was unheard of!

Sure, Mirabella seemed well–versed in pharmacology, but… the idea that a celebrated old–school healer like Nikolai would seek guidance from her was mind–boggling.

Knox watched Mirabella silently before finally asking, “You know a bit about healing arts, don’t you? His tone was matter–of–fact.

Without blinking, Mirabella replied, “A little… bit.”

“Heh,” Knox chuckled emotionlessly. If it were just ‘a little bit, Nikolai would probably, at most, want to take her as his apprentice, not immediately hail her as ‘little mentor. After all, Nikolai was not the kind of guy to throw around titles as a joke.

‘No wonder when I mentioned that Mirabella would make a fine culinary herbalist, that old–timer gave me such a strange look. He must have been in on the joke! Knox mused.

Thinking about it, it was not too far–fetched that a young woman with such deep knowledge of pharmacology would be adept in the healing arts. Some things were better left unexamined. Knox didn’t say another word about apprenticeship, hands clasped behind his back as he strolled into the kitchen.

To think of taking someone as an apprentice when even Nikolai wants to call her little mentor? It was like something out of a fantasy.

Mirabella blinked, watching Knox’s retreating figure with a hint of puzzlement, but soon, she redirected her gaze and left the kitchen.

Nikolai had just finished a phone call, his expression grave. As Mirabella walked by, he glanced at her and opened his mouth as if to say something. Instead, he asked, “Mirabella, are you heading back to the main hall now?” Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

I

Giving Nikolai a closer look, Mirabella noticed a sudden worry in his eyes. She didn’t ask further, just nodded and hummed a soft agreement.

Knowing there was nothing left for him in the kitchen, Nikolai pocketed his phone and, with a restored smile, suggested, “Let’s go together.”

Mirabella nodded slightly.

As they left for the main hall, Knox, now in the kitchen, turned to his bustling grandson. “Vincent, I have something to ask you.”

Surprised by his grandfather’s sudden geniality, Vincent nearly fumbled the spatula. “Yes, go ahead.”

Knox cleared his throat and paused before saying, “When I told you to ask Mirabella to consider the apprenticeship yesterday, you…

Before Knox could finish, Vincent, understanding the hint, interjected, “I’ve already spoken to her, Grandpa. Don’t worry. I’ll handle anything you entrust to me promptly.”

Knox, speechless with an unvoiced ‘I bet you didn’t mention it, thought to himself. Why was it that this kid never showed any initiative with chores but was suddenly so eager now?

10:06

Knox shook his head in dismay and walked away.

One moment, he was all smiles. The next, he turned sour, leaving Vincent perplexed, wondering, “What did I do wrong?”

Back in the hall, Mirabella settled into her previous seat.

James raised an eyebrow at her. “You were gone a while, huh?”

“I made a trip to the kitchen.” She picked up her cup from the table and drained it.

James nodded, his slender fingers reaching for the jug beside him to refill her cup.

“Thank you,” Mirabella said, grateful. The dinner hadn’t started yet, and she took out her phone to check a couple of missed calls and several messages.