Felix's reply caught Elise off guard. She had assumed that although Felix had medical skills, he lacked any backing. Since his path ahead was uncertain, she figured that was the reason he would be eager to partner with her.

However, he was only asking for medicinal ingredients.

"Dr. Zeller, are you serious?"

Felix nodded. "Yes. I don't want to become someone else's pawn or be tied to any power. I just want to fight for my own future on my own terms."

Elise handed him a drink before speaking again, saying, "But the herbs you mentioned are extremely rare and expensive. Why should I just give them to you?"

Felix had expected that. "Simple. I'll be blunt. I know the current state of Curio Clinic, and I also know why you came to Utren. So, when the time comes and you need help, you will have my full support."

However, Elise shook her head slightly. "Right now, you're not valuable enough for me to make that kind of investment. I want a stake in the future. Unless you're a master healer