If this isn't a joke, then what is...
Besides Kadgar, does the Blackhorn Auction House even have another alchemist worth mentioning? Even Kadgar, when he talks about Grand Mage Merlin, is both admiring and astonished—he even thinks that Grand Mage Merlin might become the first Worldshaper in Seaview City's history.
Farrow really wanted to ask Howes, what exactly is going on in your head...?
Standing in the Gilded Rose's alchemy lab, yet wanting to run off to work for the Blackhorn Auction House—are you out of your mind?
Forget it, even if he's crazy, it's none of my business...
Out of the thousand alchemists who admire me in Seaview City, there must be at least eight hundred. If a few of them are lacking in intelligence, it's not a big deal. I should just deal with you quickly, then head to the lounge—I can't keep Grand Mage Merlin waiting too long...
Farrow promptly gave up on this admirer...
"So, Alchemist Howes, right? You should be familiar with these alchemical tools, so I won't bother introducing them. Let's talk about your work. For now, your main task is potion blending. Soon, I'll have someone bring over some unfinished potions—just handle those and you'll be fine."
"Alright, alright, no problem..."
Sometimes, people are just strange like that...
If Leon had spoken to Howes in such a cold tone, that young prodigy would probably have flipped out on the spot. But since it was Farrow saying these things, Howes just accepted it as natural. After all, Alchemist Farrow was the most outstanding alchemist in Seaview City, only a step away from becoming a Grand Alchemist. For someone like that to even speak a few words to him was already a rare honor—how could he expect anything more?
Besides, that's just how important people are—big shots have to act the part!
See? Even the excuses for Farrow are ready-made...
If Howes ever found out that Farrow was only being so perfunctory because he was in a hurry to meet the good-natured boss Merlin, who knows what he'd think...
"Alright, if there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now."
Whatever Howes might think, Farrow couldn't care less. After dealing with Howes in a rush, Farrow quickly arrived at the lounge door.
Standing outside the door, Farrow took a deep breath to steady his excitement, then straightened his robe before gently knocking a few times.
"Come in." When Farrow entered, Leon was reviewing a batch of alchemist profiles. He casually pointed to a seat: "Farrow, have a seat first."
Of course Farrow didn't dare interrupt. He obediently sat down across from Leon. After a few minutes, Leon finished reading the profiles and set them aside. "Farrow, you understand why Kadgar sent you here this time, right?"
"I understand, I understand..." Farrow knew perfectly well that Kadgar had decided to send him to the Gilded Rose because he'd lingered outside the door of Grand Alchemist for so long. Both he and Kadgar believed that only Grand Mage Merlin could help him take that final step.
"Kadgar has told me many times that among the young alchemists in Seaview City, you have the brightest future. He hopes I can help you, and I've already agreed. I think, if you work hard enough, in three months you could join the ranks of Grand Alchemists."
"R-really?" Farrow was stunned. This—this... Was Grand Mage Merlin really promising him Grand Alchemist, in person?
And in just three months!
If anyone else had said this, Farrow might have doubted it...
But who was this man standing before him?
He was the very pinnacle of Grand Alchemists, only a single step away from becoming a Grandmaster. Back at the Blackhorn Auction House, Kadgar had often lamented that Grand Mage Merlin spent too much time on magic—so much that it had affected his achievements in alchemy. If Grand Mage Merlin devoted even a little more time to alchemy, just a little, he might already be a Grandmaster.
And in ten or twenty years, he might even become Seaview City's first Worldshaper.
Unfortunately, Grand Mage Merlin's interests seem to lie elsewhere, not in alchemy...
"Yes, three months." Now, this top Grand Alchemist—admired even by Kadgar—reassured Farrow once again. In that instant, Farrow's heart raced. Grand Alchemist, even Grandmaster... suddenly, it all felt so close.
"I... I'll do my best!"
"Alright, here’s your employment contract. Take a look, and if there’s no problem, sign it. I’ll show you my alchemy lab in a bit."
"Okay." Farrow glanced at the contract and signed his name without a second thought.
Leon smiled, a little surprised at Farrow’s decisiveness. This was a magical contract—once signed, there was no going back. Otherwise, the magic within the contract would exact a heavy price.
"Alright, Farrow, welcome to the Gilded Rose." Leon shook Farrow’s hand. Just as he was about to take Farrow to tour his alchemy lab, someone knocked on the lounge door again.
Knock knock knock, knock knock knock...
The knocking was urgent and fast, nothing like Farrow’s polite tap. Leon frowned: "Come in."
Sure enough, it was Howes who walked in...
"Matthew Merlin, what exactly are you trying to do!" Howes stormed into the lounge, slamming his work sheet onto the table. He didn’t even bother with "boss"—just called Leon by his full name.
"I’ve said it a hundred times—I’m an alchemist, not a damned apprentice! Why is nobody helping me with the alchemy tools, why is nobody processing the magical materials? Don’t tell me the Gilded Rose is so broke it can’t even afford a few apprentice assistants! I’m telling you, an alchemist’s time is precious. What you’re doing is a crime, do you know that!"
...Leon rubbed his nose, picked up the worksheet in front of him, and for a moment, didn’t know what to say. True, handling magical materials and operating alchemical tools—these jobs are usually done by apprentice alchemists in a typical alchemy shop. But is the Gilded Rose a typical alchemy shop? What kind of ordinary shop has over fifty alchemists?
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Sanjiang votes are in a terrible state—if anyone still hasn’t voted, please do! Much appreciated, please put the soap away!