Chapter 2392

The night passed quietly.

The next morning, Andrew headed straight to Sovereign’s Apothecary.

Amari greeted him with a grin. “Andrew, this is a surprise. What brings you here so early?”

Andrew waved him over. “Come on, let’s talk in your courtyard.”

Amari’s eyes lit up, and he chuckled mischievously. “Did you bring me some wine? I know it’s work hours, but Madam Baxter’s not around. No one’s going to stop me from having a little drink.”

Andrew shot him a glare. “That’s all you ever think about! It’s early morning, and instead of working, you just want to booze. Come on, I’m here because we need to discuss something important.”

Amari’s face fell with disappointment. “Fine. Let’s talk business first.”

Soon, the two men settled into comfortable chairs in the courtyard.

Amari poured Andrew a cup of tea and asked, “So what’s on your mind?”

Andrew paused thoughtfully before speaking. “Amari, I’ve been thinking about arranging a marriage for you. Since I’m here in Chetvine and Mr. Zeroual is not here, I figured I should look after your future. You’re my junior, after all.”

Amari’s neck tensed as he immediately shook his head. “Absolutely not! Let’s forget about this. I’m doing just fine on my own these days. Besides, at my age, what kind of marriage are we even talking about? Am I supposed to find an old lady my age? Let me be clear! I’m not interested. I’ve been a bachelor all my life, and that’s how it’ll stay!”

Andrew looked genuinely surprised. “You’re still a virgin? Are you serious?”

Amari’s face flushed red with embarrassment and anger. “Yes, completely serious. I was abandoned on the side of the road when I was born. Some farmers found me and raised me randomly until I was about five years old, then they passed away.

“I spent the next seven years working odd jobs at a small sect just to survive and eat. Then I met Mr. Zeroual, and he saw something in me. He thought I was clever, so he took me on as his assistant in herbal medicine. I didn’t even get officially recognized as his official apprentice until I was 55 years old.”

He continued, “Unlike you, who came from a prestigious family in Chetvine, your handsome father brought you to meet Mr. Zeroual as a child. He didn’t even put on his shoes; he just said he’d rather die without a piece of him intact than pass up the chance to take you as his student. Do you see the difference between us? How could our paths be so different?”

Andrew smiled gently and waved his hand dismissively. “Alright, alright, stop with all the emotional talk. Let’s focus on what matters. I’ve found someone for you, and she’s actually quite suitable. I wanted to come see what you think about it today.”

Amari looked skeptical. “Fine, who is she? But if she’s a widow, divorced, or a loudmouth, I’m not interested.”

Andrew sighed. “Come on, you know me. I’m Andrew Lloyd. Would I ever set you up with someone like that?”

Amari finally smiled, his tone lighter. “Alright then, tell me. Which family is she from?”

Andrew crossed his arms proudly. “She’s from the Reyes family. What do you think?”

Amari frowned. “The Reyes family? That clan’s reputation isn’t exactly spotless. Their backing, the Umbral Peak Sect, is known for walking a darker path. I’m not a fan of that crowd.”

Andrew waved dismissively. “Forget all that. What matters is whether this woman suits you or not.”

Amari nodded slowly. “Alright, then tell me about her.”

Andrew leaned in. “Her name’s Valerie. She’s about my age, maybe a little younger or older, hardly any…”