Andrew shook his head firmly. “Don’t worry about the cost, as I’m willing to pay for this. Besides, this is only the beginning of what I’m planning. I’m going to find additional ways to sweeten the deal for the Reyes family… I’ll give them a reason they simply cannot refuse.”
Without another word, he got to work. Andrew immediately set up a cauldron right there in Amari’s courtyard and began crafting elixirs with total focus. He had not forgotten that Brielle still owed him two items.
Previously, he had obtained the Blackstar Crystal and had already created the Soul–Restoring Pill, which he had given to Sovereign’s Apothecary in return. However, besides the Blackstar Crystal, there were two other things Andrew had requested that Sovereign’s Apothecary still could not provide.
Since they could not deliver, Andrew saw no reason to hold back. Sovereign’s Apothecary was essentially his personal playground to draw from as he pleased.
While Andrew was focused on refining, Luna arrived at the Sovereign’s Apothecary with her aide, Leslie. The reception staff greeted her immediately with professional courtesy. “General Phelan, welcome.”
Luna walked past them with a measured pace, nodding slightly, her tone formal. “Thank you for having me. I’ll probably be coming here quite often for a while, so I hope Madam Baxter won’t find it troublesome.”
The staff member was Caden, the skilled alchemist who happened to be on friendly terms with Mikayla. As he stood near Luna and took in her striking features up close, he could not help but feel genuinely captivated by her presence.
“It’s no trouble at all, absolutely no trouble whatsoever. Having you come to our apothecary to study alchemy is truly an honor for us. If I may ask, do you already have a teacher in mind, or would you like a recommendation?”
Luna shook her head calmly. “I haven’t decided yet.”
Caden’s face lit up with opportunity. “Well, that simplifies things considerably. Given your rank and status, General, the least we can offer is a mentor at the eighth–grade divine alchemist level. I’d recommend my own teacher, Mr. Theon Orben. How does that sound, General?”
Luna’s sharp eyebrows drew together slightly, but she remained silent.
Leslie spoke up on her behalf. “Our General wants to be sure if Mr. Orben is truly an eighth–grade divine alchemist.”
Caden lifted his chin proudly. “Of course! In fact, he just returned from advanced training at the Divine Alchemists Academy. Right now, no one in the Sovereign’s Apothecary can surpass him. He’s the best of the best.”
Leslie gave a cold chuckle. “Oh, really? What about Mr. Amari Goodman? From what I’ve heard, he’s not exactly a novice.”
Caden gave an awkward laugh. “Mr. Goodman is indeed an eighth–grade divine alchemist too. But honestly, compared to Mr. Orben, he’s on a different level.”
Leslie was about to argue, but Luna raised a hand to stop her. “For now, I’ll observe for a couple of days before deciding. I’d like to discuss my mentorship directly with Madam Baxter.”
Caden was a bit disappointed but had no choice except to agree. Luna was a major general in the military, and her presence here symbolized a strong alliance between the military and the Sovereign’s Apothecary. Someone at his level could only make suggestions, and the final decision was far above his pay grade.
With that, Luna began wandering through the Apothecary grounds. Each eighth–grade divine alchemist had their own private courtyard, and the entire facility housed nearly ten of them in total.
Even Luna, who had seen her share of power, was quietly impressed. “Ten divine alchemists under one roof… That’s enough expertise to support an entire military unit of advanced combatants.”
Leslie smiled. “Exactly. An eighth–grade divine alchemist is someone even the royal houses and major families fight to recruit. Though I do wonder if the Sovereign’s Apothecary has anyone above the eighth grade?”