Chapter 2403
Andrew ignored her completely and went back to work. He reopened the cauldron and began cleaning out the residue, then methodically organized the scattered materials around him.
Luna’s tone softened without her even realizing it. “Alright, I was out of line earlier. Andrew, will you please teach me alchemy? I–I’m begging you.”
Andrew froze, utterly stunned. “What did you just say? You’re begging me? Say that again… I didn’t catch it.”
Luna clenched her teeth. “I said I’m begging you. You heard me this time, right?”
Andrew tilted his head. “One more time. Last one, I promise.”
Expressionless, Luna said, “I’m begging you, Mr. Lloyd, to teach me the art of alchemy. I will be forever grateful.”
Andrew chuckled with obvious satisfaction. “Well, considering how sincere you’re being, I suppose I could… not teach you!”
Luna’s mind went completely blank for a moment before she shot to her feet in fury. “Andrew, you’re crossing the line! Do you really think I won’t study under Mr. Orben instead? I know you’re arrogant and wanted to humiliate me, but I’ve already compromised so much. What else do you want from me?”
Andrew sighed heavily. “Sit down, will you? Calm down. Fine, I’ll teach you. Isn’t that enough? Look, I’m not trying to humiliate you. I’m tempering that stubborn pride of yours because that attitude will ruin your elixirs every time. Do you understand?”
Luna looked skeptical. “Are you being serious right now?”
Andrew nodded. “Dead serious. But let me be clear about something first: I’ve never been a mentor before, so my patience has limits. Beyond that, there’s a rule in alchemy: knowledge mustn’t be shared lightly. Once I teach you the art of elixir making, you have to promise me you won’t reveal these techniques to anyone and you won’t use them for anything harmful.”
Luna’s face lit up with genuine joy, and she could not help but smile. “Yes, of course. I promise I’ll do everything you ask.”
Andrew laughed along with her. “General Phelan, I’m curious about something. Why are you so determined to learn elixir making? You’ve already accomplished so much. Honestly, you don’t need this.”
Luna shook her head firmly. “Learning never stops. I used to be obsessed with martial arts and had no idea how incredible alchemy could be. Now that I’ve advanced higher in martial arts and met more powerful individuals, I’ve realized that elixirs are essentially a passport to the upper echelons of warrior society. Sometimes a divine alchemist has more influence than a martial emperor.”
She continued, “Also, I’ve been interested in traditional medicine and our country’s alchemy since I was young, but I never had the opportunity. My martial arts path was clear, but alchemy always felt distant. It felt like I was watching from the outside looking in. I never actually stepped into that world until now.”
Andrew nodded thoughtfully. “One last question then: why come to me specifically? With your standing, people like Theon and others would jump at the chance to take you on. You could easily approach them or even go straight to Madam Baxter from the Sovereign’s Apothecary.”
Luna smiled knowingly. “I did go to her first. She recommended you right away as her top choice, but she emphasized that success would depend entirely on me. She also mentioned Theon and Amari as alternatives, but I didn’t even consider them. From the very beginning, I only wanted to study under you.”