Titus was also an eighth-grade divine alchemist, equal to Amari in skill but far superior in martial strength. As the Third Elder of the Divine Alchemists, his position alone spoke volumes.

The Divine Alchemists were one of the most mysterious hidden sects in existence, and for Titus to hold such a title meant his strength was beyond question.

After the pleasantries were exchanged, Titus got down to business, his gaze locking onto Andrew with a measured tone. “So, this must be the Dragon Prince of the Lloyd royal family, correct?"

“The Divine Alchemists have always stayed out of worldly power struggles. Our only principle is to craft superior remedies and exhaust the limits of alchemy itself. Therefore, Mr. Lloyd, I’m afraid you’ll have to leave Sovereign’s Apothecary.”

Andrew raised an eyebrow. “So, this is you kicking me out?”

Titus replied indifferently, “If that’s how you want to see it, then sure. The Divine Alchemists have maintained a decent relationship with your family over the years, but I won’t compromise principles for personal connections. If you want to hold a grudge, then hold it against me.”

Standing nearby, Theon smirked smugly, his expression full of satisfaction.

Andrew did not even glance his way. He simply nodded once and said, “In that case, perfect. If this place won’t have me, there’ll be another that will.”

As Andrew prepared to leave, Mikayla and Caden felt a rush of satisfaction, clearly pleased to see him go.

Just then, Brielle’s voice cut through the moment, “Wait a minute!”

Andrew stopped in his tracks.

Titus’s brow furrowed as he looked back at Brielle. “What else do you have to say?”

Brielle’s voice turned cold. “What I have to say is that he isn’t going anywhere. If anyone should leave, it should be someone else. Losing him would be a loss Sovereign’s Apothecary can’t afford.”

Titus snorted. “No one is indispensable. You’re exaggerating, and there’s no need for that kind of talk.”

“Oh, really?” Brielle said with a mocking smile. “Then perhaps you don’t know that he’s already a ninth-grade supreme alchemist?”

The words hit Titus like lightning. He shot up from his chair, eyes wide. “What did you say? A ninth-grade supreme alchemist? That’s impossible.”

Brielle’s tone dripped with sarcasm. “Nothing is impossible. For the mediocre and the scheming, maybe it is, but him? He’s already reached the ninth grade. Otherwise, do you think I’d be so determined to keep him?”

Titus’s gaze flickered uncertainly as he turned toward Theon for confirmation.

Theon’s face darkened. “It’s true. He has reached the ninth-grade supreme alchemist level. But Mr. Sterling, this man is rebellious and has no loyalty to the Sovereign’s Apothecary. He treats this place like his private playground, doing whatever he pleases. Worst of all, he listens to no one but Madam Baxter. If you plan to take control of this place, having a wildcard like him around could be… troublesome.”

Titus’s expression grew stern as he gave a slow nod, clearly weighing Theon’s words. “A ninth-grade supreme alchemist… that’s the same rank as our leader and the elders above me. Remarkable. A true prodigy…”

After a moment of quiet admiration, Titus gave a detached smile. “But even so, Mr. Lloyd, you still can’t stay. Sovereign’s Apothecary doesn’t revolve around one man. What we need are people who are fully devoted to the art of alchemy, not someone who stirs up conflict from within. So I’m sorry, but you’ll have to leave.”