Bab 20: Chapter 20 Qualification Test Invitation
"Sigh---"
Beaman took a long breath to suppress the turmoil inside his heart.
Having spent years with the Mercenary Group, he understood the value of a complete mid-grade Breathing Secret Medicine even better than Ivan.
High-grade Breathing Secret Medicines were always more talked about than seen; no one had ever actually managed to buy one. Mid-grade secret medicines were equally scarce and would inevitably spark fierce competition among buyers once they became available, fetching high prices.
Let's put it this way, if you chose to present the potion recipe to the Aromatic Wheat Grand Duke during a significant festival, and the Grand Duke was delighted, he might just grant you a title and a piece of land. Of course, that's an exaggeration, but it illustrates well the value of the Ocean Blue Secret Medicine.
"You're not young anymore, decide how to handle it yourself."
Beaman was a squire, only one opportunity away from advancing to Knight Class, and the Ocean Blue Potion had minimal to no effect on him; he didn't want to bother with such troublesome matters and simply let his brother handle it.
Ivan said, "I need to think about it."
Beaman added, "Just a reminder, the Breathing Secret Medicine has side effects, which might increase the difficulty of advancing to Knight Class."
Ivan was aware of this too, but as it was only a possibility, no one could say for sure, and he didn't care: "Current strength is more important."
"Right, that's what everyone thinks."
Beaman expressed agreement, noticing that people around shared the same view, but they didn't know about the nobles.
Sensing his brother's indifferent attitude, the two brothers shared a smile.
At this moment, a voice came from inside the house.
"Mr. Ivan, nice to meet you again, and Mr. Beaman, good morning."
The visitor was Lisa Church, who had surprisingly shown up at the Marichadon residence this early in the morning.
Both brothers answered her with an inexplicable expression and greeted her.
Lisa pointed to one side, "Well, Mr. Ivan, this is our second meeting already. I wonder if your apothecary lab is organized yet? Please allow me to visit; otherwise, there may not be another chance in the future."
Hearing this, Beaman's expression shifted slightly; he knew the secret medicine was made inside, and how could he allow someone to visit that place?
In a flash, several thoughts crossed his mind, and his hand instinctively reached for the dagger at his waist.
Ivan, noticing his brother's guarded look, quickly said, "Alright, it's still a bit messy, I hope Miss Lisa won't mind." He was a cautious person, after the last experience, he always made sure to secure important items before leaving the house.
He signaled to Beaman that there would be no issues.
Approaching Lisa, he noticed a faint fragrance emanating from her, the Tyrone fragrance that he had given her last time.
Nonchalantly, he opened the door, and Lisa, with her petite frame like a graceful butterfly, stepped into the apothary lab first.
To Lisa's disappointment, the lab held nothing more notable than a workbench, a storage rack, and some miscellaneous items; it was just a simple and ordinary apothecary lab.
Lisa said politely, "Mr. Ivan's workplace is so simple, you will surely become an admirable Pharmacist in the future."
"I'll try my best."
Accompanied by Peggy, Lisa soon left, leaving everyone baffled.
Ivan was somewhat confused, "What's up with Miss Church?
"She might have taken a liking to you,"
Hearing Beaman's words, Ivan rolled his eyes.
If he remembered correctly, last time someone had mentioned that their leader Paul was pursuing Miss Church, and he had even argued with Paul about it.
Seeing his interest, Beaman shared Lisa Church's background: her father was Baron Church from the impoverished Black Pine Territory, which included a rundown town and three villages.
Recently, the Black Pine Territory faced a significant crisis; a group of boars, emerging from nowhere, periodically descended from the hills to ravage the fields and injure many, including the territory guards. There were even fatalities reported.
These boars were unusually large and difficult to deal with.
Baron Church came to Flying Fish Port with his daughter for two main purposes: one was to visit and connect with relatives, and the other was to seek help in eradicating a wild beast horde.
However, the financial situation of the Black Pine Territory has always been tight. Baron Church couldn't offer much in the way of a reward, which is why no one was eager to take on a losing deal and the task remained unaccepted.
Ivan asked in confusion, "I recall they have been here for quite some time, isn't it really okay to ignore their territory like this?"
Beaman shrugged, "Wild beasts will knock down trees and trample wheat fields, but they won't harm people on their own."
Ivan understood that the horde of boars, after ravaging the crops, might retreat on their own and not return to Black Pine Territory — but the losses incurred by Baron Church would be substantial.
He thought of another issue, "What about Paul, what does he think?"
Beaman said irritably, "He wants to do it without a reward — obviously, the others in the Mercenary Group wouldn't agree, no one wants to join him in his madness."
Ivan instantly got it, "So, Miss Church is here to pull strings."
Beaman replied, "Probably, best to avoid getting involved with her."
There were things he left unsaid, Miss Church initially got close to him, but after Paul showed interest, she shifted her affections to Paul. Now, it seems she might be aiming to charm his brother. All in all, this noble girl's thoughts were quite bizarre.
…
West City.
In the villa, Ivan had just finished a lesson in the Tidal Language.
"Very good, it won't be long before you switch to a different language."
"Thank you, you're right, I'm also quite interested in the Fernundo language."
Mrs. Harayer was always satisfied with Ivan's progress in his studies and expressed her appreciation with words that flowed from her sensuous red lips.
Seeing that it was about time, Ivan indicated his intention to leave, "Madam, may I know when the next lesson is scheduled?"
"The day after tomorrow morning, same time as usual."
Having answered, Mrs. Harayer seemed to have more to say but did not speak it.
Ivan did not notice this and stood up to say goodbye, taking his belongings and leaving the villa.
"Wait, Mr. Ivan."
Just as he reached the door, Mrs. Harayer called him from behind. He turned around, puzzled.
"There's something you might be interested in, let's discuss it back inside," Mrs. Harayer gestured for him to return to the living room and first closed the villa door.
After a few seconds, Mrs. Harayer hesitantly asked, "Mr. Ivan, are you interested in becoming a sorcerer?"
Upon hearing this, Ivan's heart skipped a few beats, but his expression remained unchanged as he nodded slightly.
Seeing this, Mrs. Harayer said, "Actually, most people don't know a fact — sorcery differs from knighthood, only a select few with aptitude can embark on that path, most lack a critical thing — sorcery aptitude and talent."
Ivan actually knew this because Donnie had mentioned it before.
And that data item on his Academic Prodigy dashboard, labeled 'Spirit', which hadn't changed at all, was highly likely related to sorcery talent.
"So, how does one determine if they have sorcery aptitude?"
Mrs. Harayer said, "That's exactly what I wanted to talk about. There is an opportunity now to test this, but it isn't cheap. Are you interested?"
"How much?"
"Fifteen gold coins for one session, happening in the next few days; delay might mean missing out."
Ivan was undoubtedly interested. If he possessed sorcery talent, he certainly wanted to seize the opportunity to embark on the path of sorcerer training; if not, better he quashed that hope early and becoming a strong knight wouldn't be bad either.
After scheduling a time with Mrs. Harayer, Ivan finally left the villa with a heavy heart.
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