Chương 41: Wise Captain Phillip

"Since Miss Samira invited you personally to check Lord Julius' condition, I guess that you're at least a Level 3 Alchemist, Sir Aethelwolf." Captain Phillip stared probingly at Leric. 'This man looked to be in his mid or late twenties. He should be a Level 2 Alchemist at best.'

Captain Phillip was not a brainless fool. Although he was a military man, he was very careful in everything he does. The statement he said earlier was merely meant to get more details from Leric's mouth. He had to know more about this guy before making his next move.

By now, it was already publicly known that he was courting the young miss of the Reynolds Household. She had already rejected him once, but Captain Phillip didn't stop courting her. In his eyes, Samira Reynolds was the most beautiful woman in the entire Leone Empire!

Leric remained calm under the direct stare of this army captain. He nonchalantly smiled and replied in a humble tone. "I'm not a Level 3 Alchemist. I'm not that great, Captain John Phillip."

Samira and the two maids opened their mouths, but they decided to stay out of their conversation. What was Sir Aethelwolf trying to do?

The strange reactions of the three ladies were seen by Captain Phillip. As someone who was used to reading people's expressions, he could already tell that something was amiss. Why did they react that way? Who is this Alchemist?

"Oh? It seems like Sir Aethelwolf is a Level 2 Alchemist then. I admire your talent, Sir Aethelwolf! Looking at how young you look, we should be of the same age. However, you're more talented than me. Respect!" Captain Phillip chose to play it safe and decided not to offend Leric. Knowing Samira Reynolds, she wasn't someone who would randomly invite young strangers into her home even if they are skilled individuals. That means, there was something unique about this guy!

"You overestimate me, Captain Phillip! I'm just a wandering Alchemist with no permanent home. It's my honor to be invited by Miss Samira to their residence!" Leric continued his humble act. He even glanced gratefully at Samira to show everyone how sincere he was.

Their conversation continued and the strange attitude of Captain Phillip turned friendlier. He even laughed occasionally with Leric as if the two were bosom friends.

"Sir Aethelwolf, I truly enjoyed our talk, but I have to go back to duty now. Miss Samira, Miss Kathlyn, and Miss Skylar. I'll take my leave. Goodbye!" Captain Phillip stood up from his seat and smiled at them before he left with his subordinates.

"Captain, are you truly planning to befriend that guy? He doesn't seem like a skilled Alchemist." One of his subordinates whispered.

Captain Phillip's expression was unreadable. He glanced at his subordinates and answered in a cold voice. "Of course! And you're wrong to say that he isn't a skilled Alchemist."

The four soldiers were confused by his words.

Captain Phillip glanced at them and asked. "Do you recall the event that happened in Barden City?"

"Yeah! General Gavin's Flame Tiger Army won against the army of a top executive of the Northern Viper Group! It was even a victory with minimal casualties!" The soldiers replied.

Captain Phillip retracted his gaze from them and muttered. "I heard from my father that Miss Samira joined the Flame Tiger Army to gain experience. He also told me that the reason for their victory was because of a Level 4 Alchemist! According to what my father said, the Alchemist also seemed to be very young."

"Captain, you mean to say that…"

Captain Phillip nodded his head. "I think that Sir Aethelwolf is the Alchemist who helped the Flame Tiger Army win that battle!"

In truth, Captain Phillip was merely speculating things based on the situation. However, he believed that his guess was on point! That was also why he chose a softer approach when he conversed with Leric earlier. It was because he realized that Leric might be the Alchemist in the information he got from his father!

The four soldiers were shocked when they learned about this. They also stared at their Captain with admiration. He was actually able to deduce such things on his own! They didn't doubt the information in the slightest since it came from their Captain's father, General Marvin Manzano!

Captain Phillip's eyes flashed with sadness when he recalled the look in Samira's eyes as she looked at Leric. He had never seen her so happy looking at someone of the opposite gender. What does this mean? It was possible that Samira likes the young Alchemist!

'Sigh! A Level 4 Alchemist, huh? What a tough love rival…' He muttered in his heart.

***

Inside the hotel's dining area, Leric and the three ladies were still in the middle of a conversation.

"Sir Aethelwolf, what do you think of Captain Phillip?" Skylar asked while looking at Leric.

Leric casually leaned on his chair and replied with a smile. "A clever individual. I thought that he would be a typical villain in some fantasy novel, but he proved me wrong."

The three ladies glanced at each other in confusion. Fantasy novel? What was he talking about?

Seeing their perplexed faces, Leric laughed and shook his head. "He is a smart person. He knows when to attack and when to retreat. It's best if you remain friends with him, Miss Samira. It will be beneficial to you as the successor of the Reynolds Household."

This time, Samira and the two maids were shocked. Sir Aethelwolf actually thought so highly of Captain Phillip!

Samira nodded her head with a serious look. These are words coming from a Level 4 Alchemist so she could take them lightly. "I'll remember it, Sir Aethelwolf."

"Alright. That's enough for serious matters. How about you guys help me order some food? I'm quite hungry after going around the city." Leric smiled helplessly while patting his empty belly.

"Oh, right! We'll call someone immediately." Samira replied and called for a waiter right away.