"So, did my son promise you that you would become a high-level alchemist?"
Inside the living room, Ardhis sat on the center sofa, sipping his coffee.
On the sofa to his right sat Tharvis. Unlike his shabby, disheveled appearance before, he now looked clean and well-kept. His usually pale face had gained some color.
His matted hair was neatly combed back. Hearing the question, he nodded nervously and replied, "Yes, Viscount Clay. I met Young Master Merlin about sixteen days ago. Coincidentally, I was selling a potion I had made, but the potion shops around rejected it."
He scratched the back of his head with an embarrassed smile. "However, Young Master Merlin noticed me and approached me. He offered four silver coins for the flawed potion I had made and praised my talent. Then he gave me the opportunity to become a great alchemist by following him. At the time, I declined because I needed to think it over."
