The Herb King

Leric closed the clinic at 6 P.M. He then invited the applicants who applied for the open positions in his clinic and let Skylar and the others interview them one by one. "I'll settle the matters in the mansion first so I'll leave the applicants in your care. You can give the contracts after they pass the interview. I will sign them after I return." Leric said to the ladies before leaving the clinic.

Simon told him that the mansion would be ready at 5 P.M.

"I'm in a hurry. I'll go there on my own." He muttered to himself and decided to leave on foot. Riding the carriage would be comfortable, but it would take him about thirty minutes to arrive at the mansion.

Leric is now a Level 4 Esper and with his speed, he can get there in just a few minutes.

"Actually, I can just create a flight skill, but that would be too high profile. I might even be arrested by the guards." Leric thought in amusement as he jumped into the roof of the clinic. His figure blurred as he blended into the night.

Swoosh!

He skillfully jumped from one roof to another. He was like a phantom with his quick movements.

Soon, he arrived in front of the mansion.

"It's you. Simon has been waiting for your arrival." The guard who brought him inside the mansion earlier identified Leric.

"I'm sorry. My clinic closes at 6 P.M. so I came an hour late." Leric smiled apologetically.

The guard waved his hand. "It doesn't matter. Come. I'll take you to Simon."

"Alright." Leric nodded his head and followed the guard. This guard has been acting so casually in front of him even after knowing that he was now the new owner of the mansion. The guy is quite interesting in Leric's opinion. Most guards would be respectful to their guests, but this person didn't seem to care about his status.

Leric used his skill [Appraisal] to check the guard's power. 'A peak Level 1 Esper. Not bad for someone in his early twenties.'

"Are you working for Simon?" Leric asked calmly.

The guard was a bit surprised by his sudden question. He turned his head at Leric and replied. "No. My job here is only temporary. After you take ownership of the mansion, my contract with Simon will be completed."

"I see. Do you have any plans after this?"

The guard shook his head. "I don't know yet. I'll probably join the Hunter Association. That's the only place that would accept commoners like me." There was a hint of indignance in his tone. For someone who comes from a humble background, it would be tough to look for jobs with a high position so the only option left for him was the Hunter Association.

Leric didn't ask more questions after that and he remained silent along the way.

"Simon, the person who bought the mansion is here."

"He's here? Wait! I'll be there right away!" Simon eagerly opened the door and smiled at Leric.

"You're finally here, Sir Aethelwolf! I thought that you won't be coming back tonight." Simon chuckled as he shook Leric's hand.

"To tell you the truth, I own a clinic here in Dominion District and it closed at 6 P.M. so I had to wait until the clinic is closed before coming here." Leric smiled apologetically.

"So that's the case! I understand. Now that you're here, I'll leave the mansion to you. Congratulations on buying your new house." Simon smiled warmly.

"Thanks. By the way, can you tell me more about the guard who came with me earlier?"

Simon could not help but look at Leric with an odd gaze. Why is this guy suddenly curious about a guard? Could it be that he...

"It's not what you're thinking." Leric immediately shook his head when he saw the weird look Simon was giving him. "I can sense that he is a peak Level 1 Esper and it would be a pity to keep him as a guard."

Simon had a look of realization after hearing this. "That man's name is Rendell. He is indeed a promising young man. I even asked him if he was willing to work for me, but the guy rejected my offer. Apparently, he doesn't want to have his freedom to be tied down." He shook his head while saying this.

Leric became more interested in the guard after hearing Simon's words. "Tell him to come and meet me here." Leric said in a firm tone.

Simon raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Alright, but I can't promise you that he will agree to work for you."

"It's fine. I will take care of that." Leric smiled mysteriously.

"Okay. Here are the documents for the mansion. I have to return to my boss now, so I'll take my leave first, Sir Aethelwolf." Simon handed the documents to Leric and left.

Soon, the young guard, Rendell, came with a confused expression on his face. "Why are you looking for me?" He asked Leric while maintaining his vigilance.

"You don't have to be nervous. I just think that you are quite talented. How about working for me?" Leric stared at Rendell.

Rendell frowned and immediately shook his head. "I'm not interested."

"20,000 gold coins."

Rendell's eyes widened when he heard the offer. He was only getting 5,000 gold coins by working as a guard in this mansion. Leric's offer was four times his monthly salary so it was a bit tempting.

Looking at his hesitating expression, Leric extended his palm and summoned a brilliant golden Pill Fire.

"Golden Pill Fire! Level 4 Alchemist!" Rendell stared at Leric in shock when he saw the flickering golden flame on top of his palm.

"I can make you stronger if you're willing to work for me." Leric dropped the most tempting offer for an Esper.

Rendell no longer hesitated. He bowed at Leric and said. "Greetings, my lord. I'm willing to work for you!"

This guy is a Level 4 Alchemist!

Since he was young, he has been dreaming about having the chance of consuming high-rank pills. It was the only way for commoners like him to increase his strength faster.

"My name is Aethelwolf. Just call me Sir Aethelwolf like the others." Leric smiled at him.