The Herb King

The awarding ceremony was wrapped up in a hurry and the other participants were not even able to use their right to challenge, but when they learned that Alec Ward has been disqualified from the rankings, they immediately shut up. They weren't foolish people and they immediately thought that something fishy must have happened for the battle event to end in such a manner. It became more confusing since their family heads refused to tell them anything.

To pacify the dissatisfaction of the participants, they were compensated by the Imperial Family. The compensation was more than what was promised to them and this made the participants happy. They also chose to remain silent about the strange ending of the battle event.

On their way back to the mansion, Aethelwolf sat inside his carriage with Janrose and the others. He wore a distant look on his face.

"Aethelwolf, do you know what happened? Why did they suddenly disqualify Alec Ward?" Samira asked. She asked her father and grandfather, but the both of them didn't say anything to her. Everyone perked up their ears as they looked at Aethelwolf, but he only gave them a vague reply. "You guys will know everything three days from now. Just wait for the Imperial Family's announcement." He didn't want to tell them about it. Besides, the Imperial Family will make an official announcement for that matter.

"Is it that serious?" Samira was surprised that he didn't disclose the matter to them. That means what happened earlier should be something huge!

Aethelwolf nodded his head and remained silent after that short conversation.

No one bothered him when they saw that he was in deep thought.

'Even Lion City is no longer safe and danger lurks everywhere. There might be some hidden enemies in the banquet tomorrow. I should prepare for that. Rendell wouldn't be able to ensure my safety on his own. Tsk! What a bad timing!' Aethelwolf frowned. There were still two days left before his 'weakened status' would be removed. Luckily, he would be back to his full strength before the execution three days from now. By then, he would be able to start making what he had promised to Olivia. She is a Level 3 magical beast and she would be of great help to him if she can freely go with him anywhere. For that to happen, he had to create an item that could turn her into a human...

When they arrived in the mansion, Aethelwolf commanded Rendell to summon the four Level 3 Espers.

With his father walking beside him, Aethelwolf stared at the four Level 3 Espers brought by Rendell. They were the strongest hunters sent by the Hunter Association to work for him. Their loyalty was still questionable, but he didn't have the time to worry about that now. "You guys must be confused why you have been summoned at this hour." He muttered solemnly as he scanned the four veteran hunters.

"Brian Linaza, the leader of the Merchant Association, will host a banquet tomorrow. I can only bring five people with me inside the banquet hall, but no one said that I am not allowed to station you guys outside the area. That's right. The four of you will go with us tomorrow and your task is to protect us. The situation in Lion City is very unpredictable and many things could happen. Are you guys willing?" Aethelwolf looked into their eyes.

"Sir Aethelwolf, we have already pledged our loyalty to you! We are willing to do anything you say!" The four hunters answered.

Hearing this, Aethelwolf smiled and nodded his head. He was satisfied by their answer. "Good! Rest well tonight and prepare for our trip tomorrow!"

"Yes, Sir Aethelwolf!"

"You guys can leave now." Aethelwolf dismissed them. He still had the pills that can increase their levels, but he didn't want to give the pills to them yet. It wasn't the right time. Those four still have to pass his loyalty test.

Anton glanced to his left and right. After seeing that no one was near them, he whispered. "Aethelwolf, do you think that there will be spies from the Northern Viper Group that will be present at the banquet?"

Aethelwolf shook his head. "I'm not completely certain. You will be coming with me tomorrow as the head of the Lassiter Household."

Anton nodded his head. "Alright. I also want to see the leader of the Merchant Association in person." He said.

Aethelwolf patted Anton's shoulder before he went inside the mansion.

He saw that Samira was waiting for him at the main door of the mansion.

"Do we have lessons in Alchemy tonight?" She asked while looking at him.

Aethelwolf nodded his head. "Bring the others to my room. We will begin our lessons soon."

Samira nodded her head. "Alright. We will be there in a minute."

Aethelwolf rubbed his aching temples as he walked inside his room. He thought that he would be living a carefree life in this world, but he was so wrong. He was so busy that he almost had no time to rest.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"I brought them here." Samira's voice came from outside the room.

"Come inside." He said as he took out some notes that he had prepared beforehand. Written on the notes are detailed information about how to summon a pill fire.

Samira entered the room with Janrose, Anna, and his clone.

"Take your seats." Aethelwolf gestured for them to sit down. He then passed them the notes he had prepared for them. "The notes contain information on how to summon a pill fire. I also included my experience and some explanations in there." He said while handing the notes to them one by one.

Samira and Anna were visibly excited when they heard this and they carefully took the notes.

"Written on the notes isn't just about how to summon a Red Pill Fire, but I also added information about Orange Pill Fire, Yellow Pill Fire, and Gold Pill Fire." He then handed out extra notes to Anna. "Give this to your grandfather. He will need it during my lessons with him."

Anna nodded her head eagerly as she took the notes from his hands. "Yes, Sir Aethelwolf. I'll give this to him later."

"Let's begin our lessons." Aethelwolf adjusted his sitting posture and started his lessons.

"Leric, Janrose, although you two have already summoned your Pill Fires, you should still listen carefully."

"Yes, Sir Aethelwolf."

"Yes, teacher."

"There are a lot of ways to summon our Pill Fire. One example is by controlling our world essence to form a cluster of energy..."