The Herb King

'Live an ignoble life away from disputes and battles? Is he for real?' Emperor Ragnar looked at Leric as if he was looking at a rare creature. Now, he finally knew why this guy has remained unknown for many years.

However, how could the emperor allow this chance to slip away? It would be difficult to find a second person who can take the headmaster position.

"Aethelwolf, don't be in a hurry to reject me. If you accept the position as the headmaster, I will give you full reign in the matters of the academy. I won't interfere nor allow the other factions to meddle in how you handle things. That means you can do whatever you want whether it is to stay in your clinic or roam around the academy. In addition, I'll allow you to have an army to safeguard the academy's safety. As to how many people you can train, that will depend on your ability." Emperor Ragnar stated with a calm smile.

'Ho. It's finally becoming more interesting...' Leric thought.

According to the emperor's words, he had free control of the entire academy. The rules and regulations will be made by him and the emperor even promised that no one will meddle in his decisions. It was a very tempting offer. Although he was going to be very busy if becomes the headmaster, there will be a lot of benefits to get.

The emperor wasn't just giving the slice of cake to him. He was already spoon-feeding it!

Leric thought about it deeply. It would be a bit troublesome for him, but he could maintain his peaceful life if he would be careful.

After careful consideration, Leric turned his head at the emperor and showed a defeated look. "Alright, Your Majesty. Since you're so confident about my abilities, I will accept your offer."

Emperor Ragnar grinned when he saw the expression of Leric. It was fun to see this capable man's awful look every once in a while. "Good! I know you would accept my offer! I will send you the official contract and documents tonight. Calvin will send it to you in person."

Leric nodded his head and reclined on his chair as he massaged his temples. He wondered what kind of life was waiting for him once he starts his duty as the headmaster of the academy.

The emperor stood up from his seat and grinned at Leric. "My goal here has been achieved so I won't stay for long. Aethelwolf, it's a pleasure to be working with you."

"The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty." Leric forced out a smile as he uttered those words. His face kept on twitching for keeping up the facade.

The emperor flicked his sleeves and left the guest hall with Dimitri following behind him silently. Only Leric was left inside the guest hall, his expression was bleak and dark as if he had swallowed a fly.

'Dammit... Why did I have to tell them about that suggestion? Sigh... Things have already happened. I'll just let nature takes its course...' Leric slumped on his chair as he wailed in his heart.

Meanwhile, when the emperor stepped out of the mansion, Lord Julius and the others immediately spotted him.

"Your Majesty, how was your discussion with Sir Aethelwolf?" Lord Julius could not help but ask. Everyone was curious about the things that they talked about.

Emperor Ragnar smiled widely as he responded. "Everything went well. You'll be notified about it soon."

Lord Julius and the others were nonplussed by his reply, but they didn't dare ask him to clarify the matter. Only Prince Calvin's eyes were flashing with an unknown glint. From his father's expression, he could tell that Leric must have accepted the headmaster position.

Thinking about it, Prince Calvin felt excited in his heart. The emperor would definitely reward him and Sir Aethelwolf would also be thankful for his help.

"We will leave now, everyone. Let's meet again in the battle event." Emperor Ragnar strode towards his carriage after saying those words.

Prince Calvin smiled at everyone and waved them goodbye. "Farewell, everyone!"

Lord Julius and the others stared at their carriage as it left the premises of the mansion.

"Could His Majesty's presence here be related to the matters of the academy and Sir Aethelwolf's opinion?" Samira muttered to herself.

"Perhaps..." Lord Julius' murky eyes glowed with profound light. It was unknown what he was thinking.

"Everyone, we will take our leave as well. See you guys in the battle event!" Enrique Maynard and Chris Maynard also left the mansion.

Lord Julius then stared at Johann and asked. "My friend, are you also leaving?"

Johann furrowed his eyebrows in displeasure. "Old man, are you chasing me away? Of course, I still stay in your mansion! It's so troublesome to get an accommodation in the city. I might as well stay here. Besides, we have a lot of things to chat about..." He then grabbed his granddaughter and strode back to the mansion.

"You..." Lord Julius stared at his friend's figure who was acting like the owner of the house. In the end, he could only shake his head while smiling bitterly. 'That old bastard is taking advantage of me.'

He knew that Johann didn't want to miss out on deepening his friendship with Leric. The guy was a Level 3 Alchemist and he was only a step away from the next level. If he was able to receive Leric's guidance, there was a high possibility that he would become a Level 4 Alchemist!

***

Inside an obscure two-story building in Lion City, there was a group of men kneeling in front of a figure who was dressed in dark purple clothes.

"Boss Gustavo, the lookouts we sent to monitor the Reynolds Household have delivered an important news."

Gustavo, the big boss of the Northern Viper Group, nodded his head. "Bring them inside."

Serge, the leader of the bandit scout team bowed at Gustavo. "Greetings, Boss Gustavo."

Gustavo waved his hand impatiently. "Just tell me the information you have."

Serge nodded his head. "My subordinates spotted the second prince going inside the Reynolds Household's territory. Other than that, there are also a few notable figures who visited them. One is the Level 3 Blacksmith, Enrique Maynard, and the other person is the Level 3 Alchemist, Johann."

Gustavo frowned upon hearing this. "So the matter about Johann being cured is actually true. That means Julius has also been cured... This Aethelwolf guy is indeed capable..." He then turned his head Serge and said. "Continue monitoring the Reynolds Household, but be sure that your subordinates would be discreet."

Serge bowed deeply as he solemnly replied. "Yes, boss!"