Mika 011 (Patreon)

“Assist you?” Jais asked.

“I know that the Blackhands have a prestigious background in the region, being directly related to the Blackfist family. I know that you have a few warriors within your household who are quite powerful, each in the Bronze realm. When our alchemists head out into the world to gather items, sometimes they are in danger. Some of us are powerful, but to ease our worries, we usually rely on mercenaries. Perhaps it’s time to look for those who are our neighbours, which we know the strength of, and to ask for assistance here.”

“You wish for us to supply guardians to assist you?” Jais asked, his brow covered with sweat. The pressure of such a statement was too much for someone like him. 

“Please do bring this up to your Head with the offer, and if he is willing, I will be more than happy to speak with him at a time of his choosing.” 

“I will bring it up with Head as soon as I can.” Jais bowed his head, respectfully, still sweating.  

“I hope that we can discuss more at the meeting, though I shouldn’t be too presumptuous to speak of it now. I mean no offence,” Jon said, bowing his head. 

“There’s no offence taken,” Jais said, panicking. “You have only shown our family the greatest respect. I will relay your wishes to the Head immediately.” He clasped his hands together in a sign of respect.

“There’s no need to rush.” Jon chuckled. “It’s quite late, so why don’t you inform the Head tomorrow morning? I wouldn’t want to wake the Head if he’s already retired.”

“As you say,” Jais nodded, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly, smiling nervously. 

“I hear your family is quite close with the Moth and Storm family as well?” Jin asked, his face remaining a playful smile.

“That’s right. My son is close with their sons, and they have shared their ingredients to assist with my son’s condition.”

“How respectable of their families,” Jon said, leaning back into his chair as he went into thought. “Are their children talented as well?”

“I believe so,” Jais replied.

“Not as talented as my sister,” Mika said.

“Mika, quiet. Excuse my son.” Jais sent an upset look to his son.

Ami smiled, looking to Mika with a bright look. She was about to say something when she noted father’s pleading look, so she leaned back to feed Mika some more cheese. 

“Of course they wouldn’t be as talented as Ami.” Jon chuckled. “Aren’t you the prodigy of a century?” Jon smiled. “I’ll keep an eye on them since they assisted the little sir.” Jon scratched his chin. “I’ll speak with them after we establish our connections and see how the relationship will build.”

“Right, right. There’s no need to rush such things.”

“I’ve bought some more gifts, if you are willing to accept them.” Jon reached into his pocket and placed down a ring. “For our Alchemist. This ring should assist him in his herb collection.”

“Of course,” Jais said, looking to Mika.

“This little one thanks you,” Mika said, swiping the ring quickly. It was silver, with two gems to denote it had two separate storage spaces, one for items, and one for gems and coin. He donned it on his finger and changed to fit snugly. 

“For my last gift…” Jon reached into his pocket to reveal a small clear vial, which contained within it a small bead. The bead was golden, with various veins which ran through it, and then a sparkling lightning deep insides which sometimes crackles. 

Even Mika was surprised, partly because he didn’t expect it. This wasn’t what they had talked about, and the item itself was quite amazing.

A Golden Heart Core. 

“If Ami swallows this, her core should increase to become Golden.”

Jais grew pale and even Neli almost fainted from looking at it. “This!” Jais couldn’t even breathe in order to stutter. “Even with our entire wealth, we couldn’t pay for it! Please! This is too much!” Jais wasn’t sure what the Master Alchemist was planning with such an item. If they took this, the Blackhands would have to be subservient to the Alchemists’ Guild so long as Ami lived, even if Jon was just showing his appreciation for the little Mika.

Jais remained smiling innocently, though his smile quickly faded as Mika grabbed the vial. “A core as lowly as this is undeserving of my sister,” he said, placing the vial down. “We refuse.” His eyes were cold, which surprised Jon.

“It seems that the prodigy is far above such a lowly gift. Forgive me for my rashness.” The vial disappeared and was replaced with three different vials. “Take these instead. Drink a drop a day and cultivate under the sun.”

Jais was still in shock from the core which the Master Alchemist had revealed, and as he looked to Mika, glaring at the boy for showing his rudeness, he still couldn’t believe in his luck. Each vial contained at least ten drops, otherwise there wouldn’t have been separate vials. 

“We can’t accept these gifts. You’ve given us too much already,” Jais said, looking to Neli for support. 

“Oh? Will the little lady not accept this big brother’s gift? I merely wish for you to win the tournament.” Jon smiled. 

“Big brother?” Ami frowned, tilting her head. “I don’t have an older brother, but… will these really help me in the tournament?” Ami asked, staring at the vials.

“If it’s you, I’m sure you’ll win. You’ll bring great honour to your family and our Alchemists’ Guild. We’ll sponsor you using these vials. As long as you cultivate earnestly, you will not lose.” Jon’s face remained innocent and smiling.

Ami looked at the vials and then to her younger brother. Mika wondered why she was hesitating so much, and she noted the look in his eyes. “Do I have to call you my big brother?” Ami looked up to Jon, frowning at him.

“If you don’t want to, then there’s no need for it. I won’t hold it against you, little lady.” Jon remained smiling.

Ami first looked to her parents, who were still panicked, and then to her younger brother, who nodded at her. “Then I’ll accept.” 

Mika stood up and clasped his hands together. “This little one thanks you for your gift to my elder sister. I will remember this and work hard for the Alchemists’ Guild!” 

“Then I suppose I’ll take my leave then,” Jon said, standing up to leave. “Have a pleasant evening.” 

“I’ll see you out!” Jais stood up quickly and then walked out with the Alchemist.

“My precious children are both so amazing!” Neli’s eyes were full of tears and she quickly embraced the two, and then picked up her son into her bosom. 

Mika could only suffocate within their mounds until his father returned, pulling him away from his mother. 

“You little brat! You were so rude to the Master Alchemist!” Jais spanked Mika once. “Since you’ve done so well for yourself, I’ll leave it at that!” He dropped the boy down and then fell onto his seat, rubbing his forehead.

Mika rubbed his bottom, frowning. He would need to spank Jon the next time they met. 

“To think the Guild would speak with us directly…” She looked to Mika, feeling quite proud of him. Her eyes were still teary.

Jais looked to his son too. “I didn’t expect you to have cultivated such talent within Alchemy…” 

Mika just smiled. It would be awkward to explain that he was probably the best Alchemist in the entire land, but they’d find that out one day.

“What are we going to tell Rogue?” Neli said, looking to her husband.

“The truth.” Jais sighed.

“The truth,” Neli repeated after him.

‘They worry too much.’