Mika 012 (Patreon)

In the morning they sent word to the clan Head, who eagerly received them when they head it was a matter pertaining to their prodigy daughter, as well as the genius son. 

“So what is the good news?” Rogue asked, treating them all to a large breakfast. 

“Master Alchemist Jon had come last night to speak with us,” Jais said.

Rogue almost choked on his food. “What? The Master came to speak with you? What was it about?” He drank something to force the food down and then waited.

“The Master was interested in creating ties between our family and the Guild. It seems they’ve taken an interest in our children, Ami and Mika. He seemed quite eager.”

“Eager?” Rogue asked, reaching up to rub his chin. This didn’t sound like the Alchemists’ Guild he knew. “The Guild has always remained neutral. Why would they want to become so close with us?” There were other families which they could grow closer to. 

“He’s interested in Ami. He seems to feel some form of connection with her probably because they both reached similar heights around the same age. He’s even gifted us some copperforge pills.”

“That’s not all.” Jais swallowed. “He even offered us a Golden Heart Core.”

The Head almost choked again after listening to Jais’ nonsense. “A Golden Heart Core? What do you mean a Golden Heart Core?”

“The Master came with a Golden Heart Core to offer Ami.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve accepted such a gift? We’ll become their slaves!” Rogue clenched his fists, both in shock and in fear. 

“No! No! Luckily Mika refused, though he did it quite rudely. The master didn’t seem too bothered by it, but I still punished the brat!” Jais smiled. “He even offered us three Sun Soul potions.”

“Three Sun Soul potions?” The Head raised his eyebrows in surprise. “That’s…” How could they be willing to shower the Blackhands with such fortune?

“What?”

“Do they plan on crippling her growth on behalf of another family? The Guild might be powerful, but there might be families here or even in the city, which may be aiming to stop our Ami.”

“No one would dare do such a thing!” Jais slammed his fist on the table, causing the food to shake. “Who would even try?”

“Think about it for a moment,” Rogue said, sighing. Jais was always one who thought with his biceps instead of his brain. “Who else has a prodigy?”

Jais thought for a moment, though Mika already knew. 

The City Lord.

The Head probably suspected that the City Lord was trying to cipple Ami so his own daughter could become the star of the region. It wasn’t a terrible plan, but that wasn’t the case.

“Then why would they ask us to become their guards during their outings?” Jais asked, straining his brain for an answer.

“What?” Rogue blinked. 

“They asked us to become their guards when they go out to gather herbs and other items.”

Rogue remained silent. “What?” He repeated, reaching up to rub his forehead. “He really asked that?”

“He did.”

Rogue grew even more confused. Why would one of the Alchemists’ Guild, a historically neutral force regardless of which branch it was, want to join hands with the Blackhands? They didn’t have anything to do with one another.

“Master Jon said he wanted to sponsor Ami for the tournament in order to advertise their products.”

“Ami is a prodigy…” Rogue continued to think and then sighed. “I suppose it was time someone made a move, but it seems they are wanting to ally themselves with us with such favourite deals…” He still couldn’t figure out why, and there was a chance they were still up to something.

Mika decided that he needed to assist the Rogue. “I like the Alchemists, I think they’re nice.”

“Mika, don’t speak up unless you’re spoken to.” Jais glared at the boy, but quickly stopped at Neli’s glare. “Sorry, Head. It seems he’s excited since he’s an Alchemist now.”

“Mika is an Alchemist?” Rogue asked, his head snapping to the boy. “What do you mean he’s an Alchemist?”

Jais smirked and crossed his arms. “That’s right,” he said, nodding his head proudly. “He did so well on the exam that he skipped Page and became an Alchemist. It must have been all that reading he’s been doing since he was a child.”

“If it’s for both Ami and Mika, then perhaps it does make sense…” Rogue felt there was something else to it. “To think our little family would give birth to two prodigies so quickly, and to the same parents…” He looked to Jais. ‘How did this idiot manage that? Ami, perhaps, but Mika?’ “If you need more space, let me know. I’m sure we can send a letter to an Elder for some more funds for both Ami and our second genius.” The Head turned to look at Ami,  who was currently playing with some other Blackhand children, and then to Mika. 

“This one is honoured by your words,” the boy said, clasping his hands together. It was best to show respect to the Head, especially since he had done so much.

“I hope you don’t forget me when you become a Master Alchemist,” Rogue said, smiling down at Mika. It was obviously a joke, but Mika smiled in return.

“I will never forget what you have done for me, Head,” Mika said as he bowed deeply. “All those who assist me will only know great fortune.”

Rogue laughed, leaning back. “The boy speaks like he’s an Elder Alchemist!” He slapped the arm rest beside him. “So the Master Alchemist wishes to speak with me?” Rogue rubbed his chin. “The grandson of that Starr…” 

“If we can get him on our side,” Jais said, leaving it hanging in the air. 

“It would certainly be a great boon for us. Perhaps we could use this to become part of the main branch once again, or as leverage to gain higher status in another way.”

“The Master has given his interest in Mika as well. He mentioned that once he becomes an Elder Alchemist, there may be a Master Blackhand at the Alchemists’ Guild.”

Rogue looked to Mika and then back to Jais, narrowing his eyes supiciously. “I swill speak with the Master Alchemist to see his intentions. We should be careful not to offend him, but the deal seems to be too suspicious to me.”

Mika made a note that he would need to speak with Jon. The Master Alchemist would need to convince the Head without being too suspicious.

“I will send a message to meet at noon,” Rogue said. He looked down to Mika. “Pass on a message. Let him know that I have invited him to our humble abode. I should get to preparing some gifts for the Master Alchemist.” Rogue stood up. “We must act as though he is coming to us in good faith.” He gave Mika a sharp look. “Do not speak of what we’ve said here. If he finds out, he could make a move against us, and your elder sister.”

It seemed that the Head understood that Mika’s weakness was that he was close with his elder sister. Rogue misunderstood, however. How could Ami be Mika’s weakness when no one could hurt her? She wasn’t his weakness, but rather, his source of strength.

“Yes, Head.” Mika bowed. “I will go to speak with the Master.”

“Don’t forget. You are a Blackhand before you are an Alchemist.”

“I won’t forget my roots. Head has always treated me well, letting me read as much as I pleased. This one has returned some of that trust by doing well in the tests and becoming an Alchemist. I definitely won’t betray Head’s expectations.”

Rogue smiled. “You are already beyond my expectations. Now, let’s eat. Once you’re done, then you can pass on the message.”