Baron

The so-called potion master.

First, one had to know the book Basic Alchemy by heart. Second, one needed at least 5 Intelligence. Finally, one had to control every step of potion-making with strict precision.

Many potion masters passed their craft down from father to son and grandson, learning through constant exposure from childhood, or else they were simply Magic Apprentices or mages.

It was not as though Billy had never seen a potion master before, but even the most basic ones he had met were at least in their twenties. And they carried themselves with great flair.

Potion-making was an enormously profitable trade. Potion masters held a very high status throughout the Empire and were extremely wealthy, so their grand manner was hardly surprising.

Yet Colin looked only twelve or thirteen. Although his clothes could not be called shabby, they were certainly far from refined or noble.

How could Billy and the two clerks not be suspicious?

"Sir, you must be joking, right?" Billy could not help saying.

Colin immediately pulled a sour face and snapped, "Who's joking with you?"

"Er!" The rebuke carried considerable force. Billy instinctively shrank back and believed Colin a little more, but he was still doubtful and caught in a dilemma.

Just then, footsteps sounded at the entrance. Billy looked up, and when he saw who had arrived, his eyes immediately lit up. He stepped forward and bowed. "My Lord Baron."

The newcomer looked to be in his early twenties. He had beautiful short red hair and a lean rather than muscular build, yet he stood very straight. He was handsome, and his clothes were brand-new and strikingly fashionable.

An old man in a white robe followed behind him. The old man had long silver hair, yet his face glowed with health, and his skin was remarkably firm and smooth.

The young man was George VIII Harris. The name indicated that he had seven ancestors named George, and he was also the current owner of George Magic Shop.

The old man was Ham, a potion master.

Colin had been right. This magic shop was currently in a difficult transitional period. George VIII's father, George VII, had died not long ago, and some potion masters had left the shop. Moreover, with war breaking out in the eastern Empire, many potion masters had also left for the Imperial Capital.

At present, George Magic Shop had only one old potion master left: Ham. George VIII had been driven nearly frantic by this, and his desire for potion masters had reached its peak.

"Billy. What happened?" George VIII was already in a bad mood. Seeing Billy so flustered, he frowned and reprimanded him.

Billy hurriedly bowed to George VIII, then pointed at Colin and explained what had happened.

Forget Billy—even George VIII and Ham were taken aback. Such a young potion master?

However, these two were far more sophisticated than Billy. George VIII's brow furrowed slightly, but he quickly smoothed it out. He bowed politely to Colin and said, "Greetings, sir. I am George VIII, the owner of this shop. Please forgive my presumptuousness, but may I know your surname and where you live?"

Having a surname meant one was a noble, which made one far more credible. Having an address meant they could investigate him.

"Greetings to you as well, Lord Baron. My surname is Russell, and my name is Colin. I live at 36 Wright Street in Will City." Colin gave him an even deeper bow and replied in an exceptionally proper tone.

He had a full name and an address, and his bearing was proper as well. George VIII and Ham exchanged a glance, both believing him a little more.

But a potion master this young was still difficult for them to accept.

George VIII glanced at Old Ham, who understood at once. He immediately stepped forward and gave Colin a slight bow before introducing himself. "Mr. Colin, my name is Ham, and I am a potion master. You may call me Old Ham. I apologize, but because of your age, I have doubts about your identity as a potion master."

"Mr. Ham, there is no need for you to apologize. My age does indeed create some confusion." Colin still gave Ham a proper slight bow before smiling. "You may test me. But let me make this clear beforehand: I have thoroughly studied Basic Alchemy, but at present, I can only make the Basic Strength Potion."

George VIII and Ham were both stirred, and their confidence in him increased again.

Potion masters were divided into basic, first-tier, second-tier, and so on.

One had to master the production of at least three potions to be considered a potion master of the corresponding rank. Colin could make only one, so he could not even truly be considered a basic potion master. At most, he was a basic potion master prospect.

But considering Colin's age, that became much easier for them to accept.

And potion masters were currently in desperately short supply. Even a basic potion master prospect was highly sought after and valuable.

"Very well. Mr. Colin, what materials are required for a Basic Strength Potion?" Ham nodded and asked.

"Mitcher Magic Water, Hels Lizard scales, Ston Magic Potion, Kael Magic Potion, Raji Magic Potion, and three-year-old Starlight Herb. These are the most suitable materials and provide the highest success rate. If they are unavailable, other materials can be considered as substitutes, but the success rate will be lower." Colin spoke calmly, then smiled and asked, "Would you like me to explain the alternative materials or the properties of these magic potions?"

George VIII and Ham exchanged another glance. They were already ninety percent convinced, and their hearts could not help pounding. Their poor business situation had made them so desperate for potion masters that they were nearly mad with longing.

"That will not be necessary, Mr. Colin. Please come with me. I will prepare four sets of materials. First, make a Strength Potion. Then we can discuss your compensation." George VIII stepped past Ham and bowed to Colin.

"Fine." Colin was neither surprised nor offended. He simply nodded.

Then George VIII bowed to Colin and walked out, with Colin following behind. An exquisitely luxurious carriage stood before the magic shop. A properly dressed coachman stood beside it and opened the golden door. George VIII invited Colin in first, then boarded with Ham.

The carriage soon left Magic Street and arrived on an elegant avenue. The shops on both sides were lavishly decorated, and there were many jewelry stores, clothing stores, perfume shops, and luxury boutiques. The pedestrians were all very properly dressed as well.

The carriage turned into an alley and stopped in front of an unremarkable villa.

The villa was only two stories tall. It looked somewhat old and ordinary, and its front gate was shut.

After stopping the carriage, the coachman opened the door. Colin, George VIII, and Ham stepped out in turn. The coachman went forward and knocked on the gate. A delicate-looking, slender maid opened it. Upon seeing George VIII, she immediately bowed and addressed him as "Young Master George."

George VIII did not waste any words. He had the maid prepare slippers, then invited Colin and Ham into the villa. The group headed straight for the basement.