After entering the inner room, Viking gestured for Angel to take the seat of honor, then lit the candlestick on the long table.
In the wavering candlelight, Viking slowly began, "My lord, before I explain the reason, forgive my presumptuousness, but may I ask a question first?"
Angel nodded noncommittally.
"My lord, did you purchase Demon Flower Sprite Bloodstones for alchemy, or... for some other purpose?" Viking seemed afraid of being misunderstood, so after asking, he added, "I have no intention of prying into your aims. It is also fine if you would rather not answer."
Angel looked at Viking. Although Viking's question sounded gentler, its general substance was little different from what Snow had asked earlier. In that case, perhaps the reason selling Demon Flower Sprite Bloodstones had become the "trouble" Snow spoke of lay in their use?
The only difference between Demon Flower Sprite Bloodstones and other Demon Bloodstones was that they leaned toward effects involving "emotions and desires." Could it be that someone—or a certain kind of people—needed Demon Flower Sprite Bloodstones to control their desires?
Of course, Demon Flower Sprite Bloodstones could do more than control desires. They could also be used in reverse, intensifying and releasing one's desires. But other magic materials could replace their ability to intensify desire, so they presumably would not be using Demon Flower Sprite Bloodstones for that alone.
Angel's thoughts raced through his mind, yet in reality, he answered Viking's question swiftly.
"For alchemy." Angel did not hide it. He was an alchemist himself, so buying magic materials for alchemy was perfectly normal.
"Since it is for alchemy, that is good." Viking seemed to let out a breath of relief. Then, beneath Angel's gaze, he began to explain. "Actually, the ban on selling Demon Flower Sprite Bloodstones only began within