Inside the Magic Tower

The tall and handsome captain of the knights jolted awake and quickly bowed in salute.

"Greetings, Princess. I wish to inquire about today's itinerary—do you have any plans to go out?"

Reinhardt deliberately ignored Princess Andrea's personal maid, Lulu, who was snickering on the side.

"Today? Perhaps I will go out. There may be a chance to witness a new guild being established in White Eagle City," Princess Andrea said with a beaming smile.

"A new guild being established in White Eagle City is a major event. No wonder Your Highness is dressed so... grandly today." Reinhardt was delighted to see the princess in such good spirits.

"Should we inform the Grand Duke?"

"That won't be necessary," the princess said, suddenly a bit hurried.

"Reinhardt, come with me first. Let's go to the Magic Tower to witness the handover ceremony. And Lulu, you come too."

With that, the three of them left and turned right, arriving at the northwest corner tower of the Duke's Mansion—the Magic Tower of White Eagle City.

Upon entering the first floor, they found only the maid Jessica on duty. The three then ascended all the way to the top floor of the Magic Tower.

"Good morning, Aunt Kaydelin."

"Oh, my darling Andrea, you look so beautiful today!" The female mage gave Andrea a big hug.

Beside them, Alice set down her Magic Book and secretly made a funny face at her cousin from behind her mother. After exchanging greetings and pleasantries, Lady Kaydelin asked the princess:

"Andrea, you've been busy practicing swordsmanship these past few days and haven't visited your aunt in a while. What brings you to the Magic Tower today?"

"Well, I heard a new guild is being established, so I came to see it," the princess said lightly. Remembering the night her father had sneaked out of the Magic Tower, she felt a bit awkward inside.

"It's just a branch of the Alchemist Association being established—nothing worth mentioning. There's only one official alchemist, not even an apprentice. You didn't need to make this trip." Lady Kaydelin glanced at Alice, who was using her Magic Book to hide her face while sneaking a look.

"I wonder which alchemist is going to be the president?" the princess asked, feigning ignorance.

"Who else? There's only one alchemist in all of White Eagle City. Don't you know him?" Her aunt deliberately looked at the longsword with its peculiar scabbard in the princess's hand.

"Oh, you mean him. Since we're here anyway, let's witness it together. This is a big event for White Eagle City."

"That's true. In other states, it wouldn't be excessive for the monarch and the Speaker of the Council to attend." Aunt Kaydelin's tone carried a hint of meaning. Then she turned her gaze to Reinhardt.

"Since the captain of the knights is here, and you're the strongest among us, come help us carry the chest downstairs. It should be about time—let's go to the first floor and wait for him."

As they descended the stairs, the captain of the knights, Reinhardt, carrying the long wooden chest behind the group, felt a strange taste in his mouth. It reminded him of a tropical fruit called lemon, shipped in by the Rainforest Merchant Guild.

Edward didn't ride his "Sidecar" this time. The last incident had made him wary of that flashy vehicle, afraid of encountering something strange again. So this time, he wore his khaki trench coat and walked out on foot.

Before long, when he arrived at the Mage Guild, he was startled. The first floor of the Magic Tower was no longer the pitch-black place it used to be; it was brightly lit. Behind the counter in the main hall stood the Knight Princess, the captain of the knights, the Magic Girl—three familiar faces—along with a middle-aged beauty in a mage's robe. Two maids in uniform stood by the side.

"Good morning, everyone," the Young Alchemist said awkwardly, tipping his hat in greeting. When his gaze fell on the smiling Knight Princess, he paused, noticing the Battle Armor he had personally crafted being worn. His eyes held a mix of astonishment, admiration, and an inexplicable sense of fulfillment.

"Mr. Smith, allow me to introduce you."

The Knight Princess stepped out from behind the counter gracefully and turned to point at the middle-aged beauty:

"This is my aunt, the head of the Royal Mage Corps and the president of the Mage Guild's White Hawk Branch, Lady Kaydelin."

She added:

"She is the only Great Mage in the duchy."

Then she said to her aunt:

"Aunt, this is Edward Smith, an alchemist who has returned after completing his studies at the Magic Academy."

Upon hearing this, Edward quickly stepped forward and performed a standard mage's salute. From the princess's words, he discerned the lady's three identities: Great Mage, president, and aunt! None of these were roles he could afford to offend... not at all.

"Lady Kaydelin, I've long heard of your name but never had the pleasure of meeting you. It is truly an honor to see you today."

Kaydelin looked the young man up and down and said, "I've heard a lot about you too. My Andrea and Alice have been under your care. Thank you." She paused before continuing:

"But I still believe a caster should wear robes. I simply don't understand you young people and your so-called fashion."

Edward glanced at his own trench coat and hat, then at the attire of the group across from him. It suddenly dawned on him. His outfit felt like a character from Casablanca walking into the set of Game of Thrones—an indescribable clash.

The Knight Princess cheerfully pulled her aunt aside and said, "Oh, Great Mage, you just don't get our young people's taste."

"Are you saying I'm old?" Aunt Kaydelin chided.

"Not at all, not at all. My aunt is forever young and beautiful. Let's stop this and get down to business."

Lady Kaydelin snorted in mock displeasure. She turned to the Young Alchemist and explained the contents of the mail.

"You mean I'm now the president of the Alchemist Association's White Hawk Duchy Branch?"

Edward couldn't believe it. Out of nowhere, he was suddenly an official?

"Yes, that's right. But from now on, you'll be under my authority. Now, don't just stand there—open your supply chest. After that, we have several documents to sign."

Lady Kaitlyn urged him.

Edward turned and walked over to the long chest placed on the counter. He glanced at the captain of the knights standing across from it, puzzled as to why that handsome knight was looking at him with a mix of oddity and hostility.

The young mage Alice squeezed over and pointed at the lock on the chest, asking Edward:

"The Alchemist Association is really strange! They didn't even give you a key—how are they supposed to know if you can open that lock?"

Edward took out the Alchemist Gloves from his Spatial Ring and put them on as he said:

"Alchemist guild rules—there's never a lock core inside a lock. And you never use a key to open one."

A flash of light flickered in his hand as the Shaping Technique activated. Several locks on the chest fell off.

Edward opened the chest. Inside, neatly arranged, were many books, Bottles and Jars, and a golden plaque covering the top.

The plaque was made of metal. On it, the alchemist's Scale Emblem was carved using the Bas-relief Technique—a Reagent Bottle on one side of the scale, a pile of Gold Ingots on the other. Above it, in Ornate Cursive, were the words "Alchemist Association White Hawk Duchy Branch."

On top of the plaque lay a letter. Edward picked it up; the envelope read "For Mr. Edward Smith's Eyes Only."

Edward already had a good idea who had written this letter to him. So he opened the envelope, snuck off to the side, and began reading, leaving the curious young Mage to rummage through the chest.

The letter read:

"Rascal, listen closely. I'm not going to waste words on pleasantries now.

Even though you pulled one over on me this time, I remember the benefits you gave me. Since you still call me Teacher, I'm treating you as one of my own now.

I used the power of my Family and went through a lot of trouble to secure you the position of President of the White Hawk Duchy Branch. This way, you'll not only get all the knowledge of a Full Alchemist for free, but whenever you advance in the future, you'll automatically receive the corresponding level of knowledge.

Also, future Communication Fees can be charged to the Association's Account. You'll get the monthly Academic Journal for free, and the corresponding salary and Material Subsidies won't be short either.

The price you pay is that when someone comes asking for help repairing a Magic Array, you can't refuse. You must ensure the smooth passage of the route between White Eagle Port and Ailande. The corresponding Guild Duties can't be shirked either.

But still, as the alchemists say—when you run into those guys from the Dwarf Guild (the Dwarf Guild is a nickname for members of the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery), fleece them for all they're worth.

Alright, enough said. After you read this, send me the Patent Transfer Certificate and those Concrete Formulas you didn't tell me about. And remember to vote for me.

Sincerely, Your Mentor, Wilson.

P.S. Burn After Reading."

With a flash of light, the letter in Edward's hand turned to ashes. A happy smile curled at the corners of the Young Alchemist's lips.