"Make big money. Once I learn that rune stuff, a blade I forge can sell for ten times what it used to. Then you can buy as many ribs as you want—even fill the whole backyard with them."
Hearing that she could buy lots of ribs, Saina loosened her grip and looked at Talia skeptically.
Elena, standing beside them, was deeply displeased.
"Su Li, you're a man who's going to become a high-ranking knight. Becoming an apprentice to a long-ear? How humiliating would that be if word got out? We already have enough money to spend."
Su Li glanced at her.
"Then get me a complete set of rune textbooks. And who was it yesterday that said the big bathtub needed an advanced aromatherapy array too? Do you think money falls from the sky?"
Elena choked on her words and turned her head away sulkily. Though the Iris Family had deep foundations, runes had always been monopolized by the royal family. Where was she supposed to get textbooks?
Having settled the two women at home, Su Li took the teapot and poured himself a cup of tea.
Talia let out a long breath.
Though the process had been tortuous—one could even call it utterly crude—the result was good in the end.
As long as this peerless genius was willing to learn from her, she was confident that within thirty years, she could train him into a top-tier Magic Forger who would shake the entire continent.
Talia straightened her rumpled skirt and began putting on the airs of a teacher.
"Since you've agreed, we'll begin tomorrow. I have a private workshop at the merchant association headquarters, with the most complete range of materials. Go there directly at eight tomorrow morning. I'll have a guard meet you at the entrance."
"Fine." Su