Tricked Me Into Coming Here to Kill Me?

Trying to Trick Me into Coming Here So You Can Kill Me?

Seeing Ian admit his strength so straightforwardly, without anger or arrogance at having his identity exposed, the old man Musa showed even more sincere admiration.

He laughed heartily, his booming voice growing louder. "Your Excellency truly speaks with refreshing directness! Yes, as you can see, this old man is, somewhat humbly, an alchemist as well."

"I've spent my whole life tinkering with bottles, jars, pots, pans, and the like." He had guessed why Ian had come, so he knew Ian was interested in something he possessed.

That was also an achievement in which he took great pride.

Ian was not surprised that the man was an alchemist. After all, anyone who could become close friends with someone like Master Caleb was surely no ordinary practitioner of Alchemy.

After all.

Birds of a feather flock together.

Only people who got along well could remain friends for years.

"I can tell that you are a master alchemist as well." Ian offered a bit of flattery, but Musa waved it away, his face wearing an almost pure look of obsession.

"Master is too grand a title. Your Excellency flatters me."

"I never had any great ambitions in life. I simply loved food. My initial purpose in studying Alchemy was only to better understand and create delicious dishes. Others practice Alchemy to turn stone into gold or attain immortality. I practice it to make stewed meat more tender, soup more flavorful, and bread more fragrant! Hahaha, isn't that rather unambitious?"

As he spoke, he chuckled to himself.

Hearing this, the corner of Ian's eye twitched slightly. Unable to help himself, he pointed in the direction from which they had come, his tone a little strange. "So... your ultimate pursuit of fine food