Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Allen visits Dole to borrow his wizard tower for half a year to make money.
• Dole agrees, but he and Aixi will remain in the tower for experiments.
• Allen mentions an expedition invitation from Old Poisoner to explore ruins.
• Glaite and Eugene ask Dole for advice, and he sells them a lifeform detector mirror for 30,000 gold coins.
• Dole plans to visit the Potion Makers Guild to get certified as a Level Seven potion maker.
• Allen reveals that Lord Puyousi is going to the imperial capital, and an investigation delegation will arrive in Wasen Fort soon.

Character Developments

• Allen is desperate for money to repair his wizard tower and accepts Dole's offer to borrow it.
• Dole is short on money due to the high magic power consumption of his wizard tower.
• Glaite and Eugene, despite being wealthy, have limited spending due to their current ranks.
• Dole is determined to straighten out the Potion Makers Guild if he can't get certified.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for resources and wealth among wizards.
• The importance of certification and recognition in the potion-making world.
• The upcoming investigation delegation hints at potential conflicts and challenges.

Character Interactions

• Allen and Dole have a friendly, business-like relationship, with Dole helping Allen out of financial need.
• Glaite and Eugene interact with Dole as equals, seeking his advice and purchasing his invention.
• Allen shares information with Dole about the investigation delegation, showing trust and camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole decides to seek Level 7 apothecary certification, despite potential trouble from the Potion Makers Guild.
• A large crowd follows Dole to the Potion Makers Guild, causing a stir.
• Dole is led to the certification room on the third floor, where he encounters several high-ranking officials, including two unfamiliar Level 6 apothecaries.

Character Developments

• Dole shows composure and calmness amidst the crowd and hostile officials, demonstrating his growth and confidence.
• The Potion Makers Guild officials, particularly the two unfamiliar Level 6 apothecaries, are revealed to be hostile towards Dole.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Perseverance: Dole's determination to pursue higher certification despite challenges and opposition.
• Power Dynamics: The struggle for influence and control within the Apothecary Guild, with Dole and Allen on one side and the Potion Makers Guild on the other.

Character Interactions

• Dole interacts with a composed young man at the Potion Makers Guild entrance, who shows respect and professionalism.
• Dole encounters familiar faces (Anubi and the red-haired old man) and new, hostile faces (the two Level 6 apothecaries) in the certification room.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole, a level-six potion maker, visits the Potion Makers Guild to certify his level-seven Mental Power Potion.
• He meets Saxon and Kauft, heads of the review committee, who are also members of the influential Marcia Family.
• The certification process is delayed, and Dole is told he must undergo a review of his qualifications and aptitude, which will take about a month.
• Dole leaves the guild, expressing his displeasure but accepting the delay.

Character Developments

• Dole: Shows confidence in his abilities and is not intimidated by Saxon and Kauft. He maintains his composure despite the delay and the insults.
• Saxon and Kauft: Reveal their bias against Dole, using their positions to delay his certification. They are representatives of the Marcia Family's influence and power.

Significant Themes

• Power and influence: The Marcia Family's influence is evident in Saxon and Kauft's actions, demonstrating how power dynamics can affect the certification process.
• Ambition and perseverance: Dole's determination to become a level-seven potion maker highlights his ambition and perseverance in the face of obstacles.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Saxon/Kauft: Tension and hostility characterize their interaction, with Dole maintaining a calm demeanor despite their attempts to provoke him.
• Dole and the crowd: The professionals in Wasen Fort show support for Dole, hoping he will quickly become a level-seven potion maker and provide them with potions.
• Saxon and Kauft: Their interaction reveals their shared bias against Dole and their desire to make things difficult for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole announces he can produce level-seven potions, causing excitement among the apothecaries.
• The Apothecary Guild personnel become worried about the growing public support for Dole.
• Dole leaves the Apothecary Guild, and Allen contacts him about borrowing the Wizard Tower.
• Dole visits the Aoun Family to discuss business with Robert, the family head.

Character Developments

• Dole remains focused on his work and uninterested in local politics, prioritizing his studies.
• Allen is preparing to set out on a journey.
• Robert is shown to be involved in serious matters, giving orders with potential lethal consequences.

Significant Themes

• The power of influence and public opinion, as seen in the apothecaries' reaction to Dole's announcement.
• The harsh hierarchy and rigid structure within powerful families, as seen in the Aoun Family estate.

Character Interactions

• Dole interacts with Allen, showing their friendly and cooperative relationship.
• Dole meets Robert at the Aoun Family estate, demonstrating respect and deference to the family head.
• The middle-aged man at the Aoun Family estate shows a brief moment of friendliness towards Dole, hinting at potential future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole visits the Aoun Family to secure Grade 7 medicinal ingredients in exchange for his Grade 7 Mental Power Potions.
• Robert, the Family Head, agrees to the transaction and introduces Pine, the family supervisor in charge of potion supplies, to Dole.
• Dole successfully completes the transaction and returns to Babel Tower to begin his grand potion-refining endeavor.
• A small convoy from the Aoun Family arrives at Babel Tower to collect the potions and deliver the medicinal ingredients.

Character Developments

• Dole demonstrates his business acumen and negotiation skills, securing a significant deal with the Aoun Family.
• Robert shows trust in Dole's potion-making abilities and agrees to the transaction without hesitation.
• Pine, the family supervisor, is introduced as a powerful warrior and shows interest in Dole's achievements.

Significant Themes

• The importance of Grade 7 potions for fifth-level professionals and the impact they could have on the Aoun Family.
• The potential of Dole's potion-making philosophy to revitalize the apothecary profession and benefit humanity.
• The upcoming inspection delegation from the imperial capital and its potential impact on Wasen Fort.

Character Interactions

• Dole interacts with Robert, Pine, and Glais from the Aoun Family, demonstrating respect and professionalism.
• Lauren, who is mentioned but not present, sends a message to Aixi, indicating that she is aware of Dole's activities and is keeping an eye on him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lauren visits Babel Tower for the first time and finds it vast and empty, housing only two people.
• Aixi informs Lauren that she has a level-seven potion and a semi-finished bloodline potion for her.
• Lauren learns that Aixi has become a bloodline apothecary under Dole's tutelage in just over two years.
• Lauren is shocked by the extravagant laboratory facilities on the eleventh floor.
• Lauren learns that Aixi is not creating potions for the Rhine Family's approval but for personal strength improvement.
• Dole, on the twelfth floor, reflects on Lauren's cultivation and his own future path.

Character Developments

• Lauren: Realizes the extent of Aixi's progress and feels envy and shame for her own stagnation. She decides to change her approach to cultivation.
• Aixi: Has become a bloodline apothecary, demonstrating her dedication to personal growth and independence.
• Dole: Reflects on Lauren's cultivation and considers his own future path, showing maturity and introspection.

Significant Themes

• Personal growth and independence (Aixi's dedication to her craft, Dole's reflection on his path)
• The importance of action and effort in cultivation (Lauren's realization, Dole's introspection)
• The impact of past choices on one's future (Lauren's stagnation due to her youthful incident)

Character Interactions

• Lauren and Aixi: Aunt and niece, with Aixi now surpassing Lauren in cultivation, leading to envy and introspection from Lauren.
• Lauren and Dole: Though not interacting directly, Lauren's thoughts about Dole show respect and shame for her initial prejudice against him.
• Dole and Aixi: Master and apprentice, with Dole proud of Aixi's progress and Aixi dedicated to her master's teachings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lauren visits Dole to buy potions for the Rhine Family.
• Dole reveals he's selling the potions for 70,000 gold coins each, totaling several million.
• Allen arrives, and Lauren leaves with the potions.
• Allen, Dole, and Aixi plan to go to Nightmare Gorge in the Eternal Forest.
• Allen gives Dole equipment to block the strange fluctuation in Nightmare Gorge.

Character Developments

• Lauren: Shows determination and ambition in securing potions for her family.
• Dole: Demonstrates his wealth and generosity, revealing his rapid earnings from potion sales.
• Allen: Shows his strategic mind and resourcefulness in planning to gather resources in Nightmare Gorge.
• Aixi: Reveals her knowledge of Nightmare Gorge's danger and her surprise at Allen's understanding of it.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and power dynamics among families and individuals.
• The danger and allure of unexplored territories like Nightmare Gorge.
• The importance of strategic planning and resourcefulness.

Character Interactions

• Lauren and Dole: Lauren tries to negotiate the price of potions, while Dole remains firm but generous.
• Allen, Dole, and Aixi: They discuss their plans for Nightmare Gorge, with Allen leading the way and Dole and Aixi following his strategy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Allen repays his debt to Dole by flying him and Aixi to Nightmare Gorge in his wizard tower.
• They cross the immense Evil Spirit Mountain range in less than a day, avoiding powerful creatures.
• Upon entering Nightmare Gorge, the wizard tower's spatial abilities activate, protecting its contents from the gorge's strange fluctuations.

Character Developments

• Dole demonstrates his alchemy skills by creating a pendant with spatial abilities, proving he's at least a level-seven alchemist.
• Allen shows his familiarity with the Evil Spirit Mountain range and Nightmare Gorge, indicating he's been there before.

Significant Themes

• The power of level-seven individuals and their capabilities.
• The dangers and riches of Nightmare Gorge, highlighting the dual nature of the environment.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Allen interact briefly, with Allen appreciating Dole's alchemy skills and Dole realizing Allen's wizard tower has spatial abilities.
• Dole and Aixi share a moment of excitement and anticipation as they look out at Nightmare Gorge, planning to gather medicinal herbs together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Allen and Dole discuss the potential of others replicating their Nightmare Gorge operation.
• An elf appears, claiming Nightmare Gorge is Elf Race territory, and orders Allen to leave.
• Allen initially stands his ground but eventually retreats, planning to re-enter from another direction or underground.
• Allen flies the wizard tower deeper into the highlands and burrows underground near Nightmare Gorge.

Character Developments

• Allen demonstrates strategic thinking and resilience, prioritizing his goal over temporary losses.
• Dole shows understanding and support for Allen's tactics.
• The elf reveals the Elf Race's interest in Nightmare Gorge's resources and their strategy to deter intruders.

Significant Themes

• Resource Control: The Elf Race's desire to control Nightmare Gorge's resources and deter human intruders.
• Strategic Retreat: Allen's decision to retreat temporarily to achieve his long-term goal.
• Cunning vs. Force: The elf's acknowledgment of humans' cunning in contrast to the elves' reliance on force.

Character Interactions

• Allen and Dole: Allen shares his plans with Dole, who supports and understands Allen's strategies.
• Allen and the elf: Allen and the elf engage in a standoff, with Allen eventually deciding to retreat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The elf race acknowledges humans' ability to enter Nightmare Gorge, which they find astonishing yet concerning.
• Allen, Dole, and Aixi enter Nightmare Gorge from underground using the wizard tower to avoid detection.
• Allen begins gathering high-quality timber from the ancient trees within the gorge, while Dole and Aixi search for medicinal herbs.

Character Developments

• The elf is shown to be cautious and aware of the human race's adaptability and potential threat.
• Allen demonstrates his strength and resourcefulness in gathering materials, showing his determination to pay off his debts.
• Dole and Aixi exhibit their teamwork and trust in each other as they search for herbs.

Significant Themes

• The theme of human adaptability and potential threat is reinforced through the elf's perspective.
• The importance of resources and materials for growth and development is highlighted, both in terms of magic power and financial stability.

Character Interactions

• Allen, Dole, and Aixi work together, with Allen gathering timber and the other two searching for herbs, showing their division of labor and trust in each other's abilities.
• The elf's gaze from afar hints at potential interaction or conflict with the human party in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole harvests a Rank Six fungus using his magical hands and wind blades, flames, and water sheets.
• He investigates the fluctuations in Nightmare Gorge, discovering they can cut off mental power and affect biological activity.
• Dole upgrades the Wizard Tower to Rank Seven and studies the fluctuations' source and range.
• Allen fells trees on a large scale, encountering magic vines and other strange plants.
• Dole encounters a blue trumpet flower that emits a powerful corrosive powder.

Character Developments

• Dole demonstrates his magical prowess and dedication to research, upgrading the Wizard Tower and studying the fluctuations.
• Allen shows his strength and efficiency in harvesting trees, dealing with the magic vines.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the fluctuations, affecting both mental power and biological activity.
• The strangeness and variety of the plants in Nightmare Gorge, with both medicinal value and potential hazards.
• The importance of research and understanding one's surroundings to adapt and survive.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Allen are both focused on their respective tasks, with no direct interaction in this chapter.
• Dole's thoughts and actions reveal his determination to understand and adapt to the fluctuations, while Allen's actions show his efficiency in harvesting resources.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Allen's magic pattern is revealed to be possibly divine, originating from the Eternal Forest.
• Dole explores the forest, searching for the pattern's source.
• Allen fells trees using his wizard tower, drawing the attention of the elves.
• Two elves, Kaliena and Karina, discuss the situation and await their priest's arrival.
• Allen decides to leave, but Dole wants to map the terrain to understand the forest's natural laws.

Character Developments

• Dole shows curiosity and determination in unraveling the magic pattern's mystery.
• Allen demonstrates knowledge of the forest's history and encourages Dole and Aixi's cultivation.
• Kaliena and Karina display concern for their forest and eagerness to protect it.

Significant Themes

• The power of knowledge and understanding (Allen's encouragement to Dole and Aixi).
• The importance of nature and its preservation (the elves' distress over the felled trees).
• The pursuit of understanding and exploration (Dole's desire to map the terrain).

Character Interactions

• Dole and Allen discuss the magic pattern's origin and Dole's cultivation goals.
• Kaliena and Karina discuss the situation, awaiting their priest's arrival to drive Allen away.
• Allen encourages Dole and Aixi's cultivation, expressing his high regard for them.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Elf Race expert, later revealed to be a priest, arrives at the Nightmare Forest.
• Allen and Dole escape underground in the Wizard Tower to avoid the expert.
• The Elf Race priest attacks the Wizard Tower underground, sending it crashing deep into the earth's crust.
• Dole manages to stabilize and control the Wizard Tower, escaping further underground.
• After a while, Dole brings the Wizard Tower back to the surface, and Allen goes to scout their location.

Character Developments

• Allen shows concern for Dole's safety and willingness to face danger.
• Dole demonstrates his quick thinking and ability to handle crises.
• Aixi is mentioned but doesn't actively participate in this chapter.
• Bal shows indifference to the situation, focusing more on his sleep.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Elf Race priest's immense power highlights the vast differences between experts of different levels.
• Flight and Escape: The characters' ability to flee quickly and underground emphasizes the importance of mobility and adaptability in dangerous situations.

Character Interactions

• Allen and Dole work together to escape the Elf Race priest, showing a level of trust and teamwork.
• Bal's indifference to the situation contrasts with Allen and Dole's urgency, showing his relaxed and carefree attitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole and Allen return from the Elf Race territory uneventfully but knowing the Elf Race has memorized the aura of Dole's wizard tower.
• Dole refines Strength and Agility potions for warriors in six days, then begins mass-producing them.
• Aixi offers to buy the potions on behalf of her family, and Dole and Aixi share their first kiss.
• Dole activates the room's shielding array to prevent prying eyes, including Bal's.
• Allen sells the collected materials upon returning to Wasen Fort, paying off their debts.
• Dole focuses on potion refining to upgrade his wizard tower to level seven.
• Charles is tasked by his grandfather Robert to collect seventh-level potions from Dole and pay for them.

Character Developments

• Dole continues to refine and mass-produce potions, showing dedication and efficiency.
• Aixi shows interest in Dole's business and initiates their first kiss, demonstrating her growing affection and confidence.
• Charles displays pride and disdain towards Dole, questioning his status as a seventh-level potion maker without the official certification.

Significant Themes

• Business and Wealth: Dole and Allen's trip to the Elf Race territory was primarily for business, and upon return, they focus on selling materials and refining potions to make money.
• Relationships and Affection: Dole and Aixi's relationship deepens as they share their first kiss, demonstrating their growing affection for each other.
• Pride and Status: Charles's pride and disdain towards Dole highlight the importance of status and recognition within their society.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Aixi interact playfully, leading to their first kiss.
• Dole and Allen work together, with Allen handling the sale of materials and Dole focusing on potion refining.
• Charles interacts with his grandfather Robert, receiving instructions and expressing his disdain for Dole.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Robert, the Rhine Family's patriarch, is displeased with Charles' arrogance and sends him to meet Dole.
• Dole turns down invitations and focuses on brewing potions, earning significant income.
• The Potion Makers Guild faces backlash due to their refusal to certify Dole, leading to protests outside their guild.

Character Developments

• Charles: Shows arrogance and pride, but yields to Robert's authority.
• Dole: Continues to develop his potion-making skills, earning substantial income and planning for his future.
• Robert: Recognizes Dole's potential and sends Charles to establish a connection.
• Dailulaide (Robert's brother): Acknowledges Dole's growing power and plans to make contact with him.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and respect: Characters like Charles and Dole challenge the status quo, leading to shifts in power and respect.
• Ambition and planning: Dole's long-term goals and strategic planning contrast with the shortsightedness of the Potion Makers Guild.

Character Interactions

• Robert and Charles: Robert rebukes Charles for his arrogance and sends him to meet Dole.
• Dole and the Potion Makers Guild: The guild's refusal to certify Dole leads to public backlash and protests.
• Dole and the major families: Dole's potions are in high demand by the major families, further increasing his influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A luxurious convoy arrives at Wasen Fort, led by Augustus, a powerful seventh-level wizard, and the Third Prince, a prominent figure in the imperial capital.
• The convoy is allowed through without inspection due to a token presented by Augustus.
• The delegation takes residence in Tower No. 3, where Allen also resides, indicating the investigation's focus on both Puyousi and Allen.

Character Developments

• Allen is revealed to have fully recovered from his previous injuries, having stabilized at the seventh level. He expresses gratitude to Dole for his potion.
• The Third Prince is shown to be politically astute, understanding the importance of maintaining good relations with powerful wizards like Allen and Puyousi.
• Augustus is portrayed as confident and powerful, with a hint of arrogance, as seen in his response to Puyousi's offer of accommodations.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The chapter highlights the power dynamics between wizards of different levels and political figures. Augustus and the Third Prince show deference to Puyousi and Allen, while Allen is respectful to the Third Prince.
• Investigation and Intrigue: The arrival of the investigation delegation sets the stage for potential conflict and intrigue, with the investigation's focus on Puyousi and Allen hinting at possible trouble for them.
• Recognition and Gratitude: Allen's recovery and stabilization at the seventh level is recognized by Augustus, and Allen expresses gratitude to Dole for his potion, underscoring the importance of recognition and gratitude in their world.

Character Interactions

• Augustus and Puyousi: Augustus shows a hint of arrogance when declining Puyousi's offer of accommodations, suggesting a power struggle or tension between them.
• Allen and the Third Prince: Allen and the Third Prince exchange respectful greetings, acknowledging each other's status and power.
• Allen and Augustus: Augustus acknowledges Allen's recovery and stabilization at the seventh level, showing respect for his strength and potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole's disciple, Awa, delivers a message that the investigation team has arrived, including the Third Prince, and requests a box of seventh-level magic affinity potions.
• Dole, despite the interruption, continues his experiments, showing resilience to setbacks.
• The Glory Wizard Alliance issues orders to investigate all industries and forces in Wasen Fort, causing unrest among officials and nobles.
• Dark, a member of the Sikong Family, is anxious about the political shifts and keeps watch on Dole's movements.

Character Developments

• Dole: Shows dedication to his work, resilience in the face of setbacks, and strategic thinking in his poison research.
• Awa: Demonstrates loyalty and respect for Dole, acknowledging his rapid rise in status.
• Dark: Reveals his family's precarious position in the power dynamics of Wasen Fort and his role as a spy for the Lant Family.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue among nobles and officials in Wasen Fort.
• The importance of strategic thinking and resilience in the face of adversity, as shown by Dole.
• The consequences of one's actions and the need to stay on guard, as Dole's past offenses catch up with him.

Character Interactions

• Dole and Awa: Their interaction shows respect and mutual understanding, with Awa acknowledging Dole's achievements and Dole entrusting him with the potions.
• Dark and Dole: Though they don't interact directly, Dark's surveillance of Dole highlights the tension between them and the potential for conflict.
• The nobles of Wasen Fort: Their interactions reveal their shared dilemma and the need to strategize against the Glory Wizard Alliance's investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The investigation team arrives in Wasen Fort, causing tension among local factions.
• The Third Prince secretly visits Dole at Babel Tower.
• Dole reveals he can no longer refine Super Vitality Potions due to lack of materials.

Character Developments

• Dole: Maintains his composure and confidence despite facing a prince, demonstrating his growth and maturity.
• The Third Prince: Shows concern for injured soldiers and seeks to increase his power, revealing his ambition and strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Both Dole and the Third Prince possess significant power, leading to a tense but respectful interaction.
• Ambition: The Third Prince's desire to help injured soldiers and increase his power highlights his ambition, while Dole's refusal to refine the potion easily suggests his own ambitions.

Character Interactions

• Dole and the Third Prince: Their first meeting is tense but respectful, with each assessing the other's power and intentions. Dole's refusal to refine the potion easily leads to a standoff.
• Dark and Allen: Both are aware of the Third Prince's visit to Dole and discuss the potential implications, showing their concern for Dole's safety and the stability of Wasen Fort.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dole meets with the Third Prince to discuss a potion deal.
• The Third Prince offers the Storm Heart and Mystic Frost Heart in exchange for Dole's potions.
• Dole agrees to the deal, and the Third Prince apologizes on behalf of the hostile families.
• Dole and Aixi decide to cooperate formally, with Charles and Aufier joining them.

Character Developments

• Dole shows his willingness to compromise for the sake of the Storm Heart and Mystic Frost Heart.
• The Third Prince demonstrates his sincerity and desperation for the potions.
• Aixi awakens from her cultivation and reveals her family's plans to cooperate with Dole.

Significant Themes

• The power of temptation and compromise.
• The importance of heavenly treasures and resources in cultivation.
• The dynamics of cooperation and alliance in the face of common enemies.

Character Interactions

• Dole and the Third Prince engage in a tense negotiation, ultimately reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
• Dole and Aixi share a tender moment, with Dole complimenting Aixi's beauty and Aixi playfully responding.
• The Sikong and Marcia families learn of the Third Prince's visit to Babel Tower.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aixi and Dole discuss her brother Charles, who is a Level Six warrior and a deputy general in the Steel Pioneer Corps.
• Aixi's father, Westerlin, wants her to teach Charles a lesson if he becomes arrogant upon his return.
• Dole prepares for the arrival of Charles and Aufier, a Level Five magical genius from the Aoun Family.
• Dole summons Gideon, Tawa, Kanchel, and Libesha to attend to the guests.

Character Developments

• Aixi shows concern for her brother Charles but also understands her father's intention to keep him in check.
• Dole demonstrates his power and influence by building an Octagonal Level Six wizard tower and having a vast trade volume with the Aoun Family.
• Aufier reveals his envy of the wizard tower's capabilities, showing his ambition and desire for power.
• Emily, Aufier's sister, displays her bold and unafraid nature by reprimanding Aufier in front of others.

Significant Themes

• Power and Status: The characters' power levels and status are emphasized, with Dole's wizard tower serving as a symbol of his might.
• Ambition: Several characters, including Aufier and Dole, show their ambition and desire for growth and success.
• Family Dynamics: The relationships between siblings (Aixi and Charles, Aufier and Emily) are explored, highlighting sibling rivalry and concern.

Character Interactions

• Aixi and Dole discuss Charles and Aufier, with Aixi providing background information and Dole showing interest in Aufier's potential.
• Aufier and Emily interact, showcasing their sibling rivalry and Emily's boldness in reprimanding Aufier.
• Dole summons his subordinates to attend to the guests, demonstrating his leadership and authority.