In the Alchemy Association's box on the east side of the Alchemy Hall, which had been quiet until now, Branch President Finch finally lost his composure. "Vice President Delgado, please watch your words.
"It's true that many members of the Finch Family work for the Alchemy Association, but they earned those positions through ability!"
"Ah." Delgado raised an eyebrow. "The Finch bloodline really is remarkable! More than a hundred children, all with the talent to become mages, and every one of them an alchemist too.
"Heh. Even Grand Sage Ismael couldn't manage that! Of his five sons, only one had the slightest talent.
"And his beloved youngest son had plenty of talent for magic, yet couldn't even become an intermediate alchemist!
"Tsk, tsk. Anos, don't blame your teacher for lacking influence.
"With the Finch Family's talent for passing down their gifts, they're almost on par with—"
Branch President Finch had no intention of letting him finish. "Vice President Delgado, Garcia City has held a trade fair for seven straight days to celebrate Miss Ellie Ster's advancement to mage. Our branch was honored to add to her glory, so we're short of quite a few things right now!
"If you have any magical curiosities you'd like to sell, you're welcome to bring them over.
"Any time after tomorrow will do."
"Damn him!" Ellie, standing beside Hill, couldn't help muttering a curse.
Whatever Earl Ster thought of him, Ellie hated this Branch President Finch most of all. Her former teacher had actually treated her quite well, but after letting a little information slip, he had immediately been called in for a talk.
His family were nobles from the capital, after all. They weren't going to offend the Alchemy Association over a student they hadn't formally accepted, so in the end he had