Azik's Gratitude

In the study of the garden villa on Kinster Street, Abner personally brewed a cup of Southville black tea and handed it to Mr. Azik, then took the seat opposite him.

Come to think of it, ever since Xio and Jane had developed the bad habit of dropping by in the middle of the night, Abner had begun keeping snacks and drinks that could be prepared in both his study and bedroom.

Of course, this was not at Abner's instruction, but Mrs. Scudder's own initiative...

Back to the matter at hand, Mr. Azik, whose Ben essence was that of an Angel, had personally admitted that those materials had been of immense help to him. This brought tremendous feedback, allowing Abner to finally completely digest the Keeper of Knowledge potion he had consumed.

Thus, in an exceptionally good mood, Abner took the initiative to ask the bronze-skinned gentleman opposite him after sitting down, "Mr. Azik... or rather, Your Excellency Baron Ramde, what did you come to see me about with Silica?"

Although having Silica lead Azik here had been part of his established strategy, and although the stack of materials on the table had been deliberately placed there by him, the other party could not be allowed to know that, lest it arouse unnecessary suspicion.

Fortunately, Silica had been quite cooperative and had not told him about those arrangements. Otherwise, he could only have activated Plan B.

Just as Abner was inwardly rejoicing and deciding to add several more potion "feasts" for Silica, Azik habitually touched the inconspicuous black mole beneath his right ear and asked after some consideration:

"Are you not curious how someone from over a thousand years ago could be sitting before you?"

Abner did not answer immediately. Instead, he poured himself a cup of black tea, took