57 Satisfied (1/2)

No wonder Granger always said that these ruthless merchants were all troublesome characters. Mage Merlin clearly wanted to retaliate against the person that slandered him, but by using such a dignified reason, he could make it seem like he was actually worried about the possibility that the Alchemist Guild's prestige might suffer.

”No…” Bassoro was stunned there for a while before he suddenly noticed something wrong. He wasn't just instigating the Alchemist Guild to make a move... This was most likely a hint.

After thinking about it, Bassoro suddenly understood.

'Indeed, he must be hinting that the Alchemist Guild should give an account to the Gilded Rose.'

If anyone else tried this, Bassoro would most likely just spit at them. How could the Alchemist Guild be pushed into making a move so easily, and even be asked to give an account on top of that?

But now...

But now...

Not only did Bassoro refrain from being impolite, but he even almost laughed out loud.

Although Mage Merlin declined the opportunity to study in the Mercury Tower, he did say that the alchemy formula could be traded.

In other words, it wasn't that Mage Merlin was unwilling to trade it at all, but that the initial offer wasn't satisfying enough.

Negotiations were still open.

As long as he didn't completely reject the idea, Bassoro could still find another way.

Mage Merlin isn't satisfied with the offer? That's easy enough to solve: change the offer until he is satisfied!

Once he managed to obtain the alchemy formula, Leader Lys might be happy enough with his work to give him that opportunity to study in the Mercury Tower.

The only problem now was whether he could satisfy Mage Merlin...

But it did seem that there was an opportunity...

The more Bassoro thought about it, the more excited he became. After some time, he bade farewell to his two colleagues, and without looking back, he left the reception room with his papers.

After leaving the reception room, Bassoro restrained his excitement while hurrying to the study room of Leader Lys. Usually, Lys would be in his study at this time, either reading or receiving a guest, so he should have the time to report his findings to Leader Lys there.

But halfway there, Bassoro's footsteps slowed down.

He suddenly recalled Lin Yun's final words. Although he was certain that this was a sort of hint, he hadn't really confirmed anything. If he hastily reported the matter of the trade to Leader Lys and everything went well, then it would be good, but if something happened and Leader Lys didn't get that alchemy formula in the end, it would be a serious problem.

Let alone not getting a chance to go to the Mercury Tower this time, he might never get a chance to go there for the rest of his life.

'No good, I can't go to Leader Lys just yet… I have to finalize the deal with Mage Merlin first.'

Upon realizing this, Bassoro stopped and headed back toward the reception room while also sending someone to call Molin over.

”Great Alchemist Bassoro, what is your instruction?” Molin was a lot different from when he was at the Gilded Rose, not acting arrogant at all. In front of Bassoro, he was wearing a fawning smile.

The difference between the status of an Alchemist and a Great Alchemist was huge, not to mention that Bassoro was a higher-up of the Alchemist Guild who was trusted by Leader Lys. His status was even higher than Granger's. Molin would usually do his best to curry favor with his superiors, so he wouldn't dare to waste his time.

”I heard that the Twin Moons chamber of commerce made some large moves lately.”

”Yes, President Monchi of the Twin Moons chamber of commerce is worthy of being called Thousand Sails City's boldest merchant. This time, he opened ten alchemy shops all at once.” Hearing Bassoro's tone, Molin knew that he was being asked to give a report of the situation. ”From what I saw, it won't be long until the Twin Moons chamber of commerce is able to monopolize the alchemy market of Thousand Sails City like the previous Flashing Gold chamber of commerce did.”

”Hmm…” Bassoro frowned slightly. He was a bit dissatisfied with Molin's words. 'I didn't call you over to hear you flatter the Twin Moons chamber of commerce. What use is there in telling me that?'

Originally, Bassoro had still felt that Molin was quite efficient at gathering information and usually was very keen and discerning when handling his work. Moreover, Molin had been trying especially hard to curry favor with him, so Bassoro had intended to give him a chance. But ultimately, Molin failed to draw the proper conclusions. 'Seems like I should distance myself from this idiot to not get implicated by him later on.'

Molin didn't know that those few ill-timed flattering sentences had actually just ruined his own future.

Meanwhile, Molin still wanted to show off in front of the Great Alchemist.

”Oh right, Great Alchemist Bassoro, I already sent a congratulatory gift on your behalf when the Twin Moons chamber of commerce opened their business.”