Chapter 317
Was it his eyes or his ears that were giving him trouble? Why on earth was his mentor speaking to a young lady with such earnestness?
Nikolai’s apprentice approached with a look of confusion. “Sir, what are you up to…?” With a disdainful glance, Nikolai retorted, “We’re both human. Why must you be so dim–witted?”
The apprentice was at a loss for words.
Nikolai dismissed him and, as if struck by a sudden thought, turned his attention back to Mirabella, saying, “Mirabella, you’re not busy, are you?”
“Go ahead,” Mirabella replied, her voice tinged with resignation.
Dealing with this old man was a headache. Even if she managed to slip away now, he’d surely hound her later on Messenger.
“Come, take a seat. There’s a book I’d like you to look at for me.” Nikolai, fearing she might make a run for it, grabbed Mirabella’s arm and led her to a nearby chair. He then turned to his apprentice and commanded, “Don’t just stand there. Made Mirabella something to drink!”
Startled by the reprimand, the apprentice quickly went to fetch the water. What had gotten into Nikolai today? He was usually so genial!
Nikolai went behind the counter and, with a key, opened a drawer. He carefully retrieved a yellowed tome and handed it to Mirabella as if presenting a treasure. “Take a look at this book.”
The apprentice, returning with the tea leaves, caught sight of the book in Mirabella’s hands, and his eyes widened in disbelief.
His mentor was sharing that precious volume with an outsider?! Wasn’t it always treated like a prized possession?
The apprentice couldn’t help but shift his gaze back to Mirabella. Who exactly was this young woman to command such respect from his venerable mentor?
Mirabella only flipped through the first few pages before putting the book down.
Nikolai, stroking his beard, asked, “Why did you stop reading?”
With a touch to her forehead, Mirabella spoke with a hint of impatience, “These are
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Chapter 317
just incomplete formulas, hardly worth the read.” She had thought to call them rubbish but held back, not wanting to offend him. He was an elderly man, after all. What if he took it badly?
Upon hearing her words, a realization flashed across Nikolai’s eyes. After a moment, he confessed, “Truth be told, this book has been handed down from the older generations. I’ve spent most of my life trying to decipher the concoctions to no avail.”
Mirabella’s expression grew complex. After a brief silence, she said, “An incomplete formula will only yield a defective remedy–ineffective and a waste of ingredients. It might be best to discard it.”
The suggestion hung heavy in the air, leaving Nikolai momentarily dazed. To hear such advice from a top alchemist was profound. The book had been treasured for generations, only to be deemed worthless… No wonder he’d never managed to grasp the full recipes.
Sensing the impact of her words, Mirabella chose not to dwell on it any further. She stood up, “I should be going.” She left swiftly, carrying her remedy with her.
It took a while for Nikolai to collect himself. His gaze fell upon the aged book on the table, and he let out a wry chuckle, “Truly, I’ve grown old.” He picked up the book and
returned it to the drawer.
The apprentice, still holding the freshly brewed pot of tea, stood frozen as the guest departed. Turning to Nikolai, he asked, “Master, who exactly is this Mirabella?”
Nikolai looked at him but remained silent.
“Right, the girl visited us before. I mentioned to you that the ingredients she sought were quite peculiar, for making incense, I think…” the apprentice mumbled.
At that. Nikolai’s eves widened in sudden realization.
