The Herb King

64 Subtle Changes

This was merely his speculation, but if this was indeed within Leric’s grasp, the guy’s shrewdness wouldn’t pale in comparison to the old patriarchs of the Noble Faction.

“Sir Aethelwolf, it seems like you’ve really prepared well for the opening day of your clinic.” Prince Calvin stared at Leric with a smile.

Leric nodded his head and smiled wryly as he recalled the sleepless nights of the past few days. He has been refining pills and making soaps all day and night and he only takes a few short breaks. If not for his improved physical constitution as an Esper, he would have become sick.

The two continued chatting and they ended their conversation when the second part of the battle event was about to start.

“I’ll take my leave now, Your Highness.” He then turned his gaze to the emperor who had remained silent the whole time. “Your Majesty, I’ll take my leave.”

Emperor Ragnar waved his hand without looking at him.

Seeing this, Leric laughed in his heart. ‘Continue your act. I know you are also interested in my soaps. Did you really think that I wouldn’t notice your subtle expressions?’

The real reason that Leric invited the second prince to come to the opening day of his clinic was not just to bait the prince, but also to tempt the emperor. The value of his soaps would soar as time passes by and Leric was certain that the emperor would soon visit him to talk about business.

Leric went back to the VIP section, but he didn’t stay for long. He still had to prepare for the opening of his clinic.

.....

“Why did you guys leave as well? I thought that you are interested in watching those kids fight.” Leric looked at Samira and her two maids. The three of them were now following him with cunning smiles on their faces. In truth, Anna also wanted to leave with them, but his grandfather didn’t allow her.

“The first day of the battle event is boring. It will only be exciting if the final sixteen will fight amongst themselves. It’s more fun to go with Sir Aethelwolf and observe how you make pills and soaps. Besides, didn’t we decide that we will be working for you?” Samira looked at him, her eyes flashed with a mischievous glint. After staying with Leric for many days, they had already grown closer.

Skylar nodded her head as she nodded. “That’s right! We are already working for Sir Aethelwolf!”

Kathlyn also nodded her head while looking at Leric silently.

Leric was speechless when he heard their words. He gave them an exasperated look as he mumbled. “We didn’t decide it. You guys did. I haven’t even given you three my approval yet.”

“Come on, Sir Aethelwolf! We can help you look after the clinic. We can also greet your customers for you.” Samira stared at him with big puppy eyes.

Leric’s eyes twitched, but he couldn’t bring himself to reject them when he saw their cute pleading faces. Besides, it would also be good for his clinic if he has three pretty ladies working for him. They would attract more customers for him with just their beauty alone. Thinking about this, Leric sighed in resignation. “Fine, but you guys must not disturb me while I’m making pills, okay?”

“Of course!” The three ladies replied in unison. Their eyes lit up with excitement after getting his approval.

Leric now treated them as his friends and he also noticed that the way he was interacting with them had changed. He was no longer polite with them and sometimes, he even tells them double-meaning jokes. Of course, he still didn’t dare to go over the line with his jokes. These ladies might be meek right now, but they could become fierce tigresses any time they would be provoked.

Inside the carriage, Leric suddenly noticed a red dot in his [Virtual Map]. The size of the red dot was also big, a sign that the enemy has the strength of a Level 3 Esper. ‘There is only one guy. He must be the leader of those scouting parties sent by the Northern Viper Group. They’ve been loitering outside the mansion of the Reynolds Family.’ Leric sneered when he noticed the red dot. He has been keeping tabs on the [Virtual Map] and he had long since discovered the scouts sent by the Northern Viper Group. He was also sure that they were the same people who were following them in Vale City.

Leric didn’t do anything. There was only one person and he didn’t seem to have a plan to attack them. It was unnecessary and might only complicate things if the enemies are alerted.

“Is there anything wrong, Sir Aethelwolf?” Samira asked when she noticed that he had gone silent.

“Nothing. Why are you still calling me ‘Sir Aethelwolf’? Didn’t I tell you guys to just call me by my name?” Leric smiled while looking at Samira’s beautiful face.

Samira blushed under his direct gaze and she could not help but look away from him. “I’m still not used to it...”

“I consider you three as my closest friends so drop the honorifics with me.” Leric smiled at them. He then leaned and closed his eyes to take a short nap. He was truly tired this time. “Wake me up once we arrive in the mansion.”

“Alright.”

Meanwhile, Serge was staring at their carriage with a solemn look on his face. He was now dressed like a traveler. He stealthily followed them while bypassing the crowd of people. No one noticed him at all and everyone only thought that a fierce wind has blown past them.

He has been monitoring the carriage of the Reynolds Household’s young miss for the past few days. He also kept tabs on Lord Julius and Lord Harold, but he didn’t dare to move closer to them for fear of being discovered. Those two were Level 4 Espers and there is a high chance of him being noticed if he unscrupulously monitors them so he decided to play it safe and just observe Samira.

What he didn’t know was that he was already discovered by Leric!