Emperor's Reckoning

He heard the name as if lightning struck his heart. The old man repeatedly mused the name 'Elise Growhthort' as his gaze landed on the floor. He didn't doubt the truthfulness of Lyon's statement at all, considering he didn't even know the Alchemy Union in the first place.

"Elder, E-Elise!"

"Hmm? Old man, is she that famous?"

The old man furrowed his eyebrows as he stood up straight, despite the devastating news of his studentship revoked he spoke with reverent.

"Famous? She is more than famous! She is a legendary figure in the union!"

With his wrinkly hands behind him, he continued, "Dubbed as the prodigy of the new era, she became the youngest elder ever admitted to the union, easily breaking the records by miles away. The last time I've heard, she was on some sort of pilgrimage to experience the vast world and infinite techniques of alchemy!"

"Wow, she is a bigshot huh," said Lyon with a smile.

"Hmph. Many seek her tutelage but only quite a lucky few have the chance to even shake her hand," said the old man with a snort.

It was no doubt from his tone that he idolized Elise as his sentences only filled with praises and praises.

"Oh no," said Lyon softly as he just turned on a switch that many people had if they talk about their idol.

"She is the true influencer of alchemy, making her debut at a young age she..."

Sure enough, the old man kept talking no matter if Lyon even listened or not. (I wish you fall into despair instead and shut up, old man) thought Lyon with his twitching mouth.

Lyon noticed that the old man explained while closing his eyes, he gently took the princess's soft hand before putting a finger in front of his mouth. Aelina knew what he was after before nodding in an agreement.

The couple sidestepped one second at a time each time the old man spoke and paused whenever he finished a sentence. Of course, this movement couldn't be more obvious to the old fox Rowland.

As they were only a few steps left before the stairs going down, the old fox stealthily joined their sidestepping. The two become three as they moved in unison.

*pat

Lyon lightly patted Rowland's shoulder as he whispered devilishly, "Oi-oi my uncle, what are you doing? Hmm?"

"Of course I'm getting out of here with you two, who would want to hear an old man I barely know made a speech about his idol," replied Rowland.

*tsk*tsk

Lyon shook his head before saying, "No no, uncle, you are the owner of the store so it must be you who keeps accompanying that old man, besides, he had a level three grade soul flame, or was it level two? No matter, this is your chance to get him by your side, think about his circumstances my smart uncle."

Rowland squinted his eyebrows as he heard what Lyon said. His sugarcoating level was professional as he tried to make him stay on the third floor. True regarding the old man's circumstances, now was the best time to entice him in joining the alchemy store but.

"Hehehe, sadly my nephew, the old man over there wouldn't even be interested in my gullible words since Deo is only a place for ants in his eyes,"

"Ah, no need to fret uncle, I mean, you even know Elise."

The old fox shook his head as he replied, "Sadly, I only knew her as much as you."

Lyon furrowed his eyebrows as the question 'What do you mean?' could be clearly seen by his expression.

Thus, Rowland began to explain how he met Elise.

It turned out, he was heading toward a local pub outside. The pub was not crowded like usual so he took his chance and shouted 'Who can appraise a level two pill?'. Then a figure that was unusual in Luderia suddenly raised her little hand.

(Talk about non-dramatic) thought Lyon as he heard his story.

"Besides, why do you want me to stay here anyway?"

"Hey, hey, uncle, my good uncle, you don't want to offend a level three alchemist now, do you? He might not be a student anymore, but his friends are still powerful cultivators," said Lyon as if he was the snake that told Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, but better.

Rowland gulped as he almost skipped that possibility.

No matter what, an alchemist was still an alchemist. Their greatest ability was making pills and making critical connections. Strong cultivators would rush in to help the alchemist in need, to gain favor from them. Just a wave and the army would gather to destroy his store and wipe his existence.

With gritted teeth, he steeled his feet and stood like a general. He kept his smile like a professional merchant as he appeared to be listening to every word the old man said.

"Eh, uncle? Lyon what did you-" Princess Aelina's mouth was pressed with Lyon's index finger before they continued going down the stairs.

-------------------------------------------------------------

The light simmered the couple's face as they stepped outside. The young man stretched his arms as Fenrir yawn on top of his head while the beautiful woman lightly stretched her neck.

"Hah, it felt like an eternity in there," said Lyon before putting his hands behind his head.

(This stroll has been quite eventful, instead of answers, more questions popped up) thought Aelina as she sighed.

She slowly put her finger on her lips as she recalled that her kiss was also stolen in the barrage of events. "L-Lyon," spoke Aelina softly.

"Hmm?" Lyon turned around before he looked at Aleina straight in the eyes.

(It-it's unfair! How could you look at me in the eyes so calmly) thought Aelina as she couldn't keep up her gaze before shyly turning away.

"What's wrong Aelina? Am I really that ugly to be looked at?" said Lyon with a gloomy tone.

Aelina opened her eyes wide before hurriedly turning her gaze back toward the young man, "Ah, no, not like-?!"

"Older sister? What are you doing here?" A voice was heard coming behind Lyon's figure.