Chapter 1226: Loose Ties?

"I understand Apothecary Rozomius’ position. Since we’ve delayed things long enough, do not mind me and proceed as planned. Right now, I am merely an Apothecary participating in the grade five promotion test—that is all." Izroth said calmly.

He then continued, "Of course, before that—I believe an Apothecary should be someone who upholds their word. To make light of the Vice-Head’s character and call into question the integrity of the Apothecary Guild—both are matters that should not be ignored."

Konpel looked over at Pierce with a pleading gaze. He knew that if things continued down this path, it would only be a matter of time before he was kicked out of the promotion test. No, there was even a chance that he would no longer be welcomed in the Apothecary Guild! After all, calling into question the Vice-Head’s character was one thing, but questioning the very integrity of the Apothecary Guild was not something that would end at him. Even his family would be affected.

"Y-young master Pierce...!" Konpel pleaded.

Pierce glared at Konpel.

"Fool. When you make a move, you have to do it thoroughly. This is why I told you to not make light of others and get overconfident. Still... Konpel may be a fool, but he’s a useful fool. His family is not powerful, but they have strong influence when it comes to a few important supply channels that run through Danaharpe. It is still too early to discard him." Pierce thought to himself as he secretly clenched his hand behind his back.

Pierce stepped forward and cupped his fists respectfully toward Rozomius.

"Apothecary Rozomius, my name is Pierce Duvelle." Pierce stated with a veiled aura of authority.

"Did he just say Duvelle...?!" One of the Apothecaries gasped.

"I know him..! He’s the eldest son and heir of the Duvelle family—one of the most powerful noble families in Danaharpe. I heard their family produces several talented Apothecaries every generation. There’s even a rumor that the head of the Duvelle family has already become a grade nine Apothecary...!" Another Apothecary commented.

"Grade nine..?! Isn’t that on the same level as the head of the Apothecary Guild? If that’s true, then the Duvelle family’s status can only go up in the future. If the young heir to the Duvelle family speaks up on Apothecary Konpel’s behalf, the Apothecary Guild will have no choice but to think twice before punishing him too harshly."

"So, it is the eldest son of the Duvelle family, Apothecary Pierce. However, I am curious as to why you wish to speak. This is a matter between Apothecary Konpel and Apothecary Izroth that involves the Apothecary Guild. Do you plan to drag your Duvelle family into it as well?" Rozomius said in a meaningful tone.

"I have no such intention. This is merely a whim of my own doing that has nothing to do with my family. As for being involved—Apothecary Konpel has been a long time friend of mine. I believe this time he has made some mistakes and exercised poor judgment; however, he is still an Apothecary with a bright future ahead of him. Of course, we cannot ignore the fact that he has insulted the Apothecary Guild. Therefore, I would like to make a suggestion. After the promotion test, Apothecary Konpel will work as a Pill Servant for the Apothecary Guild for a month. With this, he should properly learn his lesson. At the same time, it will not stifle his growth as a talented young Apothecary." Pierce spoke eloquently.

The look on Konpel’s face when Pierce mentioned Pill Servant was hideous. But, he did not dare to utter a single word. In his mind, it was better to be a Pill Servant of the Apothecary Guild for a month than fail the promotion test and be kicked out of the Apothecary Guild.

A Pill Servant was an Apothecary who had done a wrongful deed. But, because of their talent in crafting pills, they became bound to the Apothecary Guild and served out their sentence making pills all day. This punishment was usually reserved for those who had committed less severe crimes; however, there were some Apothecaries who preferred to serve out their sentence in a normal prison due to the harsh work schedule of a Pill Servant. Their living conditions were also even worse than commoners as a single room was shared by several Apothecaries.

For a noble like Konpel, such living conditions was something he had never personally experienced in his life.

Rozomius looked over at Izroth, who seemed to be indifferent to things.

The important point was that Pierce openly admitted that Konpel made a mistake. He also did not try to pressure Rozomius by using his family name. He even went as far as to think of a suitable punishment that was neither heavy nor light that would help maintain the Apothecary Guild’s face.

If in such a situation Rozomius still decided to punish Konpel too cruelly, it may be seen as the Apothecary Guild being heavy-handed with their methods. Of course, Rozomius was not too concerned about it. After all, given the level of power and influence the Apothecary Guild held, even if their methods of dealing with things was heavy-handed, who would dare to question their choice?

The problem was the Duvelle family. Even though Pierce said that he was not using his family name, just by stepping forward, his family had already become involved whether he said so or not.

"The Duvelle family has many talented Apothecaries. Three Elders of the Apothecary Guild are also from the Duvelle family and their influence is not small. If this matter grows any bigger, it will become a headache for the Apothecary Guild and disturb the order of things." Rozomius thought to himself.

Pierce approached Izroth with a friendly smile and said, "Apothecary Izroth, I will personally apologize on behalf of Apothecary Konpel. I do not wish for this matter to taint the atmosphere of the promotion test any further. The punishment I have suggested should satisfy the offense caused by Apothecary Konpel. So, what do you say we let bygones be bygones?"

When Izroth first saw Pierce at the entrance gate into the Apothecary District, he sensed a familiar aura around him. However, for some reason, he could not place his finger on where he had sensed that aura before.

That’s when it suddenly dawned on Izroth. The reason Pierce’s aura felt so familiar yet he could not remember was because it reminded him of curse magic. Not just any curse magic, but one that he sensed on the Puppet Chained Assassins during his trip to the Roaming Village of The Netherworld.

The reason Izroth could not put his finger on it at first was due to the fact that his Source was too underdeveloped back then. Not only that, but there were differences between the curse magic he felt on the Puppet Chained Assassins and what he sensed from Pierce.

The League of The Eidolon was an organization in the Mortal Realm who worshipped the Netherworld Monarch—an undying existence that ruled over the Nether Realm.

"Apothecary Pierce is right. It’s too much to harm the growth of a promising Apothecary—even if his manners and character are both lacking. We should end the matter here as suggested and proceed with the promotion test." Izroth said calmly.

Rozomius’ brows rose in surprise. In truth, he half-expected Izroth to refuse Pierce’s suggestion. If he had done that, Rozomius would have had no choice but to take into consideration his position as an Honorary Elder of the Apothecary Guild.

However, Rozomius was not one to complaint. Since Izroth was willing to let matters go, he had no reason to pursue them and risk needlessly offending the Duvelle family.

"Seeing as how the person involved is okay with it, I have nothing left to say. Apothecary Konpel will be permitted to proceed with the promotion test. After it is over, he will report immediately for his duty as a Pill Servant." Rozomius declared.

He then continued, "Let us proceed with the promotion test."

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