Seraphine's gaze was steady on Liam as she continued. "The source of these unique rocks was that world. Because of the special environment, these rocks were constantly churned out. They are not that valuable but as you can see we are currently in need of them for special reasons."
"It would be in your best interest to be completely forthcoming with us. Any details you can provide might help us procure more of these rocks."
"If it's an auction house where you purchased these items, fear not. Just give me the details and I can find out the rest by myself. I will even make sure you get enough reputation points to get to tier 1. I can make your life a lot easier."
Liam could feel a bigger problem arising. This woman obviously looked down on him since he was in the awakening stage but she still did not plan on letting him off without getting to the source of these stones.
He could cook up some lie but then again he had a feeling his lie would be verified and exposed very soon. The material in question was also too specific to say anything random about it.
Liam thought about it for a moment but clearly, he did not have any choice. He just had to lie through his teeth and stand his ground for the questioning that would follow.
"Actually… about these stones…" He began when suddenly he thought of something. "I exchanged some herbs for these stones with an orc named Grakk a while ago." He then let out a sigh. "I really want to remember more details but after the meeting, I found myself forgetful of the whole affair. I have a feeling that my mind was meddled with. I only remember something about a green mountain or a green lake. I apologize I am not of much help."
Liam tried to act the best that he could and thankfully the woman Seraphine seemed to have bought his story. The woman's eyes widened as soon as she heard the term green mountain. She must have realized the alchemist's name.
If she really wanted to contact him, it wouldn't take long for her but no matter how much she tried she would never be able to get in touch with the orc. After all, the orc's soul was currently in Liam's possession. Now all he had to do was continue to act innocent and claim the reputation reward.
On the other side, Seraphine looked thoughtful. "An orc you say…" She was about to say something when suddenly a loud knock interrupted them. "Who is it?"
"My Lady, Master Engo, is here to meet you and the elder." An attendant informed.
Seraphine's face immediately changed. "Quick. Quick. Escort the master to this chamber."
She turned back to Liam, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It seems we will have to continue this discussion later," she said. "Do not leave the palace grounds until we've had a chance to speak again."
Liam nodded, maintaining a composed demeanor. "Of course, Lady Seraphine." Before he could take his leave, the door opened and a thin man walked inside. He had a peculiar long beard which sort of curled onto itself at the end. Medicinal aroma wafted from him, filling the chamber with the scent of rare herbs and exotic elixirs. His long, curled beard gave him an air of wisdom, and his sharp eyes scanned the room with keen interest.
"Master Engo, welcome," Seraphine greeted, bowing respectfully.
Master Engo nodded, his gaze settling on Liam. "And who might this be?" he asked in a smooth, measured tone.
"This is…" Seraphine replied. She only just realized that she hadn't even asked Liam his name and threw a glance at him, signaling for him to talk.
"I am Dante." Liam used the name that had been on his mind lately. The slippery little guy had somehow escaped him and ran away but that wouldn't mean Liam was going to forget about him easily.
"He has recently brought us some of the black ice rocks we've been seeking." Seraphine explained.
"Oh?" Master Engo immediately raised his brow. "A young man like you managed to get your hands on black ice rocks? Very impressive." He paused and then chuckled as he turned to Seraphine. "Ha ha ha. Youngsters these days are very impressive indeed. Though I wonder just what is the quality of the black ice this young man managed to obtain. These are several grades you know."
"Anything concocted with an inferior grade would not yield the result that is required."
"Ah I see." Seraphine responded with a nod.
Master Engo shrugged. "My Lady, you do not have to worry about all the details. I am here to take care of all your needs and Elder Tristan's of course." He then turned to Liam and casually waved him away. "We will not be needing any of your stones. I have everything Elder Tristan requires."
Liam frowned. This guy wanted to side rail him. It was not going to be easy. He finally got some bite and he was not letting it go without hooking and reeling the fish. "Master Engo, perhaps you would like to take a look at my stones? I think some of them might be high-ranked."
The alchemist was not pleased to hear the talk back. "Brat, do you think that I have the time to take a look at the wares of a random wanderer? Hmph. Come back in a thousand years."
Liam did not press the issue further and silently nodded in response. This made the alchemist very happy and he turned to Seraphine with a triumphant expression. "I have concocted three Devil's ice pills for elder Tristan. Here. I will be staying at the sword palace for the next month and finish concocting the next batch of pills the elder requires. Its best for the pill to be consumed within one hour of its creation, so I will personally cater to the elder's needs" He explained.
He then proceeded to take out three small medicinal pills which looked no different than paracetamol tablets but as soon as he took them out the temperature in the room dropped by several degrees.
Feeling the presence of the pills, the man who had his eyes closed until now suddenly flashed his eyes open.