Chapter <b>317 </b>


    Was it his eyes or his ears that were giving him trouble? Why on earth was his mentor speaking to a youngdy with such earnestness?


    Niki’s apprentice approached with a look of confusion. “Sir, what are you up to<b>…</b><b>?</b><b>” </b>With a disdainful nce, Niki retorted, “We’re both human. Why must you be so dim<b>–</b>witted?”


    The apprentice was at a loss for words.


    Niki dismissed him and, as if struck by a sudden thought, turned his attention back to Mirabe, saying, “Mirabe, you’re not busy, are you?”


    “Go ahead,” Mirabe 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 herter on Messenger.


    “Come, take a seat. There’s a book I’d like you to look at for me.” Niki, fearing she might make a run for it, grabbed Mirabe’s arm and led her to a nearby chair. He then turned to his apprentice andmanded, “Don’t just stand there. Made Mirabe something to drink!”


    Startled by the reprimand, the apprentice quickly went to fetch the water. What had gotten into Niki today? He was usually so genial!


    Niki went behind the counter and, with a key, opened a drawer. He carefully retrieved a yellowed tome and handed it to Mirabe as if presenting a treasure. “Take a look at this book.”


    The apprentice, returning with the tea leaves, caught sight of the book in Mirabe’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 Mirabe. Who exactly was this young woman tomand such respect from his venerable mentor?


    Mirabe only flipped through the first few pages before putting the book down.


    Niki, stroking his beard, asked, “Why did you stop reading?”


    With a touch to her forehead, Mirabe spoke with a hint of impatience, “These are


    10:59


    <b>Chapter </b>317


    just iplete forms, 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 shed across Niki’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.”


    Mirabe’s expression grewplex. After a brief silence, she said, “An iplete form 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 Niki 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, Mirabe 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 Niki 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 Niki, he asked, <i>“</i>Master, who exactly is this Mirabe?”


    Niki 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. Niki’s eves widened in sudden realization.