"Bromak, you must know the city well, right?" Raizel leaned on desk and asked casually.

Bromak chuckled. "Well, kind of. I've been living here for as long as I can remember. Now tell me, dear guest—what do you want to know?"

Raizel got straight to the point without any delay.

"Can you tell me a place where she could find a job? She's skilled at identifying herbs and has good knowledge about potions."

He asked while gazing straight at Bromak's face.

"Oh, your female friend.. So you're looking for a job for here? I understand..."

"But," Bromak added with a thoughtful frown, "It won't be easy to find a job for her. There are many like her in the city. Some noble families even raise incredibly talented individuals in alchemy and herbology. Can your friend really compete with them?"

Raizel nodded confidently. "Yes, I believe she has the necessary talent for it. She lived in a secluded village where their specialty was making potions."

"Oh?" Bromak raised a curious brow. "Which village is she from?"

"Green Leaf Village," Raizel answered simply. "Have you heard of it?"

Bromak shook his head.

"No, I haven't. Must be a really small village, then."

"Not that small. But perhaps... their existence was," Raizel murmured.

"Anyway, can you help or not?"

Bromak didn't answer immediately. He seemed to be lost in thought, pondering.

From the young man's appearance and confidence, he seemed strong and possibly from an influential family. There was no harm in owing such a person a favor.

"Alright," Bromak said at last. "I do have a few special guests who are connected to the alchemy business. I'll talk to them on your behalf."

He paused, then added honestly, "However, don't rely solely on that. Try checking out the alchemy shops in the marketplace too. Who knows? You might find something worthwhile there."

Raizel nodded in approval.

His tactic of presenting a wealthy and mysterious image had certainly paid off.

After Lam came down, Raizel took the lead to outside.

---

The afternoon sun filtered through the clear sky of Ruben City, casting a soft golden hue over the cobbled streets.

The air smelled faintly of baked bread, mixed with traces of herbs and bustling life. Merchants were busy shouting prices, while adventurers and city dwellers moved about in haste.

Raizel and Lam stepped out of the tavern side by side, the Sleepy Fox's door swinging shut behind them.

"This city is so lively," Lam said softly, her eyes darting around as she took in the vibrant scenery.

Her simple dress fluttered slightly in the breeze, and her tightly braided hair gave her a quiet but confident appearance.

Raizel nodded, hands in his coat pockets. "Let's start with the alchemy shops. If we don't find anything there, we'll go with Bromak's contacts."

"Yes, Sir."

They followed the flow of foot traffic until they reached the market district. This part of the city was more structured, with rows of cleanly designed stores and decorative signs.

The alchemy shops stood out immediately because of their own unique scent, bubbling flasks in the windows, and glowing runes on the doors.

The first shop, Lunara's Elixirs, was run by a tall, elegant woman who barely looked at Lam as she spoke.

"You have experience with rare-tier potions?" she asked in a flat tone.

"No, I mostly worked with identifying herbs, healing salves, stamina boosts, and cleansing drafts," Lam answered honestly.

"Ohh... We don't have time to train anyone. Next," Lunara said, waving her off.

Lam looked down but didn't argue.

Raizel narrowed his eyes but remained silent as they stepped out.

The second shop was called Boil & Brew, run by a chubby man with goggles on his head.

He seemed more cheerful, listening as Lam explained her skills. But after a moment of thought, he rubbed his chin.

"Sounds like you're decent, lass. But I already hired two interns from the Alchemist Guild. Try again in a few months," he said apologetically.

The third shop, Mystic Roots, didn't even let her finish. The assistant who greeted them glanced at Lam's plain outfit and shook her head.

"We only take recommendations from recognized mentors. Sorry."

Lam tried to keep smiling, but Raizel noticed the subtle slump of her shoulders.

They visited two more stores, but the responses were the same with polite rejections at best, dismissive silence at worst.

By noon, they sat at a small bench near the center fountain of the market. The surroundings was filled with liveliness, but Lam sat quietly beside Raizel, watching the water ripple.

She clutched a paper bag of buns they had picked up along the way.

"I guess I really don't have what they're looking for," she said softly, forcing a small laugh. "They didn't even give me a chance."

Raizel leaned back on the bench, arms spread casually as he watched the sky. "They didn't see your worth, Lam. But that doesn't mean it's not there. Sometimes, a door shuts just to push you toward a better one."

Lam turned to him, a little surprised. "Sir, do you always talk like that?"

"Why? Do I not seen matured enough for such talk?" Raizel smirked. "Come on, let's go back. It's evening already. We'll see if Bromak's contacts are more reliable."

"But, Sir what about your guild?" she asked hesitantly.

"No worries. I can join in anytime. But you need to settled first."

"I see... After settling me, do you want to leave me alone?" she asked, looking sadness.

Raizel didn't answer. But he could now realise what must be going through her mind. He was not that dense.

But unfortunately, she could might as well be a good friend at best.

As they walked back, Raizel's mind drifted. He could feel the eyes of some passersby lingering on him again—curious, speculative.

Word of his deeds must have spread even faster than he anticipated. He would need to move carefully.

Back at the Sleepy Fox, Bromak was already waiting at the counter, cleaning a mug when they returned.

"Hmm.. So, no luck in the market?" he asked knowingly.

Raizel shook his head. "No."

"Well, good thing I had a chat with one of my guests while you were gone," Bromak said, setting the mug down. "A friend of mine runs an herb supply store and occasionally deals with potion materials for guilds. He might be willing to give the girl a chance. He's not looking for someone to sell potions, just sort and prepare materials. If she can prove herself, it could lead somewhere."

Lam's eyes brightened. "Really?"

"Don't get too excited yet, little lady. You'll have to meet him first," Bromak warned with a chuckle. "But I'll arrange a time for you two to visit tomorrow."

Raizel nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, Bromak."

"Don't mention it, kid. Just don't forget me when you rise to the top."

Raizel only chuckled hearing that.

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