Fang Hong heard and looked in that direction too, indeed seeing his teacher, Master Ande, had already spotted him and was making his way over, parting through the crowd.

He then turned back and nodded slightly to his counterpart.

The Old Bishop acted decisively as well, merely giving him a brief nod before retreating behind the Lizardman Ritualist.

And as Gita had said, the latter half of the banquet was specifically prepared for him. After Ande took him away, they navigated among the nobles, and the focus of the banquet naturally shifted onto the two of them — the nobles were friendly, showering Fang Hong with compliments unanimously, as though stars surrounding the moon, gathered tightly around this future Novastar of Fanric. There were a few nobles from minor families who almost exalted him as rarely found in the heavens and nowhere on earth.

For these words of flattery, the Artisan Master did not refute them, carefully introducing his student to their origins, status, and the long history of their families. There are many nobles in the Southern Region, among them those of noble lineage and longstanding history. Though there are the three major families, they are merely the most representative among the numerous Southern Region Nobility, while the remaining distinguished families are countless as well.

However, in private, Ande did not forget to remind him, "You may listen to what they're saying, just as it is."

Fang Hong nodded; naturally, he wouldn't be exultant because of this little flattery. If it were praises from craftsmen, perhaps he might secretly revel for a while, but the insincerity among nobles seemed rather meaningless to him. Comparatively, he found Alchemy more charming; at least the lengthy Alchemy formulas, though abstruse, still served some purpose.

Moreover, even if you momentarily forget, the formulas are still there and won't bear grudges against you. But these nobles, who appear to be full of smiles, may have different thoughts behind the scenes.

Suddenly, he somewhat understood Linex.

Of course, such thoughts naturally couldn't be displayed outwardly. He roughly understood his teacher's intention, to use his current rising reputation in Fanric as solid groundwork to gain public support in the Council in the future. Although his ambition was not in that direction, this was nonetheless a painstaking effort from his teacher. Hence, Fang Hong could only respond with an awkward but polite smile, which left his face somewhat stiff after the whole round.

However, after Ande guided him through the crowd, amidst the lengthy list of titles from the nobles, such-and-such Sir, such-and-such family, and what position in the Kingdom, he really didn't remember any.

Nonetheless, he recognized quite a few noble ladies, a chorus of chirping conversations. Unfortunately, despite their curiosity, they dared not act rashly in the presence of Hilveld. The Southern Region Nobility generally harbored a complex psychology towards the Little Princess from the Albert Family. On one hand, they felt indebted, while on the other hand, they were unwilling to connect with her.

The relationship between him and Hilveld was also a complex factor in these people's eyes. Just as the previous generation was, the younger ones naturally found it equally difficult to transcend this limitation.

Yet, Fang Hong didn't find it surprising. Instead, this potential weakness among the nobles strengthened his resolve. Rather than relying on unreliable people, it's better to have hope in oneself.

Therefore, Fang Hong's thoughts were not at all focused on the banquet, to such an extent that he found interacting with these people less interesting than watching Sonan and Kalin argue. Although this lack of interest didn't obviously show in his expression, Ande, knowing him well, noticed his dazed state immediately.

Ande sighed and pulled Fang Hong aside, saying, "Little one, I know these affairs are quite dull. But people must learn to compromise, it's also a form of growth."

However, Fang Hong disagreed with these words. People may compromise, fulfilling one's goals is not always quick. He isn't someone insensitive to changes, he constantly revises his methods, but learning to feign compliance is growth?

It is doubtful.

Knowing his teacher means well, he nodded nonetheless.

This finally brought a look of relief to Ande.

Unaware, once back at the banquet, Fang Hong drifted off again. As they navigated vigorously through the banquet, Hilveld remained at ease, aside from a few Artisan Masters, hardly anyone ventured near her.

The Noble Lady held a glass of red wine, merely smiling as Fang Hong was dragged around.

And before long, Fang Hong finally saw the main figure of the banquet—Count Westwood Sibika. Seeing the person appear, he regained his focus with a slight sense of alertness.

Although the incident with Rolin had passed, and over the past month, the Thornfish People's attacks weakened day by day, allowing Fanric to gradually get back on track. This did not imply the Earl had let go of any resentment between them, evidently, the Earl had deep reservations due to Rolin's matter.

This was precisely why Fang Hong didn't wish to stay at the Rose Workshop, a significant reason. If he wanted to inherit the Rose Workshop, becoming the Earl's student was the first step, but if they couldn't dispel their mutual reservation, this identity meant very little.

Ande clearly understood this too, he took a deep look at him, saying, "George, it's been dragged on long enough, a decision should come today as well. We're all sorry about Rolin, but right now what matters is not debating who's responsible, but to first rectify the losses from the initial decision."

Count Westwood Sibika nodded.

Yet, he answered with evident lack of interest, "You are right, Master Ande." He glanced at Fang Hong briefly, a complex expression emerging before saying, "Then let's gather everyone, after all, it's the Elfendo Council, not a decision by one individual."

But right at that moment, Fang Hong spoke up, interrupting their conversation.

"Hold on," he said, "While all Masters are here, before others arrive, I have some matters I'd like to address."

Everyone turned to him.

Back in the day, interrupting the conversation between two speakers in the Council would be extremely rude. Yet now, they viewed this young man as half their student, among Alchemists, such formalities weren't overly adhered to.

"What do you want to say, Ade?" Ande asked with some surprise.

"It's like this, teacher. I'm planning to travel to Idus soon, and since the departure is imminent, I wanted to bid farewell to all the Masters beforehand."

Ande was taken aback, "You want to go to Idus because of Rolin's matter?" This question caused Count Westwood Sibika to also look at him. Fang Hong nodded, though his main intention was concerning the affair of Nikopolas, he did have some unresolved inquiries regarding Rolin.

"The Guild has already sent people over, is it unnecessary for you to go now?" Ande frowned, evidently feeling it was untimely for him to leave.

But Fang Hong shook his head, "Master Ande, it's concerning Miss Atira."

Ande was naturally aware of their Adventure Group's affairs, he pondered briefly, being someone who placed great importance on promises, he hoped his student would too. Moreover, Fang Hong had made a promise to Hilveld as well.

Hence, he nodded, "When will you be back?"

Fang Hong's real plan was first to detangle from the swirling center of Fanric. After heading to Idus, he intended to explore Mist Fjord for locations suitable for shipbuilding, hence, when he might return, he truly couldn't say.

He thought for a moment and shook his head, "I can't say for sure."

Ande seemed to understand his underlying meaning, asking, "Then what about the affairs in Fanric?"

Fang Hong then responded, "That's actually the second thing I wanted to mention."

He looked at the assembly and introduced his well-prepared 'bait': "All the Masters know, I've inherited part of the Elf Legacy from Lord Anluose, and Alchemy progresses through exchange, treasuring it selfishly does more harm than good. To guard against unforeseen matters, before leaving, I'm considering revealing part of the legacy to the Elfendo Council's Alchemists."

Upon hearing this, silence fell around.

Even Count Westwood Sibika shifted from his earlier disinterest to focusing tightly on him: "Ade, do you mean this? Did Mierliu Ximi Si consent? It's naturally good that you have such intentions, but did you seek the Heir's consent?"

Fang Hong then calmly replied with a nod, "I discussed with Lord Anluose, and it agreed on revealing part of the foundational Elf Alchemy."

...

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