128 Ashes of the Past
"There's also a lack of alchemical literature," William added. "Unlike the guild, you won't have access to every piece of information you need."
"I've already read everything I'm allowed to," Ian said with a slight shrug. "Anything truly valuable is restricted to higher ranks, and who knows how long it'd take to advance."
William tilted his head slightly.
"If you just showed them what you created, wouldn't you be promoted instantly?"
Ian let out a dry chuckle, as if he'd already anticipated the question.
"I'd have to go through my master to present my research," he explained. "And I know him far too well. He may have been my benefactor, but if I handed him this information—"
"He'd strip you of every last bit of credit and claim it as his own," William finished for him. "I see."
Ian remained silent, choosing to focus on organizing his research notes instead.
It seed that even now, he wasn't comfortable badmouthing his master outright.
A few monts later, he straightened up and clapped his hands together.
"All done."
By the ti their conversation ended, Ian had finished gathering the relevant materials.
All the necessary docunts amounted to no more than three large books—the rest had been cast aside into a pile like discarded trash.
"What about those?" William asked, gesturing to the pile.
"Failed hypotheses and incorrect theories," Ian replied dismissively. "None of it is useful, so it can be thrown away."
"Burn them." William's voice was firm. "The last thing I need is so fool stumbling across them and getting inspired by sothing dangerous."
Raymond was called in to toss the discarded research into the fireplace, ensuring that every last page was reduced to ashes.
Only once the docunts were thoroughly destroyed did William exhale in relief.
'Now, I alone hold the exclusive knowledge of Nectar's creation.'
It wasn't sothing he could reveal to the world just yet, but he had finally obtained a weapon that set him apart.
A tool to lure in talent. A cure for his frail body. A ans of producing elite soldiers. A trade commodity to bolster his finances.
No matter how it was used, Nectar was an incomparable treasure.
William turned to leave.
"We're done here. Stay put—I don't need a farewell."
"L-Lord William, I—at the very least, could we discuss the research funds he stole—"
"Would you like to accompany to see the Emperor?"
"Absolutely not! I apologize!"
Heide, who had been inching forward in an attempt to bargain, imdiately jumped back at William's cold glare.
Ian, who had been watching the exchange quietly, turned to face his forr master and gave a deep bow.
"Master… Thank you for everything. I never imagined we'd part under these circumstances, but I will never forget the kindness you've shown ."
Heide scoffed.
"And yet you stole from ? You really have no sha, do you?"
"I am sorry for that," Ian admitted. "But Master… You've been using governnt research funds for your own indulgences for years. At least my theft produced sothing valuable. As a fellow scholar, I hope you can understand that."
"You dare—!"
"..."
"…Hah."
Heide's expression twisted for a mont before he suddenly forced a strained smile.
"…Well said. I suppose, as your master, I should be proud."
Ian sighed, shaking his head slightly.
His master had always been this way. Weak to power, eager to submit when necessary. So things never changed.
With his objectives complete, William prepared to leave the capital.
Before departing, however, he decided to visit John, the leader of the Thieves' Guild.
His goal wasn't to form an alliance—just to establish a small connection for the future.
But to his surprise, John had vanished without a trace.
"He knows I'm here," William muttered. "So why isn't he showing up?"
Raymond let out a short chuckle.
"A thief avoiding soone as close to the Imperial Court as you? That's the most logical reaction in the world."
William frowned. "So he just doesn't want to get involved?"
"Exactly. The deal is done, and he likely doesn't want to be tangled up with you any further."
William clicked his tongue.
Maybe he should have threatened him into staying in touch.
Still, it wasn't a major loss. He had only been trying to set up a contingency plan.
'If it wasn't ant to be, then so be it.'
After returning to the Black Scale Knights' barracks, William handed back the insignia they had lent him.
"I truly appreciate it," he said sincerely. "This saved a lot of unnecessary trouble."
"If it was of use, then we are honored," the knight responded with a smile.
William could tell they were genuinely pleased.
The Black Scale Knights had always felt indebted to him for what he had done during the rebellion—this was their way of repaying that debt, at least in part.
Before leaving, William retrieved his horses and nearly laughed at what he saw.
"They took care of them too well. They've gotten chubby in just a few days."
It was only a short ti, yet the Black Scale Knights had pampered them.
It was proof of how highly they regarded him.
As he mounted his horse, the knights saluted him with respect.
"Safe travels, Lord William."
"Likewise," he replied.
With that, he passed through the open gates of the capital and began his journey ho.
The trip back was as uneventful as the journey to the capital.
Ian's lack of stamina, however, forced them to take frequent breaks, extending their travel ti slightly.
A few days later, they finally arrived in Kelheim.
Ian's eyes widened as he took in the sight of the sprawling city.
"I didn't realize there were cities this big outside the capital…" he murmured in awe.
"You lived in the capital," William pointed out dryly. "This shouldn't be that impressive."
"I grew up in a small town before my master took in," Ian explained. "Even after moving to the capital, I barely saw anything beyond his house, the market, and a few herbal shops."
So he had lived in the capital, yet hadn't truly experienced it.
"Master always said city life would just tempt to waste money," Ian added. "Will I be free to explore here?"
"As long as you don't wander into shady alleys, do as you please," William replied. "I'll assign soone to guide you—learn your way around."
"Thank you, my lord!"
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