Chapter 73: The Alchemist (2)
The bubbling sound of boiling liquid echoed from the cauldron by the fireplace. The greenish mixture inside popped and frothed, releasing a peculiar aroma that filled the room. Along the walls, various catalysts and ingredients for alchemy were meticulously hung, their colors and textures as varied as the magic they promised to create.
In the center of the room sat Arkemis, her brown hair falling in waves down her back. Her delicate features were marred by an expression of embarrassment as she spoke, her voice hesitant.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“It’s fine. These things happen,” Ketal replied, his tone calm and understanding, as if this situation was nothing new to him.
Arkemis had been utterly terrified when she first laid eyes on Ketal. She had screamed and fled, fumbling to grab catalysts and glowing orbs in a desperate attempt to defend herself. If Milayna hadn’t intervened to stop her, she could have actually used them.
Most people reacted to Ketal with fear or apprehension upon their first meeting, driven by his imposing appearance and the natural wariness of outsiders. Arkemis’s fear, however, had gone beyond that. Hers was the primal terror of prey facing a predator—a visceral, uncontrollable reaction to the sheer presence of Ketal.
“Have you calmed down now?” Milayna asked.
“Yes... I think so,” Arkemis replied with a slight nod. “So, what brings you guys here?”
“This gentleman wished to meet you,” Milayna explained. “He has something he would like to request.”
“Me?” Arkemis asked, her voice trembling with residual fear. Her gaze darted nervously between Milayna and Ketal. “What does he want from me?”
“I’ve developed an interest in alchemy,” Ketal said simply.